Thanks Padraig, that's a great example. Yes, Rabbi Zolli's conversion is very striking and courageous. https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/the-chief-rabbis-conversion-0 "Then you believe that the Messiah has come?” the interviewer asked. “Yes, positively,” replied Zolli. “I have believed it many years. And now I am so firmly convinced of the truth of it that I can face the whole world and defend my faith with the certainty and solidity of the mountains.” “But why didn’t you join one of the Protestant denominations, which are also Christian?” “Because protesting is not attesting. I do not intend to embarrass anyone by asking: ‘Why wait 1,500 years to protest?’ The Catholic Church was recognized by the whole Christian world as the true Church of God for 15 consecutive centuries. No man can halt at the end of those 1,500 years and say that the Catholic Church is not the Church of Christ without embarrassing himself seriously. I can accept only that Church which was preached to all creatures by my own forefathers, the Twelve who, like me, issued from the Synagogue. “I am convinced that after this war, the only means of withstanding the forces of destruction and of undertaking the reconstruction of Europe will be the acceptance of Catholicism, that is to say, the idea of God and of human brotherhood through Christ, and not a brotherhood based on race and supermen, for ‘there is neither Jew nor Greek; neither bond nor free; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ Amen.
In 2004 it was announced that the well known Philosopher and Atheist, Professor Anthony Flew had changed his view on the existence of a Creator and now believed in God as designer. While he's not a Catholic convert, I think it's very significant. This 2007 book by Anthony Flew and Roy Abraham Varghese chronicles his change of heart. Description: "In one of the biggest religion news stories of the new millennium, the Associated Press announced that Professor Antony Flew, the world's leading atheist, now believes in God. Flew is a pioneer for modern atheism. His famous paper, Theology and Falsification, was first presented at a meeting of the Oxford Socratic Club chaired by C. S. Lewis and went on to become the most widely reprinted philosophical publication of the last five decades. Flew earned his fame by arguing that one should presuppose atheism until evidence of a God surfaces. He now believes that such evidence exists, and There Is a God chronicles his journey from staunch atheism to believer. For the first time, this book will present a detailed and fascinating account of Flew's riveting decision to revoke his previous beliefs and argue for the existence of God. Ever since Flew's announcement, there has been great debate among atheists and believers alike about what exactly this "conversion" means. There Is a God will finally put this debate to rest. This is a story of a brilliant mind and reasoned thinker, and where his lifelong intellectual pursuit eventually led him: belief in God as designer."
Padraig mentioned converts, and provided some illustrious examples. Not all are so eminent. I followed a link in The Catholic Thing today to an article in the Washington Post, by R.R. Reno, the editor of First Things magazine, who declares himself a Zionist. There are not very many specifics, but he declares Carrie Prejean Boller and Candace Owens as wrong in their opposition to Zionism. What particularly angered me is his line: "Zionism is not a religious obligation; it is a consequence of thinking clearly", the obvious implication that we are stupid if we disagree. I think this convert, who was an Episcopalian most of his life, is very close to reverting to heresy. On the bright side, insults might delight his Judeo-Christian and Jewish friends, but they're unlikely to win any 'converts' to his view.
R.A. Varghese who co-authored the book with Anthony Flew was born in Ethiopia to Indian parents from Kerala and raised in the Syriac Orthodox Church. He seems very familiar with the Catholic tradition also and one of his books is about the approved apparitions of the Blessed Mother. The book (which I haven't read) also includes an interview with Cardinal Ratzinger, as he was at the time.
Another of Varghese's books is The Wonder of the World. The photo below is of him presenting it to Pope St. John Paul II.
Interviews with Cardinal Daniel Di Nardo and R. A. Varghese from 2012 by Martha Fernandez-Sardina, who is very involved in Catholic Evangelization ministry.
Ralph Martin, of Renewal Ministries, speaking with Martha Fernandez-Sardina about her background and work in Catholic Evangelisation, in 2017.
