Podcasts about john paul ii

Send us a textCardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuận spent 13 years imprisoned by the communist regime in Vietnam—nine of them in solitary confinement. In this moving conversation, his sister Elizabeth shares intimate family memories, the roots of his priestly vocation, and the crucible of prison where the Eucharist became his lifeline. She recounts how the meditations that became The Road of Hope were written and smuggled out, the small miracles that sustained him, and the day he was told simply to “be free… today.” We also trace his later service in Rome under St. John Paul II and the enduring lessons of dignity, forgiveness, and hope.In This Episode, You'll HearFamily & Vocation: A promise to God after the death of the family's first child; nightly rosary in a home chapel; formation that set the course for a priest and future cardinal.Seminary & History: Entering minor seminary at 13; formation amid the Indochina War and the influence of French missionaries; appointed bishop at 39.Arrest on a Marian Feast: The Assumption of 1975; immediate house arrest; writing 1,001 meditations that became The Road of Hope.Isolation & Interior Battle: The temptation to hatred in a windowless cell; the turning point—recognizing Christ's crucified face in suffering and choosing charity.The Eucharist in the Camp: Clandestine Mass with “medicine” (wine and hosts) smuggled in; the re-education camp as his “new cathedral.”Release & Aftermath: The tea-and-banana meeting with a minister—“What do you want?” “To be free.” “When?” “Today.”—followed by house restrictions, exile, and service in Rome.Rome & Universal Witness: Vice President and then President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace; preacher of the 2000 papal Lenten retreat; created cardinal in 2001.This Episode Is For You If You've Ever AskedHow can faith transform suffering into hope—concretely?What does it mean to embrace brokenness without losing your dignity?How does Mary lead us to Christ in trials—especially when everything seems lost?Where can I find a modern witness who lived the Gospel under persecution?Memorable MomentsProvidence and timing: The 50th anniversary of the arrest falling again in a Jubilee Year—just as in 1975.“Medicine” for priests: The code among the faithful to send wine and hosts under the guise of stomach medicine and a flashlight battery tube.A simple act of mercy: Addressing a harsh prison cleaner with respect—watching her demeanor soften and charity begin to break chains.Freedom in one sentence: “I want to be free… today.” And the door opened.Resources MentionedBiography: Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan: Man of Joy and Hope — Ignatius PressCause of Canonization: Official site — cardinalvanthuan.orgFollow Gotta Be SaintsInstagram: @gottabesaintsIf this conversation moved you, subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more people can discover testimonies of faith, healing, and holiness.Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement.Sponsored by TruthlyThis episode is brought to you by Truthly — the world's first Catholic action app helping you reflect and share your faith confidently. Start your free trial at Support the show

What makes a life worth living? Fresh from leading a pilgrimage through Greece, John shares the impact of walking in the footsteps of St. Paul and how true discipleship means boldly proclaiming the Gospel no matter the cost. He and Victor reflect on courage, martyrdom, spiritual warfare, and the everyday call for Christians to live with conviction instead of comfort. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to live with real purpose and faith, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to embrace a life worth living. Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

Send us a textI am preaching this homily on our pilgrimage in Poland. We visited Auschwitz/Brirkenau camp this morning; we are celebrating Mass in Sanktuarium Pasyjno-Maryjne, where Karol Wojtyra (St. John Paul II) came on pilgrimage as a boy.When I visited Krakow in 2001, we toured the Wawel Cathedral. There's a great bell in the tower, like Big Ben in London. It weighs 11 tons and it takes 12 people to ring it. This bell is named Zygmunt, and it has been rung for every major event in Poland since it was cast in 1520.frjoedailey@gmail.com

Humility is often misunderstood as weakness, but it is actually a strength that opens the door to grace. Jeff discusses the powerful virtue of humility and its crucial role in living as an activated disciple. He shares insights from his recent pilgrimage to Poland and Czechia, highlighting the humble lives of saints like St.John Paul II, St.Maximilian Kolbe, and St.Edith Stein. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”The ground is shifting—and not just in the news cycle. We're watching weak foundations give way in the Church, the culture, and our own heart. Today Jack shares the vision of Claymore, inspired by John Paul II's map of the route back to bedrock: restore the heart, reclaim marriage and family, and renew society from the inside out. That's the Claymore battle plan, and today we anchor it in Act Four: In the Beginning: awe, wonder, and a Cosmic explosion of Love.We start with the stark choice between two cities—the city of man, full of PRIDE and cooperating with evil , and the city of God that humbly receives truth from the Creator. From there, we confront how fear, power, and confusion have warped our response to crisis, from shutdowns to social unrest. Then we pivot to the beginning. Jesus points us to Genesis in Matthew 19 for a reason: before sin, male and female were created to image Trinitarian love. John Paul II's theology of the body gives us language for what our lives already feel in our bones: your body makes the visible the invisible; its spousal meaning is the call to become a gift—Free, total, faithful, and fruitful. That vision has teeth. We name the lie that the opposite of love is not hate, its lust or grasping; it's use. Porn shrinks the person. Hookup culture counterfeits freedom. Gender ideology splits identity from the body. The answer isn't outrage; it's awe—cultivated through prayer, the sacraments, brotherhood in Christ, and daily choices that train our desires in virtue... toward truth, goodness, and beauty. We share concrete practices to live the truth right now, whether you're single, dating, married, or discerning a consecrated vocation. Expect the church to look smaller, but purer. Expect mission to look local, but lasting. And expect joy when your life begins to sound like this: “This is my body, given for you.”If this resonates, share it with someone who's hungry for more than slogans. Subscribe, leave a review so others can find us, and email info@jp2renew.org to join the Claymore community. Let's build on rock—together.Here are the links to Jack's Substack and  X https://x.com/JP2RenewalDownload the Claymore Battle Plan https://jp2renew.org/claymore/Support the show

