Speaking Out

Has the symbol of the cross lost its relevance in today’s world?

When school let out in June, all my teachers could talk about was, “Don’t waste your summer” and “keep up with the world around you.” But the most notable thing I heard on the final day of class came from a friend. “It sucks, but the sucky things in life don’t stop just because we’re out (of school).” 

I sat down one night and watched the Jonas Brothers documentary entitled Chasing Happiness. I loved every second. My 15-year-old self was thrilled and I was honestly so impressed by how these three young men completely opened up in a way that was new to their audience (i.e. going from Disney Channel to truth-telling drinking games).

When people find out that I’ve walked the Camino Portugués across Europe, I am often asked: What made you want to do it? When I take a moment to reflect, I cannot think of anything specific. 

“Take a risk, get involved, be committed!” Four years later and I finally understand the importance of my high school motto. 

This past March Break, I found myself as a pilgrim visiting amazing places like Barcelona, Assisi, Siena and the Vatican. It was part of a school trip that Chaminade College School organized for me and 16 of my fellow classmates and it was an amazing life experience. 

I’m something of an expert at first-year. I’ve been a first-year three times, a second-year twice, a third-year once and now I’m going into my last year at Brock University — unless the Lord has other plans for me. (Please Lord, don’t have other plans for me).

Last week I came across an article that claimed consecrated hosts were for sale at an online store.

The article claimed that a vendor sells many items for satanic black masses, including “real Catholic hosts consecrated by a priest.”

When I was young, I did not clearly understand why every May, Vietnamese girls would dress in the traditional Vietnamese áo dài, hold bouquets of flowers and dance in front of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary before Masses in May. 

Being a young Catholic often means straddling a line between being part of the secular world and embracing who you fundamentally are in the Divine Plan.