@Matt_Fradd
After 17 years of intense searching in all kinds of spiritual practices and therapeutic modalities, which included 8 years of serious practice and meditation as a Buddhist (I almost became a Buddhist nun!), I experienced a totally unexpected reversion to Christianity two years ago. I’m grateful to a Buddhist monk friend, who supported my transition. During this discernment process, I found Pints with Aquinas and became a near constant listener. Side note: My Buddhist monk friend has also become a huge fan of your channel!
I was very drawn to Eastern Orthodoxy during this time as well and made many visits to Orthodox monasteries. Pic below of me visiting an Orthodox monastery with Buddhist monk friends. After months and months of agonizing over it and praying about it, I finally became clear that God was calling me to become Catholic not Orthodox. (Michael Lofton and Jimmy Akin also helped.)
I’ve actually been teaching at Catholic schools for over ten years! I thank God they allowed me to teach when I wasn’t even a practicing Christian, because it eventually rubbed off on me and finally everything clicked. Now I am on fire for the Catholic faith. It's everything I've always been looking for.
It amazes me how many people there are who have been wounded by Christianity and/or poorly catechized that end up becoming Buddhist. I went that route myself, so I understand the appeal in a deep way.
Anyway, I’m delighted to say that I was confirmed at my local Parish (St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma, WA) at the Easter Vigil (pic below of my confirmation).
Matt, huge congrats on your JP interview. I was on cloud nine when I saw that this morning. No two people have played a greater role in my conversion than you guys, so seeing you both face to face with each other is a dream come true.
Next on my wish list is for you to do an interview with Immaculée Ilibagiza!! That would be AMAZING.
Thank you, Matt!