Pray for Women Converts to the Catholic Faith

Pray for Women Converts to the Catholic Faith

by Kristen West McGuire

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Dr. Edith Stein had stopped praying in her teens, adopting a laissez-faire atheism. She was not unusual among her peers at the university. Even some of her siblings were more agnostic than orthodox. Yet, her family was Jewish, her mother was deeply devout. Edith’s nursing experiences during the First World War had heightened her awareness of the strength that Christians found in Jesus Christ. Still, she had not been moved.

In late 1921, she was at a vocational crossroads. As a woman philosopher with no academic appointments, she visited her best friend, Hedwig Conrad Martius at Bergzabern. She sat up all night reading the autobiography of Teresa of Avila in Hedwig’s library. In the morning, she was convinced. She would become a Catholic.

Shocked by her radical change of heart, Hedwig demanded to know why. Edith simply wrote on a nearby piece of paper, secretum meum mihi (“my secret is mine”). It’s a reference to a verse in the Latin translation of Isaiah 24:16, with Messianic overtones in some Talmudic writings. Perhaps only Jesus fully understood.

Conversion is a very difficult process. Often, the convert’s family takes the decision as a rejection of their faith. Further, conversion impacts careers and may lead friends and colleagues to question one’s motives. Conversion is a sacrifice and deserves respect and compassion. The following apostolates seek to help Catholic converts:

​The Coming Home Network is a network of converts, “reverts,” and life-long Catholics who help each other and all Christians hear and answer the universal call “to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity” (LG 40). They have online catechetical resources as well as mentoring available. www.chnetwork.org

​Catholic Answers is a media ministry that serves Christ by explaining and defending the Catholic faith. They have online resources to help Catholics grow in their faith, bring former Catholics home, and lead non-Catholics into the fullness of the truth. www.catholic.com​

​The Thomistic Institute promotes Catholic truth by strengthening the intellectual formation of Christians at universities, in the Church, and in the wider public square. All programs are based on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Universal Doctor of the Church. (Especially check out the Aquinas 101 videos!) www.thomisticinstitute.org

​The Association of Hebrew Catholics works to preserve the identity and heritage of Catholics of Jewish origin within the Church, to enable them to serve the Lord and all people within the mystery of their irrevocable calling. www.hebrewcatholic.net

Lord, We Pray:

• for women converts to the Catholic faith;

• for converts who suffer misunderstandings and even persecution from strangers due to their conversion;

• for knowledgeable catechists to lead the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults;

• for friends to share the journey with, that they would provide a warm welcome to the faith;

• for patience and perseverance when family members are hurt by the decision to convert;

• for parish members to be supportive and kind when converts struggle to understand the Catholic liturgy, feasts, or devotions;

• for honesty and compassion when learning about the ethical teachings of the Catholic faith, especially those surrounding sexuality, abortion, and end-of-life issues.

• for priests and deacons to provide insightful counsel and prudence for converts;

• for converts who must address issues related to marriage and canon law, especially annulments, prior to receiving the sacraments of the Church; and

• for a full measure of the joy of salvation for all those who are called to join the Catholic Church. Grant them peace.

Amen

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