Welcome home! 🙌 I went from being a Goddess-worshipping neo-Pagan progressive liberal to a Catholic and Conservative in less than a year after a very brief stint in nondenominational evangelicalism. I was baptized and confirmed into the Church 2.5 years ago and I am now sponsoring someone else to come into the Church. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. God Bless you and yours! 💛
Hello sister, my path is similar also. I was a leftist secular Canadian that hated religion. Bought a Bible to debunk it. It debunked me. Now Catholic. All this in a very short amount of time. I'll pray for you, God bless you.
Converts are SUCH a gift to the Church. Praise God for your journey. I absolutely LOVE that you are already sponsoring someone else. Your past and new witness with help many. God bless!
Same. I'm only here because he went on PWA. I'm good with anything he wants to ramble about though. But if people are firm in their atheism as well as interested in our guy here, and consider him a sort of friend, they wouldn't be offended by his content.
I’m a born and raised Catholic and just watched you on Pints with Aquinas. I’m praying for you and your family and a new follower. Welcome home! Not a pipe smoker but have passed your channel to several family members and I like the smell of them.
I am a Catholic Deacon, I am so happy for you. I will be praying for you and your family. I think it would be wonderful to smoke our pipes and contemplate and discuss our faith. I would join you. God Bless You Brother.
Amen brother! I was raised Protestant, went to four years of Bible college to become a pastor, then converted to Catholicism when I was 30. That was almost 2 decades ago. If you want a personal relationship with Jesus Christ there’s no better place than in the Catholic Church. What is more personal than receiving Christ’s body, blood, soul and divinity at every mass? Welcome home brother!
Outstanding ! My wife and I converted to Catholicism about 15 years ago, it’s been the most important decision of my life. God Bless you and may our Lady keep you
I mean no disrespect in asking, I truly want a honest discussion, and learn. But what I would like to know about Catholicism is praying to Mary. Or, what do mean by “may our Lady keep you” ? When Jesus taught us to pray in Mathew 6:5-14 I see no mention of praying to Mary. Where does scripture show Mary as a deity that should be prayed to? Couple of many questions I have.
@@jacobmccall110 Mary is not a diety. The practice of asking for intercession to the departed are chiefly seen in two scriptural locations that Protestants accept. Namely, scripture shows that the Israelites went to the tomb of Rachel and prayed for her intercession in the OT. This is not shown as a bad thing. Secondly, in revelation we see the saints in heaven offering up the prayers of the faithful to God. You see intercession of saints from the beginning in the mainstream orthodox early church. Since Christians in heaven are alive we ask them for prayers just as we ask other Christian’s on earth. The prayers of a righteous man availeth much so the prayers of those perfected in heaven are more efficacious than any human on earth. Additionally, we know that heaven is not equal. Those in heaven are distinguished by honor and authority based on our Lord’s own words in the Gosple, the honor of the procession in Heaven in Revelation (there is a lot in revelation that impacts Catholic liturgy and worship customs), and Paul’s comments on the rewards of heaven. Therefore, based on what Catholics believe about Mary as the greatest and holiest of all creatures, though lower than a speck of dust compared to God, we ask for her intercession most chiefly. No one has more efficacious prayers to Christ than Mary. Christ then is our sole intercession between God and man. All prayers, even through saints are to God through Christ.
Mary's importance and role in salvation history is greater than your Protestant mind can possibly comprehend. I blame it on ignorance, there's a systematic brainwashing and unfounded hatred that most Protestant sects seem to have for Our Blessed Mother. Mary is the Mother of Christ! That alone should give you pause to contemplate Her dignity. She is the bearer of the Son of God! Asking Mary for intercessory prayers takes nothing away from Christ. On the contrary. Mary is the first and perfect Apostle, the first to say "do whatever He tells you". Jesus was not ready to perform His first public miracle, "His time had not yet come", but accedes to performing the miracle because His Mother asked. We read in scripture that the prayers of a righteous man availeth much, how much more is this true of the Mother of God? Why wouldn't we ask for Her intercessory prayers? Our Lady has a fundamental role in Christianity. She ALWAYS has and always will. It is only after the Protestant revolt, that the hatred for Mary became a thing. Read the early Church Fathers. Understanding the Communion of Saints is key. The Church that Christ founded is over 2,000 years old. The Christian Faith did not commence 500 yrs ago with the HERETICAL priest, Martin Luther or with Henry VIII. There is so much Protestants have been robbed of, and it's heartbreaking! Satan is the only one who benefits from the division, hatred, and animosity Protestants have towards the Catholic Faith. May God bless you and Our Blessed Mother keep you. Yes, you have a Mother in Heaven who loves you even if you don't see or accept Her as such. As adopted sons of God, Jesus is our brother and Mary is Our Mother. Study Church history, the early Church Fathers, convert testimonies, (The Coming Home Network here on YT is a good place to start), and Truth will be revealed to you. 🙏
I'm a convert. Raised Southern Baptist. Anglican in the ACNA for about 4 years. Then became Catholic in 2019 at 31 years old. Picked up the pipe in 2020. Saw you on Pints with Aquinas. One of my favorite episodes. And I enjoy the Country Squire, currently have 5 of their blends in mason jars. Just smoked Hunting Creek tonight. God bless you and your family.
I was also raised Southern Baptist. Spent a long time nondenominational. Was Anglican in the AMiA for about 3 years. Just became Catholic this Easter! I'm so thankful for our Lord's gentle guidance and love.
Irishman here, raised Catholic but left it all during college. In the past 12+ months ive found Christ again and more recently moved back to the Church. Slowly. During these same 12 months, (funny enough) ive noticed pipes more. In June my brother got me my first pipe for my birthday and I started watching the Pipe Cottage. Alan, Christ is guiding you. God bless you, your courage and your family. I look forward to watching this channel evolve. Take care. God bless.
Are you living in Ireland? I’ve found Pipe smoking is a little inaccessible over there, or at least getting tobacco outside of the 10 blends or so they sell at Peterson’s (they don’t even sell there own blends due to the eu restrictions) and the only other pipe store in the country down the street. Just wondering how you managing (and ranting a little)
@@guy819 yeah that's pretty much the jist. I was very surprised when I noticed this as a new pipe smoker. I was shocked when I went into the Peterson store. Unfortunately, government regulations have made it very difficult so options are limited to say the least. The Irish government is a nanny State and do not like tobacco. Thankfully, I have friends in Northern Ireland and England who keep me stocked. That's my only way to get the quality pipe tobacco (outside of Foxes) as UK and EU tobacconists can't ship to Ireland.
That's incredible Alan, we're on this journey together, I myself am starting catechism classes through RCIA, raised pentecostal now at almost 40 I've found the historic apostolic church and I'm pursuing God deeper than ever before. God bless not only you and yours but your journey as well, We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
We are praying for you and your family. As my mother lays dying in Hospice, on this eve of the eve of Nativity of Mary and the Feast of Our Lady of Charity, I am so grateful for her early Catechesis to me and my brothers. As a revert to the Church, your words give me solace in this time of sorrow. I needed to hear this on this day. Thank you. Viva Christo Rey!!!
Fellow pipe smoker and converted Catholic here. Used to be an atheist for decades. My entire interest in religion began 5 years ago, as soon as I had found the pipe smoking world. So many things about pipe smoking brought me to a whole search for 'all things old school' (for the lack of a better term). It didn't take long until I found out about Chesterton, the Church Fathers and so on. It's interesting to notice how Our Lord Jesus, in His infinite wisdom has used (directly or indirectly) the pipe, a simple neutral artifact, as a tool to bring people back to His Church. I've seen it happen with a few people already. Congratulations for your decision, may God bless you on your path. God is indeed great. Warm regards from Brazil. Edit: forgot to mention. Chesterton said once: In Catholicism, the pint, the pipe, and the cross can all fit together.
@@andygardner9219 Dude, not a cool way to introduce your concerns. If you are concerned about where someone is going in their Theology you may not want to start by calling them a pedoph---
@@jasonthayer762Is that what I said? Or, did I even imply that the gentleman in the video was a importuner? I merely stated established facts, that Catholic priests ( important distinction) have “form” for that behaviour. I await your apology. Thanks.
God bless you brother. I’ve just converted to the Catholic Church from a Protestant background. Your statement “I want more of who Christ is” struck such a chord. I believe Jesus slowly brings us to him as our hearts are ready, it took me a while and now I’m here too. Don’t be ashamed of reading scripture, you’re a wonderful man of god and an inspiration to others (myself included). The Eucharist is such a revelation to me, I can’t get enough, they have THE BODY OF CHRIST at the Catholic Church. It’s mind blowing. Thanks be to God for finding this lost sheep and bringing me home. Keep up the content and keep the journey. I’m a long time follower of your channel and I’ll be praying for you and your wife and family as you go through the rcia process. Trust in the Lord. Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7-8 One recommendation if you’ll allow me, Keith Nesters book, the converts guide to Roman Catholicism - for your first year in the church. This is such a fantastic resource and helped me understand so much about what’s going on at mass. If you need anything, I’d love to help but you can count on my prayers. God bless you brother.
Being a Catholic since I was born and being one of your piping friends, I am so proud of you and wish you and your family a great Sunday, we'll pray for all of you from Portugal.
