Although most people don't realize it, I have a charismatic side that I occasionally let out. This only happens 2-3 times a year, but today was definitely one of them. I decided to visit my former choir (the praise and worship group) and it just happened to be the day where all of the children in the area were being confirmed and received their first communion. I haven't personally attended a first communion for about 10 years, so I was really excited to see the 50 children. On top of this, the bishop was there.
While all of these seven and eight year olds were being confirmed, there were so many things I was thinking about. Of course I was looking at each of the dresses in hopes of seeing something I would like for a flower girl, but don't worry I had many other things on my mind. As I continue to approach my vocation to marriage, I was thinking and praying for each of these children. Each has a vocation that God intends for them, but how many parents will continue bringing them to mass and nurture their faith. I prayed that they continue on this path towards holiness and that each is able to discover their own vocation. Of the 20 or so boys who were confirmed, how many will be called to the priesthood? It amazed me just to think that there were future priests walking among us and one day they will do wonderful things for our church.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
The Proposal
On May 16, 2007 around noon, Nathan asked me to marry him. The answer was obviously a huge "yes," but for those who have been extremely curious and can no longer contain their excitement, here are the details and the story that goes along with it.
We have been on a pilgrimage in Canada for a week now and are heading home today. Nathan and I have been planning this trip for the majority of the last year for USM'
s Catholic Newman Club. It has been a huge task for the both of us, but a great thing for us to do together. Thankfully, he took care of all of the actual arrangements like hotels and I was in charge of the money portion. We began in Quebec City where we went to visit St. Anne de Beaupre. After spending two days there, we moved on to Trois Rivieres to stay at Notre Dame du Cap. It was a beautiful place to be and I had never previously heard of it before. Upon walking into the basilica (as seen in the picture), I was amazed at how large the church was. It was much more modern than the majority of churches I have seen, but I found it to be beautiful.
I am a huge creature of habit and Nathan definitely knows that. Whenever walking into a church, the
first thing I do is find Jesus. I genuflect and then begin looking around. I quickly spot the statue of Mary and make my way over. I walked around for a bit and like I always do, I knelt in front of Mary. It is here that I always pray for her guidance; that I may become more like her. At this point, Nathan knelt next to me. This is completely typical of us, so I had yet to expect anything. When we pray together, whether in front of the Blessed Mother or the tabernacle, we always pray individually first about our own intentions and then we hold hands and pray with each other. At this point, he started talking to me. We have this cute little game that I'm sure others find to be completely obnoxious if they ever hear us where we ask the other to "guess what." He proceeded to 
ask me to "guess what" and he said that he loved me. After another guessing, he said that he was going to marry me. He then moved his arm, which I expected would be placed around me, but instead it went for his pocket. The next thing I knew, he was off the little ledge that we were kneeling on, was on one knee, and had a ring in his hand. He then asked if I would be his wife. At this point, we aren't actually sure if I said yes or not. I was in complete shock, had a huge smile on my face, and hugged him as fast as possible. I barely remember the ring being slipped on my finger since I was floating so high in the sky.
We then turne
d back to prayer, obviously with a completely new intention. All the while, I keep turning my gaze between him, my hand, and the Blessed Mother. I don't know if I have ever been so happy, excited, content, and had so many other feelings at the same time before. We then got up and lit a candle together in front of the Blessed Mother (obviously a blue one). Finally, we went to kneel once again and Nathan wrote a prayer intention that we left there (I was still in too much shock to think straight). He asked for Our Lady's intercession in our relationship. That I may continue to grow closer to her and model my own life after her.
It was a beautiful time for both of us and I wouldn't change any of it. For those who are curious, I know it was one of my mother's first questions, we are planning to take part in the Sacrament of Marriage next summer. We are praying that we can be married on July 26, 2008 which is the feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim (Mary's parents) and also my late grandfather's birthday. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue along our path.
Sts. Anne and Joachim, pray for us. Our Lady of the Cape, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us.
