by Cisco Villegas
I grew up in the Church, was baptized Catholic as a baby, went through my sacraments as a youth, and left the Church as soon as I was old enough to be defiant and not get punished for it. My family went to mass most Sundays; but the rest of the week reflected very little of what we learned in mass or catechesis. My faith was more a matter of motions than of meaning, so I never truly understood what I was walking away from; nor did I ever appreciate or celebrate my faith during the time I was there.
In my separation from the Church I sought fulfillment in ways that never fulfilled, and eventually found myself addicted to marijuana and alcohol. I had a miraculous experience one evening that opened my mind and eyes to so many things of the world that I was unable to see before. January 4, 2014 I had a moment of desperation and humility, a vision of Christ, an encounter with the Holy Spirit and the following day I no longer had ANY temptation for the habits I consistently had all those years before.
This mental and spiritual revelation combined with the undeniable physical change in my life forced me to evaluate the proposition of God. I spent time seeking knowledge, logic and rationale for God’s existence which in short time led to the evaluation of Christianity. As a fallen away Catholic I decided to put the Church to the test with all the claims that other versions of Christianity raise against Catholicism. I humbly discovered that there are answers to those challenges, there is logic and agreement between faith and science, and that a singular Truth brings immense comfort in a world of relativism. Vetting the Church through Protestant eyes helped me understand the fullness, depth and beauty that the Church offers, and has offered since Christ walked the Earth.
I now aim to immerse my children in the faith so that their relationship with Christ and His Church are not shallow and easily uprooted. Being home in the Catholic Church offers so many weapons and allies to join me in the march against evil and towards peace. The communion of saints, Mother Mary, the sacraments, prayer, formation and fellowship are all daily aides in my journey towards holiness and a stronger, deeper communion with Jesus. The times we are in right now can feel hopeless, chaotic, anxious and dark. My faith and the boundless resources in the Catholic Church bring me a calm in the storm.
This was all made possible through pain, humility, a guiding love from fellow Catholics and through a cooperation with grace. I am grateful for my struggle, for the Church and for every person and event that was a part of my journey home.
All glory to God –