Podcasts about blessed virgin mary

Our May 2025 Book Club selection is a book honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary! Kelsey Gillespy, in her new book, Real Life with Mary: Growing in Virtue to Magnify the Lord, encourages moms to grow in friendship with Mary and learn from her how to walk the daily path to holiness. This book is written for all of us! Kelsey observed during this session that the book is a call to discipleship, a call to fellowship, and a call to sainthood. She acknowledged that when we look at the saints we see all the glamor, and it can seem like sainthood is distant — but over time, God can bring us to sainthood too. Kelsey and Allison discuss how Mary is close to us because of the grace of God, and that grace can bring us closer to God. Learn more about Mary as a powerful example and mentor as well as someone who's going to nurture us, love us, and want the best for us in our Week 1 Book Club episode.

As we close out the beautiful month of May, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, join me this week, as I reflect on Mary's Fiat—her courageous and wholehearted “yes” to God—and how it continues to inspire Catholic women today. Through personal stories, scripture, Marian devotion, and insights I unpack the obstacles we face when trying to say yes to God—fear, control, suffering, and doubt—and how, like Mary, we can find the grace to trust even when the path is painful or uncertain. Whether you're navigating a difficult season, questioning your next steps, or longing to grow deeper in faith, this episode offers gentle encouragement and powerful reminders that: Saying yes is not a one-time moment—it's a daily mindset. Surrendering to God isn't giving up—it's claiming your victory. Even in suffering, God walks with you—and will equip you for the path ahead. 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.

Johnnette Williams talks about how God works through His people by looking at the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Fiat — her yes to God. A caller's question leads to a conversation about St. Louis de Montfort and his deep devotion to Mary. We explore what it means to live with faith, trust God without needing all the answers, and let our Blessed Mother lead us closer to Him.

Johnnette Williams talks about how God works through His people by looking at the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Fiat — her yes to God. A caller's question leads to a conversation about St. Louis de Montfort and his deep devotion to Mary. 

Johnnette Williams talks about how God works through His people by looking at the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Fiat — her yes to God. A caller's question leads to a conversation about St. Louis de Montfort and his deep devotion to Mary. We explore what it means to live with faith, trust God without needing all the answers, and let our Blessed Mother lead us closer to Him.

End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"The will of God is that we should receive everything through Mary." — St. Bernard Every year on May 23rd, the Feast of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, is celebrated with reverence and devotion. This special day honors the profound role of Mary as a mediator, a compassionate intercessor who bridges the gap between humanity and the divine. On this feast, we acknowledge that it is through her that all graces and blessings flow, inviting the faithful to seek her intercession for their needs and spiritual growth. Sister Catherine's Favorite Prayer: O Mary, Virgin Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me!

End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful evening prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Matthew Leonard is joined by author and professor John Mark Miravalle to discuss what beauty is - and why it matters.

End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful evening prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

When we show devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we fulfill her prophecy that “all generations will call me blessed.” The Catechism clearly shows us how such devotion does not compete with devotion to God, but in fact fosters adoration of God. Fr. Mike declares that the better we know Mary, the better we know Jesus, and the more we love Mary, the more we love Jesus. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 971-975. 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.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, May 13, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, or Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Fátima (Nossa Senhora de Fátima).This feast commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary's first of six appearances to three Portuguese shepherd children in 1917.During the apparitions, Mary revealed herself as Our Lady of the Rosary and conveyed messages about the importance of prayer and penance.The message of Fatima includes a call to conversion of heart, repentance from sin, love and trust in God, and a dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially through the daily prayer of the Rosary.On May 13th, 1917, the siblings Francisco and Jacinta Marto, aged 9 and 7 respectively, with their cousin Lucia Dos Santos, aged 10, saw inside a cloud the figure of a woman dressed in white who bore in her hand a rosary.Our Lady of Fatima asked them to return to that place in the following months, always on the 13th day.At those meetings, Our Lady of Fatima revealed startling facts to the children who were to attend, such as the end of the First World War and the threat of a second war, which was even more terrible. Other revelations concerned the political order of the world and the advent of Communist Russia.Mary also exhorted the three shepherd children: “Pray, pray very much. Make sacrifices for sinners. Many souls go to hell, because no one is willing to help them with sacrifice.”“In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph,” she reassured the children.In 1930, the Catholic Church recognized the supernatural nature of Our Lady of Fatima's apparitions. In her honor, a sanctuary was erected, and faithful worldwide still visit it as a pilgrimage destination.Today is also the traditional commemoration of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Saint Peter Julian Eymard gave this title to our Blessed Mother in May 1868 to honor her relationship to the Holy Eucharist and to place her before us as a model in our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.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 York• May 13, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Msgr. Watkins addresses St. Ann's 2025 First Communion Class on Mother's Day and discusses Christ's inheritance of his human nature from his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary and the meaning of the Eucharist.

