Taylor Kemp, former professional soccer star and vice president of content at the Augustine Institute, shares why Symbolon, the most popular series on FORMED.org, has been revamped to focus on the Catholic Church in America.
“The Catholic story is your story.” – Taylor Kemp
Why Highlight the Church in America?
Previously filmed in Rome and the Holy Land, Symbolon has now shifted to emphasize the American Catholic experience. The goal? To make faith more relatable by showcasing examples of saints and holiness on U.S. soil.
“We wanted viewers to realize that the Catholic faith isn’t just a historical record—it’s something that transforms your life. You are called to become a saint, and there are examples of people who found authentic sanctity right here in America.”
The Power of Storytelling in Faith Formation
Instead of relying solely on theology and doctrine, the new Symbolon leans into the power of storytelling. By visiting locations across the U.S., the series connects theological concepts to real-life stories of faith.
“We wanted to make abstract ideas visible. For example, the theological virtue of charity comes to life in the story of the North American Martyrs—Jesuit missionaries who endured torture, left, and still chose to return.”
American Saints and Holy Sites Featured in Symbolon
The team traveled across the U.S. to bring powerful Catholic stories to life, including:
- St. Augustine, FL – The site of the first Mass in America
- Philadelphia, PA – The story of St. John Neumann, founder of the U.S. parochial school system
- New York – The North American Martyrs and their incredible sacrifice
- La Crosse, WI – The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Chimayo, NM – A pilgrimage site known for its healing Holy Dirt
- Kansas & Oklahoma – The inspiring lives of Father Emil Kapaun and Blessed Stanley Rother
- Menlo Park, CA – A small neighborhood parish representing the transformative power of the sacraments
Is the Church in America in Decline?
The data shows a decline in baptisms, marriages, and sacramental participation, but Kemp offers a historical and hopeful perspective:
“Yes, the Church is shrinking in numbers, but this follows the same cycle we’ve seen throughout salvation history. The Church has been reduced before, only to grow again. The Mustard Seed always returns.”
A Call to Holiness and Renewal
Despite the challenges, the series offers a message of hope: now is the time for saints to rise. The Augustine Institute continues to labor for renewal, believing that the Lord is still at work in extraordinary ways.
“In times of despair, God raises up saints. That is how the Church endures.”
