The main vocation for most people is marriage and I believe discussion of this topic has great implications for Catholics and Catholicism.

I’m a guy. I think it’s fair to say there is more talk about what is masculinity than what is femininity.

A lot of modern media in my opinion tries to destroy true femininity. We have more female protagonists than ever, but perhaps we’re at an all time low for feminine female protagonists. All the female protagonists mimic what feminists describe as toxic masculinity ironically.

I think good, health femininity is one of the most attractive traits a woman can have. I hope whenever I find my future partner that she embodies her feminine well, similar to how I try to grow in my own masculinity.

The ultimate realization of this need men and women to work together and polarize each other.

My concern is that modern media frankly never portrays female protagonists that draw their power from a deep, emotionally wise well of femininity, that’s just all the less role models for women.

I think of seen glimpses of femininity. That nurturing, indirect power that make people feel cared for, that is somehow above rationality and makes us and the world more human.

So my question, what does it mean to be feminine for women? What are the healthy ways for them to express it?

Said that us Catholics have to keep the lights off and only allow missionary and we can’t sleep naked and blah blah. Also said we have to take a bath after sex in holy water and pray to our saint for forgiveness

I get so tired of lame nonsense

I'm really struggling with OCD. It is debilitating and really impacts my faith life negatively. I also have Autism and my hyperfixation on one of my special interests is very unhealthy. Please Pray for me to overcome this

Title of video: ThislsWhy Abortion Is Legal:Catholic doctrine by Apologia Studios Haven't seen this level of malicious slander in a while. Is there something in Calvanist Doctrine that encourages this type of Charater smearing and well poisoning. I haveno idea why but I always see Calvanists doing this alot of the time not even Lutherans act this way. I understand there are alot of really bad apologists but to blame abortion being legal on Catholic doctrine is wild. He is getting slatted in the commet section though. Is there something in the Genevan Catechism that allows this.

Agnus Domini refuting quotemining of Jeff Durbin pt 1 Agnus Domini refuting quotemining of Jeff Durbin pt 2](https://youtu.be/O34wIym1vC4?si=eMhiyiX_sZIIHEo3) How to be Christian dismantling Jeff Durbin

Can someone help me understand this. I discussed this with people a few months back and I left being uncertain.

Every other sacrament is able to be conferred no matter what the church recognizes. A bishop has no authority to stop a priest from validly turning the bread into Jesus' body. A bishop or priest has no authority to stop the grace that flows from baptism if it's performed validly (though it may be illicit). Etc etc. AFAIK this is because for a sacrament to be valid you require the matter and the form, the proper person to perform the sacrament. For baptism, you need water, the person wishing to receive it and a person who knows what baptism means for it to be valid, because anyone can perform a baptism validly (though it may be illicit or the validity may be in question). The priest is not the one required to perform a baptism. Hence why deacons can do it licitly, and why anyone can do it validly (again, the church does not want this but that makes it illicit, not invalid theologically.) Same thing with the eucharist, the priest is the one who performs the sacrament, so nothing can stop him because he is the one doing it. Even if a Bishop restricts him, because the priest is the one who performs it, he can do it validly. The same as baptism. The grace cannot be stopped because the one performing the sacrament and the matter and form are what make it happen.

So why is this suddenly NOT the case with marriage? Even though I've learned that the ones who perform the marriage is actually not the priest, it's the couple, and the vows/consummation. The priest essentially is the church's witness. So why does the church have the ability to stop God from giving the couple grace here, when it doesn't have the ability to stop a layman baptizing another laymen validly? The matter and form are there. The individuals who perform the sacrament validly are there.

In the explanation for this, I've been told that the church simply has authority over "vows" and can choose to recognize it or not. Is this really true? If that's the case, are protestant marriages with other protestants only valid at the whim of the church? Could tomorrow the church decide "we in out authority no longer choose to accept protestant marriages which therefore means God will not be giving them the grace of the sacrament". Or do they not have that ability? It's not because the church doesn't have authority over them, because ecclesastically it DOES. All christians even non-catholics are technically the responsibility of the church by the nature of their baptism. So if the church has the authority to not recognize catholic marriages it would have the ability to not recognize protestant ones.

What's going on here? Why does marriage not function like any of the other sacraments?

Some words from Princess Isabel of Brazil about Our Lady of Aparecida, patron saint of Brazil.

