Changing the course of one's life is not easy. Married, mother and grandmother, Monique took a while before recognizing the Lord's call. With courage, she followed the inner Voice and took decisions with much determination. A true passionate story is hers to read.
by Monique Fortier, m.i.c.

What more could I ask for? I was a chartered accountant, had a managerial position with certain powers: I had the esteem of my employees and colleagues, I also had financial security. Isn't this what everyone desires—power, esteem, possessions? Yet, I felt an emptiness within me. I had received a Christian education but I had stopped practicing a long time ago. Occasionally, I would go to church but it no longer meant anything to me. I felt sadness! However, deep within, there was a real thirst for truth and goodness, there was a longing to go beyond one's self.

The Lightning Flash

My daughter, Isabelle, went through a turbulent time during her teen years. I felt guilty, thinking I was not a good mother. One night, I cried out in desperation: God, if truly you exist, do something! He heard my cry. The poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. (Ps. 34.7) One day, as I was attending Mass, I was touched by the homily given by a representative from the organization, Peace and Development; he spoke about the needs in Africa. I remembered when I was 14, a missionary sister had also come to speak about Africa. At that time, I wanted to leave with her, I wanted to be a missionary sister. However, my mother brought me back to reality; I was too young. That particular Sunday, 23 years later, I felt the same impetus, the same call. This was the lightning flash that transformed my life. My God was calling, I would be His lay missionary. I could leave with my daughter Isabelle…

Discovery and Wonder

I contacted the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. During my training as a lay missionary I discovered a welcoming and receptive Church. I marvelled at the sight of so many people who shared the same values, the same aspirations as I did. I no longer felt isolated in my faith, it was shared and I could live it with others. At work, I had changed. People had become more important: I organized fund-raising bazaars for the homeless, battered women, and victims of aids.

Some years later, Isabelle was old enough to take her own responsibilities; she left home. Now free, I could go to mission as a laity. However, enthusiasm was lacking even though I had nourished that dream for years. The desire to become a religious sister kept resurfacing, but to me that made no sense… I was a mother, grandmother, and divorced! I had begun the steps to obtain an annulment, but the process would last years. The desire to radically follow Jesus Christ as a nun and make life-long commitment was very strong within me. Some MIC Sisters believed in my vocation and invited me to journey with the community. I was overwhelmed with joy and realized that nothing is impossible to God. (Lk 1:37) My deepest dream, fostered for such a long time was beginning to take shape.

A Unique Mission Experience

After my pastoral studies, I went to Bolivia as a lay missionary; shortly after, I entered the postulate. Then my two years of novitiate took place in Peru. Each level of my formation and my encounters with people of other nationalities led me to discover the different faces of God, to love Him above all and to focus my entire life on Him and His Mission. My emptiness is thus fulfilled; I am no longer alone. God is with me, He is the One my heart had always longed for. As for my daughter, Isabelle, she always supported me in my vocation, respecting the will of God and telling me that even though physically she is not leaving with me for the mission, she is nonetheless standing by me in my choice.

My Missionary Life

After my perpetual vows, I left for Cuba. Entering the reality of a communist country was a cultural shock for me. When I left I had prejudices, thinking that the Cubans ate well, their appetites were satisfied, that they all had a superior education and benefited of the best health services in the world. I discovered the real situation: poverty, corruption, lack of freedom… Within me, I could feel revolt mounting. I was overcome by the public mood of mistrust and non-confidence created by the system. I lived it personally. Fortunately, my MIC Cuban Sisters welcomed me with patience and respect, waiting for my willingness to open-up thus allowing me to journey with them on the path of humility and in the spirit of service. Much dying within me had to take place…I had to let go. Divesting one's self brings about a truth, an awareness that one's own will power is not sufficient and that a Saviour is needed. If we are not centered on His Mission, on our faith in Christ, we can die without resurrecting.

I opened my eyes and I discovered Christians who during 48 years of revolution have struggled against desperation and hopelessness. They are vigilant in their faith notwithstanding the persecutions, even though members of their families have been imprisoned or had to flee to the United States. Discreetly they sow the seeds of faith, hope and love convinced that God will make them flourish. That's the way they witness their faith. I deeply admire their faithfulness and with them I live in a spirit of thanksgiving.

Currently I am in Quebec where my community needs me. I am happy and content in my dream come true and in my fulfilled thirst of being a religious missionary. Love, service and sharing are my daily joys as I live out the offering of my being to Christ and this I will do for always.