Rachel in Florida

Tell us your name, age and your state-in-life!

I am Rachel Rastelli, 25 and single!

Where are you located?

Currently in Jacksonville, FL

Are you a cradle Catholic, convert or revert?

Cradle Catholic here! However, at age 16 I had a bit of a crisis in my faith; I had to reevaluate the reason I was Catholic. That was the definitive time for me that solidified me as a Catholic adult, and deepened my relationship with God. I no longer go to church because I was taught to or because my parents took me; I go because I decided to commit my life to the Maker of the Universe.

What’s been the biggest game changer in your Catholic faith?

The Holy Spirit. I see Him as my advocate; I am constantly asking Him for wisdom and guidance and so far He doesn’t appear to be sick of assisting me. He moves me to speak up, to pray for people, to go places or do things...listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit has been such a game changer because it has taken me out of myself and given me so many opportunities to grow in my faith and to help other people progress on their own journey towards perfection and holiness. I would not be who I am or even where I am today without Him. I would recommend building a relationship with The Holy Spirit to anyone and everyone. He is teaching me how to live my life to the fullest capacity.

Name a saint you identify with and share why.

St. Cajetan!! I love him to pieces - I feel like if you didn’t know he was a saint, you would think his life looked like a hot mess. I can definitely relate to that. He is also referred to as a jack of all trades AND is the patron saint of the unemployed, so he and I are good friends. We have too much in common to NOT be friends.

When have you felt most valued as a woman in the Church?

In the pews, assisting with my prayers during funerals, weddings, baptisms or just any regular Mass; the Church is my tribe, my people, and I know my supporting role is HUGE, even if it might not seem like it from the outside. I think of the women who wept for Jesus as He carried His cross, of the women who supported Him throughout His entire ministry here on earth and then I feel inspired to pray even harder.

What’s your favorite way to pray?

By singing. Other than that, you can find me in the adoration chapel, barefoot, with a veil on, face down on the floor. 

Favorite liturgical holiday?

I love love love All Souls Day! There is a novena for the souls in purgatory that I look forward to saying every year.

What do you do for fun?

READ. Go outside. Play piano. Dance. Hold babies. Read some more.

Three words that describe you — go!

Blunt, Empathetic and Joyful. No one has worse delivery than I do. No one is able to walk with others/help others carry their crosses like I can. No one can bring joy to a get-together the way I can.