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Part 1 - Neville James is joined by Kathleen Smith of the Saint John Parent University as she invites all community stakeholders on the island of Saint John to a meeting on November 7, 2025.
We wanted to try something a bit different for our 200th episode. We recorded on 2 different evenings, and I would piece it together no problem, right? On Wednesday, we had a massive thunderstorm, and the internet wasn't good; the program stopped recording. Luckily, people stayed to give me more content, and I want to thank them because 15 minutes turned into 90 minutes easily. The second evening, everything went off without a hitch, awesome. I did get much more content the second evening but that was okay. I put it all together, and hopefully you enjoy some of our favourites. It was a fun way to ask people why they decided to come on our podcast in the first place. We ask more questions and, of course, do some Irrelevant game questions. So many great people to chat with, it's an amazing time with all of them. Motivate to move email:motivatetomove.podcast@gmail.comMotivate to Move Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, please give the gift of life and donate blood today!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.
This week on a special Halloween episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Micah Kiel, a professor of New Testament at Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, Minn., where he teaches a class called “Apocalypse-mania.” Micah is also the author of Apocalyptic Ecology: The Book of Revelation, the Earth, and the Future. Ashley, Zac and Micah discuss: - How Catholics should read the Book of Revelation - Where our obsession with the apocalypse comes from - Revelation's (violent) critique of empire In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss King Charles's monumental visit to the Vatican, Cardinal Burke saying the Latin liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica and Pete Hegseth's decision to retain awards for soldiers who massacred hundreds of Indigenous civilians at Wounded Knee in the late 19th century. In “As One Friend Speaks to Another,” Ashley and Zac speak to Jackson Goodman, strategic program manager at America, about his and Zac's upcoming participation in the New York City Marathon. Links for further reading: Pope Leo and King Charles make history with first-ever joint prayer service in Sistine Chapel Cardinal Burke celebrates traditional Latin Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Analysis: Why is Pope Leo letting Cardinal Burke say the Latin Mass at the Vatican? Bishop, Jesuits reject Hegseth decision to honor soldiers who massacred Lakota at Wounded Knee Support Cristo Rey New York High School You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. JP Novin welcomes Dr. Brian Bruess, President of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, to the Plexuss Higher Education Leadership Podcast. Dr. Bruess shares how he is leading two long-standing partner institutions through bold transformation under a strong integration model. The discussion covers unifying governance and operations, restructuring around student learning, and launching a shared strategic plan. Dr. Bruess also reflects on the importance of adaptability, experiential learning, and sustainability as higher education embraces AI and prepares students for the future workforce.
This talk was given at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (UOC-USA) in Charlottesville, VA. In it, Fr. Anthony presents Orthodoxy's sacramental view of creation and uses music as an example of how the royal priesthood, in Christ, fulfills its commission to pattern the cosmos according to that of Eden. My notes from the talk: I'm grateful to be back in Charlottesville, a place stitched into my story by Providence. Years ago, the Army Reserves sent me here after 9/11. I arrived with a job in Ohio on pause, a tidy life temporarily dismantled, and a heart that didn't care for the way soldiers are sometimes told to behave. So I went looking for an Orthodox church. I found a small mission and—more importantly—people who took me in as family. A patient priest and his matushka mentored me for six years. If anything in my priesthood bears fruit, it is because love first took root here. Bishops have a sense of humor; mine sent a Georgian convert with no Slavic roots to a Ukrainian parish in Rhode Island. It fit better than anyone could have planned. The Lord braided my history, discovering even ancestral ties in New England soil. Later, when a young man named Michael arrived—a reader who became a subdeacon, a deacon, and in time a priest—our trajectories crossed again. Father Robert trained me; by grace I was allowed to help train Father Michael; and now he serves here. This is how God sings His providence—melodies introduced, developed, and returned, until love's theme is recognizable to everyone listening. Why focus on music and beauty? Because they are not ornamental to the Gospel; they are its native tongue. Beauty tutors us in a sacramental world, not a "God of the