64 Days with the Ark: Meet Nadia

Kris Dmytrenko

Friday, May 29, 2009

Four weeks ago I introduced you to Jerry Grzadka, organizer of the nine-week walking pilgrimage from Midland, Ontario to Quebec City featured in 64 Days with the Ark. One of Jerry’s most difficult tasks was finding people who were willing and able to complete the arduous trek. Though dozens signed up to carry the Ark of the New Covenant at various points along the route, only four pilgrims agreed to walk the whole 1000 km. Of these, Nadia Laliberté was the only woman.

Nadia had the relentlessly positive spirit required to persevere through the inclement weather and rigorous schedule. This attitude has served her well in her twelve years as a caregiver at a home for the elderly in Ste-Foy, Quebec.

“In this work, I have the opportunity to live the Gospel,” she says. “‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me’. Whether I’m consoling a patient, listening to them, giving them drink or food, everything I do, it’s as if I’m doing this to Jesus.”

Nadia’s smile radiates such a deep inner confidence that it’s difficult to imagine her without her unshakable joy. However, during episode three of 64 Days with the Ark, she shares her experience of a darker period in her youth. She also reveals the identity of a saintly community of Catholics that finally convinced her of unconditional love.

One year later

Looking back at the pilgrimage, Nadia sees how her time with the Ark helped her develop her prayer life. Specifically, her experience taught her to offer her work as a prayer for the salvation of souls.

Nadia’s pilgrim experience continued in 2008 with a trip to World Youth Day in Australia. Soon she will board a plane for another spiritual destination: a planned trip to Rome to pray at the tomb of John Paul II.

Leading up to the first anniversary of the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City, S+L presents 64 Days with the Ark. This five-part original reality series airs Fridays at 6 PM, with repeat broadcasts Sundays at 2:30 PM and Tuesdays at 5:30 PM (all times ET).