Thank you Cameron for this! I've been thinking the same thing, but you have described the Catholic Resistance with much more precision and eloquence than I can muster now. I'm having a hard time tearing my eyes away from the train wreck that is/was our democracy.
I had not considered that it is a form of resistance to "refuse to cede" our faith "to those who would use it as a tool to dehumanize others."
I'm so grateful for your prayerful spirit and willingness to speak the truth in love.
Katie, you are so kind! Thank you so much. I often feel unequal to the task myself--there is just so much to take in. I am a constant grief machine. Today has been busy, and I'm just now looking at the headlines from the day and reeling. But onward we go, in faith, in love.
May I add to your list, Dr. Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners in Health. He was inspired by liberation theology to work to form healthcare systems that give a preferential option for the poor.
Cameron, thank you. I have had a very hard time as you describe and, frankly, I haven't known how I can stay in the church. I'm sitting next to people at Mass who see the world so differently than I do. And at least locally, I don't see any Catholics standing up. I feel alone....but reading this made me feel less so. Xo
Renee, I am so sorry. I can only tell you that you are not alone in feeling alone. So many others are experiencing the same, and it is crushing. But you are in good company here. XO
Thank you! Although I am not Catholic (it’s complicated and involves other people) there have been many times when I have been inspired by reading Catholic theologians. Indeed, there have been times when Catholic theologians kept me connected to God.
And now there are Catholic hero’s to inspire me when I need it!
I love that, and I also have many heroes from other traditions, or no tradition at all! Here's to trusting ourselves about what is nourishing to our souls.
Thank you! We all need to help change the narrative in the US. The press is going to be silenced and gagged. Individuals will have to keep speaking up. The alliance between Christians and the Republican Party needs to be over. We can pray that these purges will lead to a new renewal of kindness and hope in our country.
Thank you for this list and why they matter to you. This is helpful to me as we strive in our Lutheran congregation to respond with vigor, just mercy, loving kindness, and openness.
Thank you so much for this post. I truly needed to hear this! It’s reassuring to know I’m not alone. I’m preparing to join the Church this Easter Vigil, and seeing everything unfold since the recent election has been deeply disheartening. I’ve struggled with the thought of joining a Church that seems to align with the current President while also considering denying communion to someone like the last one, who was an actual practicing Catholic. Your words have reminded me that I can join the Church and still stay true to my conscience, without feeling like I have to compromise my beliefs. Thank you for offering that comfort and perspective.
Oh my goodness, I'm so humbled by this. Welcome to the Church! You are definitely not alone in being disheartened! So many people, both clergy and lay, are doing the great work of resistance and of love. So glad you're here in their company.
Thank you, this is very bolstering and I look forward to reading more about the unfamiliar heroes. You always fill me with hope when I think I’m empty, thanks for your careful, well-considered words
Excellent. Thank you for voicing what I am feeling and thinking all. You are good at listening to the voice within and channeling that in your writing. I’m trying same in order to navigate how to live in this reality that I campaigned and voted against passionately. Yet here we are.
I have so few followers on fb as I don’t use social media! But of late I have decided that silence is complicit. I am not one bit agreeable now. No polite silence. Speaking up to the few in my circle. Challenging their errors (instruct the ignorant) Bc so much disinformation is repeated by my peers. I cannot leave it unanswered. I’ve clung to Catholic social justice but have felt unmoored in my local parish as well. So thanks for this anchoring word. speaking out of late i am finding new alliances locally. People who agree with me. My dental hygienist. My kids friends mom or aunt or cousin. We are out here. We can unite and resist together.
I’m giving a presentation on Dorothy Stang soon in Dublin, so any suggestions of resources or inspiration would be welcome! This post is a great resource in itself, thanks 🤩
Oh, that's awesome! She is a bit new to me, but I know that there is a documentary on her by Daniel Junge. I haven't seen it yet! There are also several books on her that I'll be requesting from the library!
Well, thanks. It’s a nice reminder and a counter to the descendants of Opus Dei, which include our vice president. It breaks my heart to see Catholics so lead astray, sometimes by their pastors, not only Catholic, other faiths as well.
Oh goodness, I didn't know that. Sigh, yes, it is so sad to see it on such prominent display. The prayer I pray when I am absolutely out of words is from the liturgy: Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy.
Thank you Cameron for this! I've been thinking the same thing, but you have described the Catholic Resistance with much more precision and eloquence than I can muster now. I'm having a hard time tearing my eyes away from the train wreck that is/was our democracy.
I had not considered that it is a form of resistance to "refuse to cede" our faith "to those who would use it as a tool to dehumanize others."
I'm so grateful for your prayerful spirit and willingness to speak the truth in love.
