Replies

These were people who sincerely wanted to draw closer to the Lord, but they didn't have the tools. They simply had had poor teaching in their formative years.

From your perspective as a convert, it must seem absolutely appalling. In reality, it should not be a surprise. Most cradle catholics inherit their faith. You, on the other hand, have chosen it. I have had a similar experience with the Maronites. Like you, I was stunned that they did not know the Catholic faith or their Maronite heritage. Initially, I was so moved by the depth of their liturgical prayers and surprised by their indifference. Over time I came to appreciate that the ones who showed up for Holy Day masses and were regular attendees at Sunday mass were, for the most part, individuals like myself who had wandered through the desert and found this oasis where God is worshiped in a reverent manner.

We had sections today on the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary, as well as discussions on other important Church Feasts. Imagine my amazement when CRADLE CATHOLICS did not know the following:

In all fairness to these women, the Divine Mercy is relatively new to the US. The devotion is slowly spreading, thanks in great part to exposure through EWTN. Traditionalist catholics are probably the most resistent to its acceptance.

As for the mysteries of the rosary, this popular devotion nearly disappeared post VCII. It wasn't until JPII wrote the Luminous Mysteries that some NO catholics returned to praying the rosary. Traditionalist catholics have always embraced the rosary but I'm not certain they also include the Luminous Mysteries.

As for the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, it wasn't until the canonization of Juan Diego that any attention was given, outside of Mexico. Once again, it was EWTN that brought this to light through coverage of JPII's visit to Mexico City and the Shrine of the Virgin of Guadelup.

You have been given an extraordinary opportunity to witness a group of catholic women even attending a retreat. Like the rosary, making retreats (or pilgrimages) faded post VCII. It consoles me immensely to know that, in your parish, there is a resurgence of women being drawn to these events. In today's fast paced world, anyone who takes time to go on a retreat or pilgrimage, is one with a sincere interest in developing a closer relationship with our Lord. This is indeed good news!

As you probably know, my 'enthusiasm' with the Maronite Catholic Church led to a deeper desire to grow spritually. That in turn brought me back to the CCC and reading Scripture. Now, as Director for Religious Education, I try to pass along this enthusiasm to parents and children. Alas, it is met with the usual excuses - most of which are offered up by the parents who prefer to sleep in than go to church. With only 15 classes spread out over the year, our concentration must be on the basics of our faith - from Abraham to the ministry of Jesus, His death, resurrection and ascension and the birth of the Church. Each class, we begin with basic prayers - the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. I have discussed the possibility of children's Eucharistic Adoration. Father and I both recognize the struggle to get parents to bring their children to the Sacrament of Confession, much less an 'hour' spent adoring our Lord. So, you can be certain that, despite our best efforts, when these children become adults, they will not be familiar with the Rosary or the Divine Mercy chaplet. We took a small group of young adults on retreat last year to the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge MA. They enjoyed the day and even asked to return. We will continue to introduce and reinforce these practices despite the struggle. Parents too often mistake footbal practice as being more important than serving God.

I hope you shared your conversion story with the women at the retreat. Your witness to the faith would be a wellspring from which the ladies can draw strength. Pax et Bonum