First of all you might realize I take a jump from yesterday’s post to Day 337. Somewhere within the year I have miscalculated my days or posted the wrong day and kept posting wrong from that moment forward. It makes no difference, BUT, if you are a stickler for these fine details and would like to find where my mistake began, I’ll send you a free book and charm. First person to comment that figured it out gets the prize. 😉
I’ve just come from an extremely intimidating yet productive day. I joined Fr. Vaverek, co-founder of the Maria Goretti Network, for a meeting in front of Cardinal DiNardo and the rest of the presbyter council. Miguel Prats, the founder of the abuse survivor support group, was with fever and could not make the meeting. God blessed him regardless and even though it has been many years coming it was with God’s time the Maria Goretti Network finally had a voice and has been heard.
Fr. Gavin and I fielded questions about the program, how it’s run, how it can be set up in a parish, it’s success to date, etc. We had questions coming directly from Cardinal DiNardo and many from the 10-15 priests present sitting on the council.
The Holy Spirit was present and you could feel the interest and approval in the room. It is a program needed in every parish and within 15 minutes from saying our goodbyes we received a response from one priest present who is already interested.
Amazing! Miguel has been working for 9+ years to really get this support group going and he persevered because Fr. Gavin kept encouraging him, “It’ll be in God’s timing.”
I am blessed beyond measure to have been present today. I do believe it’s the beginning of a great social justice program for the Catholic Church benefitting so many regardless of faith, denomination or culture.
Today was a great reminder to never, never, never give up.
Blessings
Shannon