Fantastic video. I'm Catholic. I also dabbled in other churches and I kept coming back to the Catholic Church. Please keep this great content coming. Live out your God given purpose and passions for Christ, pipe, tradition, and history. You're checking off all the boxes for me. It takes a strong man to live out his God given purpose. I applaud you for doing so. Thanks for all you do
I was born and raised Catholic but attended a Baptist highschool due to lack of decent local options here in rural upstate NY. Between my peers and my wonderful teachers I had the opportunity to engage in many pleasant theological conversations which caused me to examine my own faith more closely and to challenge to and the beliefs I was brought up with. This challenge caused me to look at myself and my faith with a more critical eye, which in the end only served to bolster my Catholic faith all the more and to appreciate the beauty and the truth in it. I find that smoking a pipe lends well to the necessity of silent contemplation that is so vital in a Catholic's life. From a fellow pipe-smoking Catholic husband and father, God bless you and your family, Alan.
@@andygardner9219Statistically, teachers and rabbis are far worse. But you don't care about that. You leftists love pederasty. I would root them all out and deal with them correctly. And their enablers. People who advocate for schools to teach children about sodomy for example.
As a former protestant myself and a Devout Roman CATHOLIC for 32 years, welcome home Brother, ill be praying a Rosary for you and your family. Thank you for sharing...GOD Bless you and your family...
Wonderful news! Welcome home to the Catholic Church. I am a former pentecostal pastor and missionary that became Catholic in 2015. Best decision I have ever made.
Just found you through Pints with Aquinas! Im also going through the process of learning about the Catholic faith and it’s overwhelming but I’m committed to seeking truth. Im also from the south (Texas) and converting from Protestantism is no small thing down here. Pray for my family.
Have you purchased a Catechism of the CAtholic church yet? That might be the most straightforward introduction. I'm currently listening to it in podcast for with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Wow, this is truly amazing. I'm an Eastern Catholic, so Eastern Orthodox in theology and liturgy but in communion with the Catholic Church. God is working in your life and I will be praying for you, brother. My only advice, and I'm sure you're aware of this given your background, is to avoid church politics. That's a quick way to lose heart and fall away from the path. The Church is perfect in her doctrine and worship as the bride of Christ. However, humans who are in the church are very far from perfect. Godspeed Dr. Harrelson, be assured of my prayers.
I was raised reformed Baptist and joined the Catholic Church two years ago. Glory to God. No idea why but I am seeing a lot of pipe-Catholic stuff in the last week being recommended to me. May God bless you and your family. One caution, not that you fall into this but I certainly did. My conversion was largely academic and what I read did not align with the aesthetic realities I found in my local parish. We must remember that we aren’t following aesthetics but truth. The church is in crisis and we are in difficult times. However, no serious study of scripture or History allows another option. Just my .02 from my own conversion. The Eucharist will sustain you.
Amen, there's a great deal of spiritual poverty when it comes to the celebration of the liturgy today in many parishes, it's tough, but the Eucharist is our greatest spiritual wealth, the real presence of Christ Himself. We're a Church of sinners and often miss the mark, don't let scandals tear you away from truth. You're on a good and blessed path Alan. You'll be in my prayers.
Welcome to your family. I’m newer to your channel and I am attracted to your passion for pipe smoking, culture, our country and your faith. I would follow your channel whether you converted or not. Though as Catholic priest myself I’m honored to continue to follow your channel. I know you come to the Catholic faith out of true seeking and love. Thank you for encouraging me in my faith. JMJ, Father Brian Lehnert (Paterbrian)
Your recent video expressing your intention to join the Catholic Church gave me so much joy. I am a catholic priest and I will offer the Holy Mass for your journey to the Faith. You have been given the grace of humily and wisdom and we thank the Lord for your contribution in the pipe community. I would encourage you to read the books of Bishop Robert Baron and watch the videos of Bishop Tyler of Texas. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and don't be discouraged if you encounter hurdles along the way. We are here to pray for you and your family. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you peace. 🙏 Praise the Lord for He is good, for His Love endures forever!
Outstanding presentation! I am Catholic but have not practice for some years. I have recently found your channel, as I have rekindled my interest in pipe smoking. Now you have rekindled my interest in my faith. Thank You. Please continue your honorable work.
Amazing! May I recommend a fantastic Catholic documentary about Archbishop Lefebvre to you? Just search "Archbishop Lefebvre documentary" here on UA-cam..it's a free documentary and it's life changing.
I'm not the only Orthodox priest in this community, and far from the only Orthodox Christian. Man, every Christian should have a mouth full of Psalms, a heart full of the Gospel, and a head full of the teaching of the Apostles and Fathers. Out of that store he will bring forth treasures old and new. Study hard! The reward is everlasting if we live what we learn thereby.
I was raised Catholic and started going to church with my Grandparents at age 19 they are (were) Greek immigrants and Greek Orthodox, converted shortly after, have nothing but good to say about Catholicism and hope we are brought back together in my lifetime, but not with Francis! Cheers!
@@gcpoulides Amen. Copts, Orthodox, and Catholics are but cousins who are completely fine with each other as long as politics aren't brought up at the dinner table. Lord have mercy.
@@AllofJudea I highly encourage the youtube channel Bible illustrated. He's a Serbian Orthodox reader who makes a lot of informative videos on Orthodoxy. Otherwise the absolute best thing is to reach out to the most local church and speak the the priest so he can answer any questions you have.
Welcome Home! I am so excited to hear this! You have been so close to Catholicism with your thinking for so long [Authentically Christian]. Been praying periodically for you to find your way home. I am overjoyed that you have! I figured you would think your way in. I will now pray that there can be reconciliation with your family. Will be praying your parents can come home soon too. God's Providence is complete. So glad to have you here. Praying you bring others here too.
I am a relatively recent Catholic convert and hearing this warms my soul, and I couldn't think of a better combination of discussion than quality tobacco and the Lord. When the naysayers appear to denounce the content or your conversion, remember....Vir pius sacrificat.
I was baptized Catholic and not practicing for many years. After trying many other paths I came home. There is a deep love in my heart for the church that is hard to explain.
I just watched your interview on Pints with Aquinas. Welcome home, brother! I recently picked up pipe smoking, at 36 years of age, as a past time to sit and think and pray. I had watched some of your videos on your channel before and enjoy your content very much. I am a subscriber to your channel now. I hope to pray for you and your family’s continued welcoming into the One, Holy, and Apostolic Church, with pipe in hand. I say this with no malice towards any other Christian denomination. Ad Jesum Per Mariam! Pax Christi - Kyle
New concert to Catholicism as well. Keep up with the faith and keep sharing. Also looking into pipe smoking as well, you’re videos gave me a great place to start
Thank you, Mr. Harrelson, for this personal testimony of God's love and goodness. It is a joy to hear someone talking about the MOST important thing in life without being afraid, and to see the deep happiness you draw from your relationship with Jesus. God bless you and your family.
Please keep the content coming brother! Just turned 30 this year and I made my conversion to Catholicism. My family is Baptist, but for so long I’ve sought for more and have found it within the one Universal Catholic Church. Thank you for spreading the Gospel in Boldness. Prayers up for you and your family 🙏
Praise the Lord! This made my day! As a pipe smoking convert to Catholicism (27 years ago), I would like to welcome you home. I totally get the hard choice but only choice. If you are truly seeking Truth, there is no other choice, but it is a life altering step that can be challenging.
I found Him while attending a traditional Latin mass. One mass is all it took for me to realize “this is it”. It felt raw and unadulterated. It just felt right. My connection to Christ has never been stronger. Btw your podcast on Pints w Aquinas was great. It was a fun introduction to pipes. This video was great and a lot of what you were saying resonated w me. We have to try our best to walk like Jesus EVERYDAY not just on Sunday. God bless! You got a new subscriber here. I’ll hang around especially if you plan on incorporating faith. That’s where we went wrong in this country, we stopped putting faith 1st.
Seeing the excitement and peace in your face as you were speaking was inspiring. Being Catholic is Awesome!! May God guide and bless you and your family.
As I too am a pipe enthusiasts and a very proud convert to the Catholic Church let me please say to you my brother in Christ "Welcome Home"! I experienced all of those beautiful things you are finding now in the church and I too experienced the same judgment from family and friends being from the Pentecostal protestant upbringing and no you can't make them understand what you are feeling or justify your case for your journey with Christ but love them and pray for them despite their actions towards you and pray that they might find what you and your family have found in Jesus's Church! Im am so excited and happy for you my friend!
Welcome home, sir. I converted from the PCA denomination 3 years ago. You won’t be disappointed. Greatest thing that has ever happened in my life, and yes, it’s the only decision. Now, I may yet become a pipe convert. God bless you, sir!
Congratulations. I'm a former non denom pastor. Came into the Church kicking and screaming due to all the failures of so many of the leaders of the Church Militant, but I need the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus we receive in the Eucharist.
YES!!! So excited for you and your family!! My wife and I along with our kids converted to Catholicism this year after growing up protestant. Thank you for sharing the journey!!! And thank you for the content you create!!
Hi Allan, I am Jewish (grew up orthodox) in Brooklyn NY and married to a black woman. I absolutely agree with everything you say, Alan, and very much subscribe to your philosophy. You got me into smoking pipes and now would love to move to Kentucky and live the rural life. I am hoping you and I can meet someday and become friends. You speak to my soul.
You have gained a subscriber because of the way you speak about your faith journey. I am a Catholic and will be a sponsor for the first time this year. Im so excited for you and your family. Not a pipe smoker btw.
Saw your interview with Matt Fradd. Welcome to the Catholic Church, coming from a Arkansas Pentecostal Convert. Welcome home brother. Thanks for the shout out to Jefferson Davis too. Always glad to hear admiration for our President.
Watching your interview with Matt Frad now. The Fathers of Mercy are great and Fr. Joseph is wonderful! I really can't put words to how happy I am for you!
I love pipe smoking and I love my Catholic faith. I love that you are bringing this part of your life into your channel with pipes. God bless from Ireland.
Welcome home! Im a former Presbyterian pastor, reconciled to the Catholic Church 11 years ago. No regrets! Chesterton was a big help along the way, along with the early church fathers, and John Henry Newman who famously said "to be deep in history is to cease to be protestant." God bless!
May God bless you on this journey. I have recently been reading Chesterton and doing some soul searching. As a Christ follower since 14 and now 55 as a Protestant , I am finding more and more peace and comfort for my soul as I read and study Catholic theology. Joining Pipe Cottage Social pronto. OBTW Mr.Boswell is an absolute gentleman and I wish that last month I could have spent more time with him, I bought 3pipes and a bunch of tobacco there and have loved all of it.
Welcome Home, Dr. Alan! My heart rejoices for you and for every soul that chooses to come into the fullness of Truth, in Christ's Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. May God continue to bless you and strengthen you in your journey! Prayers for you and your wife as you are received into the Church.
I had a similar experience around the time I was getting married. I knew that if we were going to make it we had to have our spiritual life in order. My wife and I had come from a low-church evangelical background, but I didn't think what we were in wasn't going to be strong enough for the times ahead. I found myself drawn towards the more liturgical traditions. We went to all kinds of places around town, various types of Anglicans and Lutherans, not wanting to stray too far from the faith I had received. I'd already had a fair amount of experience with the Catholic mass on account of my long-time friend and business partner. We'd had many conversations over the years where he patiently talked through a lot of the anti-catholic polemics I had been raised with. Finding the various liturgical protestant churches around problematic in one way or another, I felt that we were being pushed to break with the protestant tradition we come from and find a new home in Catholicism or Orthodoxy. For a while, I was thinking about Catholicism, because again, it was still closer to home, and would have been far easier to enter into in many ways. Then there was the whole Pachamama incident and I really felt like it didn't make sense for me to renounce my Protestantism to become Catholic just to complain about the Pope all the time! We joined our local Orthodox community and now my 3-year-old runs around the house singing ancient Christian prayers; a beauty that I am deeply unworthy of. God bless you and keep you and your family on your journey
@@imjustheretogrill9260 not with the Pachamama kind of issue. Moscow and Constantinople are feuding, but nobody thinks the other is heterodox. The same recently with Antioch (Greek) and Jerusalem. Even Antioch (Greek) and Antioch (Syriac) are friendly these days.
Brother, as a fellow pipe smoker and Catholic you have it exactly right. I am so excited for you and your dear wife about coming to the Catholic Faith and your strength and faith in NOT being afraid to talk about our Lord. Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Jesus.
Eastern Orthodox here and happy for your family. I find the Orthodox Liturgy older and richer than a modern mass but we share many things in common. It sounds like you are on the path to truth. 😊
Thanks be to God! I just saw you on Pints with Aquinas. May our Lord continue to draw you and your family closer to Him in the Catholic Church! Glory to Jesus Christ Forever !
I wish you and your family the best on your journey through the RCIA program as you join the catholic faith. May God bless your family on this journey. Best decision I made was re-investigated my roots and living the catholic faith with my wife and children.
I completely agree with you when you said, “Nothing about history, nothing about the present, nothing about my vision of the future makes any sense outside of Christ.” AMEN!!!
God Speed Alan! I look forward to the combination of smoking my pipe and growing closer to God as I watch your future videos. I have spent the last year and a half in daily bible study, and both beginning and ending my days on my knees in prayer. Congrats on your conversion journey and please stay keep us up to date on this journey. Dave
God bless you and your family! Welcome home to the Church! I am a cradle Catholic and I know what you mean that you want more of Jesus. “Our hearts are restless Lord, until they rest in Thee” as St. Augustine says. And I feel that rest when I receive our Lord in the most Holy Eucharist. To say that I am happy for you is an understatement!
I saw you on Pints with Aquinas. WOW. I watched three times! You have a gift! I recently returned to Catholic church (left as a teen for evangelical). It was never enough, never holy enough. Now my husband is in RCIA., And I have friends joining RCIA or are interested because like us, they've had it with the pop up churches who don't talk to each other. It's always "my church" vs. your church. That is not Christ. That is not his design. My husband and I feel like friends if you ever get to Nashville. We will keep you in prayer because I truly believe God has called you to Catholic church for big reasons. We need men like you, on fire and with a gift for sharing. I'm going to subscribe even though I don't smoke pipes.
I was raised Catholic. Grew up in Rochester NY. Bishop Fulton Sheen was our local hero. My grandfathers and grandmothers came from Ireland. Our family has unbelievable roots in the church. Much Irish history is written about it. Jesus is to be loved above All else❤️🔥🙏☘️ Cheers life is neverending. You just gained me as a subscriber👍
My wife I have been attending a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) church for the last 6 years, after attending Presbyterian Churches most of our married life. We were attracted to the beauty of the liturgy in the LCMS. Also because the LCMS is faithful to the inerrancy of scripture. After watching this channel, I am in search of my first pipe; however, there are no good pipe stores in eastern Tennessee where I live. Am looking at some online stores. Thanks for the great videos. Please keep talking about your faith. America is in desperate need of the Savior. I find that many people are confused and stressed by a life without Christ. Christ give humankind meaning, hope, direction and forgiveness for our sins.
Praise God! I'm so happy for you and will pray for you! I converted also once I learned that the Catholic Church is the Church that Jesus started. He is truly Present in the Holy Eucharist!
I joined the Pipe Cottage Social as soon as it was released to the public; that was the first I had ever heard of The Pipe Cottage. Shortly thereafter, to my surprise, I see a video with you and Matt Fradd which spoke of pipe smoking and your conversion. What a pleasant surprise and a blessing indeed! My wife and I have experienced similar pushback from her side of the family as well. Surely you are receiving an outpouring of support and prayer, and you certainly can count upon our prayers as well. Though my family may be of humble means, I do offer my support in any way that you may need; messages, prayers, resources, conversation. God bless you brother and welcome home.
That was beautiful! Welcome! My wife and I and our two sons converted to Catholicism in 2007. Like you, I had tried just about everything else and felt that something was missing. Thank God that through His grace, we found the Church and the Holy Eucharist. I will pray for you and your family as you begin this journey. God bless.
We absolutely CAN talk about this on the Pipe Cottage! Keep it coming please! Praying for you and your family. So happy to see your love and passion for knowing Christ
I was received into the Church this Easter. The most shocking thing I learned over the last year was how not alone I was. I went from losing all my Protestant friends (so all my friends) to feeling completely alone to slowly but surely discovering a new community, and I can honestly say, it has been the best decision of my life, but one I could only ever have made if God drew me. I love my Protestant brothers and sisters (literally, I have 4 siblings 😂) and I want so much to be a light drawing them to a fuller understanding and deeper relationship with Christ.
Respect from France. God bless you. Just bought a pipe days ago so I hope to.learn from you, coz' I start from ground zero. Thanks to Pints with Aquinas for having "known" you today.
Amen brother! Welcome to the family!! ❤ I converted three months ago and it's the greatest blessing that I have received. I'll pray for you and your family! Ps. A word of advice so you don't repeat my mistakes: God needs to be active and loved in all parts of our lives, but not in the same way. Don't burn yourself out by trying to achieve grace filled perfection in all things or trying to go from zero to saint in a week (been there done that). Jesus wants to be our brother and best friend, he wants you to have relaxed downtime with him too, never forget that. I highly recommend checking out soon to be saint Henry Nouwens sermons and books on God's love for us for more on the topic of trusting in Gods love for us sinners 😊
I’m happy for you, not just as a Catholic myself, but for the joy you have regardless. While many view the church as heavy handed and commanding, I’ve found it deeply personal and invested in a relationship with God. Pipe smoking in many ways brought me closer to the church, and it’s been a wonderful aid in conversation and thought.
I tried everything pagan, witchcraft, Baptist, Judaism… But the one true Faith I have found and I will never turn away from is Traditional Catholic Faith! God Bless you.
Brother.... Welcome home to the Catholic Church!! Once you come to know Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, you will know why you haven't been been satisfied anywhere else. I could never leave the Catholic Church because of the Eucharist and my heart would not let me. I will pray for you and your journey to Catholicism!
Fantastic news! This was one of your best videos: humble, honest, vulnerable. I’m glad the Lord has led you to the Catholic Church. I can’t recommend daily prayers of the Rosary enough - it has been a great boon to me in my own growth. I look forward to your future content!
Glory to God! Thats beautiful and welcome to the Church. I came back to catholicism with my wife (she was raised methodist) a few years ago and am so happy to participate in Christs worship at the mass! I am so excited for you and your family. I'll pray for you sir
I follow & love your channel Alan, at 67, I've been a pipe smoker & guitar & banjo player for years. They just seem to go together, I also share your love of history, for me, especially WWII, but the Civil War as well. I will continue to follow your channel with joy, but cannot understand your choice, as the Christian Leader of your family.. Before you or anyone else jumps, allow me to explain. I now live in N.W. Arkansas with my family and I love it, but was raised in old Southern California when we had low taxes and our home in Garden Grove was surrounded by farms, orange groves and strawberry fields. It was heaven on earth. My Dad, who, as a Captain in WWII, was captured in the Battel of the Bulge (Ardennes Offensive) ran his brood with an iron hand. He brought up his 7 boys and one girl in the strictest Catholic ways. Then one day, on our way home from Church, as a teenager I vividly recall seeing this giant tent, this was the beginnings of Calvary Chapel (Jesus Revolution!!), I recall my Dad saying, I'd rather you worship the devil then going to a place like that, BUT I WAS 18??? And so; of course, I started attending the church of Chuck Smith, one of the greatest Bible Teachers of his generation. I WAS going to and was accepted into the Catholic Seminary as a priest. I learned that I DID love the Dogma and traditions of the Catholic Church, its ways give you a solid feeling, one of faith & belonging, but I was NEVER going to learn about HIS word, since they only taught out of the Catholic Missal. I wanted to be fed, I tried other churches, but I knew I found a home with Calvary Chapel & Chuck Smith. My two sons became leaders in the church and it was reflected in their schooling, my oldest graduated 3rd in Orange County and my youngest, the next year, 7th. They are both great sons, husbands & fathers. You are obviously a very good man, husband and father and someday you will face the Lord as THAT LEADER of your family. The reasons WE left (My wife was also a strict Catholic) was we were never tested in the church, never grew & we believe in Fire & Brimstone, but also a loving & forgiving God who gave his only Son FOR ME! Today, we only have seeker friendly churches that don't or won't teach about the wages of sin. I cannot believe that God wanted me to confess my sins to a man and be punished with a prayer, a rosary or act of contrition?! The Pope today tells us the sins of the flesh is no big deal and Saints, you and I are saints according to Jesus. Finally, the Catholic Church rests their case on being the ONE TRUE church based on when Jesus said, on this rock I will build my church. Jesus, in my opinion and many others believe that when Jesus asked Peter who he thought he was, Peter replied, you are the Christ, the son of God and Jesus replied, "upon this truth, I will build my church". It was that Rock of Truth.... I wish you well in your endeavors in the Catholic Church Alan, there really are some good bible teaching Catholic Churches, I pray you have found one. By the way, my best friend from 7th grade is a Catholic Pastor in California, we have some great arguments, but has allowed that his church is going thru some changes that he cannot agree with. Good luck and many blessings to you....
God bless you and your wife, Alan! It is beautiful to learn of your conversion to the Catholic Faith and your great love for Our Lord and His Church. Thank you very much for sharing that conversion, and that love, with your audience.
Welcome home Brother. I will be praying for you and your family. I am new to you and your channel but a cradle Catholic and long time pipe smoker. I contemplated this episode after morning Mass while smoking a Dunhill 2110 stuffed with GLP Westminster. I, like you, have no time for beige or lukewarm Christianity/Catholicism. Thank you for a haven that brings faith, pipe smoking and true masculinity together 🙏⛪️💪🏼
I too am converting to catholicism. And your interview with Matt Fradd brought me to your channel. My wife views all tobacco use to be the equivalent of smoking cigarettes, so until that changes I won't be checking out pipe smoking.
Hey brother, welcome home! Started life as a Presbyterian, then basically unchurched (but still believing), then an Episcopalian, and now happily a Catholic (entered full communion at the Easter Vigil in 2007). Since becoming Catholic, every line of Scripture hits harder and is more rich to me, and nothing beats being able to receive our Blessed Lord - body, blood, soul, and divinity - in the Eucharist. Talk about a personal relationship with Jesus! Just found your channel and just started watching this video. You're in for a lifetime of exploring the deep and beautiful depths of the Church and I will pray for you. If you ever want suggestions of good books or podcasts or anything, I'd be happy to help. So very happy for you! God bless you always, and thanks for letting me know about the expert pipe maker in PA! I'll have to check them out my next trip out to Gettysburg (one of my favorite places).
Great video. I am a convert to the Roman Catholic (since 1992) church myself, Ilove being Catholic, This where God wants me to be, I keep praying and smilinf for my Protestant friends. I have a 1st cousin who Has a doctorate from the Southester Baptist Seminary in the DFW area. We love each other and even discuss Mary. I pointed out to him that the 1st Baptist church of Longview, TX. has a pictore of Mary over teh entrance into the main santuary. I was so surprise to hear them reciting scripture passgaes out of the New Testament as the preist prepared the congregation for the real last supper with bread and wine that is transformed into the blood and body of Christ. I know you will feel and see the transformation of this in your journey. My wife Marilyn got me into the Catholic church. This is both of ours second marriage. God Bless you on your journey and may God's Love protect us all. Your right all that matters is Jesus and finally we must all as Christians love all of each other no matter wherre we are or who isin our prsence, because where we are Jesus Christ is there always and always forever. Love you brother.
So glad to hear you’ll be converting to the Catholic Faith! One convert to another, I cannot commend you too strongly. It’s the greatest decision I ever made. I also advise you to, in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes, be enrolled in the brown scapular and pray the Rosary every day.
Welcome home to the Catholic Church, and may our Lord bless you and your family on this spiritual journey. Jesus longs to share his life with you and the whole world through the Eucharist. You are in my prayers!
Welcome home. I’m watching this after having seen your long form interview with Matt Fradd on Pints With Aquinas. I’m a Catholic who attends the Traditional Latin Mass in Australia and a fellow pipe smoker. There’s a coffee company called “Dog and Gun” whose coffee matches perfectly with the both Burley and Virginian blends I’ve been smoking lately. If you’re ever down under I’d love to enjoy a bowl or two with you.
12/14/23 Your zeal and genuineness is a breath of fresh air. Welcome to the Catholic faith! It will be a journey like no other! If you have not tried tradition and the Latin mass it's a must ,it will take you back in time and you'll find what you're really looking for. Enjoy! God bless! Wayne
Amen, Alan. It’s amazing how God has put you into my life through UA-cam. I cannot even begin to tell you what a profound effect your story is having on me, from Catholicism to pipes. I have been enjoying Pipe Social tremendously also. Thank you for driving out into the woods and outdoors so we can drink up those nature sounds. Even that is exceedingly peaceful.
When I worked for a grocery store I would always get the "I'm sorry to see you working on Sunday (holiday". Many of us would reply "If we did you wouldn't be able to get your groceries". At that point they get flustered for that thought.
Welcome home! 🙌 I went from being a Goddess-worshipping neo-Pagan progressive liberal to a Catholic and Conservative in less than a year after a very brief stint in nondenominational evangelicalism. I was baptized and confirmed into the Church 2.5 years ago and I am now sponsoring someone else to come into the Church. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. God Bless you and yours! 💛
Wow! What an incredible journey! May Christ bless you dearly!!
Hello sister, my path is similar also. I was a leftist secular Canadian that hated religion. Bought a Bible to debunk it. It debunked me. Now Catholic. All this in a very short amount of time.
I'll pray for you, God bless you.
@FlyingGospel That’s amazing! 🙌 I will pray for you as well. 🙏
BEautiful. Praise God for your journey@@FlyingGospel
Converts are SUCH a gift to the Church. Praise God for your journey. I absolutely LOVE that you are already sponsoring someone else. Your past and new witness with help many. God bless!
“In Catholicism, the pipe, the pint, and the Cross can all fit together.” -GK Chesterton
Terrific. I am Orthodox and am so happy to see another Christian speaking up and using his platform for good. God be with you. Glory to God.
Same. I'm only here because he went on PWA. I'm good with anything he wants to ramble about though. But if people are firm in their atheism as well as interested in our guy here, and consider him a sort of friend, they wouldn't be offended by his content.
I’m a born and raised Catholic and just watched you on Pints with Aquinas. I’m praying for you and your family and a new follower. Welcome home! Not a pipe smoker but have passed your channel to several family members and I like the smell of them.
I am a Catholic Deacon, I am so happy for you. I will be praying for you and your family. I think it would be wonderful to smoke our pipes and contemplate and discuss our faith. I would join you. God Bless You Brother.
Amen brother! I was raised Protestant, went to four years of Bible college to become a pastor, then converted to Catholicism when I was 30. That was almost 2 decades ago. If you want a personal relationship with Jesus Christ there’s no better place than in the Catholic Church. What is more personal than receiving Christ’s body, blood, soul and divinity at every mass? Welcome home brother!
sounds like an interesting story!
Outstanding ! My wife and I converted to Catholicism about 15 years ago, it’s been the most important decision of my life. God Bless you and may our Lady keep you
I mean no disrespect in asking, I truly want a honest discussion, and learn. But what I would like to know about Catholicism is praying to Mary. Or, what do mean by “may our Lady keep you” ? When Jesus taught us to pray in Mathew 6:5-14 I see no mention of praying to Mary. Where does scripture show Mary as a deity that should be prayed to? Couple of many questions I have.
@@jacobmccall110 Mary is not a diety. The practice of asking for intercession to the departed are chiefly seen in two scriptural locations that Protestants accept. Namely, scripture shows that the Israelites went to the tomb of Rachel and prayed for her intercession in the OT. This is not shown as a bad thing. Secondly, in revelation we see the saints in heaven offering up the prayers of the faithful to God.
You see intercession of saints from the beginning in the mainstream orthodox early church. Since Christians in heaven are alive we ask them for prayers just as we ask other Christian’s on earth. The prayers of a righteous man availeth much so the prayers of those perfected in heaven are more efficacious than any human on earth.
Additionally, we know that heaven is not equal. Those in heaven are distinguished by honor and authority based on our Lord’s own words in the Gosple, the honor of the procession in Heaven in Revelation (there is a lot in revelation that impacts Catholic liturgy and worship customs), and Paul’s comments on the rewards of heaven. Therefore, based on what Catholics believe about Mary as the greatest and holiest of all creatures, though lower than a speck of dust compared to God, we ask for her intercession most chiefly. No one has more efficacious prayers to Christ than Mary. Christ then is our sole intercession between God and man. All prayers, even through saints are to God through Christ.
Mary's importance and role in salvation history is greater than your Protestant mind can possibly comprehend. I blame it on ignorance, there's a systematic brainwashing and unfounded hatred that most Protestant sects seem to have for Our Blessed Mother.
Mary is the Mother of Christ! That alone should give you pause to contemplate Her dignity. She is the bearer of the Son of God! Asking Mary for intercessory prayers takes nothing away from Christ. On the contrary. Mary is the first and perfect Apostle, the first to say "do whatever He tells you". Jesus was not ready to perform His first public miracle, "His time had not yet come", but accedes to performing the miracle because His Mother asked. We read in scripture that the prayers of a righteous man availeth much, how much more is this true of the Mother of God? Why wouldn't we ask for Her intercessory prayers?
Our Lady has a fundamental role in Christianity. She ALWAYS has and always will. It is only after the Protestant revolt, that the hatred for Mary became a thing.
Read the early Church Fathers. Understanding the Communion of Saints is key.
The Church that Christ founded is over 2,000 years old. The Christian Faith did not commence 500 yrs ago with the HERETICAL priest, Martin Luther or with Henry VIII. There is so much Protestants have been robbed of, and it's heartbreaking!
Satan is the only one who benefits from the division, hatred, and animosity Protestants have towards the Catholic Faith. May God bless you and Our Blessed Mother keep you.
Yes, you have a Mother in Heaven who loves you even if you don't see or accept Her as such. As adopted sons of God, Jesus is our brother and Mary is Our Mother.
Study Church history, the early Church Fathers, convert testimonies, (The Coming Home Network here on YT is a good place to start), and Truth will be revealed to you. 🙏
❤❤❤❤
@@jacobmccall110what do you think praying to Mary means?
I'm a convert. Raised Southern Baptist. Anglican in the ACNA for about 4 years. Then became Catholic in 2019 at 31 years old. Picked up the pipe in 2020. Saw you on Pints with Aquinas. One of my favorite episodes. And I enjoy the Country Squire, currently have 5 of their blends in mason jars. Just smoked Hunting Creek tonight. God bless you and your family.
I was also raised Southern Baptist. Spent a long time nondenominational. Was Anglican in the AMiA for about 3 years. Just became Catholic this Easter! I'm so thankful for our Lord's gentle guidance and love.
Irishman here, raised Catholic but left it all during college.
In the past 12+ months ive found Christ again and more recently moved back to the Church. Slowly.
During these same 12 months, (funny enough) ive noticed pipes more.
In June my brother got me my first pipe for my birthday and I started watching the Pipe Cottage.
Alan, Christ is guiding you.
God bless you, your courage and your family.
I look forward to watching this channel evolve.
Take care. God bless.
Are you living in Ireland? I’ve found Pipe smoking is a little inaccessible over there, or at least getting tobacco outside of the 10 blends or so they sell at Peterson’s (they don’t even sell there own blends due to the eu restrictions) and the only other pipe store in the country down the street. Just wondering how you managing (and ranting a little)
@@guy819 yeah that's pretty much the jist. I was very surprised when I noticed this as a new pipe smoker. I was shocked when I went into the Peterson store.
Unfortunately, government regulations have made it very difficult so options are limited to say the least.
The Irish government is a nanny State and do not like tobacco.
Thankfully, I have friends in Northern Ireland and England who keep me stocked.
That's my only way to get the quality pipe tobacco (outside of Foxes) as UK and EU tobacconists can't ship to Ireland.
some churches can be quite abusive, I've since become a Roaming Catholic Pagan. Go to Church a gain? I will yea
me too, brother. college is littered with spiritual pitfalls. keep up the good work.
Christ never left you 😊
That's incredible Alan, we're on this journey together, I myself am starting catechism classes through RCIA, raised pentecostal now at almost 40 I've found the historic apostolic church and I'm pursuing God deeper than ever before. God bless not only you and yours but your journey as well,
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Praise God for your journey. God bless you.
We are praying for you and your family.
As my mother lays dying in Hospice, on this eve of the eve of Nativity of Mary and the
Feast of Our Lady of Charity, I am so grateful for her early Catechesis to me and my brothers.
As a revert to the Church, your words give me solace in this time of sorrow.
I needed to hear this on this day. Thank you.
Viva Christo Rey!!!
Prayers lifted for the repose of your mother. Courageous suffering begets fierce joy. Kkxpax.
Fellow pipe smoker and converted Catholic here. Used to be an atheist for decades.
My entire interest in religion began 5 years ago, as soon as I had found the pipe smoking world.
So many things about pipe smoking brought me to a whole search for 'all things old school' (for the lack of a better term). It didn't take long until I found out about Chesterton, the Church Fathers and so on.
It's interesting to notice how Our Lord Jesus, in His infinite wisdom has used (directly or indirectly) the pipe, a simple neutral artifact, as a tool to bring people back to His Church. I've seen it happen with a few people already.
Congratulations for your decision, may God bless you on your path. God is indeed great.
Warm regards from Brazil.
Edit: forgot to mention.
Chesterton said once: In Catholicism, the pint, the pipe, and the cross can all fit together.
@@andygardner9219 Dude, not a cool way to introduce your concerns. If you are concerned about where someone is going in their Theology you may not want to start by calling them a pedoph---
@@andygardner9219You mean homosexuals parading as priests. Homosexuals make up 60 percent of pedophiles.
@@jasonthayer762Is that what I said? Or, did I even imply that the gentleman in the video was a importuner? I merely stated established facts, that Catholic priests ( important distinction) have “form” for that behaviour. I await your apology. Thanks.
@@andygardner9219if anyone should be sorry it should be you
🏆 great quote by Chesterton
Congratulations! I’m an Orthodox Christian who has a love for my Catholic brothers and sisters. Wish you and yours all the best in your conversion.
God bless you brother. I’ve just converted to the Catholic Church from a Protestant background. Your statement “I want more of who Christ is” struck such a chord. I believe Jesus slowly brings us to him as our hearts are ready, it took me a while and now I’m here too.
Don’t be ashamed of reading scripture, you’re a wonderful man of god and an inspiration to others (myself included).
The Eucharist is such a revelation to me, I can’t get enough, they have THE BODY OF CHRIST at the Catholic Church. It’s mind blowing. Thanks be to God for finding this lost sheep and bringing me home.
Keep up the content and keep the journey. I’m a long time follower of your channel and I’ll be praying for you and your wife and family as you go through the rcia process.
Trust in the Lord. Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7-8
One recommendation if you’ll allow me, Keith Nesters book, the converts guide to Roman Catholicism - for your first year in the church. This is such a fantastic resource and helped me understand so much about what’s going on at mass.
If you need anything, I’d love to help but you can count on my prayers.
God bless you brother.
Welcome home, David! We shall kill the fat calf and make merry with you!
Being a Catholic since I was born and being one of your piping friends, I am so proud of you and wish you and your family a great Sunday, we'll pray for all of you from Portugal.
Fantastic video. I'm Catholic. I also dabbled in other churches and I kept coming back to the Catholic Church. Please keep this great content coming. Live out your God given purpose and passions for Christ, pipe, tradition, and history. You're checking off all the boxes for me. It takes a strong man to live out his God given purpose. I applaud you for doing so. Thanks for all you do
I was born and raised Catholic but attended a Baptist highschool due to lack of decent local options here in rural upstate NY. Between my peers and my wonderful teachers I had the opportunity to engage in many pleasant theological conversations which caused me to examine my own faith more closely and to challenge to and the beliefs I was brought up with. This challenge caused me to look at myself and my faith with a more critical eye, which in the end only served to bolster my Catholic faith all the more and to appreciate the beauty and the truth in it. I find that smoking a pipe lends well to the necessity of silent contemplation that is so vital in a Catholic's life.
