At the beginning of a new year, I find myself looking back on past years, as perhaps many people do. In re-examining my daily life and our family's habits, I have found many traces of my past that have shaped and continue to shape us still today.
I have moved many times in my life--about 15--and attended many schools. My very first school was Queen of Apostles in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. This school sadly closed after my second grade year due to lack of students and funding. During my last year at that school, I received my First Communion. My teacher, Mrs. Lukenda, gave me a prayer card. That card is now in a location unknown to me, but my family knows the prayer by heart. We say it every single morning to begin our family prayer.
You gave your life for me.
So every day you give me now, I give back happily.
Take all my laughter, all my tears,
Each thought, each word, each deed.
And let them be my all day prayer, to help all those in need.
The next school I attended was Aquinas Academy in Menomonee Falls. Every day, excluding Mass days, the entire school gathered in the gym to pray before class. And every day, the entire school gathered again to close in prayer after the last class. Our family has adapted 3 prayer traditions from our time at Aquinas. At the end of our morning and night prayers, we recite the St. Michael the Archangel prayer and sing a little Marian song.
We also commonly pray the Memorare, a special prayer asking Mary for help, frequently prayed by Saint Teresa of Kolkata (Mother Teresa).
After Aquinas, we joined Family Missions Company before my 5th grade year. Of course, this completely changed our lives. My parents and us older 4 children now strive for personal prayer time every day. And we gather for family prayer at least twice a day, morning and night. We are accustomed to asking the intercession of many saints over time, but one staple is the patrons of FMC, the original Missionary Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
A big change that FMC brought to our daily prayer is charismatic praise and worship, which is a beautiful way to lift our hearts to God. As St. Augustine says, "Singing is praying twice."
From every language I've learned, I've retained at least one prayer or prayerful song. In Latin, I love the Salve Regina as both a prayer and a song. In Spanish, a favorite is "Baja al Rio," or "Down to the River."
In Haitian Creole, the Hail Mary has held on in my memory. In the language of the Asian country we visited 2 years ago, I can pray the Sign of the Cross. I am now learning French at Vermilion Catholic High School, here in Abbeville. So far, I have learned the Sign of the Cross, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be.
In 2019 I attended J.H. Williams Middle School and I still remember the motto: CATS. Come prepared, Aim high, Take responsibility, and Show respect. I still try to achieve this every school day! Whenever I pray for my teachers (past and present), I remember all their names. My time at Hamilton High School was only one semester last year and yet very impactful to me. I still keep in contact with friends from there who taught me so much. I learned great perseverance there, especially in running!
At the end of last year, I started reading the Daily Readings and listening to the USCCB reflection as part of my daily prayer. This was inspired by my maternal grandparents, who listen to the readings and reflection every day, usually at breakfast time. My grandparents on both sides have truly been a strong foundation for our family to be rooted in faith and loving support!
I think of and pray for you all very often, and truly carry you with me on mission every day! Thank you all so much for your love, prayers, and generous support.
- Coryn
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