I still remember being eleven years old, watching in wonder as Pope Benedict XVI gave the declaration of canonization for St. Rafael Arnaiz Baron. At the time I thought monks only existed in Buddhism, and was pleasantly surprised to find that monks are a vital part of the Catholic Church.
Catholic Church
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: Passion for God, Compassion for the Poor and a Zeal for Souls
Anti-Catholic sentiment remained quite virulent in America at the time; therefore Elizabeth knew the decision to become Catholic was sure to cause alienation from friends and family—a very serious consequence, since as a widow with children she was in dire need of financial support.
Pope Benedict: Christ founded The Church In Order To Bring Answers To All Mankind
From the Catechism: Christians of the first centuries said, “The world was created for the sake of the Church.” God created the world for the sake of communion with his divine life, a communion brought about by the “convocation” of men in Christ, and this “convocation” is the Church. The Church is the goal of all things.
Should Catholics Believe All Church Teachings?
Should Catholics believe all Church teachings? Living an authentic Christian life is not as easy as it appears to be. If you live it the way the Church wants you to live, it is one of the most challenging religions in the world.
Whether God Exists
Contemporary man often sees himself as having arrived at a psychological maturity that has displaced God with the kingdom of man. In this obscurity, God becomes unnecessary. However, the existence of God is an intellectual question that demands serious treatment.