How will you honor your mother today? On this 4th Sunday of Easter—Good Shepherd Sunday—and Mother's Day, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on the beautiful connection between shepherds, sheep, and the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. Drawing inspiration from the childhood rhyme Mary had a little lamb, he invites us to see both Mary, the mother of Jesus, and all mothers as shepherds leading their children in love and sacrifice.   Let today be a celebration of motherhood, femininity, and the Blessed Virgin Mary—who once held the Lamb of God in her arms and guided Him through life.  

End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful evening prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Join us in this special follow-along prayer for our newly elected Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. As he begins his mission to shepherd the Church, we lift him up in prayer, asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the strength to lead with wisdom, charity, and truth.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for more Catholic prayers, devotions, and spiritual reflections.

"With profound gratitude to Almighty God, I join the universal Church in thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV. As the Bishop of Rome and Successor of Saint Peter, our Holy Father is for the entire world the visible principle of Christian unity. I encourage everyone in our families, parishes and schools to offer prayers, sacrifices and works of charity for Pope Leo XIV and his intentions. As Bishop of Arlington, I invite all the faithful to join me for a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV, which will take place at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More on Monday, May 12 at 12:05PM. This Mass of Thanksgiving will also be available via livestream, for those unable to attend in person. Through this celebration of the Holy Eucharist, we can support our Holy Father in a special way, asking Almighty God to grant that he may always bear witness to the truth, joy, and beauty of the Gospel with courage, steadfastness, and wisdom. United in prayer for Pope Leo XIV, may we ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen him daily with divine grace in order that he may bring the light of faith and the unchanging and life-giving word of God to the challenges of our times. Likewise, may our Holy Father be for the Church and the world a sign of hope and an instrument of the peace and merciful love of Jesus Christ. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for our Holy Father and guide us all in fidelity to her Son, our Savior." - Bishop Michael Burbidge

Kay Kriesel “Catholic Sisters Building Feminist Spirituality” Kay (they/them) studied art therapy at Alverno College, taught by the School Sisters of St Francis in Milwaukee. They've bridged the surprisingly narrow gap between Catholicism and Wicca for many years, finding common threads wovens together throughout history. They're a textile artist and an associate of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ was incarnated, is a prime example of how Mary knew to trust God and place her hope in him. Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C share more in this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, in his reflection on Pope Francis' Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year, Spes Non Confundit.24. Hope finds its supreme witness in the Mother of God. In the Blessed Virgin, we see that hope is not naive optimism but a gift of grace amid the realities of life. Like every mother, whenever Mary looked at her Son, she thought of his future. Surely she kept pondering in her heart the words spoken to her in the Temple by the elderly Simeon: “This child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed, so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Lk 2:34-35). At the foot of the cross, she witnessed the passion and death of Jesus, her innocent son. Overwhelmed with grief, she nonetheless renewed her “fiat”, never abandoning her hope and trust in God. In this way, Mary cooperated for our sake in the fulfilment of all that her Son had foretold in announcing that he would have to “undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mk 8:31). In the travail of that sorrow, offered in love, Mary became our Mother, the Mother of Hope. It is not by chance that popular piety continues to invoke the Blessed Virgin as Stella Maris, a title that bespeaks the sure hope that, amid the tempests of this life, the Mother of God comes to our aid, sustains us and encourages us to persevere in hope and trust.In this regard, I would note that the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is preparing to celebrate, in 2031, the fifth centenary of Our Lady's first apparition. Through Juan Diego, the Mother of God brought a revolutionary message of hope that she continues to bring to every pilgrim and all the faithful: “Am I not here, who am your Mother?” [20] That message continues to touch hearts in the many Marian shrines throughout the world, where countless pilgrims commend to the holy Mother of God their cares, their sorrows and their hopes. During the Jubilee Year, may these shrines be sacred places of welcome and privileged spaces for the rebirth of hope. I encourage all pilgrims to Rome to spend time in prayer in the Marian shrines of the City, in order to venerate the Blessed Mother and to implore her protection. I am confident that everyone, especially the suffering and those most in need, will come to know the closeness of Mary, the most affectionate of mothers, who never abandons her children and who, for the holy people of God, is “a sign of certain hope and comfort”. [21] (from Pope Francis' Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year, Spes Non Confundit) Notes:Jubilee ResourcesRead Spes Non Confundit hereView Pope Francis ResourcesView conclave resources here Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Faith & Feasts is a weekly segment of Morning Light talking about the Saints and celebrations on the liturgical calendar. She also shares some ways to celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary during this month of May.

