Podcasts about blessed mother

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries, about the upcoming Global Rosary for Peace. On Sunday, September 7, Holy Cross Family Ministries, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross, hosted the 75th Anniversary of Father Peyton's Rosary Rally on Bond Quad on the campus of Notre Dame. Families from all over the country gathered to pray together, commemorating this great event! Harnessing this momentum, Holy Cross Family Ministries and the Congregation of Holy Cross are launching a Global Rosary for Peace at 10:00 AM Eastern Time (4:00 PM Rome Time) on October 22, 2025, the Memorial of Saint John Paul II. Saint John Paul II was famously devoted to the Blessed Mother. In his apostolic letter "On the Most Holy Rosary," released in 2003, the Mysteries of the Light were revealed, and devotion to the Rosary was reawakened.  Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., serves as the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries. In his role, Father Pinto will be representing Family Rosary leadership in the 16 countries outside of the United States that have active ministries serving the spiritual and prayer needs of families.   Links for this Episode:  Join the Global Rosary for Peace Read More About the Global Rosary for Peace

A listener named Amy asks Father Dave about praying the Rosary. She explains that she started praying a Rosary at Church before Mass began, but did not have time to finish. “[Later] I went to Communion, and I said my prayer back at the pew, then I decided to finish the two decades of the Rosary and the closing prayers while everyone was finishing going to Communion,” she says. “I started to wonder if this is what I should be doing, or am I not participating and being present for the other people still receiving Communion and for the Eucharist that was still present on the altar?”  

The Rosary is a devotional prayer, both mental and vocal, which honors the life of Jesus Christ and the mysteries of our salvation obtained by Him. The Rosary also honors the Blessed Mother of God who was so near to her Son throughout His Sacred Incarnation. Join Fr. Wade Menezes in celebration of Our Lady of the Rosary!

Blessed Mother,you invite us to ponder the saving mysteries of your Son through the holy Rosary.As we pray with you, may our hearts be drawn ever closer to Jesus.Strengthen us in times of trial, guide us in moments of doubt,and keep us faithful in hope and love.Mother of the Church, intercede for all who turn to you in prayer.Bring healing to the sick, comfort to the sorrowful,and peace to families and nations torn by division.May the Rosary be for us a path of contemplation and a source of courage,that we may follow your Son with joy until we share fully in His glory.Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Patrick opens with raw conversations about living Catholic truth, whether that's standing firm in a government job or supporting family during deep disagreements. Callers reveal real struggles, like a grandmother grieving her granddaughter’s gender confusion, and Patrick answers with direct, loving guidance rooted in Church teaching. Rick - About the young man who called wanting to be a missionary. I was an engineer, and I think there is a lot of need for men to get into secular jobs. (01:06) Jacob - If Purgatory is as bad as I hear, how much worse is hell? (07:16) Scott - How could the Blessed Mother be sad for people who are nonbelievers and the lack of faith in youth in the visions of Medjugorje? How could Mary be sad in heaven? (26:04) Audio: Smartphone Free Childhood US (40:21) John - My wife received an Apostolic Pardon in June. She passed away in August. Is this Pardon still valid even though she died two months later? (44:08)

Read Online“Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.  Luke 9:44–45This is the second time that Jesus predicts His coming passion to His Apostles. After telling them that He will be handed over, the Gospel relates that “they did not understand this saying.” It also states that “they were afraid to ask him about this saying.” Why did they not understand, and why were they afraid to ask Jesus about His coming passion?The Apostles were deeply attached to our Lord, both on a spiritual level and also through their affections. And this is good. But sometimes our affections can cloud our thinking and make it difficult to understand the deeper spiritual realities in life. Though our affections are natural, they must always be directed by the will of God. For example, if we were to try to understand Jesus' affections, we'd have to conclude that He both spiritually and affectionately desired to lay down His life for the salvation of souls in accord with the will of the Father. He not only chose this with His will, but He also desired it in His affections, because His affections were perfectly ordered.The Apostles, however, were unable to understand that Jesus had to lay down His life, be rejected, suffer and die, in part because they were very attached to Jesus in an emotional and affectionate way. So in this instance, their human love and attachment to Jesus hindered their ability to understand the greater spiritual good of Jesus laying down His life.Consider, also, our Blessed Mother. How would she have reacted to Jesus saying that He had to be handed over, be rejected, suffer and die? Though this would have grieved her with a holy sorrow, the perfection of her human nature would have led her to not only understand and accept this deep spiritual truth, but she would have also desired this to happen within her affections because she perfectly desired the fulfillment of the will of the Father. There would have been no conflict within her between the will of the Father and what she desired.In our own lives, we will often tend to struggle in the same way that the Apostles struggled. When faced with some challenging cross in life, a cross that the Father calls us to embrace freely, we will often find that our affections resist. When this happens, we become confused and even fearful of the future. Thus, the only way to conquer fear is to work to surrender every emotion, every affection and every human attachment over to the will of the Father so that His will is all we desire with every power of our soul.Reflect, today, upon the interior struggle of these Apostles as they came face-to-face with this the second time Jesus began to prepare them to accept, understand, choose and desire His passion. Consider the interior struggle they went through at that time and even as they saw this unfold. Eventually they understood. Eventually all fear vanished. And eventually they affectionately rejoiced in Jesus' sacrifice. But it took much time and much surrender. Reflect upon those ways our Lord is inviting you to choose His Cross in your life. Where you see your affections resisting, try to surrender, pray for understanding and seek the courage you need to desire His Cross with all your soul.My revealing Lord, You opened Your divine heart to Your Apostles and invited them to understand and choose Your suffering and death. And though they hesitated and struggled, You continued to invite them to embrace the Father's will. Give me the grace I need, dear Lord, to embrace every spiritual truth first and foremost and to allow that Truth to free me from fear and fill me with the gift of understanding. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read OnlineThe mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Luke 8:19–21The term “brothers” in this passage is obviously not to be understood that Jesus had blood brothers. It is a dogma of our faith that Jesus was the only Child of Mary. At that time, it was common practice to refer to one's extended family as “brothers.” This would have especially applied to Jesus' cousins and perhaps even those who were unrelated by blood but were from the same village.As these relatives of Jesus stood outside and announced their presence, what did they expect Jesus to do? His “brothers” might have been there to try to talk some sense into Him. We know from other passages in the Gospels that some of Jesus' extended family thought He was out of His mind. Therefore, it is possible that these brothers were there to resolve an extended family conflict that was erupting as Jesus began His public ministry.Jesus' response was not a rude response. This is clear from the fact that Jesus lived the perfection of charity. But true charity is always grounded in the truth. Jesus spoke a truth that cut through the merely human ties and conflicts that were driving these brothers. By saying, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it,” Jesus was challenging His brothers to stop looking at Him only in an earthly way. Everyone, including His relatives, needed to learn to see Jesus as the Son of the Father in Heaven. It was the act of accepting Jesus' divine identity and submitting in obedience to the will of the Father that established a much deeper bond with Him. That is the relationship that Jesus desired with His earthly brothers.The mother of Jesus, on the other hand, was also perfect in every way. She was free from the disorder of sin and even her mind was clear, being filled with perfect wisdom and understanding. Therefore, when it was reported to her what Jesus said, she would have understood and believed.Saint Bede says that when we hear the word of God and obey it, we become Jesus' “mother” by bringing Him forth into the world through our words and actions. This also makes us Jesus' “brothers” because our obedience makes us all children of the Father in Heaven.By the gift of the fullness of grace, our Blessed Mother would have fully understood that her unity with her Son was primarily the result of their shared obedience to the Father's will. She not only experienced the Son of God being conceived within her womb, she also had the profound experience of conceiving Him in her heart through her obedience to the will of the Father. That “conception” of Jesus within her Immaculate Heart would have been unmistakably clear to her and the cause of her greatest joy. For that reason, she would have treasured this spiritual motherhood of her Son as the greatest gift of all, even more than the gift of natural motherhood. Reflect, today, upon the fact that you are also invited to be the “mother” and the “brother” of Jesus. You share in these holy callings through obedience to the will of the Father. The more clearly you hear God speak and the more fully you obey all that He says will determine the depth of spiritual union you have with Him. Our natural selves must give way to the supernatural life of grace. Make the choice, with our Blessed Mother, to pursue the glorious life of grace so that you will conceive the Son of God in your heart, become a true child of the Father in Heaven, and become a spiritual brother or sister of our Lord. My divine Lord, Your love for Your earthly mother was perfect in every way. That earthly bond was transformed and elevated by Your spiritual union with her on account of Your mutual obedience to the will of the Father. Please draw me into Your divine Family by helping me to listen to and to obey all that the Father speaks. Jesus, I trust in You.  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

