This is the second half of my journal entry #7.
The second keynote address of the day followed that, and Chris Stefanick spoke. He is absolutely hilarious! He is the Director of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. I thank you for his enthusiasm and excitement Lord!
To close out the night we had Adoration before you in the Blessed Sacrament. I have never before been so deeply moved as in that moment. Some 1,300 college students kneeling before you Lord Jesus and talking and listening to you! As I rose to leave- you penetrated my soul to the core. You embraced me and you spoke to my heart- You asked me as I stood:
"Can you not sit one hour with me?"
At that moment I fell to my knees in awe and surrender and responded to you-
"You've always been there for me God."
Then you spoke to my heart such truth-
"Then why can't you always be there for me? I desire you to give up your life, your plans for the life that I can give you and for the plans I had for you since before you were created."
My heart was broken, but in a sweet and loving way. I'm sorry that I have not always been there for you Lord. I hope to be available for you and your will all the days of my life.
As I exited the conference room being rejuvenated by being in your presence I saw the line for confession. I was nearly brought to tears! The line was endless. There were at least 700 college students in line to confess and resolve absolution and forgiveness from you through your Priest's.
I then went and had a snack at the Bistro 300 while talking with Ashley Fox- who is the community chair for the graduate community at Franciscan University in Steubenville. I thank you for this rewarding experience as well. A little while later I heard it- the bell. The Eucharistic Procession had begun. Immediately all those who were there from the conference knelt out of reverence and love for you. As I sit on the train now, the lady in front of me- the ringtone for her text message is a small bell. Each time it goes off I look up longing to see you and kneel before you in awe, adoration, sacrifice, and love!
When I got to the room last night, Joe and I talked for at least two hours about the Church, Adoration, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and most importantly, the Priesthood. I am very thankful for my new friend Joe. You truly blessed my life through him and I hope our friendship continues and grows for years to come!
That brings me to today Lord, and it has been a bittersweet day.
We started out with a Keynote Address by Founder of FOCUS, Curtis Martin. A truly powerful message Lord!
He talked about answering your call and how best to do that:
-To know and love you deeply
-To know your plan for my life
-To live out that plan as passionately as I can
He also talked about the Monstrance, which means 'To Show.' He said:
"A Monstrance has a hole in it for Jesus Christ to be in. When we were created, we were created with a hole inside of us that only Jesus Christ can live in, making Him the center of our life. Therefore, we are all living Monstrance's to show Christ to the world and to share Christ with the world."
This statement impacted me in such a deeply profound way Lord! Thank you.
He also told us to not let this conference experience become a pep-rally with no game, but to instead answer your call and to live out our faith passionately with every ember of our being. He also said that when we receive you in the Eucharist, we receive infinite grace, and that when we walk back from receiveing, we should be transformed.
This was followed by our final Mass together, and it was, as always deeply moving.
I will be completely honest when I say it was bittersweet. I made many new friends-
-Joe Camilo, Matt Gill, Father Luke Sweeney, Father Isaac (Franciscan Friar of the Renewal-CFR, and graduate of Franciscan University), Brother Xavier (CFR), Brother Innocence (CFR), Brother Angelus (CFR), Sister Chiara (Franciscan Sister of the Renewal-CFR), Sister Monica (CFR), Ashley Fox (Community Chair for Franciscan University Graduate Community), and Lauren Fox (FOCUS Missionary at George Washington University)
I pray deep blessings over all these people Lord, and I cannot thank you enough for the deep blessings of this experience. You are amazing and I love you.
In closing Lord- here is my prayer:
"Here I am Lord, your servant is listening. I am ready to go where you will send me. I am ready to do what you will have me do. I am ready to become a Knight in your Kingdom. Amen."
Love Always,
Bobby Rhea
18:22
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