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Welcome to the Royal Kingdom period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to set the scene for this time period. They review the major players, and why the people of Israel asked for a king. 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.
As we begin the Royal Kingdom period, we hear about the first king of Israel, Saul. We discover that though Saul looks like a fearless warrior, he has a major flaw. Fr. Mike also points out the significance of the readings from Proverbs. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 9-10 and Proverbs 6:23-35. 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.
In our final reading from the Gospel of John, we hear about the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Mike points out the connection between the Paschal lamb and Jesus, and also the connection between the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Today's readings are John 19-21 and Proverbs 6:16-22. 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.
WarRoom Battleground EP 989: “Pope” Leo Is The Anti-Trump — So Catholics Will Need To Oppose Him In Order To Reverse The INVASION
When can Catholics rightly criticize the Pope — and when does that cross a line? In this clip from The Ben Shapiro Show, Ben Shapiro and Trent Horn discuss papal infallibility, prudential judgments, and the difference between disagreeing respectfully and dismissing the Holy Father outright. They also get into media bias, selective outrage from both left and right, Pope Francis, Pope Leo, and how Catholics should think about papal comments on politics, war, and public policy.
“Are Catholics modern-day Pharisees?” This question opens a discussion on the role of tradition and faith in Catholicism. The conversation also touches on reasonable expectations for children at Mass, responses to LDS beliefs about marriage in heaven, and the significance of the Eucharist in receiving grace. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:55 – Are Catholics modern-day pharisees? 18:13 – What are reasonable expectations for children at Mass? 23:51 – How to respond to LDS members who believe they are still married in heaven? 29:30 – Do Protestants worship God even though they do not have the Eucharist? 34:45 – How exactly does the Eucharist give us Grace? 47:21 – Can Catholics and Mormons pray together? And how do I explain the intercession of Mary and the Saints?
Are we having a Catholic revival? In this kickoff episode of the new season, Gomer and Dave return to unpack one of the most important, and often misunderstood, processes in the Catholic Church, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). They explore why OCIA matters not just for those entering the Church, but for every Catholic, and how it reveals the deeper mission of evangelization in today's world. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
President Trump calls Iran's bluff and reopens the Hormuz Strait with a US military blockade and no help from NATO countries. Stephen Miller says Trump's moves have reset the world's power structure as China reportedly tells Trump they won't give Iran any more weapons. Whom do Catholics support more? The Pope and his anti-war rhetoric? Or President Trump and his 'no nuclear weapons EVER' strike on Iran? California ranks first in an inauspicious poll.
Patrick shares emails in response to the last couple of episodes of the show (00:35) Kathy - Is it right for the priest to peak around the screen in Confession? (09:20) Jay - The Catholic population has been declining. It seems like the Holy Father has a flawed set of priorities with his visits. Do you have any thoughts about this and why he would visit Muslim countries instead of Europe? (15:59) George - I disagree with you about the Pope and his alignment with globalists and democrats (24:04) Eliazer - I hope we can approach both the President and the Pope with the right perspective. As Catholics, the Pope represents us and he is doing what he needs to do. Also, the President is our president. I see both as important. (30:17) Vinnie - Nobody ever got to heaven by bad mouthing the Pope (39:16) Mary - In response to guy who disagrees with you, best thing we can do is fast and pray and change sin in our life. (43:13) Anna - My daughter is doing a paper on the Secretariat on Atheism in the Vatican in the 1930s. Was there an alliance with the fascists and the Vatican? Do you know anything about this? (48:50)
Laura - Can someone get last rites up to three hours after the person dies? (01:03) Marian - We are supposed to follow God's will. Is the Holy Spirit working in both the Pope and the President? Who is it that is inspired by Him? (09:15) Mike - When a person becomes a saint, how does that work? (14:44) Denise - Why would the Pope entertain a private meeting with David Axelrod? (17:45) Charlene - I remember Pope Francis said that the Bishop of Rome will no longer be known as the Vicar of Christ. I heard it on the radio. Is this true? (24:00) Jonathan - What should our posture be towards Islam? I know this is part of the situation in Iran and other places. How can we address this as Catholics? (26:10) Gabrielle - What should our posture be towards Islam? I know this is part of the situation in Iran and other places. How can we address this as Catholics? (37:33) James - Jim called in yesterday and asked about Catholic customs. I give up coffee on Friday's. (49:46)
In this episode of The Cordial Catholic, I'm joined by author Traci Rhoades to talk about her remarkable faith journey into the Catholic Church. Traci is a brilliant and insightful writer who I first met as someone exploring the different roots of Christian traditions. When I heard that Traci had, in fact, become Catholic I knew I needed to have her on the show! Traci's story is a fantastic one – and she's a great storyteller. From trying to incorporate the ancient elements of Christianity into her non-denominational church to realizing, ultimately, that those elements can only be rightly found in the most ancient churches, it's a wonderful story of following Christ to the absolute ends of where he leads, and a lovely tale of family and faith, too. For more from Traci visit her website.Send your feedback to cordialcatholic@gmail.com.Sign up for our newsletter for my reflections on episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive contests.To watch this and other episodes please visit (and subscribe to!) our YouTube channel.Please consider financially supporting this show!For more information visit the Patreon page. All patrons receive access to exclusive content and if you can give $5/mo or more you'll also be entered into monthly draws for fantastic books hand-picked by me.If you'd like to give a one-time donation to The Cordial Catholic, you can visit the PayPal page.Thank you to those already supporting the show!Theme Music: "Splendor (Intro)" by Former Ruins. Learn more at formerruins.com or listen on Spotify, Apple Music,A very special thanks to our Patreon co-producers who make this show possible: Amanda, Elli and Tom, Fr. Larry, Gina, Heather, James, Jorg, Michelle, Noah, Robert, Shelby, Susanne and Victor, and William.Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind and follow The Cordial Catholic on social media:Instagram: @cordialcatholicTwitter: @cordialcatholicYouTube: /thecordialcatholicFacebook: The Cordial CatholicTikTok: @cordialcatholic
Fr. Mike reflects on the prayer of Jesus before his sacrifice, where he not only prays for all his disciples but for us as well. We also dive into Christ's trial with Pilate, and how the actions of the Jews are much like ours today. Today's readings are John 16-18 and Proverbs 6:12-15. 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.
