From high performance to habit

A few days ago, I was doing my daily meditation on the Hallow app, which is a wonderful resource for Catholics, especially in this season of Lent. Several well-known names are involved with Hallow, including Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie (Jesus in The Chosen), Gwen Stefani, Chris Pratt, and Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT.

You might be wondering who Sister Miriam is. Here is the story of the journey of this and other athletes turned Catholic nuns.

Sister Miriam’s (Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity) early life story was both dramatic and tragic. Her 17-year-old unmarried biological parents gave her up for adoption, and her adoptive parents gave her a good home. Despite this, she experienced a sexual assault at the age of 11, and she was raped at 13.

By the time she was 21, she was an alcoholic. Yet during her high school years, she became an extremely successful volleyball player and received an athletic scholarship to play at the University of Nevada-Reno in the Big West Conference. Though she remained a significant part of the team and dreamed of a career in sports media, she ultimately fell into addiction and a partying lifestyle.

“I tried to appear as perfect as possible so others wouldn’t notice that I was really broken. The kindness of a Catholic priest and the prayers of my mother instigated my conversion,” she said. (The Catholic Spirit).

After becoming a sister, she had the opportunity to become a high school volleyball coach, which initially resulted in some curious looks and comments. Soon enough, her players saw Sister Miriam’s skill on the court, even while she was wearing her habit. She now tours the United States speaking to youth audiences about authentic happiness.

“It helps that they see me as a real person just like they are. I still love sports and often talk about sports events and competitions. Sports can be an excellent path to virtue,” she says. (The Catholic Spirit).

I highly recommend listening to Sister Miriam on the Hallow app or tuning into her Abiding Together podcast.

Sister Catherine of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal (Poor Clare) gave up gold for God (ABC Sports). Born Kirsten Holum, her mother Diane won a gold medal in speed skating. Kirsten wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and became the youngest-ever U.S. national junior champion. Ultimately, Kirsten made the U.S. team for the Nagano Olympics, recording a sixth-place finish in the 3,000-metre race and finishing seventh in the 5,000 event. Many experts saw her as a future gold medallist; however, God had different plans.

By the time the Olympics began, she had already decided to retire after the games.

“I saw older athletes putting off other things in life (family, career, vocation) – sacrificing things to stay in the sport.” (ABC).

When she visited the Fatima Shrine in Portugal at age 16, she first became interested in a religious vocation. Her mother was very supportive of Kirsten’s decision.

“We were very close,” says Diane. “She was getting more focused on her faith, and I was happy for that.” (National Catholic Register).

In 2002, Kirsten went on a pro-life walk across the United States and met Pope John Paul II. She is currently with her order in Leeds, England, where they serve the poor and homeless.

The story of Sister Irene Regina (Daughters of St. Paul) and Sister Margaret Anne Laechelin (Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart) is unique. They were college basketball teammates at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating, they went their own way, not knowing both would become Catholic nuns. It wasn’t until both were assigned to roles in Miami that they saw each other again.

They both received scholarships to play basketball – Sister Irene (Mary Hoernschemeyer) from St. Louis and Sister Margaret (Brenda Laechelin) from San Antonio.

“We were dedicated Catholics and would go to daily Mass together on campus,” remembers Sister Irene (Global Sisters Report).

On road trips, their Catholic coach would find them Mass. They shared everything during college, including meal cards. In their senior year, they were co-captains.

“She was an amazing basketball player,” states Sister Margaret Ann. “So strong under the basket, and she played with great determination” (Global Sisters Report).

Later that year, doctors found a malignant tumour near one of Sister Margaret’s ribs. Things looked grim, but one month after surgery, she was back playing, thanks in part to Sister Irene.

“She helped me think about living, not preparing to die. Sister was the strength I needed. She really helped me carry the cross” (Global Sisters Report).

I also recommend reading about the background of athletes Sister Rosemarie of the Queen of Angels (Shelley Pennefather), a star college basketball player at Villanova, and Sister Rita Clare Yoches of the Franciscan Sisters of Penance, who played professional football.

We owe all the women who have sacrificed so much for us a great amount of thanks. They play so many roles in enhancing our faith life and, in fact, helping the whole world. Next time you see a Catholic sister, thank her.

Your voice matters! Join the conversation by submitting a Letter to the Editor here.