Podcasts about Assisi

The past few weeks have brought some meaningful feast days in the Catholic calendar... the archangels & guardian angels... Francis of Assisi... Cosmas & Damian... Vincent de Paul... Wenceslaus... Jerome... and, of course, Therese of Lisieux. But, instead of just going through these saints' biographies, Bishop Caggiano talks about specific lessons we can learn from each of these saints. What is something we can see in these holy people that we can apply in our lives? I really enjoyed this conversation and I got a lot out of it. I hope you do too! EMAIL LIST www.veritascatholic.com OTHER VERITAS SHOWS  The Tangent: https://thetangent.podbean.com The Frontline With Joe & Joe: https://thefrontlinewithjoeandjoe.podbean.com/ Restless Catholic Young Adults: https://restlesscatholicmedia.podbean.com/ Daily Gospel Reflection: https://dailycatholicreflection.podbean.com/ SOCIALS instagram: www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic    

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE AMERICAN ECONOMY AND THE CONSUMER 1940 LONDON   10-3-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 Slow Rebuilding and Political Manipulation in LA Fire Areas Guest Name: Jeff Bliss Summary: Rebuilding fire-damaged areas like Pacific Palisades is agonizingly slow, potentially taking 9 to 20 years, causing residents to abandon their homes. Red tape delays permit issuance, possibly benefiting real estate speculators, including foreign buyers. There is concern that political leaders are pushing to reshape these communities by moving in tall, low-cost housing. 915-930 Economic Slowdown Evident in Local Consumer Spending and Housing Guest Name: Jim McTague Summary:Despite lower gas prices in Lancaster County, a ripple effect from declining Asian imports is expected. Consumer caution remains high, with "English" shoppers buying essentials and avoiding expensive electronics. Local diners show less vibrancy, suggesting the economy has lost "some spring in its step." High-end real estate sales have also notably "dried up." 930-945 HEADLINE: Trump's War on Cartels and Venezuela Intervention; Supreme Court Takes Up Federal Reserve Governor Firing Case GUEST NAME: Richard Epstein SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Richard Epstein about President Trump's "war" against drug cartels and potential Venezuela intervention, which Epstein deems unlawful executive overreach due to congressional inertia. He suggests overthrowing Maduro would be more strategic. The Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments regarding presidential power to fire Federal Reserve governors, specifically Lisa Cook, addressing the future of independent agencieS. 945-1000 HEADLINE: Trump's War on Cartels and Venezuela Intervention; Supreme Court Takes Up Federal Reserve Governor Firing Case GUEST NAME: Richard Epstein SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Richard Epstein about President Trump's "war" against drug cartels and potential Venezuela intervention, which Epstein deems unlawful executive overreach due to congressional inertia. He suggests overthrowing Maduro would be more strategic. The Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments regarding presidential power to fire Federal Reserve governors, specifically Lisa Cook, addressing the future of independent agencieS. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Need for Pentagon Leadership in Fortifying US Infrastructure Against Adversaries Guest Name: Henry SokolskiSummary: Russia is allegedly already waging hybrid war against the EU via cable cutting and cyber assaults, which is expected to reach the US. The US is unprepared organizationally. The Pentagon (Secretary of Defense) should lead hardening and proliferation efforts for targets like the electric grid and nuclear plants, but they are currently resistant to doing so publicly. 1015-1030 Need for Pentagon Leadership in Fortifying US Infrastructure Against Adversaries Guest Name: Henry SokolskiSummary: Russia is allegedly already waging hybrid war against the EU via cable cutting and cyber assaults, which is expected to reach the US. The US is unprepared organizationally. The Pentagon (Secretary of Defense) should lead hardening and proliferation efforts for targets like the electric grid and nuclear plants, but they are currently resistant to doing so publicly. 1030-1045 Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas and Martian/Jupiter Missions Guest Name: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Comet 3I Atlas is the third identified interstellar object and the second interstellar comet, much larger than previous ones. Its path brings it within about 20 million miles of Mars, but it is currently blocked by the sun. NASA and European teams are attempting to get data using Mars orbiters and rovers, though the resolution may not match Webb's spectroscopy. Europe is also considering re-aiming the Juice mission. 1045-1100 Webb Telescope Challenges Cosmology Theories with 'Little Red Dots' Guest Name: Bob Zimmerman Summary:The Webb Space Telescope is finding mysterious "little red dots" in the very early universe, observed via infrared due to redshift. Astronomers speculate these might be supermassive black holes, which shouldn't exist so early, challenging the Big Bang theory itself. About 30% of these dots do not appear compact when viewed in ultraviolet light, resembling galaxies instead. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 HEADLINE: Princess Ennigaldi-Nanna's Chamber: An Early Mesopotamian Museum GUEST NAME: Moudhy Al-Rashid SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Moudhy Al-Rashid about Princess Ennigaldi-Nanna, high priestess to moon god Sin in Ur, who maintained ancient artifact collections in her palace. Items 1,500 years older than her time, alongside cylindrical clay labels, suggest the chamber functioned as the world's earliest known museum, establishing links to ancient history. 1115-1130 HEADLINE: Princess Ennigaldi-Nanna's Chamber: An Early Mesopotamian Museum GUEST NAME: Moudhy Al-Rashid SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Moudhy Al-Rashid about Princess Ennigaldi-Nanna, high priestess to moon god Sin in Ur, who maintained ancient artifact collections in her palace. Items 1,500 years older than her time, alongside cylindrical clay labels, suggest the chamber functioned as the world's earliest known museum, establishing links to ancient history. 1130-1145 HEADLINE: Ancient Mesopotamian Literacy, Math, and the Epic of Gilgamesh GUEST NAME: Moudhy Al-RashidSUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Moudhy Al-Rashid about Mesopotamian education teaching advanced mathematics and writing in Sumerian and Akkadian, preserved on homework tablets. The Epic of Gilgamesh, dating to a likely real king around 2800 BCE, tells of a tyrant's transformation into a wise king after learning that life concerns community survival 1145-1200 HEADLINE: Ancient Mesopotamian Literacy, Math, and the Epic of Gilgamesh GUEST NAME: Moudhy Al-RashidSUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Moudhy Al-Rashid about Mesopotamian education teaching advanced mathematics and writing in Sumerian and Akkadian, preserved on homework tablets. The Epic of Gilgamesh, dating to a likely real king around 2800 BCE, tells of a tyrant's transformation into a wise king after learning that life concerns community survival FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Positive Outlook for US-Canada Trade and Middle East Peace Guest Name: Conrad Black Summary: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is meeting with President Trump to discuss economic and security issues, aiming to remove US tariffs. Trade discussions look positive following the Canadian election. Carney also specifically endorsed President Trump's proposed Middle East peace deal, which has major Arab and non-Arab Muslim powers supporting it, deeming it one of the greatest diplomatic achievements since World War II. 1215-1230 8. Italian Political Scandals and the Reinstatement of St. Francis Holiday Guest Name: Lorenzo Fiori Summary:Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and two ministers face ICC investigation for failing to detain a Libyan warlord, citing risks to Italian workers in Libya. Separately, Italy's Senate unanimously approved reinstating a national holiday honoring St. Francis of Assisi, Italy's patron saint, 800 years after his passing. 1230-1245 Distinguishing Humane Nationalism from Pathological Ideologies Guest Name: Daniel Mahoney Summary:Nationalism must be distinguished from pathological forms like "blood and soil" ideology, which champions ethnic rooting and the subordination of others. Moderate, humane national loyalty is tied to self-government and common humanity, rejecting the path that leads to "zoological wars." Critics often unfairly conflate nationalism with isolationism or imperialism. 1245-100 AM Distinguishing Humane Nationalism from Pathological Ideologies Guest Name: Daniel Mahoney Summary:Nationalism must be distinguished from pathological forms like "blood and soil" ideology, which champions ethnic rooting and the subordination of others. Moderate, humane national loyalty is tied to self-government and common humanity, rejecting the path that leads to "zoological wars." Critics often unfairly conflate nationalism with isolationism or imperialism.

Italian Political Scandals and the Reinstatement of St. Francis Holiday Guest Name: Lorenzo Fiori Summary:Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and two ministers face ICC investigation for failing to detain a Libyan warlord, citing risks to Italian workers in Libya. Separately, Italy's Senate unanimously approved reinstating a national holiday honoring St. Francis of Assisi, Italy's patron saint, 800 years after his passing. 1600 ROME

PREVIEW  HEADLINE Italy Restores National Holiday Honoring St. Francis; Celebrations Begin 2026 Amid Talk of Giotto's Restored Assisi Frescoes GUEST NAME Lorenzo Fiori 50 WORD SUMMARY Italy's legislature restored the national holiday honoring St. Francis, patron saint of Italy, starting October 4, 2026. The Senate approved the measure, reversing a deletion made about 30 years ago. St. Francis, who famously renounced wealth to found the Franciscan order, is associated with Assisi, home to restored Giotto frescoes. 1890

Evening Prayer for Saturday, October 4, 2025 (Eve of the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, or the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity [Proper 22]; Francis of Assisi, Friar and Deacon, Reformer of the Church, 1226).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 88Zechariah 14Matthew 24:1-28⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.

Morning Prayer for Saturday, October 4, 2025 (Proper 21; Francis of Assisi, Friar and Deacon, Reformer of the Church, 1226).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 86, 871 Kings 181 Peter 2:11-3:7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi by Dr. John Bergsma. Francis of Assisi, Religious Founder Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Baruch 4: 5-12, 27-29 or Galatians 6:14-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 69: 33-35, 36-37 or 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25 Gospel: Luke 10: 17-24 or Matthew 11:25-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com This December, consider joining Catholic author Mike Aquilina, historian James L. Papandrea, and Fr. Kevin Barrett on a unique pilgrimage to Sicily. Please visit https://stpaulcenter.com/pilgrimages to learn more.

From Dublin, Ireland, Father Richard Hendrick, OFM, a Capuchin Franciscan, joins Trending with Timmerie. Episode Guide The life of St. Francis of Assisi (1:36) Divesting ourselves of anything that leads us away from Christ (9:32) How to cultivate fraternity and embrace simplicity with St. Francis of Assisi (24:41) Gen Z – Congratulations Graduates, You’re Unemployed (37:24) Resources mentioned: WSJ Future View: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/congratulations-graduates-youre-unemployed-ec2a783d

Gospel Luke 10:17-24 The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name." Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power 'to tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven." At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." Turning to the disciples in private he said, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” Reflection When you know who Saint Francis of Assisi was, when you know his story, it's easy to see why he has become so popular as a saint. Probably the best known saint in all of Catholicism. More books written on him than any other saint. And what I'm asking you to recognize in his teaching is something so simple, so beautiful. He fell in love with God, with a childlike love and a childlike enthusiasm for God's creation. God's creatures. He was amazingly human and simple and excited about the work that he and his brothers would do. Closing Prayer Father, we do need models. We do need people to show us the way, but I want to thank you in particular for the gift that you've given us in Saint Francis. What a beautiful man. What a wonderful teaching. I've been drawn to it my whole priesthood, and I pray His spirit will fill you and me as we continue our journey. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St. Francis of Assisi, Deacon, Religious, Founder of the Three Orders (Solemnity)

Friends of the Rosary,Today, October 4, is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), a 13th-century Italian priest who renounced his worldly possessions to devote himself to Christ. He was the first person (recorded) to receive the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ) in 1224.Francis Bernardone was born and died in Assisi. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, received a good education, and initially followed the ways of the world with a lavish and irresponsible life.At the age of twenty, he went to war against Perugia, but was captured and imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he had a vision of Christ, which changed his life completely.In a dream, God told him, “Go and repair my church, which, as you can see, is in ruins.”He left all his possessions and embraced complete poverty, taking the Gospel as his rule of life.In 1220, he founded the Franciscan order, which, within ten years, numbered five thousand brothers.Out of humility, Francis never accepted the priesthood but remained a deacon all his life.He had a great love for God's creatures and referred to them as his brothers and sisters.His ardent love of God merited for him the name of Seraphic. He is also nicknamed "God's Fool" and "Il Poverello" (The Little Poor One).Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠October 4, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET  

It's the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Father Jim Gardiner , a Franciscan Friar in Garrison, New York chose the occasion to launch his first podcast. Amen!

In the vast tapestry of Catholic spirituality, few threads shimmer with the humble brilliance of The Little Flowers of Saint Francis. This cherished collection of stories, born from the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, isn't just a historical artifact—it's a living wellspring of inspiration, a call to radical simplicity and boundless love for Christ. At Journeys of Faith, we're drawn to these tales like pilgrims to a sacred shrine, eager to uncover the divine whispers hidden in every act of kindness, every moment of surrender. Founded by Bob and Penny Lord with a heart for evangelization, our ministry—rooted in the mission of “all for Jesus”—seeks to share the transformative power of such works with Catholics hungry for deeper connection.Imagine walking the dusty paths of 13th-century Italy, where a poor man in a tattered robe spoke to birds, tamed wolves, and bore the wounds of Christ Himself. The Little Flowers of Saint Francis captures these moments, not as mere legend, but as a testament to a faith so raw and real it still echoes through the centuries. Compiled long after Francis' death by followers of his order, this anthology—originally titled Fioretti—paints a portrait of a saint whose life was a living Gospel, a sermon preached through deeds over words. For us at Journeys of Faith, a Catholic ministry devoted to pilgrimage, miracles, and the saints, these stories aren't just history; they're a roadmap for our own spiritual journeys.Whether you've trekked to Assisi yourself or simply long to encounter the saints in the quiet of your prayer corner, The Little Flowers offers something rare: a glimpse into a soul utterly consumed by love for God and creation. As we delve into this sacred text, we invite you to join us—through the lens of our mission at Holy Family Mission in Arkansas and the countless resources we've crafted, from books to streaming content—to rediscover the joy of a faith that blooms in the smallest, most unexpected places. Let's walk with Saint Francis, together, and see where his little flowers lead us closer to Jesus.Compilation and Authorship QuestionsLet's dig into the murky waters of The Little Flowers of Saint Francis—a text as enigmatic as it is beloved. If you're expecting a neat and tidy origin story, brace yourself for a bit of a historical whodunit. Scholars have been scratching their heads for centuries over who actually penned this collection of tales about Saint Francis of Assisi and his early followers. The traditional attribution points to Brother Ugolino di Monte Santa Maria, a Franciscan friar, as the compiler sometime in the late 13th or early 14th century. But here's the kicker: there's no definitive proof. The text itself doesn't come with a signed confession or a medieval copyright page. Instead, we're left piecing together clues from manuscripts and references in other works.The earliest Latin versions, known as the Actus Beati Francisci et Sociorum Eius, are widely accepted as the foundation for what became The Little Flowers. These stories were likely gathered from oral traditions—think of friars swapping tales around a fire about Francis's radical simplicity, his love for creation, and those wild miracles. But translation and adaptation over time muddy the waters. When the text was rendered into Italian as I Fioretti di San Francesco, it wasn't just a straight port; it was shaped and flavored by the cultural and spiritual lens of the translator. Some argue this introduced embellishments, while others say it captured the heart of Francis's charism in a way the Latin couldn't.Click this link to view the full articleSupport the show

Today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. What comes to mind when you think of St. Francis? Find out more about this great saint on today's reflection from Fr. Kubicki.

Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226; a serious illness caused him to abandon his frolicking life as leader of Assisi's youth; lengthy and difficult prayer led him to a self-emptying; from the cross in the neglected field-chapel of San Damiano, Christ told him, “Francis, go out and build up my house, for it is nearly falling down”; he gave up all of his possessions, he had no intention of founding an order, but once it began he protected it and accepted all the legal structures needed to support it; his devotion and loyalty to the Church were absolute; two years before his death, received the stigmata, the painful wounds of Christ in his hands, feet, and side; Francis died in 1221 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 10/4/25 Gospel: Luke 10:17-24

Pax et Bonum! On October 4th, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Holy Father, Saint Francis of Assisi. As Franciscans, we have much to admire and love about St. Francis. With this in mind, we have chosen to delve into the profound teachings of 'The Three Ways of Perfection', a topic that has captivated us and we believe will inspire you as well. 1. The Purgative Way is the purifying of the soul in view of attaining an intimate union with God. 2. The Illuminative Way is the stage of the spiritual life that aims for the imitation of Christ through the positive exercise of Christian virtues. 3. The Unitive Way is characterized by three conditions: 1) a great purity of heart, 2) a great mastery over self, and 3) a constant need to think about God. Points of Discussion: 1. The Purgative Way is shown by his conversion and being the Church builder. 2. The Illuminative Way is shown by the Rule – living according to the Gospels. 3. The Unitive Way is exemplified by Greccio – Nativity Scene, Alverna – Stigmata, and Portiuncula – Holy Death. Deo Gratias!

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi by Dr. John Bergsma. Francis of Assisi, Religious Founder Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Baruch 4: 5-12, 27-29 or Galatians 6:14-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 69: 33-35, 36-37 or 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25 Gospel: Luke 10: 17-24 or Matthew 11:25-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com This December, consider joining Catholic author Mike Aquilina, historian James L. Papandrea, and Fr. Kevin Barrett on a unique pilgrimage to Sicily. Please visit https://stpaulcenter.com/pilgrimages to learn more.

25 At that time Jesus answered and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to the little ones.In illo tempore respondens Jesus dixit : Confiteor tibi, Pater, Domine caeli et terrae, quia abscondisti haec a sapientibus, et prudentibus, et revelasti ea parvulis. 26 Yea, Father; for so hath it seemed good in thy sight.Ita Pater : quoniam sic fuit placitum ante te. 27 All things are delivered to me by my Father. And no one knoweth the Son, but the Father: neither doth any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom it shall please the Son to reveal him.Omnia mihi tradita sunt a Patre meo. Et nemo novit Filium, nisi Pater : neque Patrem quis novit, nisi Filius, et cui voluerit Filius revelare. 28 Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you.Venite ad me omnes qui laboratis, et onerati estis, et ego reficiam vos. 29 Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.Tollite jugum meum super vos, et discite a me, quia mitis sum, et humilis corde : et invenietis requiem animabus vestris. 30 For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.Jugum enim meum suave est, et onus meum leve.The Seraphic Patriarch of Assisi was a man especially raised up by God in the Middle Ages with the mission to reconvert the world to Christ. Francis was born in a stable, and heralded into the world by angelic song; he commenced his work with twelve followers, whom he sent two by two to preach the Gospel. He espoused most high Poverty, and received in his own body the marks of the Sacred Passion on Mount Alvernia. Francis' message of charity, peace and justice was heard by men and women of every grade of society, and thousands in consequence desired to leave all and follow Francis in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Therefore he founded the Order of Friars Minor, the Second Order of the Poor Clares, and the Tertiaries or Third Order which bear his name. St Francis died about sunset on Saturday, 3rd Ocober 1226.

The Radical Conversion of Francis of AssisiLink to Full ArticleIn the rolling hills of Umbria, where the olive groves whisper ancient secrets and the stone walls of Assisi stand as silent witnesses to history, a young man once dreamed of glory. He was a knight, clad in the ambitions of wealth and honor, a son of privilege who chased the fleeting thrill of worldly acclaim. His name was Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, but the world would come to know him as Francis of Assisi—a name that echoes through the centuries as a beacon of radical love, poverty, and devotion to Christ. At Journeys of Faith, we are drawn to stories like his, tales of transformation that cut through the noise of our modern lives and remind us of the raw, untamed power of God's call.Francis's journey from knight to poverello—Italian for “little poor man”—is not just a historical footnote. It's a spiritual earthquake, a seismic shift that reshaped the Church and continues to challenge us today. Here was a man who had everything—status, charm, the promise of a comfortable life—and yet, in a moment of divine encounter, he walked away from it all. He traded armor for rags, pride for humility, and self for service. For those of us seeking deeper meaning, for Catholic Christians yearning to understand the heart of our faith through the lives of the saints, Francis's story is a pilgrimage in itself—a roadmap to the kind of surrender that changes everything.At Journeys of Faith, we've spent decades uncovering the treasures of Catholic tradition, from Eucharistic miracles to the lives of holy men and women like Saint Francis of Assisi. Inspired by our founders, Bob and Penny Lord, who embarked on their own transformative pilgrimage over 40 years ago, we invite you to journey with us into the life of this extraordinary saint. Through his radical conversion, we find not just a historical figure, but a mirror held up to our own lives, asking: What are we willing to let go of for the sake of Christ? Let's step into Assisi, into the 13th century, and witness the making of a saint whose love for God and creation still burns bright in the heart of the Church.Link to Full ArticleSupport the show

This Sunday's Gospel (Luke 17:5–10) is not about more faith — it's about less self. The apostles beg Jesus: “Increase our faith.” But He points to a mustard seed. Small. Hidden. Explosive.In this Mass Prep for the Mystic Heart, we dive into:-Why the Bride of Christ always begins with ache and longing.-The mystics' path of littleness and nada — St. Thérèse, John of the Cross, Teresa of Ávila.-What Jesus means when He calls us “unprofitable servants” — love doesn't send invoices.-St. Francis of Assisi as the fool who emptied himself until only Christ remained.-The reversal: the Master who stoops to serve His servants, the Bridegroom who kneels before the Bride.This is mustard seed mysticism: God doesn't need your performance, your devotions tallied up like receipts. He wants your presence. He wants your emptiness. He wants the tiny seed of faith that, surrendered, can move mountains.Prepare your heart for Sunday's Mass with this reflection on faith, littleness, and the love that stoops.

The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi is on October 4th and is widely revered as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Across communities worldwide, people are holding special blessings for pets and wildlife, reflecting St. Francis's devotion to all creatures, great and small. OSF HealthCare Medical Centers are hosting gatherings, inviting families to bring their pets for a blessing ceremony. The feast day serves as a reminder of compassion and stewardship toward animals, encouraging acts of kindness such as volunteering at shelters or supporting wildlife causes. St. Francis's legacy inspires many to consider the welfare of animals in everyday life. The Blessing of Pets is scheduled for October 8th from 11 AM to 1 PM at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee. The Blessing of the Pets is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., following the 12 PM Mass. The Celebration for Saint Luke is on October 18th but will be celebrated on Monday, October 22nd.

For 4 October 2025, The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, based on Galatians 6:14-17

This week we're talking about headlines and news that might affect your trip to Italy. Much of this episode discusses the somewhat confusing new Entry/Exit System (EES) mandates that will affect everyone entering the Schengen Zone. We also touch on the upcoming October 2-3 train strike as well as the reinstatement of a public holiday for Saint Francis of Assisi.If you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to Only a Bag on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Or use our affiliate links (at no cost to you) for booking hotels, transportation, and tours/classes with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booking.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠omio.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠viator.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you so much to all of you who have donated! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠onlyabag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.For more info, check out our articles on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠onlyabag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and read our Substack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letters from the Balcony⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.As always, thank you all so much for listening!x Darcy and Nathaniel

