b'The View From HereWALKING WITH MARY: STEP-BY-STEPMarianist Sister Gabrielle Bibeaus special bond with Mary has led to a life of prayer, study and a joy-filled vocation. By Bernadette McCaffrey GronerT Marys gentle hand continued to guide Sister Gabbyhe Blessed Mother has had a special place in the lifeof Marianist Sister Gabrielle Bibeau, ever since she as she prepared for college. When she visited Universitywas a little girl. When she was 5, she was chosen of Dayton as a senior in high school, she was captivatedfrom among all her classmates at school to crown Mary by the Marian spirit. Mary was present everywhereat May Crowning, a traditional Catholic ceremony on campus, she says. Even though she knew veryhonoring Mary as queen of heaven and earth.little about the Marianists, she wanted to know moreI knew it was a special gift to crown her as Queento be a part of it. of Saints, recalls Sister Gabby. When I placed thecrown of flowers on her head, I felt a special bond Intrigued by a life of prayer and communitywith Mary. As she grew older, that bond continued During her freshman year at UD, a friend introducedto grow.Sister Gabby to the Marianist Sisters, whose communityMary was someone she could look to for direction they often visited for prayer and meals. She also par-and find solace. I found great comfort in praying the ticipated in a live-in during which she stayed withrosary, says Sister Gabby. When I discovered the the community for a week. Sister Gabrielle Bibeau, FMI, isworking on a masters in theology Magnificat, I was amazed at the profound spirituality I was 19, says Sister Gabby. I was intrigued byat University of Dayton. in her words, My soul magnifies the Lord.their life of prayer, and I witnessed what communitylife could be. I also was impressed by the true joy ofALL PHOTOS JAN UNDERWOODthe community and that each sister was so different.These were faithful, dedicated women with whomshe felt a connection. But I had never thought aboutreligious life, she says. During her senior year, she participated in a secondlive-in. This time was different. I was no longer avisitor, she says. I felt like a part of the community.Later that weekend, before I even knew what I wassaying, I told a friend: I think this is what I am supposedto do. There they werethe words that I felt in myheart had just become alive in the real world.Help our vocation ministry.We invite you to assist our vocation ministry financiallythrough monthly giving clubs and other options. To donate now, use the enclosed envelope, or go to marianist.com/donate or contact Brother AlexTuss, SM, at 1.800.348.4732, ext. 3003 or [email protected] Call 1.800.348.4732'