The Early Years

The early years of my life were of a typical Catholic child, but at the same time very different. Most of my story being a Catholic child would be familiar to many who were raised Catholic. It's funny to think about it years later, how I could have gone in any path, yet I decided to remain where I was from the start, in the Catholic Church. Nevertheless in saying that, it doesn’t mean God hasn’t worked in my life; it just shows that God can build upon what you already have.

I was born in the mid 1990’s and was raised by two devout Catholic parents. I was baptized as an infant, as mostly all Catholics are; however, when I was around 5 months old, I got a rare illness that resulted in being hospitalised for months. During those months, I received the sacrament of the sick and even though it was very uncommon, my parents decided to let me receive the sacrament of confirmation when I was a year old.

When picking my confirmation name, my mum wanted to choose the highest human name under Christ as an advocate for me, as she thought it would provide me with grace and protection. So my parents gave me the name Mary as my confirmation name. After receiving this sacrament, my days in the hospital dramatically reduced as a diagnosis was discovered, making it possible for the doctors to help me recover. Thanks be to God!

From then on my childhood was filled with sacraments, weekly Mass and scripture classes during primary school. Everything just felt natural to me, and I thought it was natural for everyone else. Growing up, I knew there were people who didn’t believe in God, but I didn’t know that there were other Christians who weren’t Catholics. Mostly all of my family friends who I knew of were Catholics; so you could say I lived in a little Catholic bubble.

In Kindergarten I did my first step in evangelising without realising it. I was so proud of myself and wrapped up a children's Bible to give to my kindergarten teacher for her birthday. I wasn't aware of what I was doing, as I was too young to understand; all I wanted to do was to give something special to my teacher. Apparently, she kept the children's Bible for many years until returning them to my mum.

When I was in year 2, I received my first Holy Communion. As I was old for my year group, I received the sacrament with the year 3 class. My year 2 teacher, even though she was a non-Christian, came to my parish to see me receive that very special sacrament. I don't think I knew how special that was until only a few years ago.

I am very grateful as I have gotten older, for the people who prayed for me and supported me in my faith, especially in my first few years of my life.