About the Author
Araceli
V . Lardizabal-Carnazzo , M . D . is registered in two parishes in mid-state CA ; a Byzantine Catholic ( Ruthenian rite ), and a Roman Catholic rite in the San Luis Obispo area . She participates in the weekly Bible studies in both parishes , directed by Fr . Milan and a seminarian , respectively . With her husband , she attends the Bible studies at the Byzantine parish ( which uses the Institute of Catholic Culture ' s lectures ) as well as the live , interactive , online series taught by Fr . Sebastian at StEliasMelkite . org .
She was a consistent Valedictorian and First in Religion from kindergarten through high school . She had many awards , including Most Outstanding Catechist and Most Outstanding Student . She got her Bachelor of Science ( Pre-Med ) and MD degrees in the Philippines . She did her General Psychiatry Residency training and her Fellowship in Forensic and Correctional Psychiatry in California . She practiced in her subspecialty in the CA hospitals .
As a Staff Psychiatrist , she received the Sustained Superior Achievement Award for 2012-2013 .
Once she took a summer course online on the Luminous Mysteries from the Catholic Distance University ; loved it , and years later , came back for more - for a deeper understanding of the orthodox Catholic Faith and a chance to grow in holiness . Also , for its excellent faculty , like-minded schoolmates , caring support staff , faith-filled atmosphere , and online convenience . She then took up MA in Theology and Catechetical Diploma , and graduated Summa Cum Laude in November 2016 . Currently , she is in training ( with Church-approved ministries ) as a volunteer , Catholic-based psychological and religious counselor for post-abortive women and for families whose loved ones are locked up .
She is a third generation immigrant from the Philippines . She is fluent in Ilocano ( a dialect ), Tagalog , and English . She married a medical colleague / businessman who is a devout Catholic . They are blessed with two sons who are priests of the Catholic Melkite rite and a daughter who is a nurse . They also have many beautiful grandkids and she accompanies or practices with them on the piano , at times . Back with her teacher , she hopes to hone her skills to play the organ for church service again .