A: On the evening of December 11, 2023, I was on Catholic Match when I came across Jason’s profile. He was handsome, virtuous, and he even said he was “pursuing sainthood.” I was joyfully intrigued—and sent him a heart. J: She thought I was a hunk! And although she was living in McAllen and I was living in Chicago, I couldn't pass up taking a chance on such a beautiful girl who was also a fan of St. Joseph! A: He messaged me! It was December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. And I had just been praying to St. Joseph for a good man. Maybe this was my answer. J: We quickly started exchanging long messages. She was sweet, intelligent, and pursuing sainthood. A: He was kind, thoughtful, deeply rooted in his faith, and not to mention also very funny. I was impressed! J: We seemed to have great conversations but I was eager to talk to Andi face to face. It was time to initiate a video chat. A: Messaging back and forth was fun. By January, we had our first video date! J: I stacked books on top of my rarely-used ironing board to get my camera at just the right height and angle. I was ready to dive into the deep questions. A: I was nervous but excited, hoping we’d connect as well as we did in our messaging. The moment he came on screen, he was as charming and devout as I’d hoped. He definitely got to all the deep questions: faith, family, and finances! J: She passed the test. I was very impressed, and she was wonderful to talk to. Plus, she was just as beautiful on screen, and even more impressive in conversation. A: ....{J: He was a HUNK! } ~ Hey, Jason, stopping writing my lines! A: Weeks went by, and video calls became something we looked forward to. We talked about all sorts of things: our life, family, passions, and goals. Jason eventually told me that although he was enjoying our long distance communication, he was eager to meet me in person. He was willing to travel 1,400 miles to Texas for a first date to see me. Wow! J: In February I decided to fly down for our first date. I took Friday off work, flew to McAllen, got a hotel and rented a car. After stopping by the Adoration chapel at the Bascilica of San Juan del Valle, I picked her up. A: The doorbell rang and I opened the door to see Jason standing there—so handsome, with a bouquet of flowers in hand. My heart melted. What a sweet gentleman, I thought. First date, here we come! J: She was even more beautiful in person. I felt like the luckiest guy in the world. A: We had such a nice first date, I invited him to go Jet skiing on Padre Island the next day. J: It was like a date out of the movie Hitch. So fun! A: His crazy driving and the gas fumes made me throw up. But it was a lot of fun! Now for the real test: meeting my family! J: That Sunday, I met her family—parents, sister, and even her family priest. Whoa! It was a full but amazing weekend. When we said goodbye, I told her I wanted to pursue her and hoped we could plan another weekend together. A: In March it was my time to visit Jason in Chicago, and we had so much fun in the windy city! J: Until I got food poisoning. I tried to take Andi back to her hotel, but she didn't want to leave me in such bad shape. God bless her for sticking around after those sounds and smells. A: He was worth it! By Fall 2024 I was looking for jobs in Chicago so we could date while living in the same city. J: I couldn’t believe it. She was really moving—for me! I helped her drive up...in December. From 80 degrees to 8 degrees right into a Northern winter. A: Goodbye RGV palm trees! This Texas girl decided to move to the Midwest to be with her love. J: She made my whole world better! A: Through much prayer, discernment, and with the incredible support of our families and friends, we knew we wanted to be together forever. J: In August 2025, I returned to the Basilica, only this time with Andi and a ring in my pocket. J&A: We are so excited for all that God has in store for us as we enter the Sacrament of Marriage together.