Born to serve: Profile of Sister María Dela Paz, O.S.F.

(Photo courtesy of Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia)

What was your childhood like?

I remember my dad teaching me prayers before going to bed and taking my younger sibling and me to the soup kitchen to volunteer. So service was always a value of ours.

What first drew you to religious life?

I participated in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) after I graduated from Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City. The experience of JVC and the opportunity to live in an intentional community—where we prayed together and had weekly community and faith-sharing nights—was the first experience I had to compare what living in religious life could be like.

How did your family and friends respond to your decision to enter religious life?

My friends helped me each step of the way in the lengthy discernment and application process. My parents were the last people I told. When I finally told them, they were supportive. After I took perpetual vows in August 2024, our congregational minister “officially” welcomed my parents and younger sibling into the family.

What do you do for fun?

I love to hang out with my friends, play board games, dance, and sing karaoke. I also love to go on long walks and try to spend time outside every day.