Despite many obstacles, when Vocationist Sister Ermelita Gella, felt like she heard Jesus say, “When are you going to say yes to me?” she was ready to consecrate herself to Him and this year is celebrating her 25th jubilee as a religious.
On Dec. 8, 1996 she took her first vows in Italy to become a Vocationist Sister.
The daughter of the late Cristupo Gella and Amelita Legaspi Gella, Sister Ermelita was born and raised in the Philippines. From a very young age she remembers longing to become a religious sister. She was inspired by a religious at her parish who was always happy. “I wondered what it would be like to be in the convent. I wanted to experience the peace and joy that she had in life,” she said.
While deciding which religious order to join, Sister Ermelita learned that the Vocationist Sisters were in her diocese and close to her home. Her mom encouraged her to talk to them and see what they were all about. Sister Ermelita was hesitant because the sisters spoke mainly Italian and she did not know the language. Despite the challenge, when the sisters invited her to spend a week to see what living in the convent was like she decided to go.
“That week experience with the sisters made my longing grow deeper.” Sister Ermelita said. She came home after that week to discern her vocation. “I was excited but I was afraid of the unknown. I kept praying, ‘Jesus, if this is what you want for me let me know.’
“I felt like he was saying, ‘When are you going to say yes to me?’”
Sister Ermelita was 19 when she entered the Vocationist community Aug. 15, 1993, the feast of the Assumption, She asked the Blessed Mother to guide her on her journey. She became a postulant Oct. 2, 1993, and in 1994 she moved to Italy for formation.
“I struggled to learn Italian. There was no social media so how would I stay in touch with my mom? I wanted to go but I was torn,” she recalled. She believes her mom’s prayers and support were what helped her persevere.
On March 13, 1997, Sister Ermelita arrived in the United States, where more sisters were needed. “Coming here was culture shock for me. It was very far away. I was very attached to my mom and worried about how to keep in touch with her,” she said.
“I was so blessed that our Mother General allowed me to take my perpetual vows in front of my family and friends,” said Sister Ermelita, who made them in the Philippines July 13, 2003.
Sister Ermelita serves as the director of Little Friends of Jesus School, Martinsville. The school serves preschool and kindergarten students. She and the sisters live at Blessed Sacrament Convent, Martinsville.
Well-prepared for a career in education, Sister Ermelita completed two years of a secretarial program at the College of Saint Joseph, Philippines. She earned an associate’s degree at Assumption College for Sisters, Mendham; and a bachelor’s degree in theology at Saint Elizabeth University, Convent Station, where she also earned her teaching certification.
Her biggest challenge in religious life, Sister Ermelita noted, is being in an international community. “There is a need to embrace the diversity and the culture that each of the sisters bring and accepting different personalities within the convent,” she explained.
“My advice to anyone seeking a vocation to the religious life is to visit a convent to see what life is like. Prayer is really important, too. You need a special connection and relationship with Our Father.
“Also, seek out guidance from a priest, your family and people you trust. It is important to have their support. It makes everything easier.”
Reflecting on the future she added, “The challenges and the hardship I encounter through ministry are necessary. I think through them my faith grows deeper. I love my vocation and I am looking forward to many years with God’s grace. I want to remain faithful and be closer to him. His grace, mercy and love are working in me.”
Karen Corpora