From a fellow pipe-smoking Catholic husband and father, God bless you and your family, Alan.
You are on the right track, Alan. Don't get sidetracked. We are nothing without Christ.
Amen!!!!
I’m so happy to hear your love for the Catholic Church and from the bottom of my Catholic heart, welcome!!!!
@@andygardner9219Statistically, teachers and rabbis are far worse. But you don't care about that. You leftists love pederasty. I would root them all out and deal with them correctly. And their enablers. People who advocate for schools to teach children about sodomy for example.
As a former protestant myself and a Devout Roman CATHOLIC for 32 years, welcome home Brother, ill be praying a Rosary for you and your family. Thank you for sharing...GOD Bless you and your family...
Wonderful news! Welcome home to the Catholic Church. I am a former pentecostal pastor and missionary that became Catholic in 2015. Best decision I have ever made.
Just found you through Pints with Aquinas! Im also going through the process of learning about the Catholic faith and it’s overwhelming but I’m committed to seeking truth. Im also from the south (Texas) and converting from Protestantism is no small thing down here. Pray for my family.
Which episode was it? I would love to see it.
Have you purchased a Catechism of the CAtholic church yet? That might be the most straightforward introduction. I'm currently listening to it in podcast for with Fr. Mike Schmitz
It was a great episode. @@echosr2139
You will be a a stronger Catholic because you will have to defend your faith.
@@echosr2139it was a live episode. It was beautiful, intelligent and wholesome! Loved it!
Wow, this is truly amazing. I'm an Eastern Catholic, so Eastern Orthodox in theology and liturgy but in communion with the Catholic Church. God is working in your life and I will be praying for you, brother. My only advice, and I'm sure you're aware of this given your background, is to avoid church politics. That's a quick way to lose heart and fall away from the path. The Church is perfect in her doctrine and worship as the bride of Christ. However, humans who are in the church are very far from perfect. Godspeed Dr. Harrelson, be assured of my prayers.
I was raised reformed Baptist and joined the Catholic Church two years ago. Glory to God.
No idea why but I am seeing a lot of pipe-Catholic stuff in the last week being recommended to me. May God bless you and your family.
One caution, not that you fall into this but I certainly did. My conversion was largely academic and what I read did not align with the aesthetic realities I found in my local parish. We must remember that we aren’t following aesthetics but truth.
The church is in crisis and we are in difficult times. However, no serious study of scripture or History allows another option.
Just my .02 from my own conversion.
The Eucharist will sustain you.
Amen, there's a great deal of spiritual poverty when it comes to the celebration of the liturgy today in many parishes, it's tough, but the Eucharist is our greatest spiritual wealth, the real presence of Christ Himself.
We're a Church of sinners and often miss the mark, don't let scandals tear you away from truth. You're on a good and blessed path Alan. You'll be in my prayers.
Exciting news! Let me know if you have any questions that you'd like to have answered! -Kyle
Welcome to your family. I’m newer to your channel and I am attracted to your passion for pipe smoking, culture, our country and your faith. I would follow your channel whether you converted or not. Though as Catholic priest myself I’m honored to continue to follow your channel. I know you come to the Catholic faith out of true seeking and love. Thank you for encouraging me in my faith.
JMJ,
Father Brian Lehnert (Paterbrian)
Your recent video expressing your intention to join the Catholic Church gave me so much joy. I am a catholic priest and I will offer the Holy Mass for your journey to the Faith. You have been given the grace of humily and wisdom and we thank the Lord for your contribution in the pipe community.
I would encourage you to read the books of Bishop Robert Baron and watch the videos of Bishop Tyler of Texas. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and don't be discouraged if you encounter hurdles along the way. We are here to pray for you and your family.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you peace. 🙏
Praise the Lord for He is good, for His Love endures forever!
Wow! What an honor for them
Hey brother!
I'm from the Russian orthodox church and I also can't breathe without Jesus.
God bless you!
Outstanding presentation! I am Catholic but have not practice for some years. I have recently found your channel, as I have rekindled my interest in pipe smoking. Now you have rekindled my interest in my faith. Thank You. Please continue your honorable work.
Praying for you, my friend in Christ!
Amazing! May I recommend a fantastic Catholic documentary about Archbishop Lefebvre to you? Just search "Archbishop Lefebvre documentary" here on UA-cam..it's a free documentary and it's life changing.
I'm not the only Orthodox priest in this community, and far from the only Orthodox Christian.
Man, every Christian should have a mouth full of Psalms, a heart full of the Gospel, and a head full of the teaching of the Apostles and Fathers. Out of that store he will bring forth treasures old and new.
Study hard! The reward is everlasting if we live what we learn thereby.
I was raised Catholic and started going to church with my Grandparents at age 19 they are (were) Greek immigrants and Greek Orthodox, converted shortly after, have nothing but good to say about Catholicism and hope we are brought back together in my lifetime, but not with Francis! Cheers!
@@gcpoulides Amen. Copts, Orthodox, and Catholics are but cousins who are completely fine with each other as long as politics aren't brought up at the dinner table. Lord have mercy.
Orthodox is the one that speaks to me but it is hard to find a lot of information about it
@@AllofJudea I highly encourage the youtube channel Bible illustrated. He's a Serbian Orthodox reader who makes a lot of informative videos on Orthodoxy.
Otherwise the absolute best thing is to reach out to the most local church and speak the the priest so he can answer any questions you have.
@@Colmcille_ thanks!
Welcome Home! I am so excited to hear this!
You have been so close to Catholicism with your thinking for so long [Authentically Christian]. Been praying periodically for you to find your way home. I am overjoyed that you have! I figured you would think your way in.
I will now pray that there can be reconciliation with your family. Will be praying your parents can come home soon too. God's Providence is complete. So glad to have you here. Praying you bring others here too.
I am a relatively recent Catholic convert and hearing this warms my soul, and I couldn't think of a better combination of discussion than quality tobacco and the Lord.
When the naysayers appear to denounce the content or your conversion, remember....Vir pius sacrificat.
Amen
Dutiful men sacrifice...? Little help please
@@thomasmoos2729
A dutiful man sacrifices. Dutiful men sacrifice would be viri pii sacrificant.
I was baptized Catholic and not practicing for many years. After trying many other paths I came home. There is a deep love in my heart for the church that is hard to explain.
I just watched your interview on Pints with Aquinas. Welcome home, brother! I recently picked up pipe smoking, at 36 years of age, as a past time to sit and think and pray. I had watched some of your videos on your channel before and enjoy your content very much. I am a subscriber to your channel now. I hope to pray for you and your family’s continued welcoming into the One, Holy, and Apostolic Church, with pipe in hand. I say this with no malice towards any other Christian denomination. Ad Jesum Per Mariam! Pax Christi - Kyle
New concert to Catholicism as well. Keep up with the faith and keep sharing. Also looking into pipe smoking as well, you’re videos gave me a great place to start
Thank you, Mr. Harrelson, for this personal testimony of God's love and goodness. It is a joy to hear someone talking about the MOST important thing in life without being afraid, and to see the deep happiness you draw from your relationship with Jesus. God bless you and your family.
Thank you for sharing. I'm also on the brink on converting myself. Love to hear more on your journey into catholicism. Best wishes from Norway. 🇧🇻
Praying for you, my friend.
Don’t do it!!!!!!!
Amazing! May God's grace help you!
@@andygardner9219I bet everyone loves you at parties.
@@robertzehmI get by, thank you. People trust me because I’m an adult, without having an invisible friend. Not like those of a religious bent.
Please keep the content coming brother! Just turned 30 this year and I made my conversion to Catholicism. My family is Baptist, but for so long I’ve sought for more and have found it within the one Universal Catholic Church. Thank you for spreading the Gospel in Boldness. Prayers up for you and your family 🙏
Praise the Lord! This made my day! As a pipe smoking convert to Catholicism (27 years ago), I would like to welcome you home. I totally get the hard choice but only choice. If you are truly seeking Truth, there is no other choice, but it is a life altering step that can be challenging.
I found Him while attending a traditional Latin mass. One mass is all it took for me to realize “this is it”. It felt raw and unadulterated. It just felt right.
My connection to Christ has never been stronger.
Btw your podcast on Pints w Aquinas was great. It was a fun introduction to pipes.
This video was great and a lot of what you were saying resonated w me. We have to try our best to walk like Jesus EVERYDAY not just on Sunday. God bless!
You got a new subscriber here. I’ll hang around especially if you plan on incorporating faith.
That’s where we went wrong in this country, we stopped putting faith 1st.
Seeing the excitement and peace in your face as you were speaking was inspiring. Being Catholic is Awesome!! May God guide and bless you and your family.
As I too am a pipe enthusiasts and a very proud convert to the Catholic Church let me please say to you my brother in Christ "Welcome Home"! I experienced all of those beautiful things you are finding now in the church and I too experienced the same judgment from family and friends being from the Pentecostal protestant upbringing and no you can't make them understand what you are feeling or justify your case for your journey with Christ but love them and pray for them despite their actions towards you and pray that they might find what you and your family have found in Jesus's Church! Im am so excited and happy for you my friend!
Welcome home, sir. I converted from the PCA denomination 3 years ago. You won’t be disappointed. Greatest thing that has ever happened in my life, and yes, it’s the only decision.
Now, I may yet become a pipe convert. God bless you, sir!
Congratulations. I'm a former non denom pastor. Came into the Church kicking and screaming due to all the failures of so many of the leaders of the Church Militant, but I need the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus we receive in the Eucharist.
Never stop talking about your faith. God bless you.
YES!!! So excited for you and your family!! My wife and I along with our kids converted to Catholicism this year after growing up protestant. Thank you for sharing the journey!!! And thank you for the content you create!!
Beautiful! Praise God. Your family is such a gift to the Church.
@@bluecomb5376 Thank you!!!
Hi Allan, I am Jewish (grew up orthodox) in Brooklyn NY and married to a black woman. I absolutely agree with everything you say, Alan, and very much subscribe to your philosophy. You got me into smoking pipes and now would love to move to Kentucky and live the rural life. I am hoping you and I can meet someday and become friends. You speak to my soul.
Saw you on Pints With Aquinas! Love your channel so far. Welcome Home!!!!
I saw your interview with Matt Fradd. All I can say, Welcome home brother! May God bless you and your beautiful Family ❤🎉
You have gained a subscriber because of the way you speak about your faith journey. I am a Catholic and will be a sponsor for the first time this year. Im so excited for you and your family. Not a pipe smoker btw.
I've been subscribed to you for awhile and as a fellow Catholic, I am so happy for you! God bless
Saw your interview with Matt Fradd. Welcome to the Catholic Church, coming from a Arkansas Pentecostal Convert. Welcome home brother. Thanks for the shout out to Jefferson Davis too. Always glad to hear admiration for our President.
Watching your interview with Matt Frad now. The Fathers of Mercy are great and Fr. Joseph is wonderful! I really can't put words to how happy I am for you!
I love pipe smoking and I love my Catholic faith. I love that you are bringing this part of your life into your channel with pipes. God bless from Ireland.
Welcome home! Im a former Presbyterian pastor, reconciled to the Catholic Church 11 years ago. No regrets! Chesterton was a big help along the way, along with the early church fathers, and John Henry Newman who famously said "to be deep in history is to cease to be protestant." God bless!
May God bless you on this journey. I have recently been reading Chesterton and doing some soul searching. As a Christ follower since 14 and now 55 as a Protestant , I am finding more and more peace and comfort for my soul as I read and study Catholic theology. Joining Pipe Cottage Social pronto. OBTW Mr.Boswell is an absolute gentleman and I wish that last month I could have spent more time with him, I bought 3pipes and a bunch of tobacco there and have loved all of it.
May God bless you in your continued pursuit of the Truth.
What are you reading and studying?
Welcome Home, Dr. Alan! My heart rejoices for you and for every soul that chooses to come into the fullness of Truth, in Christ's Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. May God continue to bless you and strengthen you in your journey! Prayers for you and your wife as you are received into the Church.
I had a similar experience around the time I was getting married. I knew that if we were going to make it we had to have our spiritual life in order. My wife and I had come from a low-church evangelical background, but I didn't think what we were in wasn't going to be strong enough for the times ahead. I found myself drawn towards the more liturgical traditions. We went to all kinds of places around town, various types of Anglicans and Lutherans, not wanting to stray too far from the faith I had received. I'd already had a fair amount of experience with the Catholic mass on account of my long-time friend and business partner. We'd had many conversations over the years where he patiently talked through a lot of the anti-catholic polemics I had been raised with. Finding the various liturgical protestant churches around problematic in one way or another, I felt that we were being pushed to break with the protestant tradition we come from and find a new home in Catholicism or Orthodoxy. For a while, I was thinking about Catholicism, because again, it was still closer to home, and would have been far easier to enter into in many ways. Then there was the whole Pachamama incident and I really felt like it didn't make sense for me to renounce my Protestantism to become Catholic just to complain about the Pope all the time! We joined our local Orthodox community and now my 3-year-old runs around the house singing ancient Christian prayers; a beauty that I am deeply unworthy of. God bless you and keep you and your family on your journey
❤☦️
Don’t the same issues exist in Orthodoxy though?
I mean, I obviously don't think so, but I suppose I don't know precicly what you mean.
@@imjustheretogrill9260 not with the Pachamama kind of issue. Moscow and Constantinople are feuding, but nobody thinks the other is heterodox. The same recently with Antioch (Greek) and Jerusalem.
Even Antioch (Greek) and Antioch (Syriac) are friendly these days.
Brother, as a fellow pipe smoker and Catholic you have it exactly right. I am so excited for you and your dear wife about coming to the Catholic Faith and your strength and faith in NOT being afraid to talk about our Lord. Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Jesus.
Eastern Orthodox here and happy for your family. I find the Orthodox Liturgy older and richer than a modern mass but we share many things in common. It sounds like you are on the path to truth. 😊
Thanks be to God! I just saw you on Pints with Aquinas. May our Lord continue to draw you and your family closer to Him in the Catholic Church! Glory to Jesus Christ Forever !
I wish you and your family the best on your journey through the RCIA program as you join the catholic faith. May God bless your family on this journey. Best decision I made was re-investigated my roots and living the catholic faith with my wife and children.
I completely agree with you when you said, “Nothing about history, nothing about the present, nothing about my vision of the future makes any sense outside of Christ.” AMEN!!!
God Speed Alan! I look forward to the combination of smoking my pipe and growing closer to God as I watch your future videos. I have spent the last year and a half in daily bible study, and both beginning and ending my days on my knees in prayer. Congrats on your conversion journey and please stay keep us up to date on this journey. Dave
God bless you and your family! Welcome home to the Church!
I am a cradle Catholic and I know what you mean that you want more of Jesus.
“Our hearts are restless Lord, until they rest in Thee” as St. Augustine says. And I feel that rest when I receive our Lord in the most Holy Eucharist.
To say that I am happy for you is an understatement!
I saw you on Pints with Aquinas. WOW. I watched three times! You have a gift! I recently returned to Catholic church (left as a teen for evangelical). It was never enough, never holy enough. Now my husband is in RCIA., And I have friends joining RCIA or are interested because like us, they've had it with the pop up churches who don't talk to each other. It's always "my church" vs. your church. That is not Christ. That is not his design. My husband and I feel like friends if you ever get to Nashville. We will keep you in prayer because I truly believe God has called you to Catholic church for big reasons. We need men like you, on fire and with a gift for sharing. I'm going to subscribe even though I don't smoke pipes.
Praise God! I’m so thankful to God for your conversion to Catholicism. I have been a Catholic for 3 years now.
I was raised Catholic. Grew up in Rochester NY. Bishop Fulton Sheen was our local hero. My grandfathers and grandmothers came from Ireland. Our family has unbelievable roots in the church. Much Irish history is written about it. Jesus is to be loved above All else❤️🔥🙏☘️ Cheers life is neverending. You just gained me as a subscriber👍
My wife I have been attending a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) church for the last 6 years, after attending Presbyterian Churches most of our married life. We were attracted to the beauty of the liturgy in the LCMS. Also because the LCMS is faithful to the inerrancy of scripture. After watching this channel, I am in search of my first pipe; however, there are no good pipe stores in eastern Tennessee where I live. Am looking at some online stores. Thanks for the great videos. Please keep talking about your faith. America is in desperate need of the Savior. I find that many people are confused and stressed by a life without Christ. Christ give humankind meaning, hope, direction and forgiveness for our sins.
Praise God! I'm so happy for you and will pray for you! I converted also once I learned that the Catholic Church is the Church that Jesus started. He is truly Present in the Holy Eucharist!
I joined the Pipe Cottage Social as soon as it was released to the public; that was the first I had ever heard of The Pipe Cottage. Shortly thereafter, to my surprise, I see a video with you and Matt Fradd which spoke of pipe smoking and your conversion. What a pleasant surprise and a blessing indeed! My wife and I have experienced similar pushback from her side of the family as well. Surely you are receiving an outpouring of support and prayer, and you certainly can count upon our prayers as well. Though my family may be of humble means, I do offer my support in any way that you may need; messages, prayers, resources, conversation. God bless you brother and welcome home.
That was beautiful! Welcome! My wife and I and our two sons converted to Catholicism in 2007. Like you, I had tried just about everything else and felt that something was missing. Thank God that through His grace, we found the Church and the Holy Eucharist. I will pray for you and your family as you begin this journey. God bless.
We absolutely CAN talk about this on the Pipe Cottage! Keep it coming please! Praying for you and your family. So happy to see your love and passion for knowing Christ
I was received into the Church this Easter. The most shocking thing I learned over the last year was how not alone I was. I went from losing all my Protestant friends (so all my friends) to feeling completely alone to slowly but surely discovering a new community, and I can honestly say, it has been the best decision of my life, but one I could only ever have made if God drew me. I love my Protestant brothers and sisters (literally, I have 4 siblings 😂) and I want so much to be a light drawing them to a fuller understanding and deeper relationship with Christ.
Welcome home, brother. I returned home after 35 years. God be with you!
Respect from France. God bless you. Just bought a pipe days ago so I hope to.learn from you, coz' I start from ground zero. Thanks to Pints with Aquinas for having "known" you today.
