The Altar that buit me

25 Jan 2012 No Comments

ChristinePosted under Matters of Faith, Matters of the heart

I recently posted a picture on facebook, this picture, which made me thinking. When I went to Cameroon in December, I had the opportunity to go back to the boarding school I attended (Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, Fontem). My sister and I took a tour and were please by the innovations going on. Of course I could not leave without visiting the Chapel. This chapel holds so many memories;some good, some bad.

In my Alma matter, I had the opportunity to serve as the Liturgical prefect. Basically my roles were to make sure the lectionary was always open to the right day and the right season. I had to make sure there were readers for the daily mass my class had to attend and Sunday masses too. I would count communion and make sure there was enough for the congregation and eventually set up the altar for mass. I was responsible for cleaning up the altar, leading prayers especially the rosary and the stations of the cross (which were my favourite). I loved loved doing that.

Another thing that I really enjoyed doing was dressing up the altar and decorating it on Saturday evening prior to Sunday morning mass. We were called ” Altar girls”. A group of roughly- girls and at least a boy.We started up at 9pm and ended at 12 or 1 am the next day. It was so much fun.

Those years thought me a lot about myself and pretty much brought me where I am in my faith. I am grateful for those days. Sometimes I got so used to the routine that I would forget how important what I am doing is. Looking back at those, I do not know what I would have been today if I didn’t serve then. That altar built me up in ways that cannot be expressed with words.

I remember feasts days like Christ the King, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and the Easter Tridum. How I enjoyed those busy days! I was always on a high those days.

However when I think that I did all those things for the Church then and I look at my lifestyle now, I am ashamed of myself. I was molded to be a better person than I am today and I failed. What a disappointment I am! Well God knows my heart and I am trying to be a better person. One day I will get there.

This is my prayer today

“O Lord thank you for all those years of teaching, patience and guardiance.

 Thank you for trusting me to serve you then.

I know I have terribly wronged you over the years and I am greatly sorry for my sins.

 Lord you know my heart and you know that I am trying.

 I will get there by your grace, mercy and love.

 Please Lord keep guarding me your poor child and servant. I want to do your will not my will.

Mama Maria intercede for me please. Amen.”

My whereabout …

02 Jan 2012 No Comments

ChristinePosted under Matters of Faith

I am currently in Cameroon my home Country. My stay has been great so far; company of close family is absolutely splendid. I am having so much fun that I have no time to write a post, always something to do AH! However I have so many ideas, so much to write, its crazy you’ll read.
Did I say Merry Christmas and Happy New year ….. how rude of me … talk about young and Catholic lol! Well There you have it, I wish everyone plenty of good things. ttyl

The sharing Jesus!

17 Dec 2011 No Comments

ChristinePosted under Matters of Faith

On December 6th, I was commissioned as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. For those who do not know what that means, well basically I get to administer Holy Communion to people during the Holy Mass. When I was first told by my chaplain that I was going to be commissioned, I was shocked. I was thinking to myself -’are you sure you want me to do this’- This is a huge deal for me, I get to hold the precious Body/Blood of Christ and share it to my brothers and sister at mass. Wow, how awesome is that! I am not worthy of anything in this world, and most of all I am not worthy to hold Christ himself and share with my brothers and sisters.

I am trembling while writing this right now, you have no idea what this means to me. When I see my spiritual life, I am far far away from where I want to be. I far away from being called holy, and to be called holy is what I strive for. Many times I slip, but I try my hardest to get back on the road. Anyway back to the precious Blood/Body. Yesterday’s reading said – “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:28 -. I think only those of the Kingdom are worthy to do this job, yet I was chosen.

Now that I have been commissioned, I wish never to sin anymore (with time and prayer I will get there). I cannot share the Body/Blood with an unclean heart; that will be an insult to its Holiness. Once more God has given me reason and encouragement  to be Holier and sin no more.

This is my prayer;

” My Lord and God, thank you for choosing me your unworthy servant to share your precious Body/Blood with my brothers and sister. As I go about my day, may I live an exemplary life and continue to strive to become as Holy as that precious Blood I hold in the Chalice. Guardian angel please continue to watch and guard me. Amen“

He has plans

15 Dec 2011 No Comments

ChristinePosted under Matters of Faith

This semester has been very stressful for me! My spiritual life has been better than ever but academic and social life sucked to the fullest. I came through so many obstacles, and am still dealing with academically, financially, emotionally to name a few. Many times I paused and asked God why me. To be honest sometimes I even felt angry with God for letting certain things happen to me. Luckily I had a great Catholic campus ministry group and my family of course to support me in prayers as I went through the obstacles. To be quite frank, I am still upset about my situation but the only thing that keeps me going -

” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” Jeremiah 29:11-

Typing this puts me to tears! This is such a powerful verse. Whenever I read this verse my reflection goes thus -

Christine do not be bothered by these obstacles. Carry them as a cross and share in the sufferings of Christ. This is just a temporary station on the long road to eternal joy. God has amazing plans for you. Remember that nothing good comes easy and good things come to those who wait. God loves you so much, his plan is not to make you suffer. He made a promise to you in his owns words ‘I have plans to make you prosper and not to harm you’ so why are you crying? Wipe up your tears, pick up your cross and embrace these times ! Don’t say the words ‘why me’, think ‘if not me then who’. God loves you and is by your side at all time. That thought alone should give you comfort and joy.

So there you have it, one of the ways I overcome the emotions. It is not easy but it is doable. I believe he has plans, I just don’t know what is going to happen or when it is going to happen. It is my faith that leads me on. I hope my reflection helps any of you out there reading this, that can relate. This is my little prayer;

” Lord Jesus, help me pick up my cross everyday and remember how you suffered for me.

Help my faith grow, and may I never doubt in your love or those of the Father.

Mama Mary, you watch me and care for me.

 Give me your hand that I may squeeze hard whenever I feel pain.

 Let your love feel my heart and comfort me in times of sadness.

 Please intercede for me to your son, that I may be brave as I go through this temporary path. Amen ”

Carry me by Audrey Assad

A quick introduction

15 Dec 2011 No Comments

ChristinePosted under Matters of Faith Tags:

My name is Christine. I am young, African and Catholic. I love reading articles, Bible verses and write my opinion about them just for the heck of it. This blog is an opportunity for me to voice out my opinion on a lot things. I would say many of my opinions are unique but not so unique …. you’ll see, I would let you be the judge. Enjoy!