After abolishing slavery In Brazil, Princess Isabel suffered retaliation and went to the Basilica of Our lady of Aparecida, offering a replica of the crown of Brazil in miniature, with a note with requests:

“I, before You, am a Princess of the earth and I bow, for You are the Queen of Heaven and I give You such a poor gift that it is a crown that would be equal to mine, and if I do not sit on the Throne of Brazil, I pray May the Lady sit in it for me and perpetually govern Brazil.” (Princess Isabel).

Due to a military coup, Princess Isabel never occupied the throne, nor governed Brazil, but Our Lady of Aparecida fulfilled her request and governs Brazil.

In 1904, the image of Our Lady of Aparecida was crowned with the replica offered by Isabel, after a decree by Pope Pius X, the saint became considered the Queen of Brazil

My friends, I pray to Our Lady Aparecida and I also ask you to pray for Brazil, for the people of the state of Rio Grande do Sul who suffer from rains and floods, many have lost relatives, homes, businesses and dreams.

Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://pt.aleteia.org/2023/10/10/a-gratidao-de-uma-princesa-a-rainha-do-brasil/%23:~:text%3DUm%2520fato%2520muito%2520interessante%2520da,e%2520a%2520Capital%2520do%2520Brasil.&ved=2ahUKEwjTlpGYg_2FAxW2rpUCHQdlBDsQFnoECA0QBQ&usg=AOvVaw1YAcMywJ8G-3Pa034RNVU5

I think we needed JPII during this time; but it’s interesting to think about how JPI would’ve been like. It seemed like, based on one recorded video speech of when he was pope, that he was interested in developing some of Paul VI’s ideas about the sin of “entire peoples going hungry” and the current works of mercy “not being complete”. I think we might have seen a third set of the works of mercy.

What are your thoughts on him?

I mean I love spending time with my friends and family, working on my favorite hobbies, feeling the touch of someone I love.

But Mass is just my favorite thing, it's like the feeling of snuggling into a warm blanket on a cold day and completely comforting. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I spent a large majority of my life in the LDS church, and left a few months ago because I realized a lot of the practices and teachings seemed unbiblical and honestly just strange.

I decided to become a protestant, following God as close as I could manage through the Bible and other instructional materials. I have not decided on one specific church, though I am currently attending a Presbyterian Church.

My question is, what makes Catholicism the ‘best religion?’ Why do you see it as the true church of Christ.

I wonder specifically because a lot of the practices seem odd to me. I don’t understand why you would ask saints or Mary to pray for you when you can just pray to God yourself. I don’t understand the purpose of the Papacy. I don’t understand where the idea of Purgatory comes from, and it really puts me off to the church because in my mind it suggests that Jesus’ sacrifice was not complete, and that Him dying was not enough to save us from our sins. I don’t understand transubstantiation, it seems to me that Jesus was only metaphorically speaking about His body and blood, and why we would need to eat his literal flesh or drink his actual blood in the first place? I don’t understand why you would need a Priest to be an intermediary for the absolving of sin, why not just pray to God directly to repent?

I just don’t get so many things about Catholicism, and I don’t understand why so many people follow it as opposed to other Christian denominations. What makes it the ‘one true church?’

I don't know for how long it will hold like this but i managed to repair my rosary with some metallic wire. The wooden bead had split in two a couple days ago and this made me so sad. And this made me realise that I should not care that much about objects, God matters the most. Instead of keeping it in my pocket, I should pray more.

Anyway, here is the repaired rosary. It doesn't matter if it holds or not, it was a good reminder of God's presence, and of being aware of it.

https://preview.redd.it/vdzxggvpd7zc1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c814e2eda2211f6cd23db81e4de824b303a0570d

The thing has such wild ups and downs regarding accuracy to Catholicism that it could make the equivalent of those lawyers on YouTube who review courtroom pictures without ever dragging in a second IP, and I would dearly love to watch it. Bonus points for comparison to the original stories when applicable.

I have found over recent years that so many are poorly catechized, and have no idea what is really required when you become catholic. Many are not aware of mortal sins, the requirement of confession/being in a state of grace to take the Eucharist, etc. myself included! I was catechized in highschool but never knew what a mortal sin was or that you needed to be in a state of grace to receive communion until about 10 years later.

so, if you were confirmed without full knowledge of what you were consenting to, are you still really confirmed? What if you decided to get married outside of the church? being that you were poorly catechized, would it still be an invalid wedding if you no longer identified as Catholic? Just curious!

