When Sonja Larson graduated from Viterbo University in 2014 with a vocal performance degree and a Fulbright Scholarship to continue her studies of music of the Holocaust, she wasn’t sure where life would lead her. But she knew one thing.

“I knew I wanted to give my life to God, in whatever He willed for me,” she said, noting she had a conversion experience at her final Magnify Retreat at Viterbo.

She doesn’t go anymore by the name she grew up with as a farm kid in western Minnesota, a name that was becoming increasingly well-known in serious music circles. As of Feb. 2, she began her two-year novitiate at the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Roswell, New Mexico, and was given a new name: Sr. Maria Karolina of Christ, Eternal High Priest.

Thinking of her future back in 2014, Sister Maria Karolina said in an email interview, “I would never have imagined the Poor Clares. Sacred ethnomusicologist and/or missionary abroad, yes; cloistered contemplative nun, no way!”

Her Fulbright work took her to Poland, where the Catholic culture strengthened her faith and resolve to serve God. After her studies were done, she stayed another year to teach English, immersing herself in parish ministry and directing music and media for a charity that serves children with disabilities.

“It was actually a serious head injury that woke me up to the fact that I have just one short life to follow Christ, and that He was calling me to place all my trust in Him, let go of my fears, and take some big leaps of faith,” Sr. Maria Karolina said.

She made her first visit to the Roswell monastery on a “nun run” with classmates from Augustine Institute in Denver, where she earned a master’s degree in theology. “I came with no expectations other than a beautiful weekend with cloistered nuns and went home with what I was sure was a loving invitation from Our Lord to join this monastery,” she said.

The Poor Clares history goes back to 1212, when St. Clare of Assisi and St. Francis of Assisi co-founded the order. There are an estimated 20,000 Poor Clares in 75 countries, with the monastery in Roswell part of the Colettine Poor Clares. Members of all the Poor Clare orders follow her example of rejecting earthly trappings and devoting life to prayer and praising God.

One week after graduating from the Augustine Institute, Sister Maria Karolina returned to Roswell for a weeklong visit, during which she decided to join. Her first step was a year called “aspirancy,” during which she quit her job, gave away her possessions, spent time with family, and ­reflected on her choice to join the order.

Then came a year of “postulancy” involving deeper formation and discernment, after which she started her two-year novitiate, wearing the Franciscan Habit and white novice veil. During this period, she will study Scripture, theology, prayer, chant, virtue, the vows, the Poor Clares Holy Rule, and calligraphy.

She hopes to make first vows in 2022 and perpetual—“solemn”—vows in 2027.

The 24 women at the monastery range in age from 22–80, all with unique backgrounds and talent. Sr. Maria ­Karolina brings exceptional music, poetry, and photography skills to the order.

Sr. Maria Karolina, whose special mission is praying for priests, is enjoying the rich life at the monastery, which revolves around Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office.

“The Liturgy is at the heart of everything we do, all in a beautiful balance of prayer and work, study and recreation, fasting and feasting with the purpose of the praise of God and the salvation of all,” she said, noting that the pandemic has not disrupted life there too greatly. “We are especially praying that this trial will bring moral and spiritual healing to our world and ultimately inspire a discovery and/or re-prioritization of God, prayer, and family in each human heart.”