24 Comments
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Todd Bushee's avatar

I married a cradle Catholic in 94 and was “Surprised by Truth” a few times after I entered the Church in 99. Thank you Patrick for all you have done to stem the tide of all the lies about our Lord and his body, the Church.

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Gayle's avatar

Fantastic read. Love hearing about the history of CA, and Scott Hahn only 3 years after he converted. Keep going with this, Patrick.🤗

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Eric Sammons's avatar

In the summer of 1991 my college roommate (a Catholic) and I (a Protestant) were driving across the state of Ohio and he asked if we could listen to a tape. I asked what it was and he said “A talk by a Protestant minister who became Catholic”. To me, that was as strange sounding as hearing “A talk by an alien from Mars”, but I said sure to be polite. Less than two years later I was Catholic, and while I’ve always been thankful to Dr. Hahn, now I realize I have you to thank, Patrick, for making it happen!

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Patrick Madrid's avatar

Wow, what an amazing trip it has been since 1991. Thanks for sharing that anecdote about your own personal experience with hearing Scott’s talk, Eric. And here’s a 34-year belated “welcome home“ to the Catholic Church!

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Arlene Borg's avatar

I read your books “surprised by truth”! They were instrumental in my husband and I coming back to the Church after being “non-denominational” for many years— thank you!

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ColdWarrior's avatar

Patrick, I am a HUGE fan and I love your story. You are a humble, devout servant of our Lord Jesus and our Mother Church. God bless you and your family.

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Nicole's avatar

I would love to hear the original Scott Hahn conversion story tape!

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Anne's avatar

The audio is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-bz4kRtCQI

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James Peery Cover's avatar

My wife bought me a whole slew of Scott Hahn tapes in the mid-1990s.

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Joni's avatar

Thanks for writing this. Catholic Answers was initially a big part of my conversion to the Catholic faith, and continues to be a great resource, as are you, Patrick. It's great to learn about the back stories. I'm looking forward to more posts!

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Paul Jackson's avatar

Thank you for sharing. The Catholic Answers radio show had a big impact on my life. Thank you for allowing God to work through you.

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Terry Zalesny's avatar

Patrick, you have helped my wife and I in ways you couldn’t have imagined. I loved Catholic Answers for leading me home to the Faith, and your show has helped deepen my faith.

I liked listening to you because we are about the same age, you from SoCal, me from NorCal. We met you and Cyrus in Indiana Eucharistic Congress.

Keep up the good work. You don’t know me too well but I will always consider you a friend.

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Mary Pat Campbell's avatar

I remember reading The Rock in the 90s … read it at the Catholic Center at NYU, and also picked up First Things there….

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pondering in PA's avatar

Catholic Answers and Envoy magazine were important in my reversion in the early 1990s. God bless you for your commitment to spread His word and life!

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Patricia Sheffield's avatar

My husband and I saw you and Karl give one of your talks at our old parish in Alexandria, Virginia, when our third daughter was a toddler. You guys were amazing. Later, when I was reaching out for help to defend the Church from ultra-traditionalism, you were kind to me and helped me very much. The Lord bless you and yours always, Patrick!

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Patrick Madrid's avatar

Thank you, Pattie. I remember that parish event! God bless you too.

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Anne's avatar

The audio is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-bz4kRtCQI

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Jim Moore's avatar

Don't know how but I've never heard this complete story even though we spent all that time working on Envoy Magazine together! I'm personally grateful for all the above for setting you on the path that allowed us to meet and collaborate. Thanks for keeping the apologetics fire burning!

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Susan Kramer's avatar

My husband and I had the great pleasure of being part of a Catholic Answers cruise to the Mediterranean about 20 years ago. Karl Keating and other members of the CA team were on board. It was not only a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime trip, but it was an education. Their enthusiasm about apologetics led me to study the subject and educate myself on what I had missed as a child growing up in the felt-banner era. Well done, Patrick, and thanks!!!

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Frank B's avatar

Welcome to substack I have enjoyed you over the airwaves for many years.

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