Home from Rome

Happy Christmas (almost!). Christmas Eve is one of the busiest days in the life of a priest. Thankfully, Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor came together a few weeks ago to record Home from Rome's Christmas Special. Enjoy the conversation, carolling and Christian festive cheer.

Advent marks the beginning of the Church's Liturgical Year. In this episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor reminisce over Advents past and encourage us all to use this time of preparation to receive the Lord into our hearts and homes at Christmas.

'Over all these put on love' St Paul tells the Colossians (3:14). These words have become significant for the priest as he dons vestments for Mass. But why wear vestments? What do the signify. In this episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor seek to answers these questions and explain the practical and spiritual origin of the sacred vestiture.

In this week's episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor discuss the life and legacy of Woman of Faith. St Catherine of Siena, St Therese of Lisieux and St Joan of Arc offer are but a few examples of woman, with great courage, who have followed the footsteps of Mary in saying 'yes' to God.

Rediscovering your Faith is a moment of joy and hope. In this episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor respond to a email they received from a listener: what practical steps can we take to cultivate our relationship with God, especially if we have been distant from Him in the past.

In this second episode Fr Eugene O'Hagan shares the story and success of 'The Priests', the signing trio that rose to fame fifteen years past. Since then, 'The Priests' have released four studio albums and toured the world, bringing joy to many with their talent.

Fr Eugene O'Hagan has a voice that many will recognise. He is a member of 'the Priests', the world renowned sacerdotal trio who came to prominence in 2008 with the release of their first album. In this first of two episodes, Fr Eugene chats with Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor about his early life, vocation and love for music.

In 2018 men, women and children gathered from all over the world in Dublin with Pope Francis. The reason was the 'World Meeting of Families' organised under the guidance of Fr Timothy Bartlett. Joining Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor for a second episode, Fr Tim shares his story of those wonderful, blessed days during the Summer of two years past.

Fr Timothy Barlett is Parish Priest of St Mary's, Chapel Lane, the oldest Church in the City in Belfast. In this episode Fr Tim chats with Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor about growing up in North Belfast during the Troubles, his vocation and his involvement in peace and reconciliation.

Fourth of October marks the feast day of the much loved St Francis of Assisi. Francis' love for Creation and all therein has inspired millions for centuries, not least Pope Francis. In this episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor discuss the life of this much love saint and reflect how we today can be inspired and encouraged by his example.

Having reminisced in an earlier episode about their primary school days, this week Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor reflect on their experience of Catholic post-primary school. During these formative school days their faith was nurtured and their understanding of vocation developed.

Married during 'lockdown', newlyweds Kevin and Laura share their story of love and faith with the Home from Rome podcast team.

Paula McKeown leads up the 'Living Church' , the office for pastoral renewal in the Diocese of Down and Connor. In this episode Paula joins Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor to chat about her ministry in the Diocese and her life at home as mum, wife and daughter.

With the beginning of the new school year Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor reflect on the role Catholic school played in forming and nurturing their faith. The Catholic school continues to be to the life and mission of our parishes.

In Chapter Twenty of St John's Gospel the Lord speaks to His Apostles: 'if you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.' The Sacrament of Confession is the beautiful and privileged place where we experience this forgiveness and grace. In this week's episode Frs Dominic, Damian and Conor share their experience of receiving the Sacrament that continues to bring liberation from sin and the fullness of love into our lives.

In this episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor are joined by Christine and Francis of the Community of Koinonia John the Baptist, who share with them the story of how Jesus is alive and active in our midst: touching lives, healing the sick and calling us to follow him.

To preach is the priest's first task. In this episode Frs Dominic, Damian and Conor discuss preachers from their past who are their inspiration, as well their preparation that is needed to compose a winning Sunday sermon.

Lockdown has afforded us the luxury of time to rest, to pray and to read. In this episode Frs Dominic, Damian and Conor discuss classic books that, with different words and images, retell the greatest story ever told.

From the Glens of Antrim through the Island of Jersey to the Hills of Rome, Fr James McAuley of the Venerable English College situated in the Eternal City shares his life and experiences forming future diocesan priests for ministry and service in England and Wales.

With COVID restrictions easing, Catholics are back to Mass. In this weeks episode, Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor share their thoughts and experiences as holy water is replaced by hand gel and congregations come to Mass in the comfort (and heat!) of their cars.

In this episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor are joined by Aoife, Lucy and Gerard, three young people who have travelled to Lourdes over the past few years to serve the sick and the vulnerable. Listen as the young people share their experiences, full of faith and fun, that have deeply influenced their lives.

Lourdes has long been a place of prayer and pilgrimage. It has a special place in the life of many Catholics, including Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor. In this episode they share the story St Bernadette the town of Lourdes, remembering the sick and able who travel there each year to come close to God, Our Lady and the Saints

Down through the centuries popes have served as a spiritual source of unity for the Church. As men they have been shaped by their culture and time. Join Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor for this episode as they chat about some of popes from history and the legacy they gifted to the Church.

Brother Chris Gault OP, who was a doctor in another life, returned to the medical frontline in April to assist on the COVID wards. Frs Dominic, Damian and Conor caught up with him for a quick (social distanced) chat before he headed back down to continue his priestly formation in Dublin.

The Feast of Corpus Christi, a celebration of the Lord's gift to us in the Eucharist. In normal circumstances today is marked by gatherings and processions, incense and song. Alas, not with a global pandemic! So Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor decide to take a walk, or rather procession down memory lane, recalling past experiences of the Feast and calling to mind the great gift that we share in receiving the Body of Christ.

This week, Fathers Dominic, Dominic and Conor reflect on the words of Jesus in St Matthews Gospel, 'whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me' (Mat 25:40). They share memories of lay woman and men, religious sisters and priests who sought to put their faith into action and find the Lord in needy.

In this episode, Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor discuss their memories of Rome and explain why the City lies at the heart of our Catholic Faith

In this pilot episode Fathers Damian, Dominic and Conor discuss the challenges and opportunities to ministry during the Corona Virus Pandemic, explaining why they are excited and full of hope for the future.