First of all, my daughter Whitney (she came to the renewal with me) and I have discovered a very important and disturbing similarity...we both are directionally challenged! Not a good thing when in a strange town. We got lost almost every time we left our hotel. And usually it was within a three or four mile radius. We actually attempted to drive into downtown Chicago after we settled in to our hotel Friday night. Big mistake. We discovered a premier shopping district right in the heart of downtown Chicago. I felt like I was driving in New York City (which I have NEVER attempted). Once on Michigan Ave., I headed for the first parking garage I could find. We were both ravenous, spotting The Cheesecake Factory at the same time. Just what the doctor ordered! We laughed, ate and discussed what tomorrow would bring.
It was a pleasure spending time with my daughter, now a young woman with the love of Jesus in her heart. What more could a mother ask for?
Back at the hotel by 9 p.m., we stayed up until one a.m. narrowing down the questions I would ask when interviewing Anne and Dr. Mark Miravalle. Satisfied, we fell asleep quickly and woke with excitement at 6:30am. Then, I looked out the window. The rain was coming down in sheets. So much for flat-ironed hair! The gates opened 7:30am at Rosary Hill and we wanted to get there early to grab seats close to the front.
By the time we arrived at 7:40am, seats were filled to the tenth row. Volunteers with gold t-shirts were handing out programs, greeting everyone with warm smiles. I needed to find Jane who has been my contact at DFOT and arranged for the interviews. Then I spotted a woman in blue rushing around up front. I knew instantly it had to be Jane. A volunteer I spoke to earlier said she would let Jane know I was here. I wore a red top to facilitate my whereabouts. Jane made her way over to where I was sitting and gave me a warm hug. "Come with me," she said excitedly, "I have some people I want you to meet." I watched with profound respect as Jane affectionately greeted and then introduced me to fellow lay apostles. Her energy was captivating. As the time drew near for the program to begin, I made my way back to my seat next to Whitney. I spotted Anne making her way to the front row. The Holy Rosary would start our day meditating on the Luminous Mysteries. Mary Sue Eck, publisher of Medjugorje Magazine with her husband Larry, gave the opening remarks.
Anne was up next. Her messages were inspiring and focused. I will post another blog entry with my notes from her talk. The rest of the day was a whirlwind. Anne's talks were followed by mass and then lunch. The sun was starting to shine and muddy grass was becoming a little less muddy! Jim Gilboy, president of CMJ Marian Publishers, began the second half of the day with his personal testimony. His story was engaging as he has had much to overcome.
Dr. Mark Miravalle would give us Theological Commentary and practical advice on living the Apostolate highlighting Volume Ten next. Dr. Miravalle is a Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He described Volume Ten as the "rescue manual" for lay apostles. Each message was discussed individually, clarifying the meaning of Jesus' words. I will also post a separate blog entry for my notes of his talk.
The day ended with a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr. Kevin Scallon. Anne finished with prayers for the intentions of all present (we had filled out a form and turned them in). What a day!
I was told to meet Anne and Dr. Miravalle at the retreat center upon the conclusion of the Holy Hour. Whitney and I were the first to arrive. About 20 of us were escorted to a room the sisters graciously prepared coffee and food while we waited. I would be last to see Anne. We met the most amusing young priest (a year older than me!) named Fr. Mike from Texas. He was with a Lay Apostle group from Dallas.
Dr. Miravalle appeared and was ready for our interview. I rushed in leaving my digital recorder behind. I would just have to wing it and rely on my note taking. I have to admit I was a little intimidated due to his prestigious credentials. But as we sat alone in a conference room to talk, all my fears subsided when he began to answer my questions. His devotion and love of the Lord was evident in every word he spoke. I wish I would have had more time to sit and learn from him. Then, the door popped open and in comes Anne! I had been anticipating this moment for months and it was finally here. I got up quickly to greet her and she gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek. Dr. Miravalle needed to speak with her, so I excused myself and waited with Whitney until I was motioned to come back in the room. Whitney was welcomed in as well, and greeted by Anne with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Now comes the hard part to describe. I want to convey the emotion and experience with clarity as though you were sitting right there with me. So, here it goes!
The conference room had seats lined up facing the front in rows. I had been sitting next to Dr. Miravalle earlier and reclaimed my seat. Anne sat comfortably in the row ahead of me, turned with her arms draping over the back of the chair, one leg tucked under the other, and Whitney to her left. I briefly spoke of how the Volumes changed my life and that of my family and friends. Anne was quick not to take any credit and humbly praised Jesus for the messages given to her. I fumbled with my small digital recorder and somehow found the record button after asking her permission to tape the interview. She looked directly at me as she spoke, her crystal clear blue eyes focused and sincere. For an instant, I got an overwhelming sensation I was looking in to the eyes of Jesus. I can't explain it. Sitting in her presence, there was no mistaking she is special. Yet it was like conversing with a good friend.
For those of you who know me and how passionate I can become (come on, be nice!), you can imagine as I was getting up to leave I felt the need to express the importance of this mission and that I was willing to do whatever Jesus gave me the graces to achieve. Anne gently placed her hands on my face and said, "Bonnie, you are going to do great things for the Lord. I will pray for him to give you clarity and direction." We hugged goodbye and walked out of the room. Jane was waiting there with a big smile on her face. Mission accomplished, for now!
This forever shall be the most important interview God has blessed me with.
Thank you, Lord, for believing in me and giving me the opportunities and guidance to evangelize this mission.
Blessings,
Bonnie
