Day 6: Filled with the Holy Spirit

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’” – Luke 1:41-42

An image of the Church of the Visitation in the Holy Land. I had the opportunity to make a pilgrimage there in 2020.

When I said ‘yes’ to begin my formation with the Felician Sisters of North America, I had no idea where it would lead me. I certainly didn’t expect to spend my postulancy living in Laredo, TX in the middle of a global pandemic, states away from pretty much everyone I knew. 

To cope with the utter uncertainty of the situation, I walked. For sixteen months I made endless loops around the neighborhood and wandered up and down the same walking trail near the convent. I probably logged over 1,500 miles in that time and every step was an attempt to make sense of my situation, to leave the anxiety and doubts and depression behind. 

Luke tells us that Mary journeyed with haste to see her cousin Elizabeth. I love that detail – Mary journeyed in haste. Were her travels to the hill country of Judea like my daily walks in Texas? Did she spend the trip pondering, questioning what exactly had just happened? 

Was that angel real? Will my yes mean anything? What will this mean for my marriage to Joseph? What might the community say? Why me?

Elizabeth’s first words to Mary cut through those questions. 

“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

These words and Elizabeth’s pregnancy confirm what Mary knows is true: Christ is with her. Everything that happened was real. 

Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit not for her own sake, but for the good of another. Like her son John the Baptist, Elizabeth cries out to announce the presence of Christ. 

Image of me and two spirit filled women who have walked with me through this whole journey – Courtney (from another volunteer program) and Bridget (from FMS). This was taken at my first profession in 2023.

Whatever shape our own fiat takes, we will still need the wisdom of others. We will need Elizabeth’s in our lives to remind us of Christ’s presence and promise when anxieties and uncertainties cloud our minds and hearts. To assure us that all Christ has promised us is true. 

When I was struggling with my faith during my time as a DC Service Corps member with Franciscan Mission Service (back then it was called the Nonprofit Servant Leadership Program), it was my community at Casa San Salvador who announced Christ’s presence to me. They modeled for me a life fully alive in Christ and helped bring me back to a deeper relationship with God. 

When I began my formation with the Felician Sisters, my formation directors affirmed what I believed to be true. Their support and encouragement cut through the questions and anxieties I had about my vocation. Their wisdom reminded me that I was not alone in my struggles or in my celebrations.  

As I approached my first profession of vows in 2023, my family and friends pointed out the growth they saw in me. I could only take partial credit for the changes – I knew it was the Holy Spirit working in my life.  

At each turning point I have been blessed with Spirit-filled people who have helped settle the questions and doubts that can so easily creep into my mind. 

Now as a sister in her third year of temporary profession, I hope I can be that Spirit-filled presence to others. 

This Advent, join me in praying to be more like Elizabeth. 

Let us pray that we too will be filled with the Holy Spirit; that our words will announce the good news and break through the questions and anxieties and doubts that haunt so many. 

Let us pray for the courage to be bold in our proclamations that God is good and alive and here with us.  

Sts. Elizabeth and Mary, pray for us. 

Question for Reflection: How can you help your community encounter the Holy Spirit this Advent?

Sr. Catherine Marie-Elizabeth Rotterman, CSSF is a Felician Sister in her temporary vows with Our Lady of Hope Province. She served as the Programs Associate with FMS from 2014-2016. Sr. Catherine currently lives and ministers in Albuquerque, NM.