My 14th blog

Holy Thursday and My Journey of Rediscovery

 

Holy Thursday stands as a sacred cornerstone of the Catholic faith—a night of profound significance, marking the Last Supper of Christ with His disciples. It is a solemn remembrance of His immeasurable love, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and the divine foundation of the priesthood. As Catholics gather to honor this sacred moment, I find myself reflecting on my own journey—a path marked by farewells, new beginnings, and the unexpected sources of strength that carried me through the depths of uncertainty.

 

Jesus bid farewell to His disciples, fully aware that His path would lead to the ultimate sacrifice. In many ways, my civil and church annulment was its own kind of farewell—a painful, necessary ending. Letting go was agonizing, yet it became the gateway to rediscovery, forcing me to confront who I truly was beyond the shadows of loss. Through this journey, I found the woman I am today—stronger, more resilient, and anchored in an unwavering faith in God.

 

His act of washing His disciples’ feet was a lesson in humility and service. For me, humility meant confronting the truth of a failed marriage, the absence of children, and the life I once envisioned slipping away. Yet, in my most vulnerable moments, love emerged from unexpected places. My Japanese friend reminded me of my strength when I doubted it the most, and my little Shih Tzu became more than a pet—he became my baby, my steadfast companion, my protector. Like Jesus' quiet act of service, they showed me that love is not always grand gestures; sometimes, it is found in sacrifice, in devotion, in simply being there.

 

The Eucharist is the ultimate nourishment of the soul—a sacred gift of renewal and strength. After my painful experience, I was blessed to become part of the Seeds of Love Online Community (SOLOC), a group of God-fearing sisters whose unwavering faith created a space for healing and unity. I joined a rosary prayer group composed of devoted Marian sisters in Australia—women who tirelessly pray the rosary, their devotion becoming a source of peace and spiritual grounding. Another meaningful part of my journey was reconnecting with my cherished sisters from high school. Their presence became a source of joy and unwavering support, reminding me that friendship—no matter how much time or distance separates us, remains a profound force in renewal. Healing, I learned, is not found in solitude alone—it is discovered in the embrace of those who walk beside us in faith and friendship.

 

There were nights when I sat in silence, questioning everything—my choices, my worth, my future. But much like Holy Thursday calls us to keep watch with Christ, those moments of stillness became an invitation to listen, to surrender, to trust. And finally, I understood—I was not lost, I was transforming. In the pain of farewell, I had discovered the beauty of renewal. Though parts of my past had slipped away, I found what truly mattered—faith, friendship, and love in its purest forms.

 

What does Holy Thursday mean to you?