Open Seat: A Holy Family Podcast

Fiorella Diaz: Story of the Socks and Saintly Souls

• Holy Family Adrian • Season 1 • Episode 5

Share episode

Send us a text

We recommend you watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

In this episode of Open Seat, Fiorella Diaz joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey from Venezuela to the United States. She discusses her experiences learning English, her recent confirmation, and the importance of the Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead altar she has set up to honor her late relatives. Through Fiorella's story, we explore themes of faith, gratitude, and the power of community support. We hope that wherever you find an open seat in your life, you invite someone to join you. 

Subtítulos en español: Si quieres ver un vídeo con subtítulos en español (generados automáticamente, por lo que no son perfectos), haz clic aquí: https://youtu.be/FaDYIZtF04w

This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We are a Catholic people, not a place, striving to Live Jesus through celebrating the sacraments and forming disciples in Adrian and beyond.

www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org
Instagram: Instagram.com/holyfamilyadrian
Facebook: Facebook.com/adrianCatholic
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

Open Seat es un podcast Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia ubicada en Adrian, Michigan. Somos un pueblo católico, no un lugar, que se esfuerza por vivir a Jesús celebrando los sacramentos y formando discípulos en Adrian y más allá.

Katie:

We are so grateful to our guest today, Fiorella Diaz. We recommend you watch this podcast on YouTube to be able to better understand Fiorella and to see the altar she references. You will find a link to YouTube in the show notes or by opening YouTube and typing in Open Seat Holy Family Podcast. May your heart be touched by this episode of Open Seat. All I can really say to you is they're in no more pain. They're in no more suffering. We were talking about the whole idea of the altar and you were explaining it to me because I didn't grow up doing this. So I didn't understand it. I think this is one of the more beautiful things of honoring people. And To be able to say, Oh, this is what I remember of you. They might be waiting for Jesus to come wake them up, right? And that day we will all see. But, right now, they're still alive. Because you carry on them in your heart and you share them with everybody. Welcome to Open Seat, the podcast where we create a space for authentic conversations about faith, unfiltered and unapologetic. Here, we believe that every story matters. Whether you're questioning, seeking, or steadfast in your beliefs, you'll find something relatable in these heartfelt discussions. So grab your seat, get comfortable, and let's dive into today's story here at Open Seat. Open Seat. So today in the Open Seat we have the newest member of Holy Family Parish, Fiorella Valentina Diaz Castillo. Let's just start with, where are you from Fiorella?

Fiorella:

Well, I'm from Venezuela.

Katie:

So, what made you come to the United States?

Fiorella:

I want to learn another language. grow up my personal. And my daddy said, Okay, go ahead.

Katie:

it has been an absolute privilege to get grow from the time you arrived here arrived here until now. Your English has improved a lot.

Fiorella:

Yes, I have been practice all the time and try to better, better, better all time. But it's stressful for me because sometimes I don't know much things or don't understand people but I try better and better and better.

Katie:

So who have you worked with? Who's helped you get at your English?

Fiorella:

Well come for the office.

Katie:

So who do you work with the office?

Fiorella:

With Ivelisse. Miss Pat.

Katie:

Pat. Baker.

Fiorella:

well, you

Katie:

She's stuck with me.

Fiorella:

Yes. You like to spend time with me.

Katie:

I love to spend time with you. you. I grow as a person spending time with You it's been very helpful for me to be able to improve on myself as well through working with

Fiorella (2):

Yes.

Katie:

you also work with Rocio.

Fiorella:

Oh, yes, Rocio

Katie:

And Maria.

Fiorella:

María.

Katie:

oh, and you work with the teachers in religious ed.

Fiorella:

Oh, yes. Con (with) Ms. Kathy.

Katie:

Kathy Wickham. Outside of Holy Family working with somebody else?

Fiorella:

Yes. with the Sister Dominican.

Katie:

With The

Fiorella:

Sister Carmen, Sister Frances

Katie:

Sister Carmen, I believe it's Alvarez Sister Frances Madigan. And so all these people have had a hand in helping you improve your English, which is improved a lot. and,

Fiorella:

include

Katie:

probably, Your brother has helped you and, the Cabrera family has helped you in a lot of ways there's a lot of people who you are grateful to, I'm sure, for making you the person that you have become.

Fiorella:

Yes.

Katie:

So, just a few days ago, you celebrated something pretty big

Fiorella:

The big thing.

Katie:

What was the big thing you celebrated?

Fiorella:

My confirmation.

Katie:

And when you came to the United States did you ever think you would make your Confirmation in Adrian?

Fiorella:

No. Never never think it.

Katie:

So what made you decide to do your Confirmation?

