This morning, I was asked to speak at our church during the afternoon mass to share my RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)experience and this is what I said. Good afternoon. My name is Mari Babaran. During this time last year, I had just given birth to my beautiful daughter, Madysen. Her Dad and I knew that we had been given a gift. I joined RCIA shortly after this because my husband and I wanted to not only get married in the catholic church but to also raise our family in a loving faithful community. Just last week, my husband and I stood here before God, our family and friends to join ourselves in the sacrament of marriage. A few months earlier I was able to share my daughter's baptism with my confirmation. These are all things I would not have been able to experience without the RCIA program. My journey with RCIA has confirmed why I was brought here in the first place. With the passing of my father this past year RCIA serves as an outlet for me during a very challenging part of my life. It helped me find answers and peace. As I stand here today I realize the blessings and gifts I have is because of God. RCIA enhanced the faith that I already knew I had in me. I remember walking into my RCIA group for the very first time and meeting Greta. Instantly I felt at home. Our group bonded and shared our lives and experiences. We celebrated accomplishments and consoled each other during rough times. 6 months of learning,sharing and growing in our faith with my RCIA group was a rewarding experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. The tools gained through this experience will serve me well for the rest of my life. It was the best decision that I made. I stand here before you sharing the gifts and blessings that I received in this community. I would've never known all that I have here at St Philip Neri if not for the RCIA program. I pray and hope that anyone considering to join RCIA will go along this journey. The journey that has helped me be a apart of this church, a loving community that my husband, daughter and I will be a part of for years to come.
I felt that after all of what I have gone through this year, today brought me back to the basic.. MY FAITH. My family will always be my priority. I love calling Edmundo my husband. Our daughter, Madysen completes us. At the end of the day I can't help but to feel very blessed. These things just don't happen. Granted that I've worked hard to get to where I am today yet I truly believe that there is a greater power and plan for all of us. This moment has been the only time where I have finally sat down and reflected on what has happened. I had so much fun celebrating with our loved ones during our wedding. All of the planning and hard work definitely made it all worth it. Edmundo and I will always remember 9.10.11.
Life isn't perfect nor are we. I know that him and I will loook back at the day when all of our friends and family witnessed our devotion, love and commitment promise to each other when times get rough.
It is so hard to take it all in. I am so overwhelmed. I feel like I am still HIGH from all of this joy continuing up to Madysen's first birthday just a couple of days ago. Her birthday party at the zoo was wonderful. Tomorrow we leave for our 28 day trip to Europe for our honeymoon/ family vacation. I told Edmundo that I can't wait to finally experience the world with him and Madysen. I know that we will grow from visiting these places. Tomorrow we will be in Paris by midnight. New adventures new surroundings and new experiences. I am looking forward to being lazy and enjoying my family now that we have come to the finish line. Marital and familial bliss can't come soon enough. I know that I am already there but I have not been able to enjoy it as much nor soak it in since it's been so overwhelming. Wheeeeww. Time ro relax after our long flight at least.
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