The show is never even finds the rails this morning! John and Jim Schmidt dive into local weather, sharing nostalgia about May Day traditions and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amidst playful banter, they discuss Brett Favre's recent controversies and a potential guest spot on the show. Listeners weigh in on whether Brett Favre should be a guest, with an overwhelming yes. Amid laughs, tangents, and a smattering of Catholic school memories, the show just never gets on track! Maino and the Mayor is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-9 am on WGBW in Green Bay and on WISS in Appleton/Oshkosh. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast lineup. Follow the show on Facebook and X to keep up with Maino and the Mayor!

54 And coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogues, so that they wondered and said: How came this man by this wisdom and miracles?Et veniens in patriam suam, docebat eos in synagogis eorum, ita ut mirarentur, et dicerent : Unde huic sapientia haec, et virtutes? 55 Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brethren James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Jude:Nonne hic est fabri filius? nonne mater ejus dicitur Maria, et fratres ejus, Jacobus, et Joseph, et Simon, et Judas? 56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence therefore hath he all these things?et sorores ejus, nonne omnes apud nos sunt? unde ergo huic omnia ista? 57 And they were scandalized in his regard. But Jesus said to them: A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.Et scandalizabantur in eo. Jesus autem dixit eis : Non est propheta sine honore, nisi in patria sua, et in domo sua. 58 And he wrought not many miracles there, because of their unbelief.Et non fecit ibi virtutes multas propter incredulitatem illorum.Work, imposed on man as a penalty, is transformed into a blessing through his communion with the life and work and death of Jesus Christ, a communion effected by the active part he takes in the Sacrafice and Communion of the Mass---with St Joseph as model and patron. This feast was instituted by Pope Paul XII in 1956.

Friends of the Rosary,Today is the Memorial Day of St. Pius V, a 16th-century Dominican friar and Pope, known for his intense devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his promotion of the Holy Rosary.Often referred to as the "Pope of the Rosary," he established the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in 1573, commemorating the victory at Lepanto, and wrote a papal document solidifying the Rosary as a powerful prayer tool.Its document, the Papal Bull "Consueverunt Romani Pontifices," issued in 1569, confirmed the indulgences granted to those who prayed the Rosary.St. Pius V actively encouraged the use of the Rosary, calling upon Christians across Europe to pray it fervently. He lived a life of holiness and reform.In 1572, when he passed away, his final prayer was, "Lord, increase my sufferings but also my patience."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 York• ⁠April 30, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Friends of the Rosary,Today, Monday of the Second Week of Easter, a day after Divine Mercy Sunday, we celebrate the memorial of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, a 17th-century French saint revered for his intense devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Virgin Mary, especially through the Rosary.St. Louis-Marie wrote the prayer of entrustment to Our Lady, “Totus Tuus ego sum,” which means, “I am all yours.” The late Pope John Paul II took the phrase “Totus Tuus” as his episcopal motto.The saint manifested a love for the poor while he was at school and joined a society of young men who ministered to the poor and the sick on school holidays. When he was 19, he walked 130 miles to Paris to study theology, giving all he had to the poor he met along the way, and made a vow to live solely on alms.With a gift for preaching, he often drew crowds of thousands to hear his sermons in which he encouraged frequent communion and devotion to Mary.He was poisoned by Jansenists, a heretical movement within the Church that believed in absolute Predestination, in which only a chosen few are saved, and the rest damned.He wrote two masterpieces of Marian piety, “The Secret of the Rosary” and “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin,” which he correctly prophesied would be hidden by the devil for a time. The “True Devotion” was discovered 200 years after his death.One year before his death, St. Louis-Marie founded two congregations: the Daughters of Divine Wisdom, which cared for the sick in hospitals and educated poor girls, and the Company of Mary, a missionary order devoted to preaching and spreading devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.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 York• April 28, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

