Purity on the Internet: New Catholic Website Helps to Fight Porn
A Catholic apostolate is trying to help those struggling with pornography addiction. The apostolate, called Serenellians, is web-based and was begun in 2002 by Paul Rasvage, an oil refinery engineer, family man and a self-confessed pornography addict (who no longer indulges). The group got its name from Alessandro Serenelli, who killed St. Maria Goretti in a fit of lust and later repented. “We exist to minister to those who wish to break their addiction,” said the 52-year-old. Rasvage says he does not believe legal initiatives against pornography are enough. “Just trying to stop the illicit material is not good,” he explains. “You have to deal with the disordered desires, the root cause.” The website lists a number of available resources for fighting these desires, including Church teachings, documents and saints’ writings. The flagship resource is a workbook, called Pure of Heart, by Rosemary Scott, which offers spiritual counsel, practical advice and meditations on chastity and puri...