by Gordon Nary
Gordon: You’ve been teaching on the Virtues for a decade now. Where did that interest start?
Rose: It started during my conversion to the Catholic faith in my mid-thirties. I had been raised to love God, but that was about it. When the woman who would become my godmother suggested I read The Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux’s autobiography, the power of her sacrificial love drew me into the Church.
Soon after, I signed up for a 5-year study group on the Summa Theologica at the Dominican seminary here in DC. It was there that I discovered the Virtues, which tell us in detail what behavior is pleasing to God and leads to happiness here and hereafter. At some point I thought, “Hey—everyone needs to know about this!” So I founded Virtue Connection in 2014 and began blogging, speaking, and writing on the virtues.
People tell me that patience is the virtue they need most help with. Your readers can download my free “Top 10 Tips for Patience” at RoseFolsom.com.
Gordon: You served in the White House. What was that like?
Rose: It’s a high-pressure job, of course, because a mistake can land your boss on the news! But I loved working with lots of smart people who were committed to excellence and to public service. One highlight was being on the White House lawn singing Happy Birthday to Pope Benedict XVI, waving at us from the balcony, as he celebrated his 81st on a visit to Washington DC.
Gordon: What have been some of your favorite speaking engagements?
Rose: I’ve addressed audiences from parish women’s groups to diocesan Catholic conferences. Lately, I’ve shifted my focus to Catholic professionals because in the current cultural environment, people need a lot of support to live their faith in the workplace. I’m very energized to help them do that.
Gordon: You write for Catholic Women in Business and other publications. Have you written any books?
Rose: I’m writing a book now that tells real-life stories of ethical dilemmas that Catholic professionals have faced in the workplace, and what virtues helped or could have helped them resolve it in a godly way. Seeing exactly what virtue looks like in tough situations will help professionals navigate difficult situations they encounter at work.
Gordon: How do you help people better connect with God?
Rose: Starting with the “why,” I realized five years ago that no one is going to grow in virtue without a close connection with God in prayer. So I’ve been leaning into helping Catholics easily find the time and attention to finally actually pray—so they have the inner peace to maximize their focus and the fruitfulness of their work. And a close relationship with God flows out to help every single area of life. I help them do this through my “Pray Like a Saint” program. I love hearing cradle Catholics I work with tell me, “This is what I’ve been missing!”
Gordon: Who is your favorite saint and why?
Rose: Always so hard to choose. But I have to say St. Therese because she’s the one who drew me to know Christ’s saving power. Everything since has grown out of my first encounter with Jesus that he worked through her. I am so grateful.
Gordon: Thank you for an exceptional interview.
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