What do I need to do to join?
Leonie’s Longing is open to everyone! However, it is especially geared towards women who have lived the religious life and returned to the world. If you are looking for community and support, you have found the right place. There is no formal membership process, but if you would like to share a little about your experience of leaving, please complete this short survey. You are also most welcome to subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/yq1rr, and to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
If you are based in the USA, but I don't live there, can you still help me?
Yes, we are a nonprofit based in the United States. However, the idea is to use the internet and social media to reach anyone, anywhere who needs help. Because we aim to connect people through the internet borders are not a factor. We are also privileged to have Board members, volunteers and bloggers from other countries. Check out this map to see where members of the Leonie’s Longing community are from!
Will you please pray for me/my friend?
How can I help?
First of all, please pray! Pray for the men and women who have tried to answer God’s call to a religious vocation, for their families and friends, and for religious communities and seminaries. Next, if you have certain gifts or talents that you feel could help this ministry, please let us know. For instance, you could write a guest blog post. Check out our Volunteer page for more ideas. Also, please tell priests, religious, etc. about our site. We can only help people if they know we exist! I would also encourage you to sign up for the newsletter, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. We will post needs there as they arise (example: A woman needs temporary housing near [city]. Do you know someone who can help her?). Finally, if you feel called, you can contribute financially to our ministry by visiting our Donation page.
Why is this ministry called Leonie's Longing ?
She was a very “difficult” child, as they say. She desired to be a religious sister, but entered and left three times and finally was able to remain in the convent the fourth time.
You can read more about Leonie at the following sites:
http://www.martinsisters.org/sister_francoise_therese.html
http://www.helpfellowship.org/Sr_Francoise-Therese.htm
We would also encourage you to ask for the intercession of Mary, St. Joseph, St. Therese, St. Gemma Galgani, Ven. Solanus Casey, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Andre Bessette, St. Josemaria Escriva and St. Benedict Joseph Labre*. Let us know if you have other suggestions for patrons and patronesses! (*suggested by Lisa and Stephanie).
The term “longing” came to mind when reflecting on words to describe the heart of a woman seeking her vocation. Other terms such as ardent, yearning, clings, pines, thirsting, etc. were considered as well. But the love of Psalm 63 helped “longing” win out. I was apprehensive about using an unfamiliar (and possibly difficult to pronounce) name. But when coupling it with “longing”, the beautiful alliteration could not be ignored.