Section:
vocations
Sister Colleen Erin Collins
Professed Final Vows in August 2001
What initially attracted you to religious life?
I have wanted to be a Sister of St. Francis since the time I first met our sisters at Catholic High (The Catholic High School in Baltimore). They brought a joy to my life that I hoped I could someday bring to others.
Why did your experience at Catholic High have such an impact?
I attended Baltimore City public schools from kindergarten through eighth grade. When I began attending Catholic High, I was shocked by how nice everyone was. There was a level of care and concern that I had never before experienced in a school setting. I felt loved and accepted for who I was and this encouraged me to fully participate in my high school years.
Did you feel called to this vocation?
My relationship with God really grew during my high school years. My day was one continuous conversation with God. Our best talks were at the bus stop after school. I was actually learning to listen, rather than just list off my needs and wants. In the midst of this conversation, I began to feel that God was calling me to the Sisters of St. Francis. That call continued to grow and deepen through my high school and college years. No matter what life threw at me, my deepest desire continued to be for God and for life as a Sister of St. Francis.
Growing up...
Colleen's sister, Bridget, said “From a young age, Col was driven to fight against injustice. Whether the injustice manifested itself on the playground or in our home, she was certain to speak out and try to correct it. As she grew into a high school and college student, Colleen constantly came home with a new cause. We were banned from eating Dole products because the company was destroying rain forests, banned from buying Nike for their use of sweatshops and exploitation of child labor; forced to begin recycling before the rest of the country. Often we argued with Col because what she asked us to do was uncomfortable or inconvenient. But she raised our awareness and encouraged us to embrace the unique concept that ‘One person can make a difference!’ ”
What motivates you?
I have experienced God's love in so many ways and I want to share that love with those around me. What I am discovering by living this life is that my deepest desire is to be engaged in making the world a better place, especially for children and for those in our society that we force to the fringe because they make us feel uncomfortable. I believe that God loves each of us beyond our wildest dreams and asks us to try and love one another deeply.
What her sister, Bridget, says about her:
“Often times when I am asked about my sister, people are shocked to hear that she is a Sister of St. Francis. Perhaps it is because many people my age are unfamiliar with ‘religious orders.’ People envision Colleen in a traditional habit and veil singing ‘Climb Every Mountain.’ Of course, those who know Colleen recognize that nothing could be further from the truth!
“My theory is that in a country and age often characterized by free agency, multimillion dollar contracts, infidelity, and neutrality...the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are incomprehensible to many of us. I know I speak for the whole family when I say I am so inspired and deeply moved by Colleen’s commitment and faith.”
