JE #7

The Catholic religion was a constant in my life growing up, as it is with most Latino families. La Virgen was in my home and religion at school surrounded me, since I went to a private Catholic school. My entire family considered themselves Catholic. Through my years at the Catholic school, from 1^st grade to senior year of high school, I soon realized there were “requirements” to be Catholic and upon accepting my sexuality, I also accepted not fitting those requirements. Although the thought of turning away from something I grew up with terrified me, I rejected my religion. I threw away my baptism, my hold communion, my confirmation, because I refused to be confined to parameters of a religion that doesn’t consider my love worthy. There is not a day that goes by that I regret my decision. Now, I am free to love as I please. Seeing their only daughter shunned from the Church made my parents realize the Catholic Church wasn’t for our family. Although my family and I still consider ourselves spiritual since we believe in many things, just not organized religion. And with the help of Alma, I was able to reclaim my mother, La Virgen. The Church made me feel because of my sexuality, she does not belong to me. But Alma helped me realized she is ours, and we need to reclaim her as our mother. The act of reclaiming her has made my life full of bliss. Although spiritual, I was still craving for guidance from above, and now I do from Our Lady.