we're getting married!

Angelica's version I once told one of my friends that I wouldn't mind dating Rigel after I saw him posting on a Facebook Houston young adult group. Fast forward months later, he and I were both catholic and we just matched, you know like that one dating site. In between figuring out our schedules and the time difference, somehow we found a time which worked for the both of us. After the first five minutes, he asked me "so, what are your devotions?" Honestly, I was taken back by it because who asks such a thing, right? He continued to woo me by singing Gregorian chant and detailing his stories of the beauty of Italy. He also threw in a couple Filipino jokes here and there. Four hours later, he asked me if I was willing to date a military guy and be in a long distance relationship. This guy knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to ask. Two months later, I pick him up at the airport confirming what I hoped was true... He is taller than me (as if I'm not average Filipino height as well haha). We drove to Regina Caeli and we unexpectedly attended Eucharistic adoration. That night, I came home smiling and I have not stopped since.

Rigel's version Proposals in relationships are made in order to possibly give oneself to the other in preparation for marriage and having children, regardless of that person's impressive attributes and faults. After much prayer, contemplation and thought one will either marry the person they are dating or go back to being single. Meeting Angelica is an act of divine providence. During our first conversation, it was clear she was very different from any other woman I have ever dated. We clicked on common interests such as our love of being Catholic, our sense of humor, time in Italy, and traveling. One memorable part that comes to mind was when she asked me: "If we were in person would you say or do anything different?" And I responded, "No, how I am via video call is how I am in person." And sure enough when we met in person I behaved how I normally would. During our vacation in Lake Como at the small town in Bellagio, we were having lunch at one of the hotels/shopping arcades overlooking the lake. We were waiting for a ferry to go to Menaggio, another iconic town in Lake Como, so we chose a café that was right next to the ferry station. As we were talking, the thought came to mind that I cannot be without Angelica. So without hesitation I asked her, "Will you marry me?" and she responds, "Are YOU serious??" I said, "Yes, very much so. I cannot be without you." In a split second I thought of how much we have in common, mainly that we want to get each other to heaven and have children. Our relationship lives and dies by the phone call and any change to our work schedules would strain our relationship. We both cannot be without each other. And so there you have it. On her next visit, in September, we got betrothed in the Church of St. Joseph the Traveler in Catania.