I grew up in the Catholic faith... I read the Bible as a Catholic... loved church... as a young adult I became a Protestant... it was not until I began homeschooling my sons, trying to give them a classical education, learning Latin, studying classical literature and history... studying the writings of Thomas Aquinas, Augustin, Bonaventure and others, appreciating classical art and music, did I truly begin to understand Catholicism... I have yet to come back to the Catholic faith, but I am drawn to it... my sons and I do attend mass on occasion... especially during lent... I get so much more out of the Catholic church during that time of the year than any non-denominational Protestant church I have ever attended...
There is a holy reverence that is lacking is Protestant churches, I say this as one that attend a Baptist church.
Anne Rice and Oscar Wilde also had this same attraction to the outward beauty of Catholicism, but the latter of which is likely still in hell despite his death bed pleas, and Rice ended up leaving once her appreciation for the outward pomp of religion lost to her inward self-righteousness.
Here, I shall give you something so repulsive, so horrible, so nightmarish in its teachings, that if you do not similarly agree, then become a Roman Catholic immediately. But if you are only thinking on the superficial level of Catholicism, without a firm understanding of their teachings (or if you yourself are unfirm in your scripture reading, which I recommend you read everyday), then this will shake you up from your slumber.
I found this work referenced and endorsed by the Pope from the Vatican website. It is all about Mary and the glory of the Rosay. Read it from start to finish:
http://www.rosary-center.org/secret.htm
Here is an excerpt. Take special attention to how they depict God, and how Mary is depicted, and how salvation is accomplished, and compare this to the scripture:
“One day the King fell seriously ill and when he was given up for dead he found himself, in a vision, before the judgement seat of Our Lord. Many devils were there accusing him of all the sins he had committed and Our Lord as Sovereign Judge was just about to condemn him to hell when Our Lady appeared to intercede for him. She called for a pair of scales and had his sins placed in one of the balances whereas she put the rosary that he had always worn on the other scale, together with all the Rosaries that had been said because of his example. It was found that the Rosaries weighed more than his sins.
Looking at him with great kindness Our Lady said: “As a reward for this little honor that you paid me in wearing my Rosary, I have obtained a great grace for you from my Son. Your life will be spared for a few more years. See that you spend these years wisely, and do penance.”
When the King regained consciousness he cried out: “Blessed be the Rosary of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, by which I have been delivered from eternal damnation!”
After he had recovered his health he spent the rest of his life in spreading devotion to the Holy Rosary and said it faithfully every day.
People who love the Blessed Virgin out to follow the example of King Alphonsus and that of the saints whom I have mentioned so that they too may win other souls for the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary. They will then receive great graces on earth and eternal life later on. “They that explain me shall have life everlasting life.” [1] Ecclus. 24:31”