‘God called: I listened and followed’
Sister Clarone Brill celebrated her 70th jubilee on April 26, 2019, at St. Rose Convent.
Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Clarone Brill has ministered in Wisconsin and Iowa, spreading Franciscan joy to each person she’s encountered. She began serving as a teacher and later in her life found excitement and fulfillment through her ministry of pastoral care for the elderly. In celebration of her 70th jublilee, Show me a sign asked Sister Clarone to reflect on some of the experiences she has had over the last seven decades as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration.
Show me a sign:
How did you know that you wanted to be a religious sister?
Sister Clarone:
My older sister, Clara, entered St. Rose Convent around the time I was in first grade. We had FSPA sisters at our parish. I loved my eighth-grade teacher. I felt the spirit calling me to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. God called: I listened and followed.
Show me a sign:
How did your family and friends react when you first told them of your desire to become a sister?
Sister Clarone:
I think they were very supportive and happy for me. My dad said he would not stand in the way of my calling.
Sister Clarone is a member of the Class of 1949.
Show me a sign:
As you reflect on your jubilee, what facets of serving as an FSPA first come to mind?
Sister Clarone:
My delight has been being spirit led to an ever-deepening relationship with God, especially
through prayer, retreats and ministering to others.
Show me a sign:
What has been your favorite ministry, and why?
Sister Clarone:
My two main ministries have been teaching and pastoral care. It’s hard to choose one over the other because, in both, I ministered to many with love, care, and support — touching lives in ways I may never know and hopefully leading all to a deeper relationship with our loving God.
Show me a sign:
What advice would you give to a woman discerning religious life today?
Sister Clarone:
I would say listen to your heart. Pray to the Holy Spirit to help you discern where God is calling you.
Are you discerning religious life? Walking with someone who is? We invite you to share this link, www.fspa.org/showmeasign, and join the conversation.