“Do Catholics really eat God?” This question delves into the belief in the Eucharist and its significance in Catholic faith. The discussion also touches on the changes brought by Vatican II, the appropriateness of addressing minor issues with a visiting priest, and the role of personal expressions during Mass for those from different backgrounds. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 17:31 – Do Catholics really believe that they are eating God literally? 31:33 – Why did we have the change of Vatican II? 44:04 – Should I bring up something minor about a visiting priest that isn't in the rubric of the Mass? 49:29 – I am coming from a protestant background that included raising our hands often. Would some be inappropriate for the Mass? 53:54 – Why do we say Mary “merited to bear” Jesus in Regina Caeli when it was God's doing?
“Is the Assumption of Mary in Scripture?” This question leads to a discussion on the biblical basis for Mary’s Assumption, alongside other topics such as the differing beliefs about the Eucharist between Catholics and Protestants, and the role of priests in forgiving sins. The conversation also touches on the implications of being baptized Catholic and raised in a different faith. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 20:15 – Is the Assumption of Mary discussed in scripture? 29:13 – If the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ for Catholics why is it not the same for protestants? 41:04 – I was baptized Catholic as an infant but raised in the Baptist church, am I Catholic? 46:14 – Why do Catholics believe that priests can forgive sins? 51:11 – What is the Dogma of the Assumption?
Donald Trump is furious at Pope Leo. After the Pope sharply criticized the war on Iran, Trump exploded in a wild Truth Social rant, slamming the Pope as “WEAK on crime” and clueless about the Iranian nuclear threat. Trump then posted an image of himself as Jesus, which he took down after MAGA figures lashed out at him. Trump then angrily insisted he had no idea that image was religious, and seethed some more over the Pope's criticism. In today's episode, Robert Jones, the president of the Public Religion Research Institute, makes a fascinating point: The Pope's criticism of his war appears calibrated in a way that could stir concern about his war in local churches at a grassroots level. That's a hidden problem for Trump, says Jones, author of several books about religion and the American right. He explains why Trump's spin will make this worse among religious voters, why all this will resonate more deeply with Catholics than with Trump's Evangelical base, and why Catholics are a point of real vulnerability for him. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does the resurrection story in Luke 24, the road to Emmaus, reveal about the Mass? Dr. Sri invites us to see how the disciples' journey on the road to Emmaus mirrors our own spiritual lives—filled with hope, confusion, joy, and sorrow. More importantly, it reveals what God truly desires from us at every Mass: not perfection, but presence. Not routine, but relationship. _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.
