Sr Paloma Martins H.C.

Sr Paloma Martins H.C.

When I was studying in school in Standard 5 the idea of becoming a religious sister swept my mind. I was drawn to religious life because of my math teacher who was a religious  sister she would often speak about the work that they do in their locality; math being my favourite subject I had it all worked out in standard 5 that I would become a math teacher and a religious sister.

As life caught up with me and I passed out from school and got into college and finished university my priorities changed. Surely I could never make a vow of obedience and live in a community of sisters. 

Yes, I was giving myself all kinds of reasons why this was non-sense. And yet deep inside I knew that this was not what God is calling me to do. I was becoming aware that God was inviting me to deeper intimacy and to become part of Jesus mission of proclaiming God’s love to the world.I am the only sister to my two affectionate brothers Flangel and Sangel.  In discerning my vocation I realized I was free when I was able to put aside my family, friends, security, job, etc. and choose to commit myself in a religious life; free to choose something in spite of what “the world” prefers; free to choose something good among other good things.

Eventually I followed my heart and responded to God's love for me by joining the Congregation of the Handmaids of Christ in June 2011 and made my first profession on 3rd August 2014.Over the years life as a HC continues to be a response to the invitation of God's invitation to love. I strive each day to live and share in the mission of Jesus Christ,  making him present in the world by living my religious vows of Poverty, chastity and Obedience. The conviction to live as a handmaid emulating the first handmaid Mother Mary fills me with  a sense of gratitude, for it is what sustains me day after day.