Anna Briamonte
Junior Anna Briamonte shares her unexpected encounter during World Youth Day, highlighting the warmth and unity of the Notre Dame family that transcends borders.
“I am from New Jersey. Lisbon is very far from home. And yet, something about the warmth of these students made me feel so loved and empowered to listen and sing and worship. The love that I was shown, simply because I, too, happened to attend Notre Dame, was a beautiful reflection of Jesus’ love for all of us.
“As we celebrate this Advent season, how are we the face of Christ for others? This may seem like a small thing. But in those moments when we are all in need of a welcoming smile, it is not.”
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Anna…thank you for sharing your wonderful faith experience. Love you…Grandma
There was many good points to this story. But one thing that touched me was being around strangers. And it making you feel like you’re at home. That’s the true meaning of kinship
I very much enjoyed the line, “As we celebrate this Advent season, how are we the face of Christ for others?”
“I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.”
It’s a lesson from Matthew chapter 25 that when we are kind, loving, and compassionate to others, we are kind, loving, and compassionate to God.
Great story!
I’m so glad you were able to attend World Youth Day and experience the welcome from a Notre Dame group. Thank you for sharing!
Just one of the many reasons Notre Dame will always be a special place for our family.
Thank you, Anna, for reminding us of the true meaning of Advent and of the blessings of the ND family.
WE are ND….Go IRISH!!!!
That is awesome. Thank you❗️🍀
Anna,
You and your wonderful story fill me with joy and hope for a future of caring, love, and devotion to the example of Jesus Christ.
The ND worldwide community does indeed represent those very things.
I was particularly moved by your question,“As we celebrate this Advent season, how are we the face of Christ for others?”
Wow. Keep on keeping’ on, Anna…may Christ continue to bless and guide you
Thanks, Anna, for reminding me that our Notre Dame family is vast and powerful.
I usually listen to these comments. Today, I got a surprise with a student was from Holmdel, N.J. which I do not remember hearing before. My family and I lived in Holmdel off Telegraph Hill Road from the time Ii was 7 until I was 12. My wife and I have travel and have had two wonderful trips to Spain and Portugal, one trip started in Lisbon and the second ended there.Enjoyed both trips and loved the countries and people.
Beautifully said! Heartwarming and inspiring ❣️
“How are we the face of Christ for Others?” We can do this from many angles/approaches. This is a question I shall focus on and ask myself every evening as a part of my appreciation and gratitude prayers. Thank You for expanding my prayer rituals.
Thanks for sharing the love and the warmth of the Notre Dame community of faith ☘️