About

I am a Catholic.

For most people, that is an answer to the question, “what is your religious affiliation” or something to that effect.

For me, it’s who I am.

I am also a physician, a university lecturer, and a hardcore basketball fanatic.

I am a son, a father, a brother, a husband.

But most of all, first of all…

I am a Catholic.

What does being a Catholic mean?

It means believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that He is God the Son, Redeemer of the world, and that Christ commissioned His Apostles to make disciples of all nations (cf. Matthew 28:19-20), after giving them authority to preach the Gospel in His name (cf. Luke 10:16) with special calling to the Apostle Peter (cf. Matthew 16:18-19, Isaiah 22:20-24).

It means believing in ALL the teachings of the magisterium, no matter how difficult it may be to do so (cf. John 6:60-66).

It means to me, paraphrasing St. Augustine, being able to say “This is my faith, since it is the Catholic Faith.” (cf. On the Trinity, chapter 4)

Now a few more tidbits about yours truly:

I am a graduate of a Jesuit high school, and went to university in a secular state university.

The biggest influences in my spirituality are the mystics St. Francis of Assisi and St. Benedict of Nursia.

Theologically, I’m a fan of William G. Most, Scott Hahn, St. Thomas Aquinas and Blessed John Duns Scotus.

I also read the early Church Fathers for fun.  I love reading St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Athanasius, St. Basil the Great, St. Justin Martyr, St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Clement of Rome.

In terms of practical Catholicism, I have St. Thomas More as my hero.

My favorite Bible translation is the Douay Rheims, although the New American Bible comes close.  I also appreciate the King James version.