“‘Beyond my highest expectation’ is the best way to describe bringing WE THIRST: Christian Reflections on Addiction, as a virtual series, to the Diocese of Camden (NJ) Church Community and the Catholic Charities organization. I am so humbled and grateful how this information was received. After each session, participants shared the impact of this specialized learning experience on a personal level. It became clear that as a Church we must be a more loving, welcoming open door and a resource of compassion, understanding and caring. The message of faith, love and hope resonated with everyone. A virtue was introduced in each session that strengthened and guided all to have courage in putting an end to the shame and stigma of addiction. This program further raised awareness, clarified misconceptions, enhanced knowledge and most importantly, brought a genuine Catholic Christian perspective to how we are called to serve one another. WE THIRST: Christian Reflections on Addiction is enlightening, inspiring and empowering — A CALL TO ACTION!
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“When I was asked by the administrator of nearby Cranaleith Spiritual Center to co-sponsor a series on addiction by Nina Marie Corona, I readily agreed. After all, it seems that each year the number of drug overdose deaths continues to increase. I thought the sessions would be good for our people. I hadn’t planned on attending myself. To show my support, I went to the first session with full intention to leave at the break. I attended not only the entire first session but also all of the others as well. I found Nina’s presentations extremely helpful and faith-filled. It is my expectation that anyone who attends this series will leave inspired and informed. I would recommend this series to anyone.
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“Nina’s We Thirst series has equipped me with an understanding of addiction so that I am better able to serve those in our communities struggling with this affliction. I find that having attended the series I am able to engage more confidently in conversations about this topic and above all, understand the needs of those affected and respond with initiatives that can help. The greatest value in what she is offering is her multi-dimensional approach in which she teaches her audience about the physical-psychological-social-spiritual nature of the human person and how the problem of addiction must be addressed on all of these levels.
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“The We Thirst series provides an integrated look into the complex biological, psychological, social, and spiritual issues of addiction. Nina engages her audience in a mindful and reflective way that helps participants to understand addiction, to create change, and to be disciples in combatting stigma. This series will change your life, strengthen your relationship with God, provide you with tools for action in recovery, and fill you with hope!”

“We Thirst is one of the most informative, and spiritually uplifting programs that I have ever experienced! I cannot begin to imagine how many people will be helped by this series.”

“Nina’s informative and caring presentations guided us through the biology, sociology, psychology and spirituality of addiction. The evenings gave those who attended a clear understanding of addiction, as well as the suffering endured by these individuals and their families. The information we received provided ways to show loving care in reaching out to those in need in a nonjudgmental manner, as well as supporting them in seeking help and treatment. Having 80 people attend these valuable sessions was a clear message that information and help is needed in our parish and community.
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“My husband and I wanted something to help us along the journey of our son’s addiction. We had all the doctors, therapists, and counselors we needed, and they all were amazing in their own ways, but we quite literally thirsted for more. In the church bulletin my husband found Nina’s program named We Thirst!! Miracle from God? Ummm YES! We learned so much about how we Christian’s can help those suffering, we learned the dynamic of addiction, and we learned how to help our child in a deeper more spiritual way. God Bless this ministry and the powerful knowledge that comes along with it! ”

“Praises to the We Thirst program! It was a series of Christian reflections on addiction. I honestly did not know what to expect because this was the first time I had ever considered attending anything in reference to addiction. Yes, it did bring up some painful memories, but it also gave me comfort and peace and made me want to continue my healing journey. Nina shares her knowledge and her compassion in a beautiful way. This program is for everyone! It will open up your heart, your mind, and your understanding to want to have a deeper relationship with God and a commitment to help your community. ”

“What an amazing eye opening experience {watching the We Thirst video series} was! I believe it will truly help me with understanding and having more compassion for my husband who is currently in active addiction. I’m actually dropping him off at rehab tonight. I will keep an open mind and try to support him in a better way. I thank you for your work and dedication to the disease of addiction. God Bless you and your work!”

“This program has been a miracle, after years of prayer.”

“I am so grateful for God opening the door for me to attend the We Thirst series. I have been following and attending addiction outreach events for several years now. I’ve participated in trainings for faith leaders, symposiums put on by the state of PA, and conducted outreach events. I also am part of the Nar-Anon fellowship. I was given the title of Addiction Recovery Advocate, and I humbly try to live up to that title. But this program of yours is a “cut above” everything I’ve been involved in thus far. The presence of the Holy Spirit is all over every moment of We Thirst! The way you have based your program on prayer, spiritual reflection , scripture and Christian music has taken my understanding and most importantly, my recovery to a new level. All of the glory and credit to God for using you and your husband to bring an understanding of addiction, not being told, in this “Light” anywhere. I cannot find the right words to express my extreme appreciation for all that you have done and continue to do. May God continue to use you and your husband to proudly display the example needed to overcome this horrible stigma. Thank you and may God open every door you need opened to help us all recover!”

“If you are not moved by this presentation, you don’t have a pulse.”

“The We Thirst series presented by Nina Corona was well received. She covered the various aspects of addiction in a way that was thorough, compelling, and spiritually encouraging. The material presented was current and communicated with a sincere love for those suffering from addiction. Nina obviously has spent much time learning about this topic and was able to bring that knowledge to the audience in an understandable, pleasing, and inspiring manner. She did a wonderful job of incorporating music and prayer into her talks. We were very grateful that this series was offered in our parish.
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“Infinite love and gratitude for shedding light on addiction through We Thirst. Thank you for all you do for our Church and for our community.”

