Podcasts about Pope Paul

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 1ú lá de mí Aibreán, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1981 scuab Uachtarán Regan a chuid fhiacla agus shínigh sé bille reachtach ina leaba san ospidéal. Nuair a bhí sé ann dúirt na dochtúirí go raibh téarnamh iontach aige. I 2005 tháinig an nuacht amach go raibh botún teicniúil sa mbanc agus bhí tionchar ar níos mó ná 60,000 duine. I 1967 tháinig teachtaireacht amach ó Pope Paul a bhí 20,000 focail chuig na gCaitliceach agus bhí sé ag iarradh ocras, bochtaineacht agus cíocras a stopadh sa domhain. I 2005 bhí imní ag na oibreoirí ag aerfort na Sionainne de bharr go raibh plean acu chun seachfhoinsiú an lónadóireacht don chéad uair I 60 bhliain. Sin Duran Duran le Is There Something I Should Know – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo i 1983. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1966 tháinig David Bowie amach lena chéad singil Do Anything You Say. Bhí sé a chéad amhrán a tháinig sé amach leis faoi a ainm stáitse. I 2020 fuair amhránaí Adam Schlesinger bás ag aois 52 de bharr Covid. Tá sé cáiliúil de bharr gur bhunaíodh sé Fountains Of Wayne agus tháinig siad amach le cúig albam le chéile. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh amhránaí Susan Boyle san Albain I 1961 agus rugadh aisteoir Asa Butterfield I Londain ar an lá seo I 1997 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 1st of April, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh In 1981 President reagan brushed his teeth and signed a legislative bill in his hospital bed as he made what his doctors called a remarkable recovery. In 2005 About 60,000 bank of ireland customers fell victimed to a technical error this weeek, the bank admitted. In 1967 Pope Paul, in a moving 20,000 word messsage to catholics appealed to the world to bring an end to hunger,poverty,strife and greed. In 2005 There was mounting unease and worker unrest at shannon airport over the plans to outsource the catering operation for the first time in 60 years. That was Duran Duran with is there something i should know – the biggest song on this day in 1983. Onto music news on this day in 1966, David Bowie released his maiden solo single, “Do Anything You Say,” on the Pye label. Produced by Tony Hatch, it was the London artist's first recording under his new stage name. In 2020, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Adam Schlesinger died at the age of 52 from COVID-19. Schlesinger was best known as the co-founder of the power-pop band Fountains Of Wayne, with whom he released five albums. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – susan boyle was born in scotland in 1961 and actor asa butterfield was born in london on this day in 1997 and this is some of the stuff he done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Patrick dives deep into why the Church teaches against contraception within marriage. He discusses how the marriage act is primarily ordered toward procreation and why any form of contraception misuses this sacred act. Patrick uses insightful analogies and references key documents like Pope Paul's encyclical, Humane Vitae, for clarity.   Breakdancing update UK censoring online content Travis - I wanted to comment on the riots and arrests happening in the UK. I think the prime minister is in with the world economics people. We have the same people here in the USA and we need to remember that we were founded on Christian values (12:43) Shannon - Can my husband put scary animatronic decorations in the yard? (14:02) Patrick on why the marriage act's primary purpose is procreation (27:18) Susan - What is our relationship with people in purgatory? (40:20)

The guys talk about the Sixers big signing of Paul George and ask if he is the biggest free agent signing in franchise history. The Phillies have three All-Stars, and Howard Eskin gets his...finally. You can catch Corner Pub Sports live on Friday nights at 8:15pm (EST) on their Facebook, YouTube, and X pages (@cornerpubsports)

Walking with the Saints Podcast | Feast of St. Isidore, the farmer l Patron Saint of all Farmers | May 15     There are two famous saints by the name of Isidore, one is the Archbishop of Seville, and the other is Isidore, the farmer. We shall speak today about St. Isidore, the farmer or laborer. He is also called San Isidro de Labrador.  St. Isidore, whose real name is Isidro Quintana de Merlo was born in Madrid from poor but devout Catholic parents and was baptized with the name of St. Isidore of Seville. As a young boy, he learned from his parents that devotion to God is the most important duty, followed by helping one's neighbors. At an early age he was at once employed as a farm help in the vast estate outside the city of San Juan de Vargas. He was humble, kind and charitable. Early every morning, he would go to church to attend Mass and he had the habit of visiting the churches around Madrid. Isidore married Maria Torribia known in Spain as Santa Maria de la Cabeza. (Her canonization is still to be confirme). The couple had one son who later died in his youth. It is related that when this son was just a small boy, he fell into a deep well, and his parents prayed hard for his safety. Miraculously, the water of the well rose to the level of the ground bringing the child with it. The couple was greatly thankful to God, and in thanksgiving vowed sexual abstinence and lived in separate houses. Isidore continued his farm work but he would often come late for work so the other farm helps complained about it to their master. When the master went to the fields to investigate, he found that an angel was ploughing the field while Isidore was in deep sleep. The master therefore concluded that angels were helping Isidore that's  was why his part of the field was two times better and fruitful than those of his companions. Other miracles happened even while Isidore was still alive. Before he and his wife vowed (abstinence) continency and took separate lodgings, Maria always kept stew on their humble fireplace for the poor people Isidore would bring home to feed. One day, he brought more people and the stew Maria prepared was not enough. Isidore told her to check the pot again, and behold there was enough stew and they were able to feed everyone. On another occasion, when Isidore was going to the mill to ground wheat for their consumption, he saw a flock of pigeons scratching vainly for food but there was none because it was snowy. Isidore poured half of the wheat in his sack and the birds enjoyed their meal. Those who saw him laughed and mocked him for such stupidity. However, when he reached the mill, the bag was full again and when it was milled, it produced double the expected amount of flour. Other miracles happened while he was still alive and more after his death. St. Isidore died on May 15, 1130. He was beatified on May 2, 1619 by Pope Paul and was canonized on March 12, 1622. He is venerated as the patron saint of Madrid, of farmers, peasants and of the US National Catholic Life Conference. Many churches in the Philippines are named after him. Virtue: piety, humility, charity, generosity, continence, confidence Prayer: “Pray for us St. Isidore that we may love God the way you did and our neighbors as ourselves.”

On this 800th Edition, Howard talks about his radio life, Nick Pope, Steve Bassett and Peter Robbins comment on the recent and very controversial AARO UAP Report... What now for "disclosure"? And Truth Proof's Paul Sinclair answers your questions.

Episode 400 debuts on December 6, at 8:00 PM Eastern. Rebroadcasts will take place according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). The topic is Don't Call It 'the Tridentine Mass'! Letter #167, 2023, Wed, Nov 29: The Mass — at insidethevatican.com A Short History of the Roman Mass — by Michael Davies Eucharistic Prayer II: its problems and background — "Pope Paul's New Mass" (The Angelus Press, 1980), by Michael Davies Distorting Hippolytus — by Edward T. Snyder at unavocecanada.org The Early Church Believed in the Eucharist — by Tom Nash, at catholicanswers.com Patriarch and Patriarchate — Catholic Encyclopedia entry at newadvent.org Miniature of Gregory the Great writing, from a 12th-century copy of his Dialogues, public domain via Wikimedia Commons “Reconquest” is a militant, engaging, and informative Catholic radio program featuring interviews with interesting guests as well as commentary by your host. It is a radio-journalistic extension of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center. Each weekly, one-hour episode of Reconquest will debut RIGHT HERE on Wednesday night at 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 PM Central). It will then be rebroadcast according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time).

In Living under the Evil Pope (Brill, 2019), Martina Mampieri presents the Hebrew Chronicle of Pope Paul IV, written in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Italian Jewish moneylender Benjamin Neḥemiah ben Elnathan (alias Guglielmo di Diodato) from Civitanova Marche. The text remained in manuscript for about four centuries until the Galician scholar Isaiah Sonne (1887-1960) published a Hebrew annotated edition of the chronicle in the 1930s. This remarkable source offers an account of the events of the Papal States during Paul IV's pontificate (1555-59). Making use of broad archival materials, Martina Mampieri reflects on the nature of this work, its historical background, and contents, providing a revised edition of the Hebrew text as well as the first unabridged English translation and commentary. Martina Mampieri has been granted a special mention of excellence in the Alberigo Award 2021 by the European Academy of Religion and Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In Living under the Evil Pope (Brill, 2019), Martina Mampieri presents the Hebrew Chronicle of Pope Paul IV, written in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Italian Jewish moneylender Benjamin Neḥemiah ben Elnathan (alias Guglielmo di Diodato) from Civitanova Marche. The text remained in manuscript for about four centuries until the Galician scholar Isaiah Sonne (1887-1960) published a Hebrew annotated edition of the chronicle in the 1930s. This remarkable source offers an account of the events of the Papal States during Paul IV's pontificate (1555-59). Making use of broad archival materials, Martina Mampieri reflects on the nature of this work, its historical background, and contents, providing a revised edition of the Hebrew text as well as the first unabridged English translation and commentary. Martina Mampieri has been granted a special mention of excellence in the Alberigo Award 2021 by the European Academy of Religion and Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

