My Vocation Story
Sister Dolorita Martinez OP
Maria Elvira Martinez, was my baptismal name. I was born in a small mountain village, in New Mexico, name Truchas. I was born into a loving family, and can now look back and see my vocation was born and nurtured from the beginning with this family.
My parents and siblings never dreamt I would choose religious life, and were as surprised as I was of my calling. My parents, did, however, teach me how to pray and listen to God’s voice within.
When I was 19, after a year of college, I felt the call. At first, I responded to an invitation to “Come and See.” This type of event is typically a day or weekend hosted by a Congregation for young women who want more information about vowed life.
I wasn’t immediately sure that this was the vocation that God wanted for me or more honesty, that it was what I wanted. My discernment has been an ongoing journey of faith, I continue to seek, to discover and rediscover who Jesus is and who I am, so as to deepen our relationship.
As I celebrate my 60th Jubilee as a vowed Religious (2016), I continue my journey of faith. I hope that through the years I have learned to live my life with greater love, simplicity, and integrity. As I reflect in gratitude on the many blessings in my life as a Sister, I have come to discover God’s loving mercy and an unfolding plan for my life. I am especially grateful for the many opportunities for ministry that have allowed me to share my personal gifts in many diverse communities and locations. I started first as a school teacher, but early on I was called into Hispanic ministry. I served on a parish and diocesan level as, Religious Education Director, Pastoral Life Coordinator, evangelizer, catechist, and spiritual director. I have served primarily in immigrant, marginalize Spanish speaking communities, and I have been greatly enriched by these experiences. I praise God for these blessings.
“I believe God continues to extend an invitation to young women and men to follow Him by embracing a call to serve the church as a sister, a brother, or a priest.” — Sister Dolorita
