Podcasts about blessed mother

Full Title Name: Family business? Hiring Catholics? Missed priesthood, married instead? All baptized are Catholics? How to read Bible? Scorzelli cross? Marrying non-Catholic? Boy-girl friends? Guardian angels for all? Veil colors in Church? The Our Father: "super-substantial bread"? Vatican II Modernism inevitably leads to New Order of idol worship, neo-paganism and Marxism. Modernism is synthesis of all heresies; the Blessed Mother is the Destroyer of Heresies. This episode was recorded on 8/25/2026. 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 ‪@WCBHolyMassLivestream‬ May God bless you all!

The evidence is clear. We are seeing the warnings of the Blessed Mother unfold before our eyes. Fr Chris Alar talks about the signs of our times and exactly what heaven has said the answer to these serious threats to humanity and our Catholic faith is. We were created for such a time as this, and it is imperative that we respond to these dangers with dedication, commitment and zeal. -------------------------------- Join the HEALING LIFE'S HURTS Online Summit HERE: https://brcoalition.com/SUMMIT/ -------------------------------- Buy the book First Line of Defense by Doug Barry & Daniel O'Connor HERE: https://ignatius.com/first-line-of-defense-fldfp/?cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww&AID=15734493&PID=100357191&cjevent=d8410aea701111f181b400820a82b832 -------------------------------- Join the USGF Community HERE: http://joingraceforce.com/4ABL -------------------------------- CHECK OUT THE NEW USGF T-SHIRT - SALVE REGINA - HERE: https://ty19f5-gu.myshopify.com/products/salve-regina-graphic-t-shirt-elegant-marian-devotional-tee?variant=48469575565506 -------------------------------- Get your ONE NATION UNDER GOD T-Shirt (several different colors) HERE: https://ty19f5-gu.myshopify.com/products/one-nation-under-god-t-shirt-american-flag-tee -------------------------------- Get the 250 YEARS STRONG T-Shirt (a variety of colors) HERE: https://ty19f5-gu.myshopify.com/products/1776-under-one-god-patriotic-t-shirt-250-years-strong?variant=47926345105602 -------------------------------- Get the world famous USGF HAT HERE: https://ty19f5-gu.myshopify.com/products/us-grace-force-embroidered-baseball-cap?variant=47926654959810 -------------------------------- Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKZ9OefEJLEx1qYcBxgAFww/join -------------------------------- PATREON - Help support this podcast by becoming a US Grace Force PATRON here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25398590 -------------------------------- Check out ROMAN CATHOLIC GEAR and get amazing Catholic gear for the battle of your life! Click HERE: https://romancatholicgear.com/USGF -------------------------------- 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 -------------------------------- Get some GREAT Gloria Patri coffee HERE: https://gloriapatri.com/discount/GRACEFORCE -------------------------------- PRAY THE ROSARY: The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUr5UzrV63I -------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------- 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.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 422 The Saint of the day is Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Saint 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 of Clairvaux 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 of Clairvaux 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 of Clairvaux 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

In this powerful homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC reflects on the extraordinary faith of the Gentile woman who humbly approached Jesus, trusting that even the “scraps” from the Master's table were enough to bring healing and mercy.Her faith reminds us that great faith can be found in unexpected places. Although she had not received the spiritual privileges given to Israel, she continued to believe—even when Jesus seemed silent. She did not walk away. She remained humble, persistent, and confident in His mercy.Fr. Chris challenges us as Catholics to recognize how much we have received: the Eucharist, Confession, the Sacraments, the Blessed Mother, and countless graces from God. Yet sometimes those who have received less appear to trust God more deeply and make greater use of the faith they have been given.When God seems silent, do not stop praying. His silence does not mean He has abandoned or ignored us. Sometimes He is strengthening, testing, and purifying our faith, teaching us to trust Him more completely.The Gentile woman was willing to wait for the scraps—but what she received was the abundant mercy of Christ.May we never take God's gifts for granted. May we approach His table with gratitude, humility, and persistent faith, remembering that Jesus is the Bread of Life, and even the smallest gift of His grace can transform our lives and lead us toward eternal life.

Doug Keck speaks with Fr. Andrew Hofer and Fr. Philip Nolan about the Hail Mary prayer, St. Thérèse's devotion to it, and how it draws souls closer to our Blessed Mother.

