Rites of passage are things we know of instinctively. Graduation, weddings, obtaining a driver's license, or your first job are easy things to think of. But, when does a boy become a man? No, getting some peach fuzz when you are in junior high doesn't make you a man.
In Western society, too many boys don't have the male figure to show them what it means to be a man. Sadly, these same boys are reverting to taking their ill-formed consciences into the real world, often resulting in violence and prison time. A rite of passage is more than just a ceremony, it's a change in a male's soul.
Keep listening to part 1 of this (2...3...4?!) part series on Becoming a Man, hear James' own experience in his rite of passage, why this is so important this day and age, and some great resources to explore on your own!
James Challenge: Examine your life. What was your rite of passage? How did it change you? What would you have done differently? What did you learn?
Now, go out there and be a saint!
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As always, please pray for us! We are men who are striving every day to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost!
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Contact Father Dom and James directly:
james.cr.caldwell@gmail.com
dcouturier@olcparish.net
Resources mentioned in the episode:
1. Leaving Boyhood Behind by Jason Craig --> an excellent book that James references throughout. Highly recommend, especially for those fathers who are raising boys
2. Iron John: A Book About Men by Robert Bly
3. Rite of Passage Wikipedia article --> everything you could want to know about this topic
4. Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Dr. Meg Meeker --> Father Dom has now mentioned this numerous times on the podcast, a book he recommends highly