nisicommuni:

My hands shook as I drove the familiar drive to Saint Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church as I have done almost daily for 460 days. As night fell and my sponsor and I passed through the back door of the Church I realized ever more how distinctly my life would change on this night. As all those being received into the Church tonight gathered in the back room, my heart danced with anticipation of the great things Christ would soon do for me. Minutes ticked away and, for the last time as a non- Catholic, I veiled my head.

Quietly we stood outside around the Easter fire which was lit to symbolize Christ’s triumph over death and eternal victory over the grave. As the Mass started and the paschal candle was lit, my anticipation seemed to overflow from my heart. 

Pleading with our Lord in my final minutes of preparation I listened to the readings being proclaimed. Many times did I pour out the simple words “I love you Jesus” to my blessed Lord on the Cross. Fighting back what seemed to be a waterfall of tears, I was many times comforted with the words, “I love you my dear child and now you will understand how much.” Oh to feel these words from my savior! 

Finally being called to the sacrament of Baptism, my body felt as if it weighed ten times over that which is normal. In the most real sense possible I felt as if I carried with me the burdens of my life and the terrible sin which I have harbored for so long with me to the font. Hearing for the first time my new name of Cecilia proclaimed, my heart went out to her. With the cold water of baptism being poured over my head I felt, with each shell full of precious water, my sins being washed away. With this water, thankfully hiding my tears of thanksgiving, I was made a new creation and finally re-born into the Holy Family. Clothed in a white robe, finally, I felt clean. Worthy now to partake of our Lord, all the more my heart yearned for HIM! 

Standing before the Altar where my beautiful Jesus would become present once again, I became aware how great my need was for the second sacrament He would give to me. Through the hand of Fr. Tighe, with the seal of Sacred Chrism, Jesus promised me in this moment to bestow on me the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Strengthened with these gifts, my walk with him shall bare more fruit than I have imagined. 

The next moments are ones which I had dreamed of for so long and yet still surpassed all expectation. So fully aware of the great gift God was about to give us in the Eucharist, my heart could not contain my thanksgiving. As Christ, through his servant Fr. Tighe, spoke the words “THIS IS MY BODY” my heart cried out in love and adoration for my precious Lord! Far more than I had imagined my soul wished to unite with His! Oh and to know that in just minutes I would! How magnificent is Jesus! 

Upon reception of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, how can one but offer him their life? He freely has given me His Sacred Body, therefore I give him my entire being. 

Returning to my place in the first row of the Church, my heart could not proclaim enough thanksgiving. Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord! Oh, but not to forget the Blessed Mother who brought to us such a savior! Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! 

As the congregation processed receiving our Lord, I continued to plead that they, too, might comprehend some share in the truth of the Eucharistic banquet! 

This night is one never to be forgotten. It was tonight that Jesus picked me up from the terrible and sin filled life I was living and allowed me to dine with him at the eternal paschal feast! 

Deo Gratias! Ego sum Catholicam!!! 

My dear friend, it is good to be HOME.