In the summer of 2018, Meghan’s brother, David, was talking with Peter’s brother, Giorgio, about their two siblings.
David felt a strong intuition from the Holy Spirit to introduce Peter and sister. “You have to really meet this guy named Peter,” David told her.
Meghan, 29, was surprised by her brother’s suggestion. She was already dating another man and hoping that relationship would take off. Nevertheless, David was persistent and shared Meghan’s phone number with Giorgio, who then gave it to Peter so the two could orchestrate a platonic meeting.
Meanwhile, Peter, 33, was still recovering from a previous relationship he was hoping to rekindle.
Peter texted Meghan saying that he was interested in meeting her but was not ready to date.
He invited Meghan to his young adult ministry events. Meghan was never able to attend due to scheduling conflicts.
Six months later, Peter was doing some “spring cleaning” on his phone and found Meghan’s number on his contact list. “Who is this?” he wondered. “Oh yeah, that girl in Sacramento I never met. I’ll never see her again,” he thought. Peter deleted Meghan’s number.
God had other plans.
Fast forward to the Christmas season. By now, Meghan and her previous boyfriend had broken up. At the same time, Peter had received the closure he needed from his ex-girlfriend to move forward.
After both spending time focusing on their personal growth and their jobs, Meghan and Peter each decided to reopen their CatholicMatch accounts.
On Holy Thursday 2019, Meghan recognized a familiar face on the website. She realized it was Peter. The following day, on Good Friday, Peter messaged her. They decided to see what would happen and arranged to meet on Divine Mercy Sunday.
The first date went well. Meghan and Peter attended Mass, then spent the following 12 hours together. Meghan felt a special connection and couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. After that first date, Peter said he was 95 percent sure Meghan was “the one.”
Peter was attracted to Meghan's faith, virtues, temperament, and family values. Meghan was attracted to Peter's faith, leadership, kindness, and sense of adventure.
On their second date, they looked out over a beautiful view of California vineyards and talked about their dreams for the future. At the end of the date, they enjoyed some swing dancing to Peter’s car radio in the parking lot.
While dancing to Frank Sinatra, Peter said, “Wow, I can’t believe I’m dancing with my future wife!”
Meghan was taken by surprise by Peter’s assured statement, but she was also happy.
On the drive home, Meghan contemplated all that was happening. She updated her father on the details of the date. “Wow! How does that make you feel?” her father asked. Meghan responded that she was very happy with Peter and felt a great peace when they were together.
From that point on, Meghan and Peter saw each other nearly every weekend throughout the summer. These dates, including kayaking on the American River, were the highlights of their weeks.
After seven months of dating, Peter asked Meghan’s parents for their blessing to marry their daughter. Meghan’s parents joyfully consented.
On Friday, December 20, Meghan and Peter met after work to spend time together in Adoration at St. Mel Church. Peter then suggested they get some exercise at the American River. Despite being in her work clothes, Meghan agreed.
After discussing whether they would open their Christmas presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, Peter asked: “Do you want to open one of your Christmas presents early?” He dropped to one knee, withdrew a wrapped red box from his jacket pocket, and proposed.
Meghan happily said “Yes!” as drivers crossing the Rainbow Bridge at rush hour watched, cheered, and honked their horns.
A few weeks later, on January 4, they received the Rite of Betrothal, in which they promised to marry each other and had their rings blessed in the presence of some family members.
As they plan their wedding for July 2020, Meghan and Peter continue to enjoy Novenas and Adoration together, but most of all praying the Rosary.
They acknowledge challenges, such as plans for their future changing beyond their control. But both say they are able to manage, trusting it as God’s will.
“We are also facing financial challenges for the wedding planning and moving forward to where we will live,” Meghan said. Peter, a veteran, is using the G.I. Bill to help with living expenses as he takes college classes in pursuit of a political science degree.
Another challenge has been dealing with different family dynamics. “But we believe with time, putting each other first, and deepening communication, that we will be able to overcome this area,” Meghan said.
They also manage physical temptations, striving to keep God in all areas of their life, including intimacy.
"We recognize potentially dangerous situations and talk about them and plan out to follow the Church's teaching,” Meghan shared, affirming that God knows what is best for them.
“Now the rest of our story is being written,” Meghan said. “It seems that all things are best in God’s timing. For this, we are grateful!”
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