Faith & Good Counsel Show with Staci Gulino

So many of us know and love someone who is living with a form of Dementia. Today's episode features gerontologist Matt Estrade, who shares with us about his new book, The Peace with Dementia Rosary: Education, Intentions, Community, as well as his vital work with persons living with dementia and their care partners. After the show, consider ordering a copy of Matt's wonderful book (and maybe a copy to share as well:), then take a tour through his website DementiaRosary.com for a wealth of information, resources, and support through his blog, podcast, and information about his live appearances. I'm grateful to Matt for the wonderful work he is doing, and know you will be as well when you listen to today's episode!      

October is the month that we remember and reverence in a special way those families who have experienced the loss of their infant through miscarriage, stillbirth, or a death soon after birth. My guest today is Monica Alley who, with sensitivity and great love born of personal experience, shares with us the story of the loss through stillbirth of her sweet, tiny daughter Anna Grace, and how she and her husband Todd and entire family bonded together in Anna Grace's memory to establish Anna's Grace Foundation to help other families who are experiencing the loss of their own child. Monica has much wisdom and experience to share from her family's story, as well as through her experience with the hundreds of families that have been assisted by Anna's Grace Foundation after the loss of their own precious child. Find out more at the Anna's Grace Foundation website, where you can also check out the newly launched "Hope & Healing Podcast", which will be an additional source of support and education means of serving families who have experienced infant loss.

Dr. Carrie Gress is our guest today on this episode of the Faith & Good Counsel Show.  She's been on my "guest wish list" for so long (OK...way too long), and I'm so grateful we were finally able to connect. Carrie published an article in the National Catholic Register back in May of 2018 which struck my heart in a particular way, and I knew it was time to have her on the show.  Here's a link to her commentary entitled: Finding Mary on the Inside: Learning How to Live the Blessed Mother’s Virtues Today we're talking about just that - finding our mama deep within our very being as woman, and following Mama Mary's gentle, loving, virtues on our own unique and unrepeatable pilgrimage back to God Our Father as His beloved daughters. After the show today, I hope you'll explore more of Carrie's work HERE, as well as through Helena Daily (one of my most favorite sources for truly seeing the beauty that surrounds us) - where Carrie and colleagues post specially curated content for the wholly beautiful body & soul of woman.                

In this episode of the Faith & Good Counsel Show, you are simply going to love the joy, laughter, and feminine wisdom of Rose Sweet as we discuss her latest work, "A Catholic Woman's Guide to Happiness". If you are familiar with Rose's books and work, then you know her joy, laughter, and feminine wisdom have been borne as the fruit of a rather "bumpy ride" to which I know many of you can relate.  If you are not familiar with Rose....let today be the day that you get to know her! After the show, check out her new book "A Catholic Woman's Guide to Happiness" which will make a lovely gift for women of all ages - there is something here for everyone!     And check out two prior interviews with Rose Sweet on the Faith & Good Counsel Show: https://stacigulino.com/episode-10-sunshine-love-rose-sweet/ https://stacigulino.com/rose-sweet-redemption-from-the-brokenness-of-divorce-through-theology-of-the-body/    

Be sure to check out the Military Council of Catholic Women after the show!

I'm so delighted you are joining us for this series of three episodes of the show entitled "Homefront Warriors", where we hear from two seasoned military wives & moms whose husbands serve us and our country in the armed forces. So often we more readily remember and honor the sacrifices of our military men and women who are deployed and serving in all parts of the world.  However, today we will hear a different facet of that experience, one not as often heard about I believe-that of the "warriors on the homefront"-the families that are left behind to carry on as their loved one is deployed to serve our country. In the first two episodes, we will hear from Sandy Goetz about her family's personal experience as a career military family.  We will hear even more personal experiences in the third episode from Michelle Nash, current president of the Military Council of Catholic Women.  Both women offered as well a window into some of the issues that women and families in general face as they are left behind to cope, while reverencing the fact that each family has their own personal, unique journey based upon many factors.  After the show today, please do consider a visit the Military Council of Catholic Women website for more information.  Sandy & Michelle, I thank YOU and your children for the many sacrifices you've made as Homefront Warriors, and please extend my gratitude to your husbands for their service to God and country! And to my Faith & Good Counsel sisters & brothers.....let's make it a priority to remember the whole family of our military in our ongoing prayer, fasting, and sacrifices.    

Blog post by Erin Franco You are so going to enjoy this episode today with the lovely Erin Franco!  After we catch up a bit, we discussed Erin's blog post entitled "Coffee Talk for Young Moms" which I've quoted below for you. __________________________________________ Coffee Talk for Young Moms (by Erin Franco) Young mothers have been on my heart lately. Certainly not all young wives are mothers, and not all mothers of little ones are young wives. But in general the first few years of marriage and motherhood, wherever you are, can be incredibly difficult. For me, many times a cup of coffee and a good conversation with a Titus 2 mom friend has been much-needed moment of encouragement.  If you happen to be in desperate need of a coffee date like that, would you allow me to treat you to an e-date of sorts? I’m no expert at walking with God through the Little Years, but my heart wants so much to share some of what I’ve learned so far. So, let’s pretend that we’re at your favorite coffee shop. Just you and me. We have a cozy, private booth in the back corner of the store. Our children are all at home bonding with their fathers and eating nutritious snacks. We have both just purchased the delicious coffee drink of our choice, and there is a large, warm chocolate chunk cookie on the little table in front of us, already cut in half to share (calorie/gluten/soy/dairy/peanut-free if needed:).You have just asked me, “Erin, how do we do this all?! It seems impossible. I’m trying so hard, but I’m drowning most of the time.” Either that or I have simply picked up on the exhaustion, disenchantment and discouragement on your face.:) First, can I just tell you that I’m right there with you some days?  Now, let’s take a bite of that cookie. Because Rule #1 is that Chocolate Always Helps. (Just kidding. Sort of. Have you made this yet?!) Life has so many seasons. It’s a constant ebb and flow and stretching and coasting and then doing it all over again. We get into a good routine and then…growth spurt…job change…out-of-state move…NFP woes…natural disasters..the flu…new baby… We just can’t do it all, all the time, all at once, or all well. In fact, no other women in history have been asked to do what your average American mom is supposed to be able to do these days. And of course we’re inadequate to the task. It comes with having a God-given mission. But we mothers join the ranks of Peter, and Moses, and Joshua, and Gideon, and Mary, and a host of other Biblical heroes (and the saints!). God always gives us more than we can handle, because giving us a mission that is more than we can handle is so often the only way that He can get us to fall into His arms so that He can then do some amazing things through us. The life of faith is a never-ending re-centering of our lives on God: discerning His will and depending on his providence and trusting his timing and blooming where we’re planted. Something that helps so much in any vocation we’re in is to constantly examine ourselves. Every day is great. Every month is helpful. With our spouse is wonderful. Remember that the mission always goes back to your marriage. Fight for your marriage, and the graces of the sacrament will flow. Let your spouse point you to God, every day, whether its by his holiness or because you’re on your knees in prayer about him. And when you fail and fight and hurt one another over and over and you don’t know how to stop, remember what God wants for you. Something will change, eventually. A phone call, a new acquaintance, a change of heart, a powerful homily, a book…there are so many ways God reaches us. Things will get better, even if the “better” is only that our hearts gain peace by becoming more rooted in God. Work on your own heart, first and always, and let God work everything out in time.Remember, too, that the vocation to marriage is not all about the children. The best gift you can give to any children you have are holy, happy parents.

Announcing...the "Pondering Things Catholic" podcast with Fr. Paul Gros! On today's episode of the Faith & Good Counsel show we have the gift of getting to know a bit about Fr. Paul Gros, and his new podcast being produced in the Faith & Good Counsel studio. We had a lot of fun with this episode, with "becoming acquainted" with Fr. Paul in the first segment, and in the second segment heading into an idea of what you can expect from the episodes "in the can". There's also a little something new that I'm debuting in this episode - the first Faith & Good Counsel Inspirational Minute!  You'll hear this one tucked nicely between today's two show segments.   I simply know you will come to love Fr. Paul as I have. You might consider having your prayer journal and scripture handy - his episodes may just be some of those that pique a the desire to take out your favorite pen and jot some notes for pondering:)  As you will find over time, Fr. Paul has a gift for piercing right to the heart with theology + overall health and wellness, and you'll have a taste for that in his first episodes: Perfectionism, and Broken God & Self-Images  Twisted Roots of Our Present Pain & Suffering  The Delusion of Control Following these, you can look forward to discussions dealing with forgiveness amidst deep hurt, scrupulosity, and how to respond to ourselves and others in and through the Sacred Heart of Christ (which might just be my favorite episode thus far:).   And more to come!   You'll find Fr. Paul's "Pondering Things Catholic" Podcast page here.   The truth is that only in the mystery of the incarnate Word does the mystery of man take on light. For Adam, the first man, was a figure of Him Who was to come, namely Christ the Lord. Christ, the final Adam, by the revelation of the mystery of the Father and His love, fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear. It is not surprising, then, that in Him all the aforementioned truths find their root and attain their crown. He Who is "the image of the invisible God" (Col. 1:15), is Himself the perfect man. To the sons of Adam He restores the divine likeness which had been disfigured from the first sin onward. Since human nature as He assumed it was not annulled, by that very fact it has been raised up to a divine dignity in our respect too. For by His incarnation the Son of God has united Himself in some fashion with every man. He worked with human hands, He thought with a human mind, acted by human choice and loved with a human heart. Born of the Virgin Mary, He has truly been made one of us, like us in all things except sin.  (Gaudium et spes 22-24)    