Read OnlineA Promise and Sign of Hope“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 the great solemnities on the Church's liturgical calendar: the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Belief in her bodily assumption first took root in the early Church among those who witnessed this glorious event. Though we do not have written firsthand accounts of the Assumption, a variety of traditions have stood the test of time.According to a tradition handed down by Saint John Damascene in the fifth century, all of the Apostles except Thomas were miraculously gathered in Jerusalem at the time of Mary's Dormition, or falling asleep. After reverently placing her body in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane, they later opened it at Thomas's request, who had arrived late and wished to venerate her body. To their astonishment, the tomb was empty. This led the Apostles to conclude, through divine revelation, that the Blessed Virgin had been assumed body and soul into Heaven. That empty tomb is still honored today in the cave near Gethsemane and remains a popular place of pilgrimage.This early tradition laid the foundation for the Church's growing conviction through the centuries that Mary's Assumption was not merely a pious belief but a divinely revealed truth. In 1950, this truth was solemnly defined as dogma by Pope Pius XII in Munificentissimus Deus.Why was the Blessed Virgin Mary taken body and soul into Heaven at the completion of her earthly life? Because, by a singular grace, when she was conceived in the womb of her mother—traditionally known as Saint Anne—her conception was the Immaculate Conception. That is, she was conceived without the stain of Original Sin. This grace, called a prevenient or preceding grace, was given to her through the foreseen merits of her Son's future death on the Cross. That grace transcended time and preserved her from sin in advance, making her Son also her Savior, as she proclaimed in the Magnificat: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”Though the Blessed Virgin Mary was not saved by her own merit, having been given the fullness of grace at the moment of her Immaculate Conception, she perfectly cooperated with that grace throughout her life. She remained free not only from Original Sin but also from all personal sin. Since “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and since the Blessed Mother was entirely without sin, her body and soul were never separated in death, which leads to bodily corruption. Instead, having completed the course of her earthly life, the Blessed Virgin Mary “was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory” (Munificentissimus Deus, 44).Why is this important for us today? Because the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not only a singular privilege granted to her, it is also a sign of hope and a promise of what awaits all who remain faithful to Christ. Mary is the first and greatest disciple; where she has gone, we hope to follow. Her bodily glorification reveals that our salvation is more than spiritual, it also includes the redemption of the body. In a world wounded by sin, suffering, and death, the Assumption shines as a beacon of the final victory of grace. It reminds us that Heaven is our true home, that holiness is possible, and that those who entrust themselves to God alongside our Blessed Mother will share in Christ's Resurrection. As our loving Mother, now enthroned in glory, Mary intercedes for us and draws us ever closer to her Son, encouraging us to live each day with faith, purity, and joyful hope.Reflect today on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a sign of hope and a promise of what is to come for you and your loved ones. Though we will die and our bodies will be laid to rest, one day our bodies and souls will rise and share in the resurrected glory of Jesus and Mary. This will be our eternity. Turn your eyes to that day, profess your faith in it, rejoice in God your Savior, and proclaim His greatness alongside His most glorious Mother.Most glorious Mother of God, you were singularly privileged to be preserved from the stain of Original Sin at your Immaculate Conception, and you fully cooperated with the fullness of grace throughout your earthly life, thereby meriting the gift of your bodily Assumption when your time on earth was completed. Pray for me, that I may be filled with hope and persevere in grace, so that I, too, may one day share in the glory of the Resurrection. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Assumption of the Virgin Mary, by Guido ReniSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Many people are sensing deeply that something is in the air regarding the direction our world is headed and that things are coming to a head. A spiritual and natural convergence of sorts is unfolding. Mark Mallet, founder of the prophetic blog, The Now Word, joins us and gets into the events of our times and how the Blessed Mother has been and is pleading with us to take these days very seriously. -------------------------------- Find out more about Mark Mallet HERE: https://www.markmallett.com/blog/ -------------------------------- Join the HEALING LIFE'S HURTS Online Summit HERE: https://brcoalition.com/SUMMIT/ -------------------------------- Buy the book First Line of Defense by Doug Barry & Daniel O'Connor HERE: https://ignatius.com/first-line-of-defense-fldfp/?cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww&AID=15734493&PID=100357191&cjevent=d8410aea701111f181b400820a82b832 -------------------------------- Join the USGF Community HERE: http://joingraceforce.com/4ABL -------------------------------- CHECK OUT THE NEW USGF T-SHIRT - SALVE REGINA - HERE: https://ty19f5-gu.myshopify.com/products/salve-regina-graphic-t-shirt-elegant-marian-devotional-tee?variant=48469575565506 -------------------------------- Get your ONE NATION UNDER GOD T-Shirt (several different colors) HERE: https://ty19f5-gu.myshopify.com/products/one-nation-under-god-t-shirt-american-flag-tee -------------------------------- Get the 250 YEARS STRONG T-Shirt (a variety of colors) HERE: https://ty19f5-gu.myshopify.com/products/1776-under-one-god-patriotic-t-shirt-250-years-strong?variant=47926345105602 -------------------------------- Get the world famous USGF HAT HERE: https://ty19f5-gu.myshopify.com/products/us-grace-force-embroidered-baseball-cap?variant=47926654959810 -------------------------------- Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKZ9OefEJLEx1qYcBxgAFww/join -------------------------------- PATREON - Help support this podcast by becoming a US Grace Force PATRON here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25398590 -------------------------------- Check out ROMAN CATHOLIC GEAR and get amazing Catholic gear for the battle of your life! Click HERE: https://romancatholicgear.com/USGF -------------------------------- 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 -------------------------------- Get some GREAT Gloria Patri coffee HERE: https://gloriapatri.com/discount/GRACEFORCE -------------------------------- PRAY THE ROSARY: The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUr5UzrV63I -------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------- 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.

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) William discusses all things about the Dormition and bodily Assumption of the Mother of God, Blessed Virgin Mary and answers protestant objections to the Assumption

Today’s Topics: Father Thomas Czeck, OFM Conv., joins Terry 1) Gospel – Luke 6:36-38 – Jesus said to His disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry and Father Thomas discuss the Marian Foundations of Franciscan Spirituality and Saint Maximilian Kolbe

