On Nov. 8, more than a dozen people gathered at St. Anthony Parish in Knoxville to reflect on how being Catholic shaped their lives.
“My Life — My Faith,” led by Martha Popson, gave people starter questions, such as “What did you do on Christmas Eve when you were young?” and moved on to more serious ones such as, “What do you think happens when you die?”
The purpose of this exercise was to leave a written legacy for participants’ descendants. “This is the most important writing anyone can do and may well be one of the most important gifts your children and grandchildren ever receive,” Popson said. “I hope that today is the start of many reflections written down.”
Among participants were Ricardo and Nellie Campero, originally from Bolivia, who wrote about what being Catholic was like in that country. Ricardo explained that they would go to the Misa de Gallo (the Mass of the Rooster) at midnight on Christmas Eve.
Rita Lee expressed the mood of the group when she wrote this advice to her descendants: “My children should first remember God is first in their lives and to be kind to all people. To do good always.”
The reflections will be typed up and put on presentation paper, for those who wish to use these writings as a Christmas gift.