Processed with Focos In this episode, I'm delighted to introduce to you Dr. Mario Sacasa, a Catholic marriage and family therapist in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. I think you'll find it very interesting to hear first about the MANY varied hats that Dr. Mario wears in his practice - some of which may surprise you! But what I'm most excited to share with you is our discussion about Dr. Mario's marriage retreat entitled "Living the Gift of Marriage". Dr. Mario is an knowledgeable, caring, engaging speaker trained in Theology of the Body and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and he's open to your invitation to offer  "Living the Gift of Marriage" at your parish.

Did you know that there is a connection between Theology of the Body and the Rosary?  And that the Rosary is, in fact, a SPIRITUAL WEAPON?   Join me today for two fascinating conversations about these connections (and the connection between my guests!) with my first guest Debbie Staresinic, author of her new book Theology of the Body Rosary Meditations: Contemplating Christ's Love for His Bride the Church. Debbie has given us a tremendous gift in this first ever work for devotion and prayer that integrates the beauty of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body with the beauty of the Rosary.  Debbie is a graduate of the Theology of the Body Institute in Philadelphia, PA and serves on the Board of Directors at Ruah Woods in Cincinnati, OH, an organization whose mission is to spread the message of Theology of the Body throughout the world. Then, we'll hear from a Faith & Good Counsel favorite guest, Fr. Donald Calloway, priest and author of his latest work Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon Fr. Calloway will speak with us the historical aspects of how the rosary is, indeed, a spiritual weapon from it's very beginnings....and how our obedience to it wields mighty power in the battle against the evil one. Before Fr. Calloway's truly miraculous conversion to Catholicism, he was a high school dropout who had been kicked out of a foreign country, institutionalized twice, and thrown in jail multiple times. After his radical conversion he earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, M.Div. and S.T.B. degrees from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, and an S.T.L. in Mariology from the International Marian Research Institute in Dayton, Ohio. Fr. Calloway has written many academic articles, and is an author of an ever growing number of books, which can be found on his website.  LINKS & RESOURCES: Ruah Woods & Ruah Woods Press Father Donald Calloway's website  

THIS EPISODE…is my favorite of all three in this first series ever in the history of the Faith & Good Counsel Show! Today we reach the end of this 3-part series...but it’s only the “End of the Beginning” - an ending that leads us to the beginning of essential conversations that speak to the heart of our every day struggles. In this episode, Josie and I advance forward from the pondering we’ve been doing upon the deeper questions of who we are, by beginning to make some connections between the origins of our identity with our present experiences of using, consuming, and discarding one another as human persons who war with each other in infinite ways.  And who don’t seem to learn from our mistakes generation, after generation, after generation. Again - our conversation today is only the mere beginning of what can be said about this vast subject as we’ve only just begun establishing a foundation for future Faith & Good Counsel conversations that address our day-to-day difficulties and struggles with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors - and our own selves - through the lens of faith + health & wellness. You can be a part of those future conversations!  Let us hear from you!

