Who are you guys?
Jackie: Besides being a daughter of God, a total goofball, and a logical romantic, I’m a full-time traveling worship leader, speaker, songwriter from Orange County, CA. In 2006, I got signed with Spirit&Song.com/OCP and released two albums with them titled, “Your Kingdom is Glorious” and “Divine Comedy.” I love traveling (40 states & 5 continents down, a few more to go) and eating yummy food, but I mostly love having a husband who is my best friend and thinks my impending muffin top from the prior two things (traveling & eating) is attractive.
Bobby: I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida and went into the seminary after college because Jesus wouldn’t leave me alone. Ironically, in pursuing the celibate priesthood I was led to marriage. So yeah, I’m glad I listened to Jesus. I now live in California with my very pretty wife. I work as a campus minister and theology teacher at an all-boys Catholic high school. I like to write, surf, lift heavy things, and keep my wife well-fed.
How did you two meet?
Bobby: Once upon a time, in the Pennsylvania Amish countryside, there lay a retreat center named Black Rock. It was there that the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org/) offered several immersion courses for the teachings of Blessed John Paul II’s vision of divine love and human sexuality. It was there, in January of 2011, that I met a beautiful, goofy, fair maiden named Jaclyn. The only minor, teensy problem was that at the time I was in seminary…discerning the Catholic priesthood.
Jackie: In my fair maidenhood, I searched far and wide for my prince charming. Instead, I found a troll named Bobby Angel. Well, he was a troll in the morning hours before the coffee seeped into his blood stream. Then, he became a prince. The first week I met him, I remembered his handsome face and his ugly shoes. He was a goofy, prayerful, ruggedly handsome man. As any good Catholic girl would, I wept for the fact that he was becoming a priest. Okay, not really, but I wasn’t going to be a “chalice chipper.” Ain’t nobody got time for ’dat!
Bobby: Ok, so I did have ugly shoes. But she saw through my shoes and troll-like ways. Crushing on each other, we never stated our feelings, respecting the situation and discernment process, but stayed in contact as friends. In my own spiritual journey, I felt that God used the years of priestly discernment to form my head and heart to be the man He needed me to be. Though I felt like I could be a good priest, I sensed that God was leading me elsewhere, not knowing when or how it would happen…
Jackie: As a speaker and worship leader, I had been speaking to a lot of young girls about praying for their future husbands and never settling for a man who didn’t lead them to heaven. In July 2009, I started a journal for my future husband, consecrating him to Mary, and praying for him monthly. Mother Teresa said to be specific when you pray, so I wrote 3 pages of exactly what I wanted in a future husband, listing things such as “Passionately Catholic,” “loves scripture,” “ruggedly handsome,” “loves Theology of the Body & NFP,” and “likes ‘The Office.”” For some reason, the first six months of 2012, I felt the urge to offer my future husband up at daily Mass. In May of 2012, I had 2 pages left in my journal. Either my future husband was coming soon, or I’d have to start a new journal. So, I decided to do a 54-day rosary novena for my future husband (27 days in petition and 27 days in thanksgiving whether or not I got what I wanted). I thought ending the novena on August 15th would be a great idea, since it was the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thus, the novena began Saturday, June 23rd…
Bobby: We returned to the Black Rock retreat center on June 24th for a course on the philosophy of John Paul II taught by Dr. Peter Kreeft. Jackie was the first person I saw when I got off the plane, and we were pretty much inseparable for the remainder of the course. It took all of a day and a half for us to realize that something deep and profound was attracting us to each other. I had no idea she was praying a rosary novena for her future spouse at the time, but in each moment of prayer with her I somehow just knew that this was the person I was being prepared for all along. I was still technically a seminarian, but I was given such clarity and peace during this week with Jackie that I knew this was the sign I had asked God for. After that course, and much discussion with my spiritual director, family, and friends, I formally left seminary on August 1st. On the feast of the Assumption, August 15th, the last day of Jackie’s novena (and after only one “formal” date) I bought the engagement ring.
How did he propose?
Bobby: So I bought the ring on August 15th, but I personally vowed to wait until closer to December so that we had a somewhat “proper” timeframe (even though I knew she was “the one” back in June). It was tough…every jewelry shop we would walk by, Jackie would squeeze my hand or make some comment that I had to just play dumb about for months. My brother used to work at Sea World, so I thought about assembling a team of dolphins that would spit out confetti right when the sun was setting, and a penguin would walk up with the ring in its flipper. It would have been great, but penguins are notorious divas.
