How a Novena to Mary, Undoer of Knots Freed Me From Pornography and Masturbation
Writing this article has been a challenge. Not the topic, rather how to share truth in a limited number of words! Early in my recovery, after I had committed to a 30-day challenge with a genuine intent to recover, I found myself struggling. As is typical with addicts, I was experiencing difficulty surrendering my ego…
Read MoreReflecting on “Thy Will Be Done” in Our Recovery
We in Catholic in Recovery are undeniably blessed to have at our fingertips so many avenues and ways to seek God and live according to His perfect will. Our gratitude and blessings of recovery are worth repeating as our hearts and minds have been brought into harmony with God. Every day we have the opportunity…
Read MoreMy Life Since Becoming Free from Pornography and Masturbation
As I think about how my life has changed for the better since becoming free from viewing pornography and masturbating multiple times per day, I am awed by Jesus’s promise: “Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things will follow.” It’s true, when we seek Christ first everything else falls…
Read MoreTurn It Up: Movies and Music That Have Inspired Me on My Recovery Journey
I’ve had this idea to create a media guide of various movies and songs that have inspired me on my recovery journey and generally in my life. I think that it’s important to fill our lives with forms of beauty that can touch our hearts, even if that at times means reopening old wounds for…
Read MoreThe Value of Doing a Daily Examen to Receive God’s Grace
When I do an Examination of Conscience, or my Daily Examen, I’m often confronted with how sinful I am. A Daily Examen is the practice of recounting our shortcomings and sins prayerfully in the presence of the Lord, asking for His forgiveness and the strength to do better. But contrary to popular understanding, acknowledging our…
Read MoreStep Eleven Reminds Us Never to Stop Seeking God
Step Eleven reads: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” Many old-timers will say this step is vital for achieving long-term sobriety and having real peace of mind. What begins…
Read MoreA Message from a Wife to Men and Husbands Struggling with Sexual Addiction
St. Augustine, our very own saint who struggled with an attachment/addiction to sexual compulsivity and lust, can be a heavenly brother for all men who desire holiness and change. This is true even if you merely desire to desire that holiness and change. As St. Augustine writes: “The entire life of a good Christian is…
Read MoreRecovering from the Private Killer of Porn Addiction
It was a catastrophic personal event that plunged me into three years of intense habitual and addictive behavior that needed to be addressed. It was then that I finally recognized my addiction needed to be stopped. Downloading porn videos and images as well as participating in sex chats—all are obvious markers of addiction. And I…
Read MoreIt Is Not Good for Man to Be Alone
It is probably obvious to all of us now—if we didn’t believe it before—but the Coronavirus pandemic has brought to light the reality that we are complex creatures. If Jesus cites (Deuteronomy 8:3) by saying that “man does not live on bread alone” (Matthew 4:4), the book of Genesis predates Jesus by revealing that “it…
Read MoreHow Eucharistic Adoration Taught Me About Freedom from Pornography
As a cradle Catholic, I was familiar with Eucharistic adoration. I vaguely remember going with my class in elementary school. However, I was not a practitioner of this method to adore Jesus. Truth be told, until 2015 I was not really a faithful Catholic. I went to church on Sunday, followed most of the Church’s…
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