How Regina Villafuerte’s beautiful voice, amazing musical talents, and her trust in God brought her from Mexico to Effingham

EFFINGHAM — If you were to make the drive between San Juan del Rio, in the State of Querétaro, in Mexico to Effingham, your journey would encompass 1,787 miles and it would take you 28 hours — without stopping. That’s how far away 29-year-old Regina Villafuerte is from where she was born. Villafuerte’s amazing journey from Mexico to Effingham can only be described as providential. Villafuerte has been the director of music at St. Anthony of Padua for about a year now (she

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Before being ordained priests, Deacons Pawel Luczak and Piotr Kosk prostrate themselves before the altar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield May 2 as a sign of humility and submission to God. Later in the Mass, the two were ordained priests by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki.

“I believe that I am really chosen by God to be a priest,” Father Kosk said. “As a young man, I felt that this is the way I should follow. I know how important the work of priests is and how badly people need the sacraments and the maternal protection of

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Catherine A. “Cathy” Furkin, a longtime employee of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, died on April 27 at St. John’s Hospital. She retired in 2019 after 25 years of service. Over the years, she was secretary for the Office for Stewardship and Development and an executive assistant for the Office of the Chancellor and Pastoral Planning, the Office for Communications and Catholic Times.

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Emma* came to Catholic Charities eight-and-a-half months pregnant and with her 2-year-old daughter, desperate for help with food, diapers, rent, and utilities. The coronavirus closed her husband’s work, and he could no longer provide financially for his family.

A friend intervened and helped them, but another month passed, and it seemed there was no hope in sight — until she found Catholic Charities.

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There are people who are trained and are competent to assist us as we journey in conforming our lives to God’s perfect will. We should seek wise counsel because the challenges are too numerous for us to journey alone.

In the Gospel of Mark 10:17, a role example of director/directee takes place:

• A man runs up to Jesus. (the necessity of spiritual direction)
• He kneels down in front of Jesus. (humility)
• He asks Jesus’ assistance. (docility)
• “Good teacher,” he says. (recognition of the primary director of the soul)
• “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (desire to obey)
• Unfortunately,