Here is the witness of one of our sisters. After several years in the Institute, when applying for her perpetual commitment , she talks about what attracted her to a secular institute. Over and above her words, which sound so « luminous », it is clear that what underlies her desire is, in the end, her attachment to Christ.

Heart of Jesus
What does it mean to be consecrated and in a secular state?
For me it means to live in the world in the midst of all the trials and challenges and not caught up in them.My vows have freed me and my brothers and sisters around me can see me facing the same day to day struggles as them, but with an inner peace. I can feel their pain, their sorrow and dance and sing and rejoice with them and hand it all over to our loving Lord. Could I be this free in a religious community, I do not know. I only know that the more I am in the world with others the more I am called to humbly serve them and our God. I think Jesus would have been part of a secular institute too, and his mother Mary as well.
What can you find in the Institute of the Heart of Jesus that you could not find anywhere else?
I have found a home in the church, a dwelling place for my spirit. Could I find that anywhere else, perhaps yes… but I believe it is where God has led me. I still remember making the decision to enter the oblation and formation process… tears of great joy said yes as my heart raced with excitement, for to me my heart was now beating in sync with my Lord and God.
Finding the right form of consecrated life?
I waited for eight years to find the right form of consecrated life. I became aware of my desire to belong to a community of the same mind and heart as mine. I felt isolated from many of my peers who were seeking relationships with one partner to raise and bring children into the world. I have always been drawn to serve and be with many people and not one man. At first I thought I was cursed and I learned from a very holy Benedictine Abbot that it was a blessing… the blessing of a life called to celibacy. My heart was to be shared with many.