Strength in Study

The convent's dormitories were silent, except for the soft murmuring of students immersed in their books. The mid-year exams were drawing near, and the pressure was mounting. Maria and Catherine, best friends and diligent students, had established a routine of studying together every evening after dinner.

Tonight was no different. Inside Catherine's small yet cozy room, a single lamp illuminated the desk, casting a warm glow over the open books and scattered notes. Maria sat cross-legged on the floor, highlighting key points in her notebook, while Catherine leaned against her chair, flipping through a textbook.

Catherine: sighs "I swear, if I have to read one more section on the significance of poverty, chastity, and obedience, my brain might just shut down."

Maria chuckled, shaking her head.

Maria: "Come on, Catherine. We've been going over this all week. By now, you should have it memorized."

Catherine groaned, resting her head on the desk dramatically.

Catherine: "Easy for you to say. You remember everything like you've got the Bible printed inside your brain."

Maria smirked and tapped her pen against her notebook.

Maria: "It's called practice, my dear friend. And maybe a little less complaining."

Before Catherine could retaliate, a soft knock echoed from the door. The two exchanged glances before Catherine called out.

Catherine: "Come in!"

The door creaked open, revealing Kate and Emily standing hesitantly at the entrance. Both girls looked exhausted, their faces tense with stress. Kate clutched a textbook tightly to her chest, while Emily fidgeted with the hem of her sweater.

Kate: nervously "Uh… we're sorry to disturb you both, but… can we join you?"

Emily: quickly adds "We've been trying to study on our own, but we just can't seem to concentrate. Everything is jumbled up in our heads, and the more we read, the less we understand."

Maria and Catherine exchanged a glance. It was unusual for Kate and Emily to ask for help, as they usually preferred studying on their own. Seeing their anxious expressions, Maria gave a warm smile.

Maria: "Of course. Come in."

Catherine nodded in agreement, pushing aside some books to make space.

Catherine: "The more, the merrier, I guess."

Kate and Emily let out relieved sighs as they stepped inside, carefully placing their books on the desk before settling down on the floor beside Maria.

Emily: gratefully "Thank you so much. We didn't want to disturb you, but we're really struggling."

Maria: "No worries. We're all in this together. Now, what exactly are you having trouble with?"

Kate exhaled and opened her textbook.

Kate: "The Pastoral and Evangelical Role. I get the concept, but when I try to write about it, my thoughts feel scattered."

Emily: nods "Same here. And don't even get me started on the vows of religious life. It feels like too much information at once."

Maria tapped her chin thoughtfully.

Maria: "Alright. Let's break it down step by step. First, let's go over the Pastoral and Evangelical Role. What do you remember about it?"

Kate hesitated before answering.

Kate: "Uh… it's about serving the community, right? Like, teaching catechism, helping the needy, and spreading the Gospel through our actions?"

Maria nodded encouragingly.

Maria: "Exactly. Now, think of practical examples. When Sister Orlean Watt talked about it in class, she gave us real-life examples of nuns who dedicate their lives to missionary work. Instead of memorizing word for word, try to relate it to something you've seen or experienced."

Emily's eyes lit up with realization.

Emily: "Oh! Like the time we visited the orphanage and helped the children with their lessons?"

Maria beamed.

Maria: "Yes! That was an example of the pastoral role—teaching and guiding others in faith. When you answer a question in the exam, use examples like that. It makes your answer more meaningful and easier to remember."

Kate nodded slowly, jotting down notes.

Kate: "That actually makes sense. I think I was overcomplicating it in my head."

Catherine smirked.

Catherine: "See? Studying with us isn't so bad, huh?"

Emily chuckled.

Emily: "Not at all. Okay, next—vows of religious life. Poverty, chastity, and obedience. Why do we struggle so much with this one?"

Maria flipped open her notes.

Maria: "Because it's deeply philosophical. It's not just about knowing the definition but understanding why these vows exist."

She looked around the group.

Maria: "Why do you think nuns take vows of poverty?"

Catherine shrugged.

Catherine: "To detach themselves from worldly possessions?"

Maria: "Exactly. It's a commitment to rely solely on God rather than material wealth. Now, chastity?"

Emily bit her lip.

Emily: "To devote themselves fully to serving God, without distractions?"

Maria: "Perfect. And obedience?"

Kate sighed.

Kate: "To follow the teachings of the Church and submit to God's will."

Maria grinned.

Maria: "See? You already know the answers. You just needed a different way of looking at them."

Kate and Emily exchanged glances before laughing softly.

Kate: "I feel so much better already. Thank you, Maria."

Catherine smirked.

Catherine: "Don't thank her yet. We still have a long night ahead."

The group continued studying, bouncing ideas off each other, clarifying doubts, and even testing each other with mock questions. The hours slipped by, but the stress that had initially filled the room slowly faded, replaced by confidence and determination.

As the night deepened, Catherine stretched her arms with a yawn.

Catherine: "Alright, I think that's enough for tonight. If we push too hard, we'll forget everything by morning."

Emily and Kate nodded, looking much more at ease than when they had first arrived.

Emily: "Agreed. But let's do this again tomorrow?"

Maria smiled warmly.

Maria: "Of course. We're a team now."

Kate grinned.

Kate: "Then let's ace these exams together."

The four friends exchanged determined nods before packing up their books. The stress of exams was still there, but now, it felt manageable. Because they weren't facing it alone.