Sister Charisse Cilos First Profession of Vows

Sister Charisse Cilos: PRAY, LISTEN & RESPOND

My name is Sr. Charisse Cilos, newly professed member of the Congregation of the Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood. I moved to Canada from the Philippines in 2008. I am the fourth of five siblings. I grew up in a family where faith and love were nurtured, thanks to my beloved parents who decided to join Couples for Christ (CFC) in 1991 when I was 8 years old. CFC started in the Philippines in 1981, a Catholic movement now present in over 160 countries, intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life.

Prayer has become an integral part of our life. We would gather every night after dinner for family prayer. They taught us how to pray the Rosary and also prayers of thanksgiving and petitions. Sunday Mass became a priority as well as praying the Angelus at 6:00PM.  As a child, I recall detesting prayer periods because they were so drawn out; all I wanted to do was play or sleep. As a youth and young adult, I did not become as devoted to my Catholic faith as I should have. However, my parents had already sown the seed; I knew that I would find solace in prayer whenever I was experiencing a difficult situation.

I never really thought that God would call me to be a religious sister. I was already 38 years old when I entered as a postulant in February 2022, late vocation as some would say.  I started discerning around 2017 when I felt a very deep sense of emptiness in my heart. I couldn’t figure it out at that time because I was already working fulltime in a Church and was actively serving in a Catholic community I was part of. I remember crying in front of the Blessed Sacrament and asking, “What more do you want from me, Lord?”

Sister Charisse ‘s Family

In my heart, the Lord spoke that I may be called for single-blessedness or religious life.  I remember crying out of fear and anxiety, but what I felt next was a sense of peace. I knew then that it was something that I should seriously consider. But I told the Lord He needed to show me the way, because if it was up to me, I would never dare do anything far beyond my comfort zone.  It was a bold move on my part because I am that kind of person who is not courageous to try new things, let alone make major changes in life. He knew I needed some time while He prepared my heart, until I had the courage to say ‘YES’ to the call of Jesus, “Come, follow Me.” He used many people to help me along the way, to help me grow deeper in faith and love.

Single For Christ (CFC) Canada National Conference, 2016

I can identify two aspects of my life that led me to my religious vocation. First was joining Singles for Christ, CFC’s family ministry for single men and women aged 21 to 40 years old. It was where I first experienced being part of a faith community. There we had opportunities to deepen our knowledge and understanding of our Catholic faith through our small groups called households, retreats, assemblies, conferences and teaching nights. We were also highly encouraged to serve our Diocese, parishes and local communities through various volunteer opportunities.

Second was my seven-year work experience as a secretary at St. Mark’s Parish in the Diocese of Calgary. It gave me the opportunity to witness, understand and appreciate the great blessing of the priest’s anointing. They had given up their lives for the sake of others. The clear answer to my discernment came when I learned that the Precious Blood Sisters pray for priests. We are called to carry them in our prayers as they carry God’s people, in all that they will have to give, suffer and live. On Thursday evenings, our Office of Readings is celebrated within an hour of Eucharistic Adoration – praying especially for our Priests and for Vocations to Priestly and Consecrated Life.

Secretary at St. Mark’s Parish – Calgary 2014-2021

I was officially accepted in October 2020, but my entrance was delayed by more than a year. First it was because of the pandemic and then the untimely death of our Mother in February 2021. We lost her 28 days after she was diagnosed with the rare and aggressive type of thyroid cancer. I had to retract my resignation from work to help my siblings pay off the accrued medical and funeral expenses in the Philippines. During this period, in the midst of uncertainties, profound sorrow and pain, I only did what I already knew would help, holding on in prayer.

I am also indebted to those who have been praying for me. I am here because many people have been praying for me and with me. I am sustained by their powerful intercessions especially when I am struggling. I have learned that community life is a daily call to humility; religious life would be a daily commitment to do what God is asking of me, particularly those I find challenging. But these challenges are gifts, that even though it is hard for me at times, through God’s grace and by the love and support of my Sisters and other people, it is helping me grow in self-knowledge and in deeper understanding of our vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.

At the beginning of my two-month community experience in 2019, I was overwhelmed with fear and doubt. I just wanted to go home and not finish it. I kept asking God, “Why should I do this?

How can I do this?” Thankfully, I came across the writings of our foundress, Mother Catherine Aurelia, “What is urging them to make this sacrifice? Ah, I understand. It is their hope of winning even one more soul for our Lord and glorifying the Precious Blood.” That gave me the strength to continue, and, up to now, I would remind myself of this in moments of difficulty and discouragement. “Why should I do this? How can I do this?” I know better now: It is not ‘I’ but the Lord. It is only by His grace that I am able to live the life of a religious.

My First Profession was last October 12th, which also happened to be my birthday. What a remarkable day to celebrate God’s gift of life and His gift of vocation with those who have been part of my journey. All glory and praise to God forever!