Patrick answers questions about Catholicism, Baptist faith, suffering, prayer, politics, theology, and personal convictions. Listeners, moved by encouragement and candor, share their journeys and viewpoints as Patrick listens, responds, and challenges them to engage with life’s messiness. Email – You should run for office Bree - I am on the journey from Protestantism to Catholicism. I am torn about it because I feel peace at the Baptist church, but I think Catholicism makes more sense. (02:47) Gary - I think a lot of Catholics are experiencing 'Cognitive dissonance'. I also just learned about St Louis De Montfort and True Devotion to Mary. Do you have any biblical passages that reference the Immaculate Conception of Mary or the Assumption? (14:29) Cindy - I used a rosary meditation that referred to God as a creature. (19:02) Cecil - I think that the president spoke out against the pope first. I think Trump gets too extreme. The pope has a right to respond to Trump's comments. (21:44) Rick - The Church has been taken over by leftists, and we need to wake up to it. (27:06) Stewart - Suffering and Holiness: Why does suffering seem to be requirement for Holiness? (37:11) Efrank - If you see an apparition, should you report it to your pastor or your bishop? (44:47) Bill - I don't think the Pope mentioned Trump's name. I took it as a hint that Trump was trying to start war. I think that Trump isn't trying to start a war, he is trying to prevent a war. (48:06)
Patrick answers listener questions about living an authentic faith amid media distractions and cultural chaos, addresses the heartbreak and confusion around IVF, and explains the Catholic perspective on controversial topics like priestly celibacy and Church history. He offers practical encouragement, spontaneous prayers for wounded souls, and straight talk about tuning out noise to focus on Christ. Listeners hear candid exchanges, gentle corrections, and a call to ground life deeply in the Gospel, not the latest headlines. Melissa - Thank you for bringing up the fact that Jesus is in charge when it comes to the Pope and Trump. I don't think it is good that we are getting so globalized. (01:41) James - What is a good Church on the Fathers of the Church? (10:01) Ruth - Thank you for reminding people to trust in God throughout this Trump and Pope issue. (12:30) Norman - I talk political too much sometimes and I realize I need to focus more on Christ. (15:56) Jan - How do I respond as a Catholic to other national show hosts, who are former Catholics, who say he has issues with celibacy and other false information? (20:14) Nancy - Priests who have been through alcohol treatment: How can they consecrate the Eucharist if they can’t drink the wine? (25:37) Miriam - Thank you for trying to put an end to the political stuff! (28:13) Mike - Matt 27:52 - Saints coming out of the Tombs. (32:06) Cindy (email) – I want a more balanced discussion might include the Pope's lack of vociferous condemnation of Christians being martyred daily in Nigeria (37:03) Audio: Pope Leo responds to the violence against Christians in Nigeria - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EMw9obxpqHg Joe - Are prayer teams after Mass something that would be good? (39:15) Patrick - I left the Church over 40 years ago. I recently tried coming back but was treated rudely and I realized why I left the Church in the first place. (41:58) Patricia - I don't think it is correct that the President attacked the Pope. The pope is from the USA. I thought that the pope would be an advocate for our Country, but he has done nothing for the USA. I am disappointed in him. (46:07)
Send us a Text Message - include your name! In this Faith Over Breakfast podcast: Pastor Andy and Pastor Eric join Theology on Mission for a joint conversation with Dave Fitch and Mike Moore. The discussion ranges from the emerging church movement to seminary, theology on mission, and what it means to follow Jesus in a time when power is turned upside down and sanity itself seems hard to find. Northern Seminary Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSUPPORT THE SHOW BEYOND SUBSCRIPTIONS1. CASH APP2. Justgive"Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" is a weekly podcast where Pastors Andy and Eric come together over a imaginary delicious breakfast to talk about faith, food, sermons, culture, and more. In each episode, the pastors delve into thought-provoking topics and offer inspiring insights and practical guidance for those seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus. With occasional guests joining the conversation, "Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" provides a unique perspective on what it means to live a life of faith in today's world. Whether you're a seasoned Christian or just starting on your faith journey, this podcast is the perfect companion for your morning routine. So join Pastors Andy and Eric each week as they explore the intersections of faith, food, and life over a delicious breakfast.Support:https://www.buzzsprout.com/97804/support
Ryan Burge, political scientist and professor of practice at WashU's Danforth Center on Religion & Politics, joins Megan Lynch. Pres Donald Trump outraged some Catholics this week with attacks on Pope Leo as well as an AI-generated image showing him as a 'Christlike' figure. Burge says Trump is risking a large voting block, 'after white evangelicals, there's no more important,' group. Burge says Trump may be, 'driving a wedge between American Catholicism,' and the world. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)
Erick shares thoughts on the AI-generated President Trump image that some say was a "religious depiction." While the image was arguably a bad joke or in bad taste, its cooincidental timing of public criticisms of Pope Leo XIV has not gone over well with Catholics. Given Trump's other categorical declines in public support (over the war, the economy, etc.) it isn't doing him any favors. Hear more on the Erick Erickson Show, 12pm to 3pm daily!
Holy wars? President Trump and Pope Leo are verbally sparring over Iran, and over a recent social media post featuring a Christ-like depiction of Trump (who claimed he thought it showed him a s a "doctor."). The post has been removed, but not before it added to the growing backlash. While Trump had broad support among Catholics in the last election, his support is waning dramatically after comments attacking the Pope.
Fr. Mike points out the secrecy in Judas' life, and highlights Jesus' words of conviction to the disciples before his death on the cross. He also explains how important it is to bring Jesus into our temptation, and to not hide our hearts from him like Judas did. Today's readings are John 13-15 and Proverbs 6:6-11. 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.
