For those so inclined, finding God is the ultimate blessing. There is nothing better or more important than He. I particularly like this quote from our school’s patron saint, Anselm of Canterbury, because it encapsulates the wonder of choosing to accept God.
I was baptized as a baby, but I was not raised to be religious. I also grew up going to public school from kindergarten to freshman year of high school. After my freshman year, my parents and I agreed that I would enjoy the environment of a Catholic high school more than that of my former high school. This was my first introduction to Catholicism and where conversion first took form within my mind. That is, until the Lenten season of last year, when I began to feel a stronger call to faith.
Saint Anselm College has been vital in my decision to fully commit to being confirmed in the Catholic faith. The biggest influences I’ve had here have been my friendships with those who are Christian/Catholic, the opportunities to participate in religious events, and the ability to witness the faith being lived out.
If my spiritual life was simply a seed this time last year, it is now a blooming flower, being watered by my experiences here each day.
In October, I decided to take the campus OCIA classes. OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. These classes provide an opportunity to learn about the Catholic faith, starting with the more root ideas and values and then progressing to more logistical details of the Catholic practices and lifestyle. If participants decide to continue with the faith at the end of these classes, it will finish with a sacramental Mass replete with baptism, first communion, and confirmation.
My most interesting experience during OCIA was a few weekends ago, when we had a day retreat here on campus. We had guest speakers, spent time in prayer, and shared our testimonies. The first speaker was Fr. John Fortin, O.S.B. He spent time explaining Lectio Divina (divine, or prayerful, reading), how the monks practice it, and how we can practice it. He walked us through a Lectio Divina for Jesus’ temptation.
Our second guest was Mother Mary Maximillian Cote DMMHL, who spent time sharing her testimony and taught us about the Rosary and how to pray it. This was my favorite guest moment because her story showed so clearly how God works in the least likely of ways. She decided to pursue becoming a nun after her wayward youth around the age of 16. Mother is a vivacious woman, and she had no shortage of humor in her interactions with us or reverence for our Lord.
The last guests were two young alumni of Saint Anselm, who shared their testimonies, described the influence Saint Anselm had on their faith, and described how God works within relationships- romantic and platonic.
Another Anselmian experience that helped grow my faith was Anselmian 360, a two-day summer program the college held in July for incoming first-year students. This program had many opportunities to discuss personal goals, interact with fellow students, and hear talks that described what it means to be “Anselmian.” My favorite of these talks came from Fr. Francis McCarty, O.S.B ‘10. He gave a moving speech and ended with an eyes-closed visualization that left many of us eager for the future and ready to jump into this new chapter of our lives. It was a blend of nostalgia and anticipation that helped make this moment a decided favorite among Anselmian 360 participants.
The main way I have found myself diving deeper into faith since being here is by attending Sunday and Wednesday night Mass. This was daunting to me, only previously having gone to a legitimate Mass a handful of times. I had encouragement from my now-best friend on only the third night of being on campus to attend Sunday night Mass with him, and I have not missed a Sunday since. The only way to get over the deflective “I don’t know what I’m doing” mentality is to jump in and start attending. Once you have been to a few, you start to memorize the process, and with some extra side-learning, you begin to realize the significance of what you’ve chosen to be a part of. For those looking to begin going to Mass and want to learn what is really happening, a great option is to attend the “Teaching Mass” given once each semester by Fr. Francis and Fr. Aloysius Sarasin, O.S.B. ‘17.
Joining a faith group like Delight (women), A-Men (men), or the student-athlete Bible study is also a terrific way to hear other people’s experiences and join together in prayer. The Christmas Tree lighting is also a beautiful way to see faith lived out.
Going into my confirmation this weekend here in the Abbey church, I am excited but also quite nervous. This is a big step, but one that is truly vital in my life. The Saint Anselm College Catholic influence has been nothing but a blessing for me.
“My soul, have you found what you are looking for? You were looking for God, and you have discovered that He is the supreme being, and that you could not possibly imagine anything more perfect. You have discovered that this supreme being is life itself, light, wisdom, goodness, eternal blessedness and blessed eternity.”-St. Anselm of Canterbury.
