The average child grows up with many heroes. Each new generation of youngsters claims those they admire and idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. For some, they are characters of great story and legend, men of steel, web-slingers, or a wonder woman. Others look to the heroes of society and inspire to follow in their footsteps like police officers, firefighters, doctors, and veterinarians.
            Yet, in many ways, my childhood was not an average one. A unique cross from Our Lord manifested at an early age, and resulted in new and ever-changing challenges. But this testimony is not about that. The point is that while carrying this cross, I had a set of heroes that most children or even adults do not.
            You see, while growing up, my parents kept one hand on my shoulder, and the other carrying a Rosary. While other children around me grew up hearing stories of fiction, my parents ensured that I grew up with the stories of the saints. Real men and woman who once lived and did great things for God and the one true Catholic faith.
I heard of miracles, bravery in the face of overwhelming challenges, and the wonder of Our Blessed Lady. My parents ensured that as long as I live, I would have an army of holy souls in heaven as my heroes and to this day these saints of God lift me up when my cross becomes too heavy. Thanks to my mother and father these stories have become a part of me in such a way that I cannot help but to joyfully share them with others.
Many years ago, I met someone who is now one of my dearest friends. I was introduced to Sharisse through a mutual friend and we grew close quickly. Over the years, I would share the many stories my parents had shared with me as a child. I had no idea the Holy Spirit was using those stories in a very special way.
This past Easter Sharisse and her beautiful daughter Kristina entered fully into the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. I had the privilege and honor of a being their sponsor. Over the past several months I was able to observe them grow in knowledge and desire for the fullness of faith. It was an experience I will never forget and while the entire event holds a special place in my memory; one moment will forever hold a place in my heart.
As Sharisse, Kristina, and myself processed around the church making our way toward the baptismal fount; I had my hands placed gently on both of their shoulder. As we moved, the whole church sang the Litany of the Saints and I could hear the names of all those holy souls of God. Those holy souls whose bravery and love for Christ so impacted me through the stories my mother and father boldly proclaimed time and time again.
If my mother and father had not shared the faith with me in this manner, Sharisse and Kristina would not have been there on that blessed night. So while I had my hands gently placed on their shoulders, my parents had theirs gently placed on mine.
I am forever grateful to the Lord God for blessing me with earthly parents who were so diligent in passing on the faith. Through their actions and similar actions of other faithful, new souls come to know the saving power of Jesus Christ in His one true Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Sharisse and Kristina, congratulations, and may God abundantly bless you both.
 
Mom and Dad, I love you and am forever grateful for the gift of faith you passed on to me.