Introduction to Manuel Vera Jr.

1. Who are you
My name is Manuel Vera Jr., but I usually go by Manny to my classmates and friends.
2. What Church you attend
I am a parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul.
3. Your most important insight or insights from class thus far.
We've covered a lot of material so far in this class, all revolving around the central question of what it means to be holy. The most important insight I've gained is that we are all called to be holy. Like Fr. Richards said in Surrender,  each one of us has two options: become a saint or choose hell. We achieve sanctity and avoid the latter through a two tiered approach: distrust in one's self and trust in God. Learning this insight helped clarify how to answer the call to holiness we all experience.
4. What do you think will be the biggest struggle/difficulty/distraction?
I think my biggest obstacle during this pilgrimage will be staying disciplined with daily personal prayer time. Recently, with so many worldly distractions going on, I've found it difficult to set aside time for God through prayer. Hopefully throughout the pilgrimage I will be able to maintain a much-needed set time for prayer throughout the day.
5. What do you hope will be your biggest grace?
I think the biggest grace I will take from this retreat is realizing that I'm following in the footsteps of some of the greatest saints in history. By visiting all these different holy sites, I hope to Pray with saints who came before me and ask them to intercede for the graces which allowed them to achieve sanctity.
6. How do you want it to effect you/or how do you think it will effect you when you return? I believe this retreat will allow me to connect with the lives of the saints that came before me. Hopefully, by reflecting and meditating on their own graces and virtues while on the pilgrimage, I can carry those onto my daily life after the trip.