Katie, you are so kind! Thank you so much. I often feel unequal to the task myself--there is just so much to take in. I am a constant grief machine. Today has been busy, and I'm just now looking at the headlines from the day and reeling. But onward we go, in faith, in love.
May I add to your list, Dr. Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners in Health. He was inspired by liberation theology to work to form healthcare systems that give a preferential option for the poor.
YES!!! I love him! One of my heroes. Thank you for adding him to the list.
Cameron, thank you. I have had a very hard time as you describe and, frankly, I haven't known how I can stay in the church. I'm sitting next to people at Mass who see the world so differently than I do. And at least locally, I don't see any Catholics standing up. I feel alone....but reading this made me feel less so. Xo
Renee, I am so sorry. I can only tell you that you are not alone in feeling alone. So many others are experiencing the same, and it is crushing. But you are in good company here. XO
Thank you for this reminder to Catholics that there is a resistance building within us as a spiritual force.
Amen!
Thank you! Although I am not Catholic (it’s complicated and involves other people) there have been many times when I have been inspired by reading Catholic theologians. Indeed, there have been times when Catholic theologians kept me connected to God.
And now there are Catholic hero’s to inspire me when I need it!
I love that, and I also have many heroes from other traditions, or no tradition at all! Here's to trusting ourselves about what is nourishing to our souls.
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/02/19/250219b.html
Thank you! We all need to help change the narrative in the US. The press is going to be silenced and gagged. Individuals will have to keep speaking up. The alliance between Christians and the Republican Party needs to be over. We can pray that these purges will lead to a new renewal of kindness and hope in our country.
I am very worried about all of these things too. Thank you for resisting--carry on!
Thank you for this list and why they matter to you. This is helpful to me as we strive in our Lutheran congregation to respond with vigor, just mercy, loving kindness, and openness.
How wonderful! I'm so inspired by the Lutheran church. Carry on your great work!
The Berrigan brothers inspire me, too. We have a proud history of Catholic resistance to follow. They've shown us the way. Thanks for this reminder.
Amen ! The whole Berrigan family makes me feel like I am in the right place.
The prophet speaks. Hear, Hear!
You're too kind!
Thank you so much for this post. I truly needed to hear this! It’s reassuring to know I’m not alone. I’m preparing to join the Church this Easter Vigil, and seeing everything unfold since the recent election has been deeply disheartening. I’ve struggled with the thought of joining a Church that seems to align with the current President while also considering denying communion to someone like the last one, who was an actual practicing Catholic. Your words have reminded me that I can join the Church and still stay true to my conscience, without feeling like I have to compromise my beliefs. Thank you for offering that comfort and perspective.
Oh my goodness, I'm so humbled by this. Welcome to the Church! You are definitely not alone in being disheartened! So many people, both clergy and lay, are doing the great work of resistance and of love. So glad you're here in their company.
Thank you for this reminder of the resistance rooted in Christ and the stories of resisters of the faith.
Amen amen. Love this call to remember those who leaned into their courage to avoid moral injury. Thank you.
Thank you, this is very bolstering and I look forward to reading more about the unfamiliar heroes. You always fill me with hope when I think I’m empty, thanks for your careful, well-considered words
Thank you so much! So glad you’re here.
Excellent. Thank you for voicing what I am feeling and thinking all. You are good at listening to the voice within and channeling that in your writing. I’m trying same in order to navigate how to live in this reality that I campaigned and voted against passionately. Yet here we are.
I have so few followers on fb as I don’t use social media! But of late I have decided that silence is complicit. I am not one bit agreeable now. No polite silence. Speaking up to the few in my circle. Challenging their errors (instruct the ignorant) Bc so much disinformation is repeated by my peers. I cannot leave it unanswered. I’ve clung to Catholic social justice but have felt unmoored in my local parish as well. So thanks for this anchoring word. speaking out of late i am finding new alliances locally. People who agree with me. My dental hygienist. My kids friends mom or aunt or cousin. We are out here. We can unite and resist together.
Carry on bravely!! You are not alone. ❤️
I’m giving a presentation on Dorothy Stang soon in Dublin, so any suggestions of resources or inspiration would be welcome! This post is a great resource in itself, thanks 🤩
Matthew Fox knew her and speaks so highly of her in his talks on protecting the Earth
Oh, that's awesome! She is a bit new to me, but I know that there is a documentary on her by Daniel Junge. I haven't seen it yet! There are also several books on her that I'll be requesting from the library!
Well, thanks. It’s a nice reminder and a counter to the descendants of Opus Dei, which include our vice president. It breaks my heart to see Catholics so lead astray, sometimes by their pastors, not only Catholic, other faiths as well.
Oh goodness, I didn't know that. Sigh, yes, it is so sad to see it on such prominent display. The prayer I pray when I am absolutely out of words is from the liturgy: Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy.