My name is Selvie. South Africa is my home, it is where I was born, raised, and where I spent most of my adult life, until I moved to Belgium in 2024. My journey with God, faith, and religion has always felt simple to me, yet often complex to those from a more traditional religious background.
I did not grow up in a religious household, but faith has always had a quiet, steady presence in my life. I clearly remember my father sharing words that shaped my thoughts, actions, and beliefs. They were not taken from religious scripture, yet they carried deep meaning. He would often say, “Help people as much as you can and if you can’t help them, at the very least, don’t hurt them.” In moments of doubt or hesitation, he would remind me, “Have faith. Everything will happen exactly as God intends it to.”
From a young age, I felt the hand of God over my life especially during times of need, but also in moments of peace, gratitude, and joy. I spoke to God through my heart’s deepest needs and sensed His presence in the good that unfolded around me, even without a structured religious framework. Faith, for me, was deeply personal and quietly reassuring.
My introduction to Catholicism began in 2018 when I met my partner. Through our conversations, I learned about the Catholic faith and its traditions. While this sparked curiosity and interest, it was not yet a consistent or fully committed journey. That changed in 2023, when I began attending Mass regularly at St Anthony’s. Over the past two years, this has become a period of deep learning, reflection, and openness – allowing God to enter my life in a more intentional and meaningful way.
The parish leadership has played an important role in this journey, not only through weekly messages, but through the genuine warmth and sense of belonging I experienced, even without having a Catholic background. The guidance and support of Fr Joe have been especially instrumental. The Step-In Program was presented in a progressive and relatable way. It never felt far-fetched or overwhelming, but instead accessible, practical, and easy to carry forward in everyday life.
As I continue through the program, it has become increasingly clear to me that this is the path I am meant to walk. At times, this journey makes me nervous, but I have come to understand that this is because it matters deeply to me. My desire to grow in faith, seek salvation, and build a closer relationship with God is sincere and heartfelt.
I am deeply grateful for the guidance of the Church, the support of the parish community, and the opportunity to continue deepening my faith within the Catholic Church. Thank you for taking the time to read my testimony and for walking alongside me on this journey.