Fiorella:

Well, in Venezuela, I think I say, oh my God, I would like to get my confirmation. But there is different, because now here I went to the church in Venezuela not much. well, my family, we are Catholica and we think in God and Jesus, but just that. No went to the church, that's it. But now, when I came here, my brother say to me, Oh, you need to go to the church. No, it was obligatory. I just said, okay, I'm fine and good. I can go. And when I, every Sunday go to the church I feel Good with the song, with the friendly people I see. And then I think, Hmm, why not my confirmation here? And that's when I ask you, I can get my confirmation here? And you say, what?

Katie:

Yeah, I think a lot of people would be surprised that I didn't ever ask you to make your confirmation. We were working together one day, like we work together a lot, and you just looked at me and said, I want to make my confirmation.

Fiorella:

it It was surprise for everybody.

Katie:

It was a surprise for everybody. Yes, yes, you win that title, surprise for everybody. But I think it was also really nice for everybody. I don't know if You know this, but, when you made your confirmation, there were were there a lot of people that you have impacted since you've been here, and, just had a part in their lives. And I think by being able to be at your confirmation because you told them about it, they were able to thank you for teaching them things. It was a really beautiful moment to see everybody show up be happy for you And celebrate you. Because you. have taught us so many things. So, how did you feel when Father, when you were up front and he was doing the confirmation ritual?

Fiorella:

I want to cry because I feel so nervous. because I can't imagine that people come here because everybody say. Oh, you call the confirmation for everybody you say I don't know, people is busy, no time for others. when I see everybody up and watch me and she say, Oh my God, People, God sent me these people, because saw something that I need and that was good. I always grateful for people give me the present. oh man,

Katie:

It's was powerful, right?

Fiorella:

Yes. Because you say that God is listening to me and heard me. And this day I open my heart for him, and I say, thank you so much for these people come here and stay in this moment in my life. And I can't imagine that it happened because when I come here, I say, well, I don't make friends, I just went in my room, just that. When I meet the people, I was more comfortable, happy. Free with these people, and I am so grateful with God and with these people.

Katie:

Yeah, when you, open your heart, a lot of things happen. I remember when you first came, and was my job to annoy you. To get you to go to

Fiorella:

things

Katie:

and, and volunteer I know that you probably were not very happy with me in the beginning.

Fiorella:

Yeah. Oh, she's bad. She made me crazy with my English. Oh, my God. Because you said, Oh, good luck. And you said, oh my Help me, Lord.

Katie:

I would just say all right, come on get ready. We're going we're gonna go do this And she's like, I don't know anyone or I don't speak English And I'm like, well, this is the good chance to try it. And then when she decided to make her confirmation and you said will

Fiorella:

you be my sponsor? I could

Katie:

fallen on the floor because ya

Fiorella:

hated me

Katie:

six weeks ago And now we're good friends

Fiorella:

more

Katie:

we are more than good friends. tells me this. But, it's been amazing your English has improved, you've gotten so close to people, and you've opened your heart. And, one of the things I think that people should hear is the story of the socks. Can you tell the story of the socks for us?

Fiorella:

well, this man that I, you meet me.

Katie:

I introduced

Fiorella:

He is the best person that I meet. He's good for me He's made me feel happy.

Katie:

Now, let's clarify. This person is an older

Fiorella:

man

Katie:

who

Fiorella:

married.

Katie:

So this is not a boyfriend that you're talking about. This in fact a very nice older parishioner who has just, he would welcome anyone, And he really very much is just the kind man. And so he has helped you a

Fiorella:

lot. Mmm, yes.

Katie:

Okay, so, what else has he done?

Fiorella:

some presents like clothes, Jacket. sweater, because in my country, no, there a winter.

Katie:

Right. So he's made sure you have warm clothes

Fiorella:

Yes. because the winter is coming. The cold. At my confirmation, yes, he give me more clothes. and

Fiorella (2):

Mm-Hmm,

Fiorella:

in this bag, I saw the sock, I put happy because I have just six pair of socks. And, I feel happy, excited for the present.

Katie:

Well, it also taught you a lesson. What did you say?

Fiorella:

God he he listened to my heart, because I said, I want another socks and he listened to my heart. I can't believe it.

Katie:

Yeah, 'cause you didn't even tell those of us who were really close to you that you needed socks. So you just kept that in your heart and then God on your confirmation, delivered the gift that you had been silently asking for. It's, probably one of the more beautiful things I've ever experienced Watching you have that moment. And especially on your confirmation day. So, do you feel any different after your confirmation?

Fiorella:

Uh, yes. I feel more free, more close with God, less stressful.

Katie:

Not so much stress?

Fiorella:

No. I just say, well, God now is next to me. I'm never alone

Katie:

It's incredible. I'm glad that you feel that way. What confirmation name did you take? What name did Father Mike have to try to say?

Fiorella:

I choose my name Chiquinquirá.

Katie:

And who is Chiquinquirá

Fiorella:

Chiquinquirá is the María in my country.

Katie:

Yep. She's the Mary in Venezuela. Yes. And father mike had to try to say Chiquinquira. for about a day he practiced that name.. So, behind us, we have this altar, right? So why don't you tell us about the altar?