It's the Friday in the Octave of Easter, 1st class, with the color of white. In this episode: The meditation: “The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Resurrection,” today's news from the Church: “In the United Kingdom Christianity Quietly Resurrects,” and today's thought from the Archbishop. Sources Used Today: “The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Resurrection” (florida.sspx.org) https://florida.sspx.org/en/news/blessed-virgin-mary-and-resurrection-25786 “In the United Kingdom Christianity Quietly Resurrects” (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/united-kingdom-christianity-quietly-resurrects-52016 The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  https://sspx.org

Father Chris Alar, MIC, is the Provincial Superior of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in the United States and Argentina. He wrote and produced the popular "Divine Mercy 101" and "Explaining the Faith" YouTube series and is the author of the bestselling books After Suicide: There's Hope for Them and for You, as well as Understanding Divine Mercy. He is host of the EWTN show Living Divine Mercy, which airs on Thursdays, 10:00 p.m. EST. From 2014-2024, he served as "Fr. Joseph, MIC," the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers. Fr. Chris's links: https://www.thedivinemercy.org  https://shopmercy.org/  https://www.youtube.com/@DivineMercy_Official

Friends of the Rosary,Today, Tuesday within the Octave of Easter, we continue to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Pope Francis as we pray through our daily Rosary for the repose of his soul.The Vatican announced that Francis, the first pope from Latin America, passed away due to a sudden stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse after 38 days of hospitalization, and revealed that his will requested a humble tomb with the inscription "Franciscus" at St. Mary Major, one of the four major basilicas in Rome.This burial place contains the Salus Populi Romani, an ancient icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the health of the Roman People. Pope Francis was always there, thanking Jesus through Mary.The funeral Mass will take place this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter's Square (4:00 p.m. ET).Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.Earlier, on Wednesday, the coffin containing the Pope's body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica, so that the faithful may pay their respects until Friday, and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.In his Easter Sunday homily, Francis called "Christians to actively seek the risen Jesus in their daily lives", urging believers to 'run' just as the disciples did after discovering the empty tomb.“We must look for him without ceasing,” emphasized the Pope. “Because if he has risen from the dead, then he is present everywhere, he dwells among us, he hides himself and reveals himself even today in the sisters and brothers we meet along the way.”In today's Gospel (John 20:11-18), we find Mary Magdalene weeping by the tomb of the risen Lord.Jesus said, "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers..."The idea is not to cling to Jesus, but to proclaim what He has accomplished.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 York• ⁠April 22, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