In Living under the Evil Pope (Brill, 2019), Martina Mampieri presents the Hebrew Chronicle of Pope Paul IV, written in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Italian Jewish moneylender Benjamin Neḥemiah ben Elnathan (alias Guglielmo di Diodato) from Civitanova Marche. The text remained in manuscript for about four centuries until the Galician scholar Isaiah Sonne (1887-1960) published a Hebrew annotated edition of the chronicle in the 1930s. This remarkable source offers an account of the events of the Papal States during Paul IV's pontificate (1555-59). Making use of broad archival materials, Martina Mampieri reflects on the nature of this work, its historical background, and contents, providing a revised edition of the Hebrew text as well as the first unabridged English translation and commentary. Martina Mampieri has been granted a special mention of excellence in the Alberigo Award 2021 by the European Academy of Religion and Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Living under the Evil Pope (Brill, 2019), Martina Mampieri presents the Hebrew Chronicle of Pope Paul IV, written in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Italian Jewish moneylender Benjamin Neḥemiah ben Elnathan (alias Guglielmo di Diodato) from Civitanova Marche. The text remained in manuscript for about four centuries until the Galician scholar Isaiah Sonne (1887-1960) published a Hebrew annotated edition of the chronicle in the 1930s. This remarkable source offers an account of the events of the Papal States during Paul IV's pontificate (1555-59). Making use of broad archival materials, Martina Mampieri reflects on the nature of this work, its historical background, and contents, providing a revised edition of the Hebrew text as well as the first unabridged English translation and commentary. Martina Mampieri has been granted a special mention of excellence in the Alberigo Award 2021 by the European Academy of Religion and Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

In Living under the Evil Pope (Brill, 2019), Martina Mampieri presents the Hebrew Chronicle of Pope Paul IV, written in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Italian Jewish moneylender Benjamin Neḥemiah ben Elnathan (alias Guglielmo di Diodato) from Civitanova Marche. The text remained in manuscript for about four centuries until the Galician scholar Isaiah Sonne (1887-1960) published a Hebrew annotated edition of the chronicle in the 1930s. This remarkable source offers an account of the events of the Papal States during Paul IV's pontificate (1555-59). Making use of broad archival materials, Martina Mampieri reflects on the nature of this work, its historical background, and contents, providing a revised edition of the Hebrew text as well as the first unabridged English translation and commentary. Martina Mampieri has been granted a special mention of excellence in the Alberigo Award 2021 by the European Academy of Religion and Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/italian-studies

In Living under the Evil Pope (Brill, 2019), Martina Mampieri presents the Hebrew Chronicle of Pope Paul IV, written in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Italian Jewish moneylender Benjamin Neḥemiah ben Elnathan (alias Guglielmo di Diodato) from Civitanova Marche. The text remained in manuscript for about four centuries until the Galician scholar Isaiah Sonne (1887-1960) published a Hebrew annotated edition of the chronicle in the 1930s. This remarkable source offers an account of the events of the Papal States during Paul IV's pontificate (1555-59). Making use of broad archival materials, Martina Mampieri reflects on the nature of this work, its historical background, and contents, providing a revised edition of the Hebrew text as well as the first unabridged English translation and commentary. Martina Mampieri has been granted a special mention of excellence in the Alberigo Award 2021 by the European Academy of Religion and Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

In Living under the Evil Pope (Brill, 2019), Martina Mampieri presents the Hebrew Chronicle of Pope Paul IV, written in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Italian Jewish moneylender Benjamin Neḥemiah ben Elnathan (alias Guglielmo di Diodato) from Civitanova Marche. The text remained in manuscript for about four centuries until the Galician scholar Isaiah Sonne (1887-1960) published a Hebrew annotated edition of the chronicle in the 1930s. This remarkable source offers an account of the events of the Papal States during Paul IV's pontificate (1555-59). Making use of broad archival materials, Martina Mampieri reflects on the nature of this work, its historical background, and contents, providing a revised edition of the Hebrew text as well as the first unabridged English translation and commentary. Martina Mampieri has been granted a special mention of excellence in the Alberigo Award 2021 by the European Academy of Religion and Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Living under the Evil Pope (Brill, 2019), Martina Mampieri presents the Hebrew Chronicle of Pope Paul IV, written in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Italian Jewish moneylender Benjamin Neḥemiah ben Elnathan (alias Guglielmo di Diodato) from Civitanova Marche. The text remained in manuscript for about four centuries until the Galician scholar Isaiah Sonne (1887-1960) published a Hebrew annotated edition of the chronicle in the 1930s. This remarkable source offers an account of the events of the Papal States during Paul IV's pontificate (1555-59). Making use of broad archival materials, Martina Mampieri reflects on the nature of this work, its historical background, and contents, providing a revised edition of the Hebrew text as well as the first unabridged English translation and commentary. Martina Mampieri has been granted a special mention of excellence in the Alberigo Award 2021 by the European Academy of Religion and Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walking with the Saints Podcast | Feast of St. Isidore, the farmer l Patron Saint of the Farmers | May 15 There are two famous saints by the name of Isidore, one is the Archbishop of Seville, and the other is Isidore, the farmer. We shall speak today about St. Isidore, the farmer or laborer. He is also called San Isidro de Labrador.  St. Isidore, whose real name is Isidro Quintana de Merlo was born in Madrid from poor but devout Catholic parents and was baptized with the name of St. Isidore of Seville. As a young boy, he learned from his parents that devotion to God is the most important duty, followed by helping one's neighbors. At an early age he was at once employed as a farm help in the vast estate outside the city of San Juan de Vargas. He was humble, kind and charitable. Early every morning, he would go to church to attend Mass and he had the habit of visiting the churches around Madrid. Isidore married Maria Torribia known in Spain as Santa Maria de la Cabeza. (Her canonization is still to be confirme). The couple had one son who later died in his youth. It is related that when this son was just a small boy, he fell into a deep well, and his parents prayed hard for his safety. Miraculously, the water of the well rose to the level of the ground bringing the child with it. The couple was greatly thankful to God, and in thanksgiving vowed sexual abstinence and lived in separate houses. Isidore continued his farm work but he would often come late for work so the other farm helps complained about it to their master. When the master went to the fields to investigate, he found that an angel was ploughing the field while Isidore was in deep sleep. The master therefore concluded that angels were helping Isidore that's  was why his part of the field was two times better and fruitful than those of his companions. Other miracles happened even while Isidore was still alive. Before he and his wife vowed (abstinence) continency and took separate lodgings, Maria always kept stew on their humble fireplace for the poor people Isidore would bring home to feed. One day, he brought more people and the stew Maria prepared was not enough. Isidore told her to check the pot again, and behold there was enough stew and they were able to feed everyone. On another occasion, when Isidore was going to the mill to ground wheat for their consumption, he saw a flock of pigeons scratching vainly for food but there was none because it was snowy. Isidore poured half of the wheat in his sack and the birds enjoyed their meal. Those who saw him laughed and mocked him for such stupidity. However, when he reached the mill, the bag was full again and when it was milled, it produced double the expected amount of flour. Other miracles happened while he was still alive and more after his death. St. Isidore died on May 15, 1130. He was beatified on May 2, 1619 by Pope Paul and was canonized on March 12, 1622. He is venerated as the patron saint of Madrid, of farmers, peasants and of the US National Catholic Life Conference. Many churches in the Philippines are named after him. Virtue: piety, humility, charity, generosity, continence, confidence Prayer: “Pray for us St. Isidore that we may love God the way you did and our neighbors as ourselves.”

This episode contains SO MUCH GOODNESS! Not only are we serenaded by Broadway actor Matthew Griffin, experience lots of laughter, we also get a look into his career and faith journey so far. I was super encouraged and I know you will be too! Matthew was last seen in the play THE COLLABORATION on Broadway starring Jeremy Pope and Paul Bettany. Prior to production, he was a member of the hit show, TINA— THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL on Broadway. During his time in Tina, he has been featured in multiple upcoming theater projects, along with guest star appearances in tv shows including The Godfather of Harlem on Epix and Inventing Anna on Netflix. Matthew's next adventure leads him to a new play off-Broadway (currently unannounced). This all follows his experience of being an educator for three years before jumping into the arts. Outside of his career he is active in his church, loves fitness and discovering the best food joints in the neighborhood, writes music, and never ceases to learn about the world through experiences and mountains of books.  Book: “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence Please leave us a review, and rating and give us a follow.@matthewgriffin10 Produced by On Air with Q

The free love of the 1960s was a crucial step in the world becoming more sex positive, but would any of it have happened without the invention of The Pill?  This week, we're chatting all things birth control - how it came about, the reaction (hello again Pope Paul!), and allll the weird old timey forms of birth controls that once existed. Plus, we discuss the long term legacy of The Pill, the controversial idea of male birth control, and the modern day battle for bodily autonomy. To wade through it all, we're joined by Dr Catherine Roach, the author of 'Good Sex: Transforming America through the New Gender and Sexual Revolution'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Paul VI was in charge of the Catholic Church in a tumultuous time. Communists are locking up Catholic priests, the Vietnam War is raging on, and free love is in full swing. Does he modernise and change with the time? Or does he batten the hatches and stick to the status quo? How does he react to birth control? And how does Billy Joel come to have a Beatlemania-esque experience with this pope? Professor of History and Catholic Christianity, James Felak is here to walk us through the life of the paper-pushing pope!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick answers Pam's question “What does ‘Offering up my suffering up to the Lord' mean”?  Ken - Regarding the Pope Paul sixth audience center: I think it is deceptive. They are using a fish eye lens, so I don't think a snake.  Raphy 11-year-old - Why doesn't God just show himself to people who are losing their faith in Him?  Jennifer - Will your sins be known in purgatory as they will be in Heaven? Are there any sins that are so grave that you would automatically go to purgatory?  Jose - My daughter's boyfriend isn't Catholic and sent me a video 'Why I can't be a Roman Catholic' by Mike Winger. How can I respond to people who say this?   Paul - Should I tell people that In Vitro Fertilization is against Church teaching? 

I may get some hate mail on this one but we discuss Pope Paul.

In this episode Dan & Henry discuss; the power of admin (yet again!), once in a lifetime events, and the best stinger we've had in ages. Seriously, listen past the outro music.

Today, the Return to Order Moment is honored to bring you two essays written by the founder of the international TFP Movement, Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. Both essays describe the virtues and actions of Popes named Gregory. However, their names, their loyalty to the Catholic Faith, and the fact that both occupied the Throne of Saint Peter are all that these two men have in common. Four Hundred years separated them, and the problems that they faced were very different. The first is Pope Gregory the First, usually known as Saint Gregory the Great. Pope Saint Gregory the Great was so influential that fifteen subsequent popes took his name. Not all of them lived up to his example, but one in particular did. He was also canonized a saint, Gregory the Seventh. Pope Saint Gregory the Seventh was born about the year 1015. He was Pope for twelve years – from 1073 to 1085. Professor Plinio summed up his importance in the title of an essay that he wrote in 1972, Saint Gregory the Seventh, the Pope Par Excellence. One quick note, in two places Professor Plinio refers to Pope Paul the Sixth, who was pope at the time this essay was written. Certainly, it takes little imagination to substitute Pope Francis's name, for the situations that Professor Plinio describes still exist today.

Have you ever read the document "Humanae Vitae"? Many young adult Catholics have never even heard of this earth-shattering encyclical, released by Pope Paul VI in 1968. At the apex of the Sexual Revolution, Pope Paul's words ring prophetic about the dignity and beauty of human sexuality in the way that God intended it. Tune in to Fr. Joseph, Paul, Lauren, and Diane as they discuss Humanae Vitae's relevance to our modern world today!

On this episode we discuss the communion on the hand according to Pope Paul the 6th as he leads us through Church history, teaching, and tradition - and it might not be what you expect. Read MEMORIALE DOMINI here: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/instruction-on-the-manner-of-distributing-holy-communion-2195 Find the written reflection, and quote used for todays show, or the video on @DoThe_HarderThing Instagram. To grow deeper visit www.spiritualdirection.com Find more resources at www.dotheharderthing.com Disclaimer: Not all views expressed in this show by the host or any of the guests, past or future, represent Catholic Spiritual Direction or anyone associated with Catholic Spiritual Direction. The purpose of the show is to facilitate an engaging and thoughtful conversation with the desire and goal of deepening all aspects and understanding of the Catholic Faith. This requires asking hard questions, engaging in conversations that may be uncomfortable, intellectual honesty, and above all, full allegiance and surrender to Christ and His Church. Thank you for listening.

#50.With Dr. Martina Mampieri discussing her book, "Living under the Evil Pope: The Hebrew Chronicle of Pope Paul IV by Benjamin Nehemiah ben Elnathan from Civitanova Marche (16th cent.)"We discuss the Jews of Italy in the 15th & 16th century, the Pope's and the Jews, Pope Paul IV and his harsh decrees on the Jews (starting with the Bull Cum nimis absurdum), the burning of the stake of the conversos in Ancona in 1556, the chronicle and its author, Isaiah Sonne, and much more.To purchase the book: https://brill.com/view/title/39214 (Code 71292 should be 25% off until 1/31/2020)To read her new article: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/aup/stros/2020/00000046/f0020001/art00006;jsessionid=4fbhs387oq8h6.x-ic-live-02#For more information or to sponsor a show, please email seforimchatter@gmail.com

Our pope this week faced down an invading king, fought against a nasty heresy in the East, and has something in common with just FIVE other popes in all of Church history. Oh, and he's not the St. Paul you're probably thinking of. SUPPORT THE POPECAST * Click here to become a regular patron of The Popecast (early access and more): https://patreon.com/thepopecast * OR, if you'd prefer to just leave us a tip – Buy us a Coffee, if you will – check out https://buymeacoffee.com/thepopecast

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest Lectionary: 451All podcast readings are produced by the USCCB and are from the Catholic Lectionary, based on the New American Bible and approved for use in the United States _______________________________________The Saint of the day is St. Pio of PietrelcinaOn Sept. 23, the Catholic Church remembers the Italian Franciscan priest St. Pio of Petrelcina, better known as Padre Pio and known for his suffering, humility and miracles.The man later known by these names was originally named Francesco Forgione, born to his parents Grazio and Maria in 1887. His parents had seven children, two of whom died in infancy. They taught the five surviving children to live their faith through daily Mass, family prayer of the rosary, and regular acts of penance. Francesco had already decided at a young age to dedicate his entire life to God. At age 10, he felt inspired by the example of a young Capuchin Franciscan, and told his parents: I want to be a friar with a beard. Francescos father spent time in America, working to finance his sons education so he could enter the religious life. On Jan. 22, 1903, Francesco donned the Franciscan habit for the first time. He took the new name Pio, a modernized Italian form of Pius, in honor of Pope St. Pius V. He made his solemn vows four years later, and received priestly ordination in the summer of 1910. Shortly after, he first received the Stigmata Christs wounds, present in his own flesh.Along with these mystical but real wounds, Padre Pio also suffered health problems that forced him to live apart from his Franciscan community for the first six years of his priesthood. By 1916 he managed to re-enter community life at the Friary of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he lived until his death. He handled many duties as a spiritual director and teacher, covering for brothers drafted into World War I.During 1917 and 1918, Padre Pio himself briefly served in a medical unit of the Italian army. He later offered himself as a spiritual victim for an end to the war, accepting suffering as a form of prayer for peace. Once again, he received the wounds of Christ on his body. They would remain with him for 50 years, through a succession of global conflicts. Against his own wishes, the friars reputation for holiness, and attending miracles, began to attract huge crowds. Some Church officials, however, denounced the priest and had him banned from public ministry in 1931. Pope Pius XI ended the ban two years later, and his successor Pius XII encouraged pilgrimages to Padre Pios friary.Known for patient suffering, fervent prayer, and compassionate spiritual guidance, Padre Pio also lent his efforts to the establishment of a major hospital, the Home to Relieve Suffering. Padre Pio died in 1968, and was declared a saint in 2002. Three years after his death, Pope Paul VI marveled at his simple and holy life in an address to the Capuchin Order.A worldwide following gathered around him ... because he said Mass humbly, heard confessions from dawn to dusk and was it is not easy to say it one who bore the wounds of our Lord, Pope Paul explained. He was a man of prayer and suffering. Saint of the Day Copyright CNA, Catholic News Agency

"This episode was originally broadcast in November 2018. It was pulled from the internet shortly after. The program seems to contain some kind of coded message... maybe a password of some kind? I'm reposting the episode in the hope that someone can shed light on what happened here. For clues and updates, follow me on Twitter" - @ImogenShelfTest [fictional series / written by Ross Sutherland / for more stories, subscribe to the Imaginary Advice podcast] Full credits: https://www.the-golden-house-podcast.com

St Christopher On the 2nd day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of Saint Christopher.Christopher was known to be unsightly and a giant of a man, but the soul of a good and gentle man. During the reign of Emperor Decius, Christopher had been captured by imperial soldiers. Christopher admonished them for their ill treatment of Christians. Their captain beat him severely in response to this admonishment. “If it was not for the command of Christ,” Christopher boldly stated. “Which teaches me not to do unto others what they do unto us; you and your soldiers could not be delivered from my hands.”When Decius heard of the courage of this single man, he dispatched two hundred soldiers to bring him in. With Christopher in tow, and on their way back to the Emperor, they ran out of bread, except for a very small portion. Christopher prayed and God blessed that little portion into an abundance of bread. The soldiers marvelled and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, the God of Christopher. Upon returning to Antioch, the soldiers were baptized by the hands of Pope Paul the Patriarch.Eventually Christopher was brought forth before the Emperor and Decius trembled in fear at the appearance of this hulking man. But that imperial snake tried to charm, persuade and deceive Christopher into denying his faith in Christ. Bringing forth two attractive women to try and seduce Christopher. But to the dismay of Decius, Christopher brought the women to Christ and they proclaimed their faith before the Emperor. Enarged, he had their heads cut off - and they received the crown of martyrdom.The emperor had Christopher put into a boiling hot cauldron, but Christopher was unharmed. The people witnessing this event, believed in the power of Christian faith and believed in Jesus Christ. Disgusted by his attempts to tame the rise of Christianity even in his own court, the Emperor Decius ordered a heavy stone be tied around the giant’s neck and then have him thrown into a pit. But the angel of the Lord took him out of the pit safely. Finally the Emperor has his head cut off, and Christopher received the crown of martyrdom.Lessons from this storyChristopher, or in Greek “Christophorus” means “bearing Christ.” The story you have heard is the Coptic telling of Christopher’s martyrdom in the name Jesus Christ. But there is a Catholic telling of this same saint, that has elements important to his reference as the “patron saint of travellers”.Because of his size, he worked along a river, helping travellers to cross a sometimes roaring river. He had long been brought to Christ by a hermit who taught him about the King of Kings. As the legend goes, Christopher was asked to help a small boy to cross the river. Christopher obliged. However, as he approached midstream, the river rose and the child's weight grew, becoming extremely heavy. It was only by great exertion that Christopher safely delivered the child to the other side.When Christopher asked the child why he was so heavy, the child explained that He was Christ and when Christopher carried Him, he also carried the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. The child then vanished. This telling of his story has passed down from many, many generations. There have been some debate about his past, but his sainthood has never been questioned.God knows the truth. Not just about Christopher, but about you and me. He knows intimately, even better than we know ourselves. How many times have you done something that someone else got the credit for your effort or idea? This has probably happened more than once in your life. But God knows the truth. In the telling of Saint Christopher’s time of martyrdom, it was not his hulking strength that ultimately saved him, but his faith. Do not burden yourself with the credit deserved, for your credit is always good and safe with God.PrayerMay the prayers and intercessions of St Christopher be with us all, amen.

