Jessica Gazzola

This week’s RevGalBlogPal’s Friday Five speaks to my Catholic core, but, as you’ll read, “saints” is a broader category for me today than it once was.

1. Do you have a “favorite” saint? Tell us about him or her!

I don’t have a favorite, but St. Brigid enters my prayer more often than others.  I took a retreat with WomanSpace three years ago celebrating Imbolc/the Feast of St. Brigid.  The Brigid crosses I made that day still watch over all of the doors in my house.  The image of fire, keeping the hearth burning, has been an important metaphor for my spiritual focus and growth.  I love that Brigid is a Christianized goddess in Celtic history.  I think she still carries some of her pre-Christian power.  I feel it.

2. Some of us share names with a saint. If that is the case, has that saint, or his or her feast day held any meaning for you?

My given names are nowhere in the sanctoral cycle, but when I was fifteen I chose the name Gabriel for my Confirmation name, the archangel and bearer of “Good News.”  Something in me knew preaching was in my future.

3. Is there a saint whose life or story intrigues you (other than number 1)?

Any of the mystics, Christian and non-Christian – Julian of Norwich, Rumi, Rilke, Mary Oliver, just to name a few.  They “see” things.  Their words are so helpful to my searching heart.

4. Do you pray with, or to, a saint (or saints)?

I would be lying if I didn’t admit to petitioning St. Anthony when I lose something, which is nearly every day.  But in general, the saints, named and unnamed, are more my guides in the spiritual world.  In my prayer, dreams, and daily insights “people” come to me offering solace, company, or advice (I love being alone… I’m never lonely!).  In the last couple of years my mother, who passed away six years ago, has become a presence and a guide, leading me into a new life.

5. Many saints are designated patrons of occupations, needs or occasions (like traveling). Is there such a saint that factors into your life professional, or avocationally?

I served the parish of Sts. Clare & Francis and their influence has seeped into my worldview –   The gift of simplicity, the virtue of having less and giving more, the call to “Rebuild the Church.”  It’s awesome and fascinating how women and men gone from this earth for so long can become such an intimate part of our lives!

Thanks RevGals for adding fodder to my fire today!