 In Part 2 of our series Who Are You? Lessons From Our First Parents & John Paul II, return guest Josie Duke continues to draw us back through time to contemplate the Garden of Eden, offering us a taste of: What it was like for Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eve before the Fall - and after - to help us think more about our understanding of Who God is, revealing more about who we are as man and woman created for and in unimaginable love The roots of our suffering in this life Some of the wounds that we have been left with from the fall of mankind which are made manifest multi-dimensionally as we move about in our daily lives Tragically, we learn today that satan offered our first parents what they already had. And he does the same to us as we bear the consequences of those wounds, and repeat the drama of Adam & Eve each and every day in our own lives in many, many ways--which I look forward to breaking apart more specifically in time. And as awesome as Josie is....we only scratch the surface of these beautiful, healing mysteries! We are ever aware that we are both simply "pencils in His hand", trying our best in grace to share what is truly an inexhaustible gift from God our loving Father Who has redeemed us through Christ. It is utterly striking just how vast this discussion is ...and how absolutely essential it is for us as human persons to begin ever anew to understand ourselves, each other, and our Creator if we are to ever truly see one another as gift - and cease allowing our differences to divide us in the infinite ways that we see around us and that cause us so much pain. For indeed, we were created with these very differences that were originally intended by our loving Father to draw us into unity. Our differences....should draw us into...unity?  How can that possibly be?  Stay tuned for more Faith & Good Counsel on that in time.... Kinda sad, isn't, that what we simply knew in our beings before the fall, we now have to effort so hard to comprehend as we struggle to see the dignity of others whom we view as "different" and to try to understand what is truly loving as gift of self to everyone, transcending time and space. Lots to ponder on.... So, what spoke to your heart today? What questions were inspired deep in your soul? I hope you'll take pen to paper again in your journal and prayerfully explore these and other big questions as we move forward with the series, and other offerings coming soon to Faith & Good Counsel.   LINKS & RESOURCES: Letter to Women Mulieris Dignitatem Message of the Vatican Council to Women, December 8, 1965 Nine Days that Changed the World Gaudium et Spes, 22:1 The truth is that only in the mystery of the incarnate Word does the mystery of man take on light. For Adam, the first man, was a figure of Him Who was to come,(20) namely Christ the Lord. Christ, the final Adam, by the revelation of the mystery of the Father and His love, fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear. It is not surprising, then, that in Him all the aforementioned truths find their root and attain their crown. He Who is "the image of the invisible God" (Col. 1:15),(21) is Himself the perfect man. To the sons of Adam He restores the divine likeness which had been disfigured from the first sin onward. Since human nature as He assumed it was not annulled,(22) by that very fact it has been raised up to a divine dignity in our respect too. For by His incarnation the Son of God has united Himself in some fashion with every man. He worked with human hands, He thought with a human mind, acted by human choice(23) and loved with a human heart. Born of the Virgin Mary, He has truly been made one of us, like us in all things except sin.(24) As an innocent lamb He merited for us life by the free shedding of His own blood. In Him God reconciled us(25) to Himself and among ourselves; from bondage to the devil and sin He delivered us,

You are not who they say you are...Let me remind you... (John Paul II) Links & Resources for this Episode: Who Are You? Journal Exercise Liberating a Continent The Nine Days of John Paul II  The Annunciation by Norman Faucheux  

"....a perfect example of what not to do if someone is having suicidal thoughts." That's quite a strong statement from Dr. Donna Fargason who returns today to talk about her professional concerns about - and personal exposure to - "13 Reasons Why" , a streaming TV series that targets youth and the issue of suicidality. Donna and I only scratched the surface in our dialogue on this most important topic of suicidality. Our conversation touches on some of the concerns we share about how certain societal/cultural influences (such as a seemingly harmless media program) can potentially affect in a harmful way the thoughts and actions of vulnerable young persons - and mature adults as well. This is only one example. After personally viewing the entire program series, Donna realized that she herself has been traumatized by the overtly graphic content of the program. And while the gravity and impact of the graphic content is perhaps more obvious to some, Donna is quite concerned as well about the more insidious messages that are embedded within the program content - and that parents do not seem to know that children and adolescents are viewing this program,  Media is a tool that wields mighty power upon the formation of thoughts and beliefs about ourselves as human persons (many, many times in ways we are not aware of), and can influence our choices of what might be a good (or not so good) next step when we are experiencing challenges and pain in our lives. Being aware of that influence as we make our viewing decisions is a vital component of the process of making well-informed decisions that impact our overall joy, life functioning, and relationships. What we choose to consume through all forms of media can have a powerful effect upon our mental and spiritual health. It's important to have a dialogue about vital issues such as suicide, no doubt. But what is the content, the essence, and the trajectory of that dialogue?  Does it lead ultimately to the dignity and the good of the person? Unfortunately, not all sources of dialogue and information out in the public arena are meaningful, legitimate, or helpful towards the end goal of the ultimate good for the human person - even though these sources may be well-intentioned. Consuming and acting upon information without careful (and prayerful), prudent consideration, and seeking proper help can lead unintentionally toward more harm and heartache. WHERE CAN I LOOK FOR HELP? For immediate need for someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, or exhibiting suicidal/self-harm gestures:  NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE:      800-273-TALK (8225) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org CRISIS TEXT LINE:     741741 Call your local hospital ER Dial 911 to activate Emergency Services Contact your child's Pediatrician or Primary Health Care Provider Informational Resources: Family Focus, LLC - Dr. Donna Fargason 13 Mental Health Questions about "13 Reasons Why" - American Psychiatric Association  Why We Need to Pay Attention to 13 Reasons Why by Suzanne Jones, MA, LPC-NCC, MSN, PMHNP Evangelium Vitae' by John Paul II, March 25, 1995 Pope St. John Paul writes about the "Gospel of Life", and the dignity and gift of our lives and the immense love that God has for each and every human person.  Here he also speaks in EV (and in other writings as well) about the roots of the "Culture of Death", and the many ways it manifests in the world we are living in today.  Without knowing who we are as beloved human persons made for communal relationship with Him and each other, we are left bereft and without hope.  What believe about who we are as human persons and the purpose for which we exist matters - any distortions from the fullness of truth lead us to harm in infinite ways. The Catholic Guide to Depression: How the Saints, the Sacraments, and Psychiatry Can Help You Break its Grip and Find Happiness Again - by Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, MD

The wellspring of all that is the Elizabeth Wilson that I've come to know is so evident in this powerful interview, which was originally intended to focus upon the psychiatric and psychological burden suffered by women after an abortion decision. Everyone, however, can benefit from listening to today's episode as Elizabeth shared some incredibly wonderful "faith and good counsel" that really, in essence, applies to every person who experiences a significant crisis of some sort in our lives. And, at some point over the course of life...that's ALL of us, ya'll. So many things to love about Elizabeth's interview...but one thing stood out to me, and I do think it is a take home point for pondering upon in prayer.  Elizabeth said.. "If we do not have a belief in Divine Mercy, we will be stuck in judgment."    The more we learn about and open ourselves to receive Christ's Divine Mercy, the more we will see and experience just how far Jesus will go to pursue us, while never intruding upon our free will. Our sins and wounds and weaknesses keep us enslaved in a spiral of self-loathing, and judgment, and shame, making it seem impossible to trust enough to open to His Mercy. But Christ is very patient and gentle, always inviting and never imposing.  He just waits for us to open our heart-just a little bit-to receive His Mercy, unfathomable Love, and the freedom that is our birthright.  And his Mercy is meant for EVERY PERSON. This episode was recorded last spring, but perhaps it is somehow divinely providential that it is posted now just three days ahead of the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Thanks, Elizabeth for your kind patience, for we know that God's timing is always perfect. RESOURCES: "Divine Mercy in My Soul, the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska "Conversation of the Merciful God to a Despairing Soul: #1486   Woman's New Life Clinic    

British poet Sally Read lived in a place of great anxiety as an atheist, but could not grasp why.  She was perplexed by her anxiety, and a constant, tormenting fear of falling back upon a rock to be utterly destroyed. That is, until 2010 when, after painful, confusing existential crises and deep sufferings, God revealed Himself to her.  It was then that Sally began to realize that God had always been with her -that it was she who was blinded to His existence and His merciful love.  God knew the absolute moment that she would be ready to receive Him, to bear fruit for Him.  She now clings to the Rock Who is her redemption, serving Him through her gift for poetry and writing. A thoughtful, modern conversion story unfolds within the pages of  Night's Bright Darkness  through the beauty of poetic language written by Sally Read, a former psychiatric nurse, vehement atheist and radical feminist who is now devoutly Catholic. I'm so grateful for Sally's openness to join us for this delightful interview filled with immense depth as she speaks about the way in which God gently prepared her to receive Him. RESOURCES: Sally's poetry and books are featured here: Hermitage of the Three Holy Hierarchs Asketerion Sally's previous books Here are some additional interviews and articles about Sally Read, her conversion, and her beautiful poetry and writing. Posts about her story on Catholic Herald/UK  Former Atheist Poet Reveals Details of Her Catholic Conversion Former Atheist Psychiatric Nurse Now Calls Herself Eucharistic On Meeting Sally Read: Poet, Writer, Convert from Atheism Emotions and Beliefs God & I: Sally Read Atheists Becoming Catholics Makes Catholics Really Excited

So pleased to welcome return guest Dawn Eden speaking more deeply about her pilgrimage of healing from abuse and trauma with the help of an integrated approach to healing of wounds through good, faithful counsel and immersion in the wounds of Christ.  Dawn was so kind to offer us a second opportunity to hear more of her personal story and wisdom in the very tender area of healing from sexual woundedness. Today's interview is a lovely compliment to our previous Faith & Good Counsel Radio Show episode together where Dawn spoke about her latest book "Remembering God's Mercy:  Redeem the Past and Free Yourself from Painful Memories". Resources: Here's an excellent article in which Dawn speaks in some greater detail regarding her healing and conversion.   Check out this short video and article about Dawn's journey from the Rome Reports news service, which includes some vintage photos and video of her in her earlier life. Catholic Therapists:  Wonderful, searchable resource to find therapists in your area (or who serve via telephone/digitally) who specialize in the treatment of trauma in keeping with fullness of the dignity of the human person Dawn’s Books  Remembering God’s Mercy: Redeem the Past and Free Yourself from Painful Memories My Peace I Give You:  Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints The Thrill of the Chaste:  Finding Fulfillment While Keeping Your Clothes On

Erin Franco, blogger at Humble Handmaid, returns today to talk about her discernment on a new season of life.