There is a curious notion that if we are faithful enough, wise enough, or holy enough, the storms of life will somehow pass us by. Yet Our Lord never promised calm seas. He promised His presence. The storm is not evidence that God has abandoned us; often it is the very place where He teaches us to trust Him. When St. Peter stepped from the boat, he accomplished the impossible. He walked upon the water—not because the waves had ceased or the wind had surrendered, but because his eyes were fixed upon Christ. The miracle was never that the sea became gentle. The miracle was that faith proved stronger than the storm. It was only when Peter measured the size of the waves instead of the greatness of the Savior that fear found its opening. The wind had not grown stronger; his gaze had simply wandered. How often we make the same mistake. We count our troubles more carefully than we count God's promises. We become experts on the waves. Yet anxiety has never calmed a sea, and fear has never carried a soul across the water.Our parish mission boldly calls us to “Be Faithful Like Mary.” Those few words contain a lifetime of wisdom. The Blessed Mother did not live a life free from storms. She knew uncertainty at Bethlehem, sorrow in Egypt, misunderstanding in Nazareth, and unspeakable grief beneath the Cross. But through every trial, her heart remained fixed upon the Lord. She did not pretend the storms were small; she simply knew that God was greater. Her faith was not the absence of suffering but the refusal to let suffering have the final word. To be faithful like Mary, then, is not to ask God for fewer storms, but for steadier eyes. It is to look beyond the crashing waves and behold the One who commands both wind and sea. The Christian's peace is never found in favorable weather; it is found in the presence of a person. As long as Christ remains the object of our gaze, no storm can ultimately overcome us.The waves will rise again. The winds will surely blow. They always do. But if we keep our eyes on Jesus, and if, like Mary, we remain faithful whatever the weather, we will discover that the One who called us onto the water has never ceased holding us in His loving care. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Friends of the Rosary,Today, August 8, is the feast of St. Dominic of Guzman, founder of the Order of Preachers, known as the Dominicans, in 1215. He received the Rosary from the Blessed Mother in the woods of Toulouse, in France.This 13th-century Spanish priest, born in Caleruega, Burgos, in 1170, emphasized scholarship and poverty. His mission was simple but demanding: preach the truth of the Catholic faith with clarity, holiness, poverty, and love for souls.He lived during a time when many people were confused by false teachings, especially in southern France. Dominic did not want preachers who loved winning debates more than saving souls. He wanted men formed by prayer, study, humility, and sacrifice.Dominic's instrument for saving souls and bringing people back to Christ through Mary was the Rosary—through meditation on the mysteries of salvation and preaching rooted in prayer.St. Dominic is a saint for times of confusion. He reminds us that when the world is noisy, the Church needs clear minds, clean hearts, disciplined prayer, and courageous love.He died on August 6, 1221, in Bologna, Italy.St. Dominic, preacher of truth, pray for us!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• ⁠August 8, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Happy Concert Friday!  The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary so our prayer, through song, is centered on our Blessed Mother.  Enjoy!SONG #1Let It Be by the BeatlesWhen I find myself in times of troubleMother Mary comes to meSpeaking words of wisdomLet it beAnd in my hour of darknessShe is standing right in front of meSpeaking words of wisdomLet it beLet it be, let it beLet it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdomLet it beAnd when the broken-hearted peopleLiving in the world agreeThere will be an answerLet it beFor though they may be partedThere is still a chance that they will seeThere will be an answerLet it beLet it be, let it beLet it be, let it beYeah, there will be an answerLet it beLet it be, let it beLet it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdomLet it be[Instrumental Break]Let it be, let it beLet it be, yeah, let it beWhisper words of wisdomLet it beAnd when the night is cloudyThere is still a light that shines on meShine until tomorrowLet it beI wake up to the sound of musicMother Mary comes to meSpeaking words of wisdomLet it be-eYeah, let it be, let it beLet it be, yeah, let it beOh, there will be an answerLet it be-eLet it be, let it beLet it be, yeah, let it beWhisper words of wisdomLet it beSONG #2Immaculate Mary by Lauren and Dave MooreImmaculate Mary, your praises we sing.You reign now in Heaven with Jesus, our King.Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria!    In Heaven, the blessed your glory proclaim.On earth we, your children, invoke your fair name.Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria!        We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth.And bless, Holy Mary, the land of our birth.Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria!

Friends of the Rosary,We celebrate today, August 5, the Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the four most illustrious churches of Rome, along with St. John Lateran, St. Peter, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major.The Basilica of St. Mary Major was built at the indication of the Blessed Mother after the miracle of the snowfall that took place on the night of August 4 - 5 in the year 358.The Virgin Mary had announced it in a dream to two faithful Roman Christians, the patrician John and his wife, as well as to Pope Liberius.The basilica was completed a century later, after the Council of Ephesus in 431 declared Mary the Mother of God as dogma.Yesterday, during the pontifical Mass in Rome, a traditional shower of flower petals descended from the basilica's ceiling to commemorate the August snowfall of 358.The memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major is also known as Our Lady of the Snows.Our Lady of the Snows teaches that grace can appear where it seems impossible, even “snow” in the heat of summer. God can mark out a place of mercy where human expectation says nothing should happen.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• ⁠August 5, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

27 And it came to pass, as he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck.Factum est autem, cum haec diceret : extollens vocem quaedam mulier de turba dixit illi : Beatus venter qui te portavit, et ubera quae suxisti. 28 But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.At ille dixit : Quinimmo beati, qui audiunt verbum Dei et custodiunt illud.The Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows, called also St Mary Major, was built on the Esquiline at Rome by St Liberius, Pope from 352 to 366. Popular tradition relates that the site was traced out by a miraculous fall of snow on this date, which is that of the Feast of the Church's Dedication.In the city of Rome there lived a holy nobleman named John. He and his good wife Mary were very devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since they had no children, they asked Our Lady in fervent prayer to let them know what good deeds they should perform with their great fortune. The Blessed Mother answered their prayer in a marvellous way. On August 5th, when it is very hot in Rome, they both dreamed that she told them to build a church in her honor on the spot they would find covered with snow! John told Pope Liberius went to the spot on the Esquiline Hill where the snow lay, and traced out a plan for the new church, which became the most famous church of Mary in all the world. This church has been called the Liberian Basilica (after the Pope), and St Mary of the Snow, because of the miracle. After a relic of the crib in which Jesus was born was brought to this church, it was called St Mary of the Crib too. Today, we call it St Mary Major, to show that it is the major church of Our Lady.Many great Saints, such as St Stanislaus Kostka and St Aloysius, loved to pray in the Church of St. Mary Major. One of the oldest pictures of Our Lady is venerated there. This picture, which people say was painted by St. Luke, was carried from the church in possession by the Pope when a terrible sickness was killing the people of Rome. Everyone begged Mary to stop this plague and their prayers were answered. Another time, with this picture from the Church of St. Mary Major, the Pope blessed homes that were on fire, and the fire stopped by a miracle. These are just a few of the many wonderful graces the Blessed Mother has granted to those who turn to her with faith and love.Let us purify our souls well with the Sacrament of Confession. Only in this way can we hope to receive all graces from our Blessed Mother.

Fr. David Gunter, MIC, reflects on Jesus withdrawing by boat to pray amid chaos and violence. Christ shows us that, when we face fear, loneliness, confusion, or uncertainty, we should seek quiet time with God rather than allow fear to control us.This message is especially important today, when many people are anxious about prophecies, testimonies, and events in the world. Jesus does not want us to live in fear. He calls us to prayer and asks us to seek the Holy Spirit's gift of discernment; the Spirit of Truth, so that we may recognize and follow the will of the Father.We should invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, remain close to the Blessed Mother, and be cautious of movements that ignore the Holy Spirit or place themselves above God's will. Through prayer, discernment, and preparation of heart, we become ready to receive the fire of Christ's love: “I came to cast fire upon the earth.”Readings for August 3rd. 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080326.cfm© 2026 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. All rights reserved.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate...✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=YT⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?...Follow Us on Social Media!   