SEASON 4 EPISODE 78: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (2:30) BREAKING: Trump attacks and threatens Pope Leo in insane online rant, criticizing him for being opposed to Nuclear Weapons. Then in an in-person interview upon his return to Joint Base Andrews tonight insists Pope Leo was wrong to SUPPORT Nuclear Weapons. Trump then posts an image of himself dressed in Jesus-like attire apparently healing a hospital patient. No comment yet from the world's 1,200,000,000 Catholics. (8:30) SPECIAL COMMENT: I know, I know, lots of stuff just happened: Orban topples in Hungary, Vance beclowns himself there and in talks with Iran, Trump basically ends the ceasefire and threatens war against EVERY country in the world if they send a ship through the strait of Hormuz, the Houthis are trying to blockade the OTHER shipping bottle-neck there, Trump caught staring at cleavage at the cage fighting in Miami, Swalwell self-defenestrating. But I'll stick to this: The Melania Trump speech about Epstein was the single most important public statement by anybody connected to Trump in the last decade. She, personally, out of nowhere, moved the Epstein story back to center stage. A month of world-shaking cataclysm by her husband to bury the Epstein story and HIS COVER-UP OF IT and in 535 words she undid all that. And the thing that will keep this story alive for months: NONE of her words were in defense of her husband. She never said WE are innocent. She said I am innocent. She said it TWENTY FOUR TIMES. Her speech could’ve been only FIVE words long. Five words that may end the Trump presidency: I’M not taking the fall. PLUS: No, Swalwell isn't the victim and the allegations aren't anonymous and this isn't a Roger Stone set-up. He just knew there was a story, the way in 2017 I knew there was a story that would end up getting Matt Lauer fired from NBC and I knew it six days before Lauer knew it. That "B" follows "A" does not mean "A" caused "B." B-Block (42:00) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Chuck Todd blames Trump's pardons on Biden because Chuck Todd Disease. The Financial Times with one of the great corrections of our time. The banner if not the roof falls in on Gov. Shapiro. And what exactly are Kalshi, pro golf, and golfer Bryson deChambeau trying to sell in a commercial that ends with deChambeau evidently moving to a crashed UFO to beat an injured extraterrestrial to death with some golf clubs? C-Block (56:00) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: My greatest sports record fell last night. It was 21 years and two months between episodes of ESPN's SportsCenter that I anchored. My old friend Rich Eisen has now made it 23 years. A good time to describe the Rip Van Winkle effect, and the bizarre stories about my goin' back to Bristol, Bristol, Bristol, in 2005, 2013, and 2018.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Trump directly attacked the world’s first American Pope on Sunday via a lengthy Truth Social post. He doubled down on his criticism of Pope Leo when he was boarding Air Force One, telling reporters he’s not a fan of the Pope. Even though the Vatican has not responded to the shocking words from the President, several Catholics leaders have, one Archbishop saying he is “disheartened.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
California Gubernatorial hopeful Eric Swalwell has officially suspended his campaign after an avalanche of scathing allegations surfaced, but who stands to benefit from his sudden withdrawal? Host of ‘The Michael Knowles Show' Michael Knowles joins Will and The Crew to examine the circumstances leading up to Swalwell's character assassination, explaining the Democratic Party's numerous prior attempts to oust him, and what it means for the future of Republicans in the Golden State. Michael also sheds some light on the politics of Catholics and Protestants in the wake of President Donald Trump's spat with Pope Leo XIV.Plus, Congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) shares his efforts to right the wrongs of the Hart-Celler Act, explaining how unchecked immigration has led to the “conquering” of various European cities, and what America can do to stop the same thing from happening here.Subscribe to ‘Will Cain Country' on YouTube here: Watch Will Cain Country!Follow ‘Will Cain Country' on X (@willcainshow), Instagram (@willcainshow), TikTok (@willcainshow), and Facebook (@willcainnews)Follow Will on X: @WillCain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
President Trump directly attacked the world’s first American Pope on Sunday via a lengthy Truth Social post. He doubled down on his criticism of Pope Leo when he was boarding Air Force One, telling reporters he’s not a fan of the Pope. Even though the Vatican has not responded to the shocking words from the President, several Catholics leaders have, one Archbishop saying he is “disheartened.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Trump directly attacked the world’s first American Pope on Sunday via a lengthy Truth Social post. He doubled down on his criticism of Pope Leo when he was boarding Air Force One, telling reporters he’s not a fan of the Pope. Even though the Vatican has not responded to the shocking words from the President, several Catholics leaders have, one Archbishop saying he is “disheartened.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Patrick confronts the tornado swirling around Donald Trump’s public attack against Pope Leo, pressures listeners to declare their true loyalty, and stirs a cauldron of reactions around faith and politics colliding. Callers erupt, some wounded, others defiant, filling the air with anguish over diplomacy, the Pope’s peace pleas, and the blurred lines where Catholic identity fuses with partisan fervor. Questions ricochet, loyalties fracture, and the Rorschach test of belief shatters comfortable silence. Camilla - I am a little sad by what I am hearing from the callers. People are not acknowledging what they are seeing. How can people who are Catholic choose the world over God? (02:03) Sharon - President Trump and the Pope: I am so glad people are calling knowing what Trump is like. Trump thinks he is above everyone. (07:56) Bob - Your conversation is one-sided. I wouldn’t defend the President, but Pope Leo made the first salvo. (10:41) Dennis (email) – There are powerful people behind the scenes who are gleeful that Trump’s words may lead to a fracturing of his own support. (21:32) Kyle (email) - Trump has lost my support, but not my vote. John – (email) - President Trump has been in politics since 2015 and it sad to continue hearing how ill-informed the public continues to be about who he is and how he operates. Grace - It seems to me that Pope Leo started this 'War' against Trump. I am not hearing him going after Russian Orthodox and War in Ukraine. How about Canada and euthanasia? (27:38) Laurie - People need to acknowledge that Iran killed 50,000 of its own people. (35:15) Chris - You are not being fair about framing this issue. The Pope should stay in his lane. (38:49) Joseph - I commend how you are handling this. As Catholics, should we continue to enter into this political debate? Pope Leo has tried very hard to respect dignity of others, including Trump. (47:42)
