Beginnings...

"Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start"

And so, as Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC so appropriately instructs, all things have a beginning; to know the whole story, one must start there.  In keeping with that, here is an account of my early days.

I was born into a wonderful Catholic Italian family in 1952.  The only drawback:  we weren't solid, practicing Catholics.  Yes, I received my Sacraments.  Yes, my parents taught me right from wrong. But as far as day-to-day living it out, it just wasn't there.  Don't get me wrong.  My parents were very strong Catholics in their character, but we didn't pray together, and Dad barely ever went to Mass.  Mom, being a non-driver, only went marginally.  And after my Confirmation Formation Classes, it went down to seldom.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.

My strongest Catholic formation came at an early age from my Nana (Sicilian grandmother.)  I loved staying with her, which I did for many days each year.  She and I would walk 14 long city blocks in San Jose to St. Joseph's Cathedral for Mass on Sunday and at least one other day mid-week.  Every night after supper, I would know to be quiet as Nana said her Rosary in the big, overstuffed chair in the front room.  She was generous to neighbors and family, gentle and loving, and made life so much fun for a little girl.

The only problem:  she spoke very little English. 

Even so, my Nana became the role model I look to even today for what a Catholic woman should be.  In fact, in the 4th Grade, I made an announcement to a teacher regarding that.  My teacher was on yard duty, quizzing all the girls who circled around like bees to honey, "What do you want to do when you grow up?"  I listened intently to each girl's answer.  Then it was my turn.

"So, Karen, what about you?"

"I want to be a nun," I smiled happily and said.

An outburst of laughter hit my ears...from my beloved teacher!

"Oh, Karen," she replied, "you'll never be a nun!"

Needless to say, I was crushed.  I truly think that this one incident began a series of doubts in my young heart (which is one reason I encourage ALL Christians and loving families to homeschool.)  Of course, there were other isolated incidents in early childhood that may have contributed; however, this one remains prominent in the squelching of my faith during my childhood.

So that's how it all began for me.  Be sure to watch for my next post, which will be on my teen years.