A Journey to the Heart of the Church: Easter at the Vatican
This year, I had the incredible blessing of visiting the Vatican during Holy Week, something I had dreamed of for many years. Despite Pope Francis’ recent illness, I held onto a faint hope that we might catch a glimpse of him, even from afar. But more than anything, my heart was set on walking through the Holy Door during this Jubilee year, a symbol of grace, mercy, and renewal.
Stepping through that door was profoundly moving. The Holy Door is only opened during Jubilee Years, a tradition that goes back centuries and represents the passage from sin to grace, from burden to freedom.
Walking through it was an expression of spiritual renewal, of embracing God’s mercy, and of beginning again with a clean heart. How could I miss the plenary indulgence and the purification of my soul from the temporal consequences of sin? In that moment, surrounded by thousands of believers and centuries of sacred tradition, I felt an intimate encounter with God. It wasn’t about the crowds or the ceremonies, it was something deeper. A quiet spiritual awakening, a renewal of faith, a silent embrace from Heaven.
Then, on the morning we left Rome, the unthinkable happened: the announcement of the Holy Father’s passing. It felt surreal. The joy of Easter collided with a wave of sorrow. There was a sense of collective grief, mixed with reverence and reflection. The days that followed were filled with prayer and questions: Who would lead the Church now? What would come next?
When the white smoke rose and the name “Pope Leo XIV” rang out, I was flooded with relief and hope. From his earliest days as a missionary bishop to his role guiding the Church’s shepherds, he has shown the same humility and pastoral heart that have inspired us under Pope Francis. I believe he will be a great successor because he listens compassionately to the poor, speaks boldly for justice, and knows how to balance tradition with the needs of our world today. His reputation for deep prayer and thoughtful teaching reassures me that, under his guidance, the Church will continue to walk the path of mercy and encounter every soul with the love of Christ.
Visiting the Vatican this Easter was more than a pilgrimage. It was a reminder that even in moments of sorrow and uncertainty, the Church endures. Guided by the Holy Spirit, renewed by every generation of believers, and built, always on faith. But beyond the grandeur of St. Peter’s and the history of the papacy, I was reminded of something even more personal: we are the Church. Each of us. The Church is not just a building or a hierarchy, it is the living Body of Christ, made up of people striving to love, forgive, serve, and follow Jesus. That means the responsibility to carry God’s light forward belongs to all of us. We are called to live our lives as Jesus taught us, with compassion, humility, courage, and unwavering love. Whether in quiet acts of charity or bold witness to the truth, our faith becomes real when we choose to live it daily; and, in that, the Church is very much alive.
Claudia and her husband Juan have shared many wonderful years together in Houston. As their four amazing kids are almost all gone to college, the couple is finding joy in spending more time in Claudia’s hometown of Valledupar, Colombia, embracing the chance to be closer to their family.
A passionate entrepreneur, Claudia’s spirit shines through her flourishing online women’s accessories business. Though the past four years have brought with them the challenge of chronic pain, she has persevered, her faith unshaken. Through this journey, her relationship with God has blossomed, and she is filled with gratitude for the blessings in her life.
In the face of adversity, Claudia remains a beacon of hope and acceptance, understanding that His Will guides her path. With unwavering optimism, she openly shares her testimony, inspiring others with the knowledge that, through faith and love, things can always get better.
