Three days. That’s how long the doctors told my family that I would live. I was in the hospital, infected with COVID-19.
It was in 2020, during the earliest days of the pandemic. I was 47 years old.
As I fought for every breath, I made a promise to God: If he gave me the opportunity to survive, I would do the best I could to follow his ways.
I will take another important step in fulfilling that promise on Saturday, April 19, at what is known as the Easter Vigil, the most solemn celebration in the Catholic Church. During the vigil, which occurs at parishes after nightfall, the church awaits the resurrection of Christ and celebrates the sacraments of initiation — baptism, confirmation and First Communion.
I will be ing around 70 adults and youth at my parish, Our Lady of Angels, who will be receiving their sacraments, making us full of the church. I will receive my confirmation and First Communion.
I had begun this path when I was baptized in Guatemala, where I was born. My family didn’t really go to church, though. As time ed, I grew up and started working, without learning about the faith.
I immigrated to the U.S. 28 years ago in pursuit of the American dream and began working in construction. Then I met a woman who would become my wife and the mother of our two daughters. She started talking to me about her Catholic faith.
COVID-19 suspended our family life. I spent a year in the hospital. I show people a photo I carry in my wallet of me in the hospital, attached to tubes, so they can see how dire my condition was, and how far I’ve come.
After being released from the hospital, I spent six months at home recuperating. I had to use a wheelchair at first, my body was so weak, and was still hooked up to oxygen. Gradually, I began to regain my strength. It took me nearly 2 1/2 years, but I was able to return to work.
I began to go to Mass every Sunday, then, over time, I began to even go on weekdays.
And I began to serve in my church, as my family does. My wife teaches catechism, the principles of our faith, as does my 19-year-old daughter. My other daughter, who is 13, also helps out.
I the church’s community work, which includes assisting with baptisms on Saturdays and even helping to park cars. I work in hospitality before Mass, welcoming people as they come in, and help out in the collection. My wife and I also participate in the “Matrimonios” (marriages) group, serving with other couples.
All of this is not easy. We work on our faith together. Little by little, praying for God’s guidance, we’re advancing as a family.
There are so many people that only go to church when they are sick, or when they need something. Then they forget about God.
I tell them my story. I tell them that God exists, and that they should seek him out, go to Mass and pray. I tell them, like our priest says, that devoting one hour to their spiritual life every week is not too much to ask.
I feel an inner happiness now that is not easy to explain.
Last September, I enrolled in the faith formation program for adults at my parish so I could receive the sacraments. My wife and I are married civilly, but once I receive my sacraments at Easter Vigil, we will be able to marry in the church.
We have set a date in May, when we will take another step in our journey of faith and love.
Garnica lives with his family in Normal Heights.
