When I was nine I had a clear idea where I wanted to devote my life! My parents have two sons, and although Heinrich was only three at the time, Konrad was fifteen, and he was helping Dad a lot on the vineyard. I knew our home would be safe in my brother's hands and so I knew I could easily enough join the Poor Clares and devote my life to contemplation and good works in the Second Order of Franciscans.
The convent I had in mind then as now was in Naples, in the south of Italy. I found out lots about it, and even printed photos which I put in frames in my room, I wanted to be my patron saint, Clare, and devote my life to God and become in essence the bride of Christ but in sackcloth! I don't remember ever being particularly saintly as I grew up, but I had the wish in my heart. I still do! It would be my life fulfilled to be a devoted nun in my patroness's tradition.
