Expert Beggar, Little Sister, Foundress, Humble Servant St. Jeanne Jugan When Jeanne was born in 1792, France was caught in the bloody French Revolution. Times were difficult for the Jugan family, and begging became a way of life for Jeanne from a young age. Although Jeanne did not receive a formal education, she did receive [...]
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.” These are words that I have often prayed on and pondered in light of Mary’s “yes” at the Annunciation. But now, these words have a whole different meaning. They have an immensely personal impact on me. They resonate with the story of my own life and God’s call to me, especially through the 2016 GIVEN Forum.
I felt the pit in my stomach grow. Another weekend, no plans except studying, alone. Life as a graduate student was surprisingly isolating! How would I get through the next two years?
“I’m going to do it.” That’s what I told my mom on the phone when I finally decided to leave my secular marketing career to work for the Church. Months of discernment had built up to this moment. The thought was both intriguing and intimidating, an adventure and a risk.
Location: Hillsdale, New Jersey Job Title: Catholic Speaker, Artistic Director, Disabilities Advocate Organization: Array of Hope Education: St. Thomas Aquinas College Degree: Bachelor of Science, Recreational Therapy Lauren Costabile, GIVEN '16 "A key takeaway from GIVEN was that we all have gifts and talents that we are called to use to build up the Church and [...]
Location: Denver, Colorado Education: University of Florida; The Augustine Institute Degree: Bachelor of Science, Family, Youth, and Community Science; (working towards) Masters in Leadership for the New Evangelization Former Job Title: Respect Life Coordinator Former Organization: Diocese of St. Augustine Mary Catherine Damon, GIVEN '16 "When praying about the GIVEN action plan, three things were deeply on my [...]
“Beloved Disciple of the Sacred Heart,” Faithful Daughter, Clumsy Sister, Loving Victim St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Born into poverty in July of 1647, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s early life was marked by great faith and devotion, particularly to the Blessed Sacrament, even in the midst of difficulties. When she was only eight, her father died, [...]
Contemplative, Media Evangelist, Foundress Mother Angelica Rita Rizzo’s early years began in Canton, Ohio with many hardships, including abandonment by her father and poverty. In her late teens, she endured severe pains in her stomach; this resulted in many doctor appointments and finally, a visit to a mystic which led to a cure through the [...]
Marian Visionary, Lover of the Immaculate Conception, Model of Humility St. Bernadette Soubirous Born in Lourdes, France on January 7, 1844, Bernadette was the first of five children born to Francois and Louise Soubirous. She grew up in poverty and was often a sickly child, unable to do much because of asthma. When she was [...]
Strong-willed Child, Courageous Reformer, Doctor of the Church, Patroness of Europe St. Catherine of Siena Catherine was born in 1347 and grew up in a large family in Siena, Italy, where her childhood home still stands. She was a light to her family, and they nicknamed her “Euphrosyne” which is Greek for “joy.” Catherine’s parents [...]
