Podcasts about franciscan friars

Are you letting fear control your decisions? In this episode, Fr Columba explores how fear can hold us back from living fully in God's love. Drawing from Scripture and real-life struggles, he reveals how courage isn't the absence of fear — it's trusting God in the midst of it. Learn practical steps to overcome anxiety, find peace, and boldly step into the life God is calling you to.

Do you struggle to read Scripture or feel distant from God's Word? In this episode, Fr. Columba shares simple, practical steps to ignite your spiritual life by engaging deeply with Scripture. Using the Ignatius Press Study Bible as a guide, he shows how this resource can help you understand and pray with God's Word more deeply. Whether you're a beginner or feeling spiritually dry, start where you are — and let God do the rest.A special thanks to Ignatius Press for sending us a copy of this book. For those interested in purchasing a copy, the Study Bible is now on a 25% off sale. Just use the code IPSTUDYBIBLE25 at checkout to get 20% off.

9/2/25 - Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal serving in the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey, shares how his ordinary childhood in suburban Buffalo, once filled with simple dreams like Spider-Man and garbage trucks, slowly gave way to a restless search for meaning that ultimately led him to the priesthood. Though raised Catholic, faith wasn't central to his youth, and during college he drifted into depression and uncertainty until a providential conversation with a friend who “knew Jesus like a person” awakened him to the reality of God's love. From there, his journey took many turns: wrestling with relationships, questioning his place in the Church, and working as a caseworker in New York City before encountering the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. In the stillness of a chapel, he heard the life-changing invitation to “be a priest,” a call he embraced after years of prayer and discernment. Now, with over seven years of priesthood and sixteen years as a consecrated religious, Fr. Francis reflects on God's faithful love and the unexpected path that transformed his life and vocation.

Why is Christianity so difficult—and why is that a good thing? In this episode, Father Columba unpacks the challenge at the heart of following Jesus. Drawing on G.K. Chesterton, he shows how the Gospel's radical demands aren't meant to scare us off but to invite us deeper into grace. True Christianity is impossible without God's help—and yet it's also the most rewarding life you can live.

Fr. Josémaría M. Barbin, F.I., is the U.S. Vocations Director for the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate and author of Beloved Disciple: Living Out Your Marian Consecration Daily. Based at the friary in Griswold, Connecticut, he guides men discerning religious life while promoting deeper devotion to Our Lady. He also contributes to Missio Immaculatae magazine, writing on Marian spirituality and even the Marian themes in J.R.R. Tolkien's work.

In this episode of Hope in the Media, hosts Fr. Eamonn and Dónal talk about the USA. Fr Eamonn recently visited the diocese of Arlington and talks about the revival of faith there and the political situation in the US. Also the flow of American religious orders including Franciscan Friars of the Renewal back into […] L'articolo E5 | Hope in the Media – Fr. Eamonn McCarthy and Dónal O'Sullivan-Latchford proviene da Radio Maria.

Why does surrender feel so hard — yet bring so much peace? In this episode, Father Columba explores what it really means to hand your life over to God. Instead of trying to control every outcome or carry every burden yourself, surrender opens the door for God to act in ways you never could. Discover how letting go isn't weakness but trust — and the surest remedy for stress, anxiety, and self-reliance.

Why do we gossip even when we know it's wrong? In this episode, Fr. Columba unpacks why gossip is more than idle chatter — it's a spiritual act that can wound both hearts and reputations. With real-life stories and practical strategies, he shares how to step away from destructive conversations, protect trust, and use your words to bring life instead of harm.

Fr Bernardino Soukup shares his experience at the Medjugorje Youth Festival 2025 attended by over a hundred thousand. It was a time for witness testimony, catechesis, early morning rosary… Fr Bernardino is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal atSt Patrick's Friary, Limerick, Ireland.CREDO is a programme that nourishes listeners intheir Catholic faith. It airs live on Radio Maria every weekday at 4pm and is rebroadcast at 4am the following morning. If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. Visit RadioMariaEngland.uk/donations/ tofind out more. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that weare able to be a Christian voice by your side.  

Why do so many people miss God's beauty? In this episode, Father Columba invites us to rediscover the lost gift of wonder — the kind that opens our eyes to grace in the ordinary. Drawing from Scripture, saints, and even Montessori, he challenges our obsession with control, coolness, and cynicism. Learn how wonder softens the heart, deepens prayer, and awakens us to the world as God sees it.