Only recently became aware of the Totus Tuus page on Facebook. In that short time they've made some very inspiring posts. Not least this one from earlier today: "Once a top name in the Adult Industry (living a life of wealth, vice, and self-obsession) Bree Solstad was far from faith. A nominally raised Lutheran, she'd drifted into a world that left her empty and broken. But last year, during a solo trip through Italy, something extraordinary happened. She walked into ancient Catholic churches expecting only beautiful art... but the crucifixes, the architecture, the ever-present images of Mary on street corners in Sorrento pierced her heart. Mary was calling her — gently, persistently, like a mother who never gives up. Bree felt drawn to the Blessed Virgin in ways she couldn't explain. She began talking to Mary, praying through her pain and past. Mary became her guide: showing her how to face suffering with dignity, how tragedy can lead to grace, how mercy is real even for the worst sinners. Through Mary's intercession, Bree was "recruited" (her words!) by the Blessed Mother and saints like St. Clare of Assisi. She quit the industry completely, entered RCIA, and was received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil —baptized, confirmed, and receiving her first Holy Communion. Now? She's a devoted Catholic wife, crafting beautiful heirloom rosaries as an act of love and penance, consecrating herself daily to Jesus through Mary, and sharing her story to bring lost souls home. Bree says: “Thank you, Blessed Mary, Mother of God, for your immense love and consolation. She’s helped me see the benefits of tragedy... I talk to her every day.” No one is beyond redemption. No sin is too big for God's mercy, especially when His Mother is interceding. If Mary's gentle hand can reach into the darkest places and pull someone into the light... imagine what she can do for you. Say 'Amen' if you believe no one is too far gone for God’s mercy. Share your own “Mary moment.” Ave Maria!" #ConversionStory #BlessedVirginMary #CatholicFaith #Redemption
Good article on R.A. Varghese. This feature says he is a devout Syrian Rite Catholic, raised in Kerala, India which is slightly different to the information I read a few days ago and posted above. https://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/05-07/features649.htm "A devout Syrian Rite Catholic, Varghese was born and raised in the mountains and jungles of Kerala, India, a small state on the southwestern side of the peninsula that's known for its lush natural beauty. Kerala is home to Anai Peak, which at 8,842 feet is the highest in peninsular India, and a linked chain of lagoons and backwaters along the coast, interspersed with vast coconut palm groves-the "Venice of India." Kerala is known as "God's own country." Jewish immigrants arrived in Kerala in the first century A.D., and Syrian Rite Christians believe the Apostle Thomas arrived around the same time to proselytize amongst Kerala's Jewish settlements. Varghese belongs to one of the many Kerala families who believe they are the descendants of those converted by St. Thomas."
I think people in general are coming to God as best they understand warts and all. The youth are steeped in intellectualism and the Newtonian paradigm. At the same time are very wounded likely having a good understanding of the Cross. Where the Lord will take the youth today I do not know, but if they are receiving sanctifying grace these intellectual limitations will be purged. Especially if they are indeed seeking first the Kingdom of God. As the church in general goes through these trials it is amazing to me that anyone is joining it. There is a depth to our faith that I believe many converts and reverts have not achieved but in their zealousness continue proclaim the faith. Which isn't bad, but their world view isn't entirely accurate because they lack experience. The expression "youth is wasted on the young" is close to what I am getting at. Going viral as a wisdom figure on the world stage while still wearing spiritual diapers seems to be a thing today. Unfortunately, having direct access to people who have wisdom from their faith to help guide and form the youth is hard to come by. The youth in many ways have lost their spiritual inheritance. Thankfully God is always there for everyone. I don't see a lot of people talking about gospel poverty or obedience either in the young. Incredible dimensions of our faith and life in Christ to behold. Hopefully one day. God is so Big and Incredibly Good. The quest for the Kingdom is an incredible journey.