Jackie: After one official date in August, Bobby asked for my ring size (I mean, c’mon, we both knew we had found “the one” back in June). I didn’t think he was going to buy the ring anytime soon, but in September I was away doing ministry and texted him, “You know, I also like sapphires. They’re cheaper than diamonds. Too bad you don’t have a diamond in your family.” He texted me back, “Hey lady, don’t you worry. You gave me your requirements weeks ago.” At that moment, I had a feeling he had already bought the ring, and then because I’m a girl, imagined every possible way he could propose, including dolphins spouting out confetti during a sunset.
Bobby: With the dolphin plan falling through, “Plan B” was to propose to her in the context of the play ‘A Christmas Carol’ that Servite high school presents. Jackie has been a part of the play for years now as Emily, young Scrooge’s love interest. I figured I could play Scrooge and in the scene where he proposes to her, I would make it a real proposal. The problem was that it wasn’t a play, but a MUSICAL, and, well, I can’t sing. The Lord can do all things, but getting my bullfrog voice ready for a tenor solo in 3 months…not so much. I took it to prayer and figured that God wasn’t calling me to propose within the play. I happily resigned myself to the character of ‘Old Joe,’ the garbage collector who wanders around on stage muttering “rags and bones.”
Jackie: As I kept waiting for a proposal, thinking, “maybe he’ll become young Scrooge in the play and propose during a rehearsal,” Bobby kept fake proposing. Every once in a while he would drop to one knee, pause, and then say, “Oh look! A quarter!” Then fairly often he would ask, “If I asked you right now, what would you say?” I would reply, “Of course I would say, ‘Yes!’” Then he would joke, “So… you DO want pepperoni on your pizza.” Ugh…
Bobby: We won tickets to Mumford & Sons via a radio contest. They sold out two shows at the Hollywood Bowl, so the fact that we won tickets was providential. We both have an affinity for their song “I Will Wait.” She’s used it as an example of Christian patience and chastity in her talks to teens, and the lyrics personally speak to me, particularly the forgiveness of one’s faults and mistakes. When the band played this song (2nd in the set list, it caught me off guard), I waited until the later half before I held her hand with the ring box between our fingers. She gave me a look, puzzled but then instantly realizing what it as.
Jackie: I was in Miami a few days before the Mumford & Sons concert. I told Bobby’s brother, Dan, that I had a feeling Bobby would either propose during “I Will Wait” at the M&S concert or on December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception and renewer consecration date) after the musical. Dan said nothing and kept drinking his coffee. On the actual day of the concert, though, I really did not even think Bobby would propose. For goodness sakes, we went to IHOP for breakfast. He wasn’t buttering me up at all or preparing me to think a proposal was near. The thought didn’t really even cross my mind the whole day. Even at the concert when Bobby asked me 3 times (between every band) if I needed to go the bathroom, I still didn’t think there was a sneaky reason behind it. I found out later that he was trying to ask the girl next to him to take pictures of us.
Finally, when “I Will Wait” came on, we both were so excited. We were holding hands with a hand warmer in between them and suddenly Bobby withdrew his hand from mine and put it back together with something else in between us. He squeezed my hand and looked me in the eye saying, “If I asked you right now, what would you say?” I kept saying, “Are you serious? Are you kidding me?” He then showed me the ring and got on one knee and asked me to marry him. Of course I said, “Yes” (else you wouldn’t be reading this on our wedding website!)
Bobby: “And I’ll kneel down, wait for now. I’ll kneel down, know my ground.” At these lyrics, I knelt down and asked Jackie Francois to marry me. Thanks be to God, she said yes, and the crowd around us celebrated as Mumford closed the song.
Best. Concert. Ever.
Jackie: When the concert was over (which was a huge blur), I asked Bobby all the questions: “When and how did you ask my dad? When did you buy the ring? Who should I call first?” We got to the car and sitting on the seat was the letter Bobby wrote to my dad to ask for my hand in marriage. It was hilariously awesome. Then I found out he bought the ring on August 15th, which was the 54th day of my rosary novena for my future spouse. The diamond? His great grandmother’s. Who should I tell first? Well, my close friends who were all waiting at my parent’s house the next day that Bobby invited for dinner, of course!
God is good!
Any kids?
Two daughters. They are sassy and will hopefully be holy girls!
Your love story is pretty much the most beautiful thing in the world and such an encouragement for me. I will be praying for you two as your big day gets closer, and I thank you for being a model of holiness, purity, and trust in God’s timing.
Holy cow you guys are adorable! Bless you, couple of the year, bless you x)
It’s enough to make a sentimental old fool weep…That is if I knew anybody of that description, of course. :0) What a beautiful script the Holy Spirit will write if we entrust to Him the play that is our life. I’m so very happy for you two.