"Who would do this? Next to the dumpster was a statue of the Virgin Mary. She was broken in half, hands missing, laying on her back and covered by dirt and garbage. And I heard the voice of Jesus saying to me, 'Will you deny me? Will you deny my mother?'" ---------- Former Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews discovered an old, broken statue of the Blessed Mother that most people would have thrown away. Instead, "Broken Mary" became a powerful reminder that God doesn't discard broken people--He transforms them. In this episode, Kevin shares how a damaged statue helped reshape his faith, while Trapper Jack reflects on a broken white cane during a Medjugorje pilgrimage, recent vandalism of sacred statues there, and the surprising ways grace flows through life's fractures. If you've ever felt damaged, wounded, or beyond repair, this story offers a beautiful reminder: in God's hands, brokenness often becomes the beginning of something holy. Kevin Matthews will be speaking at St. Colette Parish, Brunswick, OH Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 6:30 pm (Rosary at 6:15) ---------- Join Us October 2026 for a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje We invite you to embark with us this October 10th to 17th on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje--one of the most grace-filled and spiritually uplifting places we've ever encountered. Register now, just a few tickets remain. Click below to see all the details:  https://padrepiopilgrimages.com/trapperjack/ ---------- Share Your Story If you have a Touched by Heaven moment that you would like to share with Trapper, please leave us a note at https://touchedbyheaven.net/contact Our listeners look forward to hearing about life-changing encounters and miraculous stories every week. Stay Informed Trapper sends out a weekly email. If you're not receiving it, and would like to stay in touch to get the bonus stories and other interesting content that will further fortify your faith. Join our email family by subscribing on https://trapperjackspeaks.com  Become a Patron We pray that our listeners and followers benefit from our podcasts and programs and develop a deeper personal relationship with God. We thank you for your prayers and for supporting our efforts by helping to cover the costs. Become a Patron and getting lots of fun extras. Please go to https://patreon.com/bfl to check out the details. More About Trapper Jack Visit Our Website: https://TrapperJackSpeaks.com Patreon Donation Link: https://www.patreon.com/bfl Purchase our Products ·       Talk Downloads: https://www.patreon.com/bfl/shop ·       CD Sales: https://trapperjackspeaks.com/cds/  Join us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TouchedByHeaven.TrapperJack Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trapperjack/ Join us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/TrapperJack1

Listen to this brief update from Pilgrim Center of Hope's Media Production Coordinator.  Meet Mary - Watch short uplifting reflections to help you grow closer to our Blessed Mother and discover practical ways to live your faith each day. Do you like what you hear? Become a Missionary of Hope by sponsoring a week of Journeys of Hope. Click here to get started. Learn more at https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/media-and-resources/all-media-series/journeys-of-hope.html Help us spread hope! https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/support

Patrick explores the grip of anxiety and OCD, offering stories of struggle, resilience, and hard-won breakthroughs through faith, prayer, and community. Through calls, old wounds resurface and unexpected comfort arrives through novena prayers, guardian angels, and the quiet relief of finding peace again. Jasmine - I have really bad OCD. Is there a novena or therapist that can help me? Nothing really works. (02:36) Kathleen - Why is it such a big shock that we finally have an American pope? What is your take on this? I love Pope and am so proud he is American. (08:53) Barbara - I am in 70s and suffered OCD whole life. The Novena of Surrender, and the first three steps of the AA program, has helped me. (16:19) Drew - Praying and handing over my anxiety to God really helped me. Start with the spiritual things and then things get a lot better (20:13) Joan - Did our Blessed Mother know that the child Jesus was God as she was raising Him? (34:29) Pete - The devil can appear as an angel of light, yet in the garden he appeared as a serpent. How to make sense of this? (37:22) Olivia - I have not felt this type of peace in over 20 years thanks to your advice. How do I navigate Catholics who weaponize the Bible? (40:43)

Read OnlineFamilial Kinship in the KingdomSomeone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him,“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:47–50Those unfamiliar with Catholic teaching and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary might misinterpret this passage as diminishing Jesus' love for His mother or the singular role she holds in salvation history. Such an interpretation is gravely mistaken.The purpose of Jesus' words is to highlight the eternal reality of spiritual kinship in the Kingdom of Heaven that begins here on earth. In God's Kingdom, our communion is not based on earthly bloodlines. While biological relationships—between parents, children, and siblings—may retain a unique bond in Heaven, the deepest and most enduring union is forged through shared obedience to the will of the Father.This spiritual kinship does not begin in Heaven; it begins now. Through the grace of Baptism, we become sons and daughters of the Father and members of Christ's Body. From that moment, we are united not by flesh, but by adoption—through faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Church, as God's family on earth, is already a foretaste of the eternal communion we hope to enjoy in glory.This truth is clearly expressed in the Lord's Prayer. When Jesus taught us to address God as “Our Father,” the “our” does not refer to earthly relatives, but to all who live as God's children, united by grace and fidelity to His will. On earth and in Heaven, it is filial obedience that binds us to the Eternal Son and forms the Mystical Body of Christ. In that union, we cry out together, “Father!”Among those who have conformed themselves well to the will of God, none has equaled the perfection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From the moment of her Immaculate Conception, she listened attentively to the Father's voice and responded with unwavering fidelity. Her cooperation with grace was complete, so that the Angel Gabriel rightly called her “full of grace.” To be full is to lack nothing—to be wholly receptive to God's will.Therefore, when Jesus said, “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother,” His words applied supremely to His own mother. Far from diminishing her, they reveal the depth of her sanctity. She was not only His mother according to the flesh, but also His most perfect spiritual kin. In her, the ideal of divine sonship and discipleship is fulfilled to the highest degree.Alongside the Blessed Mother—who is uniquely and perfectly united to her Son in spiritual kinship—we, too, are invited to share in God's family. In Christ, we become kin to Jesus, to His mother, to the angels and saints, and to one another as children of the Father. Though we remain pilgrims on earth, we share in these bonds to the extent that we conform ourselves to the Father's will. In Heaven, those bonds will be perfected, and we will forever rejoice in the reward of belonging to God's household. Nothing could be greater.Reflect today on your deep longing to belong. We often seek acceptance from family, friends, and those around us, but that longing is ultimately fulfilled only by grace, in the spiritual communion that flows from obedience to the Father's will. Obeying God is a blessing, not a burden. It makes us who we are meant to be. The fruit of that obedience is the deepest peace and joy the heart can know: the joy of belonging to God's eternal family.Heavenly Father, You have called me not only to follow You, but to belong to You. May Your will be my delight. Form me in the image of Your Son, that I may live in the communion of love that unites all Your children. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, draw me deeper into the mystery of divine kinship. Father, I love You. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Holy Family, by GiovanniSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

