"There's something so tangible about being able to look at the physical presence of God on earth" | Patrick Braga

After drifting from faith as a teen, Patrick somewhat unexpectedly found himself drawn to the beauty of the Catholic faith through his appreciation for Gregorian chant and liturgical music as a young adult. Although he was not a practicing Catholic, he sang with a Catholic choir and, during Mass one day, in a powerful way, began to recognize Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. This experience initiated a journey home to the Catholic Church and dramatically changed Patrick’s faith. 

(00:53) We meet our guest, Patrick Braga, a parishioner at St. Mary’s in Royal Oak, an urban planner, and a classical composer. 

(2:53) Patrick shares how a professor introduced him to Gregorian chant, which eventually led him to discover the Institute of Christ the King website, where Gregorian chants are shared regularly. Though agnostic at the time, Patrick describes being drawn to St. Joseph Shrine in Detroit for the music shortly after moving to Detroit. Patrick describes how he ended up singing regularly with the choir at St. Joseph and a remarkable experience he had during Mass one time, when the priest elevated the host and he recalled a quote from St. Thomas Merton.  

(06:27) Patrick shares how, despite receiving Baptism and First Communion, he eventually drifted from faith. He talks about his respect for the gospel, but his struggle to wrap mind around faith in the supernatural.

(09:12) Describing more of his experience of singing at the choir at St. Joseph, Patrick goes on to share how he learned to appreciate the richness of liturgy through the beauty of liturgical music and highlights what attracted him to the life of the Church. 

(12:19) Following his experience during Mass and being exposed to the life of the Church, Patrick began to read the letters of St. Ignatius of Antioch and he shares how those affected him on his journey. 

(16:29) Patrick shares the words of Thomas Merton that he recalled when the priest elevated the host at Mass, and describes how this helped him understand the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. He talks about how this moment initiated a reversion to the Catholic faith and his eventual Confirmation. 

(21:35) Patrick talks about what he loves about Eucharistic adoration and shares an experience he had during Mass that highlights his immense gratitude and love for the Eucharist. 

(27:18) Patrick shares how his faith is not incompatible with reason, but is a choice to trust Christ, who is always faithful.