Gestern haben wir das Fest der heiligen Erzengel Gabriel, Michael und Rafael gefeiert und uns erinnert, dass sie als Boten Gottes für uns sichtbar, hörbar und erfahrbar werden können durch Menschen, die uns zur Seite gestellt sind. Ich bin seit einigen Tagen mit 25 Frauen in Assisi, der Stadt der Heiligen Klara und des Heiligen Franziskus. Heute gehen wir in den unteren Stadtteil der Santa Maria degli Angeli heißt, also der Heiligen Maria von den Engeln geweiht ist. Über dieses Städtchen ragt weit heraus die Basilika, die Namensgeberin, mit ihrer riesigen Kuppel. Zur Zeit des Franziskus war dort unten ein sumpfiger Wald und einige sehr kleine Kapellen, die den Benediktinern unterstellt waren. Eine dieser Kapellen wurde zum Startort der kleinen Gemeinschaft der Brüder des Franziskus, die dort unter anderem, das Evangelium gehört hatten wo es heißt: "Nehmt nichts mit auf den Weg, kein Geld, kein zweites Hemd, keinen Wanderstab und an den Füßen nur Sandalen" und schnell erkannt hatte, dass es das ist, was sie leben wollen. Und dieses kleine Fleckchen Erde – Portiunkula genannt – wurde zur Herzkammer, zur Mitte, des immer größer werdenden Ordens. Um diese Herzkammer, oder auch kostbare Perle zu schützen, und den immer mehr werdenden Pilgerscharen Raum zu bieten, wurde ab 1569 in ungefähr 110 Jahren, die große Basilika über der kleinen Kapelle gebaut. Dort treffen sich die Brüder zu Versammlungen und Kapiteln. Und dieser Ort hat noch eine andere Bedeutung. Am 3. Oktober 1226 ist dort, umgeben von seinen Brüdern der Heilige Franziskus gestorben. Der Gedanke, das, was mir wichtig und wertvoll ist, zu schützen und zu ummanteln, gefällt mir sehr gut. Und daraus ergibt sich für mich gleich die Frage, was ist mir denn so wertvoll und wichtig, dass ich es schützen möchte. Dieser Tage schrieb mir eine Frau, dass sie zu religiösen Fragen in den sozialen Medien keine Kommentare mehr liest. Diese seien oft so dumm, so verletzend und gegen alles Christliche gewandt, dass sie nicht mehr ertragen möchte, dass ihr, wie sie sagt, heiliges Gut, beschmutzt und bepöbelt wird. Und seit sie das alles nicht mehr liest, spürt sie mehr innere Ruhe und Frieden. Was ist für Sie heute das Heilige, das Wichtige und Wertvolle in Ihrem Herzen, dass Sie behüten und beschützen möchten?

Join Father Shawn, Melissa Flanagan, and Father Ryan as they dive into the history and heart behind Resurrection Church's beloved St. Francis Fest! In this episode, we explore who St. Francis was, why churches have blessed animals for centuries, and how this 9th annual celebration has become a cornerstone community event in South Austin. Event Details:

Sono già cominciati le celebrazioni per l’ottavo centenario della morte di San Francesco d’Assisi che culmineranno il 4 ottobre del 2026. E molti sono i libri pubblicati per questa ricorrenza.Ne parliamo con Giulio Busi, autore del libro, Il cantico dell’umiltà (Mondadori). Nella seconda parte sempre in tema religioso e sul periodo medievale le seguenti recensioni:- Paolo Morelli, La vera vita di Margarito d’Arezzo, artista, Exorma- Federico Canaccini, Sacre ossa, Storie di reliquie, santi e pellegrini- Raymond Oursel, I cammini di Santiago, Jaca book- Glauco Maria Cantarella, L’impero di Cluny, I monaci della corte celeste, Carocci- Franco Franceschi - Paolo Nanni - Gabriella Piccinni, Medioevo che crea, Innovare, inventare, sperimentare nell'Italia dei secoli X-XIV, Laterza- Brunetto Latini, Il Tesoretto, CarocciIl confettino, i consigli di questa settimana per i più piccoli:Francesco d’Assisi, Il cantico delle creature, TS.

Join us on Patreon for more content and connection! https://patreon.com/kindmind Remembering the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: where there is hatred, let me bring love.Contemplating this can reveal deeper insights to assist in reprogramming our psychological reflexes. For example, a person is never only their opinion, and every opinion has a half-life. Opinions are like clouds - appearing to be permanent at a glance. Pay more attention and one can perceive the numerous forces continuously reshaping it.Every profile picture is a doorway to an infinite interior, even for that individual. I go on uncovering and peeling layers around myself in pursuit of self-knowledge. Our task—especially in seasons of heat—is to refuse the fixation of the single facet. To meet any neighbor as more than a position is moral hygiene.Social media really strips us of our humanity and edits our our fullness. When we restore dimensions, we restore possibility: the chance that a disagreement can be a bridge, that truth can travel without cruelty, that our commonality can be a place for transformation.

Join Clint Berge on this special edition of Connecting the Diocese with guests Bishop William Patrick Callahan, Father Conrad Targonski, and Sister Sarah Hennessy as they delve into the influence of St. Francis of Assisi on their spiritual journeys. Explore their personal stories and the significance of Franciscan values like joy, simplicity, and poverty. Discover […]

"Angedacht" – das geistliche Wort und eine kleine Portion Optimismus für den Start in den Tag. Heute mit Brigitte Neumeister aus der Lutherstadt Wittenberg.

The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Generosity Generosity is the second attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, generosity means giving ourselves to God without reserve, echoing Mary's fiat: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Inspired by the radical joy of St. Francis of Assisi, this reflection ... Read more The post Generosity – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) continued the legacy of St. Anthony and was the Franciscan counterpart to Aquinas. He's called the second founder of the Franciscans, and the Prince of the Mystics, because he continued the mystical tradition of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and he preserves for us the mystical spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as being an important influence on later mystics, such as St. John of the Cross. Links Check out this three-part series on St. Bonaventure by Pope Benedict XVI (from 2010) Part 1: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=9267 Part 2: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=9271 Part 3: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=9284 The Classics of Western Spirituality volume on St. Bonaventure: https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/2121-2/bonaventure.aspx SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's Newsletter:  https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters/ DONATE at:  http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Dr. Papandrea's Homepage:  http://www.jimpapandrea.com Dr. Papandrea's latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: https://scepterpublishers.org/collections/new-releases/products/the-original-church-what-it-meant-and-still-means-to-be-a-christian?variant=46258102337713 Dr. Papandrea's YouTube channel, The Original Church: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOriginalChurch Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:  https://www.ccwatershed.org/  