For the first time in centuries, a member of the British royal family has received a Catholic funeral. Joanna Bogle joins us from London to discuss what this means for Catholics in England. We also talk with Kevin Matthews of the new film Broken Mary about how a chance encounter with the Blessed Mother changed his life.

Read OnlineStanding by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19:25Our Blessed Mother, the Mother of the Son of God, loved her Son with a perfect love. She enfleshed every virtue to perfection. Her love for her Son was a love that was beyond what we could ever imagine. She conceived Him miraculously, bore Him in her womb, gave birth to Him, nursed Him, raised Him and loved Him throughout His life. It's difficult to even imagine the depth and beauty of the love she had for Jesus. Generally speaking, a mother's love is powerful, unwavering, deep and filled with tenderness. Try to imagine the Immaculate Heart of Mother Mary and the amazing depth of love alive in her heart.Imagine also the scene depicted in the Gospel passage quoted above. This loving mother stood at the foot of the Cross, gazing upon her crucified Son, continuing to exude every motherly virtue. And because it's hard to fathom the depth of her love for her Son, it's also very hard to imagine the depth of sorrow and interior suffering she endured as she watched the cruelty toward Jesus unfold. All she could do in that moment was stand by Him and with Him in this moment of extreme agony. Her love was expressed, in that moment, by her fidelity to Him.What's beautiful to know is that love, sorrow, compassion and suffering were united as one within her Immaculate Heart. Within the beauty of her heart was every human emotion, fueled by God's grace, enabling her to give to her Son the greatest gift she had: her motherhood. She was a true mother throughout her life, and, in this moment, as her Son hung on the Cross, her motherhood culminated in a perfect human expression.We all long to be loved by another. To give and receive love is the greatest gift that we can give and receive. Love is what we were made for and is the source of our fulfillment in life. We can be certain that as Mother Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, her human heart experienced the greatest fulfillment ever known. Her heart was fulfilled because she exercised her motherly love to perfection.Gaze upon the image of the Mother of God this day. Ponder, especially, all that she would have experienced within her human heart. Though theologians could write volumes on this meditation, the best way to understand her heart of love is through prayerful meditation. Ask our Blessed Mother to reveal her heart to you today. Find some time to sit in silent adoration of this holy image of perfect motherly love. As you do, know two things. First, know that Mother Mary has this same depth of love for you. Do not doubt it. Her heart burns with compassion as she gazes upon you, even in your sin. Second, know that our Blessed Mother's love must also fill your heart and overflow into the lives of others. We all must allow her compassion, concern, fidelity and mercy to flow through our hearts. Who do you need to love with the heart of our Blessed Mother? Seek to receive the love in the heart of the Mother of God and seek to give that love. Receive it in and then allow it to flow forth. There is truly nothing in this world more beautiful and awe inspiring than the holy image of this love. My Immaculate and Sorrowful Mother, you stood at the foot of the Cross of your Son with the perfection of a mother's love. Your heart was filled with a sorrow that was mixed with every holy virtue. Pray for me that I may understand this love more fully, so that I may also open up my own heart to your love. As I do, I pray that I will become an instrument of the love in your heart toward those in my life who suffer and are in most need of tender compassion and mercy. Sorrowful Heart of Mary, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

