Podcasts about franciscan friars

Episode 300 - Words and the Word ft. Fr. Gregory Pine, OP Have you ever thought about how much power your words actually carry? In this special 300th episode, the friars are joined by Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, to talk about words, speech, and the deeper invitation behind how we communicate. Drawing from his book Training the Tongue, Fr. Gregory reflects on how our words are not just sounds or information; they can build communion, reveal the heart, wound, heal, bless, and bring us closer to one another. Together, they explore how speech opens the door to real encounter: with God, with others, and even with ourselves. From the voice of the Good Shepherd to the Word made flesh, this conversation invites us to see language as something sacred, a gift meant not only to avoid sin, but to grow in love, truth, and deeper relationship. Join us as we learn to listen more deeply, speak more faithfully, and let our words become places where the Word can be known and loved. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi

Do you think of Christianity as a set of rules? A list of dos and don'ts? In this episode, Fr Columba opens with a striking line from the Acts of the Apostles: the angel doesn't tell the disciples to preach a doctrine or teach a philosophy. He tells them to share "this way of life." Drawing on his own experience of encountering Catholic teaching on the human person for the first time, Fr Columba walks through the practical essentials that actually make us human: works of charity, daily prayer, the sacraments, real fellowship in the Church, and passing the faith on to others.

Episode 299 - Winning Summer What does it actually look like to rest well? As summer begins, the friars talk about how to enter a season of more space, flexibility, and rest without drifting into idleness. Whether it's summer break, vacation, weekends, or simply a change of rhythm, these moments can become a real gift, but only if we bring Jesus into them. In this episode, they reflect on the difference between true Sabbath rest and just checking out. Rest isn't a break from prayer, charity, or our relationship with God. It's an invitation to receive life with Him in a new way with intentionality, joy, good recreation, and space to be renewed. They also offer practical encouragement for staying grounded: keep prayer at the center, stay connected to others, choose wholesome fun, and look for small ways to love each day. Join us as we learn how to win summer, not by doing more, but by resting with Jesus and letting Him renew what matters most. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi

Grief to Grace - Become Fire Podcast S4E5 by Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit

What does it actually mean to be healed by the blood of Jesus? Recovering from leg surgery, Fr Columba reflects on the slow, hidden work of physical healing as a window into how the soul is healed in the Eucharist and confession. The wound closes because the blood is doing its job. Our part is to stop rushing it. A few unhurried minutes in your pew after Mass do more than we realise.

Episode 298 - How Does Jesus See My Sin? Have you ever felt like your sin says more about you than God's mercy does? In this episode, the friars reflect on how we experience our own sin and how easy it is to fall into shame, discouragement, anxiety, or self-condemnation. They explore the difference between healthy sorrow for sin and the kind of shame that begins to define us, isolate us, and keep us from bringing our weakness honestly to Jesus. This conversation is not about taking sin lightly. It's about learning to see our sin with the mind and heart of Christ. Jesus does not ignore our sin, but He also does not reduce us to it. He meets us there with mercy, patience, and a love that calls us deeper into freedom. Join us as we learn to stop staring only at our weakness and begin again by looking at Jesus, who sees us fully and still calls us beloved. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi

Do you ever feel like God is irrelevant to your actual daily life? In this episode of Little by Little, Fr Columba leans into a piece of wisdom from Alcoholics Anonymous: every problem we face is, at root, of our own making. Drill into the anxiety, the lost peace, the frustration, and the cause is almost always the same. We are quietly trying to play God. Letting him take that seat back is more practical than we think.

Episode 297 - When One Door Closes... What do you do when the plan you had suddenly falls apart? In this episode, the friars reflect on the role of closed doors in discernment, those moments when something we hoped for, planned for, or tried to control simply doesn't happen. A missed flight, a changed plan, a lost opportunity, a relationship that doesn't unfold the way we imagined… sometimes reality interrupts us and invites us to listen more deeply. Rather than seeing every closed door as failure, the friars explore how these moments can become places of surrender, curiosity, and trust. Not because every disappointment is easy or painless, but because Jesus is present even there. The Resurrection reminds us that no door is more closed than the sealed tomb, and even there, God was not finished. Join us as we learn to trust Jesus in the detours, the disruptions, and the closed doors, and discover that what feels like an ending may become the place He begins something new. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi

Have you ever skipped prayer and told yourself you were just tired, busy, or stuck on your phone? In this episode of Little by Little, Fr Columba names the harder truth underneath all of it. Every time we cut a corner with God, what we're really saying is "I know best." He shares why daily prayer is the single non-negotiable in the spiritual life, why he still struggles with it himself, and how getting radically honest about pride is the first step back to real prayer. An invitation to stop dressing up self-will and start showing up again, even with the worst prayer of your life.

