5 Responses to “Like a kid in the Candy Shop”

• Dear Fr. Leo:

  My family and I were watching the Food Network last weekend and saw the Throwdown with Bobby Flay episode that featured you. We usually enjoy the show (Bobby Flay has a good mix of competitiveness, appreciation for the talent of other cooks, and a good nature when he comes in second), but when my wife heard your last name, our interest picked up considerably. No one with the maiden name of Catapang could mistake the name of Patalinghug for anything but Filipino.

  Our family had a second rooting interest, as we are always-hopeful Roman Catholics. In the Archdiocese of Boston we catholics have taken our lumps in the media, deserved and undeserved, for some time, so we are always grateful when the faith gets some positive press or exposure. I think your appearance on Bobby Flay’s show lifted our hearts, mine in particular, in a way that we haven’t experienced in some time. I was overjoyed that the production of the show avoided the usual tired jokes regarding Catholicism and shined a light on the joy and vibrancy one finds in the faith. That was a testament to you, as your character and commitment came irrepressibly through the camera lens.

  Thank you, Fr. Leo, for being such a wonderful role model in a society desperate for them. Our two young sons may have connected with you more for your Filipino ethnicity, your breakdancing, or your martial arts expertise, but it’s your commitment to Christ that left the most lasting impression.

  Best of luck in your ministry.

  Very truly yours,
  Rich

  Posted by Fr. Leo on July 12th, 2010 at 7:21 pm.

• Father Leo,

  As a young Catholic (well, a 26 year old Catholic), I love seeing energetic priests who give the Catholic Church a good name. I live in Arkansas (7% Catholic population), and I teach English at a Catholic high school. Once my students graduate, they are often throw into a world that they didn’t realize was predominantly Protestant. They have heard of the Bible Belt of course, but not many of them realize how big that is in Arkansas until after they leave Catholic elementary and high school.

  I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed watching you on “Throwdown” and on your website. You really do bring a fresh breath into what it means to be Catholic. I think so many young people see the Catholic hierarchy as being something very distant from them, and to see a priest who is like someone with whom you would go play cards or watch the big game, it is quite refreshing.

  Keep up the good work!

  Sincerely,
  Steve

  Posted by Fr. Leo on July 12th, 2010 at 7:24 pm.

• Dear Fr. Leo,
  What a wonderful mission!!! Wally and I had been blessed to attend Central MD Formation Day at the Mount on Saturday and to have the blessings continue thru last night was tree-mend-ous!!!!!!!!! (as in as big as tree!!!! Mending heart and soul for all of us)
  You inspired so many to come out and hear the Word , we were blown away.
  We have such a holy man leading the parish in Fr. Jim and to add you into the mix was a pleasant surprise and we want to thank you for your service to god’s people in Overlea.
  Maybe the next time Fr. Jim comes over our place for fried turkey you can make it too!!!
  God Bless yall real good!
  Wally and Sue Saumenig

  Posted by Fr. Leo on July 12th, 2010 at 7:25 pm.

• Dear Fr. Leo,

  I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you once again for the tremendous Mission you provided at St. Michael’s the Archangel this week. I was fortunate to attend every night and I so appreciate your humor. You really are an incredible speaker and your thoughts & commentary on the Communion of Saints & the Virgin Mother were particularly thought-provoking. Naturally, I enjoyed the Penne ala Vodka last evening as well! Thank you for signing my book last night and my wife and I are very much looking forward to using it.

  I have a question concerning last night. You made mention at one point about pilgrimages that you make to France & Italy and there is a website with this information. It may have been during the time there was a little sound problem with the microphone. In any event, if you could direct me to where this information is located, I would appreciate it very much. Thank you.

  Again, thank you for three very memorable nights. Please continue to have a Blessed Lenten Season and I wish you a very Happy Easter! God bless you.

  All the best,
  Patrick

  Posted by Fr. Leo on July 12th, 2010 at 7:25 pm.

• Dear Father Leo,

  I just saw your episode of Throwdown and I had to write to say thank you!

  I was born & raised Catholic, went to Catholic grade school and high school, but I haven’t been to church in so many years. I felt I had lost touch with the church (or perhaps the church had lost touch with me) until I saw the show. I’m sure you hear this all the time, but you are such an inspiration! I too have been a dedicated martial artist for many years (15+), I too love to cook and love food for its ability to bring people and families together under an umbrella of love. Watching you was like coming home. Your sense of humor, your open and beautiful embracing of your faith…

  I am going back to church.

  I live in NYC not far from St. Pats, and my heart is full, thinking about hearing “lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace” in person for the first time in many years.

  Thank you for showing me the way home. These tears are for you, and for God.

  With love and respect,

  Kathy

  Posted by Fr. Leo on July 12th, 2010 at 7:32 pm.

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