ShownotesIn this week's episode, Andrea and Jennifer have a candid and vulnerable conversation with Michelle Hamel about the Blessed Mother  under her title of Our Lady of Sorrows. After suffering the loss of her daughter, Therese, Michelle found solace  by sharing her sorrows as Mary revealed to her more than she could have imagined. Our GuestMichelle Hamel is a wife, mother, and grammy who writes to encourage women in all seasons of life, especially those times of grief and struggle. Life experience has given her a heart for women that are facing and healing from traumatic experiences. She is the author of a forthcoming book about the journey of infant loss accompanied by Our Lady of Sorrows as well as a contributing author to Cloud of Witnesses: 25 Stories of Saintly Inspiration and Intercession. She is a contributing writer for Catholicmom.com and she was recently one of the breakout speakers for the Ecce Homo Retreat put on by Spritualdirection.com and the Avila Foundation. Find Michelle at michellehamel.com. Links​Michelle's articles on Catholic Mom​Waiting with Hope​Cloud of Witnesses: 25 Stories of Saintly Inspiration and Intercession​https://www.michellehamel.com/​The Seven Promises given to St. Brigid of Sweden Scripture​Romans 8:28Prayers referenced in this episode ​The Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary​The Joyful Mysteries of the RosaryPrayer for the souls of Michelle's and her husband's grandparents who have gone before us.Journaling Questions​What struck you most about Michelle's story? ​Why do people struggle to embrace sorrow? ​Have you experienced a time where joy and sorrow go together?​How can Mary's Sorrow be a place of consolation in our own grief?​How do you see Mary's role as your own mother? As the mother of your loved ones? How can this help us feel loved and consoled by God in grief?​What is your mourning glory?

Get a jump on your weekend with The Morning Blend. Brenda and Brian celebrate the Holy Name of Mary and tell you about some of the many titles of our Blessed Mother. Also get caught up on all the latest news and sports.Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Megan Harrington, senior producer at Family Theater Productions and producer and executive producer of Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story. Producer and Executive Producer Megan Harrington is a senior producer at Family Theater Productions. She serves as producer, co-director, and co-writer of the Emmy® and Christopher Award-winning Playing Like a Girl: The House That Rob Built and the award-winning Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer. She is also the producer and co-writer of the Gabriel and Christopher Award-winning PRAY: The Story of Patrick Peyton and The Dating Project, and a producer on the upcoming documentary Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story. Her passion lies in telling authentic and heroic stories that illuminate what is true, good, and beautiful. “Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story” shows how the Blessed Mother still reaches out to people today, even in a city alley next to a dumpster. Kevin Matthews' unexpected encounter with a broken statue reveals the timeless power of Mary's maternal care for the forgotten and spiritually wounded. This resonates with Catholic and non-Catholic audiences alike, who are hungry for modern stories of hope.   Links for this Episode:  Official Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story Website

This prayer appeals to God in all three persons of the Blessed Trinity, as well as to our Blessed Mother, for their assistance in making a good confession. The transcription for this Podcast can be found at https://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/prayer-for-heavenly-aid.html An Additional Link Mentioned In This Podcast: An Examination of Conscience  

Lauretta hosts the program today and shares that it is the Blessed Mother's Birthday.  She thanks the prayer warriors and recaps the shooting Annunciation a week ago and offers up prayers for all impacted.  Lauretta then welcomes her guess, Dr. Mary Amore, Director of Mayslake Ministries.  Mayslake Ministries is a sacred center for spiritual direction, pastoral counseling, and spiritual formation serving adult Catholic Christian men and women who seek to deepen their walk with Christ. They have an upcoming event; A Joyful Evening of Conversation with Fr. Tony Pizzo offering reflections and personal stories about Pope Leo on Friday, September 26th at 7:00p.m.  To learn more about their organization, program and events please go to their website at mayslakeministries.org. You can also reach them by phone at 630-841-9000. St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish

9-8-25: Nativity of Blessed Mother – Fr. James Kubicki, SJ by

Read Online“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20–21Today we celebrate one of the most consequential birthdays in the history of the world! Certainly, the only birthday more important is that of our divine Lord Himself. But today we honor His mother, and our mother, too.The Blessed Virgin Mary was born into our world without the stain of original sin. She was preserved from experiencing fallen human nature through the gift of her Immaculate Conception. Thus, she was the first to be born in the perfection of human nature after the fall, and she continued to experience this grace throughout her life, responding to God with her free will every step of the way.All of us enjoy celebrating our birthdays. Children especially love it, but most everyone looks forward to that special day each year when family and friends honor them and celebrate them in a special way. For that reason, we can be assured that even our Blessed Mother loved her birthday while here on earth and continues to enjoy this special celebration in Heaven. Of course, she did not enjoy her birthday because she wanted to be pampered or given special attention. She, perhaps more than anyone other than her divine Son, rejoiced on her birthday because of the deep spiritual gratitude she had to God for all that He did in her life.Try to ponder the heart and soul of our Blessed Mother from her perspective. She would have been intimately united to each person of the Most Holy Trinity throughout her life. She would have known God, living in her soul, and would have been in awe of what God had done to her. She would have pondered these graces with deep humility and exceptional gratitude. She would have seen her soul and mission from the perspective of God, keenly aware of all that He had done for her.As we honor the birthday of our Blessed Mother, it's also an important opportunity for each of us to ponder the incredible blessings that God has bestowed upon each one of us. No, we are not Immaculate as Mother Mary was. We were each born into original sin and have sinned throughout our lives. But the blessings of grace, given to each one of us, is exceptionally real. We only need to work to have the eyes to see these graces. Baptism, for example, bestows upon the soul an eternal transformation. Though our sin may cloud that transformation at times, the transformation is eternal. Our souls are changed. We are made new. Grace is poured into our hearts, and we become children of God. And for the soul who is able to perceive the countless other ways that God bestows blessings, gratitude is the only appropriate response.Reflect, today, upon the glorious celebration of the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Begin by trying to rejoice in her life through her eyes. Try to imagine what she saw as she looked into her own graced soul. From there, try to rejoice, also, in your soul. Be grateful for all that God has done for you. Work to have eyes that see these countless graces and allow yourself to rejoice in God's blessings with our Blessed Mother. My dearest Mother, happy birthday! Today I rejoice in the incredible gift that God gave to you in your Immaculate Conception and birth into our world. I pray that I may honor you in a fitting way this day and to especially understand more clearly the beauty of your graced soul. Pray for me that I may also rejoice in the countless graces bestowed upon me by our merciful God. I love you, dear Mother. Precious Jesus, through the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I trust in You!  Image: Domenico Ghirlandaio, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In this episode, Dr. Peter Howard shares his personal journey of faith, highlighting the pivotal role of Marian devotion in his life. He discusses the significance of consecration to the Blessed Mother and how it serves as a source of comfort and hope in challenging times. RETREAT OPPORTUNITY Go to Ireland with Dr. Howard!Get a copy of Dr. Howard's Book "The Woman:The Mystery of Mary as Mediatrix"Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsrenewed.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out all the free resources and full marriage program.Messy Family Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia Hernon to Austria or Bahamas! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Start Healing Your Marriage and Family⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Save 15% at TAN BOOKS use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TOP FREE RESOURCES WANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the Intimacy Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WANT PEACE AT HOME? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transform Your Family Culture here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Dan's Marriage Ebook-6 Maxims of a Remarkable Marriage Ebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch this before you call a divorce attorney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chesterton Academy of Buffalo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find a Chesterton School Near You⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mezanine Creative Co⁠⁠: Graphic Design for Small Business

Power, Pleasure, and Honor: The Temptations That Distract Us from Christ Today's Homily begins with a personal story from the seminary when, out of inexperience, . . . . . . he failed to show proper respect to a bishop by kissing his ring. This memory connects to the Gospel message where Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes: they teach the truth but fail to live it out, burdening others while seeking power, honor, and recognition. The Homily challenges us not to discard the truth of the message because of flawed messengers but instead to focus on living faithfully. Hypocrisy is not only a clerical problem but one that all Christians can fall into when their actions contradict their faith. Jesus warns against the temptations of power, pleasure, and honor, urging believers to be authentic witnesses. The Blessed Mother serves as a model of humility, love, and faithfulness, pointing us to her Son and calling us to align our words with our actions. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to Power, Pleasure, and Honor: The Temptations That Distract Us from Christ -------------------------------------------------------- The Twelve-Year Old Jesus in the Temple: German Artist and Painter: Max Liebermann: 1879 -------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading Matthew 23: 1-12 First Reading Ruth 2: 1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17

Dr. Brandon Wanless serves as an assistant professor of dogmatic theology at The Saint Paul Seminary after earning his Master of Arts in Theology there in 2015. He spent three years as an adjunct professor at Ave Maria University, Florida (2016-2018), and five years as an upper school theology teacher at St. Agnes School in St. Paul. Wanless has organized and delivered numerous lectures and presentations. He has written also on everything from St. Thomas Aquinas' reflections on the virtue of justice to the Blessed Mother's place throughout salvation history. Much of his work features Aquinas, one of the patrons of the seminary and university campus.He is a founding member of the Sacra Doctrina Project and received a Young Scholar's Award from the American Catholic Philosophical Association in 2016. He is also a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars and the American Academy of Religion.The St. Paul resident and married father of six received his B.A. in philosophy from St. Mary's University in Winona and his Ph.D. in theology from Ave Maria University.The Saint Paul Seminary is reliant on faithful Catholics and Christians like you. If you are able to make a small gift to support the work of forming future Catholic leaders, you will be remembered in our prayers of gratitude: https://saintpaulseminary.org/support-saint-paul-seminary/

“Is Mary pre-saved according to Scripture?” This episode explores the biblical basis for Mary’s unique role, addressing questions like whether the term “Adelphoi” always indicates a biological sibling and why the Blessed Mother doesn’t mention abortion in her apparitions. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of Mary’s Immaculate Conception and her sinlessness. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:07 – Is thinking of Mary as being “pre-saved” biblical? 08:02 – Is it true that the Greek word Adelphoi always refers to a sibling born of the mother or father unless there is a qualifier? 15:30 – Why doesn’t the Blessed Mother ever talk about abortion in her apparitions since she always appears pregnant? 18:50 – Is there any mention of Mary being baptized? 23:20 – Regarding Lourdes, how does Mary’s declaration of being the Immaculate Conception relate to being protected from original sin? 29:29 – Is it true that if Mary had any sin on her soul she would not be capable of saying yes to the Angel Gabriel due to the pain she would endure during the passion? 34:04 – Can you provide a list of Early Church fathers that supports the view that Mary was purified and sanctified at Jesus’ conception in her womb? 38:03 – Could you expound on the term handmaid and what it means, especially in the context of Mary's response to Gabriel? 44:44 – How could Mary be sinless and perfect? Since only God could be perfect, wouldn’t that be contradictory? 51:20 – Is there any reason to think that Mary lived a consecrated life in the temple?

Audio Download Questions Covered: 02:07 – Is thinking of Mary as being “pre-saved” biblical? 08:02 – Is it true that the Greek word Adelphoi always refers to a sibling born of the mother or father unless there is a qualifier? 15:30 – Why doesn't the Blessed Mother ever talk about abortion in her apparitions since […]

Urban Hannon and Matthew Dugandzic answer your questions about Neanderthals, our Blessed Mother, and growth in the spiritual life.To submit your questions about whatever for a future episode, email us at thequodlibets@gmail.com.Be sure to follow the Sacra Doctrina Project on Facebook and Twitter as well.

