I have been asked to write a testimonial on the following thought: "When I prepare my day, how does my prayer life energize my audacity and my faith to enable me to speak of the Lord through my presence."

In the midst of this Covid-19 quarantine, I start my day at 7:00 a.m. with the rosary, at times before rising, to praise the Blessed Virgin Mary and ask for her help in emulating her qualities (availability, attentiveness to the Holy Spirit etc.) I ask of her the grace to be docile to the Will of the Father. As soon as I awaken I say to my Lord; “Here is the handmaid of the Lord,” and I pray the prayer of 555. I offer Him my day, my limitations, my grief over the absence of my deceased brother; I am still not used to his absence. I pray to reveal the Presence of God to the people whom I will contact during the day (Oblate companions, relatives, friends, Volunteers) by phone, in light of the present circumstances.

What audacity can I have without leaving home? I simply offer my Vow of Poverty - detachment, dependence. With the recitation of the Divine Office I feel united with the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and with the whole Church; I strive to make of my day what God wants it to be. I am inspired by the words of Father Parent to live the present moment, to be docile to the Will of God, and I give thanks for the new Day that He gives me.

Ana Alarcon S. Chile