Of course, there is much one could tell about how our connection developed. Though, here’s a little bit about how our two paths crossed and became one.

Marcelo: After graduating from Holy Cross and preparing for ordination, I was “surprised by joy” when I realized that a wonderful friendship had developed into something much more profound. I have known Jennifer since 2022, when we worked together on projects for the Department of Religious Education.

Jennifer:
As Marcelo said, it really was a “surprised by joy” moment. I was busy working and finishing school, and the last thing I expected was the emergence of both our friendship and what came after.

Marcelo: During the course of our friendship, Jennifer, at one point, asked me if my path to the celibate priesthood had always been my calling. I answered that my calling to the priesthood had always been clear to me, but celibacy was something I assumed to be my path. When she asked me that question, I realized at that moment that my heart’s desire was not celibacy at all, if Jennifer would want to make our paths one.

Jennifer: When I asked him the question, I was genuinely curious. As our friendship grew, I noticed a connection developing that felt it could go beyond friendship. And I certainly wanted to encourage him in his calling. So I asked. As he shared his answer, the space opened up for us to be curious about each other as more than just friends. I was absolutely delighted.

Marcelo: After that, it became clear that both of us were united in our love for one another and in our desire to serve Christ and His Church in ministry. I am thankful to God for the wonderful gift she is to me.

Jennifer:
It really did become clear we were united in our love for each other almost immediately. To me, it felt like a courtship that included not just us but God. Everything unfolded as naturally as breathing, and the more we breathed in each moment of getting to know each other, the more we felt nourished by each other and the vision of a shared future together. What a gift and blessing to find a home with him.