Something prompted Rosie to look back through her old messages one day.
That day just happened to be her baptism anniversary, March 6, 2019. Having been a member of CatholicMatch off and on for about two years, Rosie desired to find a God-fearing man devoted to his Catholic faith. But, after experiencing some discouragement in not finding the right match, she stopped logging onto the site frequently. On her baptism anniversary, however, Rosie sensed something telling her to check her old messages. “In my opinion, the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
What she discovered was a sweet birthday message from a man named Andy, written on her birthday, July 30th, eight months previously. “I went into his profile and said something like, ‘Wow, look at this guy!’ How and why did I miss his message and not reply sooner?” Thinking he must have a girlfriend by now or no longer be active on CatholicMatch, she figured she had nothing to lose by messaging him back.
Three days later, much to Rosie’s surprise, Andy responded.
Andy spent about four years on CatholicMatch before meeting Rosie. He desired to find a Catholic woman and was delighted to find Rosie. Her “wonderful eyes and smile” drew him to her initially. After finally receiving Rosie’s reply, the two communicated for about three months before meeting in person.
Andy flew from his home state of Illinois all the way to California to meet Rosie on May 24th, which also happened to be his birthday. Rosie welcomed him at the airport with hugs, birthday balloons, and a handmade sign. After going out to lunch together, they went to a nearby Catholic Church. There, they exchanged gifts and attended Mass, and afterward prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. During that time, they lit a candle under an image of the Blessed Mother, asking for her intercession. The first date concluded with a birthday celebration for Andy with some of Rosie’s friends.
By then, there was no question about a second date. Andy says Rosie’s disposition on purposeful dating and their common values helped seal his attraction to her. For Rosie, it was Andy’s kindness, transparency, and his strong example of practicing the Catholic faith which drew her in.
Moving out of his parents’ home for the first time ever, Andy soon relocated to date Rosie in person.
It was a sacrifice, one that Rosie deeply admires. Andy especially missed seeing his family and participating in reunions and important events, like his first nephew’s baptism. But, to better date Rosie in person, it was worth it. After many more dates, including time spent hiking and at the beach, daily rosaries, and attending Sunday Mass together, Andy proposed.
The date he chose was already a significant one: July 30, 2019, Rosie’s birthday…exactly a year after he sent his initial message to her, and only a couple months after their first date. The same church they prayed at during their first date was the perfect location for Andy to propose, as he says, a sort of “offering of himself.” Rosie admits that the proposal was beyond her expectation. “It was heavenly and beautiful in all its ways. I was in awe of God’s surprise.”
Rosie and Andy look forward to their wedding day on April 10, 2021.
Because their romance was a bit of a whirlwind, the priest made them wait initially to set a wedding date, encouraging them to take more time getting to know each other. This time has only strengthened their relationship, giving them a chance to grow in prayer, friendship, and preparation for marriage.
A long engagement could also be a challenge for any faithful couple to remain chaste. Rosie admits that while temptations are always present when you’re with the one you love, through a lot of prayer and God’s grace, they have been victorious in remaining in a state of grace throughout their relationship. “We’ve even set up a curfew on the time we spend together.”
Rosie and Andy are blessed with this time of engagement and preparation for marriage and spend their time attending Mass, praying, cooking together, and exploring new places outdoors. Rosie shares how they both take time daily to write to each other in a journal, which will be a special gift to one another on their wedding day.
