Consumerism to Conversion

Can our consumerism evangelize? How shopping can spark curiosity about our Catholic faith

Happy Feast Day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola!

When I was young, especially in my 20s, I cared so much about designer handbags.

Particularly in my last year in college, while I worked at this prestigious law office in Century City (like the TV show Suits, but in West LA).

It seemed like everyone was rich in that star-studded part of Los Angeles, or tried to look like it anyway.

Every payday, the first thing I’d do after work is head to this snooty outdoor mall nearby, indulge in an expensive boozy dinner, then walk around pridefully to shop for all kinds of pretty purses.

Dior, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Lauren, Chanel… you name it.

If I wanted it, I bought it.

I really, really thought I was special because I was this wanna-be fancy paralegal who toted around a brand name purse.

Lord, forgive me for my materialism and shallowness.

I’m still working on it.

Nowadays though, thanks be to God, this is more my style:

AMDG Crossbody Bag by The Little Rose Shop

What I’d rather happen now actually, instead of people complimenting me on an expensive designer handbag, is for others to curiously ask me:

“AMDG? What brand is that?”

So then I can point down and happily respond, “Oh this, what’s AMDG? I’d love to tell you, sister!”

AMDG

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

For the greater glory of God

Motto of the Society of Jesus

Founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola

This is an example of the kind of spiritual shopping we can all enjoy.

Instead of buying, consuming, and amassing to increase our status or force envy from others, let’s instead buy accessories only to reflect how we glorify God, and more importantly to hopefully draw out curiosity about our Catholic faith.

What was the last item you bought and wore around or displayed in your home that prompted questions or elicited excitement about your Catholic practice?

Learn more about the story and conversion of Saint Ignatius here.