We had our first outing at the local mall and it was a very fruitful 3 hours. We had our prayer warriors on deck, praying the entire time that the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of all whom we would encounter. There were too many interactions to individually detail. Here are a few highlights:

Ingrid: I encountered a man from Manville who attends an English Mass, and he was truly grateful to meet me. He shared that he needed to know where he could attend a Spanish Mass. I was able to provide him with an information card listing all the nearby churches in and around Manville that offer Spanish Masses. His gratitude was a clear reminder of how even small acts can make a meaningful difference.

I also encountered two young men in their 20s who were passing by. One of them joyfully received a rosary and shared that he prays the rosary every Saturday with his mother. The other stayed at a distance and did not want to approach me or take a rosary. However, later on, we saw them again—and this time, the young man who had stayed away was open and received his rosary from Alpa while speaking with her. God’s timing is perfect.

Later, I met another young man who was very aware of his Catholic faith. He prays the rosary and spends time in adoration, yet he does not attend Mass. I shared with him the beauty of the Eucharist and God’s deep desire to remain with us through the Body and Blood of Christ.

Alpa: One especially long and joy filled encounter was with a South American woman who loved taking a rosary. She said that she prays it daily and follows a priest back from her native country. She also prays the Divine Office and she said she prays almost constantly all day long and she loves her Catholic faith. I asked her if she goes to Mass on Sunday and she said no. She says she hasn’t been to Mass since coming to the United States. She doesn’t feel welcome at her local parish. She says people judge her on her appearance and the priest is not warm or welcoming. We spoke for quite a while and then I felt it time to talk seriously to her about her situation. I told her that although it’s wonderful that she’s praying so much and so fervently, right now, she is separated from God and that in that separation, all of her other beautiful actions do not bear any fruit. I was so surprised at how she received this. She hugged and kissed me and held my hand and thanked me profusely. She then said her fiancé does not want to get married in the Catholic Church because he is a Protestant. We prayed together for her fiancé and that his heart be softened to talking to a priest about getting married in the Catholic Church, even if he doesn’t convert himself. We had a very grace-filled and joyful encounter and she was open to going to Confession and Mass. It was beautiful and I was in awe of God’s goodness and love for his people.

From Michael: We met with Adrina, who emotionally conveyed how she will be having surgery tomorrow and that her friend’s son, Austin, recently died. She wanted prayers for both intentions. After praying with her, we reminded her that GOD is with her in these tough times and that He will give her strength to endure. She understood and seemed grateful for our encounter.

We also met a young man, Joseph, who was Catholic, but didn’t always practice his faith. We encouraged him, relaying how GOD loves him and wants to have a deeper relationship with him. We also prayed with him and gave him a pamphlet on how to say the Rosary. He was thankful.