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!A single viral moment can do what a shelf of encyclicals can't—and that's exactly what we unpack. A papal quip about the death penalty, a glossy “ice blessing” clip, and days of Twitter crossfire reopened old wounds about the “seamless garment” and whether the Church is speaking with a clear voice. We talk frankly about why many Catholics who lived through John Paul II and Benedict bristled at the language of “inadmissible,” how prudential judgments differ from absolute moral norms, and why it matters for trust in the Magisterium. No strawmen, no gotchas—just the real stakes underneath the noise.We also get honest about the rift between trads and normies. Converts often defend the papacy out of genuine gratitude for authority after Protestant fragmentation. Trads speak with urgency that can read as judgment, especially online. We explore how form shapes faith—why the quiet gravity of the Latin Mass naturally invites reverence, dress, and silence—and how Novus Ordo communities can cultivate the same without culture wars. Along the way, we ask hard questions about optics: when Catholic leaders cozy up to climate theater, do we risk laundering ideology that sidelines the unborn, the family, and subsidiarity? Stewardship of creation is good; ceding our moral voice to technocratic agendas is not.What do we do next? Steelman the other side. Drop the labels. Seek clarity from Rome that upholds the unique horror of abortion while acknowledging legitimate debate on the death penalty. Build locally—beautiful liturgy, solid catechesis, and real friendship travel further than hot takes. If authority wants trust, it must choose precision over vibes. If we want renewal, we must choose reverence over rage. Hit play, then tell us where you stand and why—we'll read and respond. And if this conversation helped you think more clearly, subscribe, share the show, and leave a review so more people can find it.Support the showTake advantage of Recusant Cellar's "Christ the King" sale by heading over to https://recusantcellars.com/ and using code "REXCAELORUM" for 20% off at checkout!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Send us a textIn the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder, the death penalty has once again become a hot topic. Many Catholics are asking: Can we, in good conscience, support it?In this week's video, I sit down with Fr. Cristino to unpack the Church's teaching on the death penalty — from Scripture and tradition, through St. John Paul II, to Pope Francis today.This is not just about politics. It's about justice, mercy, and the dignity of every human life.Support the showSupport this show and get all future episodes by email atwww.kenandjanelle.com

Friends of the Rosary,Today is the feast of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873-1897), popularly known as "the Little Flower."St. Thérèse, a cloistered, discalced Carmelite nun, is the patroness of all foreign missions and the patroness of France.She died of consumption on September 30, 1897, at the age of 24, and was canonized in 1925. In 1997, Pope St. John Paul II declared her a Doctor of the Church.Her interior life is revealed through her autobiography, "Story of a Soul.""The Little Flower" attained a high degree of holiness by carrying out her ordinary daily duties with perfect fidelity, having a childlike confidence in God's providence and merciful love.She was always ready to serve others at all times, prayed especially for the priests, and had a great love of the Church and a zeal for the conversion of souls.The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. The Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated on October 7.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠October 1, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Friendship is one of the greatest gifts God gives us, but too often men settle for surface-level relationships. In this episode, John welcomes one of his closest friends, Nick Roberts, for a candid conversation about faith, brotherhood, and the power of walking through life with a friend. God designed us to walk side by side. Whether it's men's groups, accountability partners, recreational sports teams, or anything in between: you will benefit from finding brothers in Christ who will not only make you laugh, but also call you higher. Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”A Claymore Sword on the wall, sweat from a hard ride, and a straight look at the battlefield we all feel but rarely name. Jack traces a line from John Paul II's “final confrontation” warning to today's cultural flashpoints and ask what it really means to fight for the dignity of the human person and the covenant of man and woman without losing our charity—or our nerve. Along the way, we wrestle with scandal inside the Church, why “dialogue” without truth becomes doublespeak, and how honoring those who legislate against life confuses the faithful and emboldens a counterfeit moral vision.Here are the links to Jack's Substack and  X https://x.com/JP2RenewalDownload the Claymore Battle Plan https://jp2renew.org/claymore/Contact us: info@jp2renew.orgSupport the show

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”Ready for a battle plan to navigate today's spiritual warfare? This episode unveils Claymore, a discipleship program rooted in St. John Paul II's teachings that equips men, especially young men, to understand their identity and purpose in a confused world.Jack shares exciting developments for the Claymore apostolate, including an upcoming dedicated platform and handbook divided into 52 weekly "acts" that systematically build spiritual formation and brotherhood. This isn't just another program—it's a roadmap for answering life's fundamental questions: Who am I? What's my purpose? Why are we created male and female? How do I find authentic love?At the heart of Claymore lies the recognition that we're in a spiritual battle fought primarily on the battlefield of the human heart. The episode reviews the Claymore Battle Plan, which addresses Satan's three-pronged attack on individuals, families, and culture. You'll discover practical spiritual disciplines like the "morning solution"—beginning each day in prayer before technology—and learn how temptations can become invitations to deeper spiritual connection.Drawing on Scripture and John Paul II's teachings, Jack explains how our daily choices shape who we become through "self-determination." We don't merely receive formation passively; we co-create ourselves with God's grace through our actions. This understanding cuts through today's moral relativism and offers clarity in confusing times.Whether you're a young man searching for meaning or someone who cares about the next generation, this episode provides both inspiration and practical steps for reclaiming truth and building a culture of life. Join the Claymore journey and discover your role in God's larger story—because the future of our culture depends on warriors with the courage to stand for truth.Here are the links to Read Act 3: Substack  on X https://x.com/JP2RenewalDownload the Claymore Battle Plan https://jp2renew.org/claymore/Contact us: info@jp2renew.orgParable of the Sower and the Weeds and Wheat at Matthew 13:1-30Support the show

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Building on the chivalry episode's exploration of masculine ideals, Greg humbly unpacks the complementary feminine genius as by St. John Paul II in four key qualities—receptivity, sensitivity, generosity, and maternity—and integration with bold action through scriptural quotes and teachings. He integrates these concepts with examples of heroic women like Deborah, Judith, Esther, Mary, and saints including Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Joan of Arc, Teresa of Ávila, Frances Xavier Cabrini, Edith Stein, and more, showing how their courage stems from feminine strengths. With disclaimers about his perspective as a man and personal anecdotes, Greg critiques modern challenges to this vision in secular culture and issues calls to action for women to reclaim it through pro-life advocacy, evangelization, and spiritual motherhood. This episode highlights complementarity with masculinity, offering feminine genius as a timeless Catholic alternative for building the Kingdom amid contemporary chaos. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

We live in a world of constant noise. Phones, notifications, schedules, and other distractions keep us running without rest. And yet, so many of us cry out, “Why can't I hear God?” In this episode, John shares a personal reflection on how God speaks. Not through the noise, but in the silence, in the whisper. Drawing from Scripture, the saints, and his own story, he explains why we struggle to hear God's voice and how we can return to the quiet places where He waits for us. If you've been longing for direction, peace, or simply to know God is near, this episode is your invitation to slow down, be still, and listen for His whisper. Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

“The devil is afraid of a united husband and wife.” —St. John Chrysostom Summary The family is Satan's top target because it reflects God's very nature and holds the foundation of civilization. Marriage isn't just a social contract—it's a sacrament with spiritual power, which makes it a threat to evil. The enemy's strategy is subtle: sow disunity between spouses, confuse gender roles, exhaust parents, and replace faith formation with screens and busyness. By silencing prayer and fracturing family time, he slowly erodes the family's ability to thrive spiritually. But families aren't powerless. The fight starts with unity in marriage, sacrificial love, anchoring in prayer and the sacraments, and surrounding ourselves with like-minded families. The attack is real, but so is the remedy. A faithful, united, praying family is Satan's worst nightmare. As St. John Paul II said, “The future of the world and of the Church passes through the family.” The path forward is clear—lead your family with faith, courage, and love. Key Takeaways The family mirrors the Trinity, which is why Satan targets it relentlessly. Marriage is a spiritual battleground, not just a relationship. Disunity, distraction, and distorted roles are key tools the enemy uses. Prayer, unity, sacrifice, and community are how families fight back. Couple Discussion Questions Where do we feel the biggest spiritual attacks or distractions in our family life right now? Are we modeling unity for our kids—or are we forgetting that our witness is just as important as our teaching?  What's one practical change we can make this week to reclaim prayer or family time in our home?  

Pope St. John Paul II reminds us that the Catholic "breathes with both lungs east and west." There are actually 21 different, ancient and venerable ways to be Catholic

One of the most important encyclicals we need to rediscover is Pope Leo XIII's Libertas (1888), on the true nature of human liberty. This encyclical explains what true liberty consists of, followed by a lengthy exposition of the Church's condemnation of liberalism, in the Enlightenment/classical sense rather than today's narrower use of the word. Most people who call themselves conservative now would, in certain ways, fall into the category of liberalism as defined by Leo.  Prophetically warning of the evil consequences of political liberalism, Leo also takes aim at various false liberties in which modern people take such pride: freedom of speech, writing, thought, and worship. In each of these instances, liberals fail to recognize that freedom is not the right to do and say what one wants, but to do justice and to speak truth. As starting as Leo's teaching may be to modern Catholics, his fundamental principle is the one that Pope St. John Paul II enunciated when he said that "freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought."  Pope Leo XIII: "Man, by a necessity of his nature, is wholly subject to the most faithful and ever-enduring power of God; and that, as a consequence, any liberty, except that which consists in submission to God and in subjection to His will, is unintelligible. To deny the existence of this authority in God, or to refuse to submit to it, means to act, not as a free man, but as one who treasonably abuses his liberty; and in such a disposition of mind the chief and deadly vice of liberalism essentially consists. Pope Leo XIII, Libertas https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_20061888_libertas.html  DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio  SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a story about inheritance, caregiving, and family obligations—but as Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian discover, it also carries surprising echoes of the Gospel. Themes of love, sacrifice, and the dignity of the human person shine through the story, even when the characters themselves don't share a Christian worldview. (0:55) Before discussing How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024), Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian catch up on the past few weeks and talk about two films they've seen recently, The Life of Chuck (2024) and Materialists (2025). (15:58) Fr. Matt introduces the film for this episode, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. Although the characters in the movie aren't Christian, both Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian are struck by how the film points to Gospel truths, exploring self-sacrificial love, the way relationships take precedence over material wealth, and how even imperfect portrayals of family life can reveal universal human longings for God. (27:17) A major portion of the discussion focuses on cultural practices surrounding death and remembrance. Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian compare the Thai customs depicted in the film with Catholic teachings and rituals, from the Communion of Saints to funeral liturgies. (42:10) One of the film's underlying tensions is the temptation to treat people as means to an end—especially when inheritance is involved. Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt contrast this with Catholic teaching that things are meant to be used and people are meant to be loved. This leads into a reflection on St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, emphasizing the dignity of the human person and the self-giving nature of love.(43:47) Wrapping up the episode, Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian give their Seeds of the Word ratings.

So much of our struggle in life comes down to one question: do we know who we are in God? In this episode, John welcomes Carrie Daunt—wife, mother of nine, and speaker with the John Paul II Healing Center—for a powerful conversation on identity and family life. Carrie shares how her newest book, Beloved Son, helps parents speak truth into their children's hearts, and why reclaiming our identity as beloved sons and daughters of the Father is the foundation for healing and freedom. Carrie and John also reflect on the challenges men and women face in living out their vocations, the importance of fathers manning their post, and how ordering our lives with God at the center changes everything. Find Carrie's new book: https://a.co/d/3B00HjY Check out more of Carrie's work: https://www.instagram.com/carriedaunt https://www.facebook.com/CarrieDaunt https://x.com/CarrieDaunt https://jpiihealingcenter.org Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

We are truly blessed to have you joining us today for our latest edition of Handbook for Humanity! This episode is part 2 of a two part series on St. John Paul II's writings on the subject of Purity. Adele and Tom are joined once again by University of Louisiana Phd student, Hallee Mire as they break open JP II's thoughts on why its so important to give purity a prominent place in modern culture.

"When attention to the theological meaning of femininity is not accompanied by reflection on masculinity, men are left without a sense of the existential and sacramental significance of their own sex." A reading of a fascinating essay originally published in the journal Logos, about the work of Walter Ong, SJ. In the wake of an emphasis on the “feminine genius” as delineated by Pope St. John Paul II and others, this article attempts to develop a profile of the masculine genius. It supplements the teaching of Pope Francis on this subject in order to balance the more complete articulation of the feminine genius already provided by the Magisterium. Drawing primarily from the work of Walter J. Ong, whose presentation is corroborated and buttressed here with other studies, this article demonstrates that the masculine genius includes a set of gifts that complement those of women, both in the natural order and in the order of redemption. In Search of the Masculine Genius: The Contribution of Walter J. Ong full text: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/librarypdf/Raab-Masculine-Genius.pdf Text originally published by Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture, Volume 21, Number 1, Winter 2018. SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”The murder of Charlie Kirk and Ukrainian immigrant Iryna Zarutska reveals the fierce spiritual battle raging beneath today's headlines. Young people especially feel this tension as anxiety—a cognitive dissonance between what their hearts know to be true and the lies bombarding them from culture.The Claymore apostolate, named after the Scottish broadsword, equips young men with a blueprint for navigating this spiritual war. Knowledge becomes medicine to alleviate fear and confusion when we understand what's happening around us. Drawing from John Paul II's teachings, this three-step blueprint begins with developing friendship with Jesus Christ through daily practices like "knees before phone"—praying before engaging with technology each morning. By viewing temptation as an invitation to prayer rather than an occasion of sin, young men learn to transform struggles into opportunities for growth.Scripture reveals two paths: the wide gate leading to destruction and the narrow gate leading to life. Society follows what might be called an 80-20 rule: 20% actively follow Christ, 20% actively work against human flourishing, while 60% remain lukewarm. This apathetic majority has allowed cultural deterioration by refusing to stand for truth.Charlie Kirk exemplified speaking truth in love before his life was tragically cut short at 31. His legacy reminds us that authentic discipleship carries costs but also transforms culture. Through weekly podcasts, Substack articles, and community building, Claymore forms young men who, like Charlie, can become witnesses to hope in a world desperate for meaning.Ready to join the 20% who actively build a civilization of love? Download the Claymore Battle Plan at jp2renew.org and subscribe Jack's SubStack for access to our weekly formation materials. Your heart was made for more than anxiety—it was made for truth.Follow us on X! Contact us info@jp2renew.orgKeep Charlie and his family in your prayers!Support the show

Another installment of the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome." In this episode, Greg introduces the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Discover the CCC's history as John Paul II's "sure norm," its four-pillar structure (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, Prayer), unmatched value for authoritative answers, and versatile use in study or reference. Greg contrasts with Protestant fragmented sources, offering reflections on unified truth. This episode empowers your OCIA with the CCC as your ally against misinformation and myths about the Catholic faith. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

Why do so many men feel like nothing they do is ever good enough? Join us in the pew this week as John unpacks the crushing weight of perfectionism, the very thing that keeps men stuck in cycles of inadequacy and self-condemnation. God isn't asking for perfection; He's inviting you into greatness. When you show up to Mass distracted or spend an imperfect hour with your kids, He sees your heart and effort, not your failures. If you're tired of the voice that says “it's never enough,” this episode offers a biblical shift in perspective. Don't let your mistakes define you; let them refine you. Download the Opportunities For Grace spreadsheet: https://justaguyinthepew.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/OFGSheet.pdf Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

Thanks for spending some time with us! This show jumps back into the audiences of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. Starting at audience 49 we are looking at the section on the subject of "Purity". The next few audiences that cover Purity will challenge us to live life according to God's Holy Spirit and to have a transformation of heart toward authentic love and freedom. So prepare to listen in as Adele, Tom and Special Guest Hallee Mire dive into the topic of purity and how it can bring you closer to becoming the person God created you to be.

Pope St. John Paul II reminds us that the Catholic "breathes with both lungs east and west." There are actually 21 different, ancient and venerable ways to be Catholic

Adam speaks with Fr. Jeffrey Kirby about the importance of First Friday devotions. Fr. David Skillman wraps up our series on St. John Paul II's fourth encyclical. Fr. Joe Weber offers thoughts on today's Gospel. Download the Covenant Network app today! Pray the Visual Rosary at VisualRosary.org For more information on Covenant Network, visit OurCatholicRadio.org

You check all the boxes—good job, nice house, family, success—but still wake up asking, "Is this all there is?" You're not alone. This week in the pew, John is joined by his longtime friend Bart Schuchts, founder of Church on Fire and ministry leader with the John Paul II Healing Center, for an honest conversation about finding your God-given purpose when life feels like you're just surviving instead of thriving. Drawing from Scripture and raw personal experience, John and Bart explore why so many men are stuck in cycles of despair, working jobs that drain their souls while their hearts scream for something more. Check out more of Bart's work: https://www.churchonfire.live/ https://jpiihealingcenter.org/ And follow them on social media: https://www.instagram.com/churchonfire.live https://www.instagram.com/jpiihealingcenter/ https://www.facebook.com/JP2HealingCenter https://x.com/JPIIHealing https://youtube.com/@jpiihealingcenter?si=TgP-gv354daZcC8P Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

The Holy See and the United Nations: The International Conference on Population and Development (Cairo, 1994) as a Case StudyPresenters:Jane Adolphe, LLB/BCL/JCL/JCD Dr. Jane F. Adolphe is a professor of law at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida (2001-present), with degrees in common law, civil law (LLB/BCL), and canon law (JCL/JCD). She is also a lawyer qualified to practice law in Alberta, Canada and New York, USA, with an expertise in international human rights law and the Holy See. She is a former external advisor (2002-2011) and internal advisor (2011-2020) to three Popes: John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis through her work with the Papal Secretariat of State, Section for Relations with States. Jane is Founder and Executive Director of the International Catholic Jurists Forum.AbstractProfessor Adolphe will discuss the nature and mission of the Holy See within the international community and its status within the United Nations Organization (UN), with an overview of the Holy See's role during the 1990's when the UN launched a series of international conferences that form the basis of the current UN document: Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainability Goals, and the Holy See's extensive reservations to the same.  John Klink, M.A. Former Papal Diplomat and Chief Negotiator for the Holy See over UN World Summits in mid-1990s Gift of Divine Providence: My Role as a Papal Diplomat under Saint John Paul IIJohn Klink holds a BA from Santa Clara University and an MA from Georgetown University in English Literature. John was an executive with Catholic Relief Services serving in underdeveloped countries in North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He was recruited by the Vatican, and subsequently the White House, to serve as a diplomat/negotiator for scores of United Nations World Summits and Conferences during the critical period of the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of the European Union. He became an advisor to Popes and Presidents, was elected President of the International Catholic Migration Commission, and with his wife Patricia began a sovereign securities firm on Wall Street.His distinctive honors include Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Knight of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, Knight of Columbus (3rd Degree), and a Knight of Sts. Maurice and Lazarus. Royal Thai Armed Forces Award for Humanitarian Assistance to Displaced Persons in Thailand; 41st CRS Anniversary Award for Humanitarian Assistance; Legatus Ambassador Award.AbstractThe Population World Battle of CairoWhile the Holy See's Mission to the United Nations observer status normally precludes its active participation in member state negotiations, the creation in the 1990s of UN world conferences/summits allowed for the Holy See's delegations to participate as Conference state members. Thus, when a gauntlet was thrown by the draft document for the Cairo Population Conference of 1994 prepared by the Secretariat of the infamously “progressive” UN Population Fund and the nomination of its Director, Dr. Nafis Sadik as the President of the Cairo Conference, the Holy See actively intervened. Pope St. John Paul II, who providentially had taken the time to read the draft document, confronted Dr. Sadik at her private Papal audience, and he issued a clarion call to his fellow heads of state to be aware of the dangers to humanity that lurked in the Cairo draft declaration pages. In my remarks, I will recount some of the background history of how John Paul's inspiration led to the blocking of attempts by the “progressive” governments of the US and EU to create an international right to abortion.

Pope St. John Paul II, humility and vulnerability. 

Zbigniew Brzezinski was a key architect of the Soviet Union's demise, which ended the Cold War. A child of Warsaw—the heart of central Europe's bloodlands—Brzezinski turned his fierce resentment at his homeland's razing by Nazi Germany and the Red Army into a lifelong quest for liberty. Born the year that Joseph Stalin consolidated power, and dying a few months into Donald Trump's first presidency, Brzezinski was shaped by and in turn shaped the global power struggles of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. As counsel to US presidents from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama, and chief foreign policy figure of the late 1970s under Jimmy Carter, Brzezinski converted his acclaim as a Sovietologist into Washington power. With Henry Kissinger, his lifelong rival with whom he had a fraught on-off relationship, he personified the new breed of foreign-born scholar who thrived in America's “Cold War University”—and who ousted Washington's gentlemanly class of WASPs who had run US foreign policy for so long.Brzezinski's impact, aided by his unusual friendship with the Polish-born John Paul II, sprang from his knowledge of Moscow's “Achilles heel”—the fact that its nationalities, such as the Ukrainians, and satellite states, including Poland, yearned to shake off Moscow's grip. Neither a hawk nor a dove, Brzezinski was a biting critic of George W. Bush's Iraq War and an early endorser of Obama. Because he went against the DC grain of joining factions, and was on occasion willing to drop Democrats for Republicans, Brzezinski is something of history's orphan. His historic role has been greatly underweighted. In the almost cinematic arc of his life can be found the grand narrative of the American century and great power struggle that followed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

From Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (“The Big Dumper”) to Cracker Barrel pancakes to mother-son saints, Father Dave and Deacon Bob serve up another classic mix of sports, pop culture, and faith. This week's wide-ranging conversation moves from baseball nicknames and Ryder Cup golf to the Solemn Blessing of Christ the King Chapel and Franciscan University's theme for the year: keeping Jesus at the center.  Along the way, they debate Cracker Barrel's new logo, celebrate St. Monica and St. Augustine, and swap stories from recent travels to Corpus Christi and Superior. And since the podcast is nearing its final episodes, they invite listeners to share both favorite nicknames and treasured podcast memories as this chapter draws to a close.    Highlighted Sections  (00:00) A Podcast Nearing the Finish Line  Father Dave and Deacon Bob reflect on the bittersweet reality of wrapping up the show and invite listeners to send in nicknames and stories from past episodes.  (01:22) Nicknames and Sports Roundup  The guys kick things off their sports banter with Cal Raleigh's unforgettable nickname before rolling into football predictions, Buccaneers talk, and Ryder Cup golf. They even touch on Notre Dame's Sunday night matchup with Miami and the return of the so-called “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalry, popularized in ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary.  (11:46) Cracker Barrel and Breakfast Theology  Cracker Barrel's new logo sparks a lively debate about breakfast chains, maple syrup, and cultural shifts. From First Watch to Bob Evans, the guys weigh in on their favorites.  (15:47) The Best-Named Diocese  From Superior, Wisconsin, to Corpus Christi, Texas, the hosts trade stories from recent travels and give shout-outs to friends and listeners along the way.  (19:07) Christ the King Chapel Blessing  Franciscan's newly expanded chapel is blessed and opened, a joyful moment for the University and its largest freshman class. The new space is full of Franciscan beauty, from the San Damiano Cross to a nativity carving at the altar.  (22:01) Saints of the Week and Theme of the Year  St. Monica and St. Augustine take center stage, with reflections on Monica's perseverance as encouragement for parents praying for their children. The episode closes with Franciscan's theme for the year: Jesus at the center of all things.    Resources Mentioned  Why is Cal Raleigh nicknamed 'Big Dumper'?– USA Today  Notre Dame vs. Miami Rivalry: Catholics vs. Convicts– ESPN 30 for 30 documentary  Cracker Barrel Rebrand Coverage – Coverage of the new logo and redesign  Christ the King Solemn Blessing Mass – Watch the solemn blessing  Catechesi Tradendae (On Catechesis in Our Time) – St. John Paul II on catechesis 

Sometimes we get discouraged when our imperfect efforts fail our expectations, when in reality it is only God who can provide exactly what we need. Join us in the pew this week as John reflects on this truth through a story about his yard in the Memphis heat, and how one sudden downpour after weeks of drought became a powerful lesson in the way God intervenes with grace. Drawing from Psalm 63, he shows how relying on ourselves is futile, and how opening to God restores our souls—just as rain revived John's grass. You don't have to hold it all together. God's grace is real—ask Him to let it rain. Download the Opportunities For Grace spreadsheet: https://justaguyinthepew.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/OFGSheet.pdf Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

We appreciate you spending some of your valuable time with us. This episode is the second part of our 2 part series with Diocese of Lafayette seminarians, Reid Bourgeois and Matthew Gomez. This episode we will discuss with these possible future priests the St. John Paul II's writings on sexual integrity and how it intersects with real life, virtue building and accountability.

Pope St. John Paul II reminds us that the Catholic Church breathes with both lungs East and West. There are actually 21 different ancient and venerable ways to be Catholic.

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”What happens when our deepest desires for connection and love become twisted by a pornographic culture? Father Thomas Morrow joins us to explore how we can reclaim authentic sexuality in a world that has reduced it to mere pleasure-seeking.Father Morrow, author of "Achieving Chastity in an Unchaste World," shares powerful insights about transforming our hearts rather than merely suppressing desires. Drawing from his decades of pastoral experience, he offers practical wisdom for those struggling with pornography addiction—including the story of a man who overcame a 20-year daily habit through prayer and intentional heart conversion.The conversation delves into Pope John Paul II's profound teachings on human love, explaining how we can move beyond mere attraction and desire toward authentic goodwill and self-gift. When temptation strikes, Father Morrow suggests simple but effective practices: repeating "Jesus" in your heart, redirecting thoughts, and transforming attraction into gratitude by mentally thanking God for the beauty He created.Purchase: Achieving Chastity in An Unchaste WorldPrayer emerges as the essential foundation for chastity. As Father Morrow explains, "Those who pray are saved, those who don't pray are damned"—not as a threat, but as a simple truth about relationship. Even when prayer feels boring (as it did for St. Teresa of Avila), perseverance leads to transformation. The Divine Mercy devotion offers particular strength, with Jesus's promise that those who venerate the image will not perish.For anyone struggling with sexual temptation, Father Morrow leaves us with this comforting truth: "The difference between a saint and a sinner is that a saint is a sinner who never stopped trying." No matter how many times we fall, God's mercy awaits our return—inviting us to a love infinitely more fulfilling than anything this world can offer.Read Jacks latest Blog on Substack: "Awakened by Beauty, Commissioned for Battle, Seeking Adventure"Support the show

Thursdays on Roadmap to Heaven are a time to learn from the encyclicals of St. John Paul II. Fr. David Skillman joins Adam to dive deeper into the encyclical "Slavorum Apostoli" written about Saints Cyril and Methodius. Later on, Fr. Brian Alford continues to reflect on the daily Gospel Readings of the week. Download the Covenant Network app today! Pray the Visual Rosary at VisualRosary.org For more information on Covenant Network, visit OurCatholicRadio.org

Who are men listening to in 2025? Join us in the pew this week for a conversation with longtime friend and guest Pete Burak, Vice President of Renewal Ministries. So many young men who desire discipleship are drawn to online influencers because they are validating that desire with a distorted version of masculinity. What they're really longing for is the radical call of Jesus—the only One who can truly transform a man's heart. Following Jesus means going all in. It means rejecting a lukewarm heart and letting Him radically transform your life as a man of God. Masculinity isn't toxic. It's holy—when Jesus is at the center. Check out Renewal Ministries and the awesome ways they're helping folks pursue true greatness. https://www.renewalministries.net/ Follow Pete on social media! https://www.instagram.com/peteburak https://www.facebook.com/pete.burak/ https://x.com/PeteBurak10 Follow Renewal Ministries on social media! https://www.instagram.com/renewalministries https://www.facebook.com/CatholicRenewalMinistries/ Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

What was it like to be human before sin entered the world? Drawing on St. John Paul II’s insights in the “Theology of the Body”, Cale discusses the relationship between Adam and Eve ‘in the beginning’. Topics include: original solitude original unity original nakedness the meaning of life love

Today's Gospel is from Matthew 19 and tells the story of how a rich young man asked Jesus what he had to do to gain eternal life. Pope St. John Paul II said this question is an essential and unavoidable question for the life of every person. To find out why, listen to more in today's reflection from Fr. Kubicki.

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”Former Border Patrol Deputy Agent JJ Carroll pulls back the curtain on America's darkest secret: government-facilitated child trafficking at our border. With 24 years of frontline experience, Carroll delivers a harrowing account of how our federal agencies became active participants in the largest child sex trafficking operation in modern history.The numbers are staggering and the implications horrifying. Upwards of 550,000 unaccompanied children crossed our border under the Biden administration—and all were subsequently lost in the system. Carroll explains how critical safeguards like DNA testing and background checks for sponsors were deliberately removed, creating a pipeline that delivered vulnerable children directly into the hands of traffickers and predators.What makes this crisis particularly disturbing is the complicity of trusted institutions. Religious organizations including Catholic Charities received billions in federal funding to transport migrants from the border into America's interior with minimal oversight. Meanwhile, Congressional leaders show shocking indifference when presented with evidence of trafficking, suggesting deeper corruption than most Americans are willing to acknowledge.Visit JJCarrell.com to learn more and watch his testimony to congress! Read Jacks latest Blog on Substack: "Awakened by Beauty, Commissioned for Battle, Seeking Adventure"For Discussion:Reflect on Personal Integrity and Moral Courage: America's status as the world's leading consumer of child pornography contributes to the broader crisis of child sex trafficking, warning that young men addicted to porn risk losing their hearts and the country itself. Drawing from John Paul II's Theology of the Body, which emphasizes the sacred dignity of the human person and warns against reducing others to objects of use, how can young men examine their own habits—such as exposure to pornography—and cultivate the courage to reject it, thereby standing against the exploitation of children? (Reference: John Paul II, Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body, Audience 24-29 on lust and objectification.)Protecting the Innocent as a Faith Imperative: JJ describes horrific abuses in trafficking, including children being "raped to death" for profit. Connect this to a profound spiritual decay in society. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus warns that it would be better to have a millstone tied around one's neck than to cause a little one to stumble. How might men discern their role in confronting institutional complicity—such as in religious organizations or government policies—and take concrete steps to protect children's innocence in their communities?From Awareness to Action in a Window of Opportunity: With the election of Donald Trump we have a "narrow window" to address the crisis. Christian men, there is an urgency to rebuild a society that values innocence. Consider Proverbs 31:8-9: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." As young men sensing "something's wrong" in culture, how can you move beyond voting or passive awareness to bold, faith-driven actions against child sex trafficking and pornography, such as volunteering with anti-trafficking groups or educating peers?Support the show

In this episode, Deacon Charlie sits down with Chase Crouse, founder of Hypuro, a Catholic fitness ministry that integrates physical discipline with spiritual growth. Chase shares his inspiring journey from a nominal Catholic upbringing to a profound reversion sparked by Matthew Kelly's Rediscover Catholicism. He discusses how fitness became a cornerstone of his spiritual life, drawing from St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body and the concept of active and passive purgation to frame exercise as a modern form of asceticism.Hypuro Fithttps://www.hypurofit.org/Speed Round Fitness Ratings (Scale: 1–10, 10 being awesome):Ozempic: 5 (situational; depends on medical need).Weighted Vests: 3 (overhyped, useful for some but not essential).Pilates: 5 (better than nothing, but Chase hasn't tried it).CrossFit/Functional Fitness: Varies (10 for great coaches, -10 for poor ones; coach quality critical to avoid injury).Infrared Sauna: 6–7 (enjoyable, not essential).Cold Exposure: 7–8 for athletes needing recovery, lower for general muscle-building goals.Hyrox: 8 (fun and challenging, especially as a team event).P90X: 3–4 (dated but better than nothing).

Friends of the Rosary,Today, August 14, is the Memorial of St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe (1894-1941), a Polish Franciscan, friar, priest, and martyr of Auschwitz, who founded a movement of Marian consecration called Militia of the Immaculata, With his preaching and writing, he undertook an intense apostolic mission in Europe and Asia.Imprisoned in Auschwitz during the Second World War, he offered himself in exchange for a young father of a large family who was to be executed, Francis Gajowniczek.When the captors couldn't kill him from starvation in the concentration camp, they ended his life with a lethal injection on August 14, 1941.In 1927, he established an evangelization center near Warsaw called Niepokalanow, the "City of the Immaculata." By 1939, the City had expanded from eighteen friars to an incredible 650, making it the largest Catholic religious house in the world.To better "win the world for the Immaculata," the friars utilized modern printing and administrative techniques, enabling countless catechetical and devotional works, a daily newspaper with a circulation of 230,000, and a monthly magazine with a circulation of over one million.Maximilian started a shortwave radio station and planned to build a motion picture studio—he was a true "apostle of the mass media." He established a City of the Immaculata in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1930, and envisioned missionary centers worldwide.Maximilian was a ground-breaking theologian. His insights into the Immaculate Conception anticipated the Marian theology of the Second Vatican Council and further developed the Church's understanding of Mary as "Mediatrix" of all the graces of the Trinity, and as "Advocate" for God's people.Pope St. John Paul II canonized him in 1982 and proclaimed him a "martyr of charity" and "Patron Saint of Our Difficult Century." Francis Gajowniczek was in attendance.He is a patron of journalists, families, prisoners, the pro-life movement, and the chemically addicted.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York• ⁠August 14, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

In this episode of The Zach Show, award-winning journalist Philip Shenon, author of Jesus Wept, takes us inside the Vatican's most turbulent century. From Pope Pius XII's meeting with Hitler and his controversial silence during the Holocaust, to Pope John XXIII's revolutionary Vatican II reforms, we trace the Church's battles over power, mercy, and truth. Shenon unpacks Hans Küng's assault on papal infallibility, the decades-long rivalry with Joseph Ratzinger, and explosive evidence tying John Paul II and Benedict XVI to global abuse cover-ups. We also explore the Vatican's Cold War alliance with the CIA, Francis's “Who am I to judge?” moment, and whether Vatican Intelligence still plays in the shadows. Guest bio: Philip Shenon is an award-winning investigative journalist who spent over two decades at The New York Times, covering stories from the Pentagon to the CIA. He's the bestselling author of The Commission (the inside story of the 9/11 investigation) and Jesus Wept, an exposé on the modern Catholic Church. This is only the first half of the episode on how to disappear. To get the full episode (audio and video), exclusive AMAs, and more, subscribe to The Zach Show 2.0 today: https://thezachshow.supercast.com/ PHIL SHENON LINKS:Website: https://www.philipshenon.com/Jesus Wept: http://bit.ly/3JevgKUX(Twitter): https://x.com/philipshenonAll Books by Shenon: https://amzn.to/4mDBZfI THE ZACH SHOW LINKS: The Zach Show 2.0: https://thezachshow.supercast.com/Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zaS6sPYouTube: https://bit.ly/3lTpJdjWebsite: https://www.auxoro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxoro If you're not ready to subscribe to The Zach Show 2.0, rating the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts is free and massively helpful. It boosts visibility, helps new listeners discover the show, and keeps this chaos alive. Thank you: Rate The Zach Show on Spotify: https://bit.ly/43ZLrAtRate The Zach Show on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/458nbha 

