It was after a whirlwind freshman semester of partying and
destructive relationships at another college that I decided to
transfer to the Franciscan university of Steubenville in 1997.
I was in a damaged condition emotionally and my faith, cosmetic,
mainly to keep my parents at bay. While home on the Christmas
break I compared notes with a friend, who was attending Steubenville
and felt intensely drawn by the authenticity of his experience.
Somewhat rashly I decided to go there instead and two days before
Spring classes began, I transferred, not quite knowing what I
was letting myself in for.
It was the start of a new way of life. The Franciscian university
has a unique household system of closely bonded groups, similar
to fraternities and sororities but with a Christian focus. Each
one has its own spirituality and set of commitments. Mine was
the Little Flowers Household, devoted to the spirituality of
St Teresa of Lisieux.
This group has become the catalyst for my healing. They have
offered real friendship and I have found deception impossible.
My sisters haven't been afraid to hold me accountable for my
weaknesses, but every admonishment has come with support and
I have come to know God's unconditional love through theirs.
Simultaneously, the university's vibrant Catholic personality
has drawn me into a gradual but steady conversion. When every
dorm has a Eucharistic chapel, when the pews overflow at the
three daily Masses and when lines form each day for confession,
grace rubs off on even the numbest soul.
An invitation to service has also transformed me. Through
serving the homeless I have begun to understand how I am loved
by God too. I have learned how to listen and to make an unconditional
gift of self.