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we read the very last installment of Book Five, the Reason for the Work, (dictated directly from Jesus and the Blessed Mother), Original music by Angela Marie (Mohammed). Easter Season. Holy Week. Crucifixion. Sacrifice. Messiah. Savior. Passion of Christ. Death and Resurrection. Religion. Wisdom. Suffering. Catholic Christian. Theology. Apostles.Disciples. Believers. Followers.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Queenship of Mary, Queen of Heaven. He talks about the joys and peace of the heavenly encounter with our Blessed Mother and with the Holy Trinity. It is a very special reflection...not to be missed The post The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this third episode of the Fatima Today martyrdom series, Barb Ernster and Katie Moran share the powerful story of Blessed Alexandrina da Costa, often called the “fourth seer of Fatima.” After a heroic act to defend her purity left her paralyzed, she embraced her suffering as a victim soul, offering it for the conversion of sinners. For the last 13 years of her life, she lived on the Eucharist alone, a living witness to Christ's Real Presence. Her deep devotion, mystical experiences, and life of sacrifice continue to inspire the Church today. We also share news about the upcoming Fatima pilgrimage, December 2–13, 2025, sponsored by the World Apostolate of Fatima. Visit AveMariaTours.org to learn more, and join us in the mission of the Blessed Mother at BlueArmy.com

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 421The Saint of the day is Saint Bernard of ClairvauxSaint Bernard of Clairvaux’s Story Man of the century! Woman of the century! You see such terms applied to so many today—“golfer of the century,” “composer of the century,” “right tackle of the century”—that the line no longer has any punch. But Western Europe's “man of the twelfth century,” without doubt or controversy, had to be Bernard of Clairvaux. Adviser of popes, preacher of the Second Crusade, defender of the faith, healer of a schism, reformer of a monastic Order, Scripture scholar, theologian, and eloquent preacher: any one of these titles would distinguish an ordinary man. Yet Bernard was all of these—and he still retained a burning desire to return to the hidden monastic life of his younger days. In the year 1111, at the age of 20, Bernard left his home to join the monastic community of Citeaux. His five brothers, two uncles, and some 30 young friends followed him into the monastery. Within four years, a dying community had recovered enough vitality to establish a new house in the nearby valley of Wormwoods, with Bernard as abbot. The zealous young man was quite demanding, though more on himself than others. A slight breakdown of health taught him to be more patient and understanding. The valley was soon renamed Clairvaux, the valley of light. His ability as arbitrator and counselor became widely known. More and more he was lured away from the monastery to settle long-standing disputes. On several of these occasions, he apparently stepped on some sensitive toes in Rome. Bernard was completely dedicated to the primacy of the Roman See. But to a letter of warning from Rome, he replied that the good fathers in Rome had enough to do to keep the Church in one piece. If any matters arose that warranted their interest, he would be the first to let them know. Shortly thereafter it was Bernard who intervened in a full-blown schism and settled it in favor of the Roman pontiff against the antipope. The Holy See prevailed on Bernard to preach the Second Crusade throughout Europe. His eloquence was so overwhelming that a great army was assembled and the success of the crusade seemed assured. The ideals of the men and their leaders, however, were not those of Abbot Bernard, and the project ended as a complete military and moral disaster. Bernard felt responsible in some way for the degenerative effects of the crusade. This heavy burden possibly hastened his death, which came August 20, 1153. Reflection Bernard's life in the Church was more active than we can imagine possible today. His efforts produced far-reaching results. But he knew that they would have availed little without the many hours of prayer and contemplation that brought him strength and heavenly direction. His life was characterized by a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. His sermons and books about Mary are still the standard of Marian theology. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

The importance of Adoration and the Blessed Mother

We ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for us because one day all things will be made new.

The great saint Alphonsus Liguori shows his great love of Mary in his prayer about her Assumption into Heaven. The transcription for this Podcast can be found at https://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/Alphonsus-Liguori-On-The-Assumption-of-Mary.html ADDITIONAL LINKS FOR MARIAN PRAYERS MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: The Our Catholic Prayers Page on the Assumption of Mary Hail Mary Hail Holy Queen Miraculous Medal Prayers How to Pray the Rosary  

Friends of the Rosary,Today, August 15, toward the end of the summer season, the Church of Christ celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when the faithful proclaim that she was taken up, body and soul, into heaven.It's a Holy Day of Obligation and the oldest feast day of Our Lady.Its origin is in the early days of Jerusalem, when one of the memories about the Blessed Mother centered around the “Tomb of Mary,” close to Mount Zion, where she was buried, and the early Christian community had lived. It's the spot where Mary's “falling asleep.”Mary expired in the presence of the apostles, and when her tomb was opened later, it was found empty, and so the apostles concluded that the body was taken up into the heavenly home.Therefore, from the beginning, there were no relics of Mary to be venerated. That location also soon became a place of pilgrimage, and the “Memory of Mary” was being celebrated. Today, the Benedictine Abbey of the Dormition of Mary stands on the spot.In the seventh century, this feast began to be celebrated in Rome under the title of the “Falling Asleep” (“Dormitio”) of the Mother of God.Later, it was to become our feast of the Assumption.In 1950, Pope Pius XII solemnly proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption, a truth revealed by God, with these words: “The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven.”The Assumption looks to eternity and gives us hope that we, too, will follow Our Lady when our life is ended.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!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• August 15, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The Blessed Mother is taken to Heaven, body and soul, showing her unique place as the Mother of God, but also give us hope and the model for what it to happen in our resurrection. www.mercywithteeth.com #Catholic #homily #Scripture #GospelOfTheDay #mercywithteeth Sign up to have podcasts and blog posts emailed to you: http://eepurl.com/ioCgy2 Give feedback at https://forms.gle/gGhujv39g43BUxmK6 Readings are found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081525.cfm Great News: True Mercy Has Teeth: A Catholic Journey to Forgiveness and Healing is now available on Amazon Direct from the Publisher, I set up a discount code valid until August 31 $29.95 $24.95 Hard cover https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=q4gGW5gFGHUIPIFjyK41hz72nEy3tqWbI8EwiDVq7p7 $20.99 $16.99 Paperback https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=7EgPqgkHHMRjrjP2TDYYlUxhPOYnlGmRupCMXCNarIG

Read Online“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.”  Luke 1:46–49Today we celebrate one of seventeen different memorials, feasts and solemnities in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary that are found on the Roman Liturgical Calendar. Today's celebration is one of the four great Solemnities by which our Blessed Mother is honored. Obviously, no other person other than our Lord is honored and celebrated with as much solemnity as the Mother of God.The Solemnity of the Assumption honors the fact that when the Blessed Virgin Mary completed her life on earth, she was taken body and soul into Heaven to be with her resurrected Son so as to adore the Most Holy Trinity forever. It's an amazing fact to consider that she retains her body and soul, united as one in Heaven, in anticipation of that glorious day when the new Heavens and Earth will be created and when all the faithful will rise so as to live in a new bodily form forever with God.Though this dogma of our faith had been held and believed by the faithful from the earliest times of our Church, especially since it was witnessed by those closest to our Blessed Mother at the time of her glorious Assumption, it wasn't until November 1, 1950, that Pope Pius XII solemnly proclaimed it to be so, raising this teaching of our faith to the level of a dogma, meaning, it must be held and believed by all. In part, the Holy Father declared, “...we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”The Gospel passage quoted above comes from the beginning of Mary's song of praise, her Magnificat, by which she not only gives the greatest glory to God but also reveals who she is. She is the one whom “all generations” will call “blessed.” She is the one for whom “the Almighty has done great things.” She is the one who will eternally proclaim “the greatness of the Lord” and whose spirit will forever rejoice in God her Savior. And she is that lowliest of servants whom God has raised up to the greatest glory.Reflect, today, with the whole Church, upon the Most Glorious Ever-Virgin Mary who was conceived without sin, remained sinless throughout her life, and was taken body and soul into Heaven where she now adores the Most Holy Trinity and intercedes for you and for the whole Church. This is a Solemnity of great rejoicing! Share in this joy with the whole Church and with all the saints in Heaven! Most glorious and Ever-Virgin Mary, I rejoice today with you and with the whole Church for the most glorious things that God has done for you. You are beauty beyond beauty, Immaculate in every way, and worthy of our deepest love. As you now share body and soul in the glories of Heaven, please pray for me and for all your dear children on earth. Cover us with your mantle of love and pour forth the mercy of God upon us always. Mother Mary, assumed into Heaven, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Peter Paul Rubens, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In this second episode of the Fatima Today martyrdom series, hosted by Barb Ernster with Katie Moran, we look at “red martyrdom” giving one's life for Christ. On his feast day, we share the inspiring story of St. Maximilian Kolbe: from his childhood vision of two crowns, one white for purity and one red for martyrdom — to his brave fight against evil through his love for the Blessed Mother. You'll hear about his arrest for helping refugees, his time in Auschwitz, and the moment he offered to die in another man's place. Even in the starvation bunker, his days were filled with prayer, song, and a deep peace that only God can give.   Stay tuned for the next episode — the touching story of Bl. Alexandrina da Costa, the “white martyr,” who offered her whole life to God through suffering.

Fr. Mitch Pacwa focuses on the Dogma of the Assumption as well as its history. Chuck Gaidica shares his thoughts on the Blessed Mother and her role in his reversion, and offers ideas on how to explain our relationship with Mary to non-Catholics.

Welcome to Vatican Insider on the weekend that precedes the arrival in Rome of half a million youth from over 140 countries to celebrate the weeklong Jubilee of Youth that starts Monday, July 28! Exciting days ahead, for sure! And an exciting Special report this weekend in what is normally the interview segment of VI. I prepared a Special program because this is such a special weekend! Saturday is the feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim, parents of our Blessed Mother and grandparents of Jesus, and Sunday marks the 5th World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.

Welcome to Vatican Insider on the weekend that precedes the arrival in Rome of half a million youth from over 140 countries to celebrate the weeklong Jubilee of Youth that starts Monday, July 28! Exciting days ahead, for sure! And an exciting Special report this weekend in what is normally the interview segment of VI. I prepared a Special program because this is such a special weekend! Saturday is the feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim, parents of our Blessed Mother and grandparents of Jesus, and Sunday marks the 5th World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.

July26JoachimAndAnne

Patrick explores Charlie Kirk’s surprising comments urging Protestants to embrace greater reverence for Mary while pushing back on Catholic teachings like the Immaculate Conception and Assumption; audio clips and sharp reactions from both Protestant and Catholic perspectives tumble out as Patrick brings biblical and historical insight, citing even reformers like Luther, in thoughtful response. Vivid stories from callers swirl in, including modern accounts of extraordinary events and personal encounters with Marian devotion. The conversation turns candid and sometimes challenging as Patrick questions assumptions and connects these issues straight to faith’s daily impact. Robert - In 2007, something happened to image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Did you hear about this? (02:24) Patrick shares and comments on Charlie Kirk’s talk about our Blessed Mother (21:20) Audio: reaction to Charlie Kirk (38:41)

Patrick fields pressing questions about Catholic teaching on mortal sin, moral relativism, and what truly counts as grave matter. A caller describes a broken family tie, seeking insight into relational pain, while another wrestles with the moral weight of honesty during life-or-death situations. He shares practical resources and scriptural foundations, responding to heartfelt struggles with faith, obligation, and complex family burdens. Patrick continues his conversation with Kurt from the end of the last hour asking about the conditions of mortal sin and the “grey line” of relativism. (01:03) Enrique - Is there moral grounds for my brother to abandon our family and not have any conversations with them? (17:55) Angel - My family member declined to go to Mass with us this Sunday. Is there anything I can do to talk to her? (26:02) Vance casts tie-breaking votes to move forward $9.4B rescissions package — which would defund PBS, NPR and Planned Parenthood (36:41) America's dairy farmers and ice cream producers agree to quit using artificial colors Patrick in Monterey - I was not aware that the Blessed Mother had a sister. How is this possible? (39:41) Maureen - My daughter is having a difficult time with a recent divorce. Does her ex-husband need to agree to get an annulment? (41:32) Jared - I want to work in health insurance. The government mandates that insurance covers abortion. Some even cover gender therapy. Is it wrong to be an insurance salesman and sell these things? (47:20)