We have been on a pilgrimage in Canada for a week now and are heading home today. Nathan and I have been planning this trip for the majority of the last year for USM'
s Catholic Newman Club. It has been a huge task for the both of us, but a great thing for us to do together. Thankfully, he took care of all of the actual arrangements like hotels and I was in charge of the money portion. We began in Quebec City where we went to visit St. Anne de Beaupre. After spending two days there, we moved on to Trois Rivieres to stay at Notre Dame du Cap. It was a beautiful place to be and I had never previously heard of it before. Upon walking into the basilica (as seen in the picture), I was amazed at how large the church was. It was much more modern than the majority of churches I have seen, but I found it to be beautiful.I am a huge creature of habit and Nathan definitely knows that. Whenever walking into a church, the
first thing I do is find Jesus. I genuflect and then begin looking around. I quickly spot the statue of Mary and make my way over. I walked around for a bit and like I always do, I knelt in front of Mary. It is here that I always pray for her guidance; that I may become more like her. At this point, Nathan knelt next to me. This is completely typical of us, so I had yet to expect anything. When we pray together, whether in front of the Blessed Mother or the tabernacle, we always pray individually first about our own intentions and then we hold hands and pray with each other. At this point, he started talking to me. We have this cute little game that I'm sure others find to be completely obnoxious if they ever hear us where we ask the other to "guess what." He proceeded to 
ask me to "guess what" and he said that he loved me. After another guessing, he said that he was going to marry me. He then moved his arm, which I expected would be placed around me, but instead it went for his pocket. The next thing I knew, he was off the little ledge that we were kneeling on, was on one knee, and had a ring in his hand. He then asked if I would be his wife. At this point, we aren't actually sure if I said yes or not. I was in complete shock, had a huge smile on my face, and hugged him as fast as possible. I barely remember the ring being slipped on my finger since I was floating so high in the sky.We then turne
d back to prayer, obviously with a completely new intention. All the while, I keep turning my gaze between him, my hand, and the Blessed Mother. I don't know if I have ever been so happy, excited, content, and had so many other feelings at the same time before. We then got up and lit a candle together in front of the Blessed Mother (obviously a blue one). Finally, we went to kneel once again and Nathan wrote a prayer intention that we left there (I was still in too much shock to think straight). He asked for Our Lady's intercession in our relationship. That I may continue to grow closer to her and model my own life after her.It was a beautiful time for both of us and I wouldn't change any of it. For those who are curious, I know it was one of my mother's first questions, we are planning to take part in the Sacrament of Marriage next summer. We are praying that we can be married on July 26, 2008 which is the feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim (Mary's parents) and also my late grandfather's birthday. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue along our path.
Sts. Anne and Joachim, pray for us. Our Lady of the Cape, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
You Never Know What's Inside
I am currently in Canada on a pilgrimage with other students from USM. Today we spent the day in Quebec City in search of churches. I absolutely love walking into new churches and discovering what history can be found inside. This city is a little different than some of the other cities I have been to on pilgrimages. In the middle of streets of shops, Catholic churches can be found all around. It's amazing how they are nestled into corners and nearly out of site. Upon first seeing them, there isn't anything special about the outside. Most have a simple steeple, peeling paint, and a wooden door. From the outside, there isn't anything too exciting. However, when walking in, it is amazing to discover the surprises inside each one. Some are covered in gold, relics are everywhere, the paintings are incredible, and not a single one is anything but magnificent.
This had me thinking. With these treasures being found with only a small amount of searching, what else are we missing in everyday life? I wonder how many people in this world look normal and nothing out of the ordinary, yet once you get to know what's inside, they're incredible people with amazing stories. If only we would stop for a moment and take the time to discover the inside beauty of those around us.
This had me thinking. With these treasures being found with only a small amount of searching, what else are we missing in everyday life? I wonder how many people in this world look normal and nothing out of the ordinary, yet once you get to know what's inside, they're incredible people with amazing stories. If only we would stop for a moment and take the time to discover the inside beauty of those around us.
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