The Bible is filled with unlikely heroes—but what made them so brave? The Sisters explore some of the most courageous men and women in Scripture, revealing that true bravery is not fearlessness but trusting God enough to take the next faithful step. From Abraham and Rahab to Esther, Daniel, the Blessed Mother, and many others, these figures reveal the power of drawing our strength from God in the hardest moments. This season of Let Love is produced in collaboration with Ascension. If you'd like to receive our weekly show notes, as well as occasional updates from the Sisters of Life, text LETLOVE (one word) to 33777 to be added to our email list.

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Shaun McAfee to discuss his new resource on Eucharistic Miracles. Other guests include Laura Strietmann from Miraculous Mom to discuss her fabric designs inspired by the Blessed Mother, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Bone Church Revival podcast to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** St. Jerome’s Prayer for God’s Mercy O Lord, show Your mercy to me and gladden my heart. I am like the man on the way to Jericho who was overtaken by robbers, wounded and left for dead. O Good Samaritan, come to my aid. I am like the sheep that went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home in accord with Your will. Let me dwell in Your house all the days of my life and praise You for ever and ever with those who are there. Amen. ***** Laura Strietmann is online at miraculousmom.co. Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Men are facing many problems: 80% of suicides in this country are men, 1 in 5 struggle with severe loneliness, marriage rates for men 35 and older have dropped from 90% to under 60% — and the list goes on. We can feel it, but we struggle to name what is really causing all of this. You cannot beat an enemy you cannot name. So in this episode, we name four of them. Today we explore the answers to these questions — and how to avoid the answers the world wants to give you. We get into four specific threats and four very concrete responses, what it actually means for a man to consecrate himself to our Blessed Mother, and why spending time with the Love of the universe changes everything. Special thanks to Al Smith of Bishop Sheen Today for helping us build this episode. Click below for 40 of Sheen's books, including Treasure in Clay and Soul of the Disciple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Tom Curran explores the founding of the carmelite order, quotes from carmelite saints, the connection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to Our Lady of Fatima, and the role of the Blessed Mother in the lives of Catholics today!

The shrine's roots trace back to an apparition of the Blessed Mother, who appeared to a local farmer. The name Manaoag is derived from the word meaning "to call," as the Virgin Mary reportedly called out to the farmer, requesting a place where her children could visit and pray. 

Discover the story of the Miraculous Medal, originating from the 1830 apparitions of the Blessed Mother to St. Catherine Labouré at the Chapel of the Daughters.

Discover Fatima, where in 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared to three children. Explore the massive sanctuary, Holy Basilicas, and the miraculous message of peace, penance, and prayer for humanity.

Discover the profound devotion of St. Anthony of Padua to the Blessed Mother. Join Fr. Peter, C.Ss.R., as he reflects on Mary's virtues through this beloved saint's life.

Discover the profound, heartfelt devotion of Saint Gerard Majella to the Blessed Mother. Join Fr. Ivel, C.Ss.R., Mendanha as we explore how Mary shaped this saint's incredible spiritual journey.

Discover the profound spirituality of St. Padre Pio as we explore his deep, abiding devotion to the Blessed Mother, sharing his extraordinary visions, prayers, and life-changing inspirations.

Discover the profound spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi in this episode, as we explore his deep devotion to nature, poverty, and the Blessed Mother's guiding light.

This video reflects on the life and legacy of Venerable Patrick Peyton, highlighting his profound devotion to the Blessed Mother and his global efforts promoting the Rosary.

This video reflects on the life of Venerable Maria Teresa, a young girl whose deep devotion to the Blessed Mother serves as an inspiring example of faith.

Send us Fan MailA child forgives her attacker while she's dying and the shockwaves reach all the way into our lives today. Saint Maria Goretti's story isn't told to romanticize suffering or gloss over evil; it's told because her mercy exposes what the Gospel actually asks of us when we've been hurt. We sit with her witness and the hard, practical question it raises: how do you forgive an enemy without pretending the wound doesn't matter?We walk through who Maria was, the Catholic faith that formed her in the hidden routines of family life, and the spiritual power she drew from prayer, the rosary, devotion to the Blessed Mother, and love for Jesus in the Eucharist. Then we face the center of her legacy: the decision to forgive Alessandro Serenelli. Along the way, we connect her words to Scripture, including Christ's call to love your enemies and the Lord's Prayer that links our own healing to the mercy we choose to give.We also talk about what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness is not denial, not instant emotional relief, and not excusing sin. It is a grace fueled surrender, placing our pain into God's hands, letting go of vengeance, and trusting that mercy can break chains that resentment keeps tightening. Maria's story even points to the possibility of conversion and change, reminding us that no heart is unreachable.If this helped you, subscribe for more Catholic saints, mercy, and spiritual growth, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. Who are you praying to forgive today?Open by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings you Super Saints PodcastsChat with US 24/7 Ask us anything https://chatting.page/mjxs9aerrtgm3lmpndlcepmbyosntrjnDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-appPlease consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith Help us Grow!Journeys of Faith is blessed to provide Catholic media, including podcasts and inspirational content, free of charge across multiple media platforms for viewers and listeners around the world. While access to this content remains free, there are significant and continually increasing costs associated with producing, hosting, and distributing these programs. Your support helps us continue sharing the beauty of the Catholic faith with souls everywhere. We want to reach more souls and you can help us do that by becoming a Mission Angel. Make a Donation Any AmountRefer a FriendYou can help us ...