Patrick dissects the public clash between Donald Trump and Pope Leo after Trump fires off insults and the Pope responds. The conversation pulses with listener reactions, raw opinions on faith, politics, and loyalty, and flashes of culture war imagery as Trump’s Christ-like meme ignites further outrage. Patrick, grounding himself first in Catholic allegiance, questions where listeners land when sacred and civic devotion collide. Who’s your Pope? Audio: Pope Leo ""I have no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel" - https://x.com/Osint613/status/2043632039677571425?s=20 and https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2043656840941125741?s=20 (02:45) George – Comments on the image posted by Trump here: https://x.com/PMadridShow/status/2043678564168462687 (08:22) Patrick Madrid - “I’m a Catholic first” (12:00) Steve - What Trump is doing is dealing with the Axis of Evil. Just look at what is happening in Iran. They are out to destroy. (16:59) Maria - I follow Jesus and Pope Leo. Also, I am a proud American, but we have to put Jesus first. Jamie - I think that the Pope should not speak politically and the President shouldn't speak religiously. (23:41) Mark - I think Trump is trying to do everything he can. I don't think the Catholic Church wants Trump to be president. (30:39) Meghan - I think this is a deciding moment where we can't allow a President who disrespects Catholics. Bruce – The Pope is not Jesus Christ (46:45)
For decades, the top political issue for many U.S. Catholics has been abortion. But, a recent article in “The Atlantic” argues that the focus has shifted to opposing the Trump administration's harsh immigration policies and enforcement. Pope Leo, the first American to head the Catholic Church, has criticized and rebuffed Trump's policies, statements and acts of war as contrary to church teaching and Christian values. We'll talk about political tensions U.S. Catholics are grappling with and how that relates to our broader political system. Guests: Christopher Hale, a progressive Catholic and political operative who writes the Letters from Leo Substack Francis X. Rocca, contributing writer, The Atlantic, He is also the Vatican editor at EWTN News Amirah Orozco, theologian, research assistant and doctoral candidate, University of Notre Dame Dónal Godfrey, university chaplain, University of San Francisco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Leo XIV has started his 11-day visit of four African countries. The Pontiff arrived in Algeria on Monday, where he called for peace, forgiveness and justice at the Martyrs monument in the capital, Algiers. The Pope is expected to visit Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. Pope Leo XIV wants to "turn the world's attention to Africa" according to a senior Vatican official. More than a fifth of the world's Catholics are in Africa, making it one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church.Also - we hear from the Head of African Music at YouTube on how creators can earn more on the platform. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editor: Maryam Abdalla
"Jack Riccardi talks about what might be the real strait strategy, singer Sabrina carpenter gets cultured, Swalwell takedown and fanning flames of faux divide between MAGA and Catholics."
Matt Swaim stops in with highlights from tonight's The Journey Home on EWTN. Fr. Paul Sullins comments on his research regarding post-abortive persistent emotional stress. Gail Buckley-Barringer brings us the Scripture Verse of the Week. Plus, T's Two Sense looks at an interview with James K.A. Smith about Saint Augustine. Finally, an uplifting conversation with Dr. Ryan Hanning - discussing what is behind the new trend and the record breaking numbers of young adults 19-35 coming to the Catholic Church
Fr. Mike recalls the death of Lazarus, and how Jesus not only allowed himself to be broken by the sorrow that breaks us but also how he took that hopelessness and brought forth life. He also explains how the covenants we've seen in the Old Testament are all leading to the eternal covenant that will be instituted through Christ on the Cross. Today's readings are John 10-12 and Proverbs 6:1-5. 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.
Here's Final Prayer of the Divine Mercy Novena! You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We're praying for you! We hope you will continue to enjoy this novena! Pray with Catholics around the world! Subscribe with these links: Audio Podcast in iTunesVideo Podcast in iTunesYoutube Channel Rate and Review the podcast in iTunes: Click here to give us a rating and review, this will help us reach more people with prayer! Video: Audio
Fr. Mike explains how the signs and wonders Jesus demonstrates in the Gospel point to the truth of his identity. He also touches on Proverbs 5, especially the last verse touching on discipline. Today's readings are John 7-9 and Proverbs 5:15-23. 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.
Questions Covered: 05:35 – Why are the 10 Commandments different for Catholics and Protestants? 14:46 – Why does the Church take the transubstantiation view over the consubstantiation view? 20:52 – How does the Church balance orthodoxy and heterodoxy with everything going on? 25:26 – Is it possible for a laicized priest to ever be reinstated? 29:00 – Under what circumstances does a priest allow a non-Catholic to participate in the Eucharist? 36:03 – Is there any room in Catholicism for being a millenialist? 42:10 – Who took over after Peter? 51:37 – Do I really need to seek out indulgences?
Ralph welcomes Haley Hinkle, policy counsel at Fairplay to tell us about how a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million for harming children's mental health and safety, violating state law. Then when present highlights from last week's symposium on impeachment, featuring Dennis Kucinich, CIA whistleblower, Jeffrey Sterling, Public Citizen co-president, Rob Weissman, GW law dean Alan Morrison and many more.Haley Hinkle is policy counsel at Fairplay, where she advocates for laws and regulations that protect children and teens' autonomy and safety online. Ms. Hinkle has also worked on issues at the intersection of government surveillance technology and civil liberties.We saw a lot of that in the discovery for these cases and other lawsuits that are currently being brought against the companies—that they have a lot of internal research where they're very specific with their features. And also their safety features. They test them to make sure safety features aren't too effective. They don't reduce too much screen time. And this is completely overwhelming for young brains. And it's completely overwhelming for families that are trying to make the choice between protecting their children and isolating them from the virtual spaces where all of their friends and classmates are gathering. And so it's not straightforward. And in many cases, the parental controls or settings that may give a family some semblance of control are not usually very effective.Haley HinkleI think if juries continue to make such resounding decisions on behalf of families, that's maybe going to motivate these companies to try to find ways to avoid further jury trials and to settle. But all of this raises the fact that as these processes continue (and they're so important), we can't wait for lawmakers to do their part to also step in and act and try to get some strong rules of the road in place to fill the void that has created this situation.Haley HinkleWe're in a moment right now where we have to decide who we are as a people—not who the President is. We already have an estimation of that. The question is who we are. Because, with few exceptions, almost each and every statement the President has made in the last month has been an impeachable offense. He is a walking, talking impeachment machine.Dennis KucinichLet me remind everybody watching this and this panel that this entire Congress is complicit in every crime of this administration for letting Donald Trump pass that threshold into his illegal presidency by not upholding Section 3 of the 14th Amendment on January 6, 2025. I am preaching to the choir if I tell this audience that we have passed so many thresholds when accountability should have happened, when somebody's foot should have been put down, and this should have stopped. This obscene, lawless war launched by a draft dodging pedophile domestic terrorist in concert with an international war criminal…Generations are going to be looking back to this moment to see what those people, those men and women (Democrats and Republicans in that body, but at the end of the day, human beings with moral compasses somewhere deep within themselves) were doing when American democracy was being burned to the ground.Jessica Denson, founder of the Removal CoalitionNews 4/10/26* This week, many felt that the U.S. came as close to a nuclear conflagration as it has since the Cuban Missile Crisis, as President Trump whipsawed between vowing that Iran's “'whole civilization will die” and striking peace deals with the Islamic Republic. Ultimately, the U.S., Iran and Israel all signed a two-week cease-fire agreement, mediated by Pakistan, including a provision that Iran will “allow oil, gas and other vessels to proceed unmolested” through the Strait of Hormuz, per the New York Times. However, this is just a cease-fire – not a peace treaty – and is being immediately pushed to the brink as Israel continues their ongoing, devastating assault on Lebanon. The Guardian reports that both Iran and Pakistan view Lebanon as included within the deal, while Israel maintains that it is a separate matter. In retaliation, Iran is now demanding tolls as high as $2 million per ship to pass through the Strait. With Israel showing little interest in acceding to a ceasefire in Lebanon, it seems unlikely this crisis will be resolved swiftly.* In the lead up to Trump's address Tuesday night, a large number of Democrats came out publicly in favor of Trump's removal via the 25th amendment, or failing that, a new congressional impeachment effort. According to Axios, this group includes both progressives like AOC, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, as well as more moderate members, including even Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Some Democratic Senators, including Senators Ed Markey and Ron Wyden also signaled their support. Perhaps most strikingly, former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called for Trump to be removed through an invocation of the 25th amendment, though she stopped short of calling for impeachment. This all coincided with Congressman John Larson introducing a new set of 13 articles of impeachment – that he may soon force a vote on under House Rule IX – and the legal symposium on impeachment organized by our own Ralph Nader and friend of the show Bruce Fein, available on C-SPAN.* Leading the moral opposition to the Iran war meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV – the first American Pope – has come out in opposition, telling journalists that “all people of goodwill” should “always search for peace and not violence… [and] reject war,” emphasizing that many have called this war “unjust” and that it is ”continuing to escalate and…not resolving anything.” Pope Leo stressed that “the innocent: children, the elderly, the sick…will become victims of this continued warfare.” The pontiff even went so far as to conclude with a call for political action, urging the people of the world “to contact the authorities—political leaders, congressmen—to ask them, to tell them, to work for peace and to reject war and violence.” This from Vatican News.* However, this is just the latest flashpoint between Pope Leo and the Trump administration. Administration officials were already irate with the Vatican earlier this week, following Pope Leo's statements on Easter Sunday, when he called for world leaders to give up their “desire to dominate others” and “the imperialist occupation of the world.” In response, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby – grandson of former CIA Director William Colby – reportedly told Vatican officials that “America has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world,””and “The Catholic Church had better take its side.” They also reportedly invoked the Avignon Papacy, implying that the United States could sponsor an heretical anti-pope as an alternative for rightwing Catholics. This exchange was apparently so shocking that Vatican officials canceled a planned American visit by the first American Pope. This from Newsweek.