Michael Shaneyfelt

I am from Southern California, about an hour north of Los Angeles, in a small town full of beautiful orchards and an ocean breeze. I graduated from small private, Catholic liberal art high school that formed me and prepared me for the difficult questions that have consistently arisen in my life. I found myself drinking and abusing nicotine in high school which made my relationship with Christ a nuisance instead of a necessity. I knew that I needed His grace and love but decided instead to put my comfort into temporary pleasures. After graduating High School in 2018, I eventually chose to go to College and picked Benedictine College because I was blessed to witness the formation and overall goodness that was infused within my four other siblings that had attended the same college.

After being in a relationship for 2 ½ years, I found myself aching for His heart amidst confusion due to bad habits and a fogged conscience. Christ changed this at SEEK 2019 (a Fellowship Of Catholic University Students conference, also known as FOCUS Conference). During the last Keynote, I felt the Holy Spirit jab me in the heart, clearing away the frustration and anxiety and thus filling the space with clarity and an openness to the Father's love.

How could I leave all that was attractive? All that gave me instant pleasure? It took a lot of healing and prayers. I realized as the prodigal son runs to meet the gaze and embrace Our Heavenly Father (who is ALSO running), the son would have to drop all that was in his hands in order to fully embrace the Father. I had to let go of everything in order to fully sprint and embrace Him! I ended up discerning for 2 ½ years with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York City. Within that period of discernment, a number of graces were given. My eye was healed in Hawaii after a gardening accident. I learned what spiritual fatherhood meant and its importance in our society. I found a deep love for the saints and the power of intercessory prayer. An encounter with Our Lady of Guadalupe guided me into a deeper sense of humility and without a doubt, fell in love with her. Just a couple of months ago I was almost killed, twice (back to back days), in the ocean and on a fishing trip, thus helping me to see the importance of life at every moment and especially the Lord’s mercy. As I enter into my Senior year of college and being in a beautiful relationship, I can clearly see where the Lord has been working in my life and I am forever grateful.