Are you a person who appears to others to "have it all together", but interiorly you're struggling with fears, and doubts, worries and insecurities?  Take heart!  You are not alone! Erin Franco is back on the show today sharing with us a bit about her own battle with insecurity, fear, and anxiety, and some of the tips and strategies she shared in her blog post "He Will Not Give Me a Stone: Battling Fear and Insecurity". Erin has a number of simply wonderful blog posts and other content that you can find as well on her blog "Humble Handmaid" - after the show today, I hope you check it out!  

Another great episode with Rachel Johnson, Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer, speaking about what faith has to do with our feminine body image. In our first episode, Rachel shared some of her journey from a distorted body image to a healthier understanding of who she is a young woman made in the image and likeness of God. A recent, rather innocent encounter caused her to have some questions and doubt, however.  She offers some tips and inspiration today as she speaks about how the practice of her faith quickly turned those concerns into contentment, joy, and peace. It's not a one and done healing, ya'll.  It's a lifelong journey, and we're all on it!  

Kathleen Beckman, author, speaker, certified Ignatian retreat director, and President/Co-founder of the Foundation of Prayer for Priests (www.foundationforpriests.org), visited with us today on the show about her latest book, "God's Healing Mercy: Finding Your Path to Forgiveness, Peace, and Joy"  

Does it strike you that - despite all the various conversations about our environment, nature, the universe, and our role as human persons within creation - that we seem to be more out-of-sync with Creation than ever before?   Still, we long for that connection to that which is transcendent, which cannot be manufactured by our own reason and hands.  It somehow alludes us in our reductionistic viewpoint of the world. Join me today as we listen to the contemplative wisdom of Fr. John Bartunek, LC who shares with us from his first book of a coming series of four books of meditations focused upon the beauty of the seasons, simply titled Spring Meditations. For Show Notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

OK...be honest.  Have you ever thought that you'd really love to dive into St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, but have been...well...just a bit overwhelmed?  It's not exactly a "light read", right?! Or maybe you've read some of the TOB audiences, but haven't found a way to connect the beautiful truths contained within about who we are as human persons to your everyday life and relationships? Enter The Cor Project! Listen in today as Jason Clark, of The Cor Project shares how we can "journey into the heart of Christ", and learn to truly LIVE the Theology of the Body in our lives by the many resources and options that are available at The Cor Project. For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Today, former America's Top Model, Leah Darrow, speaks with us about "True Beauty", and shares how we as women follow the standard of our cultural ideas about beauty (as she once did, and still has to guard herself against), and redirects our hearts and minds to the love of God Our Father Who created us in love, for love, and Who made us a reflection of His own Beauty.  There, we find joy and peace in the beauty of our creation which transcends the physical. For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Pope Francis has called for a revolution for the family. But what does that mean exactly?  And how do we go about participating in this revolution? How do we make decisions that lead to the good for our families? Dr. Greg Popcak speaks today about his latest book co-authored with his beautiful wife, Lisa Popcak-Discovering God Together: The Catholic Guide to Raising Faithful Kids. This latest work by the Popcaks' is aimed at helping parents gain an understanding of what it means to truly (and with practically) live out the mission of the Catholic family. Prolific authors Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak bring their unique professional education, experience, and their Catholic faith to every aspect of their work as Catholic psychotherapists, Catholic Life Coaches, as well as co-hosting an inspiring and engaging daily radio program "More2Life".  For more information, visit www.stacigulino.com

Mary-Rose Verret was my guest today, and had so much to say in introducing us to a truly unique marriage prep renewal program that combines the fullness of the magisterium of the Catholic Church (including Theology of the Body and practical implementation of the Virtues in relationship) in combination with the very best of secular psychology (Attachment Theory, Forgiveness Therapy, Marital & Family Therapy, etc.)   Witness to Love was born of prayer before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in an adoration chapel in Lafayette, LA in response to the heartache experienced by Mary-Rose, Ryan, and Fr. Michael Delcambre at the news of the broken marriage of a loved young couple. Mary-Rose shares how they were led from that time of prayer to join with experts in the fields of theology and psychology to produce the Witness to Love: How to Help the Next Generation Build Marriages that Survive and Thrive program. Mary-Rose and I talked about the program itself, as well as delved into some of the issues - such as selfishness, and the distortions about the human person prominent in our modern culture - that surface rather quickly and split so many couples apart.   Visit www.stacigulino.com for more, and the show notes.

Captivating... that word barely sums up my interview with Sue Ellen Browder, former long-time journalist with Cosmopolitan Magazine who - as an act of penance and of a contribution to cultural restoration - shares with us through eyewitness testimony the story of how she participated in the intentional manipulation of women, men, and our culture in her new book, Subverted: How I Helped the Sexual Revolution Hijack the Women's Movement. For more, visit www.stacigulino.com for the show notes and other resources.