Hour 3 for 8/13/25 Drew and Dr. Charles Camosy discussed wealth and if extreme wealth is immoral (1:00). Topics: love of money (9:31), rich young man (13:17), John Paul II (15:19), caller: Jesus would cry about today's society (17:59), caller: where should I donate (20:18), caller: should the poor change? (22:25), Heaven and hell (29:54), caller: we will be judged (31:25), caller: employers can do a lot of good to create wealth (36:02), caller: the Vatican's wealth (43:21), caller: I've noticed that the super wealthy aren't Christians (45:21), caller: the importance of giving (47:39), and caller: give and don't worry (49:28). Link: https://www.orderosv.com/product/living-and-dying-well-a-catholic-plan-for-resisting-physician-assisted-killing

Is your life full of noise, stress, and spiritual disconnection? You're not alone. Join us in the pew this week as John and Victor dive into the chaos that often fills our lives, and the despair that can follow. They unpack how addiction, stress, and misplaced priorities lead us away from peace and into deeper confusion. But there's hope. Through honest reflection, spiritual discipline, and authentic community, we can begin to reclaim order in our lives. Listen as John and Victor speak plainly about their own past, and the practical ways they were able to move from chaos to clarity, and from despair to hope. Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

TRADCAST EXPRESS - Episode 213 Topics covered: The Great Apostasy: Catholics are required to believe a massive number of Catholics will fall away from the true Faith before Christ returns, and even the Novus Ordo Catechism of John Paul II affirms this. But what is the nature of this Great Apostasy, how does it relate to the Papacy, and... are we living through it at present? Links: Traditional Catholic teaching on the Great Apostasy: found in The Catechism of the Council of Trent (see page 84) Novus Ordo teaching on the Great Apostasy: found in Catechism of the Catholic Church (see n. 675) Cardinal Henry Edward Manning's research on the Great Apostasy, the Pope, and the Antichrist presented in "The Persecution and ‘Death' of the Church: The Testimony of Scripture and Tradition", Novus Ordo Watch (Jan. 18, 2024) Collection of authoritative quotes of magisterial documents: The Catholic Teaching on the Papacy Pope Pius VII, Encyclical Diu Satis (1800) Pope Pius IX, Encyclical Nostis et Nobiscum (1849) Pope Pius IX, Encyclical Inter Multiplices (1853) Pope Pius VI, Apostolic Constitution Super Soliditate (1786) Pope Pius IX, Apostolic Letter Iam Vos Omnes (1868) Pope Leo XIII, Encyclical Satis Cognitum (1896) Pope Pius XI, Encyclical Mortalium Animos (1928) "Cardinal of Barcelona Bans Lecture on Christ the King", Gloria.TV (Jan. 14, 2025) Pope Pius XI, Encyclical Quas Primas (1925) Sign up to be notified of new episode releases automatically at tradcast.org. Produced by NOVUSORDOWATCH.org Support us by making a tax-deductible contribution at NovusOrdoWatch.org/donate/

Hour 3 for 8/6/25 Drew and Msgr. Rossetti covered spiritual warfare (1:00), how Msgr. got started as an exorcist (7:19), addiction (14:17), and healing family division (20:50). Then, Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius discussed Divine Mercy, the War in Ukraine, and St. John Paul II (32:33). Link: KofC.org/Relevant

What really makes for lasting love and deep intimacy—whether in marriage or in our relationship with God? In this episode, Dr. Greg explains why the “spark” isn't the true measure of a healthy sex life and how intentional, self-giving love leads to deeper joy. Drawing on wisdom from St. John Paul II and modern research, he offers a fresh perspective on love, marriage, and the spiritual life.   Key Topics: Why “the spark” of spontaneous desire isn't the gold standard for lasting intimacy The difference between desire and pleasure in a healthy sex life What research reveals about spontaneous vs. responsive desire The connection between conjugal love and spiritual growth How anxiety and anticipation can hinder authentic pleasure Practical ways to move from fleeting desire to intentional, self-giving love St. John Paul II's insights on love, desire, and the human person Learn More: Article on the “Desire Imperative” – a secular perspective on the difference between spontaneous desire (“the spark”) and responsive desire Love and Responsibility by St. John Paul II – timeless wisdom on love, desire, and the human person Blog: Prioritizing Daily Life: The Power of Boundaries – practical ways to create space for prayer and what matters most Podcast Episode #189: Social Sabbatical – learning the rhythm of silence and a deeper cadence of prayer Discernment of Spirits – understanding how to recognize God's voice in your life Catholic Mindfulness – training your mind for peace Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Questions answered this episode:I've broken free from porn and masturbation since returning to the Church, but now I experience arousal during deep prayer. It distracts and disturbs me—how can I pray through it without shame or confusion?My kids ask: If Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, did the Spirit become physical—like a sperm? How do I explain this?As a virgin in an art class drawing nude figures, I feel shame, fear, and temptation. How can I see the body with purity and maturity without falling into lust or fantasy?Resources:⁠⁠COURSE SCHEDULE⁠⁠JPII Legacy Foundation WebsiteWhat to Do With Your Sexual Needs YouTube VideoSexual Needs Into Prayer YouTube Video---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---