Become Fire Podcast

Happy Easter! Twelve weeks ago, we set off on an ambitious course; to present and analyze six great works of Catholic-themed fiction. Throughout the length of the Friars Book Club series, you sent in so many great questions about each book. And so, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is dedicated to you. Listen along and see if your question made the cut.

Rediscovered knowledge fuels a new renaissance, but tensions rise as secular powers clash with the Order of Saint Leibowitz over control of ancient technologies. The monks, still guardians of sacred relics, face moral dilemmas as their influence grows in a society teetering between progress and pride. Amidst political intrigue and philosophical debates, can humanity learn from its past while navigating an uncertain future? In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we conclude "A Canticle for Liebowitz" by Walter Miller Jr.

In a post-apocalyptic world emerges the Order of Saint Leibowitz, who diligently preserve fragments of lost knowledge in a desert monastery, centuries after a global catastrophe. Brother Francis, a young novice, uncovers a fallout shelter with relics tied to the order's founder, sparking both reverence and conflict among the monks as they grapple with the significance of their discovery juxtaposed against a fragile hope for humanity's revival amidst tensions with the outside world. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, come with us as we explore acts one and two of the novel, "A Canticle for Liebowitz," by Walter Miller Jr.

Charles returns to a transformed Brideshead, where the Flyte family's tangled ties of love, guilt, and faith pull him deeper into their unraveling world. Amidst war's stark shadow, old promises clash with new desires, and the estate stands as both sanctuary and judge to a life Charles can't escape. Join us for part two of Brideshead Revisited in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

Charles Ryder, a curious Oxford dreamer, meets Sebastian Flyte, a magnetic soul whose lavish life promises an alluring freedom. At the grand estate that looms over their friendship, beauty battles with duty, and every laugh hides a secret waiting to unravel. Join us in this week's episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast as we open up part one of Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh.

Josip's journey plunges into a tangle of exile and redemption, where the scars of his past collide with a relentless search for meaning across continents and decades. The second half of his story develops into a tapestry of faith, love, and the human spirit tested by an unforgiving world. What began as a fractured existence builds toward a breathtaking crescendo. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we come to the end of Josip's journey. Join us for part two of The Island of the World by Michael O'Brien.

Young Josip's idyllic mountain village is torn apart by the tides of war. Within his soul, innocence wrestles with devastation, and the echoes of a shattered world ignite a spark of unyielding hope. Josip's journey is a visceral odyssey that grips your heart and dares you to look away as his journey begins to unfold against a backdrop of chaos and courage. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we dive into part one of The Island of the World by Michael O'Brien.

The fugitive priest faces a moment of reckoning as he is cornered by the relentless lieutenant in a desolate Mexican landscape. Torn between his flawed humanity and his unshakable faith, he makes a final, sacrificial choice that reverberates with both despair and redemption. Join us in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast as we conclude our journey through "The Power and the Glory" by Graham Greene.

A troubled priest navigates the oppressive anti-Catholic regime in 1930s Mexico, where religion has been outlawed. Despite his personal failings, he faithfully performs his duties in secret, wrestling with guilt, fear, and the weight of his calling as he evades capture by a communist regime. Join us in this in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast as we dive into part one of Graham Greene's "The Power and the Glory."

The Holy See and Bishop Ferrand commissioned Father Latour to minister to the peoples of New Mexico. On his eventful journey from Ohio to the Southwest, God's providence sustained the French priest. But upon is arrival, it was evident that sinister forces were at play in his new home. Who will survive this battle of virtue and vice? Join us for this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast as we continue to explore Willa Cather's great American novel, "Death Comes for the Archbishop."

The Holy Father sends a French Jesuit from the midwestern United States to minister to the people of New Mexico. Though this mission is anointed by God, sinister forces are at work in this part of the continent. Join us in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast as we introduce the acclaimed novel, "Death Comes for the Archbishop" by Willa Cather.

The Friars Book Club continues. What will become of Lygia and Marcus Vinicius? Join us for this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast as we conclude our discussion of "Quo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of Nero."

The year is 64 A.D. In Nero's Rome, where the aristocrats lord over the masses with an iron rod and Christians are considered outlaws, an unlikely love draws a Patrician and a Christian prisoner together. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we dive into part one of "Quo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of Nero."