In this week's episode of Catholic Moms in the Middle, Jennie Guinn invites you to see your current struggles through a new lens—the lens of fire. But not a fire that destroys—a fire that purifies, transforms, and reignites your God-given purpose. Whether you're walking through grief, facing the ache of an empty nest, struggling in your marriage, or simply feeling lost in midlife, Jennie reminds you that you are not being burnt out—you're being lit up. With wisdom drawn from scripture, the Blessed Mother, and the lives of the saints, this episode is an invitation to see your pain not as a punishment, but as a sacred path toward holiness. Jennie shares insights from a recent morning of reflection where she explored how fire shows up in our lives—not just in the dramatic crises, but in the quiet ache of change, in unanswered prayers, and in the slow burn of transition. Drawing on her own experience and the stories of women she walks with in ministry, she gently guides you to reflect on how God might be using your fire to strip away what is false and fill you with what is holy. You'll also hear how the Blessed Mother walked through the fire with silent surrender and unwavering faith—and how she walks beside you, too. Through encouraging stories, journaling prompts, and spiritual practices, this episode will help you recognize the fire in your life, surrender it to God, and allow it to become the spark that ignites your light—and someone else's. You were born to sparkle, not just survive. Let Jennie remind you that holiness is often forged in the heat, and that your small flame, lit by God, can shine brightly in a weary world. If you're longing for purpose, hope, and healing in the fire you're facing, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, podcaster, and radio show host who walks with women facing life's unexpected turns. She helps them encounter the Father's love, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and find healing from pain and disappointment so they can magnify Christ with their lives. Through faith-filled coaching and heartfelt conversations, Jennie empowers women to rediscover hope and to live life with purpose and joy.

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. As the Italy pilgrimage continues to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Father Dave reflects on the Blessed Mother on today's feast. We are to behold Mary as our mother and invite her to pray with us. Preached at Basilica of St. Mary Major, Rome, Italy on 6-9-25

Patrick fields a whirlwind of listener questions, tackling everything from whether tattoos might carry hidden dangers—spiritual or otherwise—to how Catholics should respond when a relative is ordained in a Protestant church after not being raised in the faith. He clarifies misconceptions about the Novus Ordo Mass, draws from the Council of Trent, weighs in on quirky doll rumors, and offers simple steps for praying with thrifted rosaries or finding peace after confession. Answers go deeper than surface-level advice, often blending practical steps with stories and unexpected insights. James - My niece is getting ordained as a minister in a Christian Church. What should I do? (03:06) Cody - I heard a priest say that the traditional Latin mass is the only 'real dogmatic form'. Is that true? (14:09) Cristina (email) – Does the Labubu doll have an evil or devilish meaning? Celia - I am not always able to pray the rosary at 7pm with Father Rocky, but I try to pray it at different times of the day. Does it still count as praying with Father? (28:41) Eamon - How do I overcome despair from past sin? (31:23) Sal - Patrick mentioned the Martyrs suffered pain. Did the Blessed Mother suffer normal birth pains? (36:54) Lucas - I have a friend who has addiction and self-destructive behavior. What's my obligation to them? I don't want to give up on him because people never gave up on me. (42:29) Sandy - My husband refuses to get an annulment for his first marriage. I want to receive Communion but we can't. We have both been married before. (47:45)

Maria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton talk about the Blessed Mother as a model for our motherhood. Maria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton talk about the Blessed Mother as a model for our motherhood. Heidi Saxton is co-host of the CatholicMom.com Prayercast, and author of Stories of the Eucharist (OSV) and The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers (Ave). She is also senior acquisitions editor for Ave Maria Press. She and her husband Craig divide their time between northern Michigan and West Palm Beach, Florida. You can read about her adventures on Life on the Road Less Traveled.  Maria Morera Johnson, author of A Beautiful Second Act:, My Badass Book of Saints, Super Girls and Halo, and Our Lady of Charity: How a Cuban Devotion to Mary Helped Me Grow in Faith and Love writes about all the things that she loves. A cradle Catholic, she struggles with living in the world but not being of it, and blogs about those successes and failures, too.   Link in Show:· Read all articles by Heidi Hess Saxton Read all articles by Maria Morera Johnson

The warnings that the world has received from the Blessed Mother must not be forgotten or ignored. The consistency of her messages should awaken in each of us a deeper appreciation for the times we are living in and what we can do right now. Mark Mallett joins us to break this down, especially the powerful words spoken by Our Lady in Rwanda in the 1980s. ------------------------------- Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKZ9OefEJLEx1qYcBxgAFww/join -------------------------------- Read "Rwanda's Warning" from Mark Mallett HERE: https://www.markmallett.com/blog/ -------------------------------- Check out Mark Mallett's website "The Now Word" HERE: https://www.markmallett.com/blog/ -------------------------------- PATREON - Help support this podcast by becoming a US Grace Force PATRON here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25398590 -------------------------------- Subscribe to our NEW US Grace Force YouTube channel! US GRACE FORCE 2.0. Don't miss any new, great content!! https://youtube.com/@USGraceForce2.0?si=zq47qEqPITXnIDkg -------------------------------- Join the US Grace Force Team HERE: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001ESuSGaJpYPCG2iUdd4j4bkKwd4gkh2ZUVbam_Ty9rCn6blH6_U3cI2D8UvSLEcSzHnC4eq2UWmK1I0SbEw0SPKqnkZ2j0Z4J4D-_m4dD6CKJU9day-bBa8Qnx4dv7RLDIVlYAjL1JWsjfUTNPH2jQIVY9gbdbz4O4oMIzv5V1dT_upQsD8cX86iq_5Y-x4eLrTVtdOmA24s%3D&fbclid=IwY2xjawFRvvdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdo526R1rgNAIW76yyQnVbo957e1TgOoQ4RH3Tr84D8376Y7jng09gtlOw_aem_H7Y7Ej6cF6-nPyfOZ4qMTQ -------------------------------- PRAY THE ROSARY: The Joyful Mysteries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMAR9MEN1pE&t=656s --------------------------------- The Sorrowful Mysteries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHUkx66oAxE&t=311s --------------------------------- The Glorious Mysteries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg_JWsxS6EA&t=207s --------------------------------- The Luminous Mysteries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVL5CqBr3CA&t=198s --------------------------------- The Full Rosary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44zL1kFIvP8&t=1765s --------------------------------- Be Ready Emergency Preparedness Course: Be prepared to Care for and Protect your Family in times of Natural Disasters, Emergencies, Civil Unrest, Economic Collapse, and more. Sign up for the course HERE: https://brcoalition.com/ --------------------------------- Go HERE to check out the BR Coalition and get great training Body, Mind & Soul! https://brcoalition.com/ Become part of one of the fastest growing online Catholic Membership sites. --------------------------------- Get your hands on some great US Grace Force T-shirts! https://us-grace-force.creator-spring.com/ --------------------------------- The seven promises given to St Bridget of Sweden for those who devote themselves to her Seven Sorrows. 1. I will grant peace to their families. 2. They will be enlightened about the Divine Mysteries. 3. I will console them in their pains, and I will accompany them in their work. 4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls. 5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives. 6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death—they will see the face of their mother. 7. I have obtained this grace from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.