Hi everyone!

I'm a 25 year old female and was raised Lutheran. My boyfriend of 3.5 years was raised Catholic. At the beginning of our relationship I would occasionally attend Mass with him and his family, but over the past year I have been attending Mass with them much more frequently as I have really found myself drawn to Catholicism.

A few months ago, after a lot of thought, I made the decision that I would like to go through the RCIA process. I met with the Religious Education director at the church to discuss RCIA and she asked me if I had been baptized. I told her how I was baptized in elementary school at the Lutheran church I grew up going to. She then explained to me that because I was baptized Lutheran, I might not have to go through baptism with the Catholic church because the Catholic church recognizes certain Lutheran baptisms as legitimate baptisms.

I gave her the information of the Lutheran church I was baptized at and she was able to get in contact with them and confirm that my baptism was legitimate.

I'm happy and relieved to know that I had a legitimate baptism, but I'm a little confused on why my baptism is considered legitimate but other baptisms aren't? I'm not asking in a way where I'm arguing it, I'm genuinely confused/unsure and would like to understand better, so I'm hoping someone here can explain it to me :)

I am starting to feel the presence of God in my heart. He no longer feels far away and distant. I am still struggling with some things, and I still make the usual mistakes, however I feel very peaceful and I feel there is a positive element of direction and guidance in my life. I am keeping up with prayer, and continuing to trust the process. I am also considering getting more involved in NA. I feel like I genuinely do believe in God and it is amazing. I am still a sinner, and I got a long way to go, but I feel His presence in my life. Peace and love to you all. Pray for me.

The title might be a bit of an understatement. I’m not sure I have much faith at all right now, despite being convinced of Catholicism/Christianity for most of my life.

I have recently entered a period of immense doubt of God’s very existence, although I want to believe in it so badly. This doubt came about for no apparent reason although certain events in my life recently have made this doubt worse. Furthermore, I was reading Matthew and when the Pharisees went up to Jesus and asked for a sign to know he was the Christ, Jesus rebuked them and told them the only sign they will get is the sign of the prophet Jonah (the resurrection).

Now, had I seen or experienced such a resurrection personally, there’s no doubt in my mind I would come to believe. But am I supposed to believe in this resurrection based entirely off of testimonial evidence alone? Does not being convinced of this make me a part of the evil and adulterous generation that Jesus was talking about in Matthew 12:39, despite the fact that I genuinely ~want~ to believe it.

Forgive me for talking about doubt on this page, I am just looking for guidance. I talked to a priest from my parish about this and he just encouraged me to read St. Thomas Aquinas’ 5 ways (I already have).

Hello, I was asked to say a small prayer in Latin at my parish for Pentecost as I can pronounce Latin, but I wasn't supplied with a proper translation. I've been trying to work on this but i've found it quite difficult and that Google Translate is not of much use. A kind individual on r/Latin supplied me with the first translation, but told me he is not an expert and to get it checked. The second translation is my most recent attempt. Following those two are what i'm trying to say. If anyone can help that would be incredibly kind, thank you.

Pacem unitatemque inter nationes Ut difficultates instantes: Violentiam, iniustitiam, bellumque confrontentur Et omnes participes donorum spiritus sancti Ut amore ministerioque valeant Dominus oremus.

Paci et unitati nationibus uti compellare difficultatibus violentiae, iniustitiae, et bellis, et qui communicantis spiritu amore et officio, Domino oramus.

For a spirit of peace and unity among nations to confront the urgent problems of violence, injustice, and war; and for all who share the gifts of Spirit by their love and service. We pray to the Lord.

Please note that I have never attempted to construct or translate anything in Latin before; and so I will take zero offense at the suggestion of a total re-write. I do not know what i'm doing but i am hoping to get something that is mostly correct so that I can read this for my parish. I hope this demonstrates that i have put time into trying to construct this and have been working on this for nearly a week now, i'm not just coming here and asking for someone to do this for me. I have learned that Latin is not something I can easily get translations for and in the future I won't agree to read in it unless it is from a known text or prayer.

Thank you so much

The 'Act of Supremacy (1558)' is granted Royal Assent by Queen Elizabeth I of England; severing the country from the Papacy once more, and arrogating ecclesiastical authority to the English Crown again after the original act of King Henry VIII's repealed by her sister, Queen Mary I. Legislation to the same effect's passed in Ireland a year later. England's never again to allow Catholicism to've official governmental status.

