Chiara was interviewed by Heather Ashlock at the Diocese of Sioux Falls about her prayer journal, Recollect, and the inspiration behind its creation. During the interview, Chiara shared how the journal grew out of her desire to slow down, recognize God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life, and deepen her relationship with Him through prayer and gratitude.
At the heart of Recollect is Chiara’s desire to foster a deeper awareness of the indwelling of the Most Holy Trinity in every baptized soul. She hopes to remind people that God is not distant from us, but lovingly present within us, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. Through recollection, prayer, and gratitude, we can become more attentive to His presence and recognize the many ways His grace is quietly at work in our lives.
She spoke about the meaning of Recollect, Review, Renew, and how the journal invites people to pause and prayerfully reflect on their day, recognize the blessings they have received, give thanks for God’s goodness, notice the ways He is working in their lives, and begin again with renewed hope. Rooted in the Catholic tradition and inspired by the Ignatian Examen, the journal is meant to be a gentle companion for anyone seeking a more intentional and intimate prayer life.
For Chiara, gratitude is not simply about being thankful when life is going well. It is a way of seeing—with the eyes of faith—the countless gifts of God that can so easily go unnoticed: a kind word, a beautiful moment, a difficult lesson, the love of family and friends, the beauty of creation, and even the quiet movements of grace within the heart. By taking time each day to remember and give thanks, we become more aware of God’s loving providence and more receptive to His presence.
Chiara also shared some of her own faith journey and the experiences that shaped her understanding of prayer, gratitude, and God’s loving presence. Her hope is that Recollect will encourage others to make space for God each day and, above all, to rediscover the beautiful reality that the Most Holy Trinity dwells within every baptized person. She hopes that this simple practice of recollection will help people recognize God’s presence not only in moments of formal prayer, but also in the quiet, ordinary moments of everyday life.
Through the interview, Chiara offered a heartfelt glimpse into the faith and love that inspired Recollect and her desire to place this simple tool into the hands of others. Her deepest hope is that the journal will help people pause, remember, give thanks, and turn their hearts toward God—becoming ever more aware of the extraordinary gift they already carry within them: the indwelling presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
