When Katie Chmelik agreed to go to the Shrine’s Back from the Dead faith drama with her Catholic husband and friends, she thought it was something fun to do around Halloween. She didn’t know the evening out would culminate in a very personal encounter with Jesus and a life-altering decision to turn her life over to Him.
“I liked the characters—the saints—very much. I liked the tone that the grave digger set and the way he kept the Halloween spookiness and asked that we keep an open mind to listen to the stories of the saints. After the program we went into the Basilica. Sitting in the front row, I became very anxious. I stared at the big crucifix and wept. I swear that I saw Jesus turn and look at me and I felt like I was getting a hug. I instantly felt the anxiety leave,” Katie said.
“I went to OCIA and was confirmed at the Easter vigil. Since becoming Catholic, I feel like my marriage has gotten stronger and I am handling the kids better. I feel more secure in general.”