We all have moments in our lives that we will never forget that shape who we are and
who we become. One of those moments that stand out to me is a memory that was not all too
long ago; in March of 2024 I found myself sitting on a street in New York City, celebrating a little
girl’s birthday with her mother and my fellow missionaries. This was not the first time we had
encountered this family during our walks around the city, and it wouldn’t be our last, but it was
particularly memorable to be able to spend this little girl’s birthday together. That service trip was
only a week-long mission with my University, but it gave me an insight to the deep need to
comfort Christ in the most forgotten places; in His poor, in His Eucharist, and in our souls. When
I heard that that was what Source of All Hope was all about, I knew it was something He was
drawing me to.
I was born and raised in Frederick, Maryland by my two amazing parents and one older
sister, and have always had a heart drawn to service. However, as I grew up and began to
follow Christ more closely, that desire to help others developed from a simple disposition to
kindness to a relentless call to serve and love Him in all things. His gentle and persistent call led
me to enter the Catholic Church on April 3rd, 2021. After hundreds of hours of research and
reading, dozens of Daily and Sunday Masses, and months of RCIA classes, I was home in His
arms. My relationship with Him and understanding of His love has only continued to grow,
leading me to attend the Catholic University of America, where I study nursing with minors in
music and philosophy.
Here at CUA, the Lord has given me many opportunities to draw closer to His love, such
as access to Daily Mass, opportunities for service, and joyful fellowship. As I mentioned above, I
was blessed to be able to go on a homeless outreach mission trip with our Campus Ministry last
spring break; during that trip the Lord showed me the immense beauty that is to be found in
loving Him in the most poor and vulnerable, and led me to desire to give myself in prayer and
service to Him and His people.
My deepest desire to satiate His thirst for souls– both by giving Him my own soul, and
leading others souls to Him. This mission is beautifully lived out in Source, which is why I am
beyond excited to begin my summer mission!
All for Jesus, all through Mary,
Keira Johnston