Thank you for sharing your story! I was doing a search for the Head and Heart Immersion course at the Theology of the Body Institute and came across your story. It gave me soo much hope! Following Jackie’s example, I’ve decided to begin praying a 54 day novena for my future spouse and also consecrate him to Our Lady. Being a single Catholic woman in my late twenties, sometimes it’s very difficult waiting on the Lord, but your story gave me renewed hope, so thank you!
Thank you for sharing your story. My daughters have often asked me how I knew that my husband of 34 years was “the one”. I told them it was because I wanted to be in his company all the time. We may have had a strong physical and emotional connection in the beginning, but those bonds only continued because we put each other’s needs ahead of our own on a daily basis. My husband may have been my Prince Charming from the start, but he has become my soulmate over the years. Wishing you a lifetime of marital joy!
Your love story is amazing, I love it. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 53 years. We have three sons, two married and one I pray will marry soon. Although we did not have any girls, we have numerous young God-Daughters (18 to be exact), who I will encourage to read and follow your love story. My sister tells me you will be in our area on Sunday, I hope I can attend you session. May God continue to bless you and your fiance, I will keep you in my prayers.
your story and your insights just make me happy. congratulations! God bless you.
this is honestly way too epically cute, spiritual, and amazing!!! jumped up and down when I first saw the pics on Instagram/Facebook!!! :)
Your entire love story made me cry, and i hope and pray for a love like this. You two are a walking living example of what a real relationship should be!!!
Absolutely beautiful story! Thank you for being a witness to God’s love.
Am I reading the script for a Nicholas Sparks movie?
Your love story is such an inspiration to purity and trusting in God. He is faithful…….Amazing how we never really know the plans God has for us, they are always so much better than our own.
Hi Jackie, I have been following you for a while on facebook (since you came and spoke to my high school) I was just curious if you had anything to say about eating disorders?
Jackie! I didn’t even realized that you had this blog until a friend re-posted it on her facebook. First of all, you don’t know how giddy I was to hear that you both met at TOBI. I’m only sorry that my internship had ended by that point! I loved reading your story… and similar to our story, my “search for my future spouse” was also very much tied to the Feast of Our Lady’s Assumption… in which Mark and I got married on a year later. It’s just a very good testament and re-affirming for me on how when entrusted to Our Lady, she truly does always lead us to her Son and God’s Will for us. Praise be to God for you and Bobby!
Jackie! I didn’t even realized that you had this blog until a friend re-posted it on her facebook. First of all, you don’t know how giddy I was to hear that you both met at TOBI. I’m only sorry that my internship had ended by that point! I loved reading your story… and similar to our story, my “search for my future spouse” was also very much tied to the Feast of Our Lady’s Assumption… in which Mark and I got married on a year later. It’s just a very good testament and re-affirming for me on how when entrusted to Our Lady, she truly does always lead us to her Son and God’s Will for us. Praise be to God for you and Bobby!
Aaaah! I definitely had a screaming/tearing up moment. This is so amazing! You are giving so much renewed hope to people everywhere to never settle and never give up hope! Your talks and story have truly changed the way I perceive and approach life. Thank you so much and I wish you all the best! God bless!!
I absolutely love your story and how God laid everything out for you. So cute. I look up to you guys. :) God bless. <3
Gob bless your marriage 4EVER, like FOREVER! I almost was tearing up, you guys are truly an inspirational couple. Take care and God bless you two! xoxo
I honestly just weeped at how romantic this is. I’ve always dreamed of such a loving man to come into my life and now y’all have given me hope not not give up nor settle for anyone who is less than the man God has made for me. Thank you. Bless your marriage as well. I will continue to pray that y’all have the marriage of a lifetime filled with as much love and blessings heaven has for you.
Thank you for the wonderful and meaningful retreat today at st Albert’s. It really meant a lot to me. God bless you guys!
What a beautiful Love story, a great witness to Gods plan for our lives. thanks for sharing your story of love:)
I love your story! After years of being single, I prayed many 54 day rosary novenas to meet a good Catholic gentleman. God and the Blessed Mother are the best match makers! I met my husband on a Catholic Singles website and we were married on June 16th, 2007, on the Feast Day of the Immaculate Heart of Mary! My prayer for you and your husband is that you have a happy and holy Catholic marriage. I will be praying for you! Much love, hugs, and prayers!
Your story brings me to tears!! It’s so beautiful and perfect!!! God is good!! Gives me hope!! Its like a heavenly fairytale!
