Thank you so much Joe! I took the name Maria when I became a catechumen, because I have such a deep adoration for the Theotokos, so you saying that I am worthy of the name means so, so much to me. I may have teared up a little bit!
(I’m techinally still a catechumen, too, by the way 🙂 but I should be received into the church soon, God willing).
And thank you! I pray for her with that intention too, but I certainly don’t try and force anything on her. She unfortunately doesn’t feel comfortable attending church because she feels unwanted as a gay person, and doesn’t have the faith in God to make her go regardless like I do 😛
Thank you again 🙂