The reason I am Catholic can be found among the hundreds of miles, random strangers and new cities each day of the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. This summer, I walked the route that pilgrims have walked for centuries and yet it was completely unique. My Camino was different from anyone before me because of the people.
There was something in each person that the Father used to draw me closer to him; to teach me about his radical and enduring love. As I look at my life, I know: That is why I am Catholic. I am Catholic because of the “yes” and witness of those he has placed in my life to bring me to himself: to bring me home.
I am Catholic because of the gift of being raised in a Catholic family, with a mother who instilled the importance of commitment to Mass, a sister who prayed for me through the angsty pre-teen years, and a father who shared the unconditional and steady love of the Father. I am Catholic because of my CCD teacher who inspired me to pray the rosary every night before bed through high school. I am Catholic because of the grandmas at Mass who showed me it truly is possible to live on fire for Jesus every day of life. I am Catholic because of the country priest who courageously challenged us to know the person Jesus. I am Catholic because of the beautiful missionary women who pursued my freshman heart at college, welcomed me into community, spoke charitably of all, and encouraged me to a daily prayer life.
I am Catholic because of a radical priest in Alaska who showed me the great adventure that “yes” can lead to, as he climbed Denali and led mission work in Siberia. I am Catholic because of the women religious who showed me the intimacy that Jesus wants with each of us. I am Catholic because of my middle schoolers and the ways they push me to greater authenticity and to rely on the Father for strength in trials. I am Catholic because I see the glory and wonder God has worked in the lives around me. By their “yes” each day to allow the Lord to guide their steps on the way to heaven, they have lit the way for me to follow. Each one of the people mentioned significantly altered the course of my life. Their presence led me closer to the Father and set my heart on fire for the fullness of life that is possible.
To all who read this, I hope you realize this story is our Catholic story, repeated throughout the ages and yet unique. You matter. Your existence is a significant part of a greater narrative. You may not realize the impact you have until you walk into the Great City one day. Now, I pray that you may have the courage to let the Lord shine within you to light the way for another. “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire” — St. Catherine of Siena.
Carlson, 24, is a middle school science teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in West St. Paul. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking, reading and doing anything outdoors.
