by Saúl Zelaya
Saúl Zelaya will receive the sacraments of initiation at the upcoming Easter Vigil.
Before, I lived a very worldly life filled with many parties, vices (alcohol and cigarettes), women, and a spirit of excess. I did not attend Mass. I was on the wrong path. Even so, I always believed in God.
One day, I asked my mother about my sacraments, and her response was, “Ask your father.” However, he did not want to deal with it. Neither of them could agree, so I never received my sacraments.
As I grew older, I felt embarrassed. I was ashamed when my friends talked about their sacraments because I did not have mine. I lived like this for many years because I could not find someone I trusted enough to share my situation and what I was going through.
One day, I finally gathered the courage and went to St. Gabriel Church in East Elmhurst, near my home. It was there that Jesus touched my heart.
During Mass, I felt chills, and tears began to roll down my face.
I felt the Holy Spirit touching my soul more deeply. When Mass ended, I walked home and told my wife what had happened. She said to me, “God is calling you. Do not stop going to church.” I asked my wife, “Will you always go to church with me?”
And that is exactly what happened.
I remember going to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Corona on Dec. 7, 2024, and attending the 7:30 p.m. Mass.
After the Mass ended, I once again felt the Holy Spirit moving me to speak with then-Father Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez.
I remember his words. He told me, “Wait for the call from Salvador Reyes. He will help you with your sacraments.” That is exactly what happened.
Since then, God has placed wonderful catechists in my life — people with experience and wisdom in the word of God, who are respectful and kind.
I have also gained good friends with whom I share fellowship and community. My wife has always been by my side and is unconditional in her support.
Through this journey, I have met many brothers and sisters in the Church.
I have learned about the Bible, the commandments I must follow, and the sacraments of initiation I will soon receive. I have also learned how to pray.
Before, prayer was not part of my life the way it is now. I have come to understand that when the Spirit of God lives in your heart, everything becomes possible.
You learn to have faith, to love God constantly, and to live always in the grace of the Lord.
Today I am a transformed person — more kind, respectful, and charitable. I strive to be a better husband, father, and son, and I attend Sunday Mass more actively.
Jesus touched my heart and brought about a radical change in my life, and now I am ready to serve the Church.
This year, I will receive the three sacraments of initiation as well as the sacrament of matrimony.
I feel joy and even some nervousness, but above all, I feel deep happiness in my soul knowing that I am close to fulfilling this goal. I am filled with joy because I will become a true child of God. I am grateful to all my teachers in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. May God bless them.
Saúl Zelaya is a catechumen who completed the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults program at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Corona.