Fiorella:

In this altar, They're my uncle my brother's mom.

Katie:

Your mom's brother.

Fiorella:

Mm hmm. His name is Francisco. The other person is my aunt's sister dad.

Katie:

Your dad's sister. So we should probably explain to people that English is difficult because

Fiorella:

In Spanish

Katie:

you say the opposite first, right? So you would say my sister mom instead of my mom's sister., It's difficult when you're studying English because we flip So, we have Francisco and

Fiorella:

her name, is Annie.

Katie:

And this is your mom's brother and your dad's sister. Okay, And what else do we have on the altar?

Fiorella:

my uncle like to drink coffee and eat bread. And my aunt like to eat fruit. Because. when she lived, people buy to the Fruit. Maybe she wants some time to eat the Fruit. Mm-Hmm. Yes. my country is not common to do this. No. But one day I asked my mom, I said, I want to do the altar because I think that we need to take time remember our ancestors because she was in a moment time when she alive a good person. and now she, and now they're here in a good in the sky,

Katie:

we were talking one day it was a hard day, and we were talking about the whole idea of the altar. And you were explaining it to me, cause I didn't grow up doing this so I didn't understand it. And, got really difficult you very much still love your uncle and your aunt. And one of the questions you said was, why? He was a good person. She was a good person. And, all I can really say to you is what I said. Which is, they're in no more pain, they're in no more suffering, and sometimes when I have a really bad day, I remind myself that they don't have to taxes anymore either. And so, you know, I think this is one of the more beautiful things of honoring people and to be able to say, oh, this is what I remember of you. Because I heard it recently that people die twice. They die when they take their last breath, but they also die when we stop talking about them. And so you have not stopped talking about Francisco since one of the first days I've met you, you've always told me about your uncle and your aunt and so they're very much still alive in who you are and who your family is and so You have not let them die yet. They may have taken their last breath, and they might be waiting for Jesus to come wake em up and that day we will all see. But right now, they're still alive because you carry on them in your heart and you share them with everybody.

Fiorella:

Now, they're in a place, free, and our family and they're so happy

Katie:

And, you will join them one day again. But it is hard when you can't hear their voice anymore, and there's that difficult pain in our souls. So That's why we create the altar to be able to remember them. it's a very beautiful thing. So Thank you for sharing that with us today.

Fiorella:

Thank you for you, Godmother, inviting me.

Katie:

So, I heard that you're going back to Venezuela and soon and soon. And so, my question for you is, you have a long future ahead of you So what are your plans when you go back

Fiorella:

Well, I ask this question too.

Fiorella (2):

I said

Fiorella:

God, what is wrong with me? Tell me what to do. well, I think my plan is I'm going to do the course flight attendant.

Katie:

Yeah, you want to study to be a flight attendant.

Fiorella:

and I'm going to still learning English.

Katie:

Yes, you're still to learn English.

Fiorella:

Yes, because I think learning English is a opportunity. It is a

Katie:

big opportunity.

Fiorella:

Maybe,

Katie:

maybe a Taylor Swift concert in the future. I mean, I don't know if we're going to meet a bigger Swifty from Venezuela than you.

Fiorella:

Yes,

Katie:

I hope by meeting all the people you've met here, that you know how special you are and how cared for you are, and that the time here has been short. In that short time, you have a lot of people who have grown to love you. And I think one of the things you said to me is, Well, I'm always in my room in Venezuela. I don't, I don't really do anything. I don't go out too much. I don't, you know, do a lot. I hope we have taught you here that people are there to help you and they will do things and they will be there for you and I hope that you can take that back in Venezuela and make a difference in someone's life there. Because you are a good person. You have a lot of great qualities to share with the the world. And so to hide in your room isn't going to help anything. I think it was very hard to come here. I think it was very hard to make that decision to leave your parents for the first time and come to a completely different country where the language is not your own. But I think that you, and I think us, have gained so much by having you in our lives. And I know just because you go back to Venezuela it's not going to change a whole lot of things for a lot of people here. They will still talk to you they will still keep in contact with you.

Fiorella:

I hope.

Katie:

And they will still bother you. I think you have given us as much as we have given you. And for that, I will speak for myself, but I think I can for others. We are very grateful to have you in our lives.

Fiorella:

Me too. I tell you every day, I am grateful. I am grateful that putting people in this moment because I thank God.

Katie:

Yeah, God heard your heart even when you didn't say it And he gave you everything you needed and more. Well, I am so thankful for you, my new godchild.

Fiorella:

My godmother.

Katie:

and newest member of Holy Family Parish we are grateful for you.

Fiorella:

For the office. For everybody. Thank you so much. Once again, we thank you for joining us today. We hope that wherever you find an open seat in your life, you will invite someone to join you.

People on this episode

Head Shot

Katie Love

Host
Head Shot

Fiorella Diaz

Guest