Why is Catholicism exploding in 2025? Pope Francis has declared it a Jubilee Year — a rare time of extraordinary grace. In this episode, Father Columba unpacks the biblical roots and real-life power of the Jubilee, sharing stories of conversion, prayer, and unexpected grace. Learn how to posture your heart to receive all God wants to give you this year.

Have you been hurt by a false image of God? Many of us carry distorted views of who He is—distant, angry, disappointed. In this episode, we explore how these false images form and how they can be healed. Discover the truth of God's loving nature, how to rebuild trust with Him, and why your image of God shapes everything about your spiritual life.

We all want to understand ourselves — and the people we love. But can a personality test really tell you who you are? Or who someone else is? They can help, sure. But be careful they don't become boxes. Real love means seeing beyond type, mood, or instinct — and asking: what's really going on in this person's heart?

Is it possible to love someone — and still have them feel unloved? In this episode, we explore the power of the five love languages and how miscommunication can keep us from truly connecting. Whether in marriage, friendship, or family, learning how someone receives love can transform your relationships. This isn't manipulation — it's intentional love, the kind Jesus calls us to.

How do you keep going when faith feels like a struggle? In this episode, Fr Columba shares a simple but life-changing shift: doing everything for the love of God. From prayer to penance, from everyday chores to major decisions, discover how love transforms even the hardest tasks.

How often do we go straight from emotion to decision—and regret it? In this episode, Fr Columba explores how feelings, while real, aren't the full truth. He shares how rushing to judgment—about others or ourselves—can cement false beliefs and break relationships. Discover how to pause, involve your intellect, and make decisions rooted in truth and freedom, not just feeling.

This week, Travis is joined by John, aka Devo, to talk about the 1986 mystery The Name of the Rose. Starring Sean Connery, Christian Slater, F. Murray Abraham, and Michael Lonsdale. Based on the novel by Umberto Eco, two Franciscan Friars arrive at a remote abby in the north of Italy to investigate the death of one of the monks ahead of a debate with an envoy of the Pope. But when more monks end up dead, there is more going on than simple accidents. So, is this a bit of a cult classic, or does it belong on the list of lesser period films? Let's find out...Thanks go out to Audie Norman (@TheAudieNorman) for the album art. Outro music In Pursuit provided by Purple-Planet.comSupport the show by going to patreon.com/wyhsVisit tvstravis.com for more shows and projects from TVsTravis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this solemnity, we are reminded by Deacon Dave of our call to be missionaries of hope, just as Saints Peter and Paul were in their time, and as the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are today. Through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to bring light to a world in darkness through the way we live, love, and serve.

Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. served as Rector of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lacrosse, Wisconsin from 2016 to 2021. He was ordained in May of 2000.   In Today's Show: What was the first Marian apparition? I was wondering how you decided to become a Franciscan Friar rather than a diocesan priest or even joining another traditional order such as the FSSP or ICKSP. Also, how do your duties differ from those of other types of priests? I once attended a wedding on Saturday where it was stated that Mass attendance would count for the next day, even though the Mass was before 4. Is that correct? How morally responsible are we for the sins of others if we willingly decide not to speak up and correct them? ​​Is it ok to pray for something more than once or ask for the intercession of more than one saint for something? Are there any past sins that prevent you from becoming a monk/priest? Where does it say in the Bible that women cannot be priests, besides Matthew 16? Is it permissible to read the edifying works of modern Orthodox Saints without any desire to leave the Catholic Church? Generally speaking, do you think the Crusades were largely successful or unsuccessful? Do souls in purgatory know when we are praying for them? Why is it that Angels cannot receive Our Lord in Holy Communion? Do the Angelic choirs form part of the Mystical Body of Christ? If I think the death penalty is still a valid moral option in appropriate circumstances, and therefore disagree with the teaching of the modern Catechism of the Catholic Church on the death penalty, do I commit the grave sin of schism and risk damnation?   Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Do you ever feel discouraged when others succeed—like there's not enough goodness left for you? In this episode, Fr Columba breaks open the difference between jealousy and envy, and how envy poisons our joy, blocks gratitude, and distances us from God. Discover how to move from envy to freedom by learning to rejoice in the good, trust in God's generosity, and receive His personal love for you.

Why Do We Choose Unhealthy Relationships? In this vulnerable and powerful reflection, Fr. Columba explores why we're often drawn to relationships that don't serve us—and how our deepest wounds can shape who we're attracted to. He challenges us to confront the lies we believe about ourselves, uncover patterns of shame and self-hate, and invite Jesus into the healing process. God has more for you—freedom, love, and the truth of your worth.

Why do we chase love that hurts us? Why is it so hard to receive real love? Many of us carry unmet childhood needs into adulthood, leaving us stuck in unhealthy patterns. In this episode, Fr Columba helps us recognise our emotional wounds, stop self-sabotaging relationships, and open ourselves to authentic love—from God, from others and for ourselves.

What should you do when someone really gets under your skin? What if God is using that person to change you? In this episode, Fr Columba explores how annoying people can become instruments of grace. Drawing from Scripture, the saints, and real-life experience, he unpacks how God uses friction to purify us, humble us and teach us love.

Why do we avoid fasting so easily? What are we afraid might surface? In this episode, Fr Columba explores how fasting exposes the hidden parts of our hearts—not to shame us, but to bring healing. Drawing on personal experience and spiritual wisdom, he shows how hunger can reveal buried anger, self-reliance and wounds, offering us a chance to bring it all to Jesus and be transformed.

Do you feel too busy to pray? Do you struggle to be real with God? In this episode, Fr Columba invites us to rethink our approach to prayer. Drawing wisdom from St Francis de Sales, St Paul and von Balthasar, he challenges the idea that prayer is a luxury for when we have time.

Do you feel spiritually unfed at Mass? Is it really the preaching—or how you're listening? Father Columba challenges us to approach the homily not just with open ears, but with an open heart. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, he shares how to receive more from every sermon — no matter the priest — by expecting Jesus to speak.

What does it take to truly encounter God? In this episode, Fr Columba offers a practical guide to encountering God, drawing from the experience of pilgrimage. He shares how slowing down, being honest in prayer and walking with intention can open your heart to God's presence.

Br. Lawrence Joshua Johnson entered the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in 2015 and professed final vows in 2021. He has ministered in the Bronx and Nicaragua and currently resides in Yonkers, NY. He graduated with a degree in Religious Studies from Brown University, holds an M.T.S. degree from the University of Notre Dame, and is currently a transitional deacon studying at St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie.

By dying on the cross, Jesus took all of Hell's rage upon Himself — and then taunts Satan with, "Is that all you've got?" The way God used Satan against himself, like a dog who bites his own tail, is a testament to God's greatness, goodness and justice.

What if God's love wasn't enough—unless you responded to it? What if you could reject it without even realising? In this episode, Fr Columba challenges the idea that God's love demands nothing of us. He unpacks the truth about sin, freedom, consequences and repentance—showing us how real love calls us to change.

What if God's love wasn't enough—unless you responded to it? What if you could reject it without even realising? In this episode, Fr Columba challenges the idea that God's love demands nothing of us. He unpacks the truth about sin, freedom, consequences and repentance—showing us how real love calls us to change.

What if your comfort is killing your calling? What if it's not laziness, but sloth holding you back? Fr Columba unpacks the spiritual struggle of sloth—not mere idleness, but a resistance to God's love and action. God invites us to wake up, live with purpose and embrace the grace to act with love and courage.

How do we actually live the Catholic faith with our families? What does holiness look like in daily life? In this episode, Fr. Columba shares wisdom from Kendra Tierney's Catholic All Year Compendium, offering simple, practical, and surprisingly joyful ways to make Lent—and every season—meaningful.

Why do we stay stuck in sin? Why does real change feel impossible? Father Columba dives into the spiritual battle we all face, revealing that true freedom doesn't come from trying harder but from surrendering to God. Through the wisdom of the saints, he challenges us to stop relying on our own strength and trust in God's power. 

Fr. Seraphim Baalbaki, C.F.R. is a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. He earned a B.A. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Cornell University, an M.A. in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, and an M.A. in Catholic Philosophical Studies from St. Joseph's Seminary. He also began a Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Texas at Austin. Fr. Seraphim's intellectual formation is paired with a deep commitment to serving others, particularly through the friars' work at St. Crispin Friary, where they provide food for the needy and support the St. Anthony Shelter for Renewal, a sanctuary for homeless men in need of healing and recovery.

