(A Dutch version can be found
here)
There are lots of places to "be Catholic" on the Internet. A few of those are Dutch-speaking. What makes credimus different?
The word "credimus" is Latin for
we believe. We are Catholics in communion with our Holy Father in Rome. We are faithful to the Church and all she teaches.
Living this Catholic lifestyle is difficult enough in the overly-secularised atmosphere of Western Europe: it is
especially so in the Netherlands, a country affected more than most by extreme relativism. It is easy to doubt ourselves, our Faith, our common sense.
This, perhaps, is the core reason why credimus exists. No matter where you live, as a Catholic you are called to let God take control, you are called to live a holy life, you are called to be in full communion with the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. Come what may and despite the obstacles and threats you may face from the "culture" surrounding you - you are called to be strong, devote yourself to prayer, and not give in. No-one can do this alone, that that is why credimus is here: to support each other in our journey towards perfect union with God, by communicating with each other via the forum, but also by praying for each other.
This does not exclude any possibility of discussion. Understanding the deepest sense of "being Catholic" does not come easily, and we all have obstacles we must overcome in our pilgrimage. We can do this by prayer, but also by talking about issues and learning from those who have been there and done that and
do have a real understanding. As St. Anselm put it, ours is a
fides quaerens intellectum, a faith seeking understanding - our devotional life should feed and in turn be fed by our "head knowledge". That is what we hope to do here.
So, if you're seeking to learn about our Faith, either to deepen your own Catholicism or because you're simply curious, you are welcome to ask respectful questions and seek those answers. If you are simply here with an attitude of "I-Know-Everything" you are welcome to read and to pray for and with us.
Love and prayers,
PP
