I am happy to be a part of CAFOD in Middlesbrough as a communications volunteer, writes GRACE ATTU. I would like to share an inspiring experience that has brought me to this point in my life…
In the summer of 2013, I embarked on a journey – one that would eventually turn my life around and become my best experience yet on my faith journey.
It was the 28th World Youth Day, when millions of young people from all over the world gathered at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to share and celebrate the faith.
The high point of that encounter for me was the vigil with Pope Francis on the Copacabana beach.
The words he spoke to us that night sparked up a fire in me, one that would become the foundation of my motivation to dedicate my life and time to the things of God.
Pope Francis spoke to us in the tone of a father waking up his child to consciousness…
“Jesus is calling you to be a disciple with a mission! Today, in the light of the word of God that we have heard, what is the Lord saying to us? Three simple ideas: Go, do not be afraid, and serve. The Church is counting on you. Jesus is counting on you.”
Those words propelled me into a new phase of my life. I left Brazil with a strong drive to do something, however little, for the Lord and His Church.
While looking for opportunities to serve, I was drawn to CAFOD’s wonderful work of showing compassion and bringing hope to the world’s poorest communities.
I am passionate about contributing my gifts and media skills to raise awareness of this great work of CAFOD in my community here and beyond.