I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and founder of the Catholic Psych Institute. We delve into the complexities of identity, particularly in the context of gender dysphoria, and explore the importance of compassion in addressing these sensitive issues. Dr. Bottaro emphasizes the need for a blueprint for understanding the human person, which he believes is rooted in Catholic teachings. For a deep dive into this blueprint check out our other conversation in episode 152.We discuss how the Catholic vision of the human person can inform our approach to mental health and well-being. Dr. Bottaro shares insights on the unity of body and spirit, and how this understanding can help individuals who feel at odds with their identity. We also touch on the historical role of the Catholic Church in preserving knowledge and culture, and how this legacy can guide contemporary discussions about ethics and psychology.Throughout our conversation, we aim to explore critical questions: How can we approach those struggling with their identity with both compassion and truth? What does it mean to have a healthy understanding of personhood? And how can the principles of Catholicism provide a framework for healing and thriving in today's complex world? Join us as we navigate these profound topics and seek to understand the intersection of faith, reason, and mental health.Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, and works to integrate Catholic philosophy and theology with relevant psychology. He leads the CatholicPsych Institute's mission to, "Create a Catholic Standard for Mental Health."Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived in the Bronx for four years following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience formed him in the spirituality of Abandonment to Divine Providence, which he now integrates with his model of psychology, along with the discernment of God's will he learned from Fr. Benedict.In 2012, Dr. Bottaro returned to New York as a psychologist and founded the CatholicPsych Institute, which has continued to grow and serve clients around the world. Most recently he launched the CPMAP Certification to train others in their model of integrated accompaniment.He lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their seven children. 00:00 Start[00:00:10] Compassion in identity struggles.[00:05:37] Civilization saved by Catholic Church.[00:10:03] Resurrection and its implications.[00:12:33] Eucharistic miracles and their significance.[00:19:40] Catholicism and Human Understanding.[00:22:12] Faith versus science paradox.[00:26:22] The ideal human person.[00:30:29] Fatherlessness and its impact.[00:34:02] Compassion in conservative approaches.[00:37:03] Spiritual identity and personhood.[00:40:18] Identity and body connection.[00:45:00] Complexities of therapeutic relationships.[00:49:39] Eternal communion with divinity.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Is taking care of yourself selfish? Or is it necessary for loving others? Fr. Columba explores the fine line between self-care and self-indulgence, challenging the idea that neglecting yourself is somehow holy. From daily habits to deeper spiritual well-being, he shares how true love for others starts with properly valuing yourself as a child of God.

Why does prayer feel dry or distant? Are we just going through the motions? Fr Columba shares his method of prayer—one that moves beyond words into deep intimacy with God. Learn how mental prayer can shift your heart, making space for real connection. Give it a try and experience the difference.

What does Catholic theology have to offer the field of counseling psychology? Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro joins me to explore the concept of the "blueprint of the human being" according to Catholic thought, emphasizing that we are made in the image of God, which inherently involves a relational aspect. Dr. Bottaro outlines five essential marks of relationship that shape our identity: being made in God's image, being formed in relationships, experiencing wounds in relationships, finding healing through relationships, and ultimately being destined for eternal relationship with God.We discuss how these principles extend into family life and the ideal structures for nurturing healthy relationships. I ask Dr. Bottaro about the common perception that Catholicism promotes repression, and he offers a nuanced perspective, highlighting the importance of authentic human experience and the developmental journey toward becoming our best selves in right relation with all things.Throughout our dialogue, we aim to uncover how understanding our relational nature can lead to deeper healing and growth, both personally and within our families. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the transformative power of connection in the context of faith and psychology.Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, and works to integrate Catholic philosophy and theology with relevant psychology. He leads the CatholicPsych Institute's mission to, "Create a Catholic Standard for Mental Health."Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived in the Bronx for four years following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience formed him in the spirituality of Abandonment to Divine Providence, which he now integrates with his model of psychology, along with the discernment of God's will he learned from Fr. Benedict.In 2012, Dr. Bottaro returned to New York as a psychologist and founded the CatholicPsych Institute, which has continued to grow and serve clients around the world. Most recently he launched the CPMAP Certification to train others in their model of integrated accompaniment.He lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their seven children. 00:00 Start[00:02:09] Catholic view of human being.[00:07:42] Eternal relationship and purpose.[00:08:14] The blueprint of the person.[00:15:48] Transcending space and time.[00:18:06] Inner goodness and relationships.[00:21:39] Corrective emotional experiences in relationships.[00:25:10] Objective truth and beauty.[00:30:31] The path to moral action.[00:33:25] Integrated approach to healing.[00:38:35] Communication skills for children.[00:41:29] Mirroring in parenting.[00:48:02] Growth through therapeutic experiences.[00:52:57] Purgatory as God's mercy.[00:54:05] Mercy in life and death.[00:58:57] Suffering and knowledge in purgatory.[01:03:39] Trust in God's mercy.[01:06:30] Loving God Through Neighborly Actions.[01:10:33] Marriage and maturity challenges.[01:15:57] Transcendent relationships in therapy.[01:18:58] Gender craze impact on families.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Why do we resist doing hard things? Why does Lent challenge us so much? Father Columba unpacks the power of sacrifice, discipline and trust in God. He reveals why fasting, prayer and almsgiving aren't just obligations but pathways to freedom. Are you ready to push past comfort and step into real transformation?