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Autumn Awakening: A Spiritual Retreat Reignites Passion Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2025-09-24-22-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Nel cuore di una fresca mattina d'autunno, il sole si levava lento sulle colline di Assisi.En: In the heart of a fresh autumn morning, the sun rose slowly over the hills of Assisi.It: Le foglie degli alberi si tingevano di giallo e arancione, mentre il vento leggero portava con sé un profumo di terra bagnata.En: The leaves on the trees were turning yellow and orange, while the gentle wind carried with it a scent of damp earth.It: Il ritiro spirituale prometteva pace e riflessione, ed era proprio ciò di cui Luca e Alessia avevano bisogno.En: The spiritual retreat promised peace and reflection, and it was exactly what Luca and Alessia needed.It: Luca camminava lentamente lungo un sentiero bordato da cipressi.En: Luca walked slowly along a path bordered by cypress trees.It: Era un artista, ma ultimamente si sentiva smarrito.En: He was an artist, but lately, he felt lost.It: Le sue mani spesso restavano immobili sul foglio, incapaci di creare.En: His hands often remained still on the paper, unable to create.It: Aveva bisogno di ispirazione.En: He needed inspiration.It: Il suo cuore era pieno di dubbi.En: His heart was full of doubts.It: Quando sentì parlare della meditazione di gruppo, fu titubante.En: When he heard about the group meditation, he was hesitant.It: Ma alla fine decise di provarci.En: But in the end, he decided to give it a try.It: Alessia, invece, era piena di energia ma sentiva che il suo fuoco si stava spegnendo.En: Alessia, on the other hand, was full of energy but felt that her fire was fading.It: L'insegnamento, che un tempo le dava gioia, ora sembrava solo un peso.En: Teaching, which once brought her joy, now seemed like a burden.It: Aveva un sorriso luminoso per gli altri, ma dentro si sentiva stanca.En: She had a bright smile for others, but inside she felt tired.It: Quella mattina, decise di assistere al rituale del sole che sorge.En: That morning, she decided to attend the sunrise ritual.It: Voleva ascoltare il suo cuore in silenzio.En: She wanted to listen to her heart in silence.It: Il ritiro era un luogo magico.En: The retreat was a magical place.It: I cottage in pietra si fondevano con la natura e un giardino tranquillo circondava tutto.En: The stone cottages blended with nature, and a tranquil garden surrounded everything.It: Il suono delle campane di una chiesa lontana riempiva l'aria.En: The sound of bells from a distant church filled the air.It: Durante la passeggiata silenziosa nel bosco, qualcosa cambiò per entrambi.En: During the silent walk in the woods, something changed for both of them.It: Luca, immerso nei propri pensieri, si fermò.En: Luca, immersed in his thoughts, stopped.It: Davanti a lui, un piccolo ruscello scorreva tranquillo.En: In front of him, a small stream flowed quietly.It: Guardò l'acqua riflettere la luce dorata del sole e capì.En: He watched the water reflect the golden light of the sun and understood.It: Il dubbio che lo tormentava svanì.En: The doubt that tormented him vanished.It: L'acqua fluiva, proprio come doveva fluire la sua creatività.En: The water flowed, just as his creativity should flow.It: Prese il suo quaderno e iniziò a disegnare, le mani guidate da una nuova visione.En: He took his notebook and began to draw, his hands guided by a new vision.It: Allo stesso tempo, Alessia respirava profondamente l'aria fresca del mattino.En: At the same time, Alessia breathed deeply in the fresh morning air.It: Sentì una pace avvolgente quando i primi raggi del sole toccarono il suo viso.En: She felt an enveloping peace when the first rays of the sun touched her face.It: Si rese conto che insegnare significava essere una guida di luce per gli altri.En: She realized that teaching meant being a guide of light for others.It: Non si trattava solo di trasmettere conoscenze, ma di ispirare.En: It wasn't just about imparting knowledge, but about inspiring.It: Il suo amore per l'insegnamento si riaccese con una nuova forza.En: Her love for teaching rekindled with a new strength.It: Quando i due tornarono ai cottage, il mondo sembrava più chiaro.En: When the two returned to the cottages, the world seemed clearer.It: Luca aveva trovato fiducia.En: Luca had found confidence.It: I suoi schizzi erano pieni di vita e nuove idee per la mostra.En: His sketches were full of life and new ideas for the exhibition.It: Alessia, con un sorriso sereno, sapeva come portare quell'energia nelle sue lezioni.En: Alessia, with a serene smile, knew how to bring that energy into her lessons.It: Quello che avevano cercato, lo trovarono nella semplicità della natura e del silenzio.En: What they had been searching for, they found in the simplicity of nature and silence.It: Il ritiro li aveva trasformati.En: The retreat had transformed them.It: Le colline autunnali di Assisi spargevano oro, e per Luca e Alessia, quel ritiro spirituale si rivelò un dono prezioso.En: The autumn hills of Assisi scattered gold, and for Luca and Alessia, that spiritual retreat proved to be a precious gift. Vocabulary Words:the heart: il cuorethe hills: le collinethe leaves: le fogliethe trees: gli alberithe wind: il ventothe scent: il profumothe earth: la terrathe retreat: il ritirothe reflection: la riflessionethe path: il sentierothe cypress trees: i cipressithe artist: l'artistathe doubts: i dubbithe group meditation: la meditazione di gruppothe burden: il pesothe sunrise ritual: il rituale del sole che sorgethe cottages: i cottagethe stone: la pietrathe garden: il giardinothe church: la chiesathe bells: le campanethe woods: il boscothe stream: il ruscellothe notebook: il quadernothe vision: la visionethe peace: la pacethe rays: i raggithe smile: il sorrisothe lessons: le lezionithe exhibition: la mostra

"God is intimately involved in all human affairs." -Isha DasIn this episode of the Wrestling with God podcast, Isha Das talks about the intense love of God and how we can use this love as a force for good.Wrestling with God podcast: Season 5 // Episode 7: I am the Light of the WorldA talk given by Isha Das, August 21, 2025.For more information visit https://assisi-institute.org/You can also find us at:https://www.instagram.com/isha_das_craig_bullock/https://www.instagram.com/assisi.institute/https://www.facebook.com/Assisi.Institutehttps://www.instagram.com/assisiyoga/

Francis of Assisi is often remembered as a gentle lover of animals or a simple garden statue with birds perched on his shoulders. But the real Francis was far more radical. He was a mystic whose entire life mirrored Jesus Christ. His spirituality was not just about prayer or visions but about recognizing God in creation, in poverty, in the Eucharist, and in people.In this video, I explore the radical mysticism of St. Francis of Assisi: his union with Christ crucified, his vision of creation as cosmic praise, his embrace of Lady Poverty, his burning devotion to the Eucharist, and his recognition of Christ in the poor and the leper. This is not the birdbath Francis of popular imagination — this is Francis the mystic, Francis the mirror of Christ.To go deeper, I have created a nine-day novena and prayer guide leading up to the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th. You can purchase the PDF guide on its own, or join me on Patreon to receive the guide along with daily video reflections as we pray the novena together, plus additional Franciscan content leading into his feast day.PDF Guide: https://www.stanthonystongue.com/products/p/pdf-st-francis-of-assisi-novena-prayer-guidePatreon: http://www.patreon.com/anthonystongue

Friends of the Rosary,In yesterday's reading  (Luke 8:1–3), Luke the Evangelist recounted how some women accompanied Jesus and provided for him and the Twelve. Jesus invited women into full participation in the life of discipleship.Jesus's call to discipleship is for everyone. Rich and poor, men and women, and those on the inside and the outside, are summoned to follow the Lord.Over the centuries, we have seen remarkable women who followed Jesus as exemplars of Christian faith. Women such as Teresa of Avila, Joan of Arc, Clare of Assisi, Thérèse of Lisieux, Mother Teresa of Kolkata, Katharine Drexel, Edith Stein, and Dorothy Day.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠September 20, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Send us a textThe battle between flesh and spirit plays out daily in our lives, especially when we're provoked to anger. This powerful conversation explores how Christians can navigate contentious situations without losing their spiritual footing.When someone pushes our buttons, our natural instinct is to react—sometimes explosively. But as believers, we're called to something higher: "Be angry and sin not." Participants share personal struggles with maintaining composure when provoked, acknowledging how difficult it can be to step back, pray, and recollect ourselves rather than immediately responding with anger.The discussion draws inspiration from powerful examples like Jesus Christ, Francis of Assisi, and Patrick of Ireland—individuals who responded to hatred with love and persecution with mercy. If Christ himself, who could have called down legions of angels, chose gentleness and humility, how much more should we practice restraint in our interactions?Perhaps most challenging is the examination of how Christians often become entangled in worldly politics, fighting more passionately for earthly kingdoms than for God's. We're reminded that believers should be present in every sphere—military, entertainment, politics—not to be consumed by these worlds but to be light within them. The fundamental error occurs when we begin identifying more with political affiliations than with our identity in Christ.True wealth isn't found in political power or worldly success but in Christian fellowship and brotherhood. While politicians may acquire riches through compromise, believers find their treasure in relationship with Christ and His people—a perspective that helps us maintain focus on eternal values amid temporal distractions.Join us as we explore these profound spiritual truths and discover how to maintain a Christ-like demeanor even when the world seems determined to provoke us to do otherwise.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

The theme for today's meditation is Living Our Identity: Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, based on a prayer from St. Francis of Assisi.Today be challenged to listen and meditate on the prayer from St. Francis of Assisi as we read through it more than once. With the first reading, listen with your heart's ear for a phrase or word that stands out for you. With the second reading, reflecting on what touches you, saying it to yourself or writing in a journal. We invite you to listen again to this entire reading so that with the third time listening,consider responding with a prayer or expression of what you have experienced and ask God what this passage calls you to do or be. As the prayer is read a final time, rest in silence before God.Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Adam Maddock, Joy Peyton and Phil Reaser

Inspired by Franciscan spirituality and Joanna Macy's body of teachings known as the Work That Reconnects, Canticle Farm in Oakland, California, brings together more than 40 people living into the question of how we heal ourselves and the planet together. In this conversation, host Serena Bian talks with Anne and Terry Symons-Bucher, founders of Canticle Farm, about the role that trauma healing and conflict transformation plays in building towards beloved community. Through the lived experiences of Terry and Anne, we will dive into the journeys that both have taken to steward communities across cultures in practicing love in the face of difference, conflict, and rupture. Anne served as Joanna Macy's executive assistant for over two decades, and this conversation will also serve to honor Joanna's life and work. Anne and Terry Symons-Bucher are the co-founders of Canticle Farm, located in the Fruitvale District of East Oakland. Inspired by the life of Francis of Assisi, Canticle Farm is a community providing a platform for the Great Turning, one heart, one home, and one block at a time. The Great Turning—the planetary shift from an industrial-growth society to a life-sustaining society—is served by Canticle Farm through local work that fosters forgiveness in the human community and compassion for all beings. Canticle Farm primarily focuses on the poor and marginalized as those who most bear the burden of social and planetary degradation, as well as being those who are first able to perceive the need for the Great Turning. Rooted in spiritual practice, Canticle Farm manifests this commitment by engaging in the Work That Reconnects, integral nonviolence, gift economy, restorative justice practices, urban permaculture, and other disciplines necessary for regenerating community in the 21st Century. Anne and Terry are the parents of five children. Find out more about The New School at Commonweal on our website: tns.commonweal.org. And like/follow our Soundcloud channel for more great podcasts.

