SEEK ‘26
I wanted to write about this sooner but I’ve been fighting through an ear infection for the last week. Haven’t had one of those since I was like 10. Definitely wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone!
Well anyways, Happy New Year! I started my 2026 in probably the best way anyone can, at SEEK. SEEK is a huge Catholic conference put on by FOCUS every year. It’s advertised for college students, but anyone is welcome to go. The content can be applied to anyone at any part in their life. This was my 2nd time going and my 1st time going not as a student. I got asked a few times how it felt to attend just as a “regular” adult and to be honest it felt very similar. The talks are very loosely geared to young adults/college students getting ready to take that next step in life with topics like “Trusting God” or “Saying Yes to God” or more fundamental things like “Defending your Faith” and “How to Pray”. These are great for 18-25 year olds, but can obviously be applied to anyone at any point in their life.
I think the biggest difference this year was I was with one person, rather than a whole group. Getting to spend this time with Kim was so much fun and something we’ve been looking forward to for years. Kim and I’s friendship initially started at SEEK ‘23 when we were stuck riding the bus together. Going through what was supposed to be a 12 hour drive to St. Louis with 3 bus breakdowns together really bonds you. It’s something we’ll never forget.
So back to SEEK ‘26. Everyday consists of mass, a bunch of talks (you get to choose which ones to go to since some overlap), shopping at vendors booths, lunch with thousands of other people, and lots of down time to explore, go to adoration, read, etc. I love all of these things so much. Getting to go to daily mass, getting insight and more understanding from the amazing speakers, and getting to shop from Catholic vendors from across the country! What more can you ask for! Well actually, my favorite thing was adoration. On one of the last nights of SEEK, everyone gathers in the largest ballroom for 2 hours of Eucharistic adorations and praise and worship. It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced. During adoration, the priest processes with Jesus through the crowd so everyone has a chance to see Him up close. As they do this a spot light follows them. I had a beautiful moment of realization during this that I wanted to share.
I sat there on the floor as the priest processed around the room with our Lord. Around my shoulders was my new blanket from The Chosen. A blanket that represents the apostle. Upon my head I wore my blue chapel veil. I chose blue specifically for Mary. I sat there with my eye closed picturing Jesus walking around the room healing, greeting, blessing, etc. and then I realized what was around me. I was surrounded with His best friends and Mother. I sat there with Mary and the apostles as we watched Jesus do what He came to do. I felt supported. I felt loved. I felt proud. I felt like a proud daughter. Proud to call Him mine. He is my God, my Savior, and I should never be ashamed of that.
