It is Sunday morning as I sit here to write this. Yesterday I was cleaning my room and I came across something fairly interesting. It was a prayer card of St. Adela, my confirmation saint. In the Catholic tradition, a youth becomes a full member of the church after their confirmation ceremony. The youth also chooses a name of a saint to help guide them in their spiritual journey. So 13 year old Taylor chose St. Adela, mostly because she had the same name as my grandmother.
Now I have not thought about St. Adela for years, especially in the last decade. But when living in California I regularly attended church and one mass, the priest asked all those who were recently confirmed to stand. We then applauded the new members of the church young and old (adult converts).It was a beautiful surprise to our service and had me curious about my own confirmation saint.
So naturally, I began to investigate more into who this lady was. The parallels between us were definitely there. St. Adela dedicated her life to helping those in need and giving access to education. She was a noble lady who not only donated her time but life and money to advancing those around her.
Reading about her life as a 27 year old with a little bit more life experience gave me a whole new viewpoint of her, my faith and divine path. Some of the similarities between St. Adela and I are our love for education and service to others. Currently I am pursuing a masters degree. I have a B.A. in history. After college I spent 2 years teaching in a rural community in the Caribbean. Then afterwards, I worked in social services in the washington D.C. area providing relief to youth experiencing homelessness. My adult life has been on the path that I believe is meant for me to walk on. And the similarities and constant themes of education and service throughout my life can confirm that.
It is important to understand and recognize what themes you are being called to. What constantly appears in your life? Because those little messages are road markers leading you to fulfillment.