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) William discusses all things about our Blessed Mother, including Mary as Ark of the New Covenant, the Visitation, the Holy Spirit and the Incarnation, and Mary in the Book of Revelation

Patrick addresses how truthfulness and conviction work in practice, linking the courage of early Christians during persecution (01:30) to messy ethical calls at work and home. He relates stories of fractured families, prayer in loneliness, and staunch, sometimes painful, persistence in faith (11:27), all while mixing practical spiritual advice with thoughtful takes on symbols like the crucifix and the meaning of sacramental life (20:08). Throughout, Patrick urges listeners to remain grounded, genuinely compassionate, and unafraid to tackle hard questions about loyalty, honesty, and belief. Lucy - It does not work to go quiet on a rude/mean son or daughter in law. I had similar situation to your previous caller with my daughters. (10:18) Sally (email) – I have a hard time talking to people. I know God is with me, but I don’t know how to talk to Him. (18:54) Roger – Regarding the Blessed Mother crowned with 12 stars, I thought they represented the 12 tribes of Israel, but is it actually the 12 apostles? (25:50) Janet (email) – What if there is a magnetic field around the Data Centers (28:27) Barbara - I tried to invite my grandkids for a birthday party. I have not seen the kids in a year. The mother said no, and other negative things. All I can do is surrender to God. (33:07) Bob - I have a member of my family marrying a Lutheran girl and they are getting married by a priest. If they are living together already, do I go to the wedding? (40:29) Rogelio (email) – Why is Jesus still on the cross? (45:29)

We see how Spain and France were gloriously protected by the Blessed Mother in the aftermath of World War II as we continue to enjoy the third volume of The Whole Truth About Fatima.Please support the Our Lady of Fatima Podcast:http://buymeacoffee.com/TerenceMStantonLike and subscribe on YouTube:https://m.youtube.com/@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastThank you!

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.

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Norbert who founded the Norbertines, who are very devoted to the Blessed Mother.

Check out this great show from June 04, 2024 (2:03) Bible Study: 2 Pt 3:12-15a, 17-18 Fires of God’s love are in purgatory? Find out what that means here Mk 12:13-17 Jesus was more clever than you would think in this passage. Find out how from Father Simon. (21:20) Break 1 (22:17) Letters: Father answers questions about receiving communion, our Blessed Mother, The Saint Jude Novena and are there different levels in heaven? (35:12) Break 2 (36:24) Word of the Day: Spoude (yes, that’s a word) (39:22) Phones: Patricia - My daughter claims LGBTQ as her identity and inviting me to go to the pride parade this weekend. What to do? Paul - How does a priest determine the penance for confession? Jay - Eucharistic Prayer I, and why is Matthias listed separately from the apostles? Mike - Contradiction b/w the 1st sorrow of Mary in seven sorrows and yet the 4th joyful mystery presentation. Paul - What is all about the red heifers, dating back to sacrifice and Noah Hyde Laws

Hour 1 for 5/28/26 Drew and Zach Dotson discuss the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (4:55). Then, Daniel O'Connor joins Drew to discuss UAPs and if there are demonic (19:54). Topics: are UFOs spiritual? (23:05), discernment (27:46), the problem of trust (42:11), more on discernment (47:04), and The Blessed Mother (48:52). Links: Daniel's Book National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

With the release of Pope Leo's highly anticipated encyclical on artificial intelligence, Dr. Fernanda Psihas, considers the document under the lens of the feminine genius as we look to the Blessed Mother for guidance to be 'weavers of hope' as the Holy Father urges us all to do. As a scientist and physicist, she found Pope Leo's words to be very unifying especially when bridging the gap between science and faith. As the Holy Father also emphasized the importance of speech and how that shapes the culture, we talk with Rob Greving about the 'Apostolate of Courtesy' and why we must work to bring back manners in this digital age where saying hello has become a novelty. Greving points to the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales, who says "our everyday lives of getting dressed, getting the kids out," is a "good opportunity for acquiring the true and solid virtues . . . a continual martyrdom." Msgr. Roger Landry also prepares our hearts for Holy Trinity Sunday, saying it's the most important lesson of the Catholic faith, "because it's who God is." Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Read Online“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Mark 10:33–34How often do we fail to grasp the suffering of others, consumed instead by our own concerns? This was the struggle of the Twelve as Jesus prepared to endure His Passion. Today's Gospel presents the third time Jesus clearly told them about His Passion and Death, yet they still didn't get it.After Jesus revealed His Passion for the first time, “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.” In the presence of the other disciples, Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (cf. Mark 8:31–33). The second time Jesus revealed His Passion they “did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.” Instead, they engaged in a childish conversation, “discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest” (cf. Mark 9:30–37).Today's Gospel, presenting the third time Jesus revealed His Passion, depicts a similar scenario. Jesus is very explicit: In Jerusalem, He “will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Once again, despite the seriousness of Jesus' revelation, James and John immediately ask Jesus, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left” (Mark 10:37). The Apostles were so consumed with their own ambitions that they failed to grasp the gravity of Jesus' words and were unable to offer Him the charity of empathy.Fortunately for them—and for us—Jesus had perfect patience. He understood their weaknesses and showed mercy. Humanly speaking, the disciples could have offered Him the charity of human empathy and compassion, walking more firmly with Jesus toward His agony and death, but they were unprepared and unable to do so.While the Apostles failed to console Jesus, His mother consoled His Sacred Heart. With her Immaculate Heart in perfect union with His, the Blessed Mother modeled perfect empathy as she pondered her Son's life in her heart and stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross. She walked with Jesus every step of the way. Her love consoled Him even as the Twelve failed to do so. The Blessed Mother teaches us how to accompany, with love and presence, those who suffer.We must see ourselves in the Apostles, listening to Jesus share news of His Passion. As we consider their apathy and lack of understanding, we should seek the grace of a loving and empathetic heart by seeing our Lord present in those around us, especially family, who carry heavy burdens. This grace will enable us to be attentive to those burdens and better imitate our Blessed Mother who consoled the heart of her Son. Though the Apostles initially failed in this mission, they were learning and growing. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they would later console others by sharing Christ's love and proclaiming His Passion with courage, especially as they lived it. Reflect today on Jesus' interaction with His Apostles. Learn from their shortcomings and be grateful for Jesus' patience. Pray for the grace of an empathetic heart, for this virtue enables us to console the Heart of Christ by sharing in His Passion with attentiveness and compassion. In doing so, we imitate the perfect love of the Blessed Mother, who teaches us how to truly love. My patient Lord, though You desire to fully share Your life and Passion with me, I often fail to be attentive and to see You in those around me. Grant me the grace to meet You in Your sufferings, and fill my heart with the charity of human empathy, especially for those I am called to love. May I learn from the weakness of the Apostles and the perfect love of Your Blessed Mother, imitating her unwavering love for You and for all. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus and his Disciples on the Sea of Galilee By Carl Oesterley Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

