How a Childhood Encounter with “Dumbo” Sparked a Lifelong Calling

Sr. Mary Stuart shares how a childhood memory—her grandfather reading her the story of "Dumbo" and her grandmother comforting her with faith—sparked a lifelong sense of vocation. That moment of reassurance, reminding her that God is always present and protective, profoundly shaped her spiritual journey. Years later, during a time of uncertainty, she recalled her grandmother’s words and made the inspiring decision to dedicate her life to serving God, calling it the best decision she ever made.

“I lived in a two-family house with my maternal grandparents on the second floor. And I had two brothers, six and a half years older, and eight years older than I am. So when I came along, I think it was really my grandparents who had the bigger impact on me in my earliest years. I think they must have done a lot of caretaking. So I have a memory of my grandfather, who was bedridden at that point, reading me stories, including Dumbo.

Well, the particularly significant part in the Dumbo story is when he’s flying through this canyon, and he’s got the little mouse on his shoulder, and he’s afraid because he feels he's in danger. And that night, I woke up crying and distraught because somehow, some part of me identified with Dumbo. So, my grandmother took me into her bed with her, and I remember her arms around me, saying, “Mary, you never need to be afraid, because God is always with you, and he’s always there to protect you.” And that had a profound effect on my life. I mean, I talked to God. I’d ride the bus to school, and I’d have these chats. And at the point when I was making my decision to join Religious Life, there was static with my family. I remember walking down the street and thinking to myself, “God has always taken care of me. He’s given me everything I have, and I want to give it all back. I want to be about God’s work.” That was the moment of my decision to enter the Daughters of Wisdom. One of the Sisters in school said, “Mary, you’ve got to make up your mind.” And I wasn’t sure. I can still see myself walking toward my house and thinking, “Okay, that’s it. That’s why I’m doing this.” And it all goes back to that night with my grandmother. There’s no question in my mind. It’s not that I ever thought about entering until I was probably a senior in high school. I wasn’t thinking about it for very long, and I felt really ambivalent. Yet, in that moment, I was totally sure. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Sr. Mary Stuart, DW, 86, (Sr. Christopher of Mary) is 66 years professed. Throughout her years of ministry, she has embraced a wide range of influential roles. She has served as an educator, spiritual director, pastoral counselor, hospital chaplain, school psychologist, and guidance counselor. Her leadership extended internationally as General Counselor on the Daughters of Wisdom International Leadership Team in Rome, Italy. Passionate about service, she volunteered at the Thailand center for unaccompanied Cambodian refugee children, contributed to the Formation Community in Washington, DC, and supported spiritual growth at Loyola University’s Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago. After retirement, she dedicated herself to volunteer work with the American Cancer Society, NODA, and the Daughters of Wisdom Vocation Committee. Above all, Sr. Mary Stuart is recognized as a lifelong learner, attentive listener, and compassionate responder.

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