I’ve had a relationship with God all my life. It’s as if, when I was born, a family heirloom was passed down to me.

When I was younger, I didn’t understand the importance of my relationship with God. I lacked appreciation because I was only a child repeating prayers or following my parents to Mass.

Around high school, I found treasure in the relationship and claimed it as my own. Prayers turned from recitation to conversation; going to Mass became a spiritual fulfillment rather than a parental requirement.

I hope that my faith can be like a family treasure: something I take with me everywhere I go, to be discussed with people who don’t know its importance, to be admired, to be valued, to be visible in all situations, to be polished daily, and to be passed on to the next generation.