It's the "most wonderful time of the year"....RIGHT??  For SO many reasons it truly is....most importantly, because of the Incarnation of Christ through Our Lady's "YES" to God - when the Word became flesh, dwelt among us, and brought redemption to world. But sometimes, there just might be a little bit of trepidation over the possibility of conflict around the dinner table, or in our conversation with family or friends who .... WELL .... might just rub us the wrong way.  Preparing ourselves ahead of time is a something to consider doing to help foster making more joyful memories with loved ones, and for easing some of the stress during this very busy season. But, how can we prepare?  Where do we start? Today's episode was JAM-PACKED with tips and suggestions from Erin Franco and I - and a LOT of wisdom from St. Jose Maria Escriva! - to help us all find ways to be merciful and virtuous during this wonderful, but sometimes exhausting and stressful time of the year. For show notes & more, visit www.stacigulino.com  

When you look at her lovely smile, you would simply have NO IDEA the amount of suffering this beautiful woman - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle - has endured over her life. In her brand new book - The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross - Donna-Marie takes us on a journey through her life, which has been rather tortuous at times. From kidnapping, to relationship abuses, to pregnancy losses, single motherhood, hunger and home disruption, Donna has endured enormous trials, and shares intimately her battles, fears, worries & doubts - and how she has learned the beauty of the cross through the aid of Mother Teresa and the Saints. Though her story is heart-wrenching at times, Donna-Marie's story is tremendously inspirational and filled with hope! Beautiful interview with a beautiful soul...my return guest, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle!

My guest on today's episode was Allison Ricciardi, LMHC, a Catholic psychotherapist in Long Island, NYC.  She is the founder of CatholicTherapists.com, and The Raphael Remedy where she offers Catholic counseling and life coaching.  She also has an amazing blog where she and several other Catholic therapists write valuable content.     Allison is quick-witted, engaging, and masterful in explaining the counterfeit spirituality of New Age ideas and practices that only serve to enslave people seeking remedy from a wound, or difficult situation....or who just are looking for a little "fun".       Tune in and learn from the best!

We are all drawn by Beauty...in music, in art, in the written word, in nature....however, do we know that Beauty is the name of God?  It is often said that "Beauty will save the world".  But what does that mean?  How can we look to the Way of Beauty to bring peace and joy to our hearts when we as human persons have been reduced to merely the sum of our parts in our progressive, modern age which promotes our value as merely what we can produce?  There's SO-MUCH-MORE, ya'll! Today's episode is rich with wonder about Beauty and how God speaks to us through the beauty that is all around is.  Bill is masterful is teaching us what Beauty is, helping us to reconnect our beings to that desire for Beauty that we all have and were created for, as well as how to embrace Beauty in our busy adult lives and offer this gift to our children. Truly, an episode not to be missed! For show notes, www.stacigulino.com

Listen in to hear the lovely Erin Franco speak about whats she's learned in her journey with NFP in her first few years of marriage. For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

In this very first episode of the Fall 2015 season, we are talking about the parent and adult child relationship.....and who better to have this conversation with than my youngest daughter and return guest, Olivia Gulino! Tune in as Olivia and I discuss the some of the joys and challenges of navigating the transition we must all make in our role as parents and as children who are making their way into young adulthood.   For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Has the "reality" of marriage and parenting smacked you, and the honeymoon phase of your fresh, new marriage seem but a distant memory?   Check out this episode today with Erin Franco, where she speaks intimately and wisely about weathering this transition in her own marriage and family.  This, truly, is one of my favorite episodes with Erin! For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com.

