Accident victim gripping a cross sparks a return to faith for Ramírez
The following story appeared in the May 13 Idaho Catholic Register.
Members of the RCIA class at St. Jerome Parish in Jerome pose for a picture after the Easter Vigil ceremony. Front row, from left, are Luis Enrique Acuña, Isaac Ramírez (who writes his story below), Anahí Martínez, Lizbeth Valencia , Alejandro Meza and Petra Maldonado. Top row, from left, are Neida Acuña, Rigo Acevedo, Sebastián Kay Baker and José Emmanuel Treyes Mendoza. (Courtesy photo/Dr. Peter Doble)
By Isaac Ramirez
JEROME – My name is Isaac Ramírez. I was born in Mexico and grew up in a Catholic family. I was baptized and received my First Holy Communion when I was a child. I moved to the United States when I was 6 years old.
When I was young I tried to stay active in my parish, but my family moved from one state to another and that changed a lot of things.
In my family’s new residence, I tried to join a group within the Church but was rejected because it was already full. At the same time, family problems led to my decision to live alone, focus on my work and isolate from people. This is one of the reasons why I did not receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
I lost my way to the Lord. I spent the last few years away from Him and fell into sin. However, God did not abandon me. Through family and friends, I was receiving advice and encouragement to change my ways.
Currently, I work as a volunteer for the fire department. Even though I was receiving support from friends, it was an incident with my work at the fire department that became the primary reason I decided to return to the Church.
I got a call from the fire department telling me there was a teenage girl who was in a car accident. Her car had flipped over. When I saw how damaged the car was, I thought it is impossible that someone could have survived. However, as incredible as it may seem, there was this young woman who had survived. Thanks to the Lord, she had suffered only mini-mal injuries. I noticed that she had a cross in her hand that she held tightly. That led me to believe that she was not alone.
Other accidents I have witnessed – especially this last one with the teen-ager – led me to a serious reflection on my faith and the need to practice my religion.
I decided to return so that I can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and continue learning about my Catholic faith.
It was not easy because joining a group is hard for me. My first RCIA class was difficult, but I felt like I was not alone. As the days went by, I went more frequently to the house of the Lord. The more I went, the more I felt one with Him. I felt a deep peace within me.
I understand that this is only the beginning of my journey with the Lord. There is still so much I have to learn. I really believe, in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! I want to lead the life that He wants me to live!
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