When I attended the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) Leadership Summit last weekend in Dallas, I expected to see Matt Maher, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and thousands of young Catholics all in the same place. What I did not expect, however, was a surprise visit from Rick Santorum.

If you’re weren’t already aware, Santorum is Catholic. He is also a husband and father of seven children.

He did not speak very long at the summit, but it was long enough to make my heart swell in gratitude that a man of his stature would take the time to inspire young Catholics. He even inspired me, and I attended as a reporter.

Santorum preceded Sister Bethany Madonna of the Sisters of Life, who would initially present the keynote for the night. As he entered the stage, the audience of approximately 3500 young people roared in applause. Santorum then thanked his young audience for inspiring him “in a world and a culture that is not in sync with natural law, the truth, or Our Lord.” He said that they “are on fire, and have the courage to speak God’s truth.”

I knew Santorum was Catholic and pro-life, but I wasn’t aware of how faithfully Catholic he actually is. His words spoke volumes, and I was so surprised of the goodness and truth he expressed. He continued his speech with references to prayer, God’s will, and the importance of the sacraments:

“I believe that God speaks in whispers…you [become close to Him] through the Eucharist, daily Mass, and frequent confession, and also prayer… You will go through a period of time in your life saying, ‘What does God want from me? What is his will for me?’ I know you feel like this is the time of your life where you’re having to come up with all these earth-shattering decisions…You sometimes miss that whisper. In many cases it’s because you really don’t want to hear it. It’s sometimes not the easy path. Most times, it’s the hard path. That is the best path.”

The former United States Senator then addressed Christian persecution. His outlines of this topic were most particularly inspiring, especially when our culture does not desire the truth. Our faith should permeate our entire lives, so we should always be prepared to defend it.

He quoted John 15:18: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” He explained that they must be a light in this world of darkness, and because Jesus was persecuted, they will be too. 

“That light is foreign to many, many eyes. Therefore, people turn away and sometimes they get angry when the light is shone upon them. They see the truth, and they see themselves not in the truth, and it’s a very painful thing.”

He also explained his familiarity with persecution in his own life, and quoted Matt. 5:10, “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness…”

“This is exactly what the Lord calls you to do. I know it’s particularly hard for you in this generation, because this generation, unlike almost any other, is non-judgmental. It is one that ‘likes to be liked.’ Everyone wants to be accepted. Everyone wants to feel like they’re part of this crowd—that we should not judge anyone’s actions, whether they are evil or good, or true or false. That is almost the worst crime of the generation. But let me assure you, that what you’re doing, and the light you’re shining…by speaking the truth in love, by emanating all the truths that you speak, keeping in mind that you do it with the love of God on your tongue—that is transformation.”

He continued, expressing his excitement for the opportunity to witness thousands of young Catholics attend the summit. Santorum again stressed that they would be persecuted for living the faith. He said they may lose jobs, and they would be “driven out of different groups and organizations.” 

“You are the light, but just a reminder, they will hate you. And if you think it’s bad on college campuses, and you think that’s the end of it, let me assure you, it is not. You will see it everywhere: you will see it in your workplace (increasingly so), with new rules and regulations which say the things that you believe and the truths that you hold are not just lies, but they are bigoted and evil, and to be condemned…You will pay a price for the truth and the values you hold.”

He ended this portion of his speech with the words “thanks be to God,” because he sees persecution as something good, because it means that they are making a difference.

Santorum’s last words were some that I hope had a strong effect on everyone in his audience, because they were such a testimony of truth. I hope they understood that we are here to know, love, and serve God, even when we are under the fire of persecution.

“Every time you face that persecution and that hateful glance, every time you feel that you are being disenfranchised or misunderstood, look up to the cross and see what persecution really is, and thank God that you are His voice in this very dark world. I just wanted to come here to say thank you: thank you for the courage you’re showing, for your willingness to know the truth—to pursue the truth—and take the risk of living the truth in a world that condemns the truth. You inspire me, and I thank you, for a country that is so much in need of you. Thank you and God Bless you.”

And thank you, Rick Santorum, for also being a witness of truth, and of the Catholic faith. We need more people like you in the public eye.