Ivana Z.

Hi! My name is Ivana and I’m a third-year french major at York University. When I am not at school, I work as a part-time youth minister at my home parish serving our teens and leading them closer to Christ which has been a blessing! I also run a small business, making custom rosaries and other devotionals to encourage personal prayer.

I love spending time in Adoration and some of my favourite saints include St. Carlo Acutis, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila. Recently St. Joseph and the Canadians Martyrs have been showing up in my life, so it’s very providential that I’ll be spending my time on mission at Martyr’s Shrine!

Why do I want to be on Mission?

Growing up, I’ve had the joy of seeing people go on mission trips and witnessing how those experiences have changed their lives. Hearing others share their testimonies and how they’ve seen Christ work in their lives has also had a profound impact on me.

Especially in my work as a youth minister, I’ve witnessed firsthand the difference one person can make by sharing the Gospel.

I initially applied for the international mission trips (Ireland and Wales), but I was pleasantly surprised when I was offered a spot on the Martyrs’ Shrine mission. There’s a unique beauty in serving close to home, and I look forward to sharing the love of Christ with the pilgrims I encounter while I’m there!