Reading the Early Church Fathers was what brought my husband into the Catholic Church, after he first kicked and screamed when I mentioned I was being drawn toward it. We converted several years ago.
I am glad that you crossed the Tiber!
The early Church Fathers , as sandyeggo has posted regarding their influence, have had a significant meaning in my life, even though I became familiar with them much later after my own conversion to Catholicism. They have enriched my understanding of my faith.
I am always uplifted when I read them and have some favorites.