How and Why to Pray the Rosary | The Catholic Couple Podcast

Read OnlineThe Savior of the World died a cruel death upon the Cross. His broken body was laid in the tomb. His disciples scattered and were fearful that they would be next. But our Blessed Mother kept vigil in the perfect hope that her Son would soon rise.Traditionally, Saturdays within the Church year are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This ancient tradition developed in part due to the belief that, as others were filled with fear and confusion, Mother Mary kept vigil on Holy Saturday in prayerful anticipation of Jesus' resurrection. She knew her Son would rise. She had hope beyond hope. Her faith was certain. Her love kept her vigilant as she awaited the return of her Son.For many centuries, it has been suggested that the first person to whom Jesus appeared after His Resurrection was His own mother. Pope Saint John Paul II believed this. Saint Ignatius of Loyola believed it. And many others throughout the centuries shared this belief.For these reasons, Holy Saturday is an ideal day to ponder the pondering heart of our Blessed Mother. There are several times in Sacred Scripture where we are told that Mother Mary pondered the mysteries of her Son's life in her heart. She was one of the few who stood by Him in His agony and death. She stood before the Cross and prayerfully pondered His perfect sacrifice. The Blessed Mother held His dead body in her arms and pondered where His spirit had gone. And today she keeps vigil, pondering His imminent return to her.Ponder her pondering heart. Try to unite your own heart with hers. Try to understand what she was thinking and hoping. Try to feel what she felt this sorrowful day. Try to experience her faith, her trust and her joyful expectation. So many people in this world walk in despair and confusion.So many have lost hope in the new life that awaits them. So many have their own form of interior death without allowing God to draw them into His Resurrection. So many people today need the hope that was so alive in the heart of our Blessed Mother that first Holy Saturday. Ponder the reality of Holy Saturday in silence this day and allow the glorious heart of our Blessed Mother to inspire you and draw you more deeply into her life of faith, hope and love.Dearest Mother Mary, on that first Holy Saturday, you kept vigil for your Son. You allowed the divine gift of hope to grow within you, and you allowed that hope to be your strength in the midst of the horror of the Cross. Pray for me that I may ponder your beautiful heart this day so that I, too, may be filled with hope as I endure the challenges of this earthly life. Give me a heart of joyful anticipation as I await the grace of new life our Lord so deeply desires to bestow upon me. Mother Mary, pray for me.  Jesus, I do trust in You.  Guercino, 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.

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of Holy Week Lectionary: 259The Saint of the day is Saint Bernadette SoubirousSaint Bernadette Soubirous' Story Bernadette Soubirous was born in 1844, the first child of an extremely poor miller in the town of Lourdes in southern France. The family was living in the basement of a dilapidated building when on February 11, 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette in a cave above the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. Bernadette, 14 years old, was known as a virtuous girl though a dull student who had not even made her first Holy Communion. In poor health, she had suffered from asthma from an early age. There were 18 appearances in all, the final one occurring on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, July 16. Although Bernadette's initial reports provoked skepticism, her daily visions of “the Lady” brought great crowds of the curious. The Lady, Bernadette explained, had instructed her to have a chapel built on the spot of the visions. There, the people were to come to wash in and drink of the water of the spring that had welled up from the very spot where Bernadette had been instructed to dig. According to Bernadette, the Lady of her visions was a girl of 16 or 17 who wore a white robe with a blue sash. Yellow roses covered her feet, a large rosary was on her right arm. In the vision on March 25 she told Bernadette, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” It was only when the words were explained to her that Bernadette came to realize who the Lady was. Few visions have ever undergone the scrutiny that these appearances of the Immaculate Virgin were subject to. Lourdes became one of the most popular Marian shrines in the world, attracting millions of visitors. Miracles were reported at the shrine and in the waters of the spring. After thorough investigation, Church authorities confirmed the authenticity of the apparitions in 1862. During her life, Bernadette suffered much. She was hounded by the public as well as by civic officials until at last she was protected in a convent of nuns. Five years later, she petitioned to enter the Sisters of Notre Dame of Nevers. After a period of illness she was able to make the journey from Lourdes and enter the novitiate. But within four months of her arrival she was given the last rites of the Church and allowed to profess her vows. She recovered enough to become infirmarian and then sacristan, but chronic health problems persisted. She died on April 16, 1879, at the age of 35. Bernadette Soubirous was canonized in 1933. Reflection Millions of people have come to the spring Bernadette uncovered for healing of body and spirit, but she found no relief from ill health there. Bernadette moved through life, guided only by blind faith in things she did not understand—as we all must do from time to time. Learn more about Saint Bernadette! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Wednesday of Holy Week Saint of the Day: St. Bernadette Soubirous, 1844-1879; first child of an extremely poor miller in the town of Lourdes in southern France; on February 11, 1858, she received the first of 18 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary; few visions have ever undergone the scrutiny that these appearances of the Immaculate Virgin were subject to; Lourdes became one of the most popular Marian shrines in the world, attracting millions of visitors Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 4/16/25 Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

