Why do some Catholic converts become rad trads?

I appreciate the adult decision to become Catholic, especially from a former Protestant or without any prior faith.  It can be a difficult decision, but something sparks a light within their heart seek the truth and fullness of Christ's church.  Their power of conviction and motivation could help inspire others to seek Christ through the holy sacraments.  What sometimes occurs is in their zeal to "come home", they sometimes take it a little to far.  As if, this is a hidden treasure and they've somehow cracked the code.  While they have made a mental conversion, their heart for obedience lags far behind.  I'll be the first to admit, it's easier for me to yield my mind to the faith, but putting it into obedience of the Church is another matter.

Especially with those of a Protestant background, the notion of individuality is still highly prevalent and fails to obey the Magisterium.  I believe it's because of a couple reasons.

1. Converts enjoy the intellectual and spiritual rigor
1. Many converts are attracted to Catholicism for its intellectual and spiritual depth. The teachings and traditions offer a coherent worldview that appeals to those seeking certainty or stability. Traditionalism, with its emphasis on established doctrine and ritual, may be seen as the "fullness" of the faith, hence drawing these converts in more deeply.
2. Counter-Cultural Appeal
1. The modern world is increasingly secular, and many traditional values are now seen as counter-cultural. Converts may be drawn to the aspects of Catholicism that oppose or question mainstream secular values. Radical traditionalism, in this case, can serve as an "antidote" to secular culture.
3. Reaction to Modernism
1. Some converts view the modernist influences within the Church, especially those resulting from the Second Vatican Council, as dilutions of the faith. They may be drawn to traditionalism as a purer form of Catholicism.
4. Seeking Authenticity
1. Converts often come from different religious or spiritual backgrounds and may be seeking what they perceive as a more "authentic" expression of faith. Traditional Latin Mass, older forms of liturgy, and strict adherence to doctrine might offer this perceived authenticity.
5. Sense of Community
1. Traditionalist communities often have a strong sense of unity and purpose, fostered by shared beliefs and practices. This sense of community can be appealing, especially to those who felt a lack of it in their previous religious or secular lives.
6. Influence of Public Figures
1. Public figures like Taylor Marshall, who present a compelling narrative through books, social media, and other channels, can also play a role in steering people—especially converts—towards traditionalism. Such figures often offer an analysis of current events, both within and outside the Church, through a traditionalist lens.
7. Disillusionment
1. Some converts may initially join the Church with more moderate or even progressive views but become disillusioned by what they see as inconsistencies or failures to uphold the faith. They may then gravitate towards traditionalism as a corrective measure.
8. Internet and Social Media
1. The internet allows like-minded individuals to find each other easily, providing a forum for disseminating traditionalist viewpoints. Websites, podcasts, and social media platforms that espouse traditionalist Catholic views can therefore act as catalysts.

Now it's crucial to differentiate between traditionalism and radical traditionalism. While traditionalism refers to the preference for traditional liturgy, teachings, and practices, radical traditionalism can go further by critiquing not just the modern world but also the contemporary Catholic Church and even the Pope, often in a divisive manner.

Understanding this phenomenon requires considering both individual motivations and broader social, cultural, and theological contexts. It is essential to remember that the landscape is not uniform by any means.

I do wonder about the new found converts that then gin up a business based on their zeal. If the truth is so powerful, then why do they monetize ways to share it? I honestly believe their heart is yet to be converted. Pray for them.

Converted anew

"Coming closer to God means being ready to be converted anew, to change direction again, to listen attentively to his inspirations - those holy desires he places in our souls - and to put them into practice." St. Josemaria Escriva, The Forge #32

St Pope Pius X and the age of reason

 

Today on the feast day of Saint Pope Pius X, I wanted to reflect on the Eucharist.  This is especially meaningful, since we are beginning our period of Eucharistic Revival. Saint Pope Pius X clearly understood the importance of reception of Christ, and changed the age of reason to seven years old.

That leads me to ask a question. Knowing the importance of the Eucharist, why do we withhold it so long for adults? Why do we find that a seven-year-old has a greater grasp of the Eucharist than an adult? If a seven year old is worthy enough to understand the importance of Christ, why the do we wait for so long on adults? 

The RCIA or OCIA process is quite burdensome. Now, I understand a need for catechesis. We've been horribly catechized in the past, but perhaps we need to see catechesis as an ongoing effort. While we are required to go to mass on Sundays in the holy days of obligation, that's just the minimum. Why don't we have ongoing catechesis for adults? Why can't we make a decision to allow those whom come to understand what the Eucharist is, receive it? Why do we drag them through glass for months or years to obtain that most precious gift?

I see this as a room for great improvement and growth within our church by making a change.  Undoubtedly many will resist, but how in good conscience can we withhold this blessed sacrament to those worthy?  I'm certainly not advocating an open communion standard, but I am saying that we should rethink not only our rights of initiation, but also our ongoing catechetical process.

Footprints in the sand with the saints

 

When I was in 3rd grade, my parents arranged for me to go to a babysitter after school.  She had the "Footprints in the Sand" poem hung on her wall.  I used to read that poem everyday after school, I'm not sure if it was the poem itself, the picture of the missing footprints, or the mental imagry that drew me to the framed poem.  Regardless, it left an impression on me that after 40 years, I can still recall the colors, shape of the picture, words, and profound warmth of my soul it still captures.

