Journeying from darkness to Christ's light with Kellie

Easter Vigil began in darkness with the blessing of the Paschal Candle, which represents Christ as the light of the world. Slowly all of the candidates, catechumens and sponsors lit their candles from the Paschal Candle and then, one by one, shared that light with the whole congregation, and the whole parish was lit up by candlelight. This is a reminder of the darkness in the world today and the ways that Christ is the light and will always be the light. We are called to share that light of Christ we each have in our hearts with our brothers and sisters and to draw them out of the darkness into his light and love.

Over the course of the last few years, I have gotten to walk with Kellie. She came to St. Gianna’s in the midst of darkness and great suffering. Over time, barriers were broken down and she received the truth of who she is and the love that God has for her. Kellie attended Bible study at St. Gianna’s, and after she moved out I continued to invite her to come back and receive God’s love for her in a deeper and profound way.

I felt called to continue our friendship after I switched positions at CSS, and over the past year have accompanied Kellie on her journey to the Catholic faith. This Easter Vigil I stood beside her as her sponsor into the Catholic Church, where she received the sacraments of confession, confirmation and first Communion. During the Mass, Kellie was radiating joy and peace. She was finally able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist after longing for him. Kellie shared that after she received these sacraments she has been overwhelmed with gratitude and mercy. She went home that night and prayed in gratitude to God for saving her from the depths of despair and darkness, for the joys and the blessings she has received, and for bringing her to the light of Christ.

God is good.