Fourteen Members of University Community Baptized at the Easter Vigil

by Kyrien Keeton

Nicholas Hehl and Malorie Brody, students at The Catholic University of America, never expected to become what they are now: baptized, confirmed Catholics. After finishing the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), they were welcomed into the Church last Saturday at the Easter vigil mass at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. 

Nicholas didn’t come to Catholic University for its religious component. Originally drawn to the musical theater program, he explains that he “didn’t know he would find faith here as well.” During his first semester, he realized he was being called to convert during a powerful prayer experience in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 

Nicholas attributes the experience to another student, saying, “She prayed to God, asking that He would touch my heart, and He did.” 

No one in Malorie Brody’s family is Catholic. After a lacrosse injury that left her at “one of the lowest points” of her life, Malorie and her boyfriend transferred from Salisbury University to Catholic University. 

“We transferred to Catholic together,” Malorie said in an interview. “And it was the best decision I’ve ever really made. I say that all the time, to anybody who asks me.” 

Upon taking the course, “Philosophy of God,” with Monsignor James Watkins, as well as a class on St. Francis and St. Clare, her entire perspective changed, leading her to pursue her place in the Catholic Church. She cites Father Bernard, Father Maximo, and Monsignor Watkins as people who supported her every step of the way through her process of conversion.

On April 4, 2026, at the Easter Vigil mass, both Malorie and Nicholas entered the Catholic Church, alongside 20 other converts and catechumens. The pews were packed with people, both religious and not, witnessing the pivotal moment in their family member’s lives. The air was rich with incense, interspersed with joyful music proclaiming the risen Christ, as they professed their baptismal promises, and received Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist for the first time. 

Under the protection of Saint Michael the Archangel, Nicholas was confirmed. In the future, he hopes to serve as an altar server at the Basilica near campus. 

Malorie took Saint Clare of Assisi as her Confirmation saint name. Before her conversion, the closest she could be to the Eucharist was mere steps away with her arms crossed. But now, as a full Catholic, Malorie is most excited to receive the Eucharist and become closer than ever to Christ.