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Choosing to become a Catholic at 17: Testimony of Frederick
Editor's note: This article was published in the September 13 edition of the magazine NIC .
"Young people are made to the ideal of Truth. If we do not offer them, they break everything ... "
-Dom Vidal, paraphrasing Claudel
THE JOY OF TEACHING - A good summer ... in the rain? Immediately change the subject! Dear readers of this column diligent, I thought to start the New Year editorial by giving you the joyful witness post-confirmation (thank you to Bishop Gazaille and the entire team of the Montreal cathedral) of one of my old Students at Villa Maria, a rough diamond who graduated last June after two years under my soft rod.
At the awards end of year she won, I called the "homing" you know what kind of student who you are bombarded with questions ... Sir, why ... why ... Why? The kind of student who, through their growing passion, justifies our own, more ancient. Students in which, after all, there are issues that are ... we started at almost exactly the same for everyone.
This testimony, I hear it as a thanksgiving for each and every one of you who prayed for my young past three years, and also as a sign of hope. What the Spirit was with Frederick, he may do with any young-and old! - Quebec. Frédérique now read:
"I was born into a family that, like most families in Quebec after the Quiet Revolution, chose not to practice the Catholic religion. Why then I decided, at age 17, let me confirm this? Probably because the confirmation is a significant rite of passage in the Catholic religion and it was important for me to take this step which shows the statement of my faith. At the time of my confirmation on 27 June, there were nearly two years I was walking with my religion teacher, Mr. Luc Phaneuf, who has literally made a miraculous work with me. It is through to him that I became who I am today, although he would not agree, it seems like the Holy Spirit who does the work through him.
Two years ago, I knew virtually nothing about the religion of my ancestors. It was well taught me some basics in elementary school, and I made my first communion and my baptism of tradition, but I do not quite understand the meaning of these sacraments. The fact that my parents do not practice did not improve my situation. For me, the Catholic religion was part of the historical heritage, but was no longer valid.
So when Mr. Phaneuf came to my class of fourth-girls school Villa Maria College as devout Catholic, I was both very surprised and somewhat puzzled. Surprise, because I thought my new teacher was straight out of a box of relics (religion? Is archaic!) And intrigued, because I'm having a specimen before me, a practicing Catholic, Quebec in 2007?
However, more courses marched, the more I learned and I loved what I learned. God, I had hitherto seen as a bearded man a bit harsh, became a father and a loving friend who had a life plan for me and needed me. "It was nevertheless difficult for the 16 year old that I was to absorb and accept all that new. I asked endless questions like: how to be certain that God exists? How do I know if our God is indeed God, if not rather Yahweh or Allah? Why the Church does condemn abortion when she knows that most women who opt for it or are too young to have a baby, or emotionally or financially unstable? Why, if religion is supposed to bring so much happiness, the number of faithful Quebec decreases it for decades?
When I started my eleventh grade, I was not yet fixed as to the religious question. Fortunately, opportunities related to religion were presented to me. First, I was invited by Mr. Phaneuf to accompany him with his family in the course of business "Faith and Family "taking place in Chertsey on a site belonging to the sisters nuns of Bethlehem, and organized by the parish of St. Louis of France.
My job was to keep in Chertsey and animate the children while their parents attended a Mass and other activities. This experience opened my eyes to the fact that Catholicism, although rare, was still present in Quebec.
was the first time I found myself among young families who had at heart to live every day with God and His love to send their children. I remember thinking: "If I had younger brothers and sisters, that's what I wanted to teach them."
It is also at "Faith and Family" that I 'I met the nuns of Bethlehem, I was really moved and impressed. These women face an incredibly bright and while it exudes happiness and goodness. During my fifth school, so I participated in three "Faith and Family", in addition to returning once in Chertsey for a semi-retired two days I talked long hours with the sisters.
The second opportunity presented itself to me was the formation of the Circle by Edith Stein, M. Phaneuf. Indeed, some of my classmates and I had the opportunity once a week after school to discuss various topics and to deepen our knowledge of Catholicism.
It is through these activities and especially in these crucial meetings that around last spring, I decided to seek confirmation and consider me officially as Catholic. However, this has not been easy. I said to myself: "What future for me? I must be the only 17 year old daughter to believe in God. How do I do? "Or" Do I agree with ALL that really preaches the Church? Does God really listen when I pray? I do not feel it. "
Today, I still have many questions, but I am pleased to have been confirmed. I feel I made the right choice. I promise to live my life with God and for God and be eternally grateful to His Son who died to save me. "
THE STRENGTH OF THE EVIDENCE - The Truth, like love, is inherently diffusive. Thus, every Christian worthy of the name-of his vocation, in that it comprises of radicalism, should naturally lead to other, first by the force of his testimony to a life full of joy. The begetting of new Christians is one of the greatest spiritual joys that were!
Each year during the confirmation of my students, a deep spiritual joy overwhelmed me to tears discrete. And I am convinced that this is for all catechists in Quebec and elsewhere. Lord thank you Frederick! Thank you for allowing me to be your poor instrument with him!
Frederica, in his testimony, a book the evangelists and educators in the faith of Quebec for a user manual, almost a recipe! She first confirms that young people today are still asking the big questions about the meaning of life, which is obvious. However, these questions require answers.
But as these responses are not just theoretical, but they also relate to a mode of being, well hierarchical values, a type of presence world, reminds us that Frederica is that these answers existential need to find answers in PEOPLE meaningful for these kids.
In sum, we return to the importance of the testimony of authentic Christians with them. Christian educators, be they parents, friends, school or church, who can answer their questions and eager to perfect their whole life. Models, what! Imperfect, but assumed road to perfection, with Christ as head of rope.
Frédérique chose to become a Christian because she found along the way a teacher convinced the nuns radiant, young Christian family united in the sacrament of love, marriage. There is no doubt that without these people over, she would still be alone, certainly less happy, less fulfilled, his head full of unanswered questions, the heart facing a revolt against the destructive and sterile ugliness of the world.
turn now with his new Christian friends, Frédérique attempt to transmit to others the divine flame of love's eternal Father, who now runs his life. Continue to pray for her, and through it, for all young people in Quebec who are waiting for this Encounter with the One who can give meaning to their lives until the total stray-son for what, what girl can live without the love of the Father?
Here! For those wishing to visit the blog of Mr. Phaneuf is here! To visit the magazine The NIC is there! : D
Again, great comments! (Subtle message! Hihihi)
