Christine Michael
I have sometimes wished that my life had a mindblowing conversion story, but growing up I felt it was just average. I was blessed with God-fearing parents who made it a point that we go to mass every Sunday along with catechism classes, and almost every evening we had our knees to the ground during our family rosary. I never developed a distaste for the faith even if it got a little monotonous or routine. I suppose it was my parents life of faith and sacrifice that made everything seamless. I did often wonder if there was anything more to this life other than going through the motions. That’s when I turned to the saints. As a little girl, St. Joan of Arc’s passion for listening to God’s voice and devoting her life to following His will, inspired me greatly. There seemed to be nothing average about sainthood.
In Grade 8, I was introduced to the Jesus Youth Movement by some family friends, and that was when I realised that there was a group of people whose goal in this life was becoming and forming saints - jackpot. I have two incredible brothers, one of which is my twin, so I have never lacked a sense of friendship in my life. Even still, this new community of faith provided a sense of fellowship that I never knew I needed. To emphasize how God’s hand was truly always present at every bend of my life- one of those JY’s I met would become my spouse many years later.
Before university, most things I could achieve in my life with little effort and it was great. It was during my five years in the University of Waterloo when I faced challenges where my best was not enough and my feeling of inadequacy grew. The presence of my twin brother, the rest of my family, our JY fellowship in Waterloo, and the prayers of my loved ones, made all of it bearable. It was not until I adopted the spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux, that 2 Corinthians 12:9 made any sense and I was genuinely able to “boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” There is nothing more liberating than praising God for your weaknesses and inviting Him to use it for His glory.
This realization opened my heart to another yes that changed my life once again, and continues to do so everyday - my husband. Through him, God continues to pursue me in every moment, even when I’m frail, distant, and ignorant. We are sure of God’s amazing plans for our marriage and our mission!