Catholic Saint, founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits)
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What if aging wasn't about years but about staying curious and alive? In episode 239 of Joy Found Here, Robin Kencel proves reinvention has no age limit. At 67, she's a top real estate broker, Miss Connecticut Senior America 2025, a competitive dancer, and a spiritual director helping others rediscover faith and purpose. With warmth and wit, Robin shows that growth never stops—and that real joy isn't fleeting, it's fiercely cultivated.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Growing up around life and loss (05:08)Squeezing the juice out of every day (05:52)Lessons from ballroom and balance (07:04)What spiritual direction really is (09:37)Finding God in everyday moments (15:28)Curiosity as the key to staying young (17:19)The courage to try something new (21:31)Joy vs. happiness—what really lasts (26:51)The beauty of handwritten connection (33:36)Purpose, permission, and the next chapter (39:21)Robin Kencel is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, spiritual director, and lifelong learner who blends business success with soulful purpose. A top-producing Connecticut real estate broker and Miss Connecticut Senior America 2025, Robin is also a competitive ballroom dancer and trained Ignatian spiritual director, guiding others toward a more intimate relationship with the divine—whatever name they give it. Known for her warmth, wit, and grounded wisdom, she weaves together decades of professional excellence, spiritual formation, and creative exploration to help others live with greater clarity, intention, and joy. In this conversation, Robin reflects on what it means to stay fully alive at every stage of life—curious, engaged, and open to growth. She shares how her early exposure to aging and mortality shaped her drive to “squeeze every drop of juice out of life,” and how dance, spirituality, and improv acting continue to teach her the art of balance between strength and softness. From her work in real estate to her spiritual direction practice, Robin sees every encounter as an opportunity to notice grace and choose joy over fleeting happiness. Her message is a reminder that purpose doesn't fade with age—it deepens when we keep showing up, keep learning, and keep finding the sacred in the everyday.Connect with Robin Kencel:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInYouTubeFacebookLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We check the markets often—but how often do we check our hearts? Most of us approach investing with calculators, not character. Yet Scripture calls us to a deeper way. What if investing isn't just a financial activity but a spiritual practice—one that shapes who we're becoming?Tim McCready, Head of Global Advisory at BrightLight (part of the Eversource Wealth Advisors team), has been helping both Kingdom Advisors and FaithFi develop a theological framework for investing that aligns our portfolios—and our hearts—with God's purposes. His recent work explores how timeless spiritual disciplines can transform how believers think about investing.Why Investing Requires a Spiritual LensTim begins with Jesus' words in Matthew 6: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” That's not just a warning—it's an insight into spiritual formation.“Our investment decisions aren't just a reflection of faithfulness,” Tim says. “They're shaping who we're becoming as we seek to be like Jesus.”When we invite God into our investment decisions, investing becomes more than strategy—it becomes worship. It becomes one more place where we ask God to form us into faithful stewards.The Ignatian Prayer of Examen—For InvestorsOne of the most compelling ideas Tim introduces is applying the historic Ignatian prayer of examen to our portfolios.For centuries, believers have ended their day with this reflective practice—examining God's presence, confessing sin, noticing grace, and preparing for tomorrow.Tim suggests: What if investors practiced something similar?Rather than viewing portfolios strictly through analysis or performance, the examen helps us approach them with discernment, surrender, and spiritual attentiveness.Step One: GratitudeGratitude quiets the noise and recenters us on God's generosity. Before looking at performance or market movements, Tim encourages investors to pause and thank God for His provision.It might sound something like:“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You've entrusted to me—including my investment portfolio. Speak to me about my stewardship, challenge me, and remind me of Your faithfulness as I draw near to You.”Gratitude reframes everything. It reminds us that portfolios are gifts to steward—not trophies to admire nor securities to cling to.Step Two: ReviewJust as the daily examen invites believers to review their day, the investing examen invites us to review each line of our portfolio with prayerful reflection.This simple discipline lifts our eyes beyond numbers to the impact our investments have on people, communities, and the world.As Tim notes, “We may find both joy and conviction—joy where God is pleased, and invitation where He's calling us to change.”Step Three: Repentance and RenewalThis is where the examen moves from reflection to transformation.Perhaps we discover that we've placed too much security in our portfolio. Perhaps a certain investment feels misaligned with God's desires. Perhaps God prompts us toward greater generosity.Repentance helps us acknowledge these areas honestly—and renewal invites us to receive God's forgiveness and step forward in faith.A simple prayer might be:“Gracious Provider, rule over every part of my life, including my investments. Forgive me for trusting wealth over You. Give me courage to act where You lead, and joy in following Your plan for my life.”This step reorients our trust away from the market and back toward the One who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” (Psalm 50:10)Step Four: Community and AccountabilityThough investing can feel private, it was never meant to be isolated.We grow best in community. Sharing a budget or portfolio with a trusted friend or mentor is humbling—but powerful. Accountability exposes blind spots, clarifies values, and encourages faithfulness.Whether through a small group, a stewardship class, or a community like the FaithFi app, transparency invites God's wisdom through God's people.Step Five: Fasting from Market NoiseWe live in an era of constant market updates, by the day, hour, and minute. Tim points out that this flood of data gives the illusion of control while feeding anxiety.A spiritual practice of “fasting” from market noise—checking less often, turning off notifications, stepping back from constant updates—helps us rest in God's provision instead of reacting to every market swing.Jesus' question echoes here: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27) Or, as Tim puts it, “add a single cent to your portfolio?”Step Six: ServiceSpiritually formed investors naturally turn outward. Financial experience is a gift meant to serve others—whether through mentoring, teaching budgeting, serving on a church finance committee, or helping younger believers develop healthy habits.Service transforms stewardship from something we manage to something we multiply.A Holistic Vision of Faithful InvestingWhen we bring together gratitude, review, repentance, community, fasting, and service, we begin to see investing not as a sterile financial exercise but as a rhythm of worship.“Investing is faithfulness,” Tim reminds us. “It forms us. It shapes us as disciples. A biblical approach to investing isn't measured only by returns, but by spiritual formation.”In other words, investing becomes a way to follow Jesus. A biblical worldview of investing doesn't start with performance—it begins with the heart. When we invite God into our investing, He uses even financial decisions to form us into the likeness of Christ.May our portfolios—and our hearts—reflect the One who has entrusted everything to us.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I worked hard to raise my credit score to about 730, but a miscommunication with my student loan led to a late payment and brought it down to 548. The issue is fixed, and the account is current, but my score is still low. How long will it take to recover if I keep making on-time payments?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It's a bit of a cliché to say that we live in uncertain times. Just look at the headlines. Relationships — from the global to the intimate — are fraying. We swim in waters full of fear and worry, contempt and disdain. Anxiety abounds. That's why today's guest — writer and cultural commentator, Sara Billups — has written a new book. It's called “Nervous Systems: Spiritual Practices to Calm Anxiety in Your Body, the Church and Politics.” It's out now and — spoiler alert — Billups writes quite a bit about Ignatian spirituality. She looks to Ignatius' all-important idea of holy indifference as a way of approaching the anxiety-inducing moment in which we all find ourselves. You may recall that when Ignatius says “indifference,” he's not promoting a lifestyle that is apathetic or callous to the signs of the times. Rather, Ignatius wants us to let go of how we want things to go and to instead allow God's Spirit to use us as they Spirit wills. In short, God's ways are not our ways; so, let's put aside our preferences and discover God's. In addition to this new book, “Nervous Systems,” Billups has bylines in the New York Times and Christianity Today. She completed a Doctor of Ministry in the Sacred Art of Writing at Peterson Cetner for the Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary. She writes a Substack called “Bitter Scroll” and hosts a podcast called “That's the Spirit.” You can learn more about Sara and her work by exploring the links below. Website: https://www.sarabillups.com/ Order the book: https://www.amazon.com/Nervous-Systems-Spiritual-Practices-Politics-ebook/dp/B0F2NC1QDL Substack: https://www.sarabillups.com/bitter-scroll
Send us a textWe trace Saint Francis Xavier's path from a restless scholar in Paris to a tireless missionary across India, Southeast Asia, and Japan, and his unfulfilled dream of China. Eucharistic devotion, simple presence, and Ignatian friendship form the backbone of his witness and our call today.• early life in Navarre and conversion in Paris• Ignatian friendship shaping a missionary vocation• Goa as springboard for Asian evangelization• pastoral work among southern India fishing villages• Malacca and the Spice Islands mission growth• respectful engagement with Japan's samurai culture• desire for China and the limits he faced• Eucharist as the heart of mission• reports of healings and signs as invitations to faith• lessons from his letters for modern evangelizers• our invitation to deepen faith and act nowPlease remember that our Thanksgiving sale is active until midnight, Monday, December 1stVisit our gift shop, find religious gifts that inspire spiritual growth for your loved ones or parish, all while supporting our mission and ministryFinish reading and check out the special offerVisit journeysoffaith.com website todaySaint Francis Xavier CollectionOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here Why you should shop here at Journeys of Faith official site! Lowest Prices and Higher discounts up to 50% Free Shipping starts at $18 - Express Safe Checkout Click Here Cannot find it let us find or create it - - Click Here Rewards Program is active - ...
