Sonia Lumley
When the pressures of a full academic schedule, working three jobs, and running a campaign for Student Body Vice President nearly broke senior Sonia Lumley, she began to question her faith. The strict religious ideals from the denomination she was raised in began to feel stifling, and she was hungry for a way to connect with God in her current life. A conversation with her dorm’s rector changed all of that: Sonia is now in the process of converting to Catholicism.
“That’s when I went to talk to Cheyenne, my dorm’s rector. I told her about my declining faith and how distant God felt. She didn’t judge me. She listened and reminded me that God loves me, even when I can’t feel God’s presence. That conversation changed everything.
“Advent is a season of waiting, hope, and preparation—a rhythm that mirrors my own journey of faith. Today, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and not only is Our Lady’s appearance miraculous, but so is Saint Juan Diego’s perseverance with those who at first doubted the apparition. Nevertheless, he humbly trusted God’s plan and shared Our Lady of Guadalupe with the world. His quiet perseverance and openness to Mary’s message brought light and renewal to a weary people. Like Juan Diego, I’m learning that God often works through stillness and simplicity, revealing love and grace in the moments we least expect.”
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Sonia,
You are a person of incredible faith, and a role model to the rest of us. May your future endeavors be filled with joy as you share your goodness with those you will encounter.
You are the spirit of du Lac!
When I have felt distant from God, I remember his promise to always be with me and I realize it isn’t that he isn’t near, it’s that I’m looking in the wrong direction. I just need to turn my focus back toward Him to feel his loving presence.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of faith. May God continue to bless you on your journey.
Sonia had the courage, when faced with questioning her faith, to reach out to a person of trust Cheyenne. God promised to never leave us or forsake us. He used Cheyenne and clergy to assist Sonia in finding her a way that brought her closer and fully to Him. I pray that my family members and myself are that person for someone, or encounter those who may be there for us in our times of need. In preparing for Christmas, I find these sacred stories encouraging on my own journey of faith.
Sonia-
Welcome! My heartfelt thanks for having the courage to share your journey with so many thru ND & more importantly reflecting the values of our faith. Our prayer warriors are with you every step of your journey. You’re in my prayers. God bless you! Merry Christmas 🙏
In Him,
Mike Caci
Wonderful story!
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us
I frequently go back and read article published in the December 2017 ND magazine. It was titled Christmas Day 1944. Father
Frank Sampson, a ND graduate and Catholic had to lead Christmas services as a newly captured US POW. I share this article with both ND graduates and career military.
Joe Libby ND 61
I enjoy your “light & renewal” story!
It brings both to me today ☀️🙏🏽🙏🏻☀️
God bless you on your journey☘️❗️
Sonia, thank you for sharing your story! Congratulations on your journey and all of your perseverance and courage to keep finding faith. I’m sure like everyone on here, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate for a second to reach out! Have a wonderful holiday season.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. Faith and trust is a powerful thing.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience. Faith is a powerful gift to have.
Thank you for your story and welcome to the church. What a beautiful inspiration you are!
Beautiful. For my 68th birthday I spent a week in silent retreat at Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Monastery in Oregon having discovered Thomas Merton at a class at St Mary’s. Peace be with you Sister. ND’72🍀
Sonia
Welcome to the church!