Rosaries are sacred necklaces for us Catholics. It is a symbol that God is always with us, taking care of us and protecting us at all times. But this rosary is unique and very special for me. It was the only thing that accompanied me in the most difficult moments of my life. I am Ecuadorian and came to this country when I was sixteen. One day before coming to the United States, I visited the Church, lit the candles, and prayed that everything went well. Once outside, my grandparents gave me this rosary that the priest had blessed with holy water. It seemed like a very beautiful gift from them and I keep it with great love. Once in America, I felt lonely, depressed, and disappointed in life since it was not how I expected it. Since I was a child, I lived with my grandparents, my parents migrated to the United States when I was 3 years old. I had no memories of them so I hoped that by coming here we could meet and live together as a family, but usually nothing happens as one expects. So I learned to get ahead on my own and took refuge in this rosary because it remembers me of my grandparents and also reminds me that God is always with me, no matter where I am he will protect me. This special gift has helped me a lot in times of anguish and loneliness. 

– JG

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant