Conversion and the Drama of Family Relationships

After a conversion or reversion to the Catholic faith, many people can struggle in their interactions with family members who don't share their beliefs. In this episode, Director of Formation Travis Todd and Director of Retreats Niru de Silva join Jessica to talk about how their conversions impacted their family relationships and their prayer lives. Travis, Niru, and Jess discuss:Niru's background growing up with a Buddhist family and Travis' upbringing in a devout Protestant homeStruggles in family interactions that are common after conversions, includingThe temptation to let intercession for your family monopolize your prayer lifePressuring yourself to be perfect so that you reflect well on the Catholic faithScrupulosity about proclaiming truths of the faith to family membersAdvice for FOCUS staff and students who are navigating relationships with family members who don't share their faithTravis Todd is a convert to Catholicism and has worked for FOCUS for 18 years. Travis served 9 years as a campus missionary and team director before accepting a role at the FOCUS Denver Support Center. He currently serves as Director of Formation. Travis resides in Arvada, Colorado, with his wife, Rebecca, and 7 children.Niru de Silva is a convert to Catholicism and has worked for FOCUS for 7 years. He has served FOCUS as a campus missionary, Regional Director, and now as the Director of Retreats. Niru's team brings life-changing retreats to people at over 200 FOCUS locations. Niru resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Sarah, and their daughter.