“That’s when I decided to cry out to God for help.”

Marika recently graduated from Rutgers University. Though Catholic from a young age, by high school she had strayed away from the faith and found herself surrounded by evil.

“I began to rely on the world, occult things. I was experiencing betrayal, I let go of my morals, virtues, and at such a young age I felt like my life just fell apart. I didn’t know who I was–where I wanted to go–I was just in the midst of darkness, and I was blind.“

“That’s when I decided to cry out to God for help.”

Marika started to pray every day, which led to going to mass, confession, and finding the Rutgers Catholic Center. She eventually joined Br. Ken’s OCIA class to be confirmed: “Br. Ken became my sponsor, my mentor, and my friend.”

“I remember one time I was having a hard week. It was messy and chaotic. Br. Ken and I were having a very normal conversation, but the whole time there was this indescribable peace. I don’t know if he was even aware of it, but God used Him in that moment to pour out the ‘peace that surpasses all understanding’ (Philippians 4:7). That small moment completely changed me and put my internal disposition in order for the rest of my semester.”

She recalls how each of the Brothers at the Catholic Center impacted her spiritual journey– from Scripture study with Br. Brennan and ministry events with Br. Parker and Br. Jeff, to Br. Adam’s encouragement to rely more deeply on the Holy Spirit and see Christ in everyone around her.

“I feel so grateful because the Lord placed people in my life that are constantly filling themselves with the Holy Spirit, which allows them to be witnesses of Christ for others. Thanks to the Brothers’ guidance and support, my faith and my relationship with God continues to flourish today so that I can be sent on mission myself.”

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