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Micah Byer's May 19, 2015 interview was quite an interview....  The witness of this young man is a testimony to the innocence of a child exposed to the darkness of pornography and an example of just how far a man can fall from the ravages of that wound.  That's the bad news...the heartbreaking news....  But, thanks be to God, there is good news!  Listen in as Micah shares his story, and his redemption through Christ and who he is in his creation as male "from the beginning" through the gift of St. John Paul II's teaching of Theology of the Body. DISCLAIMER: Please protect the ears, hearts and minds of innocent ones for this audio episode. Though the majority of graphic details are shrouded or not a part of the program, the topic is nonetheless one that is not appropriate for children/other innocent souls in my view. Micah is such a gift!  He is an incredible musician, and I anticipate great beauty for our world coming from his heart and God-given talents, in conjunction with his ever growing understanding of his identity through Theology of the Body.  I ask you to please keep this precious young man and his family in your prayers as he continues his healing, and as he approaches his wedding date to his beloved very soon.  God bless you, Micah, for your courage and your openness in sharing your story! Wise words from Micah to you: "Reach out to your family, close friends, pastors, don't be stubborn and afraid like I was by not seeking help. SEEK HELP......You can't do this alone. I would find myself asking God for help to beat this addiction, He offered help to me through the people that were in my life and I rejected their help." "Family members, close friends, and pastors, be Agape. Love this person unconditionally. Do not shame them, their bodies, or their desires. Learn about this addiction and the disease of addiction, it is truly no different than alcoholism or drug addiction."  My friends, I tell you straight up that healing from pornography addiction cannot be done alone.  The powerful grip of the evil one is too great in addictions, especially those related to our sexuality and our creation as male and female.  Here are a few resources for you or your loved one to begin the journey of healing: The amazing work of Dr. Peter Kleponis, Ph.D. here, here, and especially here. Reclaim Sexual Health Catholic Psychotherapy Matt Fradd/The Porn Effect Theology of the Body Institute More and more women are becoming addicted to pornography.  Beautiful singer Audrey Assad shares her journey of healing here. Here's a post written by Micah which was posted at the TOB Institute site:  "3 Ways TOB Better Prepared Us for Marriage" The more I pondered on Micah's words in his interview and thoughts above, the more I felt a need to share some of my thoughts with you.  Of course, I had way too many thoughts to share.  Here is just a shortish reflection...quite a bit more than usual, I know:). What powerful words and witness from such a precious young man who has been in the deadly grip of the evil one through rather advanced forms of pornography. (Yeah, the devil IS REAL, ya'll, and prowling about seeking the ruin of as many souls as possible in the time he has left.)  Micah brought forth so much in these few short sentences as an offering of love and mercy to anyone who may in need, and is offering the redemptive healing he has/is receiving as a gift to you and your loved ones!  How humbling and magnificent that Micah has united with God's will for him to pour himself out as a vessel of beauty to a broken world.  But....with healing comes a responsibility - the healing is not just for the healed; rather it is meant as well to be offered in humility to the whole world!  That's the call for ALL of us.  By his witness, Micah is showing us how to embrace that responsibility with great courage and openness to God's will. Micah asks all to avoid stubbornness and fear in seeking help,

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For shownotes, visit www.stacigulino.com

We discussed what a virtue is generally, what the virtue of charity is, and how we can live out the virtue of charity in our various vocations and stations of life.

Take a look at this California beauty, Rose Sweet.  Don't you just LOVE her name?  Her face radiates joy, I know, right?   But, Rose wasn't always so joyful. In fact, as a young woman in the 1950's to 1960's, Rose was seduced by the revolutionary culture away from her faith....and she paid a heavy price for picking and choosing what she determined was true and good and beautiful. Living out certain feminist ideals of the sexual revolution led her to three failed marriages and divorce, the first one as a young woman brutalized by an alcoholic husband.  Disturbing it is that so many in the post-1960's generation uphold the whole "revolution" as something to be aspired to....it seems that it's way cool to be a "hippie" nowadays. Living through those times, however, was a different experience than what is glorified about it today. Our culture..and dear Rose...has suffered tremendous wounds because of it. But Our God is faithful!  And, no matter how far we run away from Him, the hound of Heaven never stops pursuing us as our Bridegroom.  In her brokenness and despair, Rose opened to the call of the Bridegroom....and she said "'YES'", I will receive You, Lord". This is the story of redemption - available to every human person - that Rose wants to share with you! It was through Theology of the Body that Rose found the Truth which pierced through the lies of the culture, revealing her mission to pour out the Lord's sweetness upon her brothers and sisters.  Rose is an accomplished Catholic author, speaker, and media producer, sharing intimately and authentically her personal experience and the way to healing from broken relationships and divorce through Theology of the Body.  There's a lot of "water under the bridge" (we only skimmed the surface!) from the 1960's to her redemption through Christ in the spousal mystery for which we were created, to her mission today of serving from the very places that she herself experienced her deepest sufferings.  Rose has a beautiful story to share that evidences how the Lord works in our lives, if only we ask, open and receive, saying "YES" to being His vessel of beauty in this broken world. You're gonna love Rose's interview....:) http://traffic.libsyn.com/stacigulino/FGC2015-05_Rose_Sweet.mp3   Rose is available to speak at your next event!  And, she has so many fabulous resources to help you and those you love in their journey to authentic love and freedom. Here are some of them: The Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide A Woman's Guide to Healing the Heartbreak of Divorce How to Understand & Petition for Your Decree of Nullity:  A Little Book with Big Help Healing the Divorced Heart Rebuilding After Divorce:  Making Your House A Home Dear God, Send Me a Soulmate:  8 Steps for Finding a Spouse...God's Way Ascension Press   Here's how you can connect with Rose to invite her to speak, or to benefit from the her knowledge and experience through her body of work: Rose Sweet Twitter Facebook   Pax Christi, ya'll