Wise Words

I’ve been adding to a personal quote book since 2001—a quiet ritual that’s helped me track the evolution of my beliefs. The quote I’m sharing today marks the beginning of the end of my commitment to Catholicism.
As a young adult, I was deeply moved by the history of the Catholic Church’s work in Central and South America—how faith inspired radical acts of justice, compassion, and solidarity with the poor. That legacy lit something in me.
But I was disheartened to see how, in the United States, the same institution often seems to overlook its own central command: to serve the poor and protect the vulnerable.
Reflecting on the decisions I’ve made in adulthood, I keep returning to those early years when I began to shape my identity as a helper—someone committed to resisting the pull of power, prestige, or wealth when they come at the expense of community care.
I’m sharing this quote not just as a memory, but as a mirror. It offers a glimpse into the philosophy that continues to guide me. I hope it sparks something in you, too.