Francisca was welcomed into the membership of our church, by reaffirmation of her baptismal vows, during the Paschal Vigil. This is the text of the testimony that she shared.

If I have to define my relation with Jesus, I can say it is like a friendship that has been present during my whole life. Thanks to my family, which is very religious, and particularly to my grandmother, I have been close to Jesus since I was a baby. I started learning about Jesus’ life and love for us since I was very young. I have also been a member of the church for a long time. For instance, I was baptized when I was 3 months old—of course I cannot remember exactly how it was—however, since that time and due to the education I was given at the Catholic School I attended, I became aware of Jesus’ mission and commitment. After a couple of years, I made my First Communion and continue feeling Jesus as a friend. Years later, I decided to prepare for Confirmation and became an active member of the Church.

Later, the priest of the parish I attended asked me whether I wanted to help prepare children for their First Communion. I happily accepted and became what we call in Chile “a monitor”. Therefore, I could say that I have a special relationship with God. Of course there were times in which things were not easy; when I was a teenager, I used to blame God for my problems; likewise, my school friends laughed at me because I attended church; until recently, I was a laughing stock of my workmates because I was a Christian. Nevertheless, at the moment I am very happy; even when I am far away from my beloved country, my family and my comfort zone, I have been given the chance to become a member of a church. Thanks a lot for your invitation, this makes me feel at home and gives me the chance to keep on learning about our Lord’s will and plans.