María García is the director of the Educational Guidance Office of Francisco de Vitoria University. She was born in Madrid and is the oldest of eight siblings. After a time of discernment, she has decided to say “yes” and to become a part of the Regnum Christi family as a lay member. In this interview, Maria tells us what her experience has been like up to now – the conversation with a consecrated woman that touched her soul, her healing in the Masters program in educational accompaniment at the university… and how this decision has affected those around her. “I feel happy and grateful towards God for this gift. This clearly resounds in my family, my marriage, my work and my desire to evangelize and bring many people to the love of Christ.”
How did you come to know about Regnum Christi?
Five and a half years ago I came to work at Francisco de Vitoria University, led by the hand of Our Lady of Fatima. I needed a change of profession, I asked her and she brought me here. Before that I had not had the opportunity to get to know anyone who belonged to Regnum Christi, nor had I even heard of the Movement.
What brought you to say ‘yes’ to Christ?
It all began with a friendly conversation with a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi who works at the university. We met because we were working on a project together. That conversation touched my soul. I felt welcomed, accompanied, loved, heard. My heart experienced the love of Christ through that encounter. I was touched by Love and I decided to begin the Masters in Educational Accompaniment program. I felt called to take it.
The Masters program changed my life, moved me profoundly, uncovered my wounds and thanks to the accompaniment that I received and the grace of God I was able to understand what was happening to me. I felt a very clear call from God to live closer to Him, to enter His Heart and from there to love my family and all people more.
The charism of Regnum Christi renewed me spiritually, and I discovered there the one my soul longed for, who in the end was Love with a capital ‘L’. Through the accompaniment from the people on my team and in the different activities that I have been participating in throughout this past year, I understand with greater clarity that it is in Regnum Christi where God wants me to be, and He wants me to develop as a person and apostle, by being a contemplative as well, according to the Heart of Christ.
Maria, in the center of the photo, accompanied by friends, members of her team and the Masters in Accompaniment.
How has Francisco de Vitoria University helped you in the faith?
More than the university in itself, many of the individuals who form part of this community have helped me so much. During the first few years I noticed the sincere welcome and kindness of the people around me. As the years passed, the environment I was in made me contemplate a change in my life, but I didn’t know where exactly I should go. I needed to be accompanied, without even knowing it.
What does Christ say to you in prayer?
Lately he has said many things, but above all I feel his love, and it moves me to be better, to love him more, and to collaborate more actively in evangelization.
God wants me to be Regnum Christi, and He wants me to develop as a person and apostle by being a contemplative as well, according to the Heart of Christ.
What was the celebration like for your association? What did you like the most?
I associated on Monday, the 2nd of February in the chapel of the university in a simple celebration. Many of the people were there who, in some form, maybe even without knowing it, had been part of my story during the process of discernment – professors of the masters program, mentors, classmates and colleagues, the people on my team and friends.
What is going to change from this point on in your life?
I think that the principal change is on the inside. I am happy and grateful to God for this gift. This clearly resounds in my family, my marriage, my work, and my desire to evangelize and bring many people to the love of Christ.
