A Journey of Faith, Grace, and Surrender: The Inspiring Vocation Story of Sr. Anna Mae Sonsona, PM

Every vocation story is a unique tapestry woven by divine grace, human struggles, and a deep-seated longing for something greater. For Sr. Anna Mae Salape Sonsona, PM, her path to religious life is a rich narrative rooted in the vibrant culture of Davao City, shaped by family devotion, deepened through social mission, and perfected in the quiet surrender of her heart to God.

Seeds of Faith in Davao City

Born into a small, close-knit family of three siblings where she is the eldest, Sr. Anna grew up practically in Davao City, with her family residing in Buhangin. Her upbringing blended ordinary childhood experiences with foundational spiritual exposures. Though she describes her family as “not that religious,” faith was nevertheless a steady presence.

Her father—a retired policeman who passed away ten years ago—once served as an apostle during Holy Week, while her mother, an 85-year-old retired public-school teacher, instilled in her the basics of prayer, including reciting nightly prayers before sleep. Sunday mass was a family ritual, whether attending at the Redemptorist Church or the San Pedro Cathedral.

Long before she wore the habit, God was planting tiny seeds of attraction in her heart:

• A Childhood Glimpse: As a third or fourth grader during a local fiesta, she caught her first sight of a nun wearing all-white in a GKK (Gagmayang Kristohanong Katilingban / Basic Ecclesial Community) gathering. Though they did not speak, the image left a lasting impression.
• The Cathedral Mosaic: Gazing at a mosaic painting inside San Pedro Cathedral, she listened to a priest explain that we are all the body of Christ—a profound thought that lingered in her young mind.
• The Normal Teenager: Growing up, she attended public schools for both elementary and high school, and it is in college where encounters with catechists who were religious sisters further normalized and dignified the consecrated life.

From the University to the Peripheries

After completing her elementary, high school, and university education in Davao City, Sr. Anna pursued higher education and law studies. However, university life became a turning point for a deeper awakening. She developed a profound love for the poor and a passion for reaching out to people in the peripheries, realizing that God had gifted her with a heart expansive enough to embrace His people.

Driven by this calling, she became a Jesuit Volunteer after graduating college. Immersed in far-flung mission schools—serving in an island community in Zamboanga Sibugay and at Notre Dame of Matalam in Cotabato—her attraction to religious life crystallized. During an annual retreat, she approached the facilitator, a nun, to seek guidance on discernment.

Though she briefly took up law, a recurring pull toward religious life disrupted her plans. She eventually sought out a priest to help her enter the convent.

Overcoming Hurdles and Finding Home

The transition was far from easy. Asking permission from her parents brought emotional pain, as both initially felt hurt and her father was discouraging. However, their resistance gradually melted away—most notably when they saw her wearing her white dress as a postulant.

Her journey took a decisive turn when she was inspired by a religious song about God calling someone who repeatedly hesitates to follow. Moved by grace, she finally said a wholehearted “yes.” As she searched for her spiritual home, she discovered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary (PM) in Catalunan Grande. Falling instantly in love with their community life, she knew deep within: this is where I belong.

Her timeline of dedication highlights her enduring commitment: May 1, 1991: Entered as Aspirant. In 1995, she professed her 1st Vows. May 4, 2000: She celebrated her perpetual profession during the Great Jubilee year, marking 21 years as a religious sister.

Lessons from Community Life and Formation

Life in formation and community was not without its trials. Sr. Anna faced the universal realities of homesickness, discouragement, and unmet expectations—challenges magnified by the fact that sisters come from diverse family backgrounds.

Yet, these very struggles became her greatest classroom. Community life taught her the art of Acceptance and Forgiveness: Recognizing that misunderstandings are inevitable, but patience, open communication, and praying for one another heal divisions. Humility and Openness: Stepping out of her comfort zone, sharing stories and laughter, and allowing herself to be molded by sisterhood.

A Message to Today’s Youth

Reflecting on the noise, speed, and instant gratification of the modern world, Sr. Anna offers a gentle, timely wisdom for the younger generation.

“The world today is very noisy and everything is instant. Young people today do not develop the sense of silence. Being at peace in silence is one that is important to practice… because it is in that time that God is telling and communicating to us what He desires for us.”

She encourages the youth to cultivate silence as a gateway to prayer, to draw close to the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confession, and to be sincere in opening their hearts to God so that His grace may freely pour in. Above all, she advises young people to seek out spiritual mentors—people who can guide them toward God rather than worldly distractions.

From a curious little girl gazing at a white-clad nun in Davao to a devoted religious sister celebrating decades of faithful service, Sr. Anna Mae’s journey is a testament to the quiet power of listening to God in the silence. (Axel Cabig Jr & Mark Sipin | CY5 Seminarians)