LEWISTON – While in the hospital to have her tonsils removed, a little girl received a doll dressed in a nun’s habit. At 5 years old, the girl decided that she was going to be like that doll when she grew up.

Born in Auburn and raised in Lewiston, Sister Renee Turcotte embarked on a religious journey that led her to France, where she received her training and first took her vows in 1954 at age 18.

As part of the centennial celebration of the Dominican Sisters of the Roman Congregation on Sunday, Sister Turcotte renewed her vows before a full, standing congregation in Saints Peter and Paul Church.

During the past 50 years, Turcotte never doubted her commitment and has traveled the world living out the original call – set forth by the Dominican Order of Preachers nearly 700 years ago – to spread the Gospel.

“I’m still ready to go wherever I’m sent,” said Turcotte. “I’m young, you know. I get antsy and I like to see new places. It’s an adventure and a way of discovering people, what they need, and how I can serve.”

Turcotte’s vow of obedience took her all across the United States. She studied in Rome, where she shared the international nature of the Dominican Sisters, and in Mexico, where she learned the Hispanic culture and expectations of the church.

Turcotte landed at one point in Morocco, where she managed to navigate the markets of Casablanca for five years, speaking Arabic.

“That was exciting,” said Turcotte. “Besides teaching English, I was in charge of getting all of the food and supplies for the school. I had never done these things before.”

Even though Turcotte has spent the past 50 years as a teacher, her deepest desire was to participate in mission work. The opportunity came when a small Western town, served only by a traveling priest, needed its neglected parish to be resurrected.

Sister Turcotte spent six years implementing educational programs and parish assistance to the people of Strawn, Texas. She fixed up the dilapidated church building and went out into the community. Turcotte drew another 100 people to the original congregation of 65 before she left.

“It was like a new world. I was ready to live the rest of my life there,” said Turcotte. “I could freely give of myself to all the people who were happy to have someone. I got to know everyone intimately and really had a connection to the people there.”

But Turcotte’s dedication to the Dominican Sisters has taken her to three other states since then, and brought her back home to Lewiston in 1995. As the youngest of seven siblings, and one of three surviving, Turcotte said she is happy to be home, where she volunteers as an assistant to the Rev. Robert D. Lariviere, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Church.

“Right now, I’m thrilled to be working with a wonderful pastor,” said Turcotte. “He’s a very kind and gentle man. And I’m grateful for all the years that I’ve had in the order.”