Convocation /Roberta AhmansonRoberta Green Ahmanson is a writer, speaker, and philanthropist who focuses on the confluence of religion, art, and culture. For the past 30 years her work has been influenced by travel across the globe. In 2022 she and her husband Howard led a tour for seven presidents of historic Christian colleges to experience the DNA of the Christian faith through its art and architecture, starting at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, journeying to Rome, Pisa, Bologna, Ravenna, Padua, Venice, Aachen, Ghent, and London. Her focus is on the ways built reality embodies ideas and even doctrine. She and her husband have sponsored exhibitions at the National Gallery in London including The Sacred Made Real and Francis of Assisi. She is a member of the Collectors Committee of the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. She is coming to the finish line of a book on how longing for the New Jerusalem has shaped art and architecture in the West. She has been a teacher and a journalist covering religion.

Er soll Wunder bewirkt und Ungläubige bekehrt haben. Deshalb pilgern jedes Jahr Tausende nach Assisi, um den toten Carlo Acutis zu sehen. Nun hat der Papst ihn – als ersten Millennial – offiziell heiliggesprochen. Gast: Andrea Spalinger, Reporterin Host: Nadine Landert Die ganze Reportage von Andrea gibt's in der NZZ https://www.nzz.ch/gesellschaft/der-heilige-im-kapuzenpullover-wie-ein-teenager-zum-hoffnungstraeger-der-kirche-wird-ld.1899426

In this homily, Fr. Edward Looney shares three stories about the cross- one local story and two from his Italian adventures. Hear about Deacon Lonick and his experiencing of wearing a crucifix, how an artist Assisi made me realize you cannot eliminate the suffering of Jesus, and finally how St. Gaspar de Bufalo inspired my own meditation on the crucified Lord.

Tune in to hear:What did psychiatrist Dr. Derek Summerfield learn about the importance of treating social circumstances, as opposed to just brain chemistry, during his research in Cambodia on the psychological effects of unexploded landmines?What did St. Francis of Assisi, Leo Tolstoy, Winston Churchill and other luminaries have to say about the importance of giving and charitable service?What do longitudinal studies show about the mental and physical health benefits gained by those who volunteer on behalf of others?Does volunteering make us happier, or are happy people just more likely to volunteer in the first place?Why does our will power often diminish when we feel threatened and swell when we focus on contributing to the greater good? How does this play out in psychological research?What does Adam Grant's book, Give and Take, illustrate about the power of focusing on others in the context of telemarketing? How can this lesson be applied more generally to our lives and our careers?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2361-U-25246

How does a seemingly ordinary boy prove to be so extraordinary that he's given a halo by the Catholic Church? Saint Carlo Acutis was just 15 years old when he died in 2006. William Crawley travels through Italy to the places most associated with the young Carlo to discover for himself what set this teenager apart from the rest.In Assisi, William meets Carlo's mother Antonia Salzano Acutis who reveals how her son showed an unusual generosity for a teenager. He visits Carlo's tomb, where Domenico Sorrentino, Bishop of Assisi, explains the connection between St. Francis and Carlo, as a bridge from the past to the present. At Carlo's old school in Milan, Istituto Leone XIII, his former professor, Fabrizio Zaggia, recalls his curious mind. And contemporary students talk of how they can relate to the Saint who designed websites.But is it all too convenient for the Catholic Church in this Jubilee Year to find a saint that appeals to this younger generation? William ponders this in Rome with John Allen, editor of Crux, the online Catholic newspaper, before heading off to St Peter's Square and the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints where Monsignor Alberto Royo explains the investigation into Carlo's life to see if it was one of ‘heroic virtue'.Presenter: William Crawley Producer: Jill Collins Editor: Tara McDermott Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Credit: Carlo Acutis Digital Memorial App: Artist Riccardo Benassi, Curator Milano Arte Pubblica, Commune di Milano (Photo: Antonia Salzano, mother of blessed Carlo Acutis, who spent his life spreading his faith online, poses in front of a portrait of her son, 4 April, 2025. Credit: Tiziana Fabi/AFP)

Full Title Name: Why not 15-minute cities? Laity can only pray and fast? Archbishop Lefebvre and sedevacantism: Assisi? Fr Jenkins misleads on "unacum"? Dialectical popes? Modernism and Marxism: demonic duo! "Trans" school shooting: from Gotham to Gollum. Appeal for God's mercy. This episode was recorded on 9/4/2025. Our Links: http://linkwcb.com/ Please consider making a monetary donation to What Catholics Believe. Father Jenkins remembers all of our benefactors in general during his daily Mass, and he also offers one Mass on the first Sunday of every month specially for all supporters of What Catholics Believe. May God bless you for your generosity! https://www.wcbohio.com/donate Subscribe to our other YouTube channels: ‪@WCBHighlights‬ ‪@WCBHighlights‬ May God bless you all!

In this episode of the Womanifester Podcast, Katie J shares a deeply personal and exciting life update — and the magical unfolding of her travel plans through 2026. From Rome's cobblestone streets and Assisi's spiritual vibes to leading retreats in Bali, Peru, the Philippines, and beyond, this conversation is all about expansion, alignment, and following the call of adventure.We cover:The Italy trip that awakened her Sagittarius moon and reignited her love of travelWhy she's subletting her home and saying YES to full-time freedomWhat's next with the Medicine Connective (and how they create white-label retreats for healers + studios)Her travel + retreat schedule from now through 2026 (yes, it's that juicy)How she's integrating business wisdom (hello, Alex Hormozi) to grow sustainably while serving her soul-aligned clientsLinks + Resources Mentioned:Connect with Katie on Instagram: @womanifesterWimberly Texas Retreat with Black Swan YogaPeru Retreat with Black Swan YogaLearn more about the Medicine Connective: TheMedicineConnective.comMusic by Tuned Notion

As Catholics, we're familiar with the seasons of the Church year. We know to mark the days of Advent and Lent. We know that Easter lasts fifty days and that Christmas, too, is more than just a 24-hour period of time. We know that we spend most of our time in days called ordinary — and of course, we're reminded of all of these seasons by the colors the priests wears at Mass. But here's a season you may have missed — it's a green season, yes. But I wouldn't call it ordinary. And right now, we're celebrating — we're in it! I'm talking about the Season of Creation. I know — it's not a liturgical season. But as of 2019, Pope Francis has invited us to mark this important moment of the year as a time to recall our Gospel mission to care for creation. The season begins on September 1 with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and runs through October 4, which is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. What's more, the Season of Creation isn't just a Catholic thing. In fact, the Orthodox Church as been commemorating this season in some way since 1989. And so, the Season of Creation is a time not just to seek God out in the created world, but to do so in the company of others — people of other denominations, other faiths. We care for our common home, and we necessarily do so together. Today's guests are here to talk to us about this important season — and to invite us to participate in a Pilgrimages of Hope to mark both this particular moment on the calendar and this Jubilee Year. Dan Misleh is the founder of the Catholic Climate Covenant and has been working at this intersection of ecology and the Catholic church for decades. Prior to beginning the Covenant, he worked at the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Annie Fox is the provincial assistant for social ministry organizing in the Jesuits US West Province. She has more than thirteen years of grassroots organizing experience, and is passionate about interfaith relationship building. You'll hear Annie speak quite powerfully about the importance of these pilgrimages, and so as you listen, if you find yourself moved to organize one of your own, I hope you'll check out the links below. We have a lot of good stuff to resource you and your communities during this Season of Creation. Pilgrims of Hope for Creation: https://catholicpilgrimsofhope.org/ Catholic Climate Covenant: https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/ Video on Youth Pilgrims: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucyABWXcYEQ Register for high school workshops: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kVzdNfLoPggBfuttCulaP8q6SA0uQbo_DcwoB2g9Cog/edit?tab=t.0 Register for college and university workshops: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7aGaPyAgQSOP0O0y52xRSg#/registration More about the Season of Creation: https://seasonofcreation.org/about/

