Diary of A Convert-Sixth Excerpt

Diary of a Convert-6th Excerpt

“My First Ash Wednesday”

February 14, 2029 Ash Wednesday

I have signed up to be an official parishioner of my local parish. I have been attending Mass every Sunday, been going to First Friday Exposition and Benediction, attending RCIA, and praying the Stations of the Cross. During this time, I have been building up my little Catholic Library, I now have over a hundred books to read. I’ve been kind of busy. I have also been spending an hour of adoration in the chapel every Saturday. With everything going on, I have come to feel that the priesthood is calling me. I had recently talked to my older brother. He told me that he is proud of me in turning my life around.

On Sunday before Ash Wednesday, my entire RCIA group and I visited a Catholic resort, where we learned about the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross. It is beautiful there. They have an outdoor path in a little bit of woods with these stone pillars depicting the Stations of the Cross. I walked the Stations by myself and prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy while there. I asked Jesus that if there is anyway for me to relieve Him of at least a little bit of His suffering for us, to please let it be known to me and I will do my best. This was when I felt more confirmed of the priesthood calling me.

I had a rather amusing encounter on Ash Wednesday before Mass. I went to the park to read my Bible and ended up meeting a few members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Mormons as they are more commonly known. It’s amusing to me because, even though we were not admitting to doing it to each other, they were trying to evangelize me, and I was trying to evangelize them. They were nice people; I was just hoping that maybe I could get them to at least attend one Mass. I did extend an invitation to them, but they didn’t seem interested. I know that I must first work on myself before I can try to help others, but I wanted to try.

I received Ashes for the first time. I felt so loved and encouraged upon receiving them. Before Mass began today, I saw a homeless man sleeping outside the Church in the parking lot. I wanted to help him, but unfortunately, I had nothing to give him, money or food-wise. When he awoke, we talked a little. I had a guardian angel bracelet. Trying not brag, because it specifically states in the Bible that we should not brag or act proud of our good deeds. I’m just mentioning it here to make a point. I gave him my bracelet, taught him the guardian angel prayer and the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. We prayed together. I don’t think I’ll ever see him again, but I do pray and hope that he receives all the help he needs.