NC - Winter 2021

VOCATION
When I Knew
Angels Were Real
By Sr. Frances Smalkowski
“For I am sending an angel before you to guard
you on the way and bring you to the place I have
prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice.”
— Exodus 23:20-21a
So, when did I REALLY start believing in angels?
Somewhere around age five or so, my older brother was taking me to the
local CSFN elementary school in Jamaica, NY. St. Joseph’s regularly had a
movie to which older siblings could bring along their younger ones. Of course,
with sincere promises (that almost sounded like an oath in a courtroom), Joey
and little Frances pledged to hold each other’s hands through “thick and thin.”
Being five years apart and growing up regularly teasing each other, Joey
started squeezing my hand while taunting me with the reminders that he was
in charge, and that I needed to listen to him. Sure!
Coming close to a boulevard named Liberty Avenue, I let go of his hand and
ran as fast as I could get away from him to cross. Midway could be heard the
screeching of cars as a little child stood frozen touching the car in front of her
with her small hand.
People from the corner bar came out and walked me back to my brother who
looked visibly frightened. Together we made a contract never to tell “Mommy.”
Who wouldn’t believe in angels after that? I can still feel/see that car stopped
in front of me. (For sure, Joey has his own version of this event!)
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