We're joined by Becky Goff, regional director of Ignatian Volunteer Corps of New Orleans, talks about the organization. Sr. Evangeline Ingwersen and Jim Jordan, music editor at Paraclete Press, talks about their advent materials and chant music. Sunnie Johnson-Laine, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Society in Baton Rouge, joins us for a monthly update.
When you say “yes” to something you genuinely believed God was asking of you—a mission trip, graduate school, even becoming a FOCUS missionary—what do you do when later everything feels too heavy, too complicated, or simply not what you expected? In this episode, Jessica sits down with Fr. John Ezratty to explore the tension between commitment, freedom, and discernment through the lens of St. Ignatius of Loyola.Together they walk through real situations missionaries and students face: • What if I discerned something well, but now I feel overwhelmed and want to step back? • What if I didn't pray about a commitment beforehand—am I still bound to it? • Can difficult circumstances be a sign that God is redirecting me? • How do I know when perseverance is holy… and when letting go is faithful?Drawing from Ignatian wisdom, Fr. John offers practical steps, prayerful tools, and spiritual clarity for anyone wrestling with a “yes” that suddenly feels uncertain. Whether you're tempted to break a commitment or unsure what God is communicating through your current season, this conversation will help you discern with peace, freedom, and maturity.Fr. John Ignatius Ezratty is a priest with the Archdiocese of Denver. He is also a popular speaker at SEEK and a former FOCUS national chaplain.
In this episode of Psalms for the Spirit, I'm joined by Brendan McManus, a Jesuit priest from Lisnaskea, Northern Ireland. After years in the computer industry, Brendan felt a deeper call that led him into the Jesuits and into a lifelong exploration of Ignatian spirituality, pilgrimage, and finding God in everyday life. He now serves as a spiritual director, retreat leader, and author of Finding God in the Mess and other works rooted in hope and discernment.Brendan reflects on how the Psalms have shaped his own journey—from the joy of Psalm 139's reminder that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” to the cry of Psalm 130's “Out of the depths,” and the trust of Psalm 23's walk through the valley of darkness. He shares stories from the Camino de Santiago—times of deep encounter and unexpected struggle—and the wisdom that emerged from injury, loss, and renewal.“When life feels like a storm, keep walking. Look at your feet and trust that God is on the path with you.”This episode invites you to embrace the pilgrimage of your own life ~ to find God not in perfection, but in the sacred mess of the journey itself.Featured Song:Psalm 23: The Lord's My ShepherdThis beloved psalm, describing God shepherding us through green pastures and dark valleys, is set to the well-known air, “The Parting Glass.”Check out my Resilient Spirit offerings ~ a membership, courses, and 1:1 sessions.Psalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe
This week, we share a “Space for God” reflection offered by pastor and Coracle Spiritual Director, Dave Bonselaar. Dave helps us reflect upon our view of God and God's relation to us. He weaves together stories from his childhood and international missions experience with the Ignatian spiritual exercise of “contemplation on the Incarnation” to help us explore and experience how deeply God knows and still loves us. It is a beautiful, peaceful space, and we hope you will be blessed by it!View Our Complete Archive of “Space for God” Prayer PracticesLearn More About Spiritual Direction through Coracleinthecoracle.org | @inthecoracleSupport the show
On a recent pilgrimage to Spain visiting Ignatian sites, I wrestled with how ornate decoration and costly adornments often obscure St. Ignatius's radical journey from opulence to simplicity. The sacred exists not in elaborate structures but in the simple, authentic presence that connects us to the God who dwells in living stones rather than buildings.
Nuestro presentador, Juan Carlos Hernández, regresa esta séptima temporada con más entrevistas en español. Emmanuel Simental, abogado de profesión y nacido en el seno de una familia católica que le inculcó la fe y su amor por la Iglesia llevándolo a servir en diversos ministerios como monaguillo, catequista y coordinador, además de fomentar su formación en círculos de apologética y doctrina social y diplomados en diversas materias como Sagradas Escrituras, Música Sagrada y Derecho Canónico. Su vida de fe, la espiritualidad ignaciana y la búsqueda de una vida más saludable lo llevaron a fundar dos proyectos: Biciclub Católico, un grupo ciclista con enfoque espiritual, y Bici sin Fronteras, una iniciativa solidaria que dona bicicletas a quienes más las necesitan. Encuéntralo en Instagram @biciclub.catolico.Growing a Catholic Community on Wheels Our host, Juan Carlos Hernández, returns this seventh season with more interviews in Spanish. Emmanuel Simental, a lawyer by profession, was born into a Catholic family that instilled in him a faith and love for the Church, leading him to serve in various ministries as an altar boy, catechist, and coordinator, as well as encouraging his formation in circles of apologetics and social doctrine and diplomas in various subjects such as Sacred Scriptures, Sacred Music, and Canon Law. His life of faith, Ignatian spirituality, and search for a healthier lifestyle led him to found two projects: Biciclub Católico, a cycling group with a spiritual focus, and Bici sin Fronteras, a charitable initiative that donates bicycles to those who need them most. Find him on Instagram @biciclub.catolico.To ensure we can continue sharing the wisdom and faith of lay Catholics across the Universal Catholic Church, make your tax-deductible donation at fromheremedia.org/donate
Sara Billups returns to Shifting Culture to talk about her new book Nervous Systems: Spiritual Practices to Calm Anxiety in Your Body, the Church, and Politics. Together we explore the anxiety running through our lives, our churches, and our culture and what it means to find peace that's deeper than control. Sara shares how Ignatian spirituality and the practice of “holy indifference” can help us let go, stay present, and love well in a restless world. We talk about caregiving, community, mental health, and how the embodied way of Jesus leads us toward healing, trust, and wholeness.Sara Billups is a Seattle-based writer and cultural commentator whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Christianity Today, Aspen Ideas, and others. Sara writes Bitter Scroll, a monthly Substack letter and co-hosts the podcast That's the Spirit. She earned a Doctor of Ministry in the Sacred Art of Writing at the Peterson Center for the Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary. Sara works to help wavering Christians remain steadfast through cultural storms and continues to hope for the flourishing of the Church amid deep political and cultural division in America.Her first book, Orphaned Believers, follows the journey of a generation raised in the 80s and 90s of evangelicalism reckoning with the tradition that raised them and searching for a new way to participate in the story of God. Her second book, Nervous Systems, will be released November 4, 2025, from Baker Books.Sara's Book:Nervous SystemsSara's Recommendations:Slow HorsesSemi Permanent by Molly PardenConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Contact me to advertise: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com Catch On Fire PodcastsThis channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Today we explore the backstory of Ignatius Loyola and how imagination and daydreaming helped him (and others) get in touch with the movement of the Spirit. We are joined by spiritual director, Phoebe Love, sharing her experiences facilitating groups in the Ignatian Exercises as well as her own story of being shaped by meditating on God's love.Resources mentioned in this episode:Pray As You Go appInner Compass by Margaret SilfThe Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O'Brien SJignatianspirituality.comgodinallthings.comphoebelove.orgFarmer's AlmanacPuff's plusSome of our show notes contain affiliate links. We want to save you the effort of looking up resources + we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, host John Terrill sits down with Jason Jensen, Vice President of Spiritual Foundations at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and author of Formed to Lead: Humility, Character, Integrity, and Discernment. Together, they explore a transformative vision of Christian leadership—one shaped not by power or platform, but by spiritual formation, humility, and the aroma of the gospel.Drawing deeply from Luke chapters 1–4, Jason shares how the life of Jesus offers a radically different leadership model rooted in identity, character, and calling. He discusses the personal disciplines that have shaped his journey, including Ignatian spirituality, Orthodox iconography, therapy, and the daily examen. Jason also reflects on his pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago and the importance of discerning signposts in leadership vocation.This rich conversation invites listeners to reimagine leadership as participation in God's story, where we are called to be faithful secondary characters in the divine drama. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical guidance for leading with integrity and grace.