Very similar to the last two posts, just subbing out the Psalms for the 3rd Nocturn. This recording was plagued by bird noises. First take it was Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, second take my voice was audibly much more tired and one chicken was hanging around, making her presence felt. So here you can hear one psalm from the first take and two psalms from the second take and you might guess which is which.Matins is a bit of a tough one. The invitatory stays the same, so you get the hang of that. The responsories have a bit of variation and in Lent where the Te Deum is not said and instead there's a third responsory, “Felix namquam”. I'm singing the one from the Baronius Press book, which comes from Hartker's Nocturnale.But here is Matins for Wednesdays and Saturdays from Septuagesima Sunday through to Holy Wednesday or Holy Saturday if you're praying in private.I've included the optional ending in case you don't go straight into Lauds. Feel free to skip this if you have Lauds queued up ready to roll. Hopefully your podcast app allows you to do this.Booklets in PDF available: littleoffice.brandt.id.auSupport this channel, either via Substack or Buy Me a Coffee Get full access to Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary at littleoffice.substack.com/subscribe

I'm copying from the previous post, just changing the bit to make it 2nd Nocturn. Even the audio pretty much does this. It's a shortcut. Hope it's not too aggravating.Matins is a bit of a tough one. The invitatory stays the same, so you get the hang of that. The responsories have a bit of variation and in Lent where the Te Deum is not said and instead there's a third responsory, “Felix namquam”. I'm singing the one from the Baronius Press book, which comes from Hartker's Nocturnale.But here is Matins for Tuesday and Friday from Septuagesima Sunday through to Holy Wednesday or Holy Saturday if you're praying in private.I've included the optional ending in case you don't go straight into Lauds. Feel free to skip this if you have Lauds queued up ready to roll. Hopefully your podcast app allows you to do this.Booklets in PDF available: littleoffice.brandt.id.auSupport this channel, either via Substack or Buy Me a Coffee Get full access to Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary at littleoffice.substack.com/subscribe

Matins is a bit of a tough one. The invitatory stays the same, so you get the hang of that. The responsories have a bit of variation and in Lent where the Te Deum is not said and instead there's a third responsory, “Felix namquam”. I'm singing the one from the Baronius Press book, which comes from Hartker's Nocturnale.But here is Matins for Sunday, Monday and Thursday from Septuagesima Sunday through to Holy Wednesday or Holy Saturday if you're praying in private.I've included the optional ending in case you don't go straight into Lauds. Feel free to skip this if you have Lauds queued up ready to roll. Hopefully your podcast app allows you to do this.Booklets in PDF available: littleoffice.brandt.id.auSupport this channel, either via Substack or Buy Me a Coffee Get full access to Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary at littleoffice.substack.com/subscribe

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a great treasure from the Church's rich history of liturgical work. Here is a wonderful way to usher in the morning. There are four psalms and two canticles.I sort of munged the different versions as the budgerigars were starting to wake up as I reached the end, plus I didn't have the words for the Commemoration of the Saints handy, so the recording includes the Kyrie from the 1915 version, but ends like the 1962 version.Booklets in PDF available:https://littleoffice.brandt.id.au/Support this channel, either via Substack or Buy Me a Coffee Get full access to Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary at littleoffice.substack.com/subscribe

The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God's plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father's plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary's humility is essential to her role as the "masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time." Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730. 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 is Friday, April 11, 2025, Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1st class and white in chapels of the SSPX, 3rd class, and violet outside the SSPX. In this episode: Our Lady of Compassion, The meditation: “Forty Steps to Easter,” a preview of this week's episode of “The Catholic Mass #31: Why Do Priests Wear Vestments?" and today's thought from the Archbishop. Sources Used Today: Forty Steps to Easter “The Catholic Mass #31: Why Do Priests Wear Vestments?" (SSPX Podcast) View on YouTube Listen & Subscribe on SSPXpodcast.com The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  https://sspx.org

Friends of the Rosary,Today, before the Holy Week begins, the Catholic Church in various countries, following the Roman Rite, observes the devotion of Friday of Sorrows, or ‘Passion Friday', Viernes de Dolores in Spanish.Spanish-speaking countries, and particularly the Philippines, hold processions on this day to honor the Seven Sorrows of Mary.Currently, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is paired with the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross in September. The general liturgical calendar lists September 15 as the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.We reflect upon the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary in contemplating the Passion of Christ. We journey with Mary as she remains with her Son amid agonies and pains. We also pray for those who are going through their own sorrows and trials.These are the Seven Sorrows of Mary:The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13)The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem (Luke 2:43-45)The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on his Way to Calvary (traditional)Standing at the Foot of the Cross (John 19:25)Jesus Being Taken Down from the Cross (Matthew 27:57-59)The Burial of Jesus (John 19:40-42)We pray today's Rosary from Las Vegas.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 | RosaryNetwork.com, New York Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠April 11, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Catholics from Maryland migrated to Georgia in the 1790s, creating the settlement of Locust Grove and the state's first parish, Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.("Cradles of Catholicism" series, no. 36, Georgia)Contribute to Catholic History Trek at Paypal (Kevin Schmiesing at Catholic History Trek)The Purification Heritage Center

