As we look around at the state of the world today, no one in living memory can recall more division, strife, and uncertainty – but amidst all the insanity enveloping us, there are also some real signs of hope. Here are a few stories to bolster your faith.
Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson’s wife, Tammy Peterson, entered the Catholic Church at the Easter vigil last Saturday. Tammy’s road to Damascus was undoubtedly a rocky one. She was diagnosed with a rare form of fatal kidney cancer in 2019 and given ten months to live.
With the help of a loving Catholic friend who taught her how to say the rosary and reflect upon its mysteries, Tammy was miraculously healed. Her friend, Queenie Yu, visited Tammy in the hospital every day for five weeks to pray with her during her illness. A cousin who heard about her diagnosis sent Tammy a rosary that had belonged to their great-grandmother. These small gestures of grace made all the difference. Tammy chose ‘Mary’ for her confirmation name. How fitting.
Then there is former Fox News star Megyn Kelly. On a recent podcast with her guest Bishop Barron, Megyn admitted that she was seeking an annulment from her first failed marriage. Megyn was raised Catholic but, like many, left the faith in her youth. She has been married to her current husband for sixteen years and is now seeking to have that marriage blessed by the Church so she can return to the sacraments and be in full communion. Although Megyn admitted to a “crisis of faith” while pursuing the annulment, she nonetheless has been spurred on by some inner desire to set things right for herself and her family.
Then there is Russell Brand, a red-pilled new age influencer and former Buddhist. Russell began discussing giving up something for Lent on his podcast this spring and claims he says the rosary daily. He also now wears a crucifix, saying, “The reason I wear a cross is because Christianity, and in particular, the figure of Christ, it seems to me, [is] inevitably becoming more important as I become more familiar with suffering, purpose, self, and not self.” This man has 1.8 million followers on Rumble and 11.8 million on X (Twitter).
Former wayward actor Shia LaBeouf entered the Catholic Church on New Year’s Eve 2023. Shia played Padre Pio in a recent film. He studied and learned from the Capuchin Franciscans in California to prepare for the role. He learned to say the rosary and was encouraged to convert by attending the traditional Latin Mass. “I fell in love with Christ,” LaBeouf was reported to have said.
Tucker Carlson recently interviewed Cardinal Gerhard Muller. Muller was the former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under Pope Benedict XVI. During the interview, Muller reminded the faithful that “without Christianity, the West is nothing.” Tucker agreed, and although he is not Catholic, he is deeply concerned with the spiritual state of our country and world.
What do all these stories have in common? Answer: High-profile people with great reach and influence all support the underlying values of the Catholic faith. This is a gift to us all, especially those of us who are cradle Catholics and may have been taking our faith for granted.
By now, we can see that we are in a spiritual war of epic proportions with demonic forces. But we are not alone in this battle. God has been with us, sharing His grace in some improbable places. That old saying, ‘God works in mysterious ways, ’ does seem to apply.
Do not despair, as the ultimate victory over sin and death is guaranteed. Use the rest of this glorious Easter season to look for moments of grace in your life.
Alleluia, He is Risen!