Eternal Truth Network

Testimonials from Ex Convicts

Dear Father Paulsen:

Thank you Father Paulsen for being there for me, and helping me to find my faith and a home in the Catholic Church. You have been a great confessor and friend.

I am going to put my address at the bottom of this letter. If you are ever in my city and need anything, please come by or call me(my number will be in the phone book). I will help you as much as I’m able.

Thank you Father Paulsen. May the grace and peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be upon you.

Love you Father Paulsen.

J. B.- Ex-Convict

Hello again dear friend,

I arrived safely at the monastery on Saturday. A beautiful monastery, with much construction going on. The job site superintendent will be giving me a paid job in the near future, which could last six months. A great opportunity for the monastery to check me out.

Thank you for everything, especially your advice on coming here. This is an opportunity for me to make a real positive change in my life outside prison. At this point in my life, I would want to be nowhere else.

The chanting here is more beautiful than I could ever have imagined. When I go to prime, high mass, Vespers and compline, the chanting is as if angels are singing to me. I am overwhelmed by this whole experience.

When I began discussing why I was in a Texas prison, quite a stir began. Although I thought their attitude towards me would drastically change(for the worse), they are still being most kind to me.

How could I ever expect to be what these great men of God are? Although they too are human. They live such a simple, pious, sincerely noble life. I’ve been quite presumptuous to think that I could ever be able to walk within their ranks. However, what might seem impossible to man, is not only possible with God, but also probable, if it is his will.

I must once again ask for your help. You see, at the monastery, in a nice way, they are asking for character references from people who have known me for the last few years. I told them how dedicated and loyal a friend you have been to me since 2005; writing to me once, twice, and sometimes three times a month all of these years; sending books and those Father John Hardon catechetical courses. I’ve told them you have been my spiritual advisor. A phone call to our Abbott from you explaining what you know about my sincerity to enter religious life would be of great help to me at this time. Please feel free to discuss anything and everything you know about me, whether it involves my case, spiritual formation, etc.

Of my own strength, I could never answer the call of such a noble cause as to live the life of a monk. However, I have continuously prayed to God for his grace to be able to do just that. With his all-sufficient grace to strengthen me, I could answer that call. As we are told, “Many are called, but few are chosen”. Please join me in prayer that God will find me worthy enough to serve him here.

J. C. - Ex-convict

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