Sr Ewa Bem
 Sister Ewa Bem became a teacher after leaving school. At the age of twenty-seven she joined the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She has spent six years working at a Jesuit retreat centre and five years as a chaplain to a sixth form college. She currently works as a counsellor and spiritual director.
Q: When were the seeds of your vocation sown?
A. A very significant moment took place when I was 11, and a sister (not Loreto) was showing slides of the Passion of Christ. I was very moved by her eyes filling up as she showed the slides and realised that she had something which I suddenly longed for – a personal relationship with God. The seeds of my Loreto vocation were sown in the sixth form, when I went on retreat to a Jesuit retreat centre. I was inspired by the Jesuits and realised that if there was a female equivalent, I would want to be part of it.
Q: Why did you choose this particular order?
A. Four years later, I met a Loreto sister and realised that they had the Jesuit Constitutions. From then on I connected with them. Finally, it was Mary Ward’s saying: ‘That we be what we appear and appear what we are’, and the realisation that each Loreto sister I met was free to be herself, that encouraged me to join this order.
Q: what aspect of religious life have you found most rewarding?
A. The knowledge that as a member of a body, united in mission, I can be of greater service for the Kingdom, than if I was alone. Connected with that, the encouragement I feel when I see the dedication of so many sisters across the world who are doing amazing things – and I feel that somehow I am part of that.
Q: What have you found most difficult?
A. Not having a family, or being able to make a home for myself.
Q: How do you see the work you are currently involved in?
A. Counselling – for me is about listening to the stories of the people I meet, and addressing the issues they raise, in a way which leads to a greater freedom that they may become who they really are. Spiritual direction – accompanying people on their journey with God. Theology studies – necessary to reflect on contemporary theological issues to be able to dialogue clearly with the Church and world.
Q: What are the biggest challenges of the work?
A. Finding a balance while trying to juggle so many balls in the air.
Q: What skills do you need?
A. Good time management, and ensuring some time for leisure.
Q: Have you a tip on how to pray?
A. Bring your real self to God, not an ideal.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
A. Ask yourself what’s possible, rather than what’s wrong.
Q: What's your favourite movie?
Q: Which figure from history would you like to invite to a dinner party?
A. Pope John XXIII. I’d like to ask his views on how we can open the windows to the Church today, and let in some fresh air where it has become stale.
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