One month ago, Sister Faustina Lightfoot knelt in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln, Nebraska, and professed perpetual vows with the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln.

It’s been a long road for the farm girl formerly known as Megan Lightfoot from St. Mary Parish in Shenandoah. Yet it’s a journey that brings her joy. St. Mary Parish and her fellow Marian sisters celebrated her perpetual vows Aug. 18 with a celebration in Shenandoah.

“The sisters were able to visit the Lightfoot farm and enjoy a great day together in Iowa,” she said.

Sister Faustina grew up on her family’s farm near Shenandoah with her sister, Trisha, attended Farragut Community School, and was active in sports, 4-H, rodeo, Two County Dusters, St. Mary’s Youth Ministry, FFA and many academics at Farragut.

“My first encounter with God’s love in a deep way was in high school when I attended NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) in Kansas City with St. Mary’s Parish. As I received Jesus in the Eucharist, I knew the God was real and that he loved me and was inviting me to grow in a deeper relationship with him, but I had no idea what that would look like.”

She went to Creighton University, where she studied to be a pharmacist.

“I asked God to provide good relationships to help me grow in my faith life and he clearly heard and answered my prayer. Soon I was attending daily Mass, praying the rosary, going to Eucharistic adoration and praying with other college students in a bible study.

“A friend in bible study asked if I had ever thought about religious life and I thought she was crazy! I had never met a religious sister before and thought that wasn’t in the plans for my life,” said Sister Faustina.

The friend encouraged her to meet the Marian sisters and that’s when she said, “I fell in love.”

“The sisters were real people, filled with joy and a spirit of peace and I felt like I was at home and was attracted to go back. Throughout my time in pharmacy school I went on several retreats with the Marian sisters and continued to grow in my prayer relationship with God by seeking spiritual direction and daily prayer. Read more..