Fr. Mike reviews the major solemnities and feast days that make up the liturgical year and explains why they are important to celebrate. We learn that the liturgical year highlights key moments of the Paschal Mystery and commemorates the life of our Blessed Mother and the lives of the saints and martyrs. The feasts and solemnities of the liturgical year ultimately point us to Christ's sacrifice and strengthen our faith. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1168-1173. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Read OnlineStanding by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."  Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother."  And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. John 19:25–27The memorial we celebrate today, which was added to the Roman Liturgical Calendar in 2018 by Pope Francis, highlights the truth that the Blessed Virgin Mary is not only the Mother of the Person of Christ, and, therefore, the Mother of God, she is also the Mother of the Church, that is, the Mother of all the faithful. The Blessed Virgin Mary is your mother. And as your mother, she is truly tender, compassionate, caring and merciful, bestowing upon you everything that a perfect mother desires to bestow. She is the fiercest of mothers who will stop at nothing to protect her children. She is a mother wholly devoted to you, her dear child.The Gospel passage chosen for this memorial depicts our Blessed Mother standing at the foot of the Cross. She would have been no other place than directly beneath her Son as He endured His last agony. She did not flee in fear. She was not overwhelmed by grief. She did not sulk in self-pity. No, she stood by her Son with the perfect love and strength of a devoted, caring, compassionate and faithful mother.As she stood by her Son in His hour of suffering and death, Jesus turned to her and entrusted the Apostle John to her maternal care. From the early Church Fathers until the most recent teachings of the Church today, this act of entrusting John to Mary and Mary to John by Jesus has been understood as an entrustment of all the faithful to the maternal care of Mother Mary. Mother Mary is, therefore, not only the Mother of the Redeemer, Christ Himself, she also becomes the Mother of all the redeemed, the mother of us all, the Mother of the Church.Consider the spiritual mother you have in Heaven. A mother is one who gives life. Your mother in Heaven is entrusted with the task of bestowing upon you the new life of grace won by the Cross. And as your mother, she will not withhold anything from you that is to your benefit. A mother is also one who is tender with her children. The Immaculate Heart of our mother in Heaven is one that is filled with the greatest tenderness toward you. Though her caresses are not physical, they are much deeper. She caresses with the tenderness of grace which she imparts to you as you pray and turn to her in your need. She gives you the grace of her Son, poured out upon the Cross as the blood and water sprung forth as a font of mercy. Mother Mary pours that mercy upon you as a tender and devoted mother would. She holds nothing back.If you are unaware of the love in the heart of our Blessed Mother for you, use this memorial as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of her role in your life. Many children take their mothers for granted, not fully understanding the depth of their love. So it is with our Mother in Heaven. We will never fully comprehend her love and her constant motherly workings in our life until we join her in Heaven face to face. Reflect, today, upon Mother Mary standing by you in every moment of your life. See her there in your joys and in your sorrows, during your moments of temptation and struggles, in your moments of confusion and clarity. See her there by your side, bestowing every good spiritual gift upon you when you need it the most. She is a true mother, and she is worthy of your love and gratitude.My dearest Mother, you stood by your Son with unwavering fidelity and love. You cared for Him, nurtured Him and never left His side. I also am your dear child. I thank you for your loving fidelity toward me and open my heart to the grace of your Son that you bestow upon me throughout life. Help me to be more attentive to your motherly care and to daily grow in gratitude for your presence in my life. Mother Mary, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.Images: Featured: The Crucifixion via Web Gallery of ArtMain: Lucas Cranach the Elder, PDM-owner, via Wikimedia Commons  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we tackle one of the most intriguing questions about the Bible's development: If the disciples and early Christians referenced the Book of Enoch, why isn't it part of the biblical canon? We explore the Church's criteria for canonization, Enoch's influence, and why it ultimately didn't make the cut. Help support the work we do by donating! Catholicanswersradio.com Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:51 – Why was Enoch not considered canon if the disciples referenced it? 14:25 – Why is confession to a priest necessary? 21:17 – Who is St. Mary Salome? Was she the Blessed Mother's sister? 25:07 – Why is the penalty of sin, death? It seems so harsh. 33:55 – Rather than having a Catholic funeral Is having a mortuary service burial, okay? 35:32 – Is there any truth to the rumor that the baptism formula was in Jesus name early on? 40:30 – What would be the implications of a person without a soul? 44:45 – Could a Catholic accept Jesus as the new Isaac and Peter as the new Abraham as an explanation of Mt. 16:18-19? 49:17 – My husband is interested in Catholicism. He asked: 1 Peter 2:25 Why is the word bishop replaced to overseer in some versions?

Earlier in the Catechism, we unpacked Mary as the Mother of Jesus. Now, we look at what it means for Mary to be the Mother of the Church. Fr. Mike makes it clear that, when he entrusts his disciples to Mary, his Mother, from the Cross, he's entrusting us to her as well. Today's readings are from Catechism paragraphs 963-970. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike highlights the moment God makes a covenant with David, promising him an everlasting dynasty, but reserving the building of the Temple to David's son Solomon. He also teaches us how 2 Samuel 7 foreshadows the fact that the Blessed Mother is the new Ark of the Covenant. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 6-7, 1 Chronicles 9, and Psalm 89. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.