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I like stories. Whether it’s a program on EWTN, or a homily, or an article, I like the saga of how some Catholic figure dealt with a challenge.
It could be a story about converting the barbarians, or some primitive people, or of a modern man being thrown into prison while facing a seemingly impossible situation.
Regardless, I will remember the details of the story long after some abstract lecture on vice or virtue is concluded.
Often, I reflect on the quote from Pope Paul VI, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers.” So, when two enthusiastic women from my church told me about a Lenten Retreat in a nearby parish hosted by a priest who had suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts, I was hooked.
Having suffered with mild depression most of my life, particularly during the winter, I could instantly relate. I attended my first retreat, expecting to be inspired. I was certainly not disappointed.
I was the first to arrive at Holy Family Church in Queens, New York. It’s one of those old churches that look like an ark inside; great exposed dark-brown wooden beams overhead.
In the front of the church was the magnificent dark-brown wooden cross draped in a deep purple cloth placed there during Lent; a surly crown of thorns at the top. Four cacti were at the base symbolizing Our Lord’s forty days in the desert.
In the distance, the golden Tabernacle shined. And there, leaning against the podium, was a curious wooden staff. Continue reading
- Jamey Brown in Catholic Stand
Jamey Brown is “a 5-year convert to the Holy Roman Catholic Church–the greatest moment of my life”.
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