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Each night that Christine spoke at
our parish was like a gift. I told my sister, “I feel
like a little kid at Christmas,” with all the
anticipation and excitement. Each night was like a
present I was waiting to unwrap. It was so amazing. I
was especially moved by Christine’s presentation on
celebrating forgiveness and reconciliation. It was both
soothing and humorous. As she spoke, I felt God’s
presence, especially during her self-guided meditation.
What struck me was the silence, just her voice. It was
beautiful, like nothing I’d ever experienced in the
Church. I was able to examine what I had forgotten to do
in the Sacrament. It focused me on how to examine my
conscience and helped me see things about myself I had
never seen before.
--Roberta Harmes,
Holy Trinity Parish, Colorado Springs (December, 2005)
I only went to hear Christine speak
because my sister wanted me to go. I was really
surprised how touching and moving it was. I’m the last
person who would want to go to a church event, but when
the talks ended, I was sad. I wanted them to go on and
on.
I related to Christine’s personal story about how she
was a sinner. I’d always been afraid that I wouldn’t be
accepted or loved for the things I’d done in the past.
Just knowing she had gone through the process of
reconciliation meant that there was forgiveness for
me—that if I just opened myself and was honest about
what I’d done, I would be forgiven. A few days later, I
went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first
time in twenty years.
--Sheri Harmes,
Holy Trinity Parish, Colorado Springs (December, 2005)
Christine Watkins was absolutely
captivating during our parish retreat. She has a
transforming luminescence, God’s light within her, and
an unquestioned heart for ministry.
--Thomas More Scott, Director of Music and Liturgy
St. Joan of Arc Church,Chagrin Falls, OH (2002)
When Christine Watkins came to speak
and lead us in beautiful rituals at our parish, many of
us were profoundly affected. I know of one woman in the
choir who came to Christine for prayer during a blessing
of the eyes. When she stood in line to receive the
blessing from Christine, she couldn’t see well out of
one eye, having lost her peripheral vision. When she
left that line, she could see perfectly. Overjoyed, she
told everyone around her about the miracle she received.
--Jessie Smith
Holy Spirit Parish, West Mifflin, PA (April, 2003)
You guessed it! I loved every
evening, each one more than the one before. Christine is
so moving! You brought me to tears all but one night!
Keep God’s fire burning.
--Donna Jacobs
St. Joan of Arc parish, Chagrin Falls, Ohio (1999)
Communion will never be the same for
me. After you explained the Mass I have so much more
understanding and love for the Eucharist. Not only that,
you have changed my entire outlook on life for the
better.
--Gloria Smith
St. Joan of Arc parish, Chagrin Falls, Ohio (1999)
Christine Watkins presented a moving
mission in our parish during the 2005 Lenten Season.
Personally, I was captivated by her manner and subject
matter. Christine was (and I am sure continues to be)
moved by the Holy Spirit in relating her personal story.
Sometimes when we hear the Word of God at Mass and
listen to the homily we may miss the point because we
find it difficult to apply the message in our own lives.
I found Christine to be very forthcoming with personal
experiences that translated the Gospel values into every
day applications. I am thankful I was part of the parish
mission and had the privilege of listening and sharing
with Christine.
--Deacon Mike Urick
St. Basil the Great Parish Community (Lent, 2005)
Vallejo, California
I attended a talk Christine gave at
St. Vincent de Paul Church's young adult group meeting
on the topic of Healing & Sexuality. Having no idea
what to expect, I was immediately captivated by
Christine's humble and holy presence. Christine is the
kind of person whom you know immediately is very
special. She makes you feel like you have known her your
whole life. By the end of her talk, I was transformed
and inspired to do something that inside I have always
wanted to do--to become celibate until marriage. It
became clear to me that this would help create a
beautiful and solid foundation of mutual love and form a
truly deep bond between me and my future
wife. Christine touched every single person in that
room one way or another. She is a special blessing of
the Lord to all of us who welcome her, and my gratitude
for the healing that has already begun in my life is
immeasurable. You owe it yourself to hear her speak and
receive God's grace.
--Jordan Christopher
St. Vincent de Paul Church, San Francisco (2006)
Christine Watkin's workshop on
sexuality and healing is setting captives free by
helping people navigate from the slavery of "free love"
to the freedom of pure love. After hearing her speak, I
wished I had a tape of her talk to share with my
friends. She presents God's invaluable wisdom with a lot
of resources and love. You won't waste your time going
to hear her speak.
--Brian Castro
Fall Fest 2005: 9th Annual Catholic Young Adult
Conference of the archdiocese of San Francisco
When Christine Watkins came to our
parish to speak about God’s love and of how we’re all
made in the very image of God, people hung on her every
word. Twice after she spoke, the congregation burst into
applause, and I’ve never seen us do that before.
--Jaime Gonzalez
St. Brendan’s parish, the Bronx, New York City (2001)
As part of the two-person Paulist
Team working for the Paulist National Catholic
Evangelization Association (PNCEA), Christine Watkins
brought an amazingly effective mission to our parish.
God used Christine to heal hearts and open souls. In a
most unthreatening way, Christine shared her story and
her spiritual wisdom with over 300 people an evening,
while counseling and living with our parishioners
throughout the day for nearly a week. In sharing her
life with us, Christine willingly made us aware of
Christ alive among us.
--Deborah Marino
Director of Religious Education, St. Paul’s Parish,
Wierton, WV (November 2003)
April 2001
Dear Christine,
I hope that you are in the best of health. Another
Lenten season has come and with it the time for each
person to reflect on their lives. Our parish mission
this year was O.K., but last year was better when you
were here. I will never forget the spiritual help that
you offered. When you were preaching about God’s love,
the Holy Spirit touched me. It was a feeling I’d never
experienced before. I can still see the ladies of the
parish spontaneously walking towards you after you spoke
and giving you a farewell blessing at the last session.
You touched all our lives. You are truly a messenger of
God, and the Church needs more persons like you.
Continue to spread God’s Word, and please keep me and my
family in your prayers.
--Joe and Maria Fraga
St. Cabrini Church, Houston, Texas
February 10, 2004
Christine,
It will be four years since you visited St. Cabrini
Church here in Houston, Texas. The Holy Spirit has since
guided me through sickness, unemployment and happiness
in my life. With the help of God, I am at peace with
myself. I am hopefully a better person, a better
husband, a better grandfather, and most of all, a better
Catholic. Think that I also have been a better father to
my three adult sons. All this started at the parish
retreat with you.
Keep us in your prayers.
--Joe and Maria Fraga
St. Cabrini Church, Houston, Texas |
