Amy (Maria Emelita) Refugia, SSND

Professed in 1985

Current Ministry: Assistant Community Leader, Notre Dame of Elm Grove

I am from the Philippines. I am the 12th child in a family of 14. My family depended on me a lot, especially to take care of my many nieces and nephews. My mother expected that I would marry and have many children of my own. But more and more, I was drawn to look at the possibility of entering religious life and began visiting different groups of sisters in the Philippines. Needless to say, my family did not share my enthusiasm about becoming a sister, so when I graduated from college and was looking for a job, going away to try something new seemed like a way my family saw to help me forget about the idea of religious life.

My brother, who was an accountant living on the Island of Saipan, found employment for me there, and I left the Philippines. On the way to Saipan, I had a layover on the Island of Guam where, because of my searching, I knew the School Sisters of Notre Dame were present. While in the airport, I called the sisters - my first contact with SSND. Later, I discovered that that the SSNDs also had a mission in Saipan. I had to be careful that my brother did not know it, but I began visiting with the sisters in there.

Several coincidental things occurred which helped me to know that SSND was where I was being called. One significant event was when my brother became very ill. I was helping him to pack up some things for a trip for medical care, when I came across a picture of the Sacred Heart. When he saw me with it he told me that he understood my desire and would no longer stand in the way. My brother died soon after, and the sisters in Saipan took me into their home. The very first time I walked into the SSND convent the sisters' warm welcome and hospitality made me feel that this is where I belonged. I had goose bumps when I saw Mother Theresa's picture in their chapel because I recognized that she was the nun that was in my dreams! Shortly after that I entered the community on the Island of Guam and made my first profession in 1985.

I was trained in accounting, so when I came to SSND I shared my gifts as an accountant in various schools. In 1995, I came to the states where I worked in the finance office of the Milwaukee Province. After getting a degree in pastoral studies in Chicago, I branched out into other areas of ministry where I could use both my accounting and pastoral skills. For several years, I cared for an elderly woman and assisted her with many of her financial needs. In 2004, I was called to minister to our own sisters at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, where I currently am an assistant community leader.

There is a mystery in SSND that drew me. It's hard to name, but I know that when I walked in the door I felt at home for the first time. I still feel that whenever I am with my sisters in our homes or at community gatherings. I am part of them and they are part of me.

I encourage anyone who is looking at religious life to "Come and See." If this is what you are called to, you may feel it, as I did, when you walk in the door!