Part 3: A Journey of Faith and Discovery

Life as a high school student often feels like a balancing act, where the familiar intertwines with the unfamiliar, shaping our understanding of the world around us. During this transformative time, one particular experience stood out—a gathering with the Alliance of the Two Hearts, where I had the opportunity to meet someone who would leave a lasting impression on my faith journey: Father John, an OATH Priest.

Father John was a petite figure, yet he exuded a powerful presence that drew everyone in. It was fascinating to observe the youth group and the sisters light up at his arrival; there was an undeniable energy in the air. My friend leaned in, her voice filled with admiration, and told me just how holy he was, hinting at the incredible spiritual gifts he possessed. This concept was entirely new to me, a glimpse into a world of faith that I had yet to explore.

As our conversation unfolded, she shared that her sister had developed a close relationship with Father John while navigating her own discernment towards a religious vocation. It was the first time I encountered the term "manifestation," a concept that would soon become significant in my understanding of spiritual guidance. These manifestations involved intimate one-on-one sessions where the sister, along with other youth, would share their feelings and experiences with Father John, seeking clarity and direction in their spiritual journeys.

Her family's influence in bringing this religious order to South Sioux City was evident, rooted deeply in their commitment to St. Michael's Church. I admired her parents immensely; they were some of the kindest and most generous individuals I had ever met, embodying a true heart of gold. Their Catholic faith was paramount, and I knew they played a vital role, both spiritually and financially, in supporting the institution that had become a cornerstone of the St. Michael community.

This experience not only opened my eyes to the rich tapestry of faith and community that surrounded me but also sparked a curiosity within me. It was a reminder that the journey of discernment is as much about connection and support as it is about individual exploration. As I navigated the complexities of high school life, I found solace in the relationships I was building and the faith that was beginning to take root within me.

It was a moment that caught me completely off guard. There I was, standing in the midst of a vibrant gathering, when Father John approached me. I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me; his presence was both intimidating and inviting. Our conversation was brief, yet it left a profound impact on me. After a few exchanged words, he handed me something—a card featuring a Saint, St. Faustina, to be exact.

At that moment, I was filled with confusion. I had no idea who St. Faustina was or what significance this card held. Father John encouraged me to pray to her and ask for her divine intercession. The terminology caught me off guard. Intercession? What did that even mean? Why was he asking me to do this? My mind began to spiral with questions, each one more overwhelming than the last.

In my quest for clarity, I turned to my friend, holding up the card and asking her about it. She quickly recognized the significance of what I had received and launched into an explanation. She detailed the life of St. Faustina, her connection to the Divine Mercy, and the profound importance of the relic card I now held in my hands.

"A relic!" she exclaimed. "That means it contains a piece of St. Faustina herself!"

I was both fascinated and a little terrified by the weight of this revelation. Here I was, a teenager grappling with the complexities of faith, suddenly thrust into a world where the spiritual intertwined with the tangible. The idea that I was now connected to someone so holy, someone who had a profound impact on the youth and Church, was both exhilarating and daunting.

As I processed this information, I realized how much I had yet to learn about the faith I was beginning to embrace. The card was more than just a piece of paper; it was a bridge to a deeper understanding of spiritual intercession and the richness of the Catholic tradition. In that moment, I knew I was stepping into a new chapter of my faith journey, one filled with exploration, questions, and the potential for growth.

Fr. John stood before us, addressing the youth with an enthusiasm that was both infectious and inspiring. As he spoke, I could sense the excitement in the room, especially when he mentioned an upcoming event that everyone seemed eagerly awaiting: World Youth Day. It was 2005, and the gathering would take place in Cologne, Germany. I had little understanding of what this meant, but I sat there, wide-eyed, soaking in the atmosphere and trying to grasp the significance of it all.

What struck me even more was the announcement of a 30-day pilgrimage organized through the Alliance of the Two Hearts. The journey would take them not just to Germany, but also to Poland and Prague. I learned that youth and Catholics from around the world would converge to hear from the Pope and embark on a spiritual journey together. The thought of such a grand adventure was overwhelming; what could possibly happen over the course of 30 days? It felt like an eternity to me.

When someone asked if I would be attending, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. This was the first time I was hearing about it, and the pilgrimage was set for early August. My response came instinctively: “No way!” I laughed, dismissing the idea with a wave of my hand. I was set to compete in the Iowa High School State Softball Tournament, and there was no way I would give up my chance to play softball for this gathering. To me, the choice was clear—softball over everything!

In that moment, I felt a twinge of guilt as the other youth around me buzzed with excitement about the pilgrimage. I respected their commitment, but my priorities were elsewhere. Even so, I made one small promise: I would pray the prayer on the back of the St. Faustina card that Father John had gifted me. That was all I was willing to commit to at that point—a simple gesture that felt manageable amidst my busy life.

Little did I know that this small act would plant a seed of faith that would grow within me in ways I couldn’t yet comprehend. While my heart was still tethered to the softball diamond, another part of me was beginning to open up to the possibilities of a spiritual journey, one that would eventually lead me on a path I never anticipated. As I left the gathering that day, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much larger than myself.