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 19:25–27Yesterday, we celebrated the great Solemnity of Pentecost, commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the first disciples and the birth of the Church. Just as God “breathed” life into Adam at the creation, so the Holy Spirit, the Breath of God, gives new life to the Church, the Body of Christ. At Pentecost, the Blessed Virgin Mary was present, embodying the Gift of Fortitude in her unwavering trust in God's plan.Fortitude, one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, strengthens us to persevere in doing good, especially amid trials, suffering, or temptation. It acts as an anchor, holding us steady during life's storms and uniting us more deeply to the Mystery of the Cross.When this memorial was instituted in 2018, Cardinal Robert Sarah beautifully reminded us that “the Christian life must be anchored to the Mystery of the Cross, to the oblation of Christ in the Eucharistic Banquet, and to the Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the Redeemed….” Today, we honor her not only as the Mother of the Redeemer but also as our Mother—the Mother of the Redeemed. What a profound gift it is to share a spiritual mother with the Son of God! Through her maternal care and intercession, she leads us to her Son and strengthens us on our journey of faith. The Gospel for today's memorial recalls one of the most sacred images in the Scriptures—the Blessed Virgin Mary standing at the foot of the Cross, gazing with perfect faith, hope, and love at her divine Son. Her fidelity to Him was unwavering. With a motherly empathy, strengthened by the fullness of grace, she felt His pains and endured His suffering until the end. Though Jesus embodied every virtue and spiritual gift, He allowed Himself to receive strength and consolation from His mother as He hung upon the Cross. This act of shared love and mutual consolation—Christ receiving strength from His mother as she shared in His suffering—invites us to embrace this same love, allowing our Blessed Mother's maternal care to unite us more fully to Christ. When Jesus turned to His mother and said, “Woman, behold, your son,” and to John, “Behold, your mother,” He was speaking to each of us, entrusting His mother to us and us to her. As the Blessed Mother stood by her Son in His suffering, she also stands by us, teaching us to remain steadfast in our faith, rooted in Christ's sacrifice and strengthened by His Eucharistic presence. God strengthens and consoles us in accord with His divine plan, which includes the grace dispensed through the Sacraments—especially the Eucharist—the charitable intercession of others, the ministry of angels, and the unique motherly mediation of the Mother of God, our mother.Reflect today on the many ways God sanctifies and strengthens you for your mission. Through the Eucharist, we are united to Christ's Cross and receive the grace to rise triumphantly with Him. Along this journey, we are strengthened by the Blessed Mother, the Mother of the Church and the Mediatrix of grace. As the Spirit filled the Church at Pentecost, so too does He fill our hearts today, leading us to Mary, whose love and intercession anchor us to her Son and His saving grace.Mother of the Church and Mother of God, the Holy Spirit filled you with the fullness of grace and perfected every virtue in your humble soul. Your strength to endure the Cross with your Son includes a promise that you will always stand by me, showering your motherly care and mediating the grace of your Son. Please be my mother now and always, and help me to be a faithful disciple of your Son, anchored in His Cross and lifted by His grace. Mother of the Church and Mother of the Redeemed, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The crucifixion of Jesus /Christ paintingSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

"I looked at Paul and said to myself, 'I want a husband, but… it better not be him.' Paul, meanwhile, mumbled, 'I just met my wife… I just met my wife.' And, I said, 'I don't think so.'" (laughter) ---------- As Elizabeth and I prepare for our fourth pilgrimage to Medjugorje with listeners this October, I was reminded of a beautiful conversation I recorded three years ago in Medjugorje with Monica and her husband Paul at visionary Marija's pansion. That memory came rushing back after hearing "Waltzing Matilda" playing in my head while receiving a WhatsApp message from Monica in Australia. Their remarkable love story is wrapped in faith, providence, humor, and the loving influence of the Blessed Mother. In the show notes, you'll find pilgrimage details through Padre Pio Pilgrimages, including information about where we'll be staying in October, along with a link to episode 404 featuring Michael Campanelli -- founder of Padre Pio Pilgrimages -- and his powerful Medjugorje conversion story. Elizabeth and I hope you can join us this October! Medjugorje Pilgrimage:  https://padrepiopilgrimages.com/trapperjack/ Episode 404:  https://touchedbyheaven.net/size/5/?search=tbh+404 ---------- Share Your Story If you have a Touched by Heaven moment that you would like to share with Trapper, please leave us a note at https://touchedbyheaven.net/contact Our listeners look forward to hearing about life-changing encounters and miraculous stories every week. Stay Informed Trapper sends out a weekly email. If you're not receiving it, and would like to stay in touch to get the bonus stories and other interesting content that will further fortify your faith. Join our email family by subscribing on https://trapperjackspeaks.com  Become a Patron We pray that our listeners and followers benefit from our podcasts and programs and develop a deeper personal relationship with God. We thank you for your prayers and for supporting our efforts by helping to cover the costs. Become a Patron and getting lots of fun extras. Please go to https://patreon.com/bfl to check out the details. More About Trapper Jack Visit Our Website: https://TrapperJackSpeaks.com Patreon Donation Link: https://www.patreon.com/bfl Purchase our Products ·       Talk Downloads: https://www.patreon.com/bfl/shop ·       CD Sales: https://trapperjackspeaks.com/cds/  Join us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TouchedByHeaven.TrapperJack Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trapperjack/ Join us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/TrapperJack1

