Author: Nikki Dionisio

The mission starts in our own homes.

Our families are sometimes the hardest people to evangelize or open up to. This is where God calls us to first, evangelize to the ones we love in our homes. Building that strong foundation in the home routed in Christ. Although evangelizing in our homes can be challenging God places us in situations that make us feel uncomfortable, that is our mission; to seek comfort in the Lord through situations that challenges us to love selflessly. Home is where the heart is. Mission is where the heart is.

“A family that prays together, stays together.”

Benedictus Deus in Saecula

As we begin this season of Lent, as children of God, we are called to deny ourselves. Sacrifice our own desires and live for Christ.

Lent is a reminder from the Lord inviting us to follow Him, walk with Him, be with Him, and suffer with Him. We bear our crosses willingly and whole heartedly. When we fast, we offer the things we love because of the One we love. 

Not only is lent a time to suffer but a time to repent. A time to renew our relationship with the Lord in almsgiving and in prayer. We offer our time and gratitude denying ourselves because of the One we love. 

In these 40 days of lent we are given the opportunity to journey closer to the Lord. We are given this time to practice patience, putting others needs before ourselves, speaking and listening to God, and reflecting on the beauty of the life He has given us.

As the 40 days go by, each day will be harder to deny ourselves more for Christ. Remain faithful and always make choices with a joyful heart that reflects God.

“Remember, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”

We do not belong to the world and the world does not belong to us. Detach yourself from worldly things and follow Christ. We belong to Christ as Christ is One with us.

Benedictus Deus in Saecula

During my morning skytrain ride to work I was listening to All of Me – John Legend. I had it on repeat and was humming along. After minutes of listening I felt as if the lyrics started to become personal. I felt as if the Lord was singing to me. God was singing a lullaby.

‘Cause all of Me

Loves all of you

When I died on the cross, I shed my blood for you. 

I made you perfectly, my child you are beautiful,

Give your all and consecrate yourself to Me.

I’ll give my all to you, I’ll show you the plans I’ve desired

You’re my end and my beginning 

Even when burdens are heavy, I’ll be carrying your cross for you.

‘Cause I give you all of Me 

And you give Me all of you. 

Being uncertain of the future can always be frustrating. It’s like walking in a dark, foggy forest not knowing where you’re headed; walking on unstable grounds, trees and branches everywhere,  and the danger of animals surrounding you. 

In the same way, we carry our crosses blinded and uncertain of where we are going. Our own doubts, fears, and struggles can be obstacles for us to walk with a clear mind and pure heart.

Just like in a dark foggy forest, only with light shining through we are able to see a glimpse of whats ahead. In the same way; the Lord is asking for our time to pray to Him for a clear answer to where we are going and for what He has planned for us.

Not only does a forest need light to be able to see but it needs a clear path to walk through safely. Prayer does the same with our own lives but prayer can do nothing if we don’t listen to what God has to say. Prayer always needs a listening ear to hear and see clarity of where God is leading us.

Being uncertain of where we are going is such a mystery but it’s quite a beautiful journey. Through the time we make for the Lord in prayer, we will witness the light shine on what the Lord’s desires for our lives.

Be not afraid to pray! With a faithful prayer time we slowly will unravel our uncertainty with the firm plan of the Lord.

A prayerful soul, becomes a listening heart.

My servant, for I have many more plans ahead of you. Stay patient and always remain faithful. 

Benedictus Deus in Saecula

Continuing in my third year of serving as a Mission Volunteer has allowed me to see the beauty and witness the challenges of the mission. It has revealed to me my own weaknesses, strengths and has showed me a glimpse of where the Lord wants me.

As this is the third year continuing, there have been many questions and thoughts that have come into
my mind.

First, PRAISE GOD for another year! God is so GOOD!! I’ve been filled with so much joy and happiness knowing that the Lord has called me to continue. It has given me a sense of hope and also peace in my heart.

Then, asking the Lord why He called me to another year of being a Mission Volunteer. The program consists of two years of discernment.. but then He blessed me with three years!

Lord, why did you extend me? Why wasn’t I asked to step down or be endorsed?

Throughout the process of deliberations my mind and heart became restless. The questions continuously being asked were, “Where do you want me Lord?” and “Where do you want me to serve You?”

He then answered:

“My child, continue to be patient. I want you to stay where you are now, serving your brothers and sisters in your area and know that I have called you to be still until the time is right. I have called you to another year of discerning as a Mission Volunteer because I want to give you more opportunities to love here, where you are right now. I want to be able to prepare your heart and make your desires, My desires for you. Trust in Me and always remember My love and mercy.” 

I was given peace and He affirmed me that He just wants me to give more of myself.

To take this year as an opportunity to love more, give more, and serve more.

Never be afraid to love more.

Benedictus Deus in Saecula

Last Saturday at Pacific’s BCCT (Basic Couple Coordinators Training) I was asked to give a share.

The sharer profile was a youth that
experienced CC’s bringing the youth back to their families.

Short intro, my family is not in the CFC community. I’m the only child and my parents are divorced. Living and growing up with my mom has been hard but a true blessing. Another addition to our family is her boyfriend of 7 years who is Muslim and coming from a Catholic background is definitely a challenge.

With these obstacles, evangelizing to my family, attending mass as a family, and opening up to my family about the CFC community is a challenge.

Ever since I’ve been active in the CFC-Youth community The Lord has slowly revealed Himself. This is where I thank the CC’s who have journeyed with my family and I.

CC’s have always been so welcoming and loving. Its so inspiring to see their dedication and passion to serving the youth. I know it’s inspired my mom.

Throughout my service my mom has been able to build friendships with the area CC’s. She’s been attending mass more frequently, she’s been more intrigued about what my service role is, what an MV does, what FTPW entails, and even about Handmaids of The Lord!

The Lord has been so good to my family but He’s truly shown the greater goodness of the CFC community. Wherever The Lord leads my family, I pray that it’s always towards to the Lord. We can only lead by example, so I thank God for the CC’s I’ve been able to serve with who live their lives as a true example of a leader.

Surely evangelizing is a challenge. The only way we are able to carry the cross of our challenge is to strengthen our prayer time. Making time and speaking to The Lord. Asking for Our Mothers intercession and staying close to those we’re evangelizing to.

It begins and ends with Love.

God is so good.

“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty of which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.” – Blessed Pope John Paul II

As missionaries our journey towards the Lord does not stop. If anything the journey continues even further. We are called to be Holy. We are called to seek for the Lord in all our dreams of happiness. The Lord not only waits for us, but we are called to remain patient and wait for His perfect timing. We are called to see the beauty of Christ in everything. The Lord urges us to remember that it is only Him who can fill our emptiness because it is He who is the fullness of life. Do not be afraid to open your heart to the Lord.

As much uncertainty I’ve felt within the past two years of being an MV I’ve realized that I can’t journey alone. I need my brothers and sisters in the CFC-Youth community, my family, my friends and most importantly I need Christ because I am weak and I am nothing without Him. Blessed John Paul II writes beautifully of how it is the Lord we need. If we have God in our lives, it is He who fills every corner, strengthens every weakness, carries every cross, and fills the uncertainty of our journey with His plans.

Dominus Est. Benedictus Deus in Saecula