Yesterday, I had one of the best confessions of my life.  During the Discipleship Conference, I went to the space for adoration and confession.  The room was dimly lit, providing a scene of reverence and privacy.  The altar was illuminated by candlelight, and music played to cover the sounds of the conference outside.  Our blessed Lord was physically present in the monstrance, and the perimeter of the room was lined with priests throughout the Archdiocese.  The music was at a level to just conceal the conversations of the faithful as they spoke with priests.

Lines were formed to wait for confession.  One for English speakers, and the other for Spanish.  Naturally I took my place in the far shorter English line and awaited my turn.  As the penitents shuffled nearer to our turn for absolution, the gold hues of the monstrance would sparkle in the candlelight.  The faithful kneeled in adoration and obedience towards the altar, and even in the whirl of the convention, this was a place of peace.

After a period of waiting, it was finally my turn.  I was directed towards a corner of the room, and noticed two priests were ready to take confession.  Consciously I veered away from one of the priests, not that he's an unholy man, but I didn't want to reveal the struggle that was upon my heart.  Instead, I made my way towards the habit of a Benedictine monk.  I took my seat beside him, and it began with the sign of the cross.  It's funny we rarely hear or see writings or videos of actual confessions, and while I won't disclose all of my thoughts here I will touch on somethings.

"Bless me father for I have sinned, it's been four weeks since my last confession.  I haven't screwed up that much over this month as usual, but still have plenty to account for..."

My brief bit of comic relief and his chuckle helped to break the tension on my heart.  As I spoke with him about my sins, he provided great counsel.  Actionable steps that I can do help relieve me of the cycles of sin I often find myself bound upon.  As we discussed these things, he said, "Now that isn't your penance."

Wow, if that's not my penance, then what is he going to have me do?  Afterall, you have to fulfill your penance if you're to be assured of your absolution.  Was this going to be something grand, or extreme.  Quite the contrary, I was ordered to do something that I know in my heart I need to do.  In fact, before my day began at the conference, I swam and prayed the rosary.  My intention that day was to listen to the guidance of our Lord, and find ways that I best serve my God.  The penance was a fulfillment of that prayer.

It was then time for my Act of Contrition.  I took a pause because I knew there was no way I could "avoid the near occasions of sin" and there was no way I could honestly say "vow to amend my life".  All of those words while contrite would have been intellectually dishonest with the sins upon I confessed.  My state in life keeps me wound in a vicious cycle of daily sin, and there is nothing I can now do to avoid this unenviable state.  Instead I chose the words.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of God, have mercy upon me... a sinner.

I was already emotional, and the priest then became emotional as well.  He said, "Do you know what you just said?"  I nodded my head in sorrow, I knew exactly the words I chose and what they meant.  I knew the origins of that prayer, and the impact it's had on Christians throughout the millennia.  He then said with an emotional and shaking voice, "I say that prayer everyday.  The St John of Chrysostom prayer."

In that instant, I knew there was an intersection of God, priest and man.  In that experience, I knew the footprints in the sand.  Christ is walking with me, Christ is carrying me.  The imagery of the poem, words of Saint Patrick, prayer of St John of Chrysostom, and Rule of St Benedict, all at once merged to coincide with the grace of God.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

As the last word of absolution came from the priest and concluded with the sign of the cross, I lifted my tear filled face to see the priest too was crying.  We both knew the grace was dispensed.

Where did this guy go?

In October of 2021, I completed my first and only half-marathon.  Since then I've gained way to much weight and need to find this man again.  Today I'll begin prioritizing my physical health again.

Spiritually, I feeling pretty good.  I'm active in my faith, and look forward to attending the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Discipleship Conference this weekend.  

Mentally, I'm also on a good journey.  Monday begins my next semester at Emporia State, and with God's grace I'll have my Master's in Mathematics in a couple years.

Am I happy?  Goodness, I dread that question, but that's for another time.

"Trust fully in god and have a greater desire each day never to run away from him" -#214 from The Forge by St Josemaria Escriva

Lord, give me the strength to continue my journey and run into your arms.

imagine.art

AI is truly facinating. With a simple search of "jimmy buffett is drinking margaritas and he is talking to a space alien", imagine.art generated this image. Wow!

Father Quinn, pray for us

I don't knoq why, but lately my thoughts have been about the life of Padre Quinn and Saltillo. I was fortunate enough to go to Saltillo in 1992 and meet him. The mission trip made an impact on me that even after 30 years, I still can't shake some of the images of poverty from my mind. We've all heard the expressions of living in a cardboard box, but there I actually saw people living in those conditions. From time to time when my egocentric nature would get upset about my life's condition, I go back there in my mind and am humble myself. I was always amazed by the stark contrast of beauty and desolate poverty. How could the human condition fall so much in what appeared to be a slice of God's garden? These things still preoccupy my mind, and quite a bit more lately than ever before. Maybe I need to go back, maybe there is something I need to do for the people, maybe it's something I need to do for myself? Padre Quinn, ruega por mí.

Great food, great company, and a great deal of time lost

I had no idea it's been so many years since I've updated this page. Time to lay off the social media, and get back into focus. Maybe it's a little lower tech, but it's meaningful. Hasta luego.