Sr. Maria Evangeline Nakila, RVM

Scared
My first mission was at St Joseph’s School in the downtown area of the famous city of San Francisco, California. I was scared then because of my language skills. Still I moved on and took summer courses in Class Management to make myself ready for school work.

Inner Tension
After my few months of apprenticeship the following year 1991-1992, I was a Third Grade Teacher in our Parish school of St. Joseph. There was tension deep inside me trying to adjust to the American culture. But with humility and simplicity like Our Blessed Mother Mary, I learned everyday from them and the teachers with me in our school their customs, beliefs and language. Praised be God!

Adult Choir
It was a joyful experience for me to be with the community. With my talents also in singing and playing guitar at Holy Mass I joined the parish Adult Choir and the children in school too in any singing engagement.

Change
But then, God is always making great demands on me. The following year I was moved to another state, Sacramento, California. Here I was always with my community at any prayer service in the Church or at home  with Filipino and American communities who needed our spiritual support. Oftentimes we were needed at a baptismal Mass or a Funeral Mass to sing religious songs.

I also walked with a community of married men and women in the heat of Sacramento, California who are members of a singing group. Because I can easily adjust to be with anyone, they discovered from me the talents God gave me -- singing and playing the guitar. So I became their leader with another RVM Sisters, Sister Maria Fe Bigwas.

Another Surprise
In Sacramento too, I sang with the Filipino Choir Group every second Sunday and last Sunday of the month at St. Charle’s and St. Anne’s. We were also attending social gatherings wherein the RVMs were always invited to start the prayer or to mingle with the people. Another surprise in my life that God was asking me. You know what? When he knows that I am already satisfied or fulfilled with my work. He will move to me to another place.

Off Again
So, through our Mother General’s consent, Rev. Mother Maria Assumpta David, RVM. I flew to New Jersey to do the will of God, a teaching mission. I am the fourth grade teacher of our parish school here, Sacred Heart, So Plainfield, New Jersey from that time until now. But our new pastor, Rev Michael McGuire asked me to organize a Children’s Choir in the School. So from Kindergarten through Grade Five, I have 25 children. We’re singing in school if there are special activities and at every 9:00am Holy Mass on Sundays.

My Secret
I’m always busy every moment of my life doing God’s work in this new place where I was scared at the very start. Why? Because of Italian – American culture, beliefs and customs. But praying everyday and every moment is my secret; to be courageous and daring to do and seek the will of God. Prayer coupled with a smile on my face and listening to the needs of the people around me makes me feel younger and younger every day. Thanks to our gracious God and to my family who taught me the real essence of what sacrifice for the good cause and for God is all about. Also to my different RVM communities where I was assigned before and at the present; to our beloved Congregation. RELIGIOUS OF THE VIRGIN MARY who bear the name of our Blessed Mother Mary, our spiritual mother and our sure way to know Jesus Christ in our life.