VOWS SERIES: Sr. Mary Joane Caritas – Joy in the Things of God

The evangelical vow of poverty compels us to seek first the Kingdom of God. This commitment deepens our trust in God and liberates us from fear, unhealthy attachments to material possessions or people, and distractions of worldly things. 

But how does this vow translate into my real life? One place I see it clearly visible is on mission trips, where my sister and I experience God’s provision through the kindness of those we encounter, regardless of whether their contributions are large or small. These acts of generosity remind us not to fear, that everything we need is already in place. 

Embracing this vow with joy also means sharing my resources; I use my God-given talents to serve in mission and community initiatives. Simply engaging with the community brings me immense joy. This sense of peaceful contentment reflects God’s constant presence in my life.

Ultimately, the vow of poverty fosters a spirit of generosity, making us more willing to serve our community and fulfill our mission, leading us to discover profound joy in what truly matters—the things of God. 

Meet the Author

Sr Bethany Davis, FSP

Who We Are

The Daughters of St. Paul is a congregation of Catholic women living our vocation to consecrated religious life in service to God’s people by preaching the Gospel through all forms of media. Our profoundly Eucharistic spirituality roots us in Jesus so that no matter what we do—writing, graphic design, radio, video, social media, music, art—we may be a communication of Christ’s love to every person we encounter.

Discern Your Vocation

We regularly host opportunities for vocational discernment, providing a space for young women to learn about religious life and pray about where God is calling them. Get in touch with us to learn about events near you or to speak with a sister.

Be Part of the Pauline Mission

Pauline Cooperators are lay men and women who anchor their lives in the Pauline spirituality and who participate in the Pauline mission, which is the very mission of Christ, the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.

Recent Stories

On February 14, 2026, our community and the family and friends of novice Catherine Addington rejoiced as we witnessed her….

Sister Margaret Joseph Obrovac, a passionate and generous Daughter of St. Paul, was called home to the Father on January….

“I am nothing. God is everything.” These words, written quietly in Mother Thecla Merlo’s notebook, were not the confession of….