Gabriella Thomas

“It may be possible for each to think too much of his own potential glory hereafter; it is hardly possible for him to think too often or too deeply about that of his neighbor.” – C.S. Lewis

Where I serve

God has called me to serve the beautiful souls at Harvard University for my second year as a missionary! I am so excited to share the love, joy, and peace of Christ on campus and to invite students into a personal relationship with Him.

10.11.2023 HousePhotos JO 17

Team Harvard 2023-2024!

My Story

I grew up in a faithful Catholic family and was able to experience the beauty of the Catholic Faith from a young age. While I had such a profound vision of the faith, I never quite felt a personal relationship to Christ, and I didn’t understand the Catholic Church and all of its teachings to be an extension of His very heart.

During my freshman year of college at UPenn, my life felt entirely unfulfilling. I studied International Relations and aspired to work in the field of human rights law – always having a desire to be part of something bigger than myself, and to spend my life at the service of others. However, there was something missing – I wanted to do it all by my own means and to fit a worldly standard of success – not to do it in the way that God desired for me to. At the end of that first year after reaching the lowest, most difficult point of my life, I had a reversion and began intentionally praying and learning more about the faith. Still feeling as though something was missing, I joined a FOCUS bible study on campus soon after, and it changed my life. I became more involved in the Catholic community, and through the guidance of FOCUS missionaries fell deeply in love with Christ, and my desire to grow in faith was constantly multiplied.

Towards the end of my junior year, I felt a desire on my heart for all the students around me to know who and whose they really are. I began to see the need for all people to know their worth and to live the fullness of life that the Lord has intended for us. Following the inspiring example of FOCUS missionaries before me, I felt called to apply and my conviction and zeal for mission continue to grow.

Being a missionary has been the greatest joy of my life. It has fulfilled every desire that I have ever had, and even ones I didn’t know I had! God is so good and I am honored to share in His work by being His missionary. I cannot wait to see what Year 2 on mission holds.

My life as a missionary is filled with such beautiful moments! Here are some pictures from our weekend retreat during the Fall 2023 semester :

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Your Impact

When I answered the call to join FOCUS, I made the decision to rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners to join me on this mission, and enable me to serve full-time.

If you are open to partnering with me to bring God’s love and truth to college students, please contact me at [email protected] or 215-359-7657, and I would love to schedule an appointment to share more about FOCUS and the work I will be doing. It would be an absolute honor to journey together.

Find other missionaries

FOCUS brings the joy of the Gospel to colleges and parishes across the United States (and beyond)!
FOCUS Find A Missionary Know Love Serve God Monstrance

Know, Love and Serve God

We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures.

FOCUS Find A Missionary Build Virtuous Friendships Together

Build Virtuous Friendships

By building genuine friendships, we meet students on a deeper level.

FOCUS Find A Missionary Teach Others Share Christ Smiling

Teach Others to Share Christ

We teach students how to share the gospel, who in turn teach other students how to pass it on.

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