Something unexpected is happening on American college campuses. Young adults are showing a growing interest in the Catholic Church.

On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew shared reports of rising participation in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at universities across the country. Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary, has seen the shift firsthand.

At Arizona State University, where the University of Mary partners with the Newman Center, Monsignor Shea said conversions increased dramatically. “In one year we went from 32 conversions down there to almost 150 conversions down there in one single year.”

But why are young adults being drawn to a 2,000-year-old Church?

Monsignor Shea believes Catholic media is playing an important role, giving young people opportunities to encounter the Faith through digital platforms. He also sees among young men, a desire to be challenged.

“Deep down in every human heart, and that includes the heart of our young men, is a desire for greatness,” he said.

Rather than offering a life of mediocrity, the Catholic Faith calls men and women to holiness, sacrifice, purpose, and ultimately, Christ.

For Drew, the trend includes not only conversions but reversions as well. Baptized Catholics who never practiced the Faith are beginning to discover it for themselves.

Amid concerns about young people abandoning religion, these stories offer a hopeful reminder: God is still working in hearts, sometimes in unexpected places.

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