Catechumen’s relationships helped him to grow closer to God

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

One of over 400 catechumens and candidates to enter into the Church in the Diocese of Covington this year, catechumen Chris Santiago of Mother of God Parish, Covington, will be baptized and receive the sacrament of First Communion at this year’s Easter Vigil.

A teacher working for the Cincinnati nonprofit Healthy Visions, Mr. Santiago’s conversion story began with his friend and former girlfriend and her grandfather, and their influence in his life.

Although her grandfather passed away last March, Mr. Santiago describes these interactions as “integral” to his story.

“We went to Church with him all the time,” Mr. Santiago said. “He had stage four cancer.”

Previously having no ties to religion, Mr. Santiago’s time with his previous girlfriend and her grandfather developed his relationship with God.

When they first started going to Mass together, “It was for her,” said Mr. Santiago, “and her family.”

Although Mr. Santiago describes going to Mass with her family as “nice and peaceful,” a turning point occurred during a day of prayer in Cincinnati — where he and his girlfriend were climbing steps, praying the rosary together in a crowd of other faithful.

“All of it was kind of breathtaking,” he said, “And it was, ‘wow!’ … It was something that took me back.”

Her grandfather, who had continued to get sicker, passed away sometime afterwards — and from there, Mr. Santiago’s relationship to God continued to grow.

“I’m building this relationship with God, and it’s just kind of snowballing into this thing,” Mr. Santiagio said. “I started feeling close to God.”

Although Mr. Santiago and his former girlfriend have since separated, the two are still friends — with her still showing up to support him on his faith journey.

“I always appreciate her for bringing me close to God,” he said, “because I feel like this connection that I have … I needed it more than anything. I was getting to a point in my life where I’m 28 years old, I have a good job, I have a good house — I’m doing all the things I’m supposed to do, but I still felt like I needed something … and I didn’t know what I needed. And, come to find out, it was this thing that every Sunday — that I was kind of like ‘Oh, here we go again!’ — but actually putting down my head, paying attention and worshipping … these past couple months have been amazing.”

Mr. Santiagio expressed his excitement as the Easter Vigil approaches, especially towards receiving his first Communion.

“All these conversations we’ve had about the power of God and Jesus, and we’re actually taking him in … it’s kind of overwhelming a bit to me. The idea of doing that as one of the sacraments and being able to do that for the rest of my life — it’s kind of amazing,” he said. “And I can’t wait.”