SAINTS IN PROGRESS
Abby Walraven with Monica Messerly
Monica Messerly is twenty nine years old and has been the media coordinator at St. Rita’s for six years. The three words she would use to describe herself are funny, trustworthy, and kind. Monica is the person you go to when you need a quick laugh or an encouraging word, and she is always willing to listen to anyone who wants to talk. Monica loves anything green and growing, and anyone who stops by her office at St. Rita’s will immediately notice her impressive collection of beautiful plants in all shapes and sizes.
Monica comes from a family full of Catholics, and her grandparents, Robert and Florence Nowicki, were very active at St. Rita’s when she was growing up. They taught her how important it is to know God and share Him with others, something she does every day at work. Like her many plants, Monica’s relationship with God is constantly growing;
“You never fully know everything about your relationship with God..."
"...There’s moments of joy, there’s low moments, but I think that’s cool, because it’s never boring. Noticing what God does in the everyday is so beautiful to me - I don’t think of myself as lucky, I think of myself as blessed.”
In college, Monica didn’t go to church much, and she didn’t discuss her faith with others on a regular basis either. But when she came home after college and began working at St. Rita’s, her faith became more central to her life, and she realized again that something so special is meant to be shared - “Why would I ever be quiet about it?”
Monica has a special love for the Eucharist and the saints. Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass each Sunday is a special gift that she will never take for granted. Having the intercession of the saints to help her navigate life’s ups and downs is essential as well, and St. Michael has been especially close to her heart lately.
If Monica could share one message with everyone, it would be kindness starts with yourself. A relationship with God begins with recognizing who you are as a beloved son or daughter of God and allowing Him to love you even in the midst of imperfection. You are precious in God’s eyes, and He delights in you. If Monica is ever canonized, she would like to be the patron saint of friendship.
“In everything, I try to be the best friend possible.”
WITH THE AUTHOR
Abby Walraven
ALL ROADS CATHOLIC MEDIA
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