Within the framework of her Perpetual Profession, Sr. María Hong, from the Viceprovince of Vietnam, shares how her time of formation in the international juniorate has been a school of love and simplicity.
In an intercultural community environment, she learned to welcome, to serve, and to grow in her vocation, finding in small daily gestures the strength and beauty of consecrated life. We share with you part of her Hospitaller testimony:
My name is María Hong, I am from the Viceprovince of Vietnam.
I would like to share with you a bit of my experience of formation in the international juniorate. It has been an experience of community life, a place where I learn to love, to welcome, and to grow each day, and to serve in a simple and dedicated way those who suffer.
Every day I feel that the Lord teaches me something new through my sisters. It is not always easy, but in the midst of our differences, I learn to open my heart, to be more authentic, and to love not so much from emotion, but from a concrete decision renewed each day.
Each sister has her own history and culture, yet we share the same vocation. We pray, work, and walk together — in moments of joy as well as in moments of difficulty. In these ordinary things, I have learned something very valuable: true love is not found in great works, but in the patience, humility, and faithfulness of daily life. I feel happy because I am welcomed and accompanied by the love of God and the love of my sisters.
My mission is not to do great things or to stand out. It is simply about being there for others: listening, visiting, caring for the sick, and carrying out small tasks in the community. Sometimes it is enough to offer a smile, a meal prepared on time, or a few minutes sitting next to someone who suffers. But if it is done with love, I believe that these small gestures can be a living testimony.
Together with the mission, I also receive ongoing formation through classes, moments of sharing, and spiritual accompaniment. The topics we study help me not only to understand with my mind, but also to feel with my heart. It is not just knowledge, but light that helps me grow in my vocation, live more truthfully, and find deep joy in consecrated life.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is my source of strength every day. He teaches me to be gentle and humble, and at the same time courageous enough to go beyond myself and draw near to others. I thank the Lord for having called me to this life — not because it is easy, but because it is true, simple, and very close to His Heart.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus sustain each of us, so that wherever we are, we may live with one heart capable of loving.