The Bearded Theologians welcomed back Rev. Justin Coleman to discuss his work as Senior Pastor and his insights on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, which he explored through personal experiences and spiritual practices. Justin shared his journey with Ignatian spiritual exercises and emphasized the importance of balancing scriptural, traditional, and experiential approaches in modern Methodist spirituality.You can find his article that we reference here: https://tinyurl.com/5bhttww7Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.
Julia D'Agostino preaches for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, inviting us to encounter one another with compassion and reminding us that even the smallest faith can reveal God's Reign breaking into our world: "I pray that we all may turn to our neighbor, encounter them, allow our hearts to break, and let the mercy of God work through us. Have faith, even if it be the size of a mustard seed. Because God's Kingdom will come on Earth as it is in Heaven."Julia D'Agostino (she/her) is a theologian drawn to Ignatian spirituality, the stories of women in the church, and the mystery of thin places. After earning a B.A. in English from the College of the Holy Cross, she followed “the God of surprises” into graduate studies at the Boston College Clough School of Theology & Ministry, where she completed both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology.Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/10052025 to learn more about Julia, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.
In this episode, Swami Padmanabha sits down with Francis X. Clooney, Jesuit priest, scholar, and Parkman Professor of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School. A pioneer in comparative theology, Professor Clooney has spent decades engaging Hindu and Christian traditions through deep study of Sanskrit and Tamil classics, interreligious dialogue, and spiritual practice. Their conversation revolves around his newly published memoir, Hindu and Catholic, Priest and Scholar: A Love Story, and touches on themes of vocation, celibacy, academia and faith, Ramanuja and Gaudiya Vaishnavism, interspirituality, Ignatian spirituality, poetry, regret, choice, and the ever-evolving path of divine love. This enriching dialogue explores what it means to live faithfully and authentically at the crossroads of traditions, scholarship, and personal devotion. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jGFqVkFDMtc ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha's Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha's Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE
What would happen if you spent three hours a day for 10 months in deep spiritual contemplation while living your regular life?Robin Kencel, Miss Connecticut Senior America 2025 and top real estate professional, joins Art to share her transformative 10-month journey through Ignatian spiritual exercises. Spending three hours daily in contemplation and prayer, Robin discovered how intensive spiritual practice can soften hearts and transform relationships. Her path led from considering religious life as a nun to becoming a spiritual director, helping others navigate their own sacred journeys. "I would probably say buckle up," she advises those embarking on spiritual surrender. Robin's story illuminates how seeing God in all things - from nature's beauty to life's hardest moments - can shift us from fear-based living to trust in divine will. A powerful conversation about finding grace in life's messiest transitions.Robin Kencel is Miss Connecticut Senior America 2025, a founding real estate broker for Compass in Greenwich, Connecticut, and ranked in the top 1.5% of all agents nationally. A six-time U.S. Pro-Am ballroom dance champion, Robin combines her leadership skills, creativity, and deep spirituality in everything she undertakes. As a certified spiritual director trained in Ignatian practices, she helps others navigate their spiritual journeys through one-on-one direction and group experiences. Robin draws on her transformative 10-month spiritual exercises to offer strategic expertise, refined service, and intuitive guidance in both her professional and spiritual work.About The Show: The Life in Transition, hosted by Art Blanchford focuses on making the most of the changes we're given every week. Art has been through hundreds of transitions in his life. Many have been difficult, but all have led to a depth and richness he could never have imagined. On the podcast Art explores how to create more love and joy in life, no matter what transitions we go through. Art is married to his lifelong partner, a proud father of three and a long-time adventurer and global business executive. He is the founder and leader of the Midlife Transition Mastery Community. Learn more about the MLTM Community here: www.lifeintransition.online.In This Episode: (00:00) Opening: Robin's Spiritual Awakening Journey(11:24) MidLife Transition Mastery Ad(12:26) Daily Spiritual Practices and The Examen(18:51) Becoming a Spiritual Director(26:17) Discerning God's Will in Life Decisions(32:39) Seeing God in Human Interactions(34:50) Transition Mastery Coaching Ad(37:12) Philosophy of Life and Legacy(41:10) Tools for Navigating Transitions(45:12) Closing: Living with CompassionLike, subscribe, and send us your comments and feedback.Resources:Website: https://robinkencel.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinkencel/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-kencel/X: https://x.com/KencelRobin, @KencelRobinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinkencelgreenwich/Email Art BlanchfordLife in Transition WebsiteLife in Transition on IGLife in Transition on FBJoin Our Community: https://www.lifeintransition.online/My new book PURPOSEFUL LIVING is out now. Order it now: https://www.amazon.com/PURPOSEFUL-LIVING-Wisdom-Coming-Complex/dp/1963913922Explore our website https://lifeintransitionpodcast.com/ for more in-depth information and resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.The views and opinions expressed on the Life In Transition podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition Podcast, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2025.