Happy New Year! Announcing Season 2 of the #BecomeFire Podcast: The Friars Book Club. Join us each week as we dive into our six favorite Catholic-themed fiction novels. Here is our full reading list so that you can dive in with us. NOTE: there will be spoilers in each episode! Ep. 1 - Quo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of Nero (Henryk Sienkiewicz) Ep. 2 - Death Comes for the Archbishop (Willa Cather) Ep. 3 - The Power and the Glory (Graham Greene) Ep. 4 - Island of the World (Michael O'Brien) Ep. 5 - Brideshead Revisited (Evelyn Waugh) Ep. 6 - A Canticle for Leibowitz (Walter M. Miller Jr.)

“If men knew the peace good Religious enjoy, the whole world would become a monastery.” (St. Scholastica of Nursia). The bond of siblings is undeniable, and the bond of twins is especially profound. St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, visited her brother often to discuss matters of faith and events of the world. Though he could not be present for her earthly death, God blessed him with a vision of her ascending to heaven. If you love your siblings well, or need to work on loving them more, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

“Only one thing made me want to live a little longer, to see you a Christian before I die”. (Attributed to St. Monica, Mother of St. Augustine). If your child whom you prayed for for decades continued to live a life of sin, would you still have the faith to believe for their conversion? We know that through St. Monica's faith, God made a great saint out of her son, Augustine! If you are a parent of a child who has fallen away from the Church, or you're the prodigal yourself, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey." - St. Anthony of Padua. Inspired by the first Franciscan Martyrs of North Africa, Fernando (Anthony) joined the order, praying God would allow him to follow in their footsteps, but the Lord had different plans. Instead of dying preaching to Muslims, St. Anthony would live to preach to St. Francis himself, and Pope Gregory IX, helping usher in a new Pentecost in the Church. If God has ever changed your plans, and you've struggled to receive what he has for you instead, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

“Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving. Without sacrifice, there is no love.” -St. Maximilian Kolbe. You may believe that in a moment of great peril, you would certainly have the strength offer your life in the place of a family member, but, could you make the ultimate sacrifice for a stranger? It is most appropriate on this year's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception to tell the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who was so ardently devoted to our Blessed Mother. If you want God to fill your heart with the courage of a martyr, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"How could I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me!" - St. Elizabeth of Hungary. If you were born into wealth and privilege, so much that you would want for nothing, could you give it all up for the Lord? St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who's ministry only lasted four years, is one of history's greatest examples of radical generosity and self-sacrifice for the good of others. If you struggle with the courage to give up your excesses for the sake of your relationship with God, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"To conquer himself is the greatest victory that man can gain." -St. Ignatius of Loyola. It has been said that, rather than change us, stress and adversity amplify who we really are. If your life's ambitions had been taken from you through violence, would you give in to despair? St. Ignatius is one of the greatest examples of embracing heroic virtue. If you're in a place where you know you need to choose God, but don't think you have the strength to do so, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"Our lives will truly be beautiful only if we discover how to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves." In the 90s and 2000s, an era of decade vcnce in our world, Blessed Carlo Acutis lived a life of service to God, and to others. If you've ever wondered if God can use your gifts for His glory, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you." -1Peter 5:10. If you had betrayed Christ in his hour of need, would you have the humility to accept His forgiveness? St. Peter the Apostle not only did this but served as the leader of the early Church in its mission to make disciples of all nations. If you struggle not only to ask forgiveness, but accept it, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"When one does one's own duty, one must not be concerned, because God's help will not be lacking." If the doctor told you that your only option to save your life was abortion, what would you choose? St. Gianna Beretta Molla, an Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother in the mid 20th century shows us one of the greatest examples of holy self sacrifice in the history of our Church. If you struggle with the virtue of courage, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

If your child's life was taken by criminal action, could you forgive the perpetrator? The martyrdom of St. Maria Goretti and it's aftermath is a story of radical reconciliation and love. Do you struggle to forgive others, even in the little things? This episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

The #BecomeFire podcast is back with a new format. This "season" will focus on lessons from the lives of the saints. Join us next week for Episode 1. Pax et bonum!

“Every Christian is called to become a strong athlete of Christ, that is, a faithful and courageous witness to his Gospel. But to succeed in this, he must persevere in prayer, be trained in virtue, and follow the divine Master in everything.” -Pope St. John Paul II. Father's Day has just passed, and what better way to honor fathers than to bring on the FATHER of a father! In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we welcome legendary college basketball coach, and dad to Fr. Peter Teresa, Tom McConnell.

"And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Eli′jah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” - LK1:16-17. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, Fr. Elijah shares the power and joy of his ordination day and a glimpse into the life of a new priest.

“In this world, there is nothing of the Most High Himself that we can possess and contemplate with our eyes, except His body and blood.” - St. Francis of Assisi. Those of us who have prayed before the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration have much to say about the experience of His presence. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, Fr. Antony and Fr. Peter Teresa share the priestly joy that comes from praying *with* the Eucharist at holy mass.

