By Eileen Connelly, OSU

ARCHDIOCESE — "I’m a work in progress."

That’s how Franciscan Sister of the Poor Jenny Favarin described herself recently as she reflected on her relationship with God and call to religious life. The 28-year-old nun, a native of Padua, Italy, spent seven months in Cincinnati studying English and learning more about the lives and ministries of her American counterparts. She returned home to Italy earlier this month.

The oldest of three and the only girl in her family, Sister Jenny credits her parents with instilling strong values in their children. Because they were not practicing Catholics, the young woman didn’t begin attending Mass until she was a teen-ager and admits it was mainly because of a "good looking boy."

CT/EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU

Franciscan Sister of the Poor Jenny Favarin, right, a native of Northern Italy who recently visited her congregation here, poses with Sister Mary Lawerence Vanderburg.

Attending college was certainly an option, and the one her parents would have preferred, but she was compelled to return to the youth center if only for a year. As Sister Jenny came to know the Franciscan Sisters, one year became two, and she felt called to join them. "I was drawn by the Franciscan charism of working with the poor, helping them heal and bringing Christ’s presence to them," she explained. "And, the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience seemed to be not just a new way of living but of loving."

Although she was uncertain what the future would hold, Sister Jenny decided to "take that risk" and entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 2001. She made her first vows three years later. Sister Jenny’s time in formation was spent in study, prayer and ministry as she learned more about the congregation and herself. Particularly significant for her was ministering to terminally ill patients at a local hospital. "I saw people die, and there was one guy whom I learned so much from. He was so full of life, and he taught me to live each moment as if it’s the last."

Sister Jenny eventually returned to Padua to study human resources at the university and work with young people in collaboration with the Franciscan Friars. "I think we learned from each other," Sister Jenny said of the experience. "We were trying to find the beauty and meaning of life together. I think I was able to show them that life as a nun is great and let them know how important they were to me."

Equally important for Sister Jenny was her experience visiting Cincinnati. While here she lived in community with two other Sisters, studied English and volunteered with area young people engaged in various service projects, from rehabbing houses to working in a soup kitchen.

She also took an active role in the Franciscan Sisters’ 150th anniversary celebration, using her artistic talents to design a commemorative brochure and coloring book to mark the occasion. "It was blessing to be here and a privilege," she said. "The Sisters were so kind to involve me and it was such an experience of family and a discovery that we really are of the same heart."

Sister Jenny, who plays both the guitar and piano, also enjoyed the opportunity to share her love of music with the Sisters. "I don’t just express myself with my words and hands but through music. It’s a piece of heaven for me."

She was eager to share her experience of the local church and observations on religious life. "I found Catholics here to be very open, expressive and friendly and appreciated the multiculturalism of the Masses and the many songs," she said.

Sister Jenny noted that the average age of women religious is younger in Italy and that more Sisters wear habits, as she does. "When I wear the habit, I feel like it’s a sign or witness that I’m Catholic. People see the church, not just Jenny. I feel like people can approach me to pray for them, that I can be that sign of compassion."

"The negative side of wearing the habit is that people think that nuns who do are more pious, and that’s false," she added. "The real habit is the shining in a Sister’s eyes."

While Sister Jenny was excited to return home, she said she would miss the Sisters here, whom she has come to know and love. "In a way, my heart is broken, because I’m leaving my home here. The Sisters have been so kind to me and I’ve learned so much from their wisdom."