| SPIRITUAL LIFE - MY CATHOLIC FAITH |
| Although I was raised in a Catholic country and went to Catholic schools, I'm formally a newcomer to the Church: I was baptized, received the first communion, and got my confirmation in Madison, USA, during the Easter Vigil of 2002. It is interesting how God came to me right in a time when the rest of my life could have gone totally out of control, in a time when all the values I used to have were destroyed, in a time when the institutions and people on which all my faith were rested upon showed me their "another face". Without the Light from God, I certainly would not have been able to face all these events in peace and serenity as I did. I started the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults at the St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison, sponsored by my friend, Isabel Bezerra. Here are some pictures of the several stages of this beautiful initiation. |
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| In the Rite of Acceptance, December 2001 Isabel signs the cross in my heart. Bishop W. Bullock presides the rite. |
| After the Rite of Election (Feb. 2002) I show my signature on the Book of Cathecumens (beginners). The Book is kept at the Cathedral in Madison |
| My baptismal name is Lucy-Clare, motivated not only by my English name, Lucy, but also by the two saints, St. Lucy and St. Clare. I am particularly fond of St. Clare, an inspiration for increase of my faith in God. |
| St. Clare 1 St. Clare 2 This is a link to the church where St. Clare is now buried: Church of S. Chiara in Assisi, Italy St. Lucy 1 St. Lucy 2 |
| LINKS TO SOME CATHOLIC CHURCHES St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison - WI St. Patick Cathedral, New York City St. Paul Cathedral, St.Paul - MN Archdiocese of Sao Paulo, Brasil Oficial Site to the Vatican |
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| On the night of my baptism, holding my certificate. Newborn! |