St. Kevin is a 6th century Irish saint, best known, perhaps, for the monastery he founded at Glendalough, tucked deep into County Wicklow. Beyond the monastic community, Kevin has been immortalized by Irish poet Seamus Heaney in a poem called “St. Kevin and the Blackbird.” It's a poem that speaks of a legend, a peculiar moment of prayer and stillness. Our own communications team member, Eric Clayton, knew very little about St. Kevin until a statue was erected on the campus of his alma mater to honor his late friend and spiritual mentor, the Jesuit priest Jim Bowler. The statue depicted Kevin and his blackbird, and Eric wondered why. Today's episode tracks Eric's own pilgrimage from a Connecticut university library to a cave over an Irish lake. His guide is the pilgrimage expert, Irish Jesuit Fr. Brendan McManus. Brendan is an award-winning author who has penned multiple books on the life-changing pilgrimages he's made, most notably along the Camino de Santiago. Journey with Eric and Brendan as they set out into the spiritual heart of Ireland. Resources: Take a look at some of Eric's photos from the pilgrimage: https://www.jesuits.org/stories/now-discern-this-chasing-after-st-kevin/#anchor2 Read the poem, “St. Kevin and the Blackbird,” by Seamus Heaney: https://glendalough.wicklowheritage.org/new-contributions/st-kevin-and-the-blackbird-read-by-seamus-heaney Get a copy of Fr. Brendan's classic book, “Redemption Road:” https://store.loyolapress.com/redemption-road
Sharon Doran explores Mark chapter 10, unpacking Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce as a covenant, the blessing of children, and the challenge posed by the rich young man. She emphasizes Christ's loving gaze, the call to childlike trust, and the need to prioritize the eternal over earthly attachments. The episode points listeners to the Eucharist, Ignatian spiritual insights, and the transforming power of God's grace.
Fr Spitzer explains some of the miraculous events related to apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He then goes on to give us some tips on how to pray the rosary, digging into the treasury of spiritual wealth found in the Ignatian tradition. Fr. Spitzer is a Catholic Priest in the Jesuit order (Society of Jesus) and is currently the President of the Magis Center and the Spitzer Center.
Faith Fueled Woman - Daily Devotional, Bible Study for Women, Prayer, Talk to God
In this faith-filled episode of Faith Fueled Woman, I sit down with spiritual director Robin Kencel to explore how we can experience God more intimately and live with greater joy—right in the middle of our everyday lives. Robin shares how spiritual direction and intentional faith practices like the examen and lectio divina can help us recognize God's presence, especially during life transitions or seasons of spiritual dryness.We talk about how God uses simple moments to speak to us, and how embracing our gifts, passions, and purpose can lead us to deeper faith and more joy. Whether you're feeling disconnected or just want to go deeper in your spiritual walk, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools to help you reconnect with God and rediscover joy.✅ Key Takeaways:You don't have to wait for a big moment—God often speaks in the quiet, everyday spaces of life.Spiritual direction can help you hear God more clearly and navigate life transitions with clarity and peace.Joy is not something we chase—it's something we cultivate when we are rooted in God's presence.Practices like lectio divina and the daily examen can help you reflect, reconnect, and grow spiritually.Embracing your gifts and interests isn't selfish—it's how God wired you to live out your calling with impact.Connect with Robin at in-sacred-space.com or reach her directly at rkencel@icloud.comDownload My Free Joyful Living Devotional: https://kristinfitch.com/devotionalReady to take your first step towards a more joyful, faith-filled life? Download our Reignite Your Passion Workbook and start living with purpose today!What to feel more energized in midlife? Grab my 5 Day Energy Reset Jump Start Guide here.Ready to work with Kristin to make a shift in your life? Click here to get started.Christian spiritual practices, deepening your faith, spiritual direction for women, Christian women podcast, joy in everyday life, hearing God's voice, faith during life transitions, growing spiritually, biblical mindfulness, Ignatian spirituality, purpose and calling, Christian women in midlife, Christian mentoring, spiritual renewal, practical ways to connect with God
| S03 E02 | In this episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore the connection between spiritual freedom, discernment, and healthy decision-making. Drawing on the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality, they discuss how surrendering control to God leads to greater peace, joy, and clarity in life. Discover practical tools for: - Cultivating healthy detachment - Avoiding occasions of sin - Nurturing desires that align with God's will - Supporting both mental and spiritual well-being Whether you're discerning a major vocation, navigating daily choices, or simply seeking to deepen your faith life, this episode offers insights to help you grow in trust, freedom, and love of God. Share with a friend who could use encouragement in their discernment journey! #CatholicPodcast #IgnatianSpirituality #Discernment #FaithAndFreedom #SpiritualGrowth #ThinkingFaith 00:00 Introduction and Study on Decision Making 02:02 The Paradox of Spiritual Freedom 03:14 Discernment and Spiritual Guidance 05:32 Ignatius' Approach to Decision Making 08:20 Navigating Life's Choices 15:00 Living with Minimal Sin 20:18 The Temptation to Escape Sin 20:32 The Desert Fathers' Wisdom 21:04 Avoiding Occasions of Sin 22:10 Understanding the Trap of Pornography 23:58 The Limits of Willpower 25:20 The Importance of Accountability 27:12 Cultivating Healthy Relationships 30:07 Staying Busy with Good Things 36:08 Practical Tips for Avoiding Sin 38:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Conversation on the Positive Aging Community platform, host Steve Gurney sat down with George Jerjian, an author, speaker, and thought leader specializing in life's transitions. Jerjian, whose latest book is Odyssey of an Elder, shared his personal journey from a life-altering health scare to embracing retirement as a profound opportunity for growth. The discussion delved into themes of identity, purpose, gratitude, and adventure, offering valuable lessons for anyone approaching or navigating later life stages.A Wake-Up Call: From Diagnosis to DiscoveryJerjian's transformative path began in 2007 when he was diagnosed with a bone tumor and given just six months to live. Contrary to expectations, the experience didn't fill him with fear of death itself but rather concern for his teenage daughters. Miraculously, the tumor proved non-cancerous, but the brush with mortality reshaped his priorities. "Time is the most important thing," Jerjian emphasized, prompting him to semi-retire after a successful career.However, after 18 months of leisure, boredom and resentment set in. In 2016, seeking clarity, Jerjian embarked on a 30-day silent retreat inspired by Ignatian spiritual exercises—a rigorous program of introspection, often drawing from Catholic and Buddhist traditions. Isolated from external distractions like news, TV, or books, he conducted a deep "audit" of his life, reflecting on past homes and experiences. This revealed a key insight: "None of the good things could have happened without the preceding bad things." Crises, he realized, are turning points rather than endpoints.This epiphany led to his first book, Spirit of Gratitude: Crises are Opportunities, where he profiled 12 stories illustrating how challenges foster growth. Jerjian challenged the cultural view of retirement as a "problem," arguing it's a fork in the road where one's work-tied identity must evolve. He also highlighted how physical spaces, like homes, can anchor identity, urging listeners to declutter—both materially and emotionally—to make room for new beginnings.The DARE Method: A Framework for ReinventionCentral to Jerjian's philosophy is his DARE method, an acronym standing for Discover, Assimilate, Rewire, and Expand. He described it as a courageous approach to unretiring and crafting a fulfilling next chapter:Discover: Understand retirement's history and essence—it's not just financial planning but life planning. Jerjian referenced ancient thinkers like Cicero, who viewed old age as life's "crown," countering modern society's dismissal of elders as obsolete.Assimilate: Absorb new knowledge about the mind, particularly the subconscious. Willpower alone fails; the subconscious often sabotages goals. Jerjian stressed that we are not our thoughts but observers of them, advocating for releasing unhelpful ones.Rewire: Rewrite limiting stories from childhood, family, or society. By "recording over" old narratives, individuals can foster positive change.Expand: Counterintuitively, retirement should involve growth, not contraction. Gratitude plays a scientific role here, connecting thinking and thanking to open doors for more abundance. Jerjian advocated shifting from consumerism's dissatisfaction to a service-oriented mindset, inspired by Samurai ethos.Jerjian ties this to broader societal benefits, noting that serving others alleviates personal troubles and infuses life with nobility.
Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome Fr. Timothy Gallagher, a renowned voice in Ignatian spirituality. Dive deep into the transformative power of overcoming discouragement, a theme central to Fr. Gallagher's teachings and his latest book, "If You Want Peace in This Life." Discover the timeless wisdom of Venerable Bruno Lanteri and learn how to begin anew, even amidst life's challenges. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth or simply a fresh perspective, this conversation offers profound insights and practical guidance for your journey. Tune in and let the healing words of Fr. Gallagher inspire you to embrace peace and resilience.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This episode takes a look at methods of Ignatian prayer. The post HSE6 – Ignatian Prayer – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Outer Realm welcomes back Marilynn Hughes Host: Michelle Desrochers Date: August 27th, 2025 Episode: 607 Discussion: Marilynn will be discussing Mystical Theology, Astral Projection, Divine Unions, OBEs and more Contact for the show - theouterrealmcontact@gmail.com Michelle Desrochers and The Outer Realm :https://linktr.ee/michelledesrochers_ Please support us by Liking, Subscribing, Sharing and Commenting. Thank you all !!! About Marilynn: "Marilynn Hughes founded The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation in 2003 (Mission: Reduce Spiritual Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has experienced, researched, written, and taught about Out of Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has spoken on dozens of radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out of body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions, as well as Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical and Moral Theology. She has also studied Individual Schools of Theology, to include Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, and Benedictine. Marilynn has also trained as a Remote Viewer in Transdimensional, Controlled and Associative Remote Viewing and is a Hypnotherapist. She received certifications in various psychological and therapeutic modalities including NLP, REBT, CBT, ACT, DBT, MBCT, EFT, TFT, SFBT and NBA Therapies. Marilynn Hughes has authored 138 books, 40 magazines and 18 CD's on Out of Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism including her seminal classic The Mysteries of the Redemption: A Treatise on Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism, which was in development to become a feature film/tv series. She was featured in the documentary film, The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary, and in Documentary Film Productions: The Grand Phases of the Soul, The Stairway from Earth to Heaven, How to Have an Out-of-Body Experience, The Tao of Mysticism, The Initiations into the Mysteries, The Rites of Passage, The Prayer of the Twelfth Hour and At the Feet of the Masters. She is the author of an English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages (In Twelve Volumes). Her out of body travel work has been featured in The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World, by Constance Victoria Briggs and in Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness, (along with Dr. Edgar Mitchell and Ingo Swann) by Dr. Thomas Streicher. KC Armstrong, (Former Producer of the Howard Stern Show), in his book named Marilynn as one of thirteen Simply Amazing Women. Marilynn Hughes has been the subject of several Research Studies including The Out-of-Body Experiment by Alex Tsakiris of Skeptiko. Marilynn Hughes and Dr. Rudy Schild (Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard) co-authored a chapter entitled The Science for Moral Law. She has been featured to speak about Out-of-Body Travel on Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, Midnight in the Desert with Art Bell, the Joan Rivers Show among others. Marilynn Hughes was on the the original board of The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraordinary Experiences and is a continuing contributor. She came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound out of body experience wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels which led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission to fulfill in relation to out of body travel. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience in adulthood which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out of body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades." Marilynn Hughes The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation https://outofbodytravel.org MarilynnHughes@outofbodytravel.org
Justin shares gratitude for support after a recent car accident.Listener questions addressed:- How to reconnect during seasons of rejection and disconnection. - Managing the overwhelm of life's constant demands. - Practicing transparency without sharing every detail.Insights from the Ignatian spiritual tradition on consolation and desolation.The importance of paying attention to your own needs and desires.Learning to say no to external demands and focus on what matters most.Setting healthy boundaries in relationships and public life.Actionable advice: Spend time with a coach or spiritual director, learn to disappoint unhealthy systems, and discern appropriate levels of transparency. Links For Justin:Order In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble
Preaching for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Amy Hoegen offers a reflection on lifting up others: "As we go forth this week, there will be daily opportunities to respond to the needs of others. Some of those needs will be global and feel overwhelming. Some will be more practical and routine. In all those moments, let humility be the gift that uplifts, the gift that encourages us and gives us the strength to elevate others and raise up the dignity, story and the gift of every human being. "Amy Hoegen (she/her) has over 25 years of experience as a Catholic lay minister. She currently serves as a Campus Minister at the University of Scranton, a Jesuit University in Pennsylvania. She received a B.S. in Psychology from Misericordia University and a M.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College. Her areas of passion and expertise include women's spirituality, Ignatian spirituality, adult faith formation and spiritual direction. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/08312025 to learn more about Amy, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.
The Outer Realm welcomes back Marilynn Hughes Host: Michelle Desrochers Date: August 27th, 2025 Episode: 607 Discussion: Marilynn will be discussing Mystical Theology, Astral Projection, Divine Unions, OBEs and more Contact for the show - theouterrealmcontact@gmail.com Michelle Desrochers and The Outer Realm :https://linktr.ee/michelledesrochers_ Please support us by Liking, Subscribing, Sharing and Commenting. Thank you all !!! About Marilynn: "Marilynn Hughes founded The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation in 2003 (Mission: Reduce Spiritual Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has experienced, researched, written, and taught about Out of Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has spoken on dozens of radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out of body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions, as well as Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical and Moral Theology. She has also studied Individual Schools of Theology, to include Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, and Benedictine. Marilynn has also trained as a Remote Viewer in Transdimensional, Controlled and Associative Remote Viewing and is a Hypnotherapist. She received certifications in various psychological and therapeutic modalities including NLP, REBT, CBT, ACT, DBT, MBCT, EFT, TFT, SFBT and NBA Therapies. Marilynn Hughes has authored 138 books, 40 magazines and 18 CD's on Out of Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism including her seminal classic The Mysteries of the Redemption: A Treatise on Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism, which was in development to become a feature film/tv series. She was featured in the documentary film, The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary, and in Documentary Film Productions: The Grand Phases of the Soul, The Stairway from Earth to Heaven, How to Have an Out-of-Body Experience, The Tao of Mysticism, The Initiations into the Mysteries, The Rites of Passage, The Prayer of the Twelfth Hour and At the Feet of the Masters. She is the author of an English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages (In Twelve Volumes). Her out of body travel work has been featured in The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World, by Constance Victoria Briggs and in Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness, (along with Dr. Edgar Mitchell and Ingo Swann) by Dr. Thomas Streicher. KC Armstrong, (Former Producer of the Howard Stern Show), in his book named Marilynn as one of thirteen Simply Amazing Women. Marilynn Hughes has been the subject of several Research Studies including The Out-of-Body Experiment by Alex Tsakiris of Skeptiko. Marilynn Hughes and Dr. Rudy Schild (Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard) co-authored a chapter entitled The Science for Moral Law. She has been featured to speak about Out-of-Body Travel on Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, Midnight in the Desert with Art Bell, the Joan Rivers Show among others. Marilynn Hughes was on the the original board of The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraordinary Experiences and is a continuing contributor. She came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound out of body experience wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels which led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission to fulfill in relation to out of body travel. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience in adulthood which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out of body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades." Marilynn Hughes The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation https://outofbodytravel.org MarilynnHughes@outofbodytravel.org
Patrick Madrid takes a call from Matt in Huntington Beach, who asks a very relatable question: How do I keep prayer intentional when I have so many intentions that it feels like a checklist? Patrick admits right away that he’s not speaking as a prayer “expert,” but as a fellow traveler who wrestles with the same distractions. He encourages you to pray at times and in places where the noise of life is quieter -- whether that’s at home in the early morning or during a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. But he also affirms that prayer doesn’t have to be limited to those moments; it can happen anywhere -- in the car, at the grocery store, or in the middle of a busy day. What matters most, Patrick says, is not the absence of distractions but what you do with them. He suggests offering those distractions to God directly: “Lord, I’m trying to pray, but my mind is scattered. I give you these distractions too.” That effort, he says, is pleasing to God because it shows love and persistence. Patrick also draws on Ignatian spirituality, recommending a prayer method that involves putting yourself into the scene of Scripture or the mysteries of the Rosary. For example, while praying the Sorrowful Mysteries, you can imagine yourself standing at the pillar as Jesus is scourged, which helps stir gratitude and deepen prayer. He goes on to outline the stages of prayer: -Discursive prayer -- the “shallow end,” made up of spontaneous prayers or rote prayers like the Our Father -Meditation -- a deeper form, where the mind and heart actively engage with the truths of the Faith -Contemplation -- the “deep end” of prayer, described by saints like Teresa of Avila as gazing on God with love, much like beholding a beautiful sunset in awe On the specific problem of prayer becoming a long “laundry list,” Patrick introduces the idea of virtual intentions. Instead of naming every single person or need individually each time, you can entrust categories of people or petitions to God: “Lord, I pray for all those I promised to pray for” or “I pray for all who have died.” This way, prayer remains heartfelt without being mechanical. Finally, Patrick recommends two spiritual classics to grow in prayer: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales and The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila. Both provide wisdom on moving from simple, everyday prayer to deeper intimacy with God. Patrick reminds you: the key is not perfection, but intention. As long as you’re sincerely engaging with God rather than just “clickety clacking” through words, your prayer life will bear fruit.
