Classic Catholic Converts presents the compelling stories of over 25 well-known converts to Catholicism from the 19th and 20th centuries. It tells of powerful testimonials to God’s grace, men and women from all walks of life in Europe and America whose search for the fullness of truth led them to the Catholic Church. It is the witness of brilliant intellectuals, social workers, scientists, authors, film producers, clergy, businessmen, artists and others who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, studied and prayed their way into the Church.

Fr. Charles Connor writes insightful and wonderfully readable stories of a rich variety of converts who struggled greatly with many challenges as they embraced Catholicism, including rejection by loved ones, persecution from strangers, and misunderstanding by peers. But, once they responded to God’s call, they experienced great inner peace, contentment and joy. Among the famous converts whose stories are told here include John Henry Newman, Edith Stein, Jacques Maritain, Dorothy Day, G.K. Chesterton, Elizabeth Seton, Karl Stern, Ronald Knox and many more.

“A great gift at a moment of history when conversions to the Catholic Church are receiving renewed attention. Marvelously readable stories highlight the vivid diversity of the personalities and the unity of the truth that still brings restless souls into full communion with the Church of Jesus Christ.”
—Rev. Richard John Neuhaus Editor, First Things

“This fine parade of men and women, described with insight by Father Connor, shows how long is the reach of the Holy Spirit and how varied are the personalities He has gathered to Himself.”
—Rev. George W. Rutler Author, A Crisis of Saints

“The touching conversion stories that Fr. Connor so concisely presents convey the joys as well as the struggles that converts continue to experience on their journey into the Catholic Church.”
—Marcus C. Grodi President, The Coming Home Network

“This book reminds ‘cradle Catholics’ of the pearl of great price that is ours and should motivate many of us to a sharper sense of evangelization as the new Millennium begins. Rich information and valuable insights abound-highly recommended!”
—Most Reverend Edwin F. O’Brien Archbishop for the Military Services

Fr. Charles Connor, a pastor of a parish in the diocese of Scranton, PA, is an expert in Church history. He is the host of several television series on EWTN including Historic Catholic Converts.

David Currie was raised in a devout Christian family whose father was a fundamentalist preacher and both parents teachers at Moody Bible Institute. Currie’s whole upbringing was immersed in the life of fundamentalist Protestantism – theology professors, seminary presidents and founders of evangelical mission agencies were frequent guests at his family dinner table. Currie received a degree from Trinity International University and studied in the Masters of Divinity program.

This book was written as an explanation to his fundamentalist and evangelical friends and family about why he became a Roman Catholic. Currie presents a very lucid, systematic and intelligible account of the reasons for his conversion to the ancient Church that Christ founded. He gives a detailed discussion of the important theological and doctrinal beliefs Catholic and evangelicals hold in common, as well as the key doctrines that separate us, particularly the Eucharist, the Pope, and Mary.

“David Currie has written what may turn out to be the work on this nettlesome topic of Evangelicals being received into the Catholic Church. With great charity and lucidity, he pursues every conceivable topic – biblical, ecclesiological, theological, and historical – that arises in the discussions on this matter.”
—Thomas Howard, Author, Evangelical is Not Enough

“Currie has given us a work which is eminently intelligible, readable and personal. This book makes an especially happy marriage of the ‘head’ and the ‘heart’ in explaining the when, the why and the how of his pilgrimage. It should serve as a paradigm for the movement of ‘Everyman’ toward God and the Church His divine Son founded.”
—Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas, Editor, The Catholic Answer

“Currie’s book is a must read. Seldom is something so deep explained so clearly as Currie does in this wonderful work. Get it and get a copy for a friend.”
— Scott Hahn, Author, Rome Sweet Home

The well-known and very popular Catholic couple, Scott and Kimberly Hahn, have been constantly travelling and speaking all over North America for the last few years about their conversion to the Catholic Church. Now these two outstanding Catholic apologists tell in their own words about the incredible spiritual journey that led them to embrace Catholicism.

Scott Hahn was a Presbyterian minister, the top student in his seminary class, a brilliant Scripture scholar, and militantly anti-Catholic … until he reluctantly began to discover that his “enemy” had all the right answers. Kimberly, also a top-notch theology student in the seminary, is the daughter of a well-known Protestant minister, and went through a tremendous “dark night of the soul” after Scott converted to Catholicism.

Their conversion story and love for the Church has captured the hearts and minds of thousands of lukewarm Catholics and brought them back into an active participation in the Church. They have also influenced countless conversions to Catholicism among their friends and others who have heard their powerful testimony.

Written with simplicity, charity, grace and wit, the Hahns’ deep love and knowledge of Christ and of Scripture is evident and contagious throughout their story. Their love of truth and of neighbor is equally evident, and their theological focus on the great importance of the family, both biological and spiritual, will be a source of inspiration for all readers.

“One of the beautiful and bright-shining stars in the firmament of hope for our desperate days is this couple, the Hahns, and this story of their life and their conversion.”
— Peter Kreeft, Author, Back to Virtue

“Dynamic, fresh, and devoted are terms which describe the approach that Scott and Kimberly Hahn take to assist in the renewal of the Church in the United States. Now, with their conversion, they are admirably suited to assist Catholics in re-discovering the treasure that has been entrusted to them. My hope is that many people will benefit from contact with Scott and Kimberly Hahn through their stories of conversion.”
— Most Reverend John Myers, Bishop of Peoria

An exhilarating conversion story of a devout Baptist who relates how he overcame his hostility to the Catholic Church by a combination of serious Bible study and vast research of the writings of the early Church Fathers. In addition to a moving account of their conversion that caused Ray and his wife to “cross the Tiber” to Rome, he offers an in-depth treatment of Baptism and the Eucharist in Scripture and the ancient Church.

Thoroughly documented with hundreds of footnotes, this contains perhaps the most complete compilation of biblical and patristic quotations and commentary available on Baptism and the Eucharist, as well as a detailed analysis of Sola Scriptura and Tradition.

“This is really three books in one that offers not only a compelling conversion story, but documented facts that are likely to cinch many other conversions.”
— Karl Keating

“A very moving and astute story. I am enormously impressed with Ray’s candor, courage and theological literacy.” 
— Thomas Howard

Stephen K. Ray was raised in a devout and loving Baptist family. His father was a deacon and Bible teacher, and Stephen was very involved in the Baptist Church as a teacher of Biblical studies. After an in-depth study of the writings of the Church Fathers, both Steve and his wife Janet converted to the Catholic Church. He is the host of the popular, award-winning film series on salvation history, The Footprints of God. Steve is also the author of the best-selling books Upon This Rock, and St. John’s Gospel.

All four books available from Ignatius Press