I became Catholic as an 18 year old, by my own decision, after studying religion, having no formal religious training as a child, and coming from a family with a partial Jewish heritage. I choose it after reflection, primarily because the Church at it's core is supposed to be predicated on the universalism of Christianity, and it's recognition of the foundation of the Church on Judaism and the Jew Jesus Christ.
That said, I had a Polish priest who taught me when I was preparing for adult baptism and confirmation, and he told me that faith and the Church were stronger in places at which they were under duress and/or oppression. He was right. This period of history will, it is my hope and belief, re-energize and renew Catholicism - not end it.
In this context, one can substitute Christianity for Catholicism.
Thank you for this strong testimony.
Praying as never before. THe words keep coming back to me: stay at the foot of the Cross. Cling to His ruined feet.