sisters
A swimmer
changes
course
to devote
herself
to prayer
SISTER MARIA VICTORIA CUTAIA, O.S.B.
As a girl Maria Cutaia wanted to get a degree in early
childhood education and then become a religion teacher. She
eventually changed course and chose to commit to God and
advance God’s teachings in a different way. Today as a junior
sister with the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration of
Clyde, Missouri, she and her community pray together five
times a day, seven days a week, with periods of work and
recreation in between.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT MINISTRY?
Our main ministry is prayer. I also work in our correspondence
department, where my favorite part is reassuring people who
write, call, or visit us that we are praying for them and their
loved ones daily.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE SAINTS?
Rita of Cascia and Padre Pio.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
I enjoy talking with family and friends, playing cards, reading,
playing guitar, writing, listening to music, swimming, and
walking—especially in the snow.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?
Argentinean. My family moved from Buenos Aires to Louisiana
when I was 3-and-a-half.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN COMMUNITY?
That my sisters and I support each other on our journey to
God—we don’t leave anyone behind.
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
That I am a very competitive swimmer and used to swim in
meets when I was younger.
WHAT WAS THE RESPONSE FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
TO YOUR VOCATION?
My friends have been very supportive. At first my parents
were in shock with my decision to become a nun, but now
that they have met the sisters and have spent time with
them, they feel more comfortable knowing that I am really
happy.
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