“Nina has a great process where she thoroughly explains the science, psychology, sociology (relationships) and spirituality of addiction fusing that with Christian virtues, prayers, meditations, quotes from the saints, music and visual arts in such a way that everyone is touched by some aspect of her presentation. She addresses the person addicted, family members, friends, community and Church; no stone is left unturned. Nina also shatters stigmatizing labels. The series was presented to touch individual souls and support them in the journey forward in faith, hope and love.
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“[As a PA LSW] I attended this series with love, understanding, and compassion in my heart to be used when interacting with persons suffering from addiction.

I am leaving the series with the above intact; however, I [now] feel I have a purpose to take those traits and use them to . . . share the message and help others who are addicted [so that they may] receive His grace.”

“I have been to a lot of talks on addiction, but this was the most comprehensive. The format was informative, encouraging and designed to gently nudge all of us to be more empathetic. We all come to Jesus for healing and peace and all of us in the Church need to be more informed so we can genuinely welcome and care for all who enter our doors. This presentation was extremely worthwhile, and I highly recommend it.
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“This program has renewed my hope so that I can continue to bear the cross that God has given to us, and I do not feel as afraid and ashamed of our family situation. I have attained inner peace again.”

“There are few subjects of more critical importance in our society today than addiction. And this course not only highlights that fact and raises awareness, but it also helps us reflect on how we might be part of the solution. I found the course to be enriching both professionally and personally, emphasizing something we all need to remember – “addiction is a disease, not a disgrace.” That is at the heart of our parish’s “Mercy Ministry.” Nina Marie Corona is a thoughtful, organized, and well-informed presenter. I would highly recommend bringing her and this course to your parish or organization. Let’s work together to become missionaries of love and mercy”

“Feeling helpless is not acceptable if there is an option! Thank you for enlightening me. God bless you and your work!”

“. . . I attended out of curiosity . . . thank you God, and thank you Fr. Bambrick for bringing Nina to us. She is an excellent presenter and so knowledgeable in this topic. She is truly a caring and compassionate person. She feels our pain. A million thanks to you Nina!”

“This program inspired me to think and act more virtuously towards those afflicted in my family and life. ”

“Nina’s rendering is the most accurate account of these dynamics that I have yet to encounter. A pathway to wholeness. Hallowed is His name!”

“I found your presentation to be one of the best I ever attended, and I am in the medical field and have attended hundreds. You presented every aspect of addiction in a thorough, complete and compassionate manner. Your presentation has left me thirsting for further knowledge of addiction and spirituality and a desire to reach out and help those who are sick and suffering. I most definitely will attend future presentations. Thank you for the enlightenment. I feel like a better person for having attended.”

“Nina presents the topic of addiction with state-of-the-art, research-backed information, combined with warmth, love, and compassion. It is clear that God has led Nina to this mission to lead those suffering from addiction, both the addicted and their families, to a place of hope and healing and ultimately to God.”

“I loved the non-judgmental, merciful approach.”

“I thought I would be receiving facts, statistics, etc., but this approach was much more beneficial! I have never been to a [contemplative] presentation like this. What a positive difference it makes!”

“I came to expand my knowledge and learned about expanding my heart.”

“I feel very hopeful and inspired to DO SOMETHING.”

“Excellent presentations on important topics. I feel inspired, hopeful, AND CHALLENGED. Very powerful videos, songs, and poems. ”

“Beautiful, heartfelt, organized, engaging presentations. I liked the emphasis on empathy. After looking at the biological and psychological principles that were presented, I realize that we are not so different from one another at all.”

“I now have a better understanding of myself and those around me — personally and professionally — in and out of addiction.”

“Very empowering . . . Very informative . . . Much more in-depth than I expected . . . Excellent! . . . Wonderful! . . . Well-rounded presentation”

“Your presentation was a blessing to us. The mission that God has placed upon your heart will help many. It is something everyone should hear. It contains tools that any person can apply in their daily lives. Along with the inspiration received, it is a comprehensive presentation on addiction that will open the eyes and hearts of anyone who hears it.”

“This presentation was fantastic! I have been to many, many presentations on this topic throughout the years, and this series was by far the best I have ever been to. Thank you so, so much!”

“Every session was just wonderful and inspiring! I knew from the first evening that I would attend all of them. I am very inspired and hopeful!”

“Very beautiful experience. I feel hopeful, filled with love, and inspired! ”

“Over the top exceeded my expectations. Thorough and synthetic. Filled with facts and encouragement. Get this around the USA!”

“This series was so much more helpful and in-depth than I expected. Great intersection of the biological connection to the psycho-social parts of this disease. I wish your talks were more widely available. Thank you for such an informative, inspiring, and hopeful lecture series.”

“[After this presentation] life makes more sense.”

“I am a licensed psychologist in private practice. It was excellent!”

“This presentation was excellent and so well put together. It was friendly, encouraging, and very clear. Sure hope priests, deacons, etc. have the opportunity to hear this important knowledge so they can have empathy for the lost sheep.”