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Finding Strength in Seasons of Light and Darkness

 We all experience seasons of peace where everything seems to flow effortlessly and times of intense trial when doubts and fears creep in. In moments of peace, it’s easy to feel invincible, confident in our abilities and decisions. But the true test of our character often emerges in times of struggle, when the world feels like it’s closing in and the warmth of clarity and certainty is momentarily withdrawn. The words, “He who is too sure in time of peace, will often show himself to be downcast or fearful in time of war,” resonate deeply with me. They remind us that if we rely too heavily on our strength in good times, we may falter when challenges arise. This has been a lesson I’ve returned to time and again. During times of peace, it’s natural to feel secure, perhaps even a bit too self-assured. But when trials come, it becomes clear how essential it is to cultivate a spirit of humility, remaining grounded and modest, even when life seems easy. I’ve learned that a humble heart is...

A Journey from Sin to Grace by Embracing Forgiveness and Encouraging Purity

 




As Catholics, we believe that God’s love and mercy are always available to us, no matter what we have done. We want to share a personal story about our past—a time when we, as a couple, made mistakes that led us away from the path of grace. We are sharing this not to dwell on our faults but to offer hope and encouragement to others who may find themselves in similar situations.

Before we were married, we engaged in sexual activity outside the sacrament of marriage. During this time, our eldest daughter was conceived. She was born four months after we were married in the Catholic Church. Before the marriage, we were overwhelmed by guilt and shame, knowing deep in our hearts that what we were doing was against God’s will. We understood that, according to the teachings of the Catholic Church, this was a mortal sin—an act that severs our relationship with God. The weight of this realization was crushing, and we felt an emptiness in our lives, a lack of peace that we could not ignore. Our lives during that period were far from joyful; instead, they were marked by confusion, regret, and a sense of being lost.

In our brokenness, we found the strength to seek God’s forgiveness. We confessed our sins and committed to changing our lives. This process of repentance was not easy, but it was necessary for our spiritual healing. We have come to realize that true peace and happiness only come when we live in accordance with God’s plan for us.

Now that we are married in the Catholic Church, we experience a profound sense of joy and fulfillment that was absent before. Our marriage has been blessed, and we feel the grace of God in our daily lives. With this new understanding, we always remind our children of the importance of purity and chastity. We teach them that sex is a beautiful gift from God meant to be shared within the sacrament of marriage, where it can truly reflect God’s love. We pray fervently that they may remain pure and avoid the mistakes we made. We offer Masses for our family tree, praying that the curse of sin may be lifted from our lineage, and that future generations may live in the fullness of God’s grace.

We also feel a responsibility to reach out to others, especially young people, to share what we have learned. We encourage them to keep their hearts pure and to wait for the sacred bond of marriage before engaging in sexual activity. This isn’t just about following rules; it’s about understanding the spiritual, emotional, and even psychological impact that such actions can have on their future relationships. We explain to them that the effects of sin are far-reaching and can cast a shadow over their future marriages, leading to distrust, insecurity, and even more profound spiritual struggles.



To couples who are already living together or are considering a future together, we urge you to consider the beauty and importance of the sacrament of marriage. Being wed in the Catholic Church brings a special grace that strengthens the marital bond, blesses the family, and brings a deeper sense of unity and purpose. It opens the door for God’s blessings to flow into your home and your relationship. It is a commitment not just to each other but also to God, who becomes the third partner in your marriage, guiding and sustaining you through all the joys and challenges you will face.

We hope that our story serves as a testament to the power of God’s forgiveness and the beauty of living according to His will. No matter what mistakes we have made, there is always a path back to Him, a path marked by repentance, forgiveness, and grace. If you find yourself feeling lost or burdened by sin, know that God’s love is waiting for you. Take the steps to return to Him, and you will find peace, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose than you ever thought possible.

We pray for all those who are struggling with these same issues, that they may find the courage to seek forgiveness and embrace a life of purity and grace. May God bless you and keep you always in His loving care.

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