Heroine, cocaine, opium, marijuana, excessive alcohol, not to mention hallucinogenic drugs like mushrooms (psilocybin) and LSD – he consumed most of these before the age of 18, many before he turned 14, the addictions growing stronger as the existential emptiness deepened. What sounds like an introduction to a Hunter S. Thompson novel actually constitutes the autobiography of a Catholic priest. Fr. Donald Calloway of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception retells his dramatic and heart-wrenching life story in No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy.

As a destructive youth, Calloway spent his adolescence succumbing to temptations large and small, from sins of the flesh with constant promiscuity, to crimes against the law with thousands of dollars of grand theft in stolen merchandise, as well as nightly partying with friends consuming all forms of drugs and addictives while listening to heavy-metal music.

To continue reading Father Calloway’s conversion story, click here.

No Turning Back

From runaway teen to Marian Priest — Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, has inspired thousands of people around the world to trust in our Lord’s mercy. His radical conversion story is now shared in his latest book, No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy. You can order Father’s books by visiting his website at www.fathercalloway.com.

“This is an amazing, captivating story, because The Divine Mercy is an amazing and captivating reality. The power of Jesus and Mary move through this story like the power of a ten foot Pacific wave. Read this book and watch the same wave lift Donald Calloway that lifted Paul and Augustine, Francis and Ignatius, from “incorrigible” and “impossible” to “radically converted.” It’s the old, old story and it’s irresistibly new every time. Here, it’s told with winsome candor and simplicity by an ex-druggie, ex-criminal surfer-priest.”
Peter Kreeft, Ph D.

I too have just finished reading Father Donald’s new book, “No Turning Back:  A Witness to Mercy.”  It is an amazing story of how God can do anything for a soul, if the soul repents, and trusts in God’s infinite mercy.  This book should be read by all young Catholics, and for that matter young non-Catholics.   Jeff Gares