I Am Catholic Poem by David N. Munene

For I am Catholic, cut out to the core
Remolded through catechism; head to toe
No apologies should I make,
‘cept for re-crucifying Christ
Especially in what I fail to do

For I am Catholic,
I shall this declare through new media
To give friends and follows an idea
Of what universality implies
And on whom a Catholic youth relies

For I am Catholic,
I shall the sign of the cross make
In public and private forums
I shall every prayer begin with the sign
Every prayer I shall end with the cross

For I am Catholic,
I shall confession attend
Pouring out my heart to the anointed
Accepting reconciliation with Christ
For this is how His mercy clears my sinful mist

For I am Catholic,
I shall respect all faiths,
Proclaim the sovereignty of the Trinity,
Propagating ecumenical unity
Encouraging spiritual prosperity

For I am Catholic,
I shall celebrate, not attend Holy Mass
For Christ is in the Eucharist,
I shall revere His body and blood
And from mockery and blasphemy steer clear

For I am Catholic,
I shall express indebtedness to Virgin Mary
Consistently praying the rosary
Imploring her intervention day and night
To her son as they did in Galilee

For I am Catholic,
I shall charitably treat humanity
Defending righteousness from absurdity
For service to the very man next to me
Is service to God, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

For I am Catholic,
The papacy I shall question not
And the clergy I shall revere most
I shall not debate about my faith
Until I learn at least an eighth