Hi PF, I was wondering about that myself while watching the video. There are a few other videos by the same guy, I think it's just the way he speaks. You're right though, it's hard to know what to trust these days.
I had a look at his Youtube channel and one of the videos is of his Baptism and Confirmation on Christmas Eve in Japan. It looks to be genuine.
I took a look at most of the 7 videos on his channel because I wanted to see if the actual footage was 100% generated AI. He rearranges his room a lot but the things in them seem consistent e.g. the pink microphone. The way he edits them is very odd with the short phrases and constant jumping every few seconds. But that being said, I think the footage for the most part (apart from a few stock clips) seems genuine to me. I tried reading some of the Japanese on the signs and I didn't see any obvious errors. There is continuity in Sapporo where he lives. There is footage of his baptism, confirmation, etc., that he shares. Given that he has lived in Japan for a very long time (19 years), likely alone, it's not too surprising that he comes across a certain way. In short it is peculiar but I agree with Dave and I think he is genuine and the videos are not 100% generated AI content.
Like salmon swimming upstream but it's happening. I pray for my children and god-children, may they fight the good fight! https://open.spotify.com/episode/7G0hrVZ4m1Kn7HbZRKusE1?si=ESxlPug_TT60MgcP_XE6Ig
From Totus Tuus page today: "From just around 500,000 Catholics in the 1960s, the Catholic population in South Korea has exploded to over 6 million today — that's a staggering 1,200% growth in roughly 50-60 years! Catholics now make up about 11.4% of South Korea's population. According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea and Vatican reports, the Church reached this milestone with 6,006,832 faithful as of late 2025, continuing steady (though slower) growth even as the overall population faces challenges like low birth rates. Recent years saw thousands of adult baptisms, reflecting deep spiritual hunger in a highly modern, tech-driven society. Why is the Church thriving in South Korea? Legacy of Martyrs: The faith took root through the blood of Korean martyrs in the 18th-19th centuries. In 1984, Pope St. John Paul II canonized 103 martyrs in Seoul — the first such ceremony outside the Vatican. Social Witness: The Church played a key role in Korea’s democratization, human rights, and social welfare, earning respect across society. Vibrant Community: Strong parishes, dedicated priests and nuns, and lay involvement have sustained growth alongside South Korea’s economic miracle. Global Spotlight: Seoul will host World Youth Day 2027, a huge moment for the Church in Asia! This growth is especially inspiring in Asia, where the Philippines leads in absolute numbers, but South Korea demonstrates explosive percentage growth and resilience in a secularizing context. It reminds us of the Gospel’s power to transform cultures — from ancient Korea’s Confucian roots to today’s bustling cities. "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians." — Tertullian. In Korea, this truth lives on. Have you visited South Korea or followed the Church there? What inspires you most about this story of faith amid modernity? Share your thoughts below. Let us pray for the Korean Church as it prepares for World Youth Day 2027 — may it continue to be a beacon of hope for all Asia and the world."
I listen to Return to Tradition about once a week just to examine Catholic news from the perspective of Catholics whose preference is the TLM. I was not expecting the opinion offered in the above. The claim in various news outlets is made that despite the Vatican's decisive move against the Society of Pius X, various Bishops continue to allow for the TLM to be offered and supported in their Diocese. However, the long-term prospect is very different according to Anthony Stine. Time will tell, but according to Anthony Stine, not too much time. If he is proven correct, I will be deeply grieved.
Those who might think they can hold back the dam that is about to break that is preventing real and true tradition (and the TLM must not become an idol in all this-the TLM did not exist when 11 of the 12 Apostles died for Christ, nor in the time of the many martyrs who joyfully died for Him without even having personally met Him) are discounting what has always been The Lord’s Trump card-their own deaths. This is not to say that the TLM is not man’s greatest human achievement in response to Christ’s salvation. But, this war will be won on Christ’s terms, not those of His creatures. At the end of the day, that’s all we are; mere wretched creatures. Some, many, ‘princes of The Church’ appear to have evolved beyond this. Where is that going to take them? Vive Christo Rei!!
The demographic cliff-fall that South Korea is about to undergo will mean that Catholics will assume a far greater proportion of the population, I’d be inclined to think. With respect to the Phillipines leading ‘in absolute numbers’, I wonder does that honour really belong to China? I don’t think that’s inconceivable, if currently unverifiable.
From Totus Tuus page: "In a moving story of conversion and vocation, 41-year-old Senad Mrkaljević — who fled the horrors of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a Muslim refugee — was recently ordained a Catholic priest in Germany. Born into a Muslim family amid conflict, Senad arrived in Germany seeking safety. There, he encountered the Catholic faith. He began reading the Bible, visited churches, and experienced a profound call from Christ. After years of formation, he was ordained by Archbishop Heiner Koch at the historic St. Hedwig’s Cathedral in Berlin just a few weeks ago. Father Senad’s journey is a beautiful reminder that God writes straight with crooked lines. From the chaos of war to the altar of sacrifice, his life shows the transformative power of the Gospel and the Church’s welcoming embrace of all who seek truth. In a world often divided by conflict and migration, this ordination shines as a beacon of hope — proving that faith can heal wounds, bridge divides, and turn refugees into shepherds of souls. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Father Senad’s priesthood. Bless all who flee war and persecution. Draw many more hearts to Your Son, Jesus Christ. May the Church continue to be a home for all nations. Amen."