Beautiful–your story brings tears of joy in my eyes. Thanks be to God! May His many Blessings fall upon you both.
Highly descriptive blog, I liked that a lot. Will there be a
part 2?
Hi! As a mom of six I feel so affirmed in your liking of Mumford and Sons! Though I edit the foul language by turning it down when it is impending, the main themes I feel are so Catholic: forgiveness, self knowledge, brokenness but not being content with this…i wish they’d be more unabashed about it, but they reach a huge crowd. My kids have seen you speak live, thank you for your unabashed truth witnessing!
you are both a beautiful witness! god is my number one and i was just wondering what advice and maybe supporting literature you might suggest to someone who thinks the church is just a business… it is someone near and dear to me and i just listened to there opinion not really knowing what to say and just praying. for them that there heart be opened to the love of the lord, but next time i would like to be able to evangelize better. any advice?
Thank you Bobby and Jackie for saying YES to God and his plan for both of you. I hope I can be as much of a witness as you guys are to other people. Please pray for me that I may do what He wills for me. God bless you both! I’m hoping and praying I’ll meet you both someday! He never fails, so I know it’ll happen, but for now, I’ll practice patience :)
Which 54-day rosary novena did you pray for your future spouse? I’d like to pray one :).
First of all words can’t even describe this amazing blog or website.
Second thing, I’m a catholic youth from the Holy Lands and an international world youth day volunteer.
I created the website TheCatholicYouth.com a month ago and I’m still developing it.
So I’m wondering, would you (both of you) be interested in being on my website?
I really hope you would help me on this and if you go to my website and click on about us maybe you’ll understand.
I would like to know the exact 54 day novena you said for future husband? I want to say it for a dear friend.
http://www.prayerflowers.com/54DayNovena.htm
This is the link that Jackie uses…hope it helps!
-Bobby
I’m not sure if you’ll see or respond to this but I figured this was better than trying to email you haha but I was wondering about your novena. Was it your own prayers or did you follow one? Also I’d like to include petitions to better myself to become the person I need to be for my future husband, any thoughts or helpful hints? Thank you both for your amazing blogs. Love & blessings.
This is the site that Jackie uses:http://www.prayerflowers.com/54DayNovena.htm
There’s also a hard copy in some Catholic bookstores. As for petitions, I would ask for patience in the journey and a heart that’s open to serving others (and open to being surprised as well!). Jackie and I read Fulton Sheen’s Three to Get Married when we were engaged, and there’s a lot of wisdom/food for thought in those pages. I highly recommend it!
-Bobby
Thank you so much! I appreciate it! Prayers from you guys would be appreciated:] blessings to you both and congratulations on your beautiful girl!
What a beautiful story! God’s plan is sometimes a bit unexpected. My husband and I met on Catholic Match. It certainly not how I thought I would meet my husband but I can’t imagine life without him. :)
Hi there. We were looking to get in touch with Mr. Angel re a reprint request. Our e-mail is included in this comment. Thanks!
Hi! I have a question for you two. How did Jackie consecrate her future husband (Bobby) to Mary? Is there a specific prayer?
what a beautifull love story i would love to tell my story to you and bobby my dad knew your parents jhb za will tell you all about it joan
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, you have inspired me more than ever to continue to wait and pray for my future husband I am starting the 54 day novena today August 15. God bless you and your family.
So inspiring !!!
Yalls “meet cute” story inspired me. I did a rosary novena and it ended in november. Since it ended I started a journal and offered my petition up everyday in adoration. My pen ran out if ink today in the middle of me writing and I have one page left. So either he’s coming soon or have to find a new pen and a new notebook… :-)
Does anyone know how to deal with heartbreak? I want to write this story on here but I feel like I’m not suppose to. I need help though it literally physically hurts my heart now and sometimes I start crying in the middle of class but no one notices thank God.
Y’all are my inspiration
the only reason I’m going through this heartbreak is because I felt like God gave this one girl to me. She liked me too.
Hello Jackie and Bobby! Your blog is awesome. I wanted to email you guys personally and I was wondering which email address I can send you guys a message at? Specifically Jackie. I just need some sisterly advise. Thank you :)
I love your blog SO SO SO much. Almost as much as I love Theology of the Body and NFP…but not quite. Keep up the amazing work.
How long were you in the seminary, Bobby, before discerning out?
3 years, but from age 18 to 24 I was in serious vocational discernment. Then I finally entered…so about 7 years in heavy discernment mode!
It was…exhausting! But giving God that time is worth it.
Hi Jackie I’m Michaela you inspire me to believe in god more today you sang to us at the holy Apostle and you are such a good singer I just wanted to say thank you