Welcome to Catharsis, open and honest reflections on contemplating conversion and the rough road of in-between.

Hi, my name is Madison Morrison, and I am the author of Catharsis. Truly, the name of Catharsis is an embodiment of what it is and was to me- a personal release of thoughts, discoveries, and reflections as I contemplated conversion and the things that have since led me to the Catholic Church. These posts are privy to my most personal thoughts and contemplations on this journey and I encourage you to challenge them just as equally as they may challenge you.

Who am I?

I am a Californian-born Georgia girl who goes to college in Alabama. I find joy in that which is small: a walk, a smile, a coffee, a moment with a friend. I have loved writing my whole life and always found a way to escape in the pages of a book. I have zest for life that I can only attribute to being from the joy of the Lord. I am zealous for moments full of community while also being able to enjoy moments spent in solitude.

I can equally be seen dancing and loudly singing with friends as I can be seen curled up in a blanket on the couch with a good book.

I love the Lord passionately and wholeheartedly. And most importantly I wish to please Him above all else.

I am simple in many ways but I think there is something greatly pleasing to be found in simplicity. And while I may not have all the answers, I am content in knowing God does.

And as of March 2nd, 2025, I am also a convert to the Catholic faith! Raised as a non-denominational Christian, and having started college as a Christian Ministry major (now an English major), it has been a long road to this place. I couldn’t be happier or prouder to call myself Catholic.

What now?

Now that I have converted, you may wonder if this is the end of the road for Catharsis. And after thinking long and hard on it, I can assure you this is far from the end of the road. Unlike the Christianity I was raised in, with a one-and-done conversion, I have learned through the Church that conversion is a moving process. We experience deeper movements of the conversion of our hearts and souls in our time on this earth. In addition, the breadth and depth of all the Church has to offer would take decades if not a lifetime to uncover… I am grateful and hopeful to have such a lifetime to uncover the hidden beauties of the Church. With that said, I plan to use this platform to continue to share my story and the Church’s story with the hope that others might understand and be invited in.

Why follow along?

That reason is truly up to you. Perhaps, you are a seeker as I am, and you are unsettled in your current place of faith. Perhaps, you are just curious what profound things a 20-year-old college student could have to say about a reformation that has been debated for hundreds of years and is no closer to closure than when Luther nailed his 95 theses to the parish door. Perhaps, you are here to save me from straying away. And if that is the case, I do not deter you. Rather I invite you in. If none of these fit yet you still want to stay, then I invite you- no, implore you- to do so.

You are welcome here. As are your thoughts, questions, and objections.

I do not know all nor will I ever claim so.

But, I do have an open heart to truth. And I do believe that definitive truth is alive and active. So with open hands, I surrender to that I do not know but hope to one day attain knowledge of. If that is something you want to follow along with, then I invite you to subscribe (: