A life of mission in New Zealand and Chile

Sr Eileen Keating

As a child, we went to Church. My parents had a deep love for the Church and strong faiths. I grew up in a small town in Ireland when times were simpler and peaceful. I attended the local Presentation Sisters and Christian Brothers Schools with my five sisters and brother.

Being a Sister was not in my mind in Primary School but in Secondary we had a school retreat that emphasised vocations. It was then that I felt something enter my mind which would not go away. I sat in the Church in the dark and asked for help to see more clearly what was being stirred within me. I believe that the Lord had planted something in my heart long before I became aware of it.

I entered the Presentation Sisters in Ireland. After my first profession, I went to New Zealand where I taught in the school and ministered in the parish - I loved it. This was my life. I was asked to go on mission to Chile, South America and once again had no hesitation in saying yes to what I knew the Lord wanted.

Whilst there I was involved in an accident that put an end to my time in South America and I returned to Ireland to recuperate. From there to England. I have always believed that where I am is where the Lord wants me.

  Each community, country, parish not forgetting my family have been wonderful influences in my life.

 Now on reflection, through it all, everything I could imagine for my future was connected to this congregation, this group of Sisters who welcomed me into their midst. From the age of three and a half, they have been part of my life and my family.

I have come to realise that my call to Presentation Life is a gift that calls me to become my truer self. Saying yes, to God is not always easy but with His help all is possible. As a Presentation Sister, I am part of something bigger than myself. With this awareness, I look to the future, believing God will be with me every step of the way.

The Lord has never stopped calling me and I know the Lord continues to call others.