Frankie D’Astoli
I went from a “frat star” at the University of Delaware to a husband and father of two in the Catholic Church.
For years I was a cultural Catholic chasing the dream—money, status, luxury, the finance-mogul lifestyle I thought would make me happy.
But in 2019, everything changed.
I slid into her DMs and, for the first time, surrendered my future to Christ:
“Lord, if she answers, I believe she’s the one I’m meant to marry. Your will be done.”
My phone buzzed instantly.
Earlier that same day, I had received the Eucharist and noticed her praying devoutly in the pew with her family—and the trajectory of my entire life shifted.
Six years later, we’re married with two beautiful children.
I call myself a “Glad Trad” now. But the growth wasn’t overnight. It came through grace, suffering, discipline, and the powerful intercession of Our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph.
Today, I’m a full-time real estate investor and the founder of Rosary and Real Estate, a mission-driven group helping people build both generational wealth and spiritual poverty.
I believe God has called me to teach truth to a generation drowning in false promises of happiness and success.
My life is proof: real joy comes from faith, family, and surrender—not the world’s illusions.
Reflect
Where in my life am I following Christ out of habit rather than true surrender?
What version of success has the world sold me—and has it actually fulfilled me?
What is one area of my future I’m still afraid to place fully in God’s hands?
Can I name a moment when God clearly redirected my life, and how did I respond?
Do I allow God to work through discipline and suffering, or do I resist when faith gets hard?
How is God calling me to integrate my faith into my relationships, work, or studies?
If someone followed my life closely, what would they learn about where true joy comes from?
Pray
Lord Jesus,
You call us out of empty promises and into the fullness of life with You. You know how easily we chase success, comfort, and approval, believing they will satisfy our hearts.
Teach us to surrender our future into Your hands, even when we do not see the whole path ahead. Give us the courage to say, “Your will be done,” and the faith to trust You when You answer in unexpected ways.
We offer You our past, our present, and our future.
Take it all, Lord, and make it Yours.
Amen.
If this story provoked any questions, check out Truthly