Never would I have thought I would be noting down and sharing what I have experienced over the past year or so (even though it feels like yesterday) after having attended an Alpha course. I was rather sceptical of seeing the works carried out by lay communities, let alone, taking part in activities run by a community. I was encouraged to see what it is like by just attending a dinner. It was that simple. The idea of doing the Alpha course only came after.
I was brought up like just any other Maltese family - attending Sunday mass and any other Religious feasts. I always believed in the power of prayer yet there came a stage where I had lost faith completely since I was facing unexplainable events happening in my life, one after another. I tried many times to turn to prayer, to attend mass with a different spirit. But I was getting more into the routine of doing things. The more I turned to prayer the more things weren’t evolving in the way one would have hoped for. I was praying to find a solution hoping things could be fixed... just like that. Yet more doubts arose, and the more I doubted the more I started questioning. And doubts started arising more and more element of scepticism started seeping in. Although a considerable amount of time had passed over what turned my world upside down, I thought I had come to terms with my faith... but it wasn’t so. I continued to pray; I continued attending mass but was not appreciating what it all meant. And I became what I called myself a routine practicing catholic – out of custom and habit.
That is how I classified myself before doing the Alpha Course. What Alpha has done was given me the reasons behind why I believe, simply helping me explore and understand more who Jesus really is. The Alpha Course is a way in which you can come to a better understanding as to what we understand by belonging to the Catholic faith. It is a tool in which one can understand more the value of reading the Bible and discover how such a ‘documentary evidence’ can be of relevance today. It is a course whereby you are able to question whatever is on your mind. It will not be easy to try to find all the answers... that is part of the journey you’ll continue to walk. In short, the Alpha Course is a gateway where you are able to meet people, relax after a busy day at work, or at home and enjoy a meal, watch a video and discuss and question whatever is on your heart amongst a small group of people. What Alpha has done was enable me to take a step of faith, and brought me to understand, that no matter the hardships and trials I was facing (and continue to face), I am surrounded by a greater love! I have come to appreciate more what it means to belong to a faith, and above all, I don’t need to be any sort of super-hero – someone has already taken up my burdens, my thoughts and weaknesses. It was silly of me to think I’m able to do everything by myself.
Alpha is truly worth trying out – looking back I still can’t believe the amount I have received from the Course and continue to receive. It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone. | 
.jpg)
