Easter is the most significant time in the Catholic calendar, but for those about to join the faith, it has extra meaning.
Cyrus Haddadi-Zuniga, 26, is about to become a Catholic by completing the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program (RCIA) through his local parish. This program gives participants a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith and culminates in them receiving the sacrament of Baptism at the Easter Vigil.
Cyrus says his parents – his mother is Catholic and father was raised in the Muslim faith – wanted him to explore his own path to faith without pushing any one belief. “Letting God guide me, really,” he says. Joining the program has “fast-tracked my understanding of my faith and has cemented where I want to lead my life moving forward”, he says.
He credits his RCIA coordinator Annette Tan, and Br Bernard Fonkalsrud OFM Conv, both from his Parish, with making this path to Catholicism so “enlightening” and “joyful”.
We asked Cyrus to tell us about his road to becoming a Catholic this Easter.
What made you decide to become Catholic? How has the RCIA course helped to solidify your decision?
I have always maintained faith in a higher power throughout my life and seen things occur through my belief. My mother has always talked about how significant God is in our lives, and to always remember that things happen as He wills it. As I’ve grown older and certain elements of my life are becoming more imperative to me, taking the RCIA route really opened my eyes and connected that desire I have to navigate my life with a particular religious compass that I stand by and resonate with in the truest, loving way that I feel called towards. I’ve been enjoying the learning process about the Bible and the overall Church, as well as getting closer to Jesus and gaining knowledge about who He is and the lessons He’s taught and is currently teaching us.
How are you feeling about your decision now, with Easter Vigil only a few weeks away?
Thinking about it makes me somewhat nervous of what to expect. But at the same time there’s an air of peace and joy knowing that I’ll be received by Jesus through the endowment of the Holy Spirit. It’s a beautiful experience that I sincerely am looking forward to, and it feels right as I know it’ll only bring me that much closer to God and strengthen the faith I already have with Jesus.
What parish will you belong to?
I want to be part Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville, as I’ve formed fellowship with some of the people who belong to that parish. It’s the very parish that got me started on this amazing journey of Catholicism, so it only makes sense to choose that parish.
Have you been attending Mass at the parish for a while?
I haven’t been attending Mass at this Parish for too long, roughly over a year or so. Mass within this Parish is so tranquil, and has a warmth that invites those who are attending it to be present and listen to what is being conveyed. Our priests and friars are such welcoming people, and they are always open to have a chat to enlighten us and answer any questions we have.
Is there anything in particular that you are looking forward to in this special Holy Week?
I personally feel as though being blessed and having my Baptism take place is the biggest one I’m looking forward to. Taking that next step and embracing the Catholic faith in all its glory with such a spiritually connecting ritual is such a blessing to be a part of, and gives me plenty of joy and excitement leading up to that period.
What will it mean to be able to finally call yourself Catholic?
I don’t believe it’ll change much other than solidify what I’ve already known – that God has always been there. We just needed solitude to really hear what He is saying. Above all, being able to call myself Catholic will lay a foundation in which my current family, and the family that is to come, is grounded and paved so it’ll be easy to find love and peace that lies within the presence and acknowledgement of our God almighty.
This article was originally published in the 2024 Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
