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REFLECTIONS ON 50 YEARS AS A COLUMBAN SISTER
by Sister Stephanie King
 It
has been over 50 years since I heard the call to be a
missionary sister. I was working as a graduate nurse in South
Boston’s Carney Hospital when a priest spoke to us one day
after a luncheon. His words were like God speaking to me
directly: “There is no shortage of vocations, but there are
many who are saying no.”
It was then I knew I could not ignore my calling any longer.
I began the process of becoming a missionary, and six months
later I was with the Columban Sisters. I was one of five girls in my
family and the first to leave home.
It was very painful. I had my family’s encouragement and
support, but almost wished they would try to discourage me.
Serving In Korea
After my novitiate in Hyde Park, Massachusetts, I was assigned to
South Korea. I happily spent 30 of my next 35 years in this country.
The changes in South Korea have been dramatic. Back in the ’50s, it
was a war-torn land. Today, it is a beautiful, modern country with a
Catholic Church that has grown dramatically over the years. Throughout,
the people have been warm and friendly.
In the early days of the ’50s, we started by establishing a
medical clinic. A hospital with a nursing school followed and then a
school for midwives and a residency program for doctors were
established.
In 1990, we turned control of the hospital to the local diocese; it
was time for the Koreans to run their own institutions, and they have
done a fine job. We moved on to smaller projects, including opening a
novitiate in Seoul and sending several Korean Columban Sisters to
other countries.
 I still hear the call I responded to so many years ago, of course,
and each day is spent trying to respond to the present situation. The
greatest help for me is living in a community where you share your ups
and downs. I think we are at our best during crisis, like sickness or
a death in the family. My sisters have always been there for me, and I
know they always will be.
The Columban Fathers are a big part of our history, too, and
we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for all they have done to
help us on all our missions. I can’t forget our benefactors here in
the United States either. They have helped us more than they will ever
know with their prayers and financial help.
While I was in Korea all those years, the sisters at home
were working hard to enable us to keep up our mission projects. Now
that tables have turned. I am back in the United States and am glad to
work in our development office, which raises funds to support our
missions.
When some people look at my life, they say, “How can you give up so
much?” I don’t see how I gave up anything. I feel that I have been
blessed to be a small part of a missionary organization and have
received so much more than I have given.
The Courage To Answer His Call
Religious life has changed a lot over these 50 years, but the basics
are the same: We are a group of women, living in community, dedicated
to the Catholic Church and doing our best to spread the Good News
wherever we are sent.
 Our prayer each day is this: “We ask you Lord to send laborers
into your harvest; may all people come to know You, the one true
God.” It is He who called me and continues to call me today. May
many young people today have the courage to say yes when God calls
them.•
Email:
columbansrs@eircom.net
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