Podcasts about religious life

Bibliography**Advertising, Branding, and Consumer Identity**Aaker, *Managing Brand Equity* (1991); Bernays, *Biography of an Idea* (1965); Bernays, *Propaganda* (1928); Ewen, *Captains of Consciousness* (1976); Keller, *Strategic Brand Management* (1998); McCracken, “Culture and Consumption,” *JCR* 13 (1986): 71–84; Schudson, *Advertising, the Uneasy Persuasion* (1984); Tye, *The Father of Spin* (1998); Zajonc, “Attitudinal Effects of Mere Exposure,” *JPSP* 9 (1968): 1–27.**Propaganda, Language, and Ideology**Ellul, *Propaganda* (1965); Klemperer, *The Language of the Third Reich* (2000); Lasswell, *Propaganda Technique in the World War* (1927); Lifton, *Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism* (1989; orig. 1961); Stanley, *How Propaganda Works* (2015).**Framing, Agenda Setting, and Public Attention**Entman, “Framing,” *Journal of Communication* 43 (1993): 51–58; Iyengar, *Is Anyone Responsible?* (1991); Lippmann, *Public Opinion* (1922); McCombs, *Setting the Agenda* (2014); McCombs and Shaw, “The Agenda-Setting Function of Mass Media,” *POQ* 36 (1972): 176–87; Noelle-Neumann, *The Spiral of Silence* (1993).**Dehumanization and Moral Disengagement**Bandura, “Moral Disengagement in the Perpetration of Inhumanities,” *PSPR* 3 (1999): 193–209; Haslam, “Dehumanization,” *PSPR* 10 (2006): 252–64; Haslam and Loughnan, “Dehumanization and Infrahumanization,” *ARP* 65 (2014): 399–423; Kelman, “Violence Without Moral Restraint,” *JSI* 29 (1973): 25–61.**Repetition, Misinformation, and Online Diffusion**Bail, *Breaking the Social Media Prism* (2021); Berger and Milkman, “What Makes Online Content Viral?” *JMR* 49 (2012): 192–205; Brady et al., “Emotion Shapes the Diffusion of Moralized Content,” *PNAS* 114 (2017): 7313–18; Pennycook et al., “Prior Exposure Increases Perceived Accuracy of Fake News,” *JEP:G* 147 (2018): 1865–80; Pennycook et al., “Fighting COVID-19 Misinformation,” *Psychological Science* 31 (2020): 770–80; Vosoughi, Roy, and Aral, “The Spread of True and False News Online,” *Science* 359 (2018): 1146–51.**Availability, Consensus, and Social Silence**Kuran and Sunstein, “Availability Cascades and Risk Regulation,” *Stanford Law Review* 51 (1999): 683–768; Prentice and Miller, “Pluralistic Ignorance and Alcohol Use on Campus,” *JPSP* 64 (1993): 243–56; Sunstein, *On Rumors* (2009).**Liturgy, Civil Religion, and Collective Ritual**Bell, *Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice* (1992); Bellah, “Civil Religion in America,” *Daedalus* 96 (1967): 1–21; Durkheim, *The Elementary Forms of Religious Life* (1995; orig. 1912); Hobson et al., “The Psychology of Rituals,” *PSPR* 22 (2018): 260–84; Rappaport, *Ritual and Religion in the Making of Humanity* (1999); Whitehouse, *Modes of Religiosity* (2004); Xygalatas, *Ritual* (2022).**Crowd Psychology, Synchrony, and Collective Identity**Canetti, *Crowds and Power* (1962); Drury, “Social Identity Processes in Mass Emergency Behaviour,” *ERSP* 29 (2018): 38–81; Drury and Reicher, “Collective Action and Psychological Change,” *BJSP* 39 (2000): 579–604; Le Bon, *The Crowd* (1896); McNeill, *Keeping Together in Time* (1995); Reicher, “The St. Pauls' Riot,” *EJSP* 14 (1984): 1–21; Reicher, Spears, and Postmes, “A Social Identity Model of Deindividuation,” *ERSP* 6 (1995): 161–98; Stott and Reicher, “How Conflict Escalates,” *Sociology* 32 (1998): 353–77; Tajfel and Turner, “An Integrative Theory of Intergroup Conflict” (1979); Turner et al., *Rediscovering the Social Group* (1987); Vickhoff et al., “Music Structure Determines Heart Rate Variability,” *Frontiers in Psychology* 4 (2013): 334; Wiltermuth and Heath, “Synchrony and Cooperation,” *Psychological Science* 20 (2009): 1–5.**Prebunking, Inoculation, and Resistance**Compton, “Inoculation Theory” (2013); Linegar et al., “Prebunking Election Rumors” (preprint, 2024); McGuire, “Inducing Resistance to Persuasion,” *Advances in Experimental Social Psychology* 1 (1964): 191–229; Roozenbeek et al., “Psychological Inoculation Improves Resilience Against Misinformation,” *Science Advances* 8 (2022): eabo6254; Traberg, Roozenbeek, and van der Linden, “Psychological Inoculation Against Misinformation,” *Annals AAPSS* 700 (2022): 136–51.Also want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. 

Send us Fan MailWe recently had the privilege of witnessing something most Catholics rarely see: two religious sisters making their final vows and giving their lives completely to Jesus.In this episode, we share our experience attending the perpetual profession of two sisters from the Queenship of Mary Community in Ottawa, including a close friend we have known for many years.One moment especially stayed with us. During the ceremony, the bishop asked the sisters:“What do you desire?”Their response challenges all of us to consider the same question: What do I desire most—and am I willing to give everything to Jesus in order to become a saint?We discuss the beauty of religious life, the sacrifices these sisters make, what their vocation asks of their families, and what their witness can teach every Catholic—whether married, single, a priest, or religious—about giving our lives completely to Christ. Support the showSupport this show and get all future episodes by email atwww.kenandjanelle.com

Today on Follow to Lead we will be talking with Fr. Joseph Anthony Kress, a Dominican priest with the Province of St. Joseph (Eastern Province). Together we'll explore the resurgence of faith that seems to be taking place in the United States as well as talk about the importance of the Rosary and the upcoming Rosary Pilgrimage in Washington DC.

On this episode of the Son Rise Morning Show, Fr. Frank Donio of the Catholic Apostolate Center reflects on celebrating his 40th anniversary of Pallottine consecration. Drawing from his four decades of religious life, Fr. Frank unpacks Pallottine spirituality, explaining how the six promises of the Pallottines—including chastity, poverty, obedience, a spirit of service, sharing of resources, and perseverance—differ from traditional religious vows and free members to serve Christ and His Church more fully. The discussion also explores key guidance for young men discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a community's core charism and spirituality rather than external factors. Fr. Frank shares personal reflections on his own vocational journey, how surrendering personal plans opened the door to unexpected paths of service, and how the example of St. Vincent Pallotti continues to inspire a daily life of mission and discipleship. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

We're joined by Claire Gallagher, consecrated virgin in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and project manager of Flourishing Sisterhood, talks about her vocation story. Fr. David Ducote, vocations of director of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, talks about the call to vocations to the priesthood. Terry Dickson, communications director of the Diocese of Biloxi and editor of the Gulf Pine Catholic newspaper updates us on events along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Join Dan Burke as he speaks with Fr. Jesse Maingot OP and Dr. Anthony Lilles about steps men can take to truly discern priesthood and religious life.  Resources: Avila Summit: Spiritual Warfare and the Family - event Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits - video series Discernment of Spirits for Beginners - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke Into the Deep - video series Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke Into the Deep – Dan Burke Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS SpiritualDirection.com/Events - website Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation EWTN Religious Catalogue – online

Join Dan Burke as he speaks with Fr. Jesse Maingot, OP and Dr. Anthony Lilles on how to discern the priesthood and religious life. Don't miss out as they discuss how the Sacraments and a daily prayer life are essential to discerning your vocation!

Most people never imagine their future includes becoming a Catholic sister, until a quiet whisper of God's call changes everything. Sister Katie's story proves that listening to even the smallest nudge can lead to profound purpose and unimaginable joy.Sister Katie shares her journey from a Florida childhood to embracing her vocation as a Salesian sister of St. John Bosco. She vividly recounts how a fleeting thought in college sparked a years-long discernment process filled with fear, prayer, and ultimately, decisive trust in God's plan. Discover how her tentative steps toward religious life turned into a passionate dedication to youth ministry, community, and a deep love of Mary Help of Christians.Learn more: Salesian Sisters Official WebsiteConnect with Sister Katie: InstagramSupport the showThanks for Tuning in to Yes Catholic!We're so grateful you joined us for this episode. If this story inspired you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to keep saying Yes to Jesus with us.Stay connected with the Yes Catholic community on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube @yes.catholic for more powerful testimonies and faith-filled content.Your support helps us continue sharing stories and reaching people all over the world! Thank you in advance for your generosity!Thank you for being part of the Yes Catholic community—where real people share real stories, all for God's glory!Thank You to Our Sponsors!This episode of Yes Catholic is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors Truthly, Sacred Spark and Tabella. Your partnership helps us continue sharing powerful testimonies and inspiring stories of faith.

A Hindu Chaplain and a Buddhist Chaplain walk into the Spirit Matters podcast ... and talk about counseling today's generation of students. Vineet Chander graduated from the George Washington University Law School, earned an MA in religious studies at Rutgers University, and a doctorate in education from New York University. He is now an assistant dean in the Office of Religious Life at Princeton, where he directs the Hindu Life Program and serves as Hindu Chaplain (the first full-time one in American higher education. The co-founder of the North American Hindu Chaplains Association, he is the co-author of two books: Hindu Chaplaincy and Hindu Approaches to Spiritual Care.   Monica Sanford holds a master of divinity degree from University of the West and a Ph.D. in practical theology from the Claremont School of Theology. She is also an ordained Buddhist lay minister in a Chan lineage and was trained as a Buddhist Chaplain. After leading the Multireligious Life Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology, she joined Harvard Divinity School as Buddhist Chaplain and Assistant Dean for Multireligious Ministry. Her book, Kalyāṇamitra: A Buddhist Model for Spiritual Care is the first textbook for Buddhist Chaplains.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from the Abide Women's Conference 2026, we sit down with Sister Mary Madeline Todd of the Nashville Dominicans for a joyful conversation about vocation, identity, friendship with Jesus, and the transformative power of God's love.Sister Mary Madeline shares the beautiful story behind her religious name, inspired by Saint Mary Magdalene, whose encounter with Christ became a witness to resurrection and hope. Together, we explore the significance of names in the Catholic tradition, the role of the saints in our lives, and how God calls each of us to become the person He created us to be.We also dive into the Dominican charism of preaching and evangelization, discussing Saint Dominic's passion for helping people know God's truth and how that mission continues today through teaching, ministry, and joyful witness.Whether you're discerning your vocation, seeking deeper friendship with Jesus, or simply looking for encouragement in your faith journey, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that Christ makes all things new. Episode Highlights The story behind Sister Mary Madeline's religious name  Finding saints who inspire and guide us  Encouraging our children to become the saints God created them to be  Friendship with Jesus as the foundation of every vocation  Living with joy as a witness to Christ Support the show

What is the relationship between fear and faith? This question is explored in Rivka Kahan's recent essay, “Fear and Faith in Religious Life” (TRADITION, Spring 2026). In this episode Kahan discusses these topics with our podcast host, Mali Brofsky. Together, they think through their strategies to show their students that emotions such as fear are not only acceptable but are actively explored and embraced within our tradition. Kahan outlines three primary frameworks for understanding fear within Jewish thought: Malbim posits that faith acts as a source of strength that helps a person overcome fear, serving a “buoy” to faith by providing inner strength. Abravanel suggests that fear is necessary for true faith, which is understood as the commitment to follow God’s will despite experiencing fear. Finally, the Midrashic approach holds that maintaining a level of worry reflects moral humility. Brofsky notes that these models are not mutually exclusive; rather, individuals may cycle through them depending on their circumstances. The speakers discuss how extreme confidence, even when based on faith, can inadvertently lead to hubris, and argue that experiencing anxiety or unworthiness can foster moral refinement and humility. They close by discussing the difference between individual and national fear, and how to maintain a healthy faith balanced with humility in times of national challenge—something all too familiar to our readers these days. Rivka Kahan's TRADITION essay will appear in her forthcoming book, which explores human emotions through the lens of Tanakh and its commentaries, to be published as part of Kitvuni Fellowship of Matan. She teaches post-high school students at several institutions in Israel and develops educational and scholarly resources for AlHaTorah.org. Mali Brofsky, MSW, a member of TRADITION's editorial board, is a senior faculty member at MMY and a social worker in private practice. The post Fear and Faith in Religious Life appeared first on Tradition Online.

Fr Toby examines the evangelical counsels as renunciation for the sake of love and a necessity for all Christians, but lived with particular intensity by religious.If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fr. Michael Hurley joins Patrick to discuss the role of the Saints: St. Catherine of Siena. (4:13) Trivia (21:46) Break 1 (23:04) Marriage or Religious Life (25:27) Back to trivia (42:09) Break 2 (42:46) Email: Book Recs Resources: Catherine of Siena https://a.co/d/02EwVJTl Lay Siege to Heaven: A Novel about St. Catherine of Siena https://a.co/d/0gvPxusl

Fr Toby locates the contemporary crisis of religious life in the Protestant Reformations and the collapse of the sacred into the profane.If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fr. Brenden Humberdross, now Bishop Humberdross, takes us through a history of religious life and religious Orders in the West.

Different levels of grace? Discerning on Catholic authors? The unborn receiving communion through mother? Don't miss on today's Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

JTS Torah Commentary for Parashat Misphatim / Shabbat Shekalim by Rabbi Gordon Tucker, Vice Chancellor for Religious Life and EngagementMusic provided by JJReinhold / Pond

Emily Austin is joined by Sister Hannah Winkler, CSM, Prioress of the Community of St. Mary, Southern Province, for a thoughtful conversation about the resurgence of religious life and the enduring wisdom of Benedictine spirituality. Sister Hannah reflects on what she is seeing across Episcopal religious orders: genuine growth, renewed interest, and a deep longing for stability rooted in prayer.Together, they explore why monastic practices—such as the Daily Office, Lectio Divina, and living by a Rule of Life—are resonating with people living far beyond convent walls. Sister Hannah describes how the Sisters of St. Mary's expanding network of oblates and associates allows laypeople to commit to a rhythm of prayer and Benedictine values while remaining fully engaged in family life, work, and parish communities.The conversation also examines the spiritual power of structure, not as restriction but as a trellis that creates space for growth. In a world shaped by speed, choice, and constant noise, the predictability of prayer offers a way to sanctify time and rest in God's changelessness. Sister Hannah shares how monastic communities understand their vocation as holding the world in prayer—especially when others find themselves unable to pray.This episode invites listeners to consider how ancient practices continue to shape faithful, grounded lives today.Learn more about the Sisters of St. Mary:https://www.communityofstmarysouth.org/Watch Compline and other services on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-j3GU7enCfpY3hLGEvhT5gBook mentioned: Convent Wisdomhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/224004832-convent-wisdom

On Today's Show: We are often told that leading a religious life is a richer, fuller way to live. But is this just a cliche? And if it's not, why is the religious life better than the alternative? Audio pulled from Rosh Hashanah Day - 2017See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Religious Life in Upheaval The world into which Pope Leo XIV was being formed was not one of calm certainty. After the Second Vatican Council Continue reading The post Pope Leo XIV The First 100 Days IV appeared first on Fides et Ratio | Reflections on life from a theological and rational perspective.

The JTS Commentary for Hayyei Sarah by Rabbi Gordon Tucker, Vice Chancellor for Religious Life and EngagementMusic provided by JJReinhold / Pond

*Why isn't “promoting vocations” enough to help young people discover God's call? * Because so many can't even hear Him right now. Their faith feels distant, the noise of the world is loud, and what they crave most isn't another program—it's a real encounter with Jesus and people who truly care. In this episode, I talk with Fr. Scott Schilmoeller, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Omaha, about what it takes to awaken a generation to God's voice. We don't need to push vocations—we need to till the soil: to build trust, community, and spaces where faith can take root again. If your heart breaks for the young Church and you long to see them come alive in their calling, this episode is for you. [01:05] Father Scott Schilmoeller's Background and Personal Story [05:41] Discovering a Vocation: College Experiences and Spiritual Growth [08:42] The Role of Community and Family in Faith [14:55] Understanding Vocations: Lowercase and Uppercase V [18:28] Challenges in Vocational Discernment [21:46] Addressing the Vocations Crisis [23:33] Discerning Your Vocation [24:24] Community and Evangelization [25:15] Youth Groups and Initiatives [28:30] Engaging Young Kids [30:06] Middle School and High School Faith [32:10] Supporting Vocational Discernment [34:11] Practical Steps for Leaders [39:47] Encouraging Vocations [42:41] Final Thoughts and Resources Check out OmahaVocations.org (https://omahavocations.org/)! For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

This lecture discusses key ideas from the sequence of letters between two great Medieval intellectuals, lovers, and religious Heloise D'Argenteuil and Peter Abelard It focuses specifically on the second letter, which is by Heloise. It discusses the arguments that she advances in the letter, which center on her view that they can continue to enjoy their married relationship through writing letters to each other, even though after Abelard's castration both of them took religious vows and began monastic life. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 3500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Read Heloise and Abelard's Letters - https://www.gutenberg.org/files/35977/35977-h/35977-h.htm

Solidarity is a much-used, not to say over-used, slogan these days, both in Catholic Social Teaching and in popular activism. Does it have a clear meaning or is it just an emotive term? In this lecture, Rowan Williams argues that in the context of Christian theology, as St. Augustine's City of God suggests, it does indeed have a strong and distinctive meaning that challenges a lot of what we (Christians and others) assume about human life in society today, raising questions about the common good, common work, and the risks of looking for common enemies.On Monday, September 8, Morningside and the Earl Hall Center for Religious Life at Columbia welcomed the Rt. Rev. Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, for a lecture on solidarity and the City of God in Columbia University's Pulitzer Hall lecture room. Watch the talk's live-stream: https://youtu.be/AigmPsVWSD8

In this compelling episode of "Father and Joe," hosts Father Boniface and Joe Rockey delve into the profound concept of what it truly means to make an offering to God during Mass. Often perceived as just the physical gifts like bread and wine, this episode uncovers the depth of offering our entire lives—including our emotions and experiences—as a symbolic gesture transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. Joe shares his transformative realization that the offerings are not limited to tangible items but encompass the entirety of our lives, our struggles, and our joys. Father Boniface elaborates on the notion of negativity and how it is an intrinsic part of human life. Drawing from the Psalms and the example of Our Lady's sorrows, he explains how God not only understands these emotions but provides us with the means to express them through sacred scripture. The conversation navigates through the delicate balance of honesty in our relationship with God, examining how these emotions, though perceived as significant in our lives, may not impact God in the same way. Yet, Father Boniface emphasizes that God, being outside of time, provides a pathway for us to offer everything to Him, making our human experience a worthy offering. Ultimately, listeners are invited to embrace the idea that it's not about the perfection of what we offer but the wholehearted surrender of our entire selves to God. The episode concludes with a poignant reminder that the courage to present everything to God—good, bad, and ugly—is central to nurturing a profound and intimate relationship with the divine. Father Boniface encourages a posture of trust, surrender, and honesty, reflecting on our eternal role as God's children, always welcome to bring our whole selves to the altar. This episode inspires listeners to carry this understanding into their lives, fostering a deeper sense of comfort and courage in their spiritual journey.Tags: Spirituality, Faith, Christian Living, Mass, Eucharist, Spiritual Growth, Offering, Transformation, Faith Journey, Emotional Growth, Religious Understanding, Divine Offering, God and Emotions, Relationship with God, Lament in Faith, Childlike Trust, Human Experience, Spiritual Honesty, Spiritual Direction, Religious Life, Scripture and Emotion, Mass offering, Bread and Wine, Transubstantiation, Vulnerability, Trust in God, Spiritual Challenges, Faith in Struggles, God's Presence, Eucharist Understanding, Mass Experience, Sacramental Life, Honest Prayers, Father Boniface Hicks, Joe Rockey, Communal Worship, God and Pain, Spiritual Dialogue, Faith GuidanceHashtags: #Spirituality, #Faith, #ChristianLiving, #Mass, #Eucharist, #SpiritualGrowth, #Offering, #Transformation, #FaithJourney, #EmotionalGrowth, #ReligiousUnderstanding, #DivineOffering, #GodAndEmotions, #RelationshipWithGod, #LamentInFaith, #ChildlikeTrust, #HumanExperience, #SpiritualHonesty, #SpiritualDirection, #ReligiousLife, #ScriptureAndEmotion, #MassOffering, #BreadAndWine, #Transubstantiation, #Vulnerability, #TrustInGod, #SpiritualChallenges, #FaithInStruggles, #GodsPresence, #EucharistUnderstanding, #MassExperience, #SacramentalLife, #HonestPrayers, #FatherBonifaceHicks, #JoeRockey, #CommunalWorship, #GodAndPain, #SpiritualDialogue, #FaithGuidanceThis line is here to correct the site's formatting error.

We are joined again by Sister Bernadette and Brother Augustine, and we are delighted to have on first-time guest, Sister Benedicta! We delve into an engaging conversation with Sister Benedicta, who shares her inspiring spiritual journey and insights on religious life. This episode covers the significance of vows, the spiritual transformation in religious vocations, and the role of Eucharist in daily life. We also discuss the importance of digital evangelization and the profound symbols within our Faith. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Sr. Bernadette, Sr. Benidicta, Br. Augustine

Lyman Stone of the Institute for Family Studies Institute for Family Studies The post The 2024 Lutheran Religious Life Survey – Lyman Stone, 8/18/25 (2303) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

The story of Holy Scripture is the story of how Our Lord wants to save our souls and direct our lives according to His plan. To facilitate the transmission of Scripture's message, and indeed the Catholic Faith as a whole, God selects certain persons through history to serve as priests and religious in the Church. These designated persons are the ones who keep the Church alive and growing through their dedication, prayer, and sacrifice.

In this episode of the Compendium, we diving back into the audacious tale where eight Belgian nuns orchestrate an unlikely escape from a life of stringent spiritual commitments to chase a dream of freedom in the sun-drenched South of France. Explore how Sister Anna and her cohort leveraged a surprising Belgian nuns legal loophole exploitation to sell their ancient convent and fund their new lavish lifestyle. This scandalous nun story, wrapped in secrecy and drama, challenges the expected norms of the Order of Saint Clare and highlights profound Catholic Church scandals. We'll take you through the planning, the escape, and the aftermath, as these nuns navigate legal complexities and ethical dilemmas. From the quiet streets of Bruges to the luxury of a French castle, their journey invites us to question the balance between spiritual devotion and personal fulfillment. This episode is a rollercoaster ride through faith, betrayal, and liberation. We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources: “The aging nuns who sold their convent” - The advisor “Poor Clares” - Wikipedia “The Millionaire Nuns” - Radar online Host & Show Info Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they're your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people. Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin   Community & Calls to Action ⭐ Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Well, Ryan Burge is back with a bunch of graphs about religion. We covered the supposed "Gen Z revival" (spoiler alert: Ryan's data says it's not happening), dove deep into some philosophical sociology about why people are leaving religion, and I went on my usual tangents about Charles Taylor and Hartmut Rosa, while Ryan kept bringing us back to earth with actual numbers. We also spent way too much time discussing whether teenagers will ever figure out how to ask someone on a date without an app, why Ted Cruz's theology is embarrassingly bad, and how both sides of the political aisle are united in their moral outrage over protecting children - whether that's the Epstein stuff or what's happening in Palestine. Classic Friday afternoon with Ryan. Want the full conversation? This is just a taste of what we covered in over two hours of completely unhinged discussion. If you're a member of either ⁠Graphs About Religion (Ryan's substack)⁠ or ⁠Process This (mine)⁠, you get access to the entire unedited conversation, plus invitations to join us live for future streams. Dr. Ryan Burge is a professor of practice at the Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. He is currently working on “Making Meaning in a Post-Religious America” - funded by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. Previous Visits from Ryan Burge The 2024 Election & Religion Post-Mortem ⁠Distrust & Denominations⁠ ⁠Trust, Religion, & a Functioning Democracy⁠ ⁠What it's like to close a church⁠ ⁠The Future of Christian Education & Ministry in Charts⁠ ⁠The Sky is Falling & the Charts are Popping!⁠ ⁠Graphs about Religion & Politics w/ Spicy Banter⁠ ⁠a Year in Religion (in Graphs)⁠ ⁠Evangelical Jews, Educated Church-Goers, & other bits of dizzying data⁠ ⁠5 Religion Graphs w/ a side of Hot Takes⁠ ⁠Myths about Religion & Politics⁠ UPCOMING ONLINE CLASS - ⁠⁠⁠The God of Justice: Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Contemporary Longing⁠⁠⁠ This transformative online class brings together distinguished scholars from biblical studies, theology, history, and faith leadership to offer exactly what our moment demands: the rich, textured wisdom of multiple academic disciplines speaking into our contemporary quest for justice. Here you'll discover how ancient texts illuminate modern struggles, how theological reflection deepens social action, and how historical understanding opens new possibilities for faithful engagement with our world's brokenness and beauty. Join John Dominic Crossan, Peter Enns, Casey Sigmon, Aizaiah Yong, & Malcolm Foley As always, the class is donation-based, including 0. INFO & Sign-Up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FaithAndPolitics.net⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get info and tickets here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. _____________________ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 70,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Sunday, we conclude our 2025 Distinguished Pulpit Series by welcoming Rev. Aly Shahan to Mayflower. Aly is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church with a passion for building inclusive, life-giving communities rooted in love, justice, and spiritual depth. A proud graduate of Oklahoma City University (B.A. in Religion) and Perkins School of Theology (M.A.C.M.), Aly brings both unconditional love and creative leadership to every role she serves. She currently serves as the Director of University-Church Relations and Religious Life at Oklahoma City University, where she leads campus ministry through the Wesley Center and helps bridge connections between the university and the wider church. Her ministry has included a decade in youth ministry, vital work in Emotional and Spiritual Care for Disaster Response with the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, impactful campus ministry as Associate Director of the Wesley Foundation at Oklahoma State University, and 15 years of leadership in camping ministry. Aly is a three-time delegate to both the General Conference and South Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church. In 2022, she was honored with the Francis E. Willard Award for her significant contributions to the advancement of women in ministry and leadership. Together, Aly and her husband, Rev. Dr. Adam Shahan, are raising two incredible children, Micah and Peyton, who bring joy, perspective, and lots of laughter into their lives. They are beyond grateful to serve God's church together. Aly is passionate about equipping the next generation of Christian leaders, preaching messages of hope, grace, and inclusion, and creating sacred spaces where all people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved by God exactly as they are.

Send us a textIn this episode of Frontiers of Faith, host Katie Ruvalcaba speaks with Sister Geralyn Schmidt and Sister Editha Sylvester from Assumption College for Sisters. They share their personal journeys into religious life, the challenges and blessings of being a Christian in Tanzania, and the impact of the Holy Childhood Association. The conversation highlights the importance of prayer, support for missionary work, and the hope that drives their mission to educate and empower women religious from developing countries.Click here to learn more about supporting the Pontifical Missions Societies:https://pontificalmissions.orgFollow us on socials!https://x.com/tpms_usahttps://www.instagram.com/tpms_us/

It might surprise you, but in the 18th century, people across the globe were reckoning with colder-than-usual weather brought on by the Little Ice Age—a centuries-long chill that made heating homes more urgent than ever. At the same time, early Americans were cutting down trees at an unsustainable pace to stay warm. Enter Benjamin Franklin. In this episode, Harvard historian Joyce Chaplin joins us to explore how Franklin tackled this problem by designing five different stove models, and what these innovations reveal about early American science, sustainability, and life with fire. Joyce's Website | Book Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/412 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

It might surprise you, but in the 18th century, people across the globe were reckoning with colder-than-usual weather brought on by the Little Ice Age—a centuries-long chill that made heating homes more urgent than ever. At the same time, early Americans were cutting down trees at an unsustainable pace to stay warm. Enter Benjamin Franklin. In this episode, Harvard historian Joyce Chaplin joins us to explore how Franklin tackled this problem by designing five different stove models, and what these innovations reveal about early American science, sustainability, and life with fire. Joyce's Website | Book | Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/412 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

It might surprise you, but in the 18th century, people across the globe were reckoning with colder-than-usual weather brought on by the Little Ice Age—a centuries-long chill that made heating homes more urgent than ever. At the same time, early Americans were cutting down trees at an unsustainable pace to stay warm. Enter Benjamin Franklin. In this episode, Harvard historian Joyce Chaplin joins us to explore how Franklin tackled this problem by designing five different stove models, and what these innovations reveal about early American science, sustainability, and life with fire. Joyce's Website | Book Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/412 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

In this address, Religious Life of Theological Students, B.B. Warfield challenged theological students to cultivate a vibrant, disciplined spiritual life centered on both personal devotion and the communal worship of the seminary community. He argued that theological education should not only engage the intellect but also nurture the spiritual vitality essential for ministry. Warfield underscored the necessity of public worship, pointing to its role in fostering a shared spiritual identity and supporting individual piety. He also highlighted the centrality of private devotion and theological study as means of maintaining a profound relationship with God.

While praying, Maddie de Aquino heard God speak to her heart as a young girl: "You are mine, and I am yours." Maddie thought she was being called to religious life. However, everything shifted when Maddie was 15 and her beloved mother passed away from a stroke. Consumed by anger, Maddie distanced herself from God. She could not have imagined how God would pursue her and transform her heart. Now, Maddie is a consecrated virgin. She has made a vow of perpetual virginity and offers her spiritual motherhood in service to the Church. In this Easter podcast, learn how to run to God, even amidst great sorrow. Maddie is a digital missionary and works under Monsignor Lucio Ruiz, Secretary of the Dicastery for Communications of the Holy See.        

A listener named Matt wonders about the timing of priesthood ordinations. Matt asks, “In different states, why is the ordination of the priests different and not all the same?”

Welcome to “Pathway to Priesthood”—a special podcast series from the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. We're back for season 2! In these conversations, host Eric Clayton talks with Jesuits who are in the final days of preparing for ordination to the priesthood. They reflect back on their vocation stories and experience of Jesuit formation and wrestle with some of the biggest questions surrounding priestly ordination. On this episode, Eric talks with David Inczauskis and they consider what it means to be in religious life and a member of a particular religious community. David shares stories from his Jesuit formation and his experiences working at the frontier of justice. David was born and raised in Illinois. As you'll hear, he encountered the Jesuits while studying liberation theology at Oxford University. He's the author of two books: one on Honduran cinema and another on Honduran theater. He's currently conducting research on critical phenomenology and Latin American liberation philosophy as part of his doctoral program at Loyola University Chicago. As you listen to David's stories and reflections, consider whether you or someone you know might be interested in discerning a call to Jesuit life. If so, head over to beajesuit.org.

In this episode, the guest shares their experience growing up in a religious Jewish community, facing questions about their sexual orientation, and grappling with their faith. They describe their upbringing, moments of self-realization, and the challenges of reconciling their identity with community expectations. The guest discusses pivotal moments in high school, relationships with women, and the struggle to remain within the confines of their religious beliefs. They emphasize that attraction lies on a spectrum and not everything is black and white. Highlighting the ups and downs of their journey, including being fired from a meaningful job due to personal revelations, the guest underscores the importance of choice and staying true to one's faith while seeking acceptance and understanding. The conversation concludes with reflections on the complexities of maintaining privacy and trust in relationships and the hope for a future partner who understands and respects their journey.  

Are you afraid that God might call you to something you don't want? Fear distorts discernment, but the truth is liberating. In this episode, Elizabeth Busby breaks down how to discern marriage, priesthood, or religious life with clarity and confidence. Learn why fear of celibacy might be holding you back, why desire plays a key role in God's plan, and how to trust Him fully in your vocation. If you're discerning marriage, check out Next Step, our in-depth course designed to guide you through this process. Watch now and break free from fear! On The Discerning Marriage Podcast, we accompany you on the journey to discover if marriage is God's will for you, and if you already know that you're called to marriage, we want to help you bring glory to God in your vocation. You're missing the view! Watch this episode on YouTube (https://youtu.be/8oyuxONxnBQ) Try Next Step: A Course for Discerning Marriage (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/NextStep)

We need a recovery of the sacred in our secular world. Because the mental, emotional, and psychological struggles haunting society right now can't be solved without addressing meaning, purpose, and the longing for connection to something beyond ourselves.In other words, spiritual health is an essential part of mental health.An attorney, religious scholar, and university chaplain, Dr. Varun Soni is Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, and is leading us back to our true north, through spacious and life-giving spiritual conversations and sacred practices that realign us to our values and identity.In this conversation with Varun Soni, we discuss:Finding the sacred in our secular culture.Religious pluralism and what it means to build trust that reaches across religious lines of difference.The transformative power of finding your “truth north”—your North Star—to orient our journeys of faith and spirituality.Varun shares six pillars of flourishing; how to align our actions with our values; and the benefit of listening to the cultural narratives and stories we tell.He reflects on the missing elements of spirituality in our understanding of mental health today, evidenced in his work with teens and emerging adults.He offers us a Hindu meditative practice to provide inner clarity, stability, and calm.And he comments on compassion and a cultivation sacred spiritual practices to counteract the loneliness, anguish, and suffering in our world.Show NotesDr. Pam King welcomes Varun Soni, Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at USCJourney from Hindu attorney to first Hindu Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life in the U.S.“What does it mean to be Indian? What does it mean to be Hindu? What does it mean to be American? What is this Indian American experience?”1965 Immigration and Naturalization ActInspired by grandfather's connection to Mahatma Gandhi“ What it meant to be Hindu was to be like Gandhi. What it meant to be Indian was to be like Gandhi. What it meant to live a meaningful life was to live like Gandhi.”“ I continued to study religion as a way of understanding myself.”Sitting with the Dalai Lama on Mahatma Gandhi's birthdayMentorship from the Dalai LamaDeepak Chopra's influence“Interfaith trust building”University ChaplaincyWhat is thriving to you?"Thriving is the alignment of purpose and practice—it's not about arriving, but about moving in the right direction."“What is my north star, and how do I get there?”Spiritual well-being about asking the right questions, not having all the answersReligion once provided meaning, rituals, and community—now young people seek new structures"What is sacred to you? If you can't answer that, you're drifting without a compass."The urgency of time when turning 50 years old“I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone anymore.”“Put the process before the answer.”6 pillars of thriving and well-being: diet, sleep, exercise, contemplative practice, emotional intelligence, connection to natureBasic physical pillars of thriving: Diet, Sleep, ExerciseSpiritual pillars of thriving: Contemplation, Emotional Intelligence, and Communing with NatureFinding what is sacred—faith, relationships, personal values51% of USC students non-religious, 80% spiritualRecord levels of loneliness, imposter syndrome, comparison culture“Not just a mental health crisis, but a spiritual health crisis.”Loss of intergenerational religious experiences—key protective factor against depression"We took away religion and replaced it with social media, then wondered why anxiety skyrocketed."Social media fuels disconnection rather than community"We weren't built for this much bad news. Our brains weren't designed to process global suffering 24/7."“There's no right way to do contemplative practice.”Find moments built into your dayExercise: So Hum breath meditation: Inhale “So,” exhale “Hum”Using meditation as a spiritual technology or tool"You are not your thoughts—you are the awareness behind them."Identity shaped by personal narrative—"If you don't like your story, rewrite it."Telling the story of who you will become"Every individual is the hero of their own journey, whether they realize it or not."Cultural mythology, from sacred texts to Marvel movies, reflects search for meaningSpirituality helps build redemptive life narratives“There power in being part of something bigger.”The Spiritual Child by Lisa Miller—research on spirituality and mental health"It's hard to hate the people you love—universities are one of the last places where people can learn to love each other across differences."Technology and mediated relationshipsWhat is sacred to you?"Gen Z's greatest superpower is empathy, but they've never been lonelier."Building protective factors for young peopleGratitude rituals shift focus from anxiety to appreciationCare, justice, and connectionMental Health CrisisMental Health and Spiritual HealthAwe-inspiring moments—nature, music, relationships—essential to well-being"Awe, wonder, and gratitude aren't luxuries—they're survival tools."“You can't doom-scroll your way to joy. Presence and connection matter.”Religious institutions declining, but human need for transcendence remainsCreating new rituals and meaning-making for a secular generation"Spiritual health is just as important as mental health—ignore it, and you miss a key part of the equation."What is your North Star? What gets you up in the morning?How do your daily practices align purpose and action?How do the stories you tell shape your identity and thriving?Try So Hum meditation as a daily mindfulness practiceEngage in one act of gratitude—write a note, express appreciation, savor a momentIt's all too easy to fragment our lives into secular and sacred, but thriving and spiritual health require wholeness and integration of every aspect of ourselves, including our faith and spirituality.Future generations of leaders need our guidance and support in their connection to community and their search for meaning, purpose, and hope.Keep your seat-belt firmly fastened, your seat-back upright, tray table stowed, and secure your own spiritual oxygen mask before assisting others.We can counteract the outrage, anxiety, and information overload with simple, daily practices that bring stability and clarity.We thrive when we align our actions and our values, our behavior with our beliefs, and our practices with our purpose.About Varun SoniVarun Soni is the Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California. He received his B.A. degree in Religion from Tufts University, where he also earned an Asian Studies minor and completed the Program in Peace and Justice Studies. He subsequently received his M.T.S. degree from Harvard Divinity School and his M.A. degree through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He went on to receive his J.D. degree from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, where he also completed the Critical Race Studies Program and served as an editor for the Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern Law. He earned his Ph.D. through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town, where his doctoral research focused on religion and popular culture. As an undergraduate student, Dean Soni spent a semester living in a Buddhist monastery in Bodh Gaya, India through Antioch University's Buddhist Studies Program. As a graduate student, he spent months doing field research in South Asia through UCSB's Center for Sikh and Punjab Studies.Dean Soni is currently a University Fellow at USC Annenberg's Center on Public Diplomacy and an Adjunct Professor at the USC School of Religion. He is the author of Natural Mystics: The Prophetic Lives of Bob Marley and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Figueroa Press, 2014) and his writings have appeared in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Crosscurrents, Jewish Journal, and Harvard Divinity Bulletin. He produced the critically acclaimed graphic novel Tina's Mouth: An Existential Comic Diary by Keshni Kashyap, which is currently being adapted as a feature length film. He also produced and hosted his own radio show on KPFK-Pacifica that showcased music from South Asia and its diaspora. In 2009, he was one of the organizers of the historic Concert for Pakistan, a benefit concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall featuring Salman Ahmad, Sting, Outlandish, Jeff Skoll, Deepak Chopra, and Melissa Etheridge.Dean Soni is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Academy of Religion, and the Association for College and University Religious Affairs. He is on the advisory board for the Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement, Journal for Interreligious Dialogue, Hindu American Seva Charities, Future45, and the Parliament of the World's Religion. Prior to joining USC, Dean Soni spent four years teaching in the Law and Society Program at UCSB. Born in India and raised in Southern California, he has family on five continents and they collectively represent every major religious tradition in the world. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

Pope Francis' prayer intention for the month of February is for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and Father Dave welcomes Rhonda Gruenewald to discuss how we can better foster those callings. Rhonda is the president and founder of Vocation Ministry, which works internationally with parishes and schools to establish or revive their own vocation ministries on the local level.

In Let's Talk About This, Fr. McTeigue discusses regret, the passing of time, and personal conversion. As we near the end of the year, how did we make use of the time that God gave us? Father finishes with Weekend Readiness to help you prepare for the upcoming Sunday Mass.   Show Notes Reflections on 25 Years of Religious Life   Advice From an Aging, Repentant Sinner WATCH: Pagan Ritual Offered During Mass Mary Undoer of Knots - The Holy Rosary iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

In this week's episode, we continue our three part series on Pope Francis' recent encyclical Dilexit Nos. We reflect on our ache to be loved, how Jesus heals in close proximity to us, and the “science of the caress”. We also talk about how Jesus is a man who comes and finds us wherever we are and longs to open up a new place for us in relationship with Him. Will we allow our hearts to beat again with love? Heather's One Thing - Thai Peanut Chicken Stir Fry  Sister Miriam's One Thing - Abuses in the Religious Life and the Path to Healing by Dom Dysmas de Lassus Michelle's One Thing(s) - Fr. Mark Mary's new podcast: Rosary in a Year and Big Spoon Roasters - Vanilla Caramel Nut Butter   Other Resources Mentioned:  “Dilexit Nos”: A brief guide for busy readers Dilexit Nos audio version   Journal Questions: Do I perceive Jesus' presence in my life as being up close to me, or at a distance? How have I encountered Jesus as the Lover? How do I project my scars onto Jesus? Who in my community or in the Church is hardest for me to love right now? How can I love them better? Where do I have a belief that Jesus is indifferent to me?   Discussion Questions: How have you experienced the ache to be cherished? How can you bring communion where there is polarity and discord? What happens in you when you consider the Sacred Heart of Jesus? When have you blindly trusted in Jesus and His Love and Providence for you? How did He prove Himself trustworthy?   Quotes to Ponder: “The heart of Christ, as the symbol of the deepest and most personal source of his love for us, is the very core of the initial preaching of the Gospel. It stands at the origin of our faith, as the wellspring that refreshes and enlivens our Christian beliefs.” (Pope Francis, “Dilexit Nos”, Paragraph 32)   Scripture for Lectio:  “Take heart, daughter!” (Matthew 9:22) Sponsor - Florecita Design: Florecita Design wants to help you build your domestic church. The Florecita Design Activity Bundle is a set of 12-15 printable activities for young children, delivered each month and based on the Catholic liturgical calendar. Every month, Florecita Design will help you incorporate math, science, and pre-literacy skills with your little kids all within the context of the Catholic Church. This Activity Bundle is a digital subscription created by a speech-language pathologist to provide parents with the tools and language to incorporate the faith easily into every day play for their 2 to 7 year-olds. All parents have to do is print the activities and follow along the instructional booklet for enriching, screen free ways to entertain their kids. Florecita Design just released the Advent and Christmas Activity Bundle, which is a holiday special with TWENTY activities, including puzzles, an Advent prayer banner, St. Nicholas activities, and so much more. To learn more, visit florecitadesign.com.  You can use the code ABIDE10 for 10% off your first three months of the Activity Bundle! You can also follow along on Instagram @florecitadesign for speech-language tips, sales and liturgical living ideas for little kids.  Let's teach our kids the Catholic faith in ways that are simple, tangible and beautiful!   Timestamps: 00:00 - Florecita Design 01:19 - Intro 02:12 - Welcome 02:43 - Actions Reflect Our Heart 04:09 - The Science of Caress 05:37 - The Humanity of Christ 08:26 - Aching to Be Loved 10:11 - The Holy Spirit and Community 14:03 - The Human Heart 17:08 - Vulnerability and Secure Love 20:00 - Our Image of God 23:08 - One Things

Did you know there's a simple approach to discerning your vocation? Fr. Mike shares the most common mistake he sees people make when determining God's call. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one vocation at a time, reminding us that jumping between options can lead to confusion. Instead, Fr. Mike encourages us to simplify the process and let God guide us toward the vocation we're meant for. When we focus and trust, God's will becomes clear.

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