Matthew 8:2-4 MSGThen a leper appeared and went to his knees before Jesus, praying, “Master, if you want to, you can heal my body.” Jesus reached out and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be clean.” Then and there, all signs of the leprosy were gone. Jesus said, “Don't talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed body to the priest, along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.”The famous saying by St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel everywhere and if necessary, use words”. Francis's wisdom reflects Jesus's teaching in that a radically healed and changed life will always speak louder and be respected more than any sermon from a life that just looks like everyone else's.When God forgives any sinner and sets that person free, the reality of a changed life will result in a constant reflection of gratitude to Him that flows out of a transformed heart.How has your heart been changed or transformed through Jesus? What is noticeable about your life that points towards God and His Grace ?Listen once again to Jesus's final instructions to the healed leper: Just quietly present your healed body … along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.” (Matthew 8:2-4 MSG) St. Francis was certainly right in his day, and most especially today in our current culture. People are longing to witness a forgiven, grateful, and transformed life. That message never gets old and always makes a difference. Today, choose to let your cleansed and grateful life bear witness to what Jesus has done in your attitudes, words, and actions.Let's pray to that end: “Father, may all I am be a reflection of all You are. May my life speak loud about You and all You have done for me. Today, I am forgiven. Today, I am grateful. As above, so below.”

