Before going forward with mission, I asked “Why do I feel this calling to volunteer?” One answer was that I felt a strong desire to grow in my spiritual life. I believed this seed of yearning would be watered by living in a faith-based community and by my own actions. But I was unaware how often it would be sprinkled in my work as a physical therapist. I knew the Medical Center was a Catholic institution, but I didn’t expect to have conversations with patients and staff about Catholicism and the role it plays in my life.

These conversations have been ignited by a pin—simple yet beautiful, comprised of a finger rosary with a picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a soft blue ribbon. Given to me by a community member, I decided to wear it on my lab coat. Over and over, patients point to my pin and say “Oh, that is so beautiful!” or “What is that?”

The conversations continue with stories about their devotion to the Blessed Mother and Mother Cabrini, the power of prayer in their life, the immense generosity of the Cabrini Sisters, and more. Non-Catholic patients tell me about their faith and ask about mine, questions and answers intertwining with treatment and exercise. It is beautiful to listen to patients voice their faith experiences. I’m content to listen, but if asked, I share that the Blessed Mother has always been an inspiration in my life, thus my decision to take her name at my Confirmation. I share that I often ask Mary to intercede to the Lord so that my prayers are heard. I show them my necklace and open the rose charm to reveal the miraculous medal hidden within.

My stay in New York began as a seed, but has sent down a few roots and sprouted a few twigs. It is a tiny tree that I hope will grow and bloom as long as I continue to allow faith to water it.