My name is Victoria Spalding, and I am a housewife and mother of two grown children. I was raised a Catholic from birth, but for many years after my marriage, I fell away from the church and became a spiritually dead Catholic. For a long time I went through the motions as a habitual Catholic, because I did not know I could have a personal relationship with God. I didn't care if I attended church or obeyed the commandments. It wasn't until October of 1993 that I desired to have God come personally into my life. That year, I asked God to help me have a more spiritual Christmas. I was tired of the commercialism, and I felt very empty inside. God, being a gracious God, heard my cry and answered my prayers right way.

Shortly after, I found a book on angels and begin studying my faith more. With the help of the holy guardians and a good spiritual director, I returned to the sacraments in a very short time. I started attending, not only Sunday mass again, but daily mass as well. I have now been receiving the Eucharist daily and visiting the sacraments regularly for twelve years. I am also a lector and extraordinary Minister at my parish, as well as vocation liaison.

In October of 1998, I received a interior calling from the Holy Spirit to become a Secular Franciscan. Shortly after, in January 1999, I started my formation process at the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, DC. In November of 2000, I made my profession as a Secular Franciscan. On the day of my profession, I was elected Minister of my Secular Fraternity. I have been Minister of my fraternity for six years.

Since 2000, I have written two books, "The Canticle of God the Father" and "My Love for Mankind". These books are about scripture, God's love and mercy, and His desire for us to live in peace and harmony. They also contain meditations from Jesus, taken while in prayer. I hope and pray that all those who read these books will draw closer to God and His Church, and that they will always be comforted by the never failing mercy of God's love.

May He be praised, now and forever! Amen.