Who is the Catholic that influenced you the most?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dann
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Fr. Mike Schmitz. For anyone who doesnā€™t know about him, he makes YouTube videos spreading wonderful information and giving amazing advice on how to overcome certain sins, and become a better Catholic overall. I HIGHLY suggest at least watching one video from him, it may just change your lifešŸ˜Š
 
Too many to adequately list. I know the title says ā€œmostā€ but that changes over time.

A few:
My brother, a priest when he was alive
Fulton Sheen
Fr. Black, a priest from my youth
Bro. Martin, one of my teachers.
Len Bogan, a co worker from early in my career.
Daddy.
Mommy.
 
Last edited:
Besides the obvious ones (Mom and Dad), I would have to say the writer Boethius who helped philosophy click in my head.

Also, Thomas Aquinas. Mainly because of his music instead of his writings.
 
My late mom also. She is probably 90 percent of the reason I am Catholic and have persisted in being Catholic.

I was also strongly influenced at a very young age by the Fatima children, because they were children. Like me.
 
My father who died about 16 years ago. Itā€™s as if God said ā€œOK better pick Fred to spread my love. He wont become a big-headed Christian either.ā€
 
There is something about Irish Catholics isnā€™t there. Itā€™s not just the cute accents either.
 
Family influence when I was a kid (good and bad, mainly good in the long run); JP II had tremendous appeal for me, really inspiring. He made me think that organized religion, Catholicism in particular, could be authentic, meaningful - truly Christian, not just corruption, human influences, human will, scandals. Flannery Oā€™Connor strangely enough. I actually think she is quite limited as a writer. I am rereading her short stories right now. I am not saying they are not good works of literature, but her scope and vision in terms of analysis, themes, character is quite limited. Her characters are just used to represent themes, like a morality play. She had more of an impact on me in the way she saw Catholicism and conveyed that, lived it. What she was saying in a religious sense more than the depth of her vision of life or man or art. Every time I need a boost in faith I read Wise Blood. She continues to strike a chord in me, as a Catholic and a Christian.
 
Last edited:
St. Dominic Savio when I was a kid. I even had a crush on him. I wanted to be super duper holy as he was. Now itā€™s Bl. Pier Frassati. And my mother.

Edit: perhaps I should elaborate on my motherā€™s influence. I thought she was too stupid and timid, not fighting for her ā€˜rightsā€™ everytime my dad yelled at her for no reason. I ended up reading an old Catechism book many years later, only to find out that my mother has been true to what she learned as a child all her life. She is so patient, hardworking and sacrificial. My dad and I always say that one of these days sheā€™s gonna be canonized. Sheā€™s awesome and I wish I follow in her footsteps.
 
Last edited:
Blessings
Saint Francis if Assissi.
Google his prayer.
In Christā€™s love
Tweedlealice
 
Good thread !

I would say my grandmother on my fatherā€™s side. Holy water fonts at each entrance of the house as well as in the hallway. Crucifixes in every room.

Strong Devotion to Mary and the Rosary as well as the Two Hearts.

No one began eating any meal until everyone was seated and we prayed Grace. And no one left the table until the last one was finished eating and we prayed Grace after the meal as well.

Born in 1910 and had nine siblings.
 
so you are 108 years old? god bless you šŸ˜‰
 
Last edited:
My mom was 100 percent Irish Catholic too. Her accent was Canadian due to her mom being from Canada and the family living near the border. But totally Irish Catholic apart from that.
 
Thomas Aquinas and RenƩ Descartes

They are both Catholics, and they are the two philosophers who have influenced me the most.
 
Last edited:
Rt. Rev. Aloysius C. Dineen; Pastor of St. Agnes Church in NYC. He was the Pastor when I was growing up. Great man, family friend, Holy Shepherd to his flock. God Rest his soul.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top