Brittany Thompson is a Work Study at the campus ministry. Throughout my first year, I got to know her. She was a biology major student and a Christian. One day her good friend suddenly died and I was with her. It was sad and tough to see her struggle and pain, and yet being with her was only thing I could do.
Brittany is one of those who are eager to grow intellectually and spiritually. Her interests are social justice, service, and faith. Although she was not a Catholic, we often sat down to talk about the scripture and Jesus, having a cup of tea. Her faith was so graceful that she wrote a song that was really touching.
On March 25, as John Carroll was closed because of the snow storm, Brittany and I found ourselves standing before a fire barrel on the quad. We were boxed out to experience homelessness, and yet I couldn’t sleep because my feet were frozen. By the fire, I asked her if she wanted to be a Catholic. She said yes without hesitation. Since then, we met every week to study the faith and to prepare her first communion and confirmation. I was thrilled to be a presider for her to celebrate the Mass on May 1 when John Paul 2 was also beatified.
Brittany taught me the essence of our faith as Pope Benedict XVI said in his inaugural mass in 2005. “There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with Him.” By journeying with her, I have learned how beautiful our faith and our friendship with each other and Jesus Christ.
Brittany Thompson is the eighth Christ.