From Shalom World News Fb page: A record number of adults will enter the Catholic Church this Easter in Dublin after nearly 130 catechumens and candidates were presented at the Rite of Election on February 22 at St Mary’s Cathedral — the largest group in the city’s history. The ceremony, led by Archbishop Dermot Farrell, brought together participants from across the Archdiocese of Dublin, accompanied by sponsors, clergy, family members, and parish representatives. In his homily, Archbishop Farrell reflected on the conversions of St Augustine and St Paul, encouraging the candidates to see their decision as the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and commitment. The ‘Rite of Election’ marks the final stage of preparation for those seeking full initiation into the Church. The group will complete their initiation during the Easter Vigil, when catechumens will receive Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. Candidates who were already baptized in other Christian traditions will be formally received into full communion, then confirmed and admitted to the Eucharist. Church leaders say the unprecedented number reflects growing interest in the faith and is a hopeful sign of renewal across the Irish capital. Discover God’s goodness every day- join Shalom World News! shalomworld.org/news-whatsapp Follow Us Shalom World News
From Totus Tuus Fb page today: "Exciting News for the Catholic Church This Easter! In a beautiful sign of growing faith, the Archdiocese of Melbourne in Australia has reported a record 57% increase in new Catholics preparing to join the Church this year. Around 550 people will receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil — the highest number ever recorded for the archdiocese! Meanwhile, over in the US, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is gearing up for its highest number of Easter converts since 2009, with at least 1,096 people set to enter full communion with the Church. These surges reflect a real hunger for God and community in many places. What an inspiring way to celebrate the Resurrection! Praise God for these stories of conversion and welcome. Let's pray for all those preparing to join the faith this Easter."
Yes, I have to avoid all the noise now. How can they all think they are being called by God to share their Faith? I have been loving The Religious Hippie's content on Instagram lately because she's calling them out. She'll say things like 'You're not less Holy if you don't pray 4 rosaries a day, don't smoke cigars, aren't always in sundresses etc.' The Catholic content creation world has just gone nuts tbh. I get it's the younger ppl doing so & they may not think things thru. I also realise it's a sign of the times that ppl will find anything to idolise. Growing up, I never thought there was anything wrong with a person who didn't marry. Now, ppl go into such a panic when the most important thing is we're obedient to God & if God doesn't bring a spouse, yes one may die alone, but I'd rather that than force a marriage or have a marriage that doesn't glorify God. Then I'd have to leave or live as brother & sister, anyway. I had a 22 year old on Reddit say I need to look at myself & see what I may need to work on. I said, so married ppl don't need to work on themselves & the message is singles have done something 'wrong' because they're single & married ppl have done something 'right' because they're married. They all hold married ppl on a pedestal. They don't consider ppl who lose their spouse, they may not marry after that etc. They have no idea that if I tried to force a marriage with my ex bf my life would've been miserable since he's not a good spiritual leader. So, I'm happier & far better off being single lol. I regret not telling a 77 year old lady at Church who never married that if it was truly God's will she would have married. She said she was too shy, there are so many shy ppl who are married. I missed an opportunity to comfort & encourage her. She said her sister also didn't marry, she was the sweetest lady.
We are vacationing in St. Petersburg (Fl) and i saw in bulletin last Sunday, some 750 people are entering Church in this diocese at Easter. And Praise God, my own son - who has been wondering a bit- got ashes at St Pats during lunch break and he told me he was surprised at how many young people his age were there. Praying this brings him back even more.
Yesss The Religious Hippie spoke about rage baiting being a sin. She's full of truth honestly... I feel Catholic content creators just hinder my Faith now. I only save prayers or I like when a woman wanted to pray for those who have no one to pray for them since her neighbour committed suicide. And no family or friends came to visit for weeks, probably to even know he had died. One particular older Catholic influencer I DMed she was lovely, but I felt she didn't really care about something I mentioned, sure ppl are busy & can miss things. But then I see her fawning over a much younger Catholic influencer totally fangirling lol. Another influencer, she's totally lying about everything & nothing she says adds up. So, it's very disappointing, when if they have a platform about God they should care about their followers since they want to lead souls to Heaven & they should want to be a role model. An influencer said this, she said 'If you're not trying to lead each of your followers to Heaven, you have no business being on social media with an account about your Faith.' And usually the younger influencers only care about ppl their own age, unless you're a well known influencer yourself lol. It's all too crazy for me, tbh. I want to unfollow the lot of them, but I'll just leave it. It's so much better here because the ages of the members vary & the serious Catholics are here. No one is trying to be performative with their Faith or one up each other as to who is the better Catholic. I don't see crazy fights happening either, it's very tame compared to other places on the internet.
