When my wife and I moved to Austin in 2009, I knew in my heart that it was because God was calling us here, but I wasn’t sure exactly why. What I have found most amazing is that our story is fairly common. I have met many other young adults that have told me the same thing, and I do not believe it is just a coincidence.
A few years ago, I would often visit my sister and her family in Austin while I attended a university in San Antonio. It was then that I told myself that I never wanted to live in the Texas capital. After all, I didn’t know how many hippies and weirdoes from a city with a slogan promoting to “Keep Austin Weird.” Austin seemed to me to be a city of partying, decadence, and liberalism.
There were many practical reasons that led many of us to Austin such as an economy that was thriving by comparison to many other markets at the time, a large technological base, lower cost of living compared to other cities, and the very short and mild winters. Beyond the practicality, I believe that we were called here to Austin for a greater purpose than simply relocating.
Austin is actually a very moderate city that is fed by an eclectic mix of cultures and peoples. While it creates an amazing culture, there is an attitude of tolerance that has watered down the Catholicism of communities that have been here for a while.
One of the most inspiring things about what I have seen in the young adult communities of Austin is the sincere love for the Christ, His Church, and the Truth. These communities are thriving and there is no doubt that The Spirit is moving.
My favorite characteristic of the attitude of Austin is that it is a community of action. Generally, the people are very willing to get up and do what is necessary. The people of the area are not afraid of going places and putting in effort.
In the history of the Church, there have been communities that find each other and work together to promote the Truth. We may not be another Florence of the Renaissance or Constantinople of the Byzantium era that promoted Truth through their new arts, but our mission is similar to theirs. I believe that we are at the beginning of a new movement, and Austin Catholic New Media Group is going to help it spread. Our work has only begun.
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