Read OnlineThe guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” John 7:46–49Hopefully the Pharisees mentioned above went through a deep interior conversion before they died. If they did not, then their day of particular judgment would have been shocking and frightening to them. The greatest act of love ever known was God becoming one of us, being conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, growing up in the household of Saint Joseph, and eventually beginning His public ministry by which the saving truth of the Gospel was proclaimed so that all may come to know God and be saved. And it was of this act of perfect love given to us by God that the Pharisees attacked and called those who believed in it “deceived” and “accursed.”Though the Pharisees do not offer us much by way of inspiration, they do provide us with many lessons. In the passage above, the Pharisees model for us one of the most common tactics of the evil one. In his spiritual classic, The Spiritual Exercises, Saint Ignatius of Loyola explains that when a person is moving from a life of sin to a life of holiness, the evil one will attack in various ways. He will try to unsettle you and cause an undue anxiety about serving God, he will try to sadden you with an unexplained sorrow, put obstacles in your way of virtue causing you to feel overwhelmed and think you are too weak to live a good Christian life of virtue, and he will tempt you to lose your peace of heart by doubting God's love or His action in your life. It seems clear that this attack by the Pharisees also has these goals.Again, though this may not appear “inspiring,” it is very useful to understand. The Pharisees were vicious in their attacks, not only to Jesus but also upon anyone who began to believe in Jesus. They said to the guards who were impressed by Jesus, “Have you also been deceived?” This was clearly the evil one at work through them trying to intimidate the guards and anyone who dared believe in Jesus.But understanding the tactics of the evil one and his messengers is of great value, because it helps us reject the lies and deceptions spewed out at us. Sometimes these lies come from individuals and are directed directly at us, and sometimes the lies are more universal, coming through the media, the culture and even the government, at times. Reflect, today, upon the distasteful and bitter words of these Pharisees. But do so to help yourself understand the tactics the evil one often takes as you seek greater holiness in life. Be assured that the closer you get to God, the more you will be attacked. But do not be afraid. Identify any personal, social, cultural or even governmental attack for what it is. Have confidence and do not be deterred as you seek to follow Christ more completely every day. My divine Judge of all, at the end of time, You will establish Your permanent Kingdom of truth and justice. You will reign over all and will bestow Your mercy and justice on all. May I live fully in Your truth and never be deterred by the attacks and lies of the evil one. Give me courage and strength, dear Lord, as I always trust in You. Jesus, I do trust in You.  Image: James Tissot, 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.

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Our Lady snatches a soul from going to hell