"For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called." -IS 54:5. Deacon Elijah-soon-to-be Father Elijah-joins us in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast as we dive into the mystery of Mary as the spouse of the Holy Spirit.

“There is so little distance between heaven and earth that God always hears us. Nothing but a thin veil separates us from God.” - St. André Bessette. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, Arizona Native and Professed Brother, Br. Andre Beale joins us to share his amazing story of conversion to Christ, embracing religious life, and the work he does among the people of the Gila River community.

"They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in." -JN20:4-5. Was Peter really the first Pope? This account of the resurrection certainly suggests so. Though John reached the tomb first, he waited for the chief Apostle. Come, see where the Lord was laid in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

"Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag′dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb." -JN20:1. God chose Mary, who was delivered much and forgiven much, to be the first herald of the full Gospel. This should give us all hope that Jesus will never be far from those who seek after him. Come with us as we meet the resurrected Lord at the tomb in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

Resurrexit (Part III) - Become Fire Podcast Ep #157 by Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit

"Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'" All of us have seen ourselves in the person of Thomas. Do we trust Jesus in faith, or do we have to see? Be in the room where Jesus walked in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

"But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.'" MT28:5-6. Resurrexit sicut dixit! Easter is more than just one day; it is a 50-day celebration. Come with us as we dive into the Scriptural accounts of the resurrection in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

"Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this, he breathed his last." -LK23:46. Jesus' last words from the cross are not words of defeat but a song of victory! Do you need a dose of hope? Join us at the cross as we complete our Lenten series in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

"And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, la′ma sabach-tha′ni?' that is, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?'" These words of Jesus from Psalm 22 may seem controversial. Did he really give up hope at the end? The answer lies in the remainder of that scripture: words of hope and victory! In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, learn how to persevere through strife just like Jesus did.

"After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), 'I thirst.'" -JN19:28. Certianly, the anguish of a Roman execution and the heat of the afternoon sun would make anyone thirsty. But, on the cross, was Jesus longing for water, or for a quenching of another kind? We break open the fourth last word of Christ in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

"When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother![...]'" Jesus' final commandment from the cross was for John the Beloved to care for His Blessed Mother. He's calling you to do the same. Learn how to honor Jesus by honoring Mary in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into[d] your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” LK23:42-43. We are each one of us convicted sinners. The question is, are we the thief on the left or on the right? Our Seven Last Words of Christ series continues in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” -LK23:34. In our new series, we explore the last seven words of Christ on Calvary. Meet him at the cross in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

The penitential season of Lent is upon us. In this special episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, the Friars give us some practical ways to prepare physically and spiritually for this journey through the desert. Plus, hear answers to many of your questions sent in over the last few months.

"But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened." AC16:25-26. In all circumstances, God calls us to give thanks. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, learn how to sing His praises in any situation.

"And behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands." AC12:7. St. Peter had a dramatic encounter with the Lord's providence and experienced release. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we explore trusting God in all seasons and circumstances and recognizing His hand.

"My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.” (Dn.6:22) Have you been tested? Have you been betrayed? It sometimes makes you wonder where God is, but take heart. The prophet Daniel teaches us to trust Him in all circumstances in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

"...and they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ish′maelites for twenty shekels of silver; and they took Joseph to Egypt." (Gn37:28) In our recent series, "To The Heights," we found God on the mountaintops. In this first new series of 2024, we find him even in captivity. Journey with Joseph, son of Jacob in this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast.

"Mary is the Mother of God[...] since by the power of the Holy Spirit she conceived in her virginal womb and brought into the world Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is of one being with the Father." - JPII, "Redemptoris Mater." On New Year's Day, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, learn how our Blessed Mother can turn your New Year's resolution into a revolution of virtue.

Merry Christmas! Fill your moose mug full of eggnog, cozy up to the speaker, and enjoy this very special episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, hosted by Br. Paul. We welcome Dcn. Elijah and Br. Lawrence as they share some amazing stories of their lives and ministries over the past year.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth, all generations will call me blessed." (Lk1:46b-48). Mary knew the only way to true delight was through a relationship with God. In this season of waiting, don't be tempted to despair but follow her example. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we light the third candle and pray for the Joy of the Lord.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -IS9:6. Too often, we seek peace in places, words, and vices where we will never find it. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we light the second Advent candle and pray for the peace of Christ.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. -Rom15:13. God calls us to hope throughout the Scriptures, but hope is hard, especially if we've been wounded. In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we light the first Advent candle and meditate on the virtue of hope.