The Jesuit Media Lab was founded to help people navigate the intersection of creativity and spirituality. We know there are so many people out there who are creative—who want to make art and write poems and sing new songs—and who also draw their creativity from their faith lives, their own spiritual journeys. We know, too—from our own lived experience as well as from conversations with people all over the world—that Ignatian spirituality fosters the creative spirit alive within us. These things naturally go together. And so the Jesuit Media Lab exists to gather, form and unleash these folks back into the world to share the beauty that God has put within them. One of those people happens to live right down the road from my house. His name is Brody Bond—a great guy. I've known him for a number of years now and whenever we're together, our conversation is just so rich. Brody is a deep guy, very thoughtful, forever learning and seeking and trying to give new words to his own lived experience. And he's a creative guy—both in his professional life, but also in his personal life. He's a musician, a singer songwriter who has been hustling to share his music all over the country. It's a vocation for him, to be sure, and one he's been discovering in new and deepening ways these last few years. In one of our conversations, I learned that Brody teaches classes in songwriting. He was telling me a little about his approach, how he asks people questions about their deepest desires, their understanding of life's purpose. “Sounds more like a course in spirituality,” I said, “then a songwriting class.” Brody's response? These things are inseparable. I should've known; I've been to his shows. They're spiritual experiences, opportunities to reflect in community while listening to some really good music. So, I invited him to teach that course for the Jesuit Media Lab. And it was a big hit. But Brody is just such an engaging speaker, someone who just naturally gets this intersection of creativity and spirituality, that I wanted to get him back. I wanted to share with all of you a taste of the kinds of conversations he and I have about these topics. If you're someone who is interested in this intersection of creativity and spirituality, this conversation is for you. And so is the Jesuit Media Lab. So, stay tuned and listen up. And then head over to JesuitMediaLab.org to learn more. And while you're at it, check out Brody's stuff. His website is https://brodybond.com/. And it's entirely possible he's playing a show near you.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss spiritual desolation in the context of Ignatian spirituality, focusing on three important actions: Being aware, understanding, and taking action. The post SD1 – Journey Through Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this episode of the Real+True Podcast, hosts Edmund Mitchell and Emily Mentock dive into the complexities of forgiveness as reflected in the Lord's Prayer. They discuss the importance of understanding the catechism's teachings on forgiveness, exploring common myths and misconceptions of mercy. The conversation includes practical advice for implementing forgiveness in daily life and how to understand forgiveness in relation to reconciliation.(00:00) Edmund and Emily introduce the episode, focused on the petition "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" from the Lord's Prayer. They discuss how this short but powerful petition invites deep reflection on common misconceptions around forgiveness. (10:25) Edmund and Emily debunk the idea that forgiveness is just an emotional release, using neuroscience to show how it reshapes our brain's response to anger and resentment. They clarify that true forgiveness doesn't excuse wrongdoing but extends honest mercy while upholding justice.(17:50) Edmund and Emily explain that forgiveness doesn't excuse the wrong or erase the memory, but frees our hearts by letting go of demands on the offender. They note that reconciliation is valuable but only possible when both parties choose it.(28:19) Edmund and Emily explore how forgiveness and reconciliation can diverge, noting that while full restoration isn't always possible, we're called to discern when to pursue peace and when to set healthy boundaries. They illustrate how “willing the good” of others—whether in marriages or teen friendships—lets us extend mercy even when relationships change.(39:10) Edmund and Emily show that accepting mercy is strength, not weakness, and invite the prayer “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” They close with a “forgiveness examine,” using Gospel truths and Ignatian visualization to lay resentments on the cross and embrace God's healing.(49:14) Edmund and Emily close by describing a powerful Ignatian-style meditation of visualizing your hurts placed on the cross and transformed by Christ. They encourage listeners to engage mind, heart, and the senses in prayer to unblock forgiveness and receive God's mercy. Finally, they invite everyone to revisit earlier Catechism teachings on reconciliation and join them online at realtrue.org to continue exploring the faith.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.
Author and middle school teacher Amy J. Cattapan joins Oscar to talk about the joys and challenges of teaching seventh graders, keeping students engaged as both readers and writers, and how a bit of “holy imagination” goes a long way in the classroom. Amy also shares her deep devotion to St. Frances Cabrini and Ignatian spirituality—two powerful influences behind her newest retreat book, Hope Without Borders. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)
Join Fr. Jacob and Fr. John as they explore life through the lens of Ignatian spirituality, inspired by the First Principle and Foundation. They focus on the importance of knowing our true end and how it can shape and direct our life.
Fr. Christopher Walsh joins Patrick to discuss the Spirituality of St. Ignatius (3:25) Who was St. Ignatius of Loyola? What was his role in the Catholic Country reformation? What are the spiritual exercises? (18:45) Frank - I've been out there 42 years. It's been the biggest help of my life. It has meant so much to me and my life. (21:14) Break 1 Why are retreats helpful for us in our lives? (25:23) Elizabeth - I was involved in a program recently. It's Ignition. It's through the Los Altos retreat center. What is the missionary spirit of Saint Ignatius? (34:46) Break 2 Carlos - I never went on an Ignatian retreat, but went to Formed and had Franciscans for teachers. Jesuits in college. Asked for proof that God exists...proved the existence using Thomas Aquinas. What is the importance of education in Ignatian spirituality? (41:16) what are the Ignatian Rules for Discernment? What are some of the prayers of Saint Ignatius? Resources: The Ignatian Adventure - By: Kevin O'Brien, SJ https://store.loyolapress.com/the-ignatian-adventure
In honor of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31, we're taking a green look at his Spiritual Exercises. When today's host, Eric Clayton, was in college, he stumbled upon a book entitled “The Eucharist and Social Justice.” It's a small volume and was easily tucked into his bag when he went to Nicaragua on a service immersion trip. He remembers paging through that book with an excitement that rarely appeared when reading other theology texts. But something about this one, this invitation to consider how the source and summit of our Catholic faith was in fact a radical call to justice — that was formative. It's what he was looking for as an undergraduate who was very much searching for answers when it came to faith and God and the church. The author of that little book is Sr. Margaret Scott. She's a Handmaid of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a renowned spiritual director and retreat giver. She's fluent in numerous languages, which has led her into ministries that have taken her around the world. She has a lived experience of the universal church and the needs and joys of God's people in many, many places. She has brought those insights into the classroom; she taught theology at Philly's own Jesuit university, St. Joe's. But most importantly for today, she's brought that same global perspective, that tender pastoral care, to a new book all about Ignatian spirituality and ecological conversion. It's called “Ignatius Was Green: Ecological Dimensions of the Spiritual Exercises” and it's available now from Paulist Press. Like “The Eucharist and Social Justice,” this is a small, approachable volume. And for those of us engaged in the ministry of the Exercises, it's quite helpful. Sr. Margaret invites us to deepen our own encounter with Christ through the Exercises by paying careful attention to those places in Ignatius' text that invite deeper ecological reflection. Learn more about her book: https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/5716-7/ignatius-was-green.aspx
Bonus Episode: Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality Podcast Welcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality, the podcast where mythology meets theology, and capes meet contemplation. In this show, we will explore what the Man of Steel can teach us about who we are, what we believe, and how we live. Through a spiritual lens, especially in the Ignatian tradition and through my own experience as a spiritual care provider in hospitals, we look at some of the deeper truths behind Superman's story—truths about calling, identity, compassion, adoption, and even the mystery of presence. This podcast is partly about fandom, but more about formation. Today, in our very first episode, we are looking at the 2025 Superman film by James Gunn and asking what the myth of Superman can reveal to us about our own deepest longings for purpose, belonging, and transformation?” Subscribe now Share Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast Your Hosts: David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/ SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4 ----more---- Rick Has A Book! Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20 ----more---- Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album) VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES
When Chris Lowney started his career as an investment banker at JP Morgan in 1983, his background leading up to that job marked an unusual path to the corporation. He had spent the past few years as a Jesuit in formation, after entering the Society of Jesus as a novice straight out of high school. Chris went on to work 18 years at JP Morgan, and during his tenure there, he started realizing that a lot of the stuff he had learned about Saint Ignatius and the history of the Jesuits during his Jesuit formation included a bunch of supremely relevant wisdom that corporate leaders in the “secular world” could learn from. So Chris started working on a book after retiring from the company, and in 2003 Loyola Press published “Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company that Changed the World.” “Heroic Leadership” has become a modern classic in Jesuit spaces and pioneered the development what you could call Ignatian leadership studies. Just this year, Chris is back with a supplement to his first book: “The Heroic Leadership Workbook,” which he wrote with an educational design expert named Judy Wearing. The workbook is a 30-day guide for leaders in any field to help them grow in qualities like self-awareness, ingenuity, love and heroism. The workbook's exercises are great – they invite deep reflection and are so usable. Host Mike Jordan Laskey invited Chris on the show to talk about “Heroic Leadership” and why Chris thinks the Jesuit charism and history continue to be so helpful to 21st-century leaders both inside institutional church structures and far outside them. Chris Lowney: https://chrislowney.com/ “Heroic Leadership” and the workbook: https://chrislowney.com/wp/books/heroic-leadership/ AMDG is a production of the Jesuit Media Lab, which is a project of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. www.jesuits.org/ www.beajesuit.org/ twitter.com/jesuitnews facebook.com/Jesuits instagram.com/wearethejesuits youtube.com/societyofjesus www.jesuitmedialab.org/
Preaching for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Stacy Geere offers an empowering reflection on the story of Martha and Mary: "Martha and Mary are not rivals. They are reflections of the fullness of discipleship—service and contemplation, action and proclamation. They, along with other women of the Gospels, minister with Jesus and to Jesus. Their relationship reflects the very nature of our triune God, who invites us to equality, mutuality, unity and reciprocity."Stacy Geere is a spiritual director and Catholic lay minister whose work is shaped by a lifelong devotion to Gospel-centered pastoral care. She holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Loyola Marymount University and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles. Her education and formation nurtured a deep love for Ignatian spirituality and feminist Trinitarian ecclesiology.Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/07202025 to learn more about Stacy, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.
In light of the heartbreaking devastation unfolding in Kerr County and surrounding areas of Texas due to the catastrophic flash floods on July 4, 2025, we are re-releasing a deeply meaningful conversation with Hero and Texas-resident, Reverend Lizzie McManus Dail.We originally recorded this conversation last year as our very first episode with Lizzie. She spoke with grace and vulnerability about grief, faith, and finding light in the darkest of times—topics that feel especially relevant right now. Lizzie and her husband, both Episcopal priests, live in Austin, Texas, where they are walking alongside communities in deep mourning.We share this episode again, hoping it brings comfort, perspective, or even just a moment of stillness to anyone grappling with loss or seeking hope in the aftermath of tragedy.--In this episode, we talk about the difference between spirituality and religion, how faith can change you, and the role spirituality can play in the darkest times with Rev. Lizzie McManus Dail. Lizzie has lived all over the world with her boots now rooted in Austin, Texas where she is living her dream as the founder of Jubilee Episcopal Church. Lizzy is passionate about the evangelism of a God who makes each of us for joy, which is why you might see her doing silly dances and talking about church history on Instagram and TikTok with her 90K+ followers. As a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, Lizzie brought a passion for intersectional feminism and queer theology to her studies at Duke Divinity School and Seminary of the Southwest. It was her time in both Massachusetts and North Carolina that brought her into the Episcopal church, where she was ordained in 2020. While grateful for her academic formation, she still swears most things she learned about being a priest she learned from 5 plus years of working in the service industry and access to the arts in her public high school. Tune in!What You Will Learn:· [00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest today, Reverend Lizzie· [05:49] What spirituality is and how it differs from religion · [07:28] How spirituality helps when navigating grief and difficult times · [15:10] The complaint prayer to finding peace· [17:57] Why God didn't intervene in that tragic experience · [21:43] How spiritual conversations help us reconnect with ourselves and find peace · [29:03] Lizzie's turning point to becoming an ordained priest· [37:36] About Jubilee church and the work Lizzie does as a priest· [42:06] How to be more spiritual in your life through Ignatian examine · [47:22] Wrap up and end of the showStandout Quotes:· “When we feel like we have no center and no pattern, prayer is always there to give us a pattern and a rhythm that can help us find a new way of being and our way back to God.” [09:07]· “When we've terrible losses in our lives, we crave support and solidarity in our grief from our human community without forced theological and spiritual explanations.” [23:28]· “Our inner connection with God helps us know more and more about who we're and whose we're, and that's what prayer offers us.” [25:39]· “Spirituality in any capacity is not meant to be practiced in isolation; having people with whom you can share your spiritual life with is a sacred thing.” [42:13]Let's ConnectChandler StroudWebsite: https://healingheroespodcast.com/ Mixing, editing and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.
A 23-minute audio guided meditation with Exodus 3:1-15, using Lectio Divina. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer – space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today – drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina. Sign up for Lissy's newsletter “The Contemplative Window” […] The post I Must Turn Aside: Lectio Divina: Exodus 3 – The Burning Bush appeared first on Contemplative at Home.
Neuroscience research reveals that revenge activates the same reward circuits in our brains as addictive drugs, keeping us trapped in what Ignatian spirituality calls the "false self." Faith-based practices like prayer and meditation literally rewire the brain for mercy over retaliation, offering a path to the spiritual freedom that comes when we choose forgiveness over the ego's demand for revenge.
