Lenore in Ohio
Tell us your name, age and your state-in-life!
Lenore Mangiarelli, 29, Married
Are you a cradle Catholic, convert or revert?
I am a cradle Catholic. Growing up, I was part of a very faith-oriented family where my parents made daily Mass a top priority. I attended Catholic grade school, high school, and university. I credit my parent’s devotion to daily Mass as a major factor in keeping me close to the faith particularly through the challenges of a secular graduate program and life in my twenties. It was during my time in college and my year of mission work in Ecuador following graduation that I re-discovered the faith in a deeper way and made my faith integral to who I am.
What’s been the biggest game changer in your Catholic faith?
The biggest game changer(s) in my Catholic faith:
-Knowing the Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
-Traveling abroad in Europe & witnessing first-hand the richness of the history and beauty of the Catholic Church
-Serving as a Missionary in Ecuador showed me the breadth and depth of the Catholic Faith across cultures and language.
-Discovering John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, which led to a deeper understanding the purpose and meaning of marriage and of our bodies
Name a saint you identify with and share why.
How to choose among so many saints! She isn’t a saint yet; however, her story has meant so much to me this past year and a half. Chiara Corbella Petrillo passed away in 2012. However, her short life is a modern-day example to me of living surrendered to God’s will. As I navigate fertility challenges, her courage, joy and acceptance of God’s will in the face of loss and fertility struggles encourage me to trust God’s mysterious plan for my life.
When have you felt most valued as a woman in the Church?
As a woman in the Church, I have felt most valued on my wedding day. Why? The majesty of the vocation to marriage as an image of Christ & his Church. This beautiful acknowledgement by the Church through the sacrament of marriage that we are companions on this journey to holiness together & helpers one to the other.
What’s your favorite way to pray?
My favorite way to pray is going to Mass and/or Eucharistic Adoration. At Mass and in Adoration, I am confronted with the truth that God is truly present on earth here in the Eucharist. All of my worries and distracted thoughts have to be released and let go of when encountering the God who made me.
Favorite liturgical holiday?
Favorite liturgical holiday: I love Easter, not just because it generally falls around the time of my birthday When I am called to walk through a very dark and very challenging cross, I cling to the truth of Easter---that there is always Resurrection, there is always light after darkness, there is always hope in the midst of the valley, because of the Risen Christ’s love.
What do you do for fun?
I am an avid reader and baker, so you can generally see me with my nose in a book waiting for the cookies in the oven to be done. I also love hiking with my husband and our Australian shepherd puppy. My husband and I also love kayaking together when we get the chance and love traveling together—exploring a new part of a city, antiquing, and drinking plenty of coffee.
Three words that describe you — go!
Joyful, emotionally-intuitive, & devoted