Read OnlineThe angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”  Luke 1:26–28Imagine if the Angel Gabriel, the glorious Archangel who stands before the Most Holy Trinity, were to come to you and announce to you that you were “full of grace” and that “The Lord is with you.” What an indescribable and awe-inspiring experience that would be! And yet this is exactly what happened to this young teenager, the Blessed Virgin Mary.We celebrate today this amazing event that took place, marking the moment when God took on human flesh within her blessed womb. Note that today is nine months before Christmas. The Church gives us this Solemnity today to invite us to walk with Mary over these coming nine months so as to join her in her rejoicing over the birth of her divine Son.Much could be said about this glorious Solemnity. We could ponder Mother Mary and her Immaculate Conception. We could ponder the very words spoken by the Archangel. We could ponder the mystery surrounding her pregnancy and the way in which God chose to set this gift into motion. And we could ponder so much more. Though all of these aspects are worth fully pondering and praying over, let's focus upon the reaction of this young woman to the angelic announcement.First, we read that Mary was “greatly troubled” and “pondered” these words spoken by the Archangel. Being troubled reveals that Mary did not have full knowledge of what the Archangel was revealing. But the fact that she pondered the words also reveals her openness to a fuller understanding. She then seeks a deeper gift of knowledge by asking, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” This response is first an assent of belief in faith followed by a request for a deeper understanding of this revelation. Faith is the ability to assent to that which we do not fully understand, but true faith always seeks a deeper understanding—and this is what Mary did. After being given some further revelation by the Archangel, Mary fully accepts what was revealed and trusts that what she was told was all she needed to know at that time. And then she offers what has come to be known as her “fiat.” She says, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” This fiat of Mary is her perfect prayer of surrender to the will of God, and it is also the perfect model for how we all must respond to the will of God. We must see ourselves as true servants of His will, and we must fully embrace whatsoever God asks of us, completely uniting our wills to His.Reflect, today, upon these words of our Blessed Mother: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” How is God asking you to make this your prayer also? How is God calling you to serve His most holy will? Are you willing to fully assent to anything and everything God asks of you? As you prayerfully reflect upon this fiat of our Blessed Mother, seek to unite her response to yours so that you, too, will be a servant of the most high God.Father in Heaven, You sent Your Son to become incarnate in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Your glorious Archangel Gabriel brought forth this Good News. May I always be attentive to the messages You send forth to me as You invite me to join in Your divine mission of bringing Your Son into the world. I say “Yes'' this day, dear Lord, to serve Your most holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.Benvenuto Tisi, 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.

Dr. Scott Hahn and Rob Corzine sit down to discuss St. John the Apostle, The Blessed Virgin Mary, and Our Lord's words to them in his final moments on the cross.

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Read OnlineWhen Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. Matthew 1:24What is it that made Saint Joseph so great? He wasn't immaculately conceived as our Blessed Mother was. He was not divine like Jesus. But he was the head of the Holy Family, its guardian and its provider. He became the legal father of the Savior of the World and the spouse of the Mother of God. But Joseph is not great only because he was given such incredible privileges. First and foremost, he was great because of the choices he made in life. Today's Gospel refers to him as a “righteous man” and as a man who “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” Thus, his greatness is primarily on account of his moral righteousness and obedience to the will of God. Joseph's obedience is especially seen in the fact that he obeyed the voice of God given to him in the four dreams recorded in Scripture. In his first dream, Joseph is told “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 1:20–21). In his second dream, Joseph is told, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him” (Matthew 2:13). In his third dream, Joseph is told, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead” (Matthew 2:20). And in his fourth dream, Joseph is warned to go instead to Galilee rather than Judea (Matthew 2:22).When these dreams are read in succession, it is clear that Saint Joseph was attentive to the voice of God. We all have dreams, but Joseph's dreams were different. They were clear communications from God, and they required a willing recipient. Joseph was open to the voice of God and listened in faith as that willing recipient.Joseph also responded with complete submission and full determination. The commands Joseph received were not insignificant. His obedience required that he and his family travel great distances, take up residence in strange lands and do so all in faith.It's also clear that Joseph took his vocation seriously. Pope Saint John Paul II gave him the title “Guardian of the Redeemer.” Over and over, he showed his unwavering commitment to his role as the guardian of his legal Son, Jesus, and of his wife, Mary. His life was spent providing for them, protecting them and offering them a father's heart. Reflect, today, upon the unique vocation of Saint Joseph. Ponder, especially, the early years of his marriage and the raising of Jesus. Consider his fatherly commitment to care for, provide for and protect his Son. We all must seek to imitate Saint Joseph's virtues by protecting the presence of Christ within our own hearts, the hearts of our family and friends and in the world as a whole. Pray to Saint Joseph, asking him to help you follow his example so that the hidden presence of our Lord in our lives will grow and come to full maturation. Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen. (Prayer from Patris Corde)Image: Luca Giordano, 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.

The Catechism tackles a few important issues regarding Mary, the mother of God—her motherhood, her virginal conception of Jesus, and her perpetual virginity. Fr. Mike reminds us that, regardless of the opinions of translators and modern theologians, our Faith steers us towards a correct understanding of our Blessed Mother. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 495-501. 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.

The Catechism introduces us to Mary's Immaculate Conception and explains why God preserved her “immune from all stain of original sin.” Fr. Mike answers a common question asked in response to this revelation: “Why didn't God just preserve us all from original sin?” His answer might surprise you. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 490-494. 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.