Powerful Question Connects Past–Present–Future for the Camino of the Heart

During the pandemic, my first wife passed away after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. While we sought medical treatment and prayed for a miracle, it was apparent that Bianca probably would have only 12-18 months to live given the aggressive form of cancer.

Bianca and I candidly talked about her situation, and she reassured me that I would be free to remarry after she died. She wanted me to live out those dreams we had always wanted to fulfill and truly knew me after nearly 30 years together. She humorously but lovingly warned me to “choose well”.

After the initial grief, I decided to go on CatholicMatch.com and begin exploring what the Lord had in store for me. Soon after joining, I connected with Michelle who had reached out to me. We had so many things in common and seemed to complement one another so well. Soon after, we met for our first date.  During our first year together, Michelle introduced me to the Powerful Question concept and suggested we consider attending a retreat that would be led Dr. John Olesnavage. Michelle had worked with him and thought that we might benefit as a couple by attending the weekend and helping out.

Having read Dr. John’s book, Your Most Powerful Question: Finding Purpose and Meaning in God’s Plan, and speaking with him prior that weekend, I felt I had an inkling of what mine might be. Convinced it had to do something with the call to holiness and living out my vocation and mission in life, I reflected on what my specifically my question might be.

While on retreat I woke up the first night and began rereading Dr. John’s book. Reflecting upon an unpleasant incident that had occurred the weekend before, I recalled a conversation that I had with the same person nearly forty years prior. Suddenly while reading a section of the book highlighting authenticity, I had a visceral reaction and my Powerful Question emerged: What is authentic holiness?

Everything seemed to connect for me in an instant and being able to articulate this question affirmed so much of my past and provided a pathway for me future. A week later, I asked Michelle to marry me, and we celebrated our wedding six months later on Easter Sunday surrounded by our immediate family. Together we have begun a “Camino of the Heart.”

Identifying one’s Powerful Question can literally be lifechanging. It becomes the prism or lens to view the past, present and future. Living it is the challenge but is so rewarding and life-giving.

–Michael Wick–