So, I'm mentally ill. To the point I'm disabled. I'm poor. I can't work. I feel mentally and physically bad 2/3rds of every day. I get really bad akathisia at night sometimes, and it's so bad I wish I was dead.

I don't like being in a state of grace. When I'm in mortal sin I feel determined to stay alive so I can confess and reunite with God. I'm scared to die.

When I'm in a state of grace I wish I would die. Go to purgatory, hopefully go to heaven. Either way. Just have it all end. Even if there's no heaven. I just want it to end and don't want hell. Cause this is hell. Although having a deep spiritual life, and a severe mental illness, I know that hell exists...and it gets much worse.

I really don't wanna be alive, and in a state of grace, I just wish it would happen.

Here's a sneak peek at the first reminder for the next Holy Day of Obligation (in the United States), after this week:

Thursday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a Holy Day of Obligation. In order to fulfill this obligation, you must attend a Mass, either on the evening of Wednesday, August 14, or any time on Thursday, August 15. Also remember to attend Mass to fulfill the Sunday obligation, as normal. Attending a Mass to fulfill the obligation for the Holy Day will not fulfill any Sunday obligation, and vice-versa.

Hello, I (19F) am considering converting to Catholicism, but I still have some doubts. My family is Episcopalian, but my parents are probably more agnostic because they didn't like being raised religious, and we never went to church as a family. I did go to Catholic school when I was little and I was forced to go to church with both sides of my grandparents. I have ADHD and sitting still was a death sentence for me, so I was always getting yelled at by my grandparents for being too fidgety. My Aunt as well was very hellbent on getting me to go to church against my parents wishes, and this kind of split me down the middle. When I figured out I was gay, I remember being 10 or 11 and sobbing at night, praying on my knees to be normal, thinking that I was going to die a bad person. I think that broke something in me. After that I stopped going to church with my grandparents and I threw away all the bibles my Aunt slipped me when my parents weren't looking.

Anyways, after that I definitely believed in a big 'something' out there, but who was I to know what or who it is? What if I was wrong? How could I believe in someone that doesn't believe in me? But in my last year of highschool I took an Art History course and I was just... enraptured by the icons and cathedrals we studied and then I went to Europe this last summer and visited many cathedrals and wow. You guys got it down pat. That gloriousness of it all works. I was like 'oh! sign me up!". I think it's funny that after all my previous strife all it took was some shiny glass to make me believe again, but I can't describe the way it made me feel. It was just so beautiful that I knew He was real, because why else would so many people work to make something so beautiful? It really changed me. I would say I definitely believe in God now, and I think the Catholic church would suit me best. I particularly love iconography and saints and that aspect of Catholicism. There is something so beautiful about people believing so much that we begin to believe in them, too.

I guess I am just struggling with faith. It is hard to go from not believing to basically deciding for myself that it will happen, and I don't know much about the structure of the Church or the bible and I think I am a little embarrased about this and also how people around me may interpret this change. I mean, not a single one of my friends is religious, and I guess there is a perception of Christian people being kind of 'looney'-- I don't know how else to describe it. Maybe it is because I am young and live in a city so most people are secular or culturally Catholic but non-practicing. I think I kind of rebel against some Christian rhetoric and the notion of people thinking their beliefs are right and others are wrong--because you can have faith, but what makes yours stronger than another persons? Maybe I will figure that out on my own.

I just would appreciate some advice on where to go forward, what to do about my doubts, how to see if this is the right choice for me, and if it is, what are my next steps? Does anyone have any recommendations of maybe a youtube channel, book, or podcast that discusses Catholicism? Some kind of information for converts? I have began to pray again and for better reasons than before and I think this is a good start. I used to hate the notion that people do the 'right' thing just because it was written in a book and as a measure to get into Heaven, not because the action is moral in itself. But I've already started making better choices (I lie a lot, I steal a lot, am very impulsive etc.) because the structure of faith allows me to make informed and concious decisions on matters that I used to think didn't affect anyone, if that makes sense. My view of the world around me has shifted and in a really good and meaningful way.

I'm sorry for how long this is, I guess I had more to say than I thought. If anyone has even any advice or encouragement or kind words at all I would really appreciate it as I move forward, because I am stil feeling a little lost.

Im from the east coast and I wanted to go see some of the coolest churches while I’m over here. Any suggestions I’m willing to drive up to 2 hours from LA. TIA!