Show Notes: Hosts:  Peter Holmes & Marilyn Rodrigues Guest:  Katrina Zeno     What Your Body Reveals. In Today’s show we discuss…. The theology of the body, the significance of having a body, and the eternal significance of having a body. • Introducing the hosts and guest • What is Theology of the Body? • Why is it relevant to everyone? • Is it all about sex? • What about when love breaks down? • How does the theology of the body help healing?   One minute wonder • Balmoral beach • My son asks to play • A special retreat   Links & Resources: Katrina’s website is http://katrinazeno.com/ Katrina’s Youtube channel is https://www.youtube.com/user/tangohio Katrina’s post on TOB https://dphx.org/tob-tuesday-1/ Katrina’s books can be purchased from the Mustard Seed Bookstore   Two corrections: Katrina inadvertently said it was the 50th anniversary of TOB (instead of the 40th) and she also said the future JPII came to the conclave in Rome - with an almost finished manuscript - to elect the successor of Pope Paul (she should have said Pope John Paul I).   #theologyofthebody, #catholic, #peterholmes, #katrinazeno   Subscribe On: iTunes, Google Play, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Stitcher, Anchor, TuneIn, Blubrry, Spreaker, Player.fm, Radio Public, Overcast   Connect with us: Email: info@thiscatholiclife.com.au Facebook: @thiscatholiclifeau Twitter: @catholiclifeau Instagram: thiscatholiclifeau Discord: https://discord.gg/CCjtMTG    

Environmental policy, integral ecology, and how the environment and evangelization work together. We speak with Ricardo Simmonds, the founder of the Catholic non-profit “Creatio” out of the Archdiocese of Denver, which integrates the environment and evangelization. In our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we discuss Pope Paul VI’s letter, “Credo of the People of God” which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The credo, or creed, we say it at Mass every Sunday, but Pope Paul’s VI’s apostolic letter provides us with great substance to what it is that we are proclaiming as believers. Then in our bricklayer segment, we discuss how you can incorporate the principles of Catholic Social Teaching into living out faithful citizenship.

In This Episode:Introducing Humane Vitae. Amber is chatting with her husband Cameron about marriage, sex, family, and community. We’re reading segments of St. Pope Paul VI’s Encyclical Humanae Vitae and discussing as we go along.Links:Humanae Vitae (An Encyclical from St. Pope Paul VI)The Hildebrand ProjectShare your favorite episode of the podcast and tag Diapers and Disciples for a chance to win the giveaway:Diapers and Disciples on Facebook Diapers and Disciples on InstagramDiapers and Disciples Patreon Page See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ready for a beautiful, meaningful episode? Well, Lizzy Grayson, a mom of little ones, practitioner of NFP and fellow podcast listener delivers a beautiful, little episode for you today! A few weeks back Lizzy emailed me asking if I would consider doing an episode on Humanae Vitae. Sure, I said, if you come on as a guest and share about it! You see, I read Humanae Vitaein college...a million years ago, and Lizzy said something so interesting--she said that this Papal Document had profoundly impacted her and her husband. This surprised me because I have heard LOTS of couples talk about how Theology of the Bodyimpacted their relationship, but Humanae Vitae? Well, after listening to Lizzy I bet you will feel the beauty of the document as well. Humanae Vitaecame out in 1968 and was written by Pope Paul the 6th as a response to the widespread use of contraception. Many Catholics argued that the pill should be okay for Catholics to use, but the Pope clearly stated that since contraception make the marital act no longer unitive and procreative, thus changing this sacramental act, it went against church teaching. We can see now just how prophetic Humanae Vitaehas been. In this short encyclical Pope Paul 6th predicts that widespread use of the pill will lead to increased infidelity, it will be forced on women and women will be respected less. The church, however, remains compassionate for Catholic couples. It acknowledges that not being able to use contraception is a cross to bare. It also encourages us to grow in temperance and charity, which we have a greater opportunity to do when we don't use contraception. It really was a wonderful and powerful conversation with Lizzy. If you are listening to this and upset by anything we said, please feel free to reach out to me via email. I would be happy to chat with you about it. Also, please don't feel condemned by anything we said here. We are all sinners and if you have failed to live out fully the church's teaching on contraception, please, do not despair! Thankfully, there is forgiveness for all of us, for whatever we might have done! Believe in that and bring these things to the Lord! Here are a few helpful links: You can read Humane Vitaeonline for free, right HERE. You can also read all of Casti Connubii, an encyclical written by Pope Pius the XI and mentioned by Lizzy in the podcast, online for free. Find it HERE. Your sister in the small things,  Nancy

We caught Pope Paul inbetween tours. If you want to know what happens on the road with a touring band listen to this......And Jeff West has a few things to say about the road too.

On the programme tonight; 50 years after Pope Paul the sixths Humanae Vitae encyclical, we hear the story of one priests' stance in 1968 and the repercussions of that decision for him, to this day.

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Humanae Vitae, the controversial encyclical by Pope Paul VI which defended the classic sexual framework and prophesied the devastating consequences that would result upon its rejection. As Bishop Barron reveals, those prophecies have since been strongly vindicated. A listener asks whether God hates anything since he is defined by love. NOTE: Get your free Lent Reflections booklet from Bishop Barron here >> http://wordonfireshow.com/lent Topics Discussed 0:04 - Intro, What is Bishop Barron currently reading? 2:10 - Who was Pope Paul VI? 5:1o - What is the import of Evangelii Nuntiandi? 8:45 - What does Pope Paul mean when talks about the unitive and procreative dimensions of the sexual act? 11:45 - What are the prophecies Pope Paul makes in Chapter 17 of Humanae Vitae? 23:00 - How is Humanae Vitae more powerful now than when it was written in 1968? 27:54 - Listener Question: How can God "hate" something if God is love? Bonus Resources Books Humanae Vitae (Pope Paul VI) Evangelii Nuntiandi (Pope Paul VI) Articles Paul VI, Prophet (Bishop Robert Barron) Videos 5 Bishop Barron Videos on Marriage and the Family (Bishop Robert Barron)

I don't know what this episode's title means. Just listen... and be all the better for it.

In the galleries of the Getty Museum are two works of art with an interesting connection. The first, a magnificent cabinet with intricate stone inlay, gilded statuettes, and an array of compartments and hidden drawers. The second, a commanding portrait bust made of marble. At almost six feet tall, the Borghese-Windsor Cabinet, as it’s called, … Continue reading "In the Galleries: Borghese-Windsor Cabinet and Bust of Pope Paul V"

Another week of BB19 is in the books and Pope Paul's minions are beginning to tear each other apart. With Jason at the HOH helm, he decided to put up Matt and Raven for eviction with the illusion that Kevin would be backdoored. Have Matt and Raven bought into his lie? What happened in the aftermath of the POV ceremony? Did the POV aftermath set a clear target for the house? Who will be evicted this week? Who will become the new HOH? All of this and more will be decided this thursday! Missyae (Jim Early) Productions proudly presents another edition of the Big Brother Whispers Unexpected LIVE EVICTION podcast! To call in, call 657 383-1308 to chat with your hosts about this week's action!

Another week of BB19 has come and gone, and yet its another week of the Pope Paul show. With Cody and Elena in the Jury House, things have been smooth sailing for Pope Paul as he tightens his grip on the game. Does anyone left in the house have the balls to stand up to the Pope? Who will leave the Big Brother house this week? Mark or Matt? Also, what do our hosts think about this new temptation twist that has bestowed itself upon the house? Is it just another twist to help out the Pope? Find out Thursday night as Missyae (Jim Early) presents another edition of the Missyae podcast: Big Brother Whispers Unexpected Live Eviction Recap show! 657 383-1308 is the number to call to join in the discussion!

Jury phase is upon us in the Big Brother 19 house and everything is still status quo, if you're associated with Pope Paul that is. With Jessica being the last pre-jury boot, how has Cody been able to adjust to the house as a singles competitor? Has anyone been receptive to perhaps keeping him around? How tight of a leash (or spell for that matter) does Pope Paul have on his minions? Is anyone thinking of straying from the pack to perhaps associate themselves with Cody? Last time we watched Alex claim the HOH and Matt ended up losing the temptation competition on purpose, with the sole purpose of preventing Cody from getting a chance at POV. What happened with the POV? Who will go home? All of this and more this thursday night! 9 PM EST! 657 383-1308! Join us as Missyae (Jim Early) presents another edition of the Big Brother Whispers Unexpected Podcast! 

Pope Paul and the Illeagals. OC music scene (Good or Bad??), meeting your heros while gigging with them. Plus 4 Pope Paul origionals!!!!

A Cancer Survivors Journey to educate others about the value of Early Detection. December ,2016 Good morning to all, It is with great honor and thanks to our Creator, the Mayo Clinic, the Native Interest Group and others that made it possible for me to speak to you today. It is consistent with my teachings to play a song prior to speaking, for the music from the flute is medicine used by our Creator to heal the broken spirits that are among us. I am to play the music and our Creator provides the songs for me to play. As a Cancer survivor my journey is to travel to the needy and underserved American Indian Reservations and share my Spiritual and Personal experiences with the cancer and provide health related information about heath and cancer. We are not human beings having a spiritual experience - We are Spiritual Beings having a human experience. I am not a motivational speaker - I am a Spiritual Being guided by our Creator to communicate with my brothers and sisters because I am a witness to having cancer. In 1975 - Pope Paul the 6th was quoted as saying, "Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers and if he listens at all it will be because they are witnesses not spectators, but witnesses". I am not a Doctor, Nurse or associated with any medical Institution nor have I studied in the medical field. I provide no medical information or procedures to anyone. I just share my health experiences in this journey and hope it will provide others to seek Professional Medical advice when you notice health related problems. My role is determined by our Creator and I work for him to do outreach work which serves other entities and organizations by having a presence in the various Tribal communities and communicating their health concerns and their needs to others off Reservation. I establish the trust relationship with many in the community and take their concerns and needs forward only when they ask me to. I listen to the elders, I ask questions to know and understand protocols, I let tribal members or staff invite me or introduce me to others. I am always honest, I don't over commit and I honor my word. I try to understand the many different American Indian Tribes and their needs by trying to understand myself and my needs and by understanding Abraham Maslow's Theory of Human Motivation that states, "The basis of Maslow's theory is that human beings are motivated by unsatisfied needs, and that certain lower needs need to be satisfied before higher needs can be satisfied". This document is meant to compliment my Oral presentation and some background information how I approach my work. I hope this presentation touches you and your Spiritual soul and inspire you to look more deeply at yourself and understanding others that may appear different but, we are all spiritual beings having a human experience and our Creator has absolute control of everything. Sincerely, Bill Ward contact lamar2@cox.net

Summary of today's show: Our usual thursday panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, Gregory Tracy, and Fr. Roger Landry consider the news headlines of the week, including the Catholic response to the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut; the beginning of a new online faith formation course for the Year of Faith called Catholic Faith Essentials; local children winning a national artwork competition for the Missionary Childhood Association; Catholic Voices USA training in Boston for media evangelization; Women Affirming Life Advent breakfast; an award for My Brother's Keeper; restoring a 100-year-old organ; and preparing for Christmas. Listen to the show: Watch the show via live video streaming or a recording later: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today's guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today's show: Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot's and The Anchor's websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links. Today's topics: Newtown, CT; Catholic Faith Essentials; Missionary Childhood Association; Catholic Voices USA; Preparing for Christmas 1st segment: Scot Landry welcomed everyone to the show and announced that next week we'll be running “best of” shows next week while the staff takes some time off. This afternoon, Cardinal Seán is celebrating a Mass for the staff of the Pastoral Center. The Pilot is taking a hiatus next week as well, but also preparing for the ordination of Bishop Deeley as they come back with a 50-page special edition. The ordination Mass is Friday, January 4 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Fr. Roger Landry said there's a new venerable in the Church that many will know. Pope Paul VI has been declared venerable, meaning that after a lengthy study of his entire life, he has been declared to have lived Christian virtues to a high degree. Pope Paul led the Church through a very difficult time in society and in the life of the Church with all the upheaval of the Sixties and Seventies. In 500 or 1,000 years, what Paul VI wrote in Humanae Vitae will continue to be revered as preaching an important truth that was proclaimed heroically out of season. Scot said his primary memory of Pope Paul VI was hearing of his death from his parents. Susan said she has more memories of the Pope, of traveling to Rome during a Holy Year and going to an audience with the Pope. As the Pope came in, her son was lifted up to the Pope who blessed and kissed the child. Her son later wrote about the sense of importance attached to that moment for the rest of his life. After the audience, people crowded around to kiss the boy's head. Scot said if miracles are attributed to the intercessory prayers to Paul VI he could be then beatified and canonized. One miracle is already being evaluated for his beatification. Fr. Roger encouraged listeners to ask the Lord specifically through the intercession of Venerable Paul VI for any needs they might have. Scot said the big news across the country is the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, last Friday. The coverage in Catholic news is slightly different, with focus on the Church's response. Scot said this could have been any community near us. It was not at all unusual. Cardinal Seán preached about this at all of his Masses last weekend. Greg said it reminded him a little of 9/11 in how it shocked and shook people. Like 9/11 people are turning to their faith for answers to this senseless violence. The story in the Pilot was about the Mass at 11:30 that was scheduled for the Rite of Blessing of the Child in the Womb. He tied together the horror people felt, calling for a ban on assault weapons, calling for improved mental health care. He recalled the Feast of the Holy Innocents and how in this time of joy of Christmas there was also a great sadness of the loss of the innocents in Bethlehem. Scot said in the face of this madness, everyone wants to do something. One of our young Catholics in this Archdiocese, a young woman who was just confirmed in Needham, organized one of the largest candlelight vigils in the area. Jackie Arrondo, 16, of St. Joseph Parish wanted to do something. She rallied support from everywhere in town and 70 people came despite the cold rain that evening. Susan also said she heard from a friend who sent out emails to her friends, asking everyone to pray daily for one of the victims and their family. Scot said one of the faces of the Church's response has been Msgr. Bob Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima parish in Newtown. Fr. Roger said you could see the graces of his priestly ordination working through him. No one is ever trained for this as a priest. He had been clear that there are no magic words in a time like this. Just being present to someone, they show that God is with those in pain. Only God can give the definitive answer. The second thing way he proclaimed was by his tears. He broke down on national television and its important for everyone to see that we Christians grieve, but we grieve differently. We don't grieve as if there is no hope. We had tremendous confidence in the salvation of these first-graders. Many of the parents have also given witness to their Christian faith. Fr. Roger said he changed his own homilies this past weekend to confront this reality because it's on everyone's mind. He tried to say that the one who mourns most is the One who lost 28 children that day, but that's not where God the Father stops. He had sent His own Son into a world that was even worse than ours, even more violent. A man could kill his own family or his slaves for any reason. Herod could slaughter all the children legally. But Jesus came into that world and redeemed and over the course of time, we have built a culture on the Prince of Peace, a culture that respects other human beings. the most important thing we need to recognize that our culture needs God and that's the biggest thing we need to change. Fr. Roger said he was happy at the interfaith prayer service that President Obama spoke at that no one was ashamed to turn to God. Scot said most of the opinion pieces in the Pilot deal with this and Scot said John Garvey's is one of the best. Greg said Garvey says that we've devalued human life and in the end we're reaping what we've sown. He writes about what all these recent mass murderers have in common including a lack of love and hope. Jesus gives us love and hope. It's not inconsequential then when people tell us to keep our faith out of the public square. I think we won't make real headway with the problem unless we change the culture, and that is a job for us, not for the government or the psychiatric profession. The culture that young men grow up in is one where violence is not just present but glamorized. At the national and corporate levels we see unjust wars and the arms trade. At the state level, capital punishment. At the individual level we give constitutional protection to abortion, to video games that simulate assault and murder, and in some places to assisted suicide. We teach our children that they are autonomous moral actors, responsible for defining their values. This produces a culture where the strong decide the fate of the weak. Then when something like this happens we want the government to protect us from the natural consequences of our own folly. When Cain killed Abel, he tried to deflect the Lord's inquiry by suggesting that we are each in charge of our own affairs: “Am I my brother's keeper?” We have to relearn Cain's lesson. Yes, I am my brother's keeper. All life is sacred. We must teach our children habits of virtue, not leave them to chart their own course through the moral life. 2nd segment: In the Pilot this week, we learn that the Archdiocese of Boston is beginning an online faith formation course starting on January 7 and continuing for 30 Monday nights in total. People can participate in their own homes or as groups in parishes. They will be webcast live at 7pm on Mondays or viewers can watch the recordings at their convenience. r. Roger said online learning is becoming more popular and he's thrilled that the Archdiocese of Boston is piloting a program like this. Especially in this year of Faith when we're all called to live our faith better. Fr. Roger hopes to encourage his own parishioners to participate. It's not just for Catholics in the Archdiocese or Massachusetts or even the US. We could have people throughout the English-speaking parts of the world because there aren't similar offerings. Scot said this is free and he hopes that people from everywhere will participate. Also in the Pilot, the Women Affirming Life Advent breakfast took place on December 15. Susan said it was right after the Newtown shooting and it affected all those there. More than 300 people attended. She said it was good for them to be together for Mass and breakfast, especially in the busy-ness of Advent. The Cardinal spoke about it in his homily and also spoke about a woman in the Midwest who'd had quintuplets in the early 1960s and gained some fame for her openness to life who recently died. She said Msgr. James Moroney also addressed the group and offered a gentle wit and great insight and comforting words. Another story in the Pilot is a story about two local grade-school students who won a national artwork contest for Christmas. They do this contest every year and the winners go to Washington, DC, for a Mass in the Basilica. There are 24 winners nationwide and having two from Boston is a big deal. Dominic Udoakang, grade 4, from Cathedral Elementary School in Boston and Jacinta Jaranja, grade 4, from St. Patrick School in Lowell, were the winners. Also in the Pilot, Catholic Voices USA will hold training for laypeople in the Pastoral Center at the beginning of March. Fr. Roger said it prepares bright, young Catholics to be defenders of the Church and her teachings in the media in particular. The group has already had an impact during the HHS mandate debates. Young people throughout New England will be trained to become good evangelizers. It's not just goodwill and knowledge, but technique is also important for being effective. The training isn't just for TV and radio appearances, but also for people engaging family members, friends, and local newspapers. They will learn how to frame issues and help people according to their own categories to come to the truth. Scot said they've already done trainings in Washington, DC, and New York. They've had hundreds of applications for the limited number of spots so Scot encouraged people to apply early. Also in the Pilot are two groups advancing toward ordination as Permanent Deacons. Greg said Cardinal Seán has been supportive of the ministry of permanent deacons in the Archdiocese. In recent years, ordinations have increased from every two years to annual. He said the Pilot is working with the Office of Permanent Deacons to give more visibility to the ministry of deacons. The 11 men who became acolytes are John D. Barry; John H. Beagan. Jr.; John J. Burkly; Paul G. Coletti; Richard J. Cussen; Timothy F. Donohue; Joseph R. Flocco; Joseph P. Harrington; William M. Jackson: Kevin P. Martin, Jr.; and William R. Proulx. The 10 men entering formation, and their home parishes, are: Timothy Booker, St. Bridget Parish (Abington); Paul Carroll, St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish (Sherborn); Joseph Dorlus, St. Angela Parish (Mattapan); James Kearney, St. Mary Parish (Wrentham); Kelley McCormick, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish (Dedham); Jonathan Mosely. St. Bernadette Parish (Randolph); Charles Rossignol, Immaculate Conception Parish (Marlborough); Jose Torres, St. Benedict Parish (Somerville); Roger Vierra, St. Helen Parish (Norwell): and Thomas Walsh, St. William Parish (Tewksbury). Scot said our friends from My Brother's Keeper, Jim and Terry Orcutt, have won a national award from Holy Cross Family Ministries. Also in the Anchor is a great story from St. Anthony in New Bedford about efforts to raise funds for their 100-year-old organ. Fr. Roger said some of the greatest organists in the country have given concerts there on this organ which is a masterpiece. Restoring an organ means all the wooden and leather parts which corrode over time need to be replaced. He said we can't depend only on the poor people who live in inner-city New Bedford to pick up the whole cost. Also in both newspapers is a lot of information about preparing for the last week of Advent and Christmas. Scot asked Susan about her preparations for Christmas. She said she tells herself that Jesus will come whether we are ready or not. Susan said she was in a store recently and was appalled at what is being sold for Christmas cards. She wishes we could all remember the reason for the season. She couldn't find a single box of Christmas cards with a religious theme. Scot said he's noticed a lot of his Catholic friends have started sending cards that said Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays, but this year almost all of the cards he's received from Catholics have said Merry Christmas. Fr. Roger wrote in his column this week that the great scandal of Christmas is that there was no room at the inn and that we have to get right what the innkeepers got wrong. Too often we make those who come to Mass only on Christmas and Easter unwelcome. The New Evangelization is about making people welcome to come back again and again. We have to make these people feel welcome by our actions, by helping them feel comfortable being there and showing our love to them. Scot said the Pilot has a section each week called Faith Alive, which is a response to Cardinal Seán's desire to have more faith formation material. The last few weeks it has focused on Advent and this week on Christmas.

This episode is titled Point – Counter Point and details The Catholic Reformation.We've spent the last several episodes considering the Protestant Reformation of the 16th C. The tendency is to assume the Roman Church just dug in its heels in obdurate opposition to the Protestants. While the 17th C will indeed see much blood shed between the religious factions of Europe, it would be wrong to assume the Roman Church of the early decades of the Reformation was immediately adversarial. Don't forget that all the early Reformers were members of and usually priests in the Roman Church. And reform was something many had called for a long time prior to Luther's break. The Conciliar Movement we talked about some episodes back was an attempt at reform, at least of the hierarchy of the church, if not some of its doctrine. Spain was a center of the call for Reform within the church. But Luther's rift with Rome, and the floodgate it opened put the Roman Church on the defensive and caused it to respond aggressively. That response was what's called the Catholic Counter-Reformation. But that title can be misleading if one assumes the Catholic Church became only more hide-bound in reaction to the Protestants. Several important reforms were made in the way the Church was run. And Protestant theology urged Catholic theologians to tighten up some of theirs.I like the way one historian describes the 16th C in Europe. If the 16th C was likened to a football game, with every 25 years representing a quarter, by the end of the 1st quarter, the Protestants were winning 7 to 0.By halftime, it was Protestants 35, Roman Catholics 7By the end of the 3rd quarter its 42-35 in favor of the Protestants.But by the end of the game, it's 42 to 45 in favor of the Catholics.I apologize to our European listeners who find American Football a mystery. Don't worry, many Americans do as well.The point is—Protestants had some quick gains, but by the end of the 16th C, largely because of the Jesuits, the Roman Church had recouped many of its losses and had gone on to a revitalized church and faith.When Rome realized the seriousness of the Protestant challenge, it mobilized its spiritual warriors = The Society of Jesus, better knowns as the Jesuits. They convened a new and militant council and reformed the machinery of Church Hierarchy. Faced with the rebellion of half of Europe, Catholicism rolled back the tide of Protestantism until by the end of the 16th C it was limited to the northern third of Europe.Well before Luther posted his theses on Wittenberg's castle-church door, an aristocratic group at Rome had formed a pious brotherhood called the Oratory of Divine Love. They had a vision for reformation of both Church and Society but one that began within the individual soul.The Oratory was never larger than fifty members, yet had huge influence. It provoked reform in the old monastic orders and contributed leaders to the Church of Rome as it laid plans for a general council to deal with internal reform and the emerging Protestant movement. Among the members of the Oratory who later emerged as significant figures were Sadoleto, who debated with Calvin; Reginald Pole, who tried under Bloody Mary to turn England back to Rome; and Pietro Caraffa, who became Pope Paul IV.But throughout the 1520s and 30s, when the Protestants were making their most rapid advancements, the Catholic Church took no real steps toward reform. The reason was political. The changes that needed to be made had to be settled in a Council and Emperor Charles V and popes fought a running battle over the calling of that Council. The feud lasted twenty years. They couldn't agree on where it was to be held, who would be invited, nor what the agenda would be. All these had far-reaching consequence. So the Council was never called; and the reforms it might have adopted were delayed.There were all kinds of other intrigues between the Emperor and Popes as Charles waged war with what were supposed to be Catholic kings and rulers beholden to the Pope. At one point, Charles ordered his troops to march on Rome. In May 1527, when their commanders were killed, Spanish and German mercenaries stormed Rome and pillaged, plundered, and murdered for weeks. The pope took refuge in the Castle of St. Angelo, but finally had to surrender and endure half a year of imprisonment. Many saw this sack of Rome as evidence of how out of hand things had gotten. They took it as a manifestation of divine judgment, enhancing the need and call for reform.Reform came with the arrival of Pope Paul III in 1534. He was a most unlikely candidate for spiritual leadership. He had four children. But the sack of Rome sobered him. He realized time had come for reform to begin in the House of God. He started where he felt a change of heart was most urgently needed, in the College of Cardinals. He appointed a number of advocates for reform. Among them, leaders of the Oratory of Divine Love. Pope Paul then appointed nine of the new cardinals to a commission on reform. The head of the commission promoted an agenda that included reconciliation with the Protestants and a return to the faith of the Apostles; radical ideas indeed!In 1537, after a wide-ranging study of conditions in the Church of Rome, the commission issued its official report. Titled, Advice … Concerning the Reform of the Church, it said disorder in the Church could be traced directly to the need for reform. The papal office was far too worldly. Both popes and cardinals needed to give more attention to spiritual matters and stop dabbling in secular pursuits. Bribery in high places, abuses of indulgences, evasion of church law, prostitution in Rome, these and other offenses must cease.Pope Paul took action on several of the recommendations in the report, but his most significant response was a call for a General Council of the Church. After intense negotiations he agreed with Emperor Charles V on a location for the assembly, a town in northern Italy under imperial control called Trent.Even then, however, no Council assembled for years, because King Francis I of France did everything he could to prevent it. In his lust for control of Europe, Francis feared a council would strengthen Charles's hand. He even incited the Turks against the Emperor. Two wars between Francis and Charles delayed the opening of a Council until 1545, almost three decades after Luther's hammer sounded on Wittenberg's door.By 1545, reform at Rome was on the rise. Pope Paul's new rigor was apparent in the institution of the Roman Inquisition and an official Index of Prohibited Books—works that any Catholic risked eternal damnation by reading. All the books of the Reformers were listed, as well as Protestant Bibles. For many years in Spain, merely possessing one of the banned books was punishable by death. The Index was kept up to date until 1959 and was finally abolished by Pope Paul VI.In Catholic Spain, reform preceded the arrival of Martin Luther in Germany. The euphoria at evicting the Muslims in the Reconquista, coupled with devotion to medieval piety and mysticism fueled reform. When Queen Isabella began her rule in 1474, she brought a heart to reform Spanish Catholicism and quickly gained papal approval for her plan. Cardinal Francisco Jimenez, archbishop of Toledo, was Isabella's main supporter in reorganizingthe Church. Jimenez and Isabella embarked on a campaign to cleanse corruption and immorality from the monasteries and convents of Spain. They required renewal of monastic vows, enforced poverty among clergy, and emphasized the necessity of an educated priesthood.Believing the key to effective leadership was high standards for scholarship, they founded the University of Alcala, outside Madrid, which became a center of Spanish religious and literary life. The University was instrumental in publishing a new multilingual edition of the Bible, which included Hebrew, Greek, and the Latin Vulgate—in parallel columns.The Spanish Reformation, like the Protestants who formed break away groups all over Europe during the 16th C, knew little of the idea we enjoy today of religious toleration.  We'll talk more about his in an upcoming episode as we look at the European Wars of Religion. The Pope gave Isabella and her husband, King Ferdinand, authority to use the Inquisition to enforce compliance with church doctrine and practices. The Jews were special victims of Spanish intolerance. In 1492, the Spanish crown decreed all Jews must either accept Christian baptism or leave Spanish territories. Over 200,000 Jews fled Spain as a result, losing land, possessions, and in some cases, lives. The crown passed similar laws aimed at Muslim Moors. Jimenez, now the Grand Inquisitor, ruthlessly pursued their forced conversion.In 1521, the year Luther stood before the Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms, a Spanish nobleman was fighting in the Emperor's army against the French. A cannon-ball shattered one of his legs. During a long and painful recovery, bored to tears, he picked up a couple inspirational books popular at the time. One was on the lives of the saints and the other a life of Christ. The long process toward his conversion had begun.Weary of the army, he entered the Benedictine abbey of Montserrat, where he exchanged his nobleman's clothes for a simple pilgrim's smock and turned in his sword and dagger. For nearly a year, in the little town of Manresa, thirty miles north of Barcelona, he gave himself to an austere life of begging door to door, wearing a barbed girdle, and fasting for days at a time. A dark depression settled over his soul. He considered suicide. Then he had what many a mystic has known—a spiritual breakthrough so intense it felt like an incandescent illumination. A wave of ecstasy engulfed him and Ignatius Loyola, became, in his own words, “another man.”In an attempt to hang on to what he'd gained, Loyola produced a plan for spiritual discipline, a kind of spiritual military manual for Christian storm-troopers dedicated to the Pope. The result was the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, the greatest force in Catholicism's campaign to recapture the territory, both literal and spiritual, lost to the Protestants.It was the reforming Pope Paul III, who approved Loyola's new Society of Jesus. The daring soldiers of Christ promised the Pope they'd go wherever he sent them; whether that was to the Turks, the New World, or the Lutherans.While a youth, Ignatius left his home in the castle of Loyola near the Pyrenees and entered the court of a noble family friend. There he grew into something of a “playboy” who spent his days playing military games, reading popular romances, and his nights pursuing the local girls. Then he went off to war, and everything changed.After his recovery and time at Manresa, Ignatius came to a very different conclusion about man's spiritual condition to that arrived at by Martin Luther. Luther was convinced the human will is enslaved; man cannot save himself. Only God can deliver him. Loyola came to the belief man has the power to choose between God and satan. By the disciplined use of his imagination man can strengthen his will to choose God and his ways. That strengthening comes through the spiritual disciplines Loyola devised.One of his spiritual exercises aimed to make the horrors of hell real. Loyola wrote - “Hear in your imagination the shrieks and groans and blasphemous shouts against Christ our Lord and all the saints. Smell the fumes of sulfur and the stench of filth and corruption. Taste all the bitterness of tears and melancholy and growing conscience. Feel the heat of the flames that play on and burn the souls.” The same technique, of course, could be used to represent the beauties of the Nativity or the glories of heaven. By proper discipline, Ignatius said, the imagination could strengthen the will and teach it to cooperate with God's grace.Ignatius concluded that fully surrendering to God meant more education. He entered a school in Barcelona to sit with students half his age to study Latin, then threw himself into a year of courses at the University of Alcala. Out of it came his conviction learning must be organized to be useful. The idea eventually grew into the Jesuits' famed plan of studies, which measured out heavy but manageable doses of the classics, humanities, and sciences.Ignatius became such a fervent advocate for his views, the Inquisition examined him more than once about his theology. Disturbed they'd question his devotion, he left for Paris, where he spent seven years at the university, and became “Master Ignatius.” He gathered around him the first of his companions: including the young Spanish nobleman, Francis Xavier; not the leader of the X-Men. This guy was a lot older and not a mutant.Ignatius shared with these men his program for sainthood, called the Spiritual Exercises. A review of his religious experiences following his conversion, the Exercises prescribe several periods or phases of intense meditation on various aspects of Faith and Practice.Ignatius charted a path to spiritual perfection that included,Rigorous examination of the consciencePenance, andA rejection of guilt once God's forgiveness was given. The Exercises became the basis of every Jesuit's spirituality. Later popes prescribed them for candidates for ordination, and Catholic retreats applied them to lay groups.In 1540, Pope Paul III approved the, at-that-time, small Society of Jesus as a new religious order. Following Ignatius' metaphor, they were chivalrous spiritual soldiers of Jesus. Adopting the military theme, they were mobile, versatile, ready to go anywhere and perform any task the Pope assigned. As a recognized order, they added to their earlier vows of poverty and chastity the traditional vow of obedience to their superiors and a fourth vow of special loyalty to the pope. They were governed by a Superior General elected for life. Their choice for the first General was of course, Ignatius.The aim of the order was simple: To restore the Roman Catholic Church to the position of spiritual power and influence it had held three centuries before under Innocent III. Everything was subordinated to the Church of Rome because Ignatius believed firmly that the living Christ resided in the institutional church exclusively.One of the most fascinating feature of the Jesuits was their attempt to live in the world without being of it. Loyola wanted them to be all things to all men. They almost succeeded.That first generation under Loyola's leadership rode at a full gallop into their new assignments which were to convert the heathen and re-convert Protestants. Francis Xavier went to India, then Southeast Asia, and all the way to Japan. More than any others, the Society of Jesus stemmed, and at times reversed, the tide of Protestantism in Europe. When Ignatius died in 1556, his order was a thousand strong and had dispatched its apostles to four continents. By anyone's reckoning, that's an amazing feat.No mission of that first generation of Jesuits proved more decisive than the part they played in the Council of Trent from 1545 to 63. Only thirty-one council fathers led by three papal legates were present for the opening ceremonies of the council. None of them could have guessed their modest beginning would lead to the most important Council between Nicea in 325 and Vatican II in 1962. Under the influence of two Jesuits, Trent developed into a powerful weapon of the Counter-Reformation.The council fathers met in three main sessions.The 1st was from 1545–47,The 2nd from 1551–52, andThe last from 1562–63. During the second series of sessions several Protestants were present, but nothing came of it. From start to finish the Council reflected the new militant stance of Rome.While there are points of agreement between Catholic and Protestant theology on many issues, the distinctive doctrines of the Protestant Reformation, things like sola scriptura and sola fide were vigorously rejected at Trent.While the Reformers stressed salvation by grace alone; the Council of Trent emphasized grace AND human cooperation with God to avoid, in Loyola's terms, “the poison that destroys freedom.” Ignatius advised, “Pray as though everything depended on God alone but act as though it depended on you alone whether you will be saved.”Protestants taught the religious authority of Scripture alone. Trent insisted on the supreme teaching office of the Roman popes and bishops, as essential-interpreters of the Bible and sole-arbiters on what constitute Biblical Orthodoxy.Trent guaranteed Roman Catholicism would be governed by a collaboration between God and man. The Pope remained, seven sacraments were retained, and the doctrine of transubstantiation was affirmed. Saints, confessions, and indulgences all stayed.After four centuries, we look back to the Reformation Era and see the unity of Western Christendom was permanently shattered. Men and women in Loyola's lifetime did not see that truth. The fact dawned on Europe slowly. It would paint the Continent red in the following Century.

This is the 7th and last episode in our series The Long Road to Reform.In Italy, the Renaissance was a time of both prosperity and upheaval.Moderns of the 21st C are so accustomed to thinking of Italy as one large unified nation it's difficult to conceive of it as it was throughout MOST of its history; a patchwork of various regions at odds with each other. During the Middle Ages and a good part of the Renaissance, Italy was composed of powerful city states like Florence and Venice who vied endlessly with each other. Exacerbating the turmoil, was the interference of France and Germany who influenced affairs to their advantage.It was within this mix of prosperity, intrigue, and emerging Renaissance ideals the papacy carried on during the last decades of the 15th Century.I need to insert a cautionary footnote at this point. As this is the last of our series laying out the history for WHY the Reformation occurred, we need to deal with something that may be a bit unsettling for some of our listeners; the string of popes who were, how shall I describe them? Less than holy, less than the men of God others were. Even many loyal Roman Catholics acknowledge the men who've ridden Peter's chair haven't always been of sterling reputation. Not a few have been a ragged blight on the Holy See. That there was a string of them in the 15th Century helped set the stage for the Reformation.And I hope this mini-series in CS has made it clear that Reform only became something OUTSIDE the Church when the decades old movement for it WITHIN the Church was forced to exit. Never forget Luther began a Roman monk and priest who was forced out.During his reign in the mid-15th C, Pope Eugene IV sought to decorate Rome with the new artistic styles of the early Renaissance. He recruited Fra Angelico and Donatello. This began a trend among the Popes to imbibe the ideas of the Renaissance, especially in regard to art. They sought to adorn the city with palaces, churches, and monuments worthy of its place as the capital of Christendom. Some of the popes moved to greatly enlarge the papal library.All this construction wasn't cheap, especially the construction of St. Peter's Basilica. So the popes came up with new ways to raise funds. A subject we'll come back to later.Not all Renaissance popes focused on the arts. Some were warlords who led military campaigns. Others took delight in playing the high-stakes game of political intrigue.Eugene IV was succeeded by Nicholas V, who spent his term from 1447 to 55 trying to gain political dominance over the Italian states. His goal was to turn Rome into the intellectual center of Europe. He recruited the best authors and artists. His personal library was said to be the best. But, being a scholar didn't preclude him being brutal. He ruthlessly pursued and executed any who opposed him. During his reign, Constantinople fell to the Turks. He called for a great Crusade to retake the City, but everyone knew he only wanted it to increase his own prestige, so they ignored him.His successor was Calixtus III, who served only 3 years. Calixtus was the first pope of the Spanish family of Borgia. Under the guise of standing against an invasion by the Turks, Calixtus embarked on a campaign to unite Italy by military conquest. Nepotism reach a new height during his reign. One of the many relatives Calixtus elevated was his grandson Rodrigo, whom he appointed as a cardinal. This Rodrigo would later become the infamous Alexander VI.The next pope was Pius II who served from 1458 to 64. Pius was the last of the Renaissance popes who took his office seriously. He tried to bring about the much-needed Reformation of the Church but his plan was stalled by powerful cardinals. Pius was a true scholar who began work on a vast Cosmography. Unable to complete the work before he died, it was instrumental in shaping the ideas of a certain Genoese ship's captain named Cristofor Columbo.Pius II was followed by Pope Paul II, an opportunist who, upon learning that his uncle, Eugene IV, had been made pope, decided a career as a churchman was more promising than his occupation as a tradesman. His main interest was collecting jewelry. His lust for luxury was proverbial, his concubines acknowledged by the papal court. Pope Paul wanted to recover the architectural glory of pagan Rome and devoted vast sums to the work. He died of internal bleeding, brought on by his debauchery.Sixtus IV served from 1471 to 84 and came to power by literally buying the papacy. Corruption and nepotism reached new heights. His sole goal was to enrich his family, one of whom would become Pope Julius II. Under Sixtus, the church became a family business, and all Italy was involved in a series of wars and conspiracies whose sole purpose was to enrich the pope's nephews. His favorite was Pietro who at the age of 26 he made a cardinal, the patriarch of Constantinople, and archbishop of Florence. Another nephew plotted the murder of one of the Medicis in Florence who was stabbed to death before the altar while saying mass. When the dead man's relatives took revenge by hanging the priest who murdered him, the pope excommunicated the entire city of Florence and declared war.Despite all these groteque shenanigans, history remembers Sixtus for something else entirely; the Sistine Chapel, which was named after him.Before his election in 1484, Innocent VIII made a solemn vow to quit the nepotism that had become endemic to the Papacy. But as soon as he was pope he declared, since papal power was supreme, he wasn't bound by the prior oath.What's the old phrase? “It's good to be King.” I guess we could also say, “It's great to be Pope.”Innocent VIII wasn't! Innocent that is. He was the first pope to acknowledge several of his illegitimate children, on whom he heaped honors and wealth. Under the management of his son, the sale of indulgences became a shameless business proposition. Pope Innocent ordered Christendom to be cleared of all witches. Hundreds of innocent women were executed.After Innocent's death, Rodrigo Borgia bought the cardinals' votes and became pope under the name of Alexander VI. He ruled from 1492 to 1503. Under Alexander, papal corruption reached its all-time zenith, or we should say, it's nadir.I hope Roman Catholic listeners don't hear this and assume I'm just Catholic bashing. It's Catholic scholars who chronicle all this. It's simply a sad chapter in Church History.Pope Alexander was a moral wretch who publicly committed all the capital sins, save for gluttony because of a persistent case of heartburn. The people of Rome, well-acquainted with Alexander's excesses, said of him, “Alexander is ready to sell the keys, the altars, and even Christ himself. But, he's within his rights, since he bought them.”Alexander had numerous affairs with the wives of the men of court. These women gave him several children he openly acknowledged. The most famous of these were the infamous pair, Cesare and Lucrezia. Italy was besmirched by blood because of his many plots and wars. His court was so corrupt many fabricated tales were hatched. Sad, since there was no need to embellish the list of sins attached to his reign, which for long after hurt the reputation of the papacy.Alexander VI died unexpectedly. The suspicion is that he mistakenly took a poison meant for another. His son Cesare had hoped to inherit the Holy See but was struck by the same ailment. So the cardinals elected Pius III, a reformer. He lasted 26 days before dying mysteriously. Can anyone say “Conspiracy?”This brought Julius II to the papal seat, a worthy successor to Alexander.When Popes are elected, they pick a name they want to take for their tenure as the head of the Church. The papal name gives us a hint how he sees his role; what he hopes to accomplish.Julius was only the second to take that name, which exists as a harbinger for what he aimed to do. Appointed a cardinal by his uncle Sixtus IV, Julius modeled himself more after Julius Caesar than any saint. Like many of the popes of that era, Julius was a patron of the arts.During his pontificate, Michelangelo finished the Sistine Chapel, and Raphael's frescoes decorated the Vatican.But this pope's favorite pastime was war.Visitors to the Vatican today are struck by the bright colors of the Swiss papal guard. The only way they could be called camouflage is if they were trying to hide in a Jason Pollock painting. It was Julius who reorganized the papal guard, dressing them in uniforms said to have been designed by none other than Michelangelo.We might expect a Pope to make a poor general, but he was in fact so successful in his military and diplomatic exploits, it was rumored he might finally achieve the unification of Italy. Of course, France and Germany opposed these plans, but Julius defeated them both in diplomacy and on the battlefield. He died in 1513, earning the epithet, Julius the Terrible by his contemporaries.He was succeeded by Giovanni, son of Lorenzo de Medici. Giovanni took the name of Leo X. Like his famous father, Leo was a patron of the arts. He failed to consolidate Julius' military and political gains and in 1516 was forced to sign an agreement with Francis I of France that gave the king enormous authority in church affairs.Leo's immersion in the world of the arts overshadowed his pastoral concerns. He was determined to complete St. Peter's in Rome. The financing of that project was the main purpose for the sale of indulgences that provoked the protests of a German monk named Martin Luther.In our next episode, since we've now come right up to the Reformation in Europe, we'll get caught up with our narrative of the Church in the East.Martin, John, and Philip – that is Luther, Calvin and Melanchthon are just chomping at the bit to jump in.

Step into the riveting world of "Five Minutes of Fire," the podcast series that peels back the layers of history embedded in Billy Joel's iconic anthem, "We Didn't Start the Fire." Join us twice a day for a brief and insightful exploration of the historical names and events that have left an indelible mark on the 20th century.In today's episode, the flames of history burn brightly with the orbital achievements of John Glenn, a trailblazing astronaut who ventured into the great unknown. We then step into the intense world of sports with Sonny Liston's historic victory over Floyd Patterson, an event that resonated beyond the boxing ring. The episode concludes with the spiritual resonance of Pope Paul VI, a pontiff who led the Catholic Church through a period of profound change.In just five minutes, we'll guide you through these historical snapshots, providing context, anecdotes, and a deeper understanding of the individuals and events that defined their times. Whether you're a devoted Billy Joel fan or someone eager to explore the stories behind the lyrics, "Five Minutes of Fire" is your daily ticket to historical enlightenment.Subscribe now to join us as we unravel the verses of "We Didn't Start the Fire," offering insights that breathe life into the captivating tales behind the names etched into the song. "Five Minutes of Fire" - where history unfolds swiftly and vibrantly, twice a day. Don't miss your daily spark of historical exploration!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Pope Paul's encyclical on contraception.