Living the Vowed Life in ministry and in community
Reflection by Sister Beatrice Seember Ortserga
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Sister Beatrice Ortserga distributing communion
I am Beatrice Seember Ortserga. I am Nigerian by mission and by birth and, I am currently serving and forming community with my SSND sisters and the people of God here in Mkar Gboko, Benue state, Nigeria. I have been a School Sister of Notre Dame for two grace-filled years and I am now in my third year. From my journey of living the vowed life in ministry and in community, I can describe it as an experience that has been amazing, beautiful, and at times challenging, stormy, and cloudy, yet always filled with love, transformation, and hope.
Community life has broadened my understanding of the values of living together, sharing joy, supporting one another and bearing each other’s burdens. As a School Sister of Notre Dame, I have had the privilege of living in community with sisters spanning different age groups, from various decades to those closer to my own age. Through this experience, I have come to a profound realization that true community living begins from the heart, flows into the mind and then reaches the soul of a person. This spiritual and formative experience of community has deepened my love for my sisters, transforming me and inspiring my ministry.
Sister Beatrice Ortserga and students of Notre Dame Secondary School,Mkar, Nigeria
In ministry, I serve as a secondary school teacher, imparting knowledge on national values, and I also serve as a formator for the basic seven learners. I have witnessed a powerful exchange of energy, enthusiasm, and learning between the students, myself and fellow staff members. This dynamic creates a vibrant atmosphere for education, relationship-building, and fostering healthy friendships. Through it all, prayer remains at the core of my experience, reinforcing my commitment to living the vowed life in ministry and community.
As Philippians 4:13, states “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” ; This scripture continues to be my source of strength, making me feel blessed, fulfilled and energized to remain ever open to the promptings of the spirit as I respond to God’s call as a School Sister of Notre Dame.