* Another deeply immoral story comes to us from Michigan, where the Detroit News reports Danhao Wang – a Chinese electrical and computer engineering research assistant at the University of Michigan – has died after falling from an upper level of the George G. Brown Building. According to this report, the university's police department is investigating this incident as a “possible act of self harm,” but Chinese authorities are demanding an investigation into his death, noting that it came on the heels of Wang enduring “hostile questioning” by federal law enforcement. This tragedy has occurred within the context of a Trump administration-led “crackdown” on foreign influence at U.S. universities. The Chinese Consulate in Chicago meanwhile put out a public statement decrying that “For some time now, the U.S. has overstretched the concept of national security for political manipulation and groundlessly interrogated and harassed Chinese students and scholars,” like Wang, implying some role in his death, while simultaneously “infring[ing] on Chinese citizens' legitimate and lawful rights and interests, poison[ing] the atmosphere of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the U.S., and creat[ing] a serious chilling effect.” The Consulate is also demanding that law enforcement “carry out a full investigation, give the family of the victim and the Chinese side a responsible explanation, stop any discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese students and scholars in the U.S., and stop imposing wrongful convictions.”* Elsewhere in the midwest, Republican lawmakers in Ohio are taking first steps to do something about the out of control sports gambling epidemic. These legislators have introduced two bills, one designed to ban in-game gambling, parlay and prop bets and wagers on all college athletics and a second bill which would prohibit the “use of credit cards to make bets…[limit] bets to $100 and only [allow] up to eight wagers per 24 hour [period].” It would also ban ads during events broadcast live. However, the number one biggest rule these laws would impose would be banning online sports gambling period. Republican State Rep. Gary Click is quoted saying “[We're] going to put some common sense consumer protections in place to protect Ohio citizens.” Yet, this report also notes a huge loophole in these bills: they would not apply to prediction markets like Polymarket or Kalshi, just pure sportsbooks. This from ABC News 5 Cleveland.* Turning back to foreign affairs, French authorities have arrested Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Jean-luc Mélenchon left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) party. The charge? According to Al Jazeera, suspicion of “apology for terrorism” for a post that referenced Kozo Okamoto, a participant in the deadly attack at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport in 1972. However, Hassan's allies in the LFI see this as a thinly veiled attempt to silence pro-Palestine voices. Sophia Chikirou, an LFI MP said “The French police and justice system are being used to intimidate those who support the Palestinian people,” while Mélenchon himself wrote “So there is no longer parliamentary immunity in France. Intolerable.” Mathilde Panot, an MP and head of the LFI delegation in the National Assembly, said “the criminalisation of political opponents has reached a new level,” under President Emmanuel Macron and demanded that “This relentless attack, trampling on the most fundamental rights, must end immediately.”* Our final stories this week cover Latin America. First, a delegation of American members of Congress, including Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Jonathan Jackson, visited Cuba in an attempt to see “firsthand the devastation and suffering caused by the U.S. blockade of fuel,” according to Jayapal. In their joint statement, Jayapal and Jackson wrote that they met with “families, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, the Cuban government, Latin American and African ambassadors, humanitarian aid organizations, and Cubans across the political spectrum, including dissidents,” all of whom demanded an end to the blockade. Further, they wrote that they witnessed “premature babies in incubators, weighing just two pounds, who are at tremendous risk because their ventilators and incubators cannot function without electricity. Children cannot attend school because there is no fuel for them or their teachers to travel. Cancer patients cannot receive lifesaving treatments because of lack of medications. There is a water shortage because there is little electricity to pump water. Businesses have closed. Families cannot keep food refrigerated, and food production on the island has dropped to just 10 percent of the people's needs.” They concluded by calling for “real negotiations” between both countries. Sadly, it is unlikely that those will come after such a long, acrimonious relationship since the 1959 revolution.* Next, in Venezuela, NPR reports that the Office of Foreign Assets Control – a division of the Treasury Department – has lifted sanctions on acting President Delcy Rodríguez. NPR notes that this sanctions relief “allows Rodríguez to more freely work with U.S. companies and investors.” In a statement on the platform Telegram, Rodríguez wrote “We value President Donald Trump's decision as a step toward normalizing and strengthening relations between our countries...We trust that this progress will allow for the lifting of current sanctions against our country, enabling us to build and guarantee an effective bilateral cooperation agenda for the benefit of our people.” Yet, her presidency rests on shaky legal grounds. While the Trump administration recognizes her as the “sole Head of State” the Venezuelan political system still recognizes Nicolás Maduro as the rightful president and Rodríguez as acting president for just 90 days – a window that is ending as we record this segment – though the National Assembly, presided over by her brother, can extend her acting term by six months. After that point however, the future of Venezuela looks far murkier, particularly if Maduro remains in U.S. custody.* Finally, in Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that her government will consolidate the various branches of the Mexican public health apparatus – including the Mexican Social Security Institute, the Social Security Institute and Social Services of Workers of the State, and the IMSS Bienestar program – into a single Universal Health Service. According to TeleSUR English, President Sheinbaum stated that the “objective is that any citizen can attend any health institution and be guaranteed full and free coverage throughout the national system.” President Sheinbaum emphasized that “universal breast cancer care will also be incorporated, including mammograms, biopsies, and treatments at the nearest facility, expanding preventive and therapeutic coverage for women nationwide,” and that the plan would “ensure continuity of complex treatments for conditions such as cancer, HIV, kidney disease, and hemophilia, even if the patient loses or changes their health insurance coverage, preventing interruptions in critical therapies.” She hopes to have this system in place by next year. While Mexico has a much more robust public health infrastructure than the U.S. to begin with, it is remarkable how, with the right combination of administrative competence, popular government and political will, Sheinbaum is poised to achieve yet another social safety net expansion considered a complete political impossibility in this country in such a short window of time. Never let yourself be beaten down. A better world is possible.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe
Here's Day 9 of the Divine Mercy Novena! You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We're praying for you! We hope you will continue to enjoy this novena! Pray with Catholics around the world! Subscribe with these links: Audio Podcast in iTunesVideo Podcast in iTunesYoutube Channel Rate and Review the podcast in iTunes: Click here to give us a rating and review, this will help us reach more people with prayer! Video: Audio
The recent surge of Christianity has been heavily influenced by vocal Catholics, or at least those who give them the platforms to speak. This includes Candace Owens, Tucker, Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Nick Fuentes, etc. It has also been influenced by is Israel propaganda in making a link between Jesus and the modern state of Israel. The First Amendment guarantees religious freedom from both restriction and force. It applies to atheists as much as it applies to Islam and general Christianity, including Catholicism. The question is, are Christians in general willing to allow their faith to be mocked because of Jewish propaganda; are Christians willing to allow Catholics to be targeted by people like Douglas Wilson, and Pete Hegseth, in the name of the defeating antisemitism or religious competition? The same goes for free speech. Are we willing to tolerate mockery and restriction of both religion and speech for the benefit of one group or another? Are we really unable to see that lowering a group from the position of superiority that they placed themselves in, and treating them not with special privileges but with blind equality, is not hateful or antisemitic? On the other hand, are we really unable to see that people who elevate themselves over others in these ways are really anything but human. Ion their attempt to appear morally and spiritually superior, they belittle the rest of humanity, proving that they are not superior or equal; they are inferior because they are a threat to civilization and the law which holds it together. When it's acceptable to condemn one group and not another with speech, then we do not live in a free society. When Carrie President Prejean Boller, a Catholic, can be fired from the Religious Liberty Commission for expressing her religious views, we do not have religious freedom.*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.
Today we read about Jesus' powerful teaching about the Eucharist. Fr. Mike invites us to believe that the Eucharist is truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ because Jesus said it himself. Today's readings are John 4-6 and Proverbs 5:7-14. 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.
Here's Day 8 of the Divine Mercy Novena! You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We're praying for you! We hope you will continue to enjoy this novena! Pray with Catholics around the world! Subscribe with these links: Audio Podcast in iTunesVideo Podcast in iTunesYoutube Channel Rate and Review the podcast in iTunes: Click here to give us a rating and review, this will help us reach more people with prayer! Video: Audio
The Democrats just ran a political operation to manipulate Catholics ahead of the midterm elections season 2026 and a lot of people fell for it. A tense exchange happened in January between Vatican and Pentagon officials but no one invoked the Avignon papacy.Sources:https://www.returntotradition.orgorhttps://substack.com/@returntotradition1Contact Me:Email: return2catholictradition@gmail.comSupport My Work:Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/AnthonyStineSubscribeStarhttps://www.subscribestar.net/return-to-traditionBuy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/AnthonyStinePhysical Mail:Anthony StinePO Box 3048Shawnee, OK74802Follow me on the following social media:https://www.facebook.com/ReturnToCatholicTradition/https://twitter.com/pontificatormax+JMJ+#popeleoXIV #catholicism #catholicchurch #catholicprophecy#infiltration
You've made it to the first Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of John. They discuss the structure of this Gospel and what makes it so different from the other three Gospels. We learn that the Gospel of John doesn't just tell us what Jesus did, but most importantly who he is. 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.
Today we begin reading the Gospel of John! Fr. Mike emphasizes the significance of Jesus' divinity, and explains how the story of salvation culminates in Christ as the Messiah. 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.
Happy Easter! In this joyful season, as we celebrate the beauty of our faith, we're also reminded of our human brokenness, and how at times, that brokenness can reflect poorly on the Church. Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us not to get discouraged nor walk away, whether we're new to the Church or have been Catholic our whole lives, but instead to refocus on what makes our faith truly unique, Jesus Christ, fully present in the Eucharist: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
Fr. Mike draws our attention to Samuel's sons who turned away from God as they ruled over Israel and how the people of Israel rejected God from being their king. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 6-8 and Psalm 86. 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.
Fr. Mike zeroes in on Samuel's dramatic prophecy and the tragic moment when the Philistines capture of the Ark of God. We learn that God is mighty and holds his people to a high standard. Today we read 1 Samuel 3-5 and Psalm 150. 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.
As we begin to read the first book of Samuel, Fr. Mike highlights the miraculous birth of Samuel and how Hannah's deep longing for a son never became an idol in her heart. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 1-2 and Psalm 149. 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.