Flowers are not the only things blooming in New Jersey!  

Faith, Love and Joy were also in full bloom as Regnum Christi gathered at the Spinelli home for a Garden Party.  Tasked to write about the event, I decided to ask members of my team who attended this exquisite luncheon to uncover their favorite moments. To my surprise, their answers didn’t revolve around specific activities like the talks or the ‘make your own flower bouquet’ station, the valet parking, the attentive wait staff, the refreshing mocktails, or the delectable menu. Instead, their reflections centered on beauty and connection.  

Beauty Attracts 

In an era where everyone seems focused on cutting costs, streamlining processes, and seeking convenience, I realized I had underestimated the profound power of beauty. Beauty has an undeniable allure. Consider your reaction when encountering something beautiful – perhaps you pause to admire it, or you’re drawn closer to it. Beauty inherently brings joy and love and no one can argue that these things are universally attractive.  In sharing Christ with the world, I am now inspired to make sure that it is delivered in an atmosphere of beauty with attention paid to every detail in order to really present the authentic love behind that message! 

Attraction Connects 

The Consecrated Women gave two reflections that inspired this overall theme of Connection.  Asking “What makes Mary so easy to connect with and how can We be more like her to attract others to us, to make connections with others?” we were challenged to look at ourselves, not only accepting the serenity of our vocations but giving attention to the detail in how that is presented to others.  

The quotes below beautifully encapsulate the diverse experiences and emotions felt during the event, showcasing the profound impact of community and faith. 

Jess Jaynes: “The Beauty of the atmosphere made me feel very taken care of and loved. My favorite part was how God was there working through everyone. The presence of God was there in it all. In all the details. I felt overwhelmingly grateful and thankful.” 

Terry Weaver: “The reflections were so insightful and the beautiful detail to everything just elevated the day.” 

Sharon Hannigan: “The visual beauty of the setting and decor would have to be my favorite of all the others on my list!” 

Linda Hunt: “Hearing the sound of all the women talking was so indicative of women and how we work, coming together socially and being in community.  Everyone had someone to talk to either because they knew them or were being introduced.  It was like this huge network connected by our faith and the friends and family who brought us to the event. Even if you didn’t know someone there you had a common thread- that “connection” that was talked about.” 

Vickie Fazio: “Seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Everyone was so happy and joyful, warm and friendly. Was just like a Family reunion.” 

Kelly Perna: “It was a beautiful, rejuvenating afternoon. Maria’s gift of loving attention opened my heart to deeper connections, not only with God but also with the other women present. The day affirmed for me how much beauty, truth, and joy God desires me to experience. I received all of that yesterday, and now I can’t wait to share it with other women”