I was raised Protestant, just like yourself. I just came into the Catholic Church this past Easter. My family is still Protestant. Praying for you!
Me too! I was confirmed this past Easter to and am the only Catholic in my Protestant family.
Praise God for your journey and witness.
It is hard to come out as a Catholic! But I agree, there is no other way to go. Welcome home in December! I truly appreciate your videos about faith.
Amen brother! Welcome to the family!! ❤ I converted three months ago and it's the greatest blessing that I have received. I'll pray for you and your family!
Ps. A word of advice so you don't repeat my mistakes: God needs to be active and loved in all parts of our lives, but not in the same way. Don't burn yourself out by trying to achieve grace filled perfection in all things or trying to go from zero to saint in a week (been there done that). Jesus wants to be our brother and best friend, he wants you to have relaxed downtime with him too, never forget that.
I highly recommend checking out soon to be saint Henry Nouwens sermons and books on God's love for us for more on the topic of trusting in Gods love for us sinners 😊
I’m happy for you, not just as a Catholic myself, but for the joy you have regardless. While many view the church as heavy handed and commanding, I’ve found it deeply personal and invested in a relationship with God. Pipe smoking in many ways brought me closer to the church, and it’s been a wonderful aid in conversation and thought.
I tried everything pagan, witchcraft, Baptist, Judaism… But the one true Faith I have found and I will never turn away from is Traditional Catholic Faith! God Bless you.
Brother.... Welcome home to the Catholic Church!! Once you come to know Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, you will know why you haven't been been satisfied anywhere else. I could never leave the Catholic Church because of the Eucharist and my heart would not let me.
I will pray for you and your journey to Catholicism!
Fantastic news! This was one of your best videos: humble, honest, vulnerable. I’m glad the Lord has led you to the Catholic Church. I can’t recommend daily prayers of the Rosary enough - it has been a great boon to me in my own growth. I look forward to your future content!
Glory to God! Thats beautiful and welcome to the Church. I came back to catholicism with my wife (she was raised methodist) a few years ago and am so happy to participate in Christs worship at the mass! I am so excited for you and your family. I'll pray for you sir
I follow & love your channel Alan, at 67, I've been a pipe smoker & guitar & banjo player for years. They just seem to go together, I also share your love of history, for me, especially WWII, but the Civil War as well. I will continue to follow your channel with joy, but cannot understand your choice, as the Christian Leader of your family.. Before you or anyone else jumps, allow me to explain. I now live in N.W. Arkansas with my family and I love it, but was raised in old Southern California when we had low taxes and our home in Garden Grove was surrounded by farms, orange groves and strawberry fields. It was heaven on earth. My Dad, who, as a Captain in WWII, was captured in the Battel of the Bulge (Ardennes Offensive) ran his brood with an iron hand. He brought up his 7 boys and one girl in the strictest Catholic ways. Then one day, on our way home from Church, as a teenager I vividly recall seeing this giant tent, this was the beginnings of Calvary Chapel (Jesus Revolution!!), I recall my Dad saying, I'd rather you worship the devil then going to a place like that, BUT I WAS 18??? And so; of course, I started attending the church of Chuck Smith, one of the greatest Bible Teachers of his generation. I WAS going to and was accepted into the Catholic Seminary as a priest. I learned that I DID love the Dogma and traditions of the Catholic Church, its ways give you a solid feeling, one of faith & belonging, but I was NEVER going to learn about HIS word, since they only taught out of the Catholic Missal. I wanted to be fed, I tried other churches, but I knew I found a home with Calvary Chapel & Chuck Smith.
My two sons became leaders in the church and it was reflected in their schooling, my oldest graduated 3rd in Orange County and my youngest, the next year, 7th. They are both great sons, husbands & fathers.
You are obviously a very good man, husband and father and someday you will face the Lord as THAT LEADER of your family. The reasons WE left (My wife was also a strict Catholic) was we were never tested in the church, never grew & we believe in Fire & Brimstone, but also a loving & forgiving God who gave his only Son FOR ME! Today, we only have seeker friendly churches that don't or won't teach about the wages of sin. I cannot believe that God wanted me to confess my sins to a man and be punished with a prayer, a rosary or act of contrition?! The Pope today tells us the sins of the flesh is no big deal and Saints, you and I are saints according to Jesus.
Finally, the Catholic Church rests their case on being the ONE TRUE church based on when Jesus said, on this rock I will build my church. Jesus, in my opinion and many others believe that when Jesus asked Peter who he thought he was, Peter replied, you are the Christ, the son of God and Jesus replied, "upon this truth, I will build my church". It was that Rock of Truth....
I wish you well in your endeavors in the Catholic Church Alan, there really are some good bible teaching Catholic Churches, I pray you have found one. By the way, my best friend from 7th grade is a Catholic Pastor in California, we have some great arguments, but has allowed that his church is going thru some changes that he cannot agree with.
Good luck and many blessings to you....
God bless you and your wife, Alan! It is beautiful to learn of your conversion to the Catholic Faith and your great love for Our Lord and His Church. Thank you very much for sharing that conversion, and that love, with your audience.
Welcome home Brother. I will be praying for you and your family. I am new to you and your channel but a cradle Catholic and long time pipe smoker. I contemplated this episode after morning Mass while smoking a Dunhill 2110 stuffed with GLP Westminster. I, like you, have no time for beige or lukewarm Christianity/Catholicism. Thank you for a haven that brings faith, pipe smoking and true masculinity together 🙏⛪️💪🏼
I too am converting to catholicism. And your interview with Matt Fradd brought me to your channel. My wife views all tobacco use to be the equivalent of smoking cigarettes, so until that changes I won't be checking out pipe smoking.
Hey brother, welcome home! Started life as a Presbyterian, then basically unchurched (but still believing), then an Episcopalian, and now happily a Catholic (entered full communion at the Easter Vigil in 2007). Since becoming Catholic, every line of Scripture hits harder and is more rich to me, and nothing beats being able to receive our Blessed Lord - body, blood, soul, and divinity - in the Eucharist. Talk about a personal relationship with Jesus! Just found your channel and just started watching this video. You're in for a lifetime of exploring the deep and beautiful depths of the Church and I will pray for you. If you ever want suggestions of good books or podcasts or anything, I'd be happy to help. So very happy for you! God bless you always, and thanks for letting me know about the expert pipe maker in PA! I'll have to check them out my next trip out to Gettysburg (one of my favorite places).
I came to the same decision 15 years ago and I haven't regretted it. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Great video. I am a convert to the Roman Catholic (since 1992) church myself, Ilove being Catholic, This where God wants me to be, I keep praying and smilinf for my Protestant friends. I have a 1st cousin who Has a doctorate from the Southester Baptist Seminary in the DFW area. We love each other and even discuss Mary. I pointed out to him that the 1st Baptist church of Longview, TX. has a pictore of Mary over teh entrance into the main santuary. I was so surprise to hear them reciting scripture passgaes out of the New Testament as the preist prepared the congregation for the real last supper with bread and wine that is transformed into the blood and body of Christ. I know you will feel and see the transformation of this in your journey. My wife Marilyn got me into the Catholic church. This is both of ours second marriage. God Bless you on your journey and may God's Love protect us all. Your right all that matters is Jesus and finally we must all as Christians love all of each other no matter wherre we are or who isin our prsence, because where we are Jesus Christ is there always and always forever. Love you brother.
You have done wonderful thing for yourself and your family. Thank you for your program. God bless you.
So glad to hear you’ll be converting to the Catholic Faith! One convert to another, I cannot commend you too strongly. It’s the greatest decision I ever made. I also advise you to, in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes, be enrolled in the brown scapular and pray the Rosary every day.
Welcome home to the Catholic Church, and may our Lord bless you and your family on this spiritual journey. Jesus longs to share his life with you and the whole world through the Eucharist. You are in my prayers!
Welcome home. I’m watching this after having seen your long form interview with Matt Fradd on Pints With Aquinas.
I’m a Catholic who attends the Traditional Latin Mass in Australia and a fellow pipe smoker.
There’s a coffee company called “Dog and Gun” whose coffee matches perfectly with the both Burley and Virginian blends I’ve been smoking lately.
If you’re ever down under I’d love to enjoy a bowl or two with you.
Fellow Catholic here. Love your channel.
12/14/23 Your zeal and genuineness is a breath of fresh air. Welcome to the Catholic faith! It will be a journey like no other! If you have not tried tradition and the Latin mass it's a must ,it will take you back in time and you'll find what you're really looking for. Enjoy!
God bless!
Wayne
Such a delight to discover you and your channel! Can’t wait to see where this journey takes you. Much love, brother!! 👊🏽
Amen, Alan. It’s amazing how God has put you into my life through UA-cam. I cannot even begin to tell you what a profound effect your story is having on me, from Catholicism to pipes. I have been enjoying Pipe Social tremendously also. Thank you for driving out into the woods and outdoors so we can drink up those nature sounds. Even that is exceedingly peaceful.
When I worked for a grocery store I would always get the "I'm sorry to see you working on Sunday (holiday". Many of us would reply "If we did you wouldn't be able to get your groceries". At that point they get flustered for that thought.