From Pepsi to religious life: 'It's a wonderful time to be a Christian in Hungary'
"Hungary is such a safe place for Christians right now. It's a wonderful time to be a Christian in Hungary; the conditions are optimal for the Church to spread the Gospel message."
Sister Laura Baritz, often called Sister Pepsi, owes her nickname to her atypical career, because before embracing her religious vocation in Hungary, she held a leadership position in the American Pepsi company.
For the National Catholic Register, she testifies to her journey of faith but also to the life of Christians in Hungary today.
“I worked for Pepsi Cola for five to six years,” says Sister Laura Baritz, “I was a businesswoman, I was in charge of business operations.” But when her mother is diagnosed with cancer, she decides to stop everything to devote herself to her.
"During this period, my faith began to deepen. I felt closer and closer to Jesus. I prayed more, I had a much more active life of faith."
The death of her mother then came as a revelation to her.
“The moment my mother passed away was actually a life-changing experience. I was with her, I was holding her in my arms, and when the light left her eyes, I really felt that Jesus took my arms in his. She was with him."
"I wanted to follow Christ and his will", continues Sister Pepsi, "I went to visit a Dominican convent in Hungary and I felt at home there".
"It was a sign from Jesus that this was my place. I entered the convent just a year after my mother died. Jesus took my life into his hands."
The nun also speaks about the life of Christians in Hungary today. “Our prime minister speaks publicly about Christian values,” she explains, “even in the European Parliament, and our basic laws on family and marriage show that Christianity remains the compass of our society. ethics remain compulsory in schools, even in public schools".
A few days before the Pope's visit, she affirms, "it is a wonderful time to be a Christian in Hungary".
"Hungary is such a safe place for Christians right now. It's a wonderful time to be a Christian in Hungary; the conditions are optimal for the Church to spread the Gospel message."
MC