Episode 296 - Revelation of the Resurrected One Have you ever wondered why it can be so hard to recognize Jesus, even when He's right in front of you? In this episode, the friars reflect on the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus, moments where those closest to Him don't recognize Him at first. From Mary Magdalene in the garden to the road to Emmaus, they explore the mystery of how the risen Lord reveals Himself: personally, patiently, and often in unexpected ways. They unpack how Jesus meets people exactly where they are, in grief, confusion, doubt, and even ordinary moments and how those encounters change everything. This isn't just something that happened back then. It's a pattern that continues today. The same Jesus still comes, still pursues, and still reveals Himself in ways uniquely meant for each of us. For those who feel like they've never had that "breakthrough" moment, this episode is a gentle reminder: the Lord is closer than you think, especially in the Eucharist, where the Resurrection is made present again. Join us as we open our eyes to the risen Jesus and learn to recognize Him already at work in our lives. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi

The Caring Home - Become Fire Podcast S4E4 by Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit

Have you ever braced for a pain that hadn't actually arrived? After breaking his leg, Fr Columba noticed something strange in the hospital: most of what he was feeling wasn't pain at all, it was the fear of pain. Drawing on Arthur Brooks and Jesus in Gethsemane, he reflects on how to tell the two apart, and how Christ meets us in both. An honest, gentle reflection if you're carrying real suffering, or just living in dread of it.

Episode 295 - Who Did It Better? Does it sometimes feel like the people who mess up the most end up closer to God? As the friars wrap up their reflections on the Prodigal Son, they wrestle with a real and honest question: Did things actually turn out better for the one who left than for the one who stayed? In this episode, they unpack the tension between comparison and truth. While the younger son experiences a powerful return, that doesn't mean sin is the better path. God can redeem anything, but that doesn't make it the plan. The deeper invitation isn't about having a dramatic story, but about entering into real relationship with the Father, right where you are. They also reflect on the subtle danger of doing all the "right" things without ever truly encountering God, and how both sons are invited out of an orphan mindset and into deeper intimacy. Join us as we let go of comparison and rediscover that the goal isn't a better story, but a deeper relationship with the Father. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page

Show Notes As we enter the month of May, we recognize that in our Catholic faith, it is a month dedicated to Mary. But it is also a month dedicated to Mental Health and awareness. And while there have been great strides made in terms of helping those who have suffered the loss of a loved one or are in any state of grief and sorrow, there are resources, how can we integrate our faith into our healing? And how can this help us understand that redemptive suffering can help us move forward in our lives?  Our GuestMarie is an Arizona native who has called North Texas home since 2006. A cradle Catholic, her faith was shaped through years of Catholic education and the influence of her grandmother, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an Irish immigrant priest from her childhood parish, and the Franciscan Friars who led her high school.She was married for 17½ years and is the mother of five children. After the sudden loss of her husband in September 2019, she felt called to walk alongside others in their healing, which led her to earn a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University graduating in 2023.Today, Marie is the founder of Spes Et Fortitudo Counseling in Colleyville, Texas, where she integrates her faith and clinical training to support those she serves. She loves spending time with her children, close friends, and traveling whenever she can.Connect with Our Guest Spes Et Fortitudo CounselingContact MarieMarie on catholictherapists.comDevotionLiturgy of the HoursScripture“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)Resources mentioned in this episodeGriefshareStephen MinistriesFocus MinistriesRedbird Ministries S6 E14 Let Yourself Be Loved with Elizabeth LeonS1 E13 Moving Forward with Mark MyersInternational Association of Catholic Mental Health MinistersCatholicPsych.comRoundtable Discussions About Mental Health (USCCB)CatholicTherapists.comAdditional LinksMGP S6 E3 The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted with Kate LeFaivreDivine Mercy UniversitySt. Francis de Sales quote St. Dymphna S3 E3 A Widow's Camino: The Road to Healing with Sherry Hayes-PierceS5 E5 New Grief, New Community with Lindsay Machnick Prayer for Marie's husband, Michael and all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.Journaling QuestionsIn the beginning of the episode, Marie stated that “God allowed for us to just experience life, although not always easy, but always reminding us of our faith all around us.” What are some instances of your life where you can look back to see that God was present?Marie spoke about the meaning behind the name of her counseling practice, Spes Et Fortitudo, Latin for hope and strength. In thinking about your own times of grief and loss and sorrow, are there places where you found hope and strength through others? How do you deal with changes and adjustments in your life? Have you found helpful tools, prayers, or scriptures that have been helpful?Do you have a supportive faith community or trusted friends or family members with whom you feel safe sharing when you are feeling down or lost?Throughout the episode, Marie and Jennifer spoke about several resources available to help those in need of support. Did any of them speak to you? Take some time to explore each of them to see if one could benefit you.In thinking of your own times of loss or sorrow, where did you find comfort, strength, and support? Have you asked God to be part of your healing journey? Marie and Jennifer discussed the importance of having patience with yourself through your own process of grieving. Is this something that you find difficult? How do you think having more patience with yourself could benefit you personally?What is your morning glory?We hope you enjoy the Mourning Glory Podcast Feel. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God Bless!

Episode 294 - Be Merciful As Your Father Have you ever wanted to forgive, but just couldn't seem to get there? This week, the friars reflect on the call to "be merciful as your Father is merciful" and the real, often slow journey of forgiveness. They unpack the tension of holding pain while still being invited into mercy and how forgiveness isn't something we force, but something we receive and grow into over time. Through the lens of the older son, they explore what it means to stay close to the Father, to "borrow" His heart, and to take small, honest steps toward healing, even when it's hard. Join us as we discover how God meets us in our wounds and gently leads us into freedom, one step at a time. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page

Episode 293 - Older Son (Spiritual Sense) Have you ever been hurt by someone and struggled with what forgiveness is supposed to look like? In this episode, the friars revisit the older son in the Prodigal Son story, but now through a deeper, spiritual lens. Not just what he did, but what he felt. The loss, the frustration, the sense of being overlooked, and the real difficulty of being invited into forgiveness before you're ready. They explore the complexity of the human heart, how joy and pain can exist at the same time, how past wounds resurface in present moments, and how God meets us not with pressure, but with presence. This conversation is an honest look at what it means to carry hurt, to wrestle with forgiveness, and to let the Father meet you in the middle of it. Join us as we enter the older son's story and discover a God who doesn't rush healing, but walks with us through it. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page

Franciscan Friar Fr. Dan Pattee, T.O.R. shares Easter Joy as he reflects on the peace of Christ, the man of peace Saint Francis of Assisi and how we can experience peace and grow closer to Jesus and Mary following the footsteps of Saint Francis. More about Fr Dan's upcoming retreat in June at: https://olpretreat.org/retreat-scheduleSubscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

Do you ever ask other people to pray for you? In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on something simple, but often overlooked: the power of other people's prayers. Drawing on his own experience of struggling through a demanding project, he shares how things shifted in a remarkable way once he asked others to pray for him. While we naturally pray for ourselves, there is something different about the prayers of others. God has made us to belong to one another, to depend on one another, and to support each other in prayer. We are not meant to do this alone.

Episode 292 - Older Son (Literal Sense) Have you ever felt frustrated, overlooked, or distant, even though you find yourself doing the "right" things? In this episode, the friars dive into the older son in the Prodigal Son story, not symbolically at first, but simply as he is. His words, his reactions, his position in the family. And what starts to emerge is something deeply human: a struggle with comparison, entitlement, and not fully receiving the Father's love. They unpack how easy it is to stay close in proximity but far in relationship and how the older son's experience can quietly mirror our own spiritual lives. Join us as we take an honest look at the older son and allow the Father to meet us right where we are. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page

Do you ever wonder what you can give back to God, especially during Holy Week? In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on the striking Gospel moment where Mary pours out an extravagant and costly perfume over Jesus. At first, it seems excessive, even wasteful. But Jesus receives it, because it reveals something of His own heart. What she gives, however great, is still only a glimpse of what He has already given for us. Holy Week is not just about remembering what Jesus did. It is about recognising the depth of His love, and asking how we will respond to it. His gift is not measured or restrained. It is total.

