Three years ago, my spouse and I encountered something we never expected: the beginning of a profound and life-changing journey with the Shalom Catholic Community here in Boston. At the time, we couldn’t have imagined how deeply this community would become woven into the fabric of our lives. Today, it is hard to picture life without them.
For me personally, the journey has been especially transformative. I did not grow up in the faith, and yet, through Shalom, I have come to know the love of God in an intimate and life-giving way. What began as a curiosity became an encounter — one that has led to countless moments of joy, healing, and growth.
Whether it was spending time in fellowship after prayer groups, riding bikes through the city, attending formation courses and Life in the Spirit seminars, or going on retreats like Acamps, every experience has been a chapter in a story of grace. These weren’t just events — they were encounters with God through the lives and love of those around me.
Shalom has become a concrete family for us, a family that lives out the Gospel in sincerity and truth. Their authenticity, vulnerability, and unwavering love for Jesus have been a living testimony of faith — a mirror that helped me see Christ more clearly.
This past weekend marked the highest point in my spiritual journey — a Jubilee of my soul. I received four of the Blessed Sacraments: Matrimony, Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion. Words fall short to express the joy and transformation I experienced. I feel truly made new. I am no longer the same person I was. I am a child of God, embraced and renewed by His infinite mercy.
To Him be all the glory. Praise be to God for welcoming me with such tender, warm arms, and for placing me within this extraordinary community that continues to walk with me in faith and love.
Wendy Ferro, member of Shalom Prayer Group in Boston.
