By Faith Addington, Catholic Editor
As a sign of the upcoming holiday, the newly bare trees and cold weather are leading the students into a five day break from school in celebration of all the blessings in the past year,a tradition first started by the pilgrims in 1621. As said by St. Gianna Beretta, “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness,” and in spirit of this, several Aquinas students wanted to share blessings they have received and for what they are thankful.
Sophomore Maria Hillary said, “I’m thankful for the gift of my voice. Because of it, I try my best to glorify God by singing at mass. It’s my way of giving back to Him what He gave me. I’m also thankful for my perseverance. There’s been many moments in my life when I don’t know if I have the strength to keep going. But that’s when God steps in, telling me He’ll be with me by my side no matter what. And that gives me courage to continue.”
Junior Zoebelle Beansaid, “I’m grateful for being given a relationship with a man that has allowed me to grow as a woman of God in the light of Christ. I’m continuously reminded of God’s graces through this new chapter in my life and it’s only through Him that I was allowed this growth and peace, which I am infinitely grateful for, praise be to God.”
Sophomore Lauren Vanderwulp said, “I’m thankful for God because he made nothing into something and gave me this amazing life. He also is the reason I take my next breath.”
Sophomore Emily Klein said, “I am grateful for the purpose that God gives in my life. And I know that might sound cliche but truly knowing that the reason I am still here on this earth and wake up every morning is because of Him is truly something to be grateful for.”
Freshman JT Doudna said, “I am incredibly grateful for the graces given to me by God, Our Lady, because she, by her intercession, led me to Catholicism, the Church and Her Sacraments because they allow me to be conformed more fully to Jesus Christ, my girlfriend because she helps me to be a better man and teaches me to serve, and bacon because everyone loves bacon. Praise God.”
As the Thanksgiving season brings a time of reflection and gratitude, these sentiments from Aquinas students are a reminder to the deeper meaning behind the holiday. From God-given strength to simple pleasures like bacon, their words highlight the many ways one can recognize the blessings in their own lives. As the Bible says, one should “always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” the one who created all things (Ephesians 5:20).
“Ad majorem Dei gloriam, ave Christus Rex, ave Rex Gloriae”
Photo credits by J.T. Doudna
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