Ever feel like God is inviting you back to something, but you're not quite sure how to step into it? After time away, Fr. Angelus returns, and the conversation picks up right where grace has been quietly at work. There's a sense of homecoming here, but also a deeper invitation to listen, to trust, and to respond to what the Lord is doing beneath the surface. In this episode, the friars reflect on what it means to return, not just physically, but spiritually. They talk about the movements of the heart, the subtle ways God calls us forward, and how renewal often begins in places we didn't expect. Join us as we welcome Fr. Angelus back and lean into the quiet, steady work of God who is always drawing us deeper. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page

Youth Group Part 2- Become Fire Podcast S4E3 by Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit

Do you ever feel like you're consuming more and more good content, but still not growing closer to God? In this episode, Fr Columba challenges a subtle but serious spiritual trap: replacing contact with God with content about God. While good books, podcasts, and videos can inspire us, they are not the goal. Drawing on simple, practical examples, he shows how we can pause, listen, and respond when God is actually speaking. If your spiritual life feels full but not fruitful, this is an invitation to slow down, make space, and rediscover real encounter with the living God.

Episode 290 - The Father's Banquet Have you ever struggled to receive love that you feel you don't deserve? As the Lenten journey through the Prodigal Son continues, the friars turn to one of the most striking moments in the parable, the Father's banquet. What should be a moment of pure joy is, for the son, also deeply uncomfortable. After everything he's done, he's not just welcomed back, he was celebrated. In this episode, the friars reflect on the tension between shame and mercy. What does it feel like to be fully seen, fully known, and still fully loved? Why can receiving God's love sometimes feel harder than earning it? And how do we begin to live as sons and daughters again after we've fallen? Join us as we enter into the mystery of the Father's banquet, and discover a love that doesn't just forgive, but restores, celebrates, and calls us back to life. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page

Do you struggle to believe that God truly loves you, not just in theory but in your own experience? In this episode, Fr Columba explores why so many people feel unable to receive God's love, even when they know it is true. He shows how hidden shame and self-rejection can quietly block us from letting that love in, leaving us feeling distant or numb in prayer. By honestly facing what we believe about ourselves and bringing it into the light, we can begin to receive God's love in a real and transformative way.

Episode 289 - An Unfading Mercy Do you ever feel stuck confessing the same sins over and over again? Continuing their reflection on the Prodigal Son, the friars explore a powerful truth: God's mercy isn't a one-time moment, it's something we encounter again and again. Like a path worn into the ground, the Father continually goes out to meet His children, never tiring, never holding back. In this episode, they reflect on what it means that God's mercy is "new every morning", and how His love doesn't diminish, no matter how many times we return. For those who struggle with discouragement, shame, or the feeling of "starting over," this is a reminder that the Father's embrace is always full, always real, and always waiting. Join us as we rediscover a mercy that never fades and a Father who never stops coming to meet us. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page

Become Fire Podcast - S4 E3: Youth Group Part 1 by Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit

Do you find it harder than ever to focus, pray, or pursue the things that really matter? In this episode, Fr Columba explores how constant stimulation and “fast dopamine” habits like endless scrolling can quietly undermine our motivation, discipline, and spiritual life. He explains why the Christian life depends on learning to embrace slower, harder practices like prayer, perseverance, and meaningful relationships. When we step away from cheap rewards and begin to pursue what is truly good, our hearts regain the capacity for peace, purpose, and intimacy with God.

Do you ever feel spiritually drained, like you're giving and giving, but running on empty? In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on why selfless love can feel impossible when we try to sustain it on our own strength. Drawing on the image of Peter stepping out of the boat and the words of Jesus to St Faustina, he shows that trust is not naïve optimism, but the gateway that allows God to act. The Christian life is not about proving that we are enough, it begins when we admit we are not. If you are tired of carrying everything yourself, this is an invitation to let go, to trust, and to discover that He will provide.

Death, Dying, & Funerals - Become Fire Podcast S4E2 by Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit

Do you find yourself telling God information in prayer rather than sharing your heart? In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on the difference between giving God a report and giving Him yourself. Using the image of a father who is never bored by his child, he reminds us that God does not need to be informed — He already knows everything — but He desires relationship. Whether your prayer feels repetitive, dry, or overly formal, this reflection invites you to speak honestly, bring your real story to God, and rediscover the simplicity of being known and loved.

