“Evangelization Begins on Your Knees.” - The Fire Lit by St. Patrick

Pope Francis had said, “Evangelization begins on your knees.” St Patrick knew this very well. He was first brought to Ireland as a slave and was sent to work as a shepherd. He spent many a long, dark night alone. But, turning to God in constant prayer, he knew he wasn’t alone. Even in his own utter darkness he felt the love of God. St Patrick, having received the power of God’s love, felt impelled to share it with others. When he returned home, he was ordained a priest and then a bishop. Returning to the country that once held him captive, he evangelized the whole nation.

Ruins on the Hill of Slane, where St. Patrick lit the Easter Fire. Photo taken during our "Light the Fire" Event.

A relationship with God comes from personal prayer. I used to believe that prayer was

just vocal prayer. Vocal prayers, like the rosary, are very important, but talking to God as a Father and friend is also very important. We only grow in friendship by talking and listening to the other. When I started praying like this everything changed. As my prayer became more of a heart to heart with God, I knew that God was someone I could share my day with, my struggles, my worries and my joys. The more I spoke to God as a friend the easier it got. Deepening my prayer life with the Scriptures allowed me to know Gods heart and His personal love for me. As I grew closer to God, I could see more and more how He loved and provided for me in the little details of my everyday life. God does not want to remain anonymous. He wants us to see His works in our lives.

We can only lead people to that encounter with God if we ourselves have had that encounter with Him. It’s only from the abundance of love received from God that we can then evangelize others. We can’t give what we don’t have. The root of leading others to Christ is having a deep personal prayer life. It begins on our knees.

Sr. Olivia, CFR Novice