My Brain Just Might Explode

That's right...after last weekend of Eucharistic Congress amazingness, I felt like my brain was going to explode after taking in so much good stuff.

Here's a little slide show of my experience.

On the Spiritual Side of Things

On September 11th, I will be flying into Washington, D.C. for a Eucharistic Congress held by the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious. The theme of the Congress is Sacrifice of Enduring Love. The Congress will draw participants to the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of enduring love, the way of all communion between God and His people.

Speakers will focus upon priesthood, religious life and marriage as:

• an irrevocable commitment;

• an identification with Christ in his submission to the Will of the Father; and

• a complete gift of self in love.

I'm so excited to go to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is also known as America's Catholic Church. It is the largest Catholic Church in the United States and in North America. It's actually one of ten largest churches in the world.
This trip is a pilgrimage of sorts for me. The retreats, trainings, and other events I've attended of the last several years have been primarily focused on teens, or the service to teens in ministry. Don't get me wrong, these types of events are great and I do get to spend a lot of time in prayer with the Lord. However, they have not been focused on the discernment of my personal vocation--nor do I take time to allow Christ to fill my cup completely in order to serve.

The last three, four, five times I've been to adoration, I've felt this calling and overwhelming love of Jesus Christ. I have just wanted to stay there and sing, "I love you," to my Savior over and over again. It is this stirring that has lead me to go on this trip.

Also, I want to share with you a book I'm reading...it's called "Climbing the Mountain" by Anne, a Lay Apostle. This beautiful book has provided a link between myself and the messages of Jesus. Reading this book, I have realized I should not ask whether I am called to serve--because we are all called--but rather, I should ask the where, how, what questions with respect to service. It is in this place I begin. With the inklings of the Holy Spirit, I move forward.

O the beauty He has in store for me and for us all!

Retreat @ Mother Cabrini Shrine

This weekend, I got to spend an awesome weekend on retreat with some fellow young adults at Mother Cabrini Shrine outside of Golden. The weekend was incredible, and I'm still having a hard time capturing the 'why' behind its wonderfulness. Mostly, simply stated, it's Jesus that made the weekend incredible. Being in His Holy presence before the eucharist during adoration always makes my heart rush with gladness. My heart literally beats faster, and I am drawn to seeing His face, listening to His voice, and feeling His embrace. It's such a beautiful experience! If you've not ever gone to adoration, I highly recommend it!

I got to pray so initimately with my Lord...it's amazing to be so close to Him again. After a long time of distance between myself and my Creator, I was able to re-connect with Him again. I was able to tell Him, "I love you..." It's made me be passionate about His Word again.

I can breathe deeply and know that I am loved by the Creator of the universe.

What a glorious feeling!