Do you expect Mass to change you? In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on the quiet but powerful truth that every encounter with God is meant to transform us. Drawing on the image of the Magi returning by a different way, he invites us to examine our expectations at Mass and in prayer, and to rediscover the grace God offers each time we come before Him. Whether you feel distracted, discouraged, or unsure if anything is really happening, this reflection encourages you to approach Mass with faith, hope, and love — and to trust that God is always at work, even when we cannot yet see it.

Do you find it hard to be vulnerable — even with God? In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on why we hide behind masks, why we fear being truly seen, and how this fear can quietly block love and freedom. Using Adam in the Garden as a mirror for the human heart, he shows how shame and distrust twist our thinking and lead us to perform rather than receive. Whether you feel stuck behind a “fake self” or afraid of being rejected, start where you are — let yourself be known — and let God do the rest.

Father Peter talks about the preparation spiritually for the eight hundredth anniversary of St. Francis's heavenly birthday this very year and of course the Holy Father proclamation a special Franciscan year. The Franciscan Friar or Poor Claire nun in their habit wears a white chord around the waist as a belt with three knots. This represents […] L'articolo The Franciscan Hour – 800th Anniversary of St. Francis's heavenly birthday – Father Peter George Flynn proviene da Radio Maria.

Do you find yourself falling into the same sins again, despite your sincere efforts to change? In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on why willpower alone is often not enough to overcome habitual sin, and how spiritual dryness can quietly weaken the soul. Drawing on the Church's wisdom, he explains how God gives consolation not as a reward, but as a remedy to strengthen us where we are wounded. Whether you feel stuck, discouraged, or tired of beginning again, start where you are — receive the grace God offers — and let Him do the rest.

Mark Hart & Scripture - Become Fire Podcast S4E1 by Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit

Do you feel spiritually tired or burned out, even though your desire to follow God is sincere? In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on a simple lesson learned through running and how it reveals a common trap in the spiritual life: going faster than the grace God is giving. Through the image of pace, he shows how enthusiasm — whether after a retreat, at the start of a new season, or with good intentions — can sometimes lead us to sprint ahead of the Lord and exhaust ourselves. This reflection invites us to slow down, discern the pace God is asking of us, and rediscover a steady, humble way of growing in faith.

Many of us move through our days without noticing what is closest to us. In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on a quiet but profound truth: the sacred is often ignored not because it is absent, but because we have forgotten how to see. Drawing on the witness of St Francis of Assisi, he invites us to rediscover a deeper reverence for churches and the real presence of Christ within them. This meditation challenges our habits of rushing past holy ground and calls us back to attentiveness, humility, and love — learning again to notice where God has chosen to dwell.

The start of a New Year often brings a desire to renew your faith, and The Rosary in Year podcast is the perfect way to get started. It's a ten-to-fifteen-minute devotion hosted by a Franciscan monk to help people to draw closer to Jesus Christ. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren revisits a conversation with The Rosary In A Year podcast host, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who talks about the spiritual hunger in the world that's making more and more people turn away from the unsatisfying pursuits of worldly wealth and draw closer to the God who made them.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does prayer often feel difficult or unfruitful, even when we're trying our best? Prayer often struggles not because we lack effort, but because we skip what prepares the heart. In this episode, Fr Columba reflects on the role of spiritual reading and why prayer bears fruit only when we first learn how to receive. Drawing on the Church's wisdom, he invites us to slow down, begin again, and let God lead the work.

At Christmas, the Father gives us His greatest gift — His Son. In this meditation, Fr Columba reflects on what this reveals about Jesus and about us: that we are from the Father, loved into existence, and not meant to save ourselves. As we contemplate the Child of Bethlehem, we're invited to let go of self-sufficiency and rediscover the freedom of knowing who we are and where we come from.

How did a podcast about the rosary beat out Joe Rogan? What actually is the rosary, and why can all Christians grow spiritually from praying with it? And what does it mean to be a great leader --whether in a church, marriage, or career?Today I'm sitting down with Fr Mary-Mary, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, as we dive into his vocation, the power and purpose of the rosary, handling abusive situations in relationships and church matters, as well as the need to celebrate victories. I think you'll enjoy this candid discussion. Rosary in a year Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rosary-in-a-year-with-fr-mark-mary-ames/id1776236328Rosary in a year Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Rx1puBjE0xZBiuy4BT4i7NEW: Check out our Merch store! https://shop.lilaroseshow.com/Join our new Patreon community! https://patreon.com/lilaroseshow - We'll have BTS footage, ad-free episodes, and early access to our upcoming guests.A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world's leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/ Check out our Sponsors:-Brave+: Screen Time Made Good - Get a week free trial at https://braveplus.com/lila-We Heart Nutrition: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/ Get high quality vitamin supplements for 20% off using the code LILA. -EveryLife Women: https://www.everylife.com/lila Buy diapers and women's health products from an amazing company and use code LILA to get 10% off!-Seven Weeks Coffee: https://www.sevenweekscoffee.com Buy your pro-life coffee and Save up to 25% with promo code 'LILA' & get up to four FREE gifts this Christmas season: http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com00:00:00 - Intro00:02:57 - Mary showing up more in media00:05:29 - Respect Mary, but pray to Mary?00:18:15 - Fr Mark-Mary's Confession:00:23:59 - In-N-Out Vocation00:27:15 - Culture of Spiritual Direction00:32:32 - Does everyone need a spiritual director?00:40:21 - Why Fr Mark-Mary Likes online dating00:45:58 - Abuse in Marriage, Church, Relationships00:50:00 - Why more people need help00:55:44 - Spiritual Abuse / Marriage01:05:52 - Jocko and Leadership01:13:21 - Denying men from Franciscans01:18:34 - Men leaving Franciscan order01:22:10 - Annulments01:25:03 - Rosary in a Year01:27:59 - Battle of Lepanto01:30:27 - History of the rosary01:38:03 - 3 Goals With Rosary01:42:44 - Most surprising thing about RIAY Podcast01:44:37 - Difficulty from Success01:59:38 - Jesus receiving praise02:07:15 - Reflections on Mary and Advent:02:13:20 - Marriage, Partnership, Unity02:16:32 - Fr Mark-Mary Asks Lila Questions02:32:36 - How Lila Got into Pro-Life space

Are you praying for the conversion of someone you love and feeling discouraged because nothing seems to be changing? In this episode, Fr Columba speaks directly to the frustration, disappointment, and even despair that can creep in when our prayers appear unanswered. He explains why God is never ignoring our conversion prayers, why He will never force belief, and how grace really works in the hearts of those we're praying for. This reflection invites us to let go of control, keep praying with faith and hope, and trust that God is doing far more than we can see.

Bear Woznick sits down with Joseph Reciniello to discuss his new book Catholic Men Will Change America, a bold Advent reflection series calling men to reclaim prayer, virtue, and leadership. Reciniello shares his conversion story, from college excess to a life shaped by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and the Missionaries of Charity, and how those encounters forged a mission to awaken Catholic men.He reveals how daily prayer, sacramental life, and authentic brotherhood can rebuild the Church and culture one household at a time. This conversation isn't about comfort; it's about courage, formation, and the adventure of leading your family in faith._____________________Catch every season of Long Ride Home - https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detai...Discover Bear Woznick Deep Adventure Ministries: http://bit.ly/BearWoznickNEWEST BOOK "12 Rules for Manliness | Where Have All the Cowboys Gone" on Amazon or Bear's Online Store https://my-site-100622-104377.square....DONATE TO THE CAUSE: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...

Do you feel discouraged or hopeless about the state of your country or the world? In this episode, Fr Columba unpacks why placing our hope in politicians or institutions always leads to disappointment—and how easily we turn people into idols by expecting from them what only God can give. Drawing on The Imitation of Christ, he shows that people are channels, not sources, and that real hope returns when we place our trust in God's power, not human ability.

Do you ever feel frustrated, annoyed, or stuck, like the spiritual life just isn't “working” for you? In this episode, Fr Columba explores how pride shows up in subtle everyday ways: in complaining, judging, controlling, and resisting the very moments where God is trying to meet us. Drawing on Scripture and real-life examples, he shows how opening our hearts to God's will, even in the small, inconvenient, or messy things, can transform our day and help us encounter Him more deeply.

