My Divine Encounter

In the vibrant city of El Paso, Texas, nestled under the warm sun, stood St. Pius X, a beloved Catholic church. Every Sunday afternoon, I found myself singing as a member of the church band during the youth mass. The ensemble consisted of drums, saxophone, piano, chimes, guitars, and vocals, forming a full musical group. It was a privilege I cherished, for it allowed me to express my devotion through the power of music.

On a beautiful Saturday morning, amidst a captivating youth retreat in an auditorium, a special event unfolded. It was there, on a grand stage, that an extraordinary gathering of young souls immersed themselves in an unforgettable experience. The renowned Father Stan Fortuna, a Catholic priest from the Bronx, New York, known for his unique fusion of Christian rap music, delivered a sermon that resonated deeply with the hearts of the youthful attendees.

As a member of the church band, I stood on that sacred stage, privileged to share my voice with Father Stan. Together, we harmonized our voices, lifting the spirits of the retreat participants. The atmosphere grew electric with the energy of their enthusiasm. The teenagers' passion was so infectious that they demanded an encore of one of our most cherished church songs, "Awesome God." With joy in my heart, I took the lead once again, and our voices united in a melody that stirred their souls.

As the vibrant celebration settled into a tranquil moment, we transitioned to singing gentle church hymns. It was during this serene interlude that an unexpected occurrence took place. The young attendees, captivated by the depth of emotion evoked by our harmonies, found themselves overwhelmed. Fainting spells spread through the crowd, a testament to the profound impact our music had on their tender spirits. Unwavering, we continued to sing, pouring our love and devotion into every note, as the room filled with an overwhelming sense of unity.

That day, etched deep into my memory, became a testament to the power of faith and music. As the final notes of the retreat faded, the following day arrived—a Sunday. Father Stan presided over the mass, and with great honor, I took my place once again among the church band, as I had done countless times before this special day.

During Father Stan's sermon, a remarkable event unfolded, captivating the entire St. Pius X congregation. A woman within the church began speaking in tongues, her words carried by an otherworldly force. Amidst the mystical language, snippets of the word "Satan" could be discerned, echoing through the pews. Yet, even in the face of this astonishing phenomenon, our voices remained steadfast, offering prayers through song.

As we sang, a profound transformation took place within me. Fear, which initially gripped my heart, swiftly gave way to an overwhelming sense of pure love that permeated the very air we breathed. Tears welled up in my eyes, their origin a mystery even to myself. But these tears only served to deepen my connection to the divine presence surrounding us. In that moment, I knew that the Holy Spirit was standing among us, its presence unmistakable.

At long last, the woman ceased her words, allowing Father Stan to seamlessly resume and the mass drew to a close. Though the encounter had been unlike anything I had ever experienced, I couldn't help but yearn for the familiarity of my weekly performances—those moments where I stood before God and sang with all my heart.

As time went on, the echoes of that remarkable day lingered in my soul. The memories became a cherished testament to the extraordinary ways in which faith intertwines with the power of music. Every Sunday, I would return to St. Pius X, to sing with the band and share my love for God. And with each passing week, I held onto the hope that, once again, I would experience the divine presence that had touched my heart so profoundly.

For it is in the act of singing for my God every Sunday mass, whether it be during the spirited youth retreat or the tranquil sanctuary of St. Pius X, that I found solace, strength, and a deep connection with the divine—the very essence of my existence. The memories of that remarkable youth retreat and the captivating presence of Father Stan will forever remain etched in my heart. They serve as a reminder of the transformative power of music and faith, igniting a flame within me to continue spreading love through song.

As I continued singing during mass every Sunday, surrounded by the harmonious melodies of the band, I was filled with anticipation and reverence. Each note resonated with the memories of that profound day, reminding me of the joyous unity we can create through worship. And in those moments when I lifted my voice in praise, I knew deep within my soul that the Holy Spirit was listening, weaving its divine presence through the chords of our songs.

Though the youth retreat may have come to an end, the spirit it awakened within me remains alive and vibrant. Singing for my God every Sunday mass was a sacred journey for me—a testament to the power of music, the strength of faith, and the unyielding love that binds us all together. It was in these moments, surrounded by my church family, that I found solace and purpose, for the gift of song is truly a divine blessing bestowed upon my soul.

And so, with every note that filled the air, I offered my voice as an instrument of praise and gratitude, knowing that through the timeless power of music, I am forever connected to something greater than myself.