Astrid Anouba’s story is one of a woman who, through trials and doubts, found fulfilment by dedicating her life to God. Her testimony shows that vocation is a path to true happiness
My Journey to Consecrated Life
My name is Astrid Anouba, and I come from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. I am the youngest of five children from a family originally from the eastern part of the country. My faith journey began early in life at my local parish, where I grew up surrounded by missionaries and attended catechism classes. It was there that I first discovered God’s love, a love that was passed on to me by my parents, especially my mother, through their example of faith within our small family community.
As I grew older, my parish experience deepened my relationship with God. Observing the various vocations in the Church helped me understand that each person can love God in a unique way. At the age of 15, I felt a strong desire to love God without fully understanding what that meant. Over time, I realised that this desire was an invitation to dedicate my life to Him.
The Call to Consecrated Life
I had a pivotal moment when my catechist spoke about the different vocations within the Church. As he described the life of consecrated religious, an immense joy filled my heart. It felt like a revelation — I wanted to love God in that way, completely and without reservation. That desire continued to grow within me.
After finishing secondary school and training as a nurse, I continued my discernment journey with the help of a brother from the Missionary Community. It wasn’t easy, especially at the start. My family struggled to understand my choice, and some friends mocked me, saying it didn’t suit me. But deep down, the flame of divine love continued to burn strongly.
A Journey of Discernment in Community
By joining a missionary group, I grew both as a person and spiritually. I came to understand that this call wasn’t from me but from God. He spoke to my heart and called me to dedicate my life to Him. In this certainty, I found joy, strength, and confirmation that this was my path.
My first vocational retreat took place in Yamoussoukro, at a sisters’ formation house. During that retreat, one passage from Scripture deeply resonated with me: “Whoever loses their life for My sake will find it, but whoever wants to save their life will lose it.” These words profoundly touched my heart, and I responded with conviction: “Lord, I want to lose my life for You.” Since that day, this Scripture has been a faithful companion, reminding me at every step that it was God who called me.
God’s Providential Support
On the day of my first vows in 2024, the Gospel reading was the same passage that had touched me during my retreat. It felt like a providential sign that God was still by my side, guiding and strengthening me. Religious vocation is not an end in itself but a continuous journey of renewal. Even after making my vows, I still feel an unquenchable thirst for God — a relentless desire to know Him more deeply and love Him more fully.
What draws me most to consecrated life is this constant search for God, a quest that never ends. It is a journey towards the infinite, a lifelong pursuit of the One who transcends human life. For me, there is nothing more beautiful than seeking God, surrendering to Him, and living in relationship with others, especially those searching for meaning, love, and God.
A Path of Acceptance and Peace
At first, my parents found it difficult to accept my choice. They hoped I would pursue university studies and a career because I had always loved learning. It was a shock for them. However, over time, they saw my happiness in this path, which reassured them and strengthened our relationship. Today, I give thanks to God for bringing peace and serenity to my family regarding my vocation.
Joining the Missionary Community of Villaregia answered a question that had haunted me for years: “Lord, what do You want me to do with my life?” It was as if that inner thirst had finally been quenched. My heart is now filled with the fullness of God, a peace that surpasses all words.
A Life Dedicated to Serving Others
Community life has been a place of personal and spiritual growth for me. It helped me realise that my vocation is not just an individual call but a shared mission. It is within this community dimension that I have learned to love and serve, to grow as a woman consecrated to God. Here, I continue to discover the person God wants me to become.
To young people who feel called to consecrated life, I say: do not be afraid to take the leap. Trust in God, for He takes nothing from you — He gives you everything. Discernment, courage, and faith are the keys to answering this call with joy and fulfilment.