In this episode Andrea Samadi revisits a popular interview with Dr. Dawson Church about his book Bliss Brain and the neuroscience of meditation. They explore how simple, evidence-based practices can quiet the brain's default mode, trigger blissful neurochemicals, and reshape stress and happiness networks. Listeners learn why happiness must be trained, how meditation helps people live more in the present, and practical tips to start a daily meditation practice using guided tools like the free Bliss Brain meditations. Welcome back to SEASON 14 of The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we connect the science-based evidence behind social and emotional learning and emotional intelligence training for improved well-being, achievement, productivity and results—using what I saw as the missing link (since we weren't taught this when we were growing up in school), the application of practical neuroscience. I'm Andrea Samadi, and seven years ago, launched this podcast with a question I had never truly asked myself before: (and that is) If productivity and results matter to us—and they do now more than ever—how exactly are we using our brain to make them happen? Most of us were never taught how to apply neuroscience to improve productivity, results, or well-being. About a decade ago, I became fascinated by the mind-brain-results connection—and how science can be applied to our everyday lives. That's why I've made it my mission to bring you the world's top experts—so together, we can explore the intersection of science and social-emotional learning. We'll break down complex ideas and turn them into practical strategies we can use every day for predictable, science-backed results. For today's Episode 369, we are moving forward on our journey of the mind, to our next interview review, with our goal of building off of our past reviews, and sharpening our saw for improved well-being, productivity and success in 2025 and beyond. To review our last 3 episodes, with our interview with speaker Bob Proctor, we learned that “If we want to improve our RESULTS, we must focus on the six faculties of our mind—reason, intuition, perception, will, memory, and imagination.” “Devoting a year to developing each one would be time well invested, elevating us to greater heights and setting us apart from others.” Next, we looked at how we need to become extremely clear with our vision of “what we really want” and keep in mind that…. Our External Environment Reflects Our Internal World What exactly does this mean? It means that if we don't like what's happening in our external world—whether it's in our job, relationships, results, or any area of our life—we must first look inward. Our circumstances mirror the beliefs and thoughts we hold within. As James Allen reminds us in As a Man Thinketh: our outer world is always a reflection of our inner state. For today's Episode 369, we'll turn inward—sharpening our inner world so that we can transform the outer one. Today we go back EP 98[i] our interview with Dr. Dawson Church, that was recorded back in December of 2020, where we looked at the science behind implementing meditation into your daily routine. This interview is currently our most watched YouTube interview with over 11K views. This week, in our review of EP 98 with Dr. Dawson Church and his book Bliss Brain, we will explore how meditation can rewire the brain for happiness and presence. We will learn: ✔ Since happiness didn't evolve naturally, we must train our brain to achieve it. ✔ Our brains default to the past or future, constantly scanning for threats, instead of resting in the present moment. ✔ Extreme states of happiness are possible for all of us when we implement meditation consistently. ✔ How to commit to a daily meditation practice using the free meditations that come with Bliss Brain, or explore other guided programs until you find one that resonates with you Just a reminder-Dr. Church is the author of the book called Bliss Brain: The Neuroscience of Remodeling Your Brain for Resilience, Creativity and Joy.[ii] He's an award-winning science writer who blends cutting-edge neuroscience with the stories of people who've had firsthand experience of brain change. Neural plasticity—the discovery that the brain is capable of rewiring itself—is now widely understood. But what few people have grasped yet is how quickly this is happening, how extensive brain changes can be, and how much control each of us exerts over the process of our thinking. It's been almost 5 years since this interview, and it feels like yesterday to me. I remember at the time, one of my dogs was barking in the yard when the landscapers came, and I was worried it would distract our interview. It didn't. I don't even think Dr. Church could hear them. There were also two other things that stuck out in my head from this interview (other than the fact I was wearing glasses trying to prepare for Lasik surgery and couldn't really see the questions) but I'll also never forget that American entrepreneur and biohacker Dave Asprey, who's well known for his interest in helping others achieve these elevated brain states, wrote the Foreword to his book. I also won't ever forget Chapter 1, of Bliss Brain, where Dr. Church shares how he and his wife lost their home and pets in the 2017 Santa Rose Fire, yet they chose to focus on gratitude and rebuilding their lives with joy. This story highlights his teaching that even trained minds struggle under pressure, but with meditation and practice, we can shift into a bliss or flow state. Church's EcoMeditation method, (that he covers in his book) supported by science and praised by Dave Asprey in the Foreword, helps quiet the brain's Default Mode Network[iii] and quickly releases calming, pleasurable chemicals—in as little as four minutes. Dr. Church has a strong following, and there are many powerful testimonials at the start of his book. One we spoke about in our interview was from Toni Tombleson who wrote: After a week of putting out a handful of mini-fires that often accompany the start of a new school year in my world, I can see why these lessons to handling both major life crises and everyday challenges, by learning to cultivate a “Bliss Brain” should remain a top priority for resilience, productivity, and well-being, for all of us. VIDEO 1 Click Here to Watch Which brings me to Video Clip 1 of our review. Watch video clip 1 with the link in the show notes. Historical Context: Dr. Church begins by reflecting on The Buddha, who over 2,000 years ago sought to relieve human suffering. He also reviews other spiritual teachers, including Plato, who grappled with the same question. Biological Explanation: Dr. Church emphasizes that suffering is a biological problem, a feature of how the human brain evolved. How our lives have become easier than they were 2,000 years ago. He explained to me how people are 3x as wealthy now, than they were 40 years ago. In terms of longevity, our lifespans have doubled in the last century. There are many markers like this that show us that we live in a much more secure and safe world than we used to. Key Point: While we live in a safer environment today, than 2,000 years ago, our brains were not designed for where we are today. We are not suffering he reminded me because we are bad people, we lack will, or haven't read enough personal growth books… “We simply didn't evolve to be happy because there was no survival benefit in being happy.”  Tip #1: Since happiness didn't evolve naturally, it's something we must train our brain to achieve. Practical Application: This is the basis of his book Bliss Brain, where he explains how meditation helps us train the brain to reach a bliss or flow state. It's in his book that we learn how to achieve this state that will change not only our brain, (our internal state) but our outer results in our everyday lives. In Chapter 2, he shows us why most people find it so hard to meditate. The difficulty has nothing to do with willpower or intention. It's simply due to the design of the human brain. When you understand this clearly, you'll be equipped to work around it. Chapter 3 describes the ecstatic states that you can achieve in meditation. He examines the regions of the brain that you activate, and what each one does. He also lists the extensive health and cognitive benefits that you get from activating each of those regions. In Chapter 4 you'll hear the story of his own personal failed meditation experiences. He learned many different styles of meditation, but could never establish a consistent practice. His breakthrough came from science. When he combined seven simple evidence-based practices together, found a formula that puts people into deep states automatically and involuntarily. No effort required. When he and his colleagues hook people up to EEGs and MRIs, they find that using these seven steps, even non-meditators get into profound states in less than 4 minutes. Sometimes in less than 50 seconds. Historically, the secrets of these states have been available to only about 1% of the population. Thanks to science, they're now available to everyone. Chapter 5 he goes into the seven neurochemicals of ecstasy. We learn how each one is like a drug that makes you feel good. But combine all seven together, and you have a potent formula that takes your brain into bliss. Meditation is the only way you get all seven at one time. The star of the show is a neurotransmitter called anandamide, aka “the bliss molecule.” When you trigger these ecstatic states daily, they change your brain. Chapter 6 is about the extensive brain remodeling that occurs in seasoned meditators. Stress circuits shrink, while happiness networks grow. But you don't need to be an adept to trigger this rewiring. It begins the very first week you meditate effectively. Chapter 7 is about post-traumatic growth, and how the brains of meditators make them resilient to the inevitable upsets of life. Medical crises and financial disasters included. It provides practical examples of how meditation can make you resilient even during global upheavals like the coronavirus panic that was happening at the time of this interview. Whatever challenges confront us, we will be well equipped to handle large and small life challenges. If we truly want to find happiness, then we will need to rewire our brain to accomplish these states. VIDEO 2 Click Here to Watch Watch video clip 2 with the link in the show notes. Question asked: “How can we learn to be more in the present moment, instead of somewhere else?” Dr. Church's explanation: The brain is hardwired to identify threats for survival. Today, most of us don't face immediate threats, but the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN) keeps scanning for danger. Without real threats, it replays past negative experiences (even from years ago or childhood) and projects fear into the future (“what if it happens again?”). This keeps us stuck in the past and future, not the present moment. Monks & meditation: Monks, after years of deep meditation, trained their brains differently. Brain scans showed structural changes—the brain literally began to shrink in areas related to stress and overthinking. Key Point: Our brains are not naturally wired to live in the present moment—they default to the past or future, scanning for threats. Tip #2: Get serious about meditation. Example: Australian astrophysicist & TV journalist Graham Phillips remodeled his brain in just 8 weeks of meditation practice. VIDEO 3 Click Here to Watch Watch video clip 3 with the link in the show notes. In this clip, Dr. Church explains how “meditation changes everything” and why “20 years ago, he decided to make this commitment to daily meditation” sharing how his whole world changed after this. These are noticeable changes that were behind his motivation to write this book, Bliss Brain, to show the world how they too can reach these states of extreme happiness. He told us to go back and study historical figures who were clearly in altered states of being, like the Italian Catholic Preacher, Saint Francis of Assisi, who appears in a blissed-out state as we see in a drawing, where it looks like he is communicating with God or something divine. This beautiful blissful state, that goes beyond happiness, is available to all of us. We will cover more about the changes our brains undergo with meditation as we go back to review our interview #28 with clinical professor of psychiatry from the UCLA school of medicine, Dr. Dan Siegel[iv], on a later episode, but for now, we can conclude that we can in fact change our outside world, in a significant and powerful way, by dedicating ourselves to a daily meditation practice. Key Point: We can ALL reach this state of extreme happiness by implementing a daily meditation practice. Tip 3: We can get started with our own meditation practice (if we are not currently implementing one) by using the FREE mediations that come along with the Bliss Brain Book Or use whatever meditation program resonates with you. REVIEW AND CONCLUSION Episode 369 Wrap-Up: Bliss Brain Review with Dr. Dawson Church This week, in our review of EP 98 with Dr. Dawson Church and his book Bliss Brain, we explored how meditation can rewire the brain for happiness and presence. Key Point from Clip 1: Although we live in a safer world than 2,000 years ago, our brains weren't designed for today's environment. “We simply didn't evolve to be happy because there was no survival benefit in being happy.” Tip #1: Since happiness didn't evolve naturally, we must train our brain to achieve it. Key Point from Clip 2: Our brains default to the past or future, constantly scanning for threats, instead of resting in the present moment. Tip #2: Commit to meditation—like astrophysicist and TV journalist Graham Phillips, who saw powerful changes after just 8 weeks of his daily practice that helped him to focus in the present moment. Key Point from Clip 3: Extreme states of happiness are possible for all of us when we implement meditation consistently. Tip #3: Start small. Use the free meditations that come with Bliss Brain, or explore other guided programs until you find one that resonates with you I highly recommend watching the full interview with Dr. Church[v]—especially if you've struggled to stay consistent with your own practice. Even Dr. Church himself shares moments where he lost momentum, which is a reminder that this is a journey for all of us. Personally, I've cycled through different meditation programs—starting with John Assaraf's work, then moving on to Dr. Dan Siegel's Wheel of Awareness, using Dr. Church's Bliss Brain meditations, and now practicing Dr. Joe Dispenza's chakra-focused work. The program you choose matters less than your ability to make it a consistent daily practice—that's when the real brain changes occur. We'll see you next week as we continue exploring the Journey of the Mind, working on connecting practical science to improve our inner and outer world. See you next week!   RESOURCES: VIDEO CLIP 1 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DkeDGwbShwU VIDEO CLIP 2 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/a5O3eI7qKro VIDEO CLIP 3 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Zatnfj4MPok FREE ACCESS TO BLISS BRAIN RESOURCES, MEDITATIONS https://blissbrainbook.com/ REFERENCES: [i]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 98 “Dr. Dawson Church: The Science Behind Using a Meditation: Rewiring Your Brain for Happiness, Resilience, and Joy”  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/dr-dawson-church-on-the-science-behind-using-meditation-rewiring-your-brain-for-happiness-resilience-and-joy/     [ii] FREE ACCESS TO BLISS BRAIN RESOURCES, MEDITATIONS https://blissbrainbook.com/     [iii] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 204 “The Neuroscience of Happiness”  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/brain-fact-friday-on-the-neuroscience-of-happiness/   [iv]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 28 with Dr. Daniel Siegel on “Mindsight: The Basis for Social and Emotional Intelligenvce”  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/clinical-professor-of-psychiatry-at-the-ucla-school-of-medicine-dr-daniel-siegel-on-mindsight-the-basis-for-social-and-emotional-intelligence/   [v] YouTube Interview with Andrea Samadi and Dr. Dawson Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH8yVKHjFN4  

In preparing for the observation of Labor Day in the United States on September 4, Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued a statement calling for radical solidarity with working families. Read the 2023 Labor Day statement (also available in Spanish). Learn more USCCB's work on Economic Justice and Domestic Poverty. Each year on September 1, the Catholic Church commemorates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day of prayer also marks the beginning of a month-long ecumenical awareness initiative known as the “Season of Creation,” which concludes on October 4 with the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. The theme chosen for this year's Season of Creation is “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” and it calls on the faithful to reflect on the relationship between justice and creation. Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on International Justice and Peace issued a reflection: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/laudato-si-20-pope-announces-new-document-ahead-season-creation. Pope Francis announced this week he would publish a follow-up document to his 2015 encyclical on the environment “Laudato Si'” on the October 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Read the story from Catholic News Service in Rome.

In a season of Stillness, but I'm still here. ❤️‍