gaps" world—where faith retreats to whatever science has not yet explained—but a world in which God is everywhere present and filling all things. Beauty is one of the surest ways to share the Gospel, not as salesmanship or propaganda, but as participation in what the world was made to be. The Church bears a particular charism for beauty; secular beauty can reflect it, but often only dimly—and sometimes in ways that distort the pattern it imitates. Beauty meets the whole human person: the senses and gut, the reasoning mind, and the deep heart—the nous—where awe, reverence, and peace bloom. Music is a wonderfully concrete instance of all of this: an example, a symbol, and—when offered rightly—a sacrament of sanctifying grace. Saint John begins his Gospel with the Logos—not a mere "word" but the Word whose meaning includes order, reason, and intelligibility: "All things were made through Him." Creation, then, bears the Logos' stamp in every fiber; Genesis repeats the refrain, "and God saw that it was good"—agathos, not just kalos. Agathos is goodness that is beautiful and beneficial, fitted to bless what it touches. Creation is not simply well-shaped; it is ordered toward communion, toward glory, toward gift. The Creed confesses the Father as Creator, the Son as the One through whom all things were made, and the Spirit as the Giver of Life. Creation is, at root, Trinitarian music—harmonies of love that invite participation. If you like, imagine the first chapter of Genesis sung. We might say: in the beginning, there was undifferentiated sound; the Spirit hovered; the Logos spoke tone, time, harmony, and melody into being. He set boundaries and appointed seasons so that music could unfold in an ordered way. Then He shaped us to be liturgists—stewards who can turn noise into praise, dissonance into resolution. The point of the story is not that God needed a soundtrack; it is that the world bears a pattern and purpose that we can either receive with thanksgiving or twist into something self-serving and cacophonous. We know what happened. In Adam and Eve's fall, thorns and thistles accompanied our work. Pain entered motherhood, and tyranny stalked marriage. We still command tools of culture—city-building, metallurgy, and yes, even music—but in Cain's line we see creativity conscripted to self-exaltation and violence. The Tower of Babel is the choir of human pride singing perfectly in tune against God. That is how sin turns technique into idolatry. Saint Paul describes the creation groaning in agony, longing for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. This is not mere poetic flourish; it is metaphysical realism. The world aches for sanctified stewardship, for human beings restored to their priestly vocation. It longs for its music to be tuned again to the Logos. Christ enters precisely there—as the New Adam. Consider His Theophany. The Jordan "turns back," the waters are sanctified, because nothing impure remains in the presence of God. He does not merely touch creation; He heals it—beginning sacramentally with water, the primal element of both life and chaos. In our services for the Blessing of Water we sing, "Today the nature of the waters is sanctified… The Jordan is parted in two… How shall a servant lay his hand on the Master?" In prayer we cry, "Great are You, O Lord, and marvelous are Your works… Wherefore, O King and Lover of mankind, be present now by the descent of Your Holy Spirit and sanctify this water." This is not magic; it is synergy. We offer bread, wine, water, oil; we make the sign of the cross; we chant what the Church gives—and God perfects our offering with His grace. The more we give Him to work with, the more He transfigures. And then Holy Friday: the terrible beauty of the Passion. Sin's dissonance swells to cacophony as the Source of Beauty is slandered, pierced, and laid in the tomb. Icons and hymns do not hide the scandal—they name it. Joseph and Nicodemus take down a body that clothes itself with light as with a garment. Creation shudders; the sun withdraws; the veil is rent. Liturgically, we let the discomfort stand; sometimes the chant itself presses the dissonance upon us so that we feel the fracture. But the dissonance does not have the last word; it resolves—not trivially, not cheaply—into the transcendent harmony of Pascha. On the night of the Resurrection, the church is dark, then a single candle is lit, and the light spills outward. We sing, "Come receive the Light from the unwaning Light," and then the troparion bursts forth: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death…" The structure of salvation is musical: tension, longing, silence, and a resolution that is fuller than our peace had been before the conflict. Here is the pastoral heart of it: Christ restores our seal. Saint Paul says we are "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." Think of a prosphora seal pressed into unbaked dough; the impression remains when the loaf is finished. Sin cracked our seal; everything we touched bore our corruptions. In Christ, the seal is made whole. In Baptism and Chrismation, that seal is pressed upon us—not only on the brow but on the whole person—so that our very engaging with the world can take on the pattern of the Logos again. We do not stop struggling—Paul's "what I would, I do not"—but we now struggle inside a music that resolves. Even our failures can become passing tones on the way to love, if we repent and return to the key. This is why the Church's common life matters so much. When we gather for Vespers and Liturgy, we enact the world's purpose. The Psalms give us perfect words; the Church's hymnody gives us perfected poetry. Music, rightly offered, is Logos-bearing—it is rational in the deepest sense—and love is the same. Music requires skill and repetition; so does love. Music benefits from different voices and timbres; love, too, is perfected when distinct persons yield to a single charity. Music engages and transfigures dissonance; love confronts conflict and heals it. Music honors silence; love rests and listens. These are not analogies we force upon the faith—they are the way creation is built. The world says, "sing louder," but the will to power always collapses into noise. The Church says, "sing together." In the Eucharistic assembly, the royal priesthood becomes itself—men, women, and children listening to one another, matching pitch and phrase, trusting the hand that gives the downbeat, and pouring our assent into refrains of "Lord have mercy" and "Amen." The harmony is not uniformity; it is concord. It is not sentimentality; it is charity given and received. And when the Lord gives Himself to us for the healing of soul and body, the music goes beyond even harmony; it becomes communion. That is why Orthodox Christians are most themselves around the chalice: beauty, word, community, and sacrament converge in one act of thanksgiving. From there, the pastoral task is simply to help people live in tune. For families: cultivate attentiveness, guard against codependence and manipulation, and practice small, steady habits—prayer, fasting, reconciliation—that form the instincts of love the way scales form a musician's ear. For parishes: refuse the twin temptations of relativism and control; resist both the shrug and the iron fist. We are not curators of a museum nor managers of a brand; we are a choir rehearsing resurrection. Attend to the three "parts" of the mind you teach: let the senses be purified rather than inflamed; let the intellect be instructed rather than flattered; and let the nous—the heart—learn awe. Where awe grows, so does mercy. And for evangelization in our late modern world—filled with distraction, suspicion, and exhaustion—beauty may prove to be our most persuasive speech. Not the beauty of mere "aesthetics," but agathos beauty—the kind that is beautiful and beneficial, that heals what it touches. People come to church for a thousand different reasons: loneliness, curiosity, habit, crisis. What they really long for is God. If the nave is well-ordered, if the chant is gentle and strong, if the icons are windows rather than billboards, if the faces of the faithful are kind—then even before a word is preached, the Gospel will have begun its work. "We no longer knew whether we were in heaven or on earth," the emissaries of Rus' once said of their time at worship in Hagia Sophia. Beauty did not close their minds; it opened them to truth. None of this bypasses suffering. In fact, beauty makes us more available to it, because we stop numbing ourselves and begin to love. The Scriptures do not hide this: the Jordan is sanctified, but the Cross remains; the tomb is real; the fast is pangful. Yet in Christ, dissonance resolves. The Church's hymnody—from Psalm 103 at the week's beginning to the Nine Odes of Pascha—trains us to trust the cadence that only God can write. We learn to wait in Friday night's hush, to receive the flame from the unwaning Light, and to sing "Christ is risen" not as a slogan but as the soundtrack of our lives. So: let us steward what we've been given. Let us make the sign of the cross over our children at bedtime; let our conversations overflow with psalmody; let contended silence have a room in every home; let reconciliation be practiced before the sun goes down. Let every parish be a school for choir and charity, where no one tries to sing over his brother, and no one is left straining alone in the back row. If we will live this way, not perfectly but repentantly, then in us the world will begin to hear the old pattern again—the Logos' pattern—where goodness is beautiful and beauty does good. And perhaps, by God's mercy, the Lord will make of our small obedience something larger than we can imagine: a melody that threads through Charlottesville and Anderson, through Rhode Island and Kyiv, through every parish and prison and campus, until the whole creation—long groaning—finds its voice. Let God arise. Let His enemies be scattered. Christ is risen, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Part 1 - Neville James is joined by Harith Wickrema of the Local Food and Farm Council and Dr. Nate Olive of Ridge to Reef Farm. The final "Agricultural Plan in Action" town hall, organized by the Local Food and Farm Council, is next Monday, October 27, on Saint John.
Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 476The Saint of the day is Saint John of CapistranoSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Memorial of Saint John of Capistrano, Priest. Today's readings First Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 Psalm: Psalms 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11 Gospel: Luke 9:57-62 Catholic Radio Network
Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” Luke 12:49–50There is much that we can take from these teachings of our Lord. Not only did Jesus say, “I have come to set the earth on fire…” He also said that it's His desire that this fire be “blazing!”Fire is powerful. A blazing fire, for example, can purify the precious metal gold. When heated to a liquid state, the impurities rise to the surface for easy removal. Fire can also consume. When a blazing fire completes its burning, what's left are only ashes. Many great saints have reflected upon the image of fire as an image of the purification God wants to do within our souls. Saint John of the Cross, for example, reflected in depth upon this image. He explained that entering into divine union was similar to a log burning. At first, as the log begins to burn, it crackles and pops. This is because the impurities within the wood, such as moisture or sap, do not burn as the wood burns. But as a log continues to burn, as Saint John explains, eventually the log becomes one with the fire. At first, you can distinguish the log from the fire when only part of the log is burning. But once the entire log is engulfed in the flames and all the impurities are burnt out, you have a piece of wood that is one with the fire. It glows and emits light and heat.When we ponder these words from Jesus regarding His desire to “set the earth on fire,” we must first see this as His desire to purify our souls. Within our souls, there are many impurities that need to be removed if we are to become one with God, emitting His radiance and glory. This purification involves a process of allowing God to bring our sins to the surface so that they are seen and can be removed. But this is only possible if we allow the blazing fire of God's purifying love to consume us.Oftentimes in life, we are content with simply being mediocre in our faith journey. We pray, go to Mass on Sunday, and try to be good. But this is not the life our Lord wants for us. He wants a life that is radically consumed with the blazing fire of His love. He wants us to become so purified from our sin that He is able to become one with us, sending forth the radiance of His glory through our lives. Reflect, today, upon this image of a blazing and purifying fire. Use the image of gold melting to the point that all impurities rise to the surface. Or use the image that Saint John of the Cross uses with the log. God wants so much more from you. He wants to transform you and use you in ways beyond your imagination. Do not be afraid to make the radical decision to allow the blazing and purifying fire of our Lord's mercy to transform you. And don't wait for this to start tomorrow—kindle that flame today. My purifying Lord, You deeply desire to set my heart and soul on fire with the transforming mercy of Your love. Please give me the grace I need to permit You to kindle this fire of love in my heart so that it will truly become blazing and all-consuming. May this blaze ignite me in the inner depths of my heart so that You will shine brightly in my life, bringing forth the warmth of Your love into our world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Our Lord Jesus Christ the Universal King by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
The Pacific Brain Tumor Center and Pacific Pituitary Disorders Center offers a 1-year neurosurgery fellowship in minimally invasive surgery for brain, pituitary and skull base tumors. Our clinical training program is focused on endoscopic endonasal and keyhole surgical approaches, neuro-endoscopy, pituitary tumor management and multimodality neuro-oncology treatments. The fellowship emphasizes operative and peri-operative patient management, outpatient evaluation of new patients and follow-up patients as well as clinical and anatomical laboratory research projects. The fellowship is integrated into the Saint John's Cancer Institute Surgical Oncology Fellowship.Qualified applicants must have completed training in an ACGME-accredited neurosurgical residency program and be eligible for a California medical license.
In this episode, we welcome Fr. Juan Molina, president and CEO and Lizett Farias, senior director of programs at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC). Both discusses the diverse formation programs offered by MACC and highlight their mission to equip individuals for ministry through certificate and degree programs, partnerships with other educational bodies, and a strong emphasis on intercultural competence and lifelong learning. Also discussed: MACC's historical role in serving the Hispanic community, fostering transformative ministry leaders, the importance of integral formation, and their collaboration with Saint John's School of Theology.
In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans takes listeners on an exploration of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada's first incorporated city. From its stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant Area 506 entertainment district—crafted from refurbished shipping containers—to the geological marvels of the Stonehammer Geopark and the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, Saint John offers an unforgettable blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty. The conversation also highlights the city's British and French influences, the family-friendly educational experiences that travel provides, and the dynamic Canadian music scene that reflects the country's cultural diversity. Whether you're drawn to heritage, science, or the arts, Saint John is a destination that invites discovery.
Fluent Fiction - Serbian: Healing Bonds: Reuniting in the Heart of Kalemegdan Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sr/episode/2025-10-20-22-34-02-sr Story Transcript:Sr: Кроз златне и црвене листове Калемегданског парка пробијао се поветарац.En: A breeze was pushing through the golden and red leaves of Kalemegdan Park.Sr: Осетио се мирис печених кестена који су стајали на малом штанду близу улаза.En: The smell of roasted chestnuts wafted from a small stand near the entrance.Sr: Милинородан дамар улице стизао је пригушено међу старе зидине.En: The mild hustle of the street softly reached among the ancient walls.Sr: У том амбијенту, Милан је стајао и гледао преко Саве, размишљајући.En: In that setting, Milan stood and gazed over the Sava River, reflecting.Sr: Био је најстарији од тројке.En: He was the oldest of the trio.Sr: Носио је терет породичних очекивања и осећао одговорност за сестре.En: He carried the burden of familial expectations and felt responsible for his sisters.Sr: Желео је ове дане октобра, посвећене Светом Јовану Рилском, искористити да поново споји породицу.En: He wanted to use these days in October, dedicated to Saint John of Rila, to bring the family back together.Sr: Лидја се прва појавила.En: Lidija was the first to appear.Sr: Са својом топлом осмехом и дипломатском природом, увек је настојала да смири тензије.En: With her warm smile and diplomatic nature, she always tried to ease tensions.Sr: Њен загрљај био је мекан, а речи тихе.En: Her embrace was soft, and her words quiet.Sr: "Недостајао си ми, Милане," рекла је.En: "I missed you, Milane," she said.Sr: Убрзо после ње стигла је Весна, најмлађа међу њима, одлучна и слободољубива.En: Shortly after her arrived Vesna, the youngest among them, determined and free-spirited.Sr: Чинило се да јој је требала потврда и независност више него ишта.En: She seemed to need affirmation and independence more than anything.Sr: "Да видимо шта тако важно имаш да кажеш," додала је лагано, али са дозом ироније.En: "Let's see what important thing you have to say," she added lightly, but with a hint of irony.Sr: Сва тројица стајали су испред древне тврђаве.En: The three of them stood in front of the ancient fortress.Sr: Милан је дубоко удахнуо.En: Milan took a deep breath.Sr: "Желим да разговарамо.En: "I want us to talk.Sr: О свему.En: About everything.Sr: Без зле крви," почео је.En: Without any bad blood," he began.Sr: Лидја га је подстицала погледом, док је Весна била на опрезу.En: Lidija encouraged him with her gaze, while Vesna was on guard.Sr: Разговарали су о свему што их је раздвојило.En: They discussed everything that had divided them.Sr: О неразумевању, о прославама на којима нису били заједно, о ситним међусобним замерањима.En: The misunderstandings, the celebrations they shared separately, the minor grievances among them.Sr: Милан је први пустио да му осећања излазе на површину.En: Milan was the first to let his feelings surface.Sr: Признао је колико му је било тешко и колико је желео да буде бољи брат.En: He admitted how difficult it had been and how much he wanted to be a better brother.Sr: Лидја је нежно примила његову руку.En: Lidija gently took his hand.Sr: "Сви смо били повређени, али важно је да желимо да решимо те ствари," рекла је тихо.En: "We've all been hurt, but what matters is that we want to resolve these things," she said quietly.Sr: Весна је заплакала брзо.En: Vesna quickly began to cry.Sr: Њена чврста лобања је попустила, откривајући колико јој је породица ипак значила.En: Her tough exterior softened, revealing how much her family meant to her.Sr: У том тренутку, изгледало је као да је стара тврђава симбол њихове новооткривене снаге.En: At that moment, it seemed as if the old fortress symbolized their newfound strength.Sr: Док су хладне вечерње сенке падале преко парка, а светла градских тргова се полако палила у даљини, обоје сестара су загрлиле Милана.En: As the cold evening shadows fell over the park, and the lights of the city squares slowly lit up in the distance, both sisters embraced Milan.Sr: "Од сада, једни другима смо најбољи пријатељи," рекао је Милан, осећајући олакшање и топлину.En: "From now on, we're best friends to each other," Milan said, feeling relief and warmth.Sr: "То је најбољи поклон који можемо дати једни другима.En: "That's the best gift we can give to each other."Sr: "Тако је, пред старим зидинама Калемегдана, породица нашла нову равнотежу.En: Thus, in front of the old walls of Kalemegdan, the family found a new balance.Sr: Док су се полако удаљавали стазом кроз парк, знали су да, без обзира на све, увек имају једни друге.En: As they slowly walked away along the path through the park, they knew that, no matter what, they always had each other.Sr: И да ће заједно увек бити јачи.En: And together, they would always be stronger. Vocabulary Words:breeze: поветарацwafted: осетио сеhustle: дамарancient: стареburden: теретfamilial: породичнихexpectations: очекивањаdiplomatic: дипломатскомtensions: тензијеembrace: загрљајirony: иронијеfortress: тврђавеgrievances: замерањимаfeelings: осећањаresolve: решимоstrength: снагеindependence: независностaffirmation: потврдаmisunderstandings: неразумевањуancient: древнеdivided: раздвојилоexterior: лобањаreveal: откривајућиshadow: сенкеsymbolized: симболbalance: равнотежуdedicated: посвећенеresolve: решимоuncover: откриваunity: заједно
Brought to you by Pascan Aviation + Saint John AirportJames Mullinger returns with Episode 70 of the podcast, and it's a jam-packed mix of travel tales, cultural discoveries, and classic Mullinger mayhem. Fresh from viewing National Theatre Live's extraordinary broadcast of Inter Alia starring Rosamund Pike, James reflects on why this stage-to-cinema experience at Saint John's BMO Theatre might actually be better than seeing it live in London. He also watched the Sea Dogs win on ice and Keira Knightley lose on water.James answers all of your crazy listener questions regarding: the lack of direct debit in Canada, cruise ships, his comedy dreams, most embarrassing childhood crush stories, and his beloved aunt. He also shares his thoughts on Andrew Santino's new special, White Noise, and the enduring mystery of fame after rewatching the Lewis Capaldi documentary, ADHD humour from comedian Katherine Cairns, and Matt McCusker's comic philosophy. All that and more, alongside a special visit to Saint John Airport — where James meets the warm, welcoming crew of Pascan Aviation, the airline reconnecting the region with flights to Halifax, Montreal, and Quebec City.Funny, curious, and full of Maritime heart, it's another lively ramble that celebrates community, creativity, and the joy of getting there - both literally and figuratively.Sponsored by Pascan Aviation + Saint John AirportProduced by PodstarterQuestions: comedy@jamesmullinger.comSponsorships: info@podstarter.io
We sit down with runner, filmmaker, and world traveller Mark Hemmings, whose running story is anything but ordinary. Mark only started taking trail running seriously in April 2023, and instead of easing in, he immediately set his sights on getting listed on the Fastest Known Time (FKT) website. His target? The legendary Fundy Footpath — a brutally challenging 64.3 km trail along the rugged New Brunswick coastline. Along with good friends Colin Swift and Markus, Mark completed the full route in 17.5 hours, mixing endurance with laughter and the occasional moment of chaos. The entire journey was documented and turned into an 18-minute film, which premiered at the Outdoor Outdoor Film Festival (OOFF) starting October 16th. But Mark's adventures don't stop there. When he's not tearing up trails, he's leading groups of runners up Mount Fuji in Japan — a country he's visited 18 times. He shares the wild story of climbing through lava rock, razor-sharp volcanic sand, and even a typhoon, with sideways wind, sideways rain, and moments where crawling was the only safe option. We also get into Mark's humbling moments — like leaving Loonie Loops feeling discouraged after pushing too hard, too early. Instead of quitting, he's reframing pride, reworking strategy, and planning smarter. Another 100-miler attempt is definitely coming. Oh, and did we mention he qualified for Boston — again — but never got to race it? Legs for Literacy will be his fourth attempt at redemption. From FKTs to films to typhoons on volcanoes — this one delivers inspiration, adventure, and real talk on resilience.Motivate to Move email:motivatetomove.podcast@gmail.comMotivate to Move Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=motivate%20to%20moveAs always, please give the gift of life and donate blood today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/motivate-to-move--4528736/support.
In a crowded media and marketing environment, it can be hard to catch the attention and imagination of consumers. Two people paying close attention to what's working now are Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon and seasoned marketing executive Bozoma Saint John, and they've just launched a reality show called "On Brand" to showcase the work that creatives and companies do to sell their ideas, products, and services. Fallon and Saint John share what their different career paths have taught them about personal branding, working collaboratively, managing teams, and how to navigate the changing media landscape.
Part 1 - Kathleen Smith of the Parent Charter of Saint John joins Neville James as they invite all parents and guardians to attend their upcoming Parent University session October 10, 2025, at the DSPR facility on Saint John.
Joel 1:13-15, 2:1-2 (The day of the Lord, a day of darkness and gloom) 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7 (We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for the sake of Jesus)
In this episode, it's just your favourite duo — John and Diane — catching up on everything life, running, and a little bit of lawn bowling! We kick things off with Diane, who says she's too busy to go to work — and she's not kidding. Between lawn bowling in multiple leagues, playing with her grandson (and winning, of course), being president of the Centennial Lawn Bowling Club, running, and co-hosting this podcast, her days are jam-packed. Then John shares his experience at this year's Loonie Loops — a 24-hour trail running event around a beautiful 3.1 km lake loop. Armed with determination (and hiking poles to protect a torn meniscus), John pushed through 33 laps for a total of 102 km, earning himself a spot on the event's Wall of Fame. He talks about his strategy, mindset, the challenges through the night, and why this was one of the best-run events he's ever attended. It's an episode full of motivation, planning, perseverance — and the reminder that sometimes the best things happen when you keep moving forward, one lap at a time.
We all have times of apathy, boredom, and a general cooling off of our once fiery zeal. Elder Athanasios draws out valuable lessons from Christ's words in Revelation to help us regain our zeal and our love for Christ.A reading from Lesson 10 (Rev. 2:4-7) on Revelation by Elder Athanasios MitilinaiosElder Athanasios Mitilinaios, a dynamic and beloved preacher, abbot of the Monastery of Komnineiou and Saint John the Theologian in Stomion, Larisa, Greece, gave 104 consecutive lessons of Revelation to thousands of faithful. This beloved elder, venerated by many in Greece and around the world, reposed in the Lord in the year 2006.The Lord said, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent." -Revelation 2:4-5
Episode #195 – The New Pickleball of Winter Sports: Stick Curling with Harry McDougall This week on Motivate to Move, we welcome Harry McDougall, who's bringing fresh energy back to Saint John's curling scene. After returning home, Harry found the old curling club nearly shut down and lifeless. Instead of letting it fade away, he helped breathe new life into the rink by launching a stick curling league. Now, Friday nights are buzzing with action, and the club proudly hosts the largest stick curling league in Canada. Harry shares how this version of curling makes the game more accessible, fun, and social — and why he believes stick curling is quickly becoming the “Pickleball of Winter sports.” We dive into how the league came together, why participation is growing so fast, and what makes stick curling the perfect fit for all ages. Whether you're a longtime curler or just looking for a new way to stay active in the colder months, this episode is sure to inspire.
For the latest Whisper in the Wings from Stage Whisper, we are thrilled to welcome back on the company Thinkery & Verse. This time we were joined by adaptor Karen Alvarado and adaptor/director J.M. Meyer to talk about their latest production of The Tragedy of Macbeth. This is a brilliant reimagining of this classic tale that is perfect for spooky season. So make sure that you tune in and get your tickets today!Thinkery & Verse PresentsThe Tragedy of MacbethOctober 9th-25th @ The Assembly Hall at the Church of Saint John the EvangelistTickets and more information are available at eventbrite.com And be sure to follow our guests to stay up to date on all their upcoming projects and productions: thinkeryandverse.orgthinkeryandverse@gmail.com
BT and Sal dive into three random, but fiery, Yankees-centric questions following the team's Game 1 Wild Card loss. The questions debated are: (1) Are you more likely to wear a luchador mask to a game or give someone who does the finger up? (2) Better rivalry: Yankees-Sox or Cardi B and Nicki Minaj? (3) If the Yankees win the series, will BT be doing shots with players like he did with Saint John's? The discussion ignites a debate over the fading Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, the nastiness of celebrity feuds, and the aggressive baserunning strategy needed in a tight playoff game.
From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here.The Saint John's Bible ExperienceCalligrapher Maura Lynch of Minneapolis encourages a visit to The St. John's Bible, a monumental work of sacred calligraphy and art housed on the peaceful campus of St. John's University.The Bible, which involved significant contributions from Minnesotans, can be viewed year-round both in person and digitally.Maura says: Calligraphy is seen first and read second. When you experience the words in the Bible that have been rendered in a visually and aesthetically beautiful way, it elevates the entire experience.— Maura LynchEdge of the Big Woods Art WanderHutchinson-based potter Betsy Price recommends the Edge of the Big Woods Art Wander in Carver County. The self-guided studio tour runs through a wooded landscape that gives the region its name, and features over 40 artists, including potters, jewelers, painters, woodworkers and more. Visitors can explore studios, watch live demos, and connect with artists.The event runs Friday through Sunday, with stops including the Mocha Monkey where there will be a pottery demo by “Jon the Potter.” Betsy says: It feels like a true wander through art and nature.— Betsy PriceKinship and Clay at Form + Content GalleryMinneapolis arts advocate Becky Smith shares her admiration for “Kinship,” a show at Form + Content Gallery that pairs Chris Cinque's life-size charcoal portraits of friends from her lesbian and nonbinary community with expressive ceramic vessels by Sharon Jaffe, a radical Jewish feminist artist.The exhibition runs through Oct. 4 in the North Loop of Minneapolis.Becky says: They're celebratory, and they also serve as a real documentation towards resistance and survival of people who are experiencing an oppressed sexual identity.— Becky Smith
On the phone-in: Dr Godon Gubitz who is a physician and neurologist with the NS Health Authority answers questions about medical assistance in dying or MAiD. And off the top of the show, we hear an update from Saint John, NB, about the housing options for the homeless. And we also hear about a new tour at Basin Head Beach on PEI.
On the phone-in: Dr Annlee Coakley is our guest as we discuss the challenges for newcomers and refugees who need medical care. And off the top, we hear about the City of Saint John's plans to bring in red zones where tent encampments can't be located. We also hear about the end of the burn ban on PEI.
On the phone-in: Lawyer Jessica Lyle answers listeners' questions about will and estate planning. And off the top, we hear from Maren Mealey, president of the Dalhousie Student Union, about a tentative agreement between Dalhousie University and the Dal Faculty Association. And a woman from Saint John, NB, tells her story about donating one of her kidneys to her cousin.
This week on Preach, we launch a new series: Preaching for the Sacraments—how homilists can bring depth and imagination to their preaching during some of the Catholic Church's most meaningful rites. To set the stage, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., speaks with Anthony Ruff, O.S.B., Benedictine monk and professor of liturgy at Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary in Minnesota. Together they unpack what sacraments truly are—and how to preach them with both depth and imagination. “A sacrament is not a vending machine where we put the thing in our action and then the thing comes out automatically,” Anthony explains. “God acts through symbols such as water and oil and laying on hands and exchanging the peace with one another and singing together.” Grace is not dispensed mechanically, but unfolds through real human experience: “If I'm becoming more human and growing in community, I'm being divinized.” Preaching at sacramental celebrations must therefore begin with the lives of those gathered, not abstract theology. “I really try to say, what's the word that will be Christ for them, that will resonate with their experience?” Anthony reflects. “We really have to think about the whole life of this community—and then our homily is a part of that.” In this episode: 00:00 – ‘A sacrament is not a vending machine' 01:10 – Introduction 02:40 – Meet Anthony Ruff: monk and teacher 04:00 – About the Compelling Preaching Grant 08:10 – What is a sacrament? Encounter, not simply ritual 08:48 – What is the core purpose of the sacrament? 13:20 – A sacrament as a sign of peace 15:50 – Mystery, not magic 17:38 – Becoming aware of the God's presence in your life 19:48 – Sacraments vs. sacramentals: what's the difference? 21:40 – Sacraments for community and the individual 24:05 – A final word on sacraments 27:05 – What preaching is for? 28:45 – Homilies at sacramental Masses: rite or readings? 33:10 – Symbols as stage directions 36:40 – Challenges and pitfalls of preaching the sacraments 38:50 – How long does it take to prepare for a sacrament 40:50 – Keeping the mystery of the sacraments alive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the phone-in: Today's discussion is about the grocery business in Canada. How can we find more affordable options? Our guest is Yogesh Ghore -- a senior program staff member at Coady Institute on the campus of St. FX University. And off the top of the show, we speak with Moe Qureshi -- the Director of Climate Research and Policy at the Conservation Council of NB. He comments on the idea of having LNG exported to Europe from Saint John. And on PEI, potato farmers are concerned about drought conditions.
On the phone-in: We have a conversation about women's sports in Canada. Our guests are Erin McLeod from the Halifax Tides and Ann Pegoraro, the Lang Chair in Sport Management. And off the top of the show, we hear about a meeting in Charlottetown about rental rules. And New Brunswick's minister of Natural Resources speaks about the idea of exporting LNG from Saint John, NB.
There is something oddly invigorating about discovering that one is not the center of the universe. It is rather like opening a window and discovering, to your astonishment, that the world goes on quite well without your personal supervision. This, I believe, is the beginning of wisdom – and the birthplace of humility.Now, humility is not what the modern man imagines it to be. He thinks it a sort of sad apology for existing, a miserable muttering of “I'm not good enough”. But true humility is not thinking less of oneself – it is thinking of oneself less, because one is too busy being stunned by the glory of God. It is precisely in the Catholic spiritual life, that narrow path which twists like a mountain road where humility is not merely a virtue but a necessity. We are attempting the unthinkable: union with God. And in this adventure towards Him, self-importance and our “machismo” ego is not only ludicrous; it is lethal.Saint John of the Cross, that severe and splendid mystic, understood this with mathematical precision. In his Ascent of Mount Carmel, he teaches us that the soul must be stripped of every attachment. One must walk, he says, nada, nada, nada – nothing, nothing, nothing. A man cannot be filled with God if he is already full of himself.St. Teresa of Avila, for all her heavenly visions, was hilariously human. She once complained to God, when thrown from her donkey, “If this is how You treat Your friends, no wonder You have so few.” And yet, in her Interior Castle, she tells us that humility is the mortar that holds the whole soul together. It is not in the ecstasies or raptures that the soul grows, but in the quiet, daily acceptance of its littleness. In knowing, quite simply, that we are creatures and that God is not.It is the great paradox of Christianity that as a man shrinks, he grows. The ladder to heaven begins with a step down. The saints are not giants of will, they are beggars of grace. They have ceased to build Babels and have instead begun to whisper in prayer. The devil fell by pride; the angels rose by obedience. We do not ascend to God by building towers, but by descending into ourselves and finding there – not thrones – but dust.The modern world is filled with slogans urging us to believe in ourselves. But the saints urge us to believe in something far greater: in Him who believed in us first, while we were yet sinners. They urge us to laugh at our own egos and to bend our knees, not as slaves, but as lovers. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give
August 25, 2025 ~ Pulte Family Charitable