How many of you have a hard time having a relationship with God the Father? Fr. Mark Mary Ames of the Franciscan Friars of The Renewal joins to help us have a better relationship with our heavenly Father. No matter your experience with your earthly father, God's divine fatherhood will continue to pursue you throughout your life.

Why do we struggle to accept what we can't change? Why do we waste time trying to control others? Father Columba breaks down the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, showing how true freedom comes from surrendering to God. Learn how to let go, forgive and embrace the peace that only trust in God can bring.

How many of you have a hard time having a relationship with God the Father? Fr. Mark Mary Ames of the Franciscan Friars of The Renewal joins to help us have a better relationship with our heavenly Father. No matter your experience with your earthly father, God's divine fatherhood will continue to pursue you throughout your life.

Why do we crave approval so much? Why does rejection feel unbearable? Father Columba unpacks the struggle for validation and reveals how true freedom comes from anchoring our identity in God. Let go of the fear of others' opinions—God's love is enough.

Why do we stay stuck in sin? Why does real change feel impossible? Father Columba unpacks the spiritual battle we all face, revealing that freedom doesn't come from trying harder but from surrendering to God. Through the wisdom of the saints, he challenges us to stop relying on ourselves and trust in God.

The people we surround ourselves with shape who we become. Are your friends calling you higher? Do they challenge you to grow, encourage you when you're struggling, and comfort you when you fall? Father Columba explores the power of real friendships—ones that reflect Christ's love, truth, and mercy.

Are you loving or using people? Father Columba challenges us to reflect on how we treat others – are we giving selflessly or exploiting for our own gain? Understand what it means to truly love, inspired by God's example of unconditional love. Transform your relationships by embracing love that uplifts and never uses.

As the new year approaches, Father Dave welcomes Father Mark-Mary Ames to discuss a new resource to help you grow closer to Christ through the Blessed Mother in 2025. Father Mark-Mary is the Director of Communications and the Director of Priestly Studies of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and the host of the upcoming “The Rosary in a Year” podcast from Ascension.

DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio De Maria numquam satis: Of Mary never enough. This saying of St. Bernard is echoed by many other saints. St. Anselm, for instance, says that it is impossible to determine the limits of God's grace in elevating Mary's human nature. St. Alphonsus says that if there is anything good we can say about Mary, not contrary to the teaching of the Church and having some legitimate theological basis, then we ought to say it. But some Catholics, to say nothing of Protestants, would object to this kind of Mariology. Are these mere overflows of sentimental piety, or can they be sustained as a rational approach to theology? Fr. Charles Anthony Mary, a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate, joins the podcast to argue for why “Marian Maximalism” is a sound theological position. The Franciscan tradition has always been particularly strong on our Lady: St. Francis, St. Bonaventure, Bl. John Duns Scotus, St. Maximilian Kolbe… Fr. Charles makes the case for “Mary-Maxing”, explains some of the doctrinal and ecumenical stakes involved, and takes us through the Franciscan tradition, culminating in the cutting-edge (and controversial) Mariology of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe. Links Fr. Peter Damian Fehlner, The Theologian of Auschwitz: St. Maximilian M. Kolbe on the Immaculate Conception in the Life of the Church https://www.lectiopublishing.com/books.php?b=16 Video of Fr. Peter Damian Fehlner and Mother Angelica, “Blessed Virgin Mary: Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-p2D8Mfrqg SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR is the Director of Communications and Priestly Studies for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR). He is a weekly presenter on Ascension Presents and the host of The Poco a Poco Podcast. His work is deeply rooted in his commitment to prayer, contemplation, and service, especially to the poor. Originally from Southern California, Fr. Mark-Mary experienced a profound conversion during his first year of college, leading him to embrace his vocation as a Franciscan friar and priest Shows Sponsored by: Hallow: https://hallow.com/mattfradd Strive21: https://strive21.com/matt Exodus90: https://exodus90.com/matt