Read OnlineJesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.” John 17:1–2The entirety of Chapter 17 of John's Gospel is traditionally referred to as Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. This prayer concludes the Last Supper Discourse, which we have been reading for the past two weeks. It marks a transition from the conclusion of Jesus' public ministry to His Passion and glorification. With His teaching completed, Jesus begins His prayerful offering of His life to the Father. The prayer can be divided into three sections:Verses 1–11a: Jesus' intimate prayer to the Father focuses on their mutual glorification through the completion of His sacrifice. This “hour” of sacrifice and glory is now at hand.Verses 11b–19: Jesus prays for the disciples who accompanied Him during His earthly ministry, asking for their protection, sanctification, and perseverance in their mission.Verses 20–26: Jesus' prayer extends to all future believers, the Church throughout time, including us today. He prays for unity among believers, rooted in the love of the Father and the Son.Today, in liturgical Year A, we read the first section of this prayer, when Jesus speaks of His divine mission and His imminent return to the glory He shared with the Father before creation. This prayer highlights a central theme in John's Gospel: Jesus' “hour.”The theme of the “hour” was introduced at the wedding at Cana, the beginning of Jesus' signs. When the Blessed Mother intercedes for the couple, saying, “They have no wine,” Jesus replies, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:3–4). From that moment, Jesus references the concept of His “hour” throughout His ministry, pointing to the appointed time for His Passion and glorification. In today's High Priestly Prayer, Jesus makes His final and definitive reference to His hour: “Father, the hour has come…” (John 17:1). The hour of His sacrifice, the pinnacle of His earthly mission, has now arrived. Though Jesus was fully aware of the suffering He was about to endure, He did not enter into that suffering with dread or fear. Rather, He did so with eager resolve, knowing that everything He had done throughout His life and public ministry pointed to this moment, which had finally come.Jesus' human disposition while praying at this pivotal moment offers us an invitation to approach His Sacrifice in the way He did. His “hour” continues in our lives every time we are invited to embrace His Cross. Therefore, every opportunity for sacrifice—no matter how small—must be prayerfully embraced in union with Jesus' prayer.Jesus' prayer teaches us that sacrifice is not something to resist or begrudge. Instead, every sacrifice becomes an opportunity to glorify God and receive a share in His glory. When we embrace sacrifice with generosity and trust, we unite ourselves to Jesus' perfect Sacrifice, participating in His work of redemption and giving glory to the Father. Reflect today on the interior disposition Jesus manifested as He faced His imminent suffering and death. He did not cower or hesitate. He looked at His Cross with divine eyes, seeing His Sacrifice as the pinnacle of His life's mission and the source of glory for Him and His Father. As we strive to embrace our own sacrifices, turn to Christ in prayer, asking for His grace and strength to offer His prayer as He offered it to the Father. Most glorious High Priest, when Your hour of suffering had arrived, You embraced that Sacrifice with unwavering resolve. That resolve revealed the glory You shared with the Father. Please draw me into Your sacrificial love and help me to prayerfully choose every sacrifice to which I am called with the same determination modeled in Your High Priestly Prayer. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image by Prabowo Shakti from PixabaySource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

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.

Patrick answers questions about brown scapular beliefs, Fatima, homebound ministry, and how to respond when a Mass feels more like a game show, blending sharp insights with his signature wit. Pilgrimage sweepstakes and doubled donations bring excitement and urgency, pushing Patrick's mission forward as callers open up, skeptics reflect, and laughter mixes with prayer. Jillian (email) – Is it common for offerings to be left for the Blessed Mother at Mexican restaurants? (02:17) Stewart - Are the confraternity of the brown scapular benefits legitimate? (05:14) Patrick from Highland, NY – Can you explain the five promises Our Lady made at Fatima? (16:00) Monica (email) – What was the free on-line course you recommended for Catholics at the " basic / beginners' level. (27:27) Bill (email) - Is there a protocol to when the home bound minister receives the host from the priest? (30:31) Lisa (email) - I work as a speech therapist and when I was in graduate school, I was assigned a client who was transitioning from a man to a woman. The goal of the sessions was to assist in altering his voice so that he sounded feminine. At the time I did not know the teachings of the church on this subject. I now feel I participated, if only for a short while, in a sinful situation. Is this something I should bring to confession now? (33:22) Amber (email) - Are there different types of miracles taught in the Catholic faith or are these classifications made up? (39:14) Tina - At mass they gave out a bracelet to make a wish for mothers. Is that ok? (41:54) Email – Question about modesty (46:01)

How can Catholics begin studying apologetics and get better at debating Protestants? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists offer practical advice for learning Scripture, Church history, and core Catholic doctrines in a charitable and effective way. The discussion also addresses whether a pope at Vatican I really said “I am tradition,” whether watching Mass online fulfills a Catholic's obligation after COVID-era habits, and why some Protestants strongly oppose devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The episode concludes with a look at whether any of the apostles were married or had families before following Jesus. A helpful conversation on apologetics, Church teaching, and Christian history. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 15:16 – How do I begin studying to get good at debating protestants?  23:43 – Did the pope at Vatican 1 actually say “I am tradition”?  29:19 – Since COVID-19, my wife has been watching the Mass every Saturday. Is that okay?  40:26 – Why are some Protestants opposed to the Blessed Mother?  47:07 – Were any of the 12 apostles married or have children that they had to leave in order to follow Jesus? 

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.