This episode is packed — saints, miracles, Marian devotion, vocations, fatherhood, fasting, silence, and the rise of a new generation of men hungry for God.Fr. Charbel, a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate, joins Adam and David in Tulsa along with first-class relics of St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Charbel, sharing powerful stories of faith, mission, intercession, and what young Catholic men are longing for today.IN THIS EPISODE1. Meet Fr. Charbel — his order, his mission, and why Marian consecration is centralFr. Charbel introduces the Franciscans of the Immaculate, an order founded to continue the Marian mission of St. Maximilian Kolbe:Total consecration to Mary as a fourth vowA spirituality built on St. Francis + St. MaximilianMissionary availability (“Send me anywhere in the world”)Heavy emphasis on prayer, poverty, obedience, and Marian devotionHe explains how Our Lady's presence has shaped every major moment in salvation history — from Nazareth to the Cross — and why consecration gives Mary “permission” to form us the way she formed Christ.2. A surge of young men seeking GodAs the newly appointed vocations director, Fr. Charbel reveals something astonishing:40+ serious vocation inquiries in just two months.Why the sudden surge?Men want something realThey crave mission and purposeThey want orthodoxy and reverenceThey want a spirituality that demands something of themMarian devotion draws them in a unique way“It's inspiring,” he says. “Young men want authenticity.”3. Stories of Divine Providence and the adventure of religious lifeThe guys talk about:The Franciscan blend of active + contemplativeThe thrill of trusting God with everythingPoverty that becomes a doorway to providenceWhy Franciscans never seem to fundraise (“God just provides”)Religious life, he says, is more adventurous than most men realize.4. Deep dive: Who is St. Charbel? Why is he exploding in popularity?St. Charbel Makhlouf, a Lebanese hermit, is becoming one of the most beloved saints of the century.Father explains why:Lived a hidden, humble, ascetic life23 years in community + 23 years as a hermitEntire life centered on the Holy EucharistBody discovered incorrupt with supernatural light rising from his tombOver 29,000 documented miracles since 1950Miracles among Muslims, Druze, Orthodox, and nonbelieversGlobal pilgrims: 2 million+ per yearOne stunning story:A Muslim sheikh publicly visited St. Charbel's shrine to thank him for healing his mother of cancer.“Why would God confirm the life of a hermit who spent his life before the Eucharist,” Father asks, “unless the Eucharist is truly what the Church says it is?”5. Lessons from St. Charbel for modern men + fathersWhat does a hermit from Lebanon have to teach us? A lot.Fr. Charbel lays out practical takeaways:Faithfulness in the small thingsSilence — making space for God's voiceDaily prayer even without consolationsObedience and humilityEucharistic devotionMarian devotion as a way of being formedAsceticism and fasting: dying to self in small waysDoing your duty with...

Do you wonder what Catholics really believe about purgatory or why we pray for the dead? In this episode, Fr Columba breaks open the Church's teaching with clarity, showing how Scripture, tradition, and even the earliest Christians understood the need for our souls to be purified in love. Using examples from 2 Maccabees, St Paul, and the debates of the Reformation, he explains why this isn't a strange add-on to the faith but a beautiful work of God's mercy. Whether you've heard mixed messages or are curious about what happens after we die, this simple walkthrough will help you see purgatory—and God's kindness—in a whole new light.

Libbie Grant, who also write under the pan name Olivia Hawker, is a Washington Post best-selling author of historical fiction and literary fiction. I recently read her novel "The Ragged Edge of Night," which tells the story of a Franciscan Friar in Nazi Germany struggling to maintain his sense of morals and doing what he can to thwart the efforts of the Nazis. Libbie has written and published 46 books under various pen name and is one of my favorite modern authors.  We talk about the real-life story that inspired "The Ragged Edge of Night," the research that went into the book, how it relates to modern politics and the current rise of fascism in the USA, entering the dark side and how it leads to fascism, the value of being unpredictable, blind faith, religion, her book "The Prophet's Wife," Mormons, Joseph Smith, publishing, writing historical fiction, self-publishing vs traditional publishing, editing and marketing, her book about marketing writing "Gotta Read It," marketing tips for writers, Amazon and Facebook ads, how to generate word-of-mouth, how many days a week and hours a day she writes, short stories, artificial intelligence and how not to get replaced by it, and more. Links to her books are on the podcast shownotes page Support the show through Patreon

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.