Episode OverviewDavid and Adam welcome Father Mike Schmitz to discuss the transformative power of prayer. With humor and candor, they explore the difference between merely saying prayers and truly praying, addressing how to cultivate a prayer life that aligns with God's will. Drawing from Saint John Chrysostom and Fr. Thomas Dubay, the conversation emphasizes the universal need for prayer, especially for laypeople navigating the challenges of daily life, and offers practical insights for moving from rote recitation to a deeper, relational encounter with God.Key Discussion PointsPrayer for All Vocations: Fr. Mike Schmitz challenges the assumption that monks have a deeper prayer life, citing Saint John Chrysostom's teaching that laypeople need prayer and scripture more than monks due to the “arrows and spears” of daily life—annoying bosses, irritating spouses, and bothersome kids. This resonates as a call for everyone to prioritize prayer, regardless of their state in life.From Saying to Praying: The hosts and Fr. Mike discuss the transition from reciting set prayers to engaging in mental prayer (e.g., Ignatian prayer, Lectio Divina). Fr. Mike shares a personal story of a silent retreat where a memorized psalm provided words when his own failed, highlighting the value of rote prayers as a foundation for deeper communion.Distractions in Prayer: The conversation addresses the common struggle of distractions, distinguishing between intentional distractions (e.g., checking a phone during prayer) and natural ones that God may use to purify prayer. Adam emphasizes the beauty of “wasting time” with God in contemplative presence, akin to an old couple silently enjoying each other's company, versus being distracted by external devices.Why Prayer Matters: Prayer is an act of faith, rooted in the belief that time spent with God transforms us into the person He calls us to be. Fr. Mike compares prayer's motivation to health practices like intermittent fasting: if you're convinced it makes a difference, you'll commit. Prayer changes us to love like Jesus, even when we feel inadequate.Overcoming Apathy and Ignorance: Referencing a humorous anecdote about a coach and player discussing “ignorance and apathy,” Fr. Mike stresses that convincing someone to pray requires sparking a desire to become more like Christ. Without an encounter with Jesus (the kerygma), prayer may seem irrelevant to those who don't yet care to grow in holiness.Practical Advice for Laymen: Fr. Thomas Dubay's blunt wisdom—“If you're content being a mediocre dad or mom, don't pray”—underscores that prayer is essential for excellence in any vocation. Fr. Mike encourages introducing children to mental prayer early, as seen in his summer camp where sixth graders learn Lectio Divina and Ignatian prayer.Featured GiftCatholic Woodworker Rosary: Fr. Mike receives an heirloom-quality rosary from The Catholic Woodworker, featuring handcrafted wood beads built to last. The hosts highlight its durability, even with young children handling it, and promote the official Catholic Man Show rosary.Spiritual TakeawayPrayer is not just a checkbox but an act of faith that transforms us into the image of Christ. Whether through memorized prayers that anchor us when words fail or mental prayer that fosters intimate communion, the key is presence with God. Laypeople, facing daily trials, need prayer as much as—if not more than—monks. By committing to prayer, even amidst distractions, we grow in love and align with God's will for our lives.Call to ActionGet a
-By Fr. David Nix - Suscipe prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Take, Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own, You have given all to me. To You, Lord, I return it. Everything is Yours: do with it what You will. Give [...]
Ignatius was the Bishop of Antioch in the first decade of the second century, making him one of the earliest Church Fathers. What did he believe about God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit? These crucial questions are tackled after addressing the controversy surrounding which of his letters were authentically written by him. By drawing on the latest scholarship of Ignatian textual criticism, we can recover the beliefs of this ancient bishop, who appears to be a unitarian. Visit Amazon to buy your copy of my book Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John: https://a.co/d/6nFEbZg Please consider supporting this Podcast and future projects by donating at: https://www.paypal.me/10mintruthtalks To view the notes from this episode please click the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WyZoG9qEXjWH-oU4X0iM6NgoSwldS1yblUxK-fmRUOo/edit?usp=sharing Check out some of my videos on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalUnitarianPodcast Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/OneGodPodcast
-Rule #23: “Thinking with the Church.” -The Suscipe prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola (with which we will start every podcast): “Take, Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own, You have given all to me. To You, Lord, I return it. Everything [...]
Lauri Ann Lumby explores the power of embodied learning and self-actualization, blending mindfulness, creativity, and spiritual inquiry. Her approach highlights deep personal growth, the role of the facilitator, and fostering a patient and authentic connection for transformative online education.Lauri Ann Lumby has nearly 30 years of experience as an educator, spiritual counselor, and soul guide, and is the author of 11 books. In this episode, Ari, Abe, and Lauri discuss:The goal of courses is to support people in becoming self-actualized.Embodied learning integrates intellectual knowledge into lived experience.Facilitators should focus on guiding rather than lecturing.Personal interaction is crucial for deep learning and course completion.Online courses can reach a global audience, enhancing accessibility.Creativity practices can enhance engagement and learning.Discussion boards are essential for student interaction and accountability.Patience is key in building an audience for online courses.The majority of students may not complete deep-learning courses due to personal challenges.Using diverse materials like poetry and scripture can enrich the learning experience.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Course Lab and Guest Background03:32 - Lauri's Journey into Online Courses07:12 - Exploring Course Structure and Teaching Methods11:03 - Transitioning from In-Person to Online Learning14:59 - Engagement and Retention in Online Courses18:43 - Embodied Learning and Creative Approaches22:36 - Patience and Building Trust in Online Education25:01 - Exploring Embodied Learning27:04 - The Role of Patience in Course Creation28:47 - Personal Outreach and Student Engagement“All of my work is an integrative approach that supports what I call embodied learning. This is not about intellectual knowledge, because we can all read all the books we want to read, but having embodied the concept.” — Lauri Ann LumbyGuest Bio:Lauri Ann Lumby has nearly 30 years of experience as an educator, spiritual counselor, and soul guide. She has supported hundreds through her one-on-one mentoring, training programs, books, and intentional communities. She earned her master's degree in Transpersonal Psychology from Sofia University, is a trained Spiritual Director in the Ignatian tradition, and has certificates in Adult Education and Spiritual Development. She's also a Reiki Master Practitioner in both the Usui and Karuna traditions and an ordained interfaith minister. Lauri is the author of eleven books, including Authentic Freedom: Claiming a Life of Contentment and Joy and her novel, Song of the Beloved: The Gospel According to Mary Magdalene. Learn more about Lauri at www.LauriAnnLumby.com.Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:MiraseeRuzukuLauri's website: LauriAnnLumby.comCredits:Hosts: Ari Iny and Abe CrystalProducer: Michi LantzEditor: Andrew ChapmanExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioTo catch the great episodes that are coming up on Course Lab, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channel or your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Music credits:Track Title: Bossa BBArtist Name: MarieWriter Name: Chelsea McGoughPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist Name: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: GraceArtist Name: ShimmerWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSTrack Title: Carousel LightsArtist Name: Chelsea McGoughWriter Name: Chelsea McGoughWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONPublisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.Episode transcript: Teaching for Transformation: Creativity, Patience, and Presence (Lauri Ann Lumby) coming soon.
The Supremacy of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the Holy Spirit's gift of Counsel. **** -Rules of Discernment: https://www.padreperegrino.org/2025/01/allrules/
Do you struggle to get much out of prayer? Do you feel like God's not speaking to you? Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz invites us to deepen our prayer life by asking two essential questions: “What am I looking for?” and “What am I listening for?” Drawing from the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality, he guides us in using our imagination and five senses to cultivate a more intimate and personal encounter with God. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking a more profound connection, this practical approach can transform your spiritual practice. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN Join Fr. Mike live for an unforgettable event as he unpacks the parables of Jesus. This is your chance to experience his powerful message in person!