Patrick Madrid has a candid conversation with Jorge, a 27-year-old who’s rekindling his Catholic faith after a 17-year hiatus. Jorge’s struggle? Overcoming the grip of porn addiction and other bad habits formed during his years away from the Church.

 

🌟 Key Points from the Conversation:

 

Rediscovering Faith: Jorge shares his journey back to Catholicism, filled with love for his newfound spiritual path, but he’s battling long-standing bad habits, particularly porn addiction.

 

Taking Radical Steps:

 

Be Ruthless: Patrick emphasizes a no-nonsense approach, referencing Jesus' teaching about plucking out the eye if it causes you to sin (metaphorically, of course).

 

Eliminate Triggers:

If the smartphone is the problem, ditch it for a simpler device.

Load up accountability software on necessary devices to prevent access to inappropriate sites.

 

Building Accountability:

 

Patrick encourages Jorge to find an accountability partner, someone whose knowledge of his struggle would motivate him to stay clean.

 

Cultivating Virtue:

 

Replace lust with purity and chastity. This involves practical steps like custody of the eyes—training oneself to look away from potential temptations.

 

Community Support:

 

Patrick recommends Catholic in Recovery, a 12-step program that’s Jesus-centered and parish-based, helping individuals overcome addictions.

 

Spiritual Weapons:

 

Pray the Rosary daily.

 

Stay close to Jesus through the sacraments.

Avoid giving any “slack” to bad habits; even a small allowance can lead to a major setback, akin to an alcoholic taking a sip.

 

Practical Analogy:

 

Patrick likens the fight against porn addiction to lifting weights: initially hard and painful, but persistence builds strength and resilience.

 

Moral Imagination:

 

Visualize the most embarrassing person knowing about the porn habit and use that as a deterrent and accountability check.

 

Jorge’s resolve to overcome his addiction through faith and rigorous discipline serves as an inspiring testament to the power of spiritual commitment and community support. Never give up! Victory over vice is possible.