The desire is only one of the three parts of discerning a vocation. It is only natural that if God wishes a particular person to be a religious. He would also give them the necessary qualifications of mind, health. and character that are necessary to live a religious life. This is the second step to discerning a vocation, for even though the desire may be there, if the qualifications are not, then the person does not have a vocation.
By qualifications here, we are not referring to degrees in education or medicine, but things like average intelligence,emotional stability, maturity equal to age, physical well being, a sense of humor, etc.
Nor should you be afraid to apply to an order that teaches (for example) if you don't have a high schoolor college diploma. Not every member of a teaching order teaches, nor does every member of a nursing order nurse. Sisters with other talents are needed to run the convents and free the teachers and nurses for their duties. If you like a particular community, apply and let the Superior judge whether you are the type of material their religious order needs.
Who is the best judge of your vocation?
The candidate herself is the only judge as to whether she has the willingness to become a sister, but only the Superior of the order she joins is a competent judge as to her qualifications.
Can a girl be sure that she has a vocation?
Now the candidate is at the crossroads—she has the desire. and a community is willing to accept her. The first two steps to discerning her vocation are complete, there is only one thing left for her to do if she wishes to be sure she has a vocation and that is enter.
Prayer will not make her sure, nor advice from parents or confessors, nor waiting a year or two. Living the life is the only sure way.
Looking in from the outside is not the same as being inside and living it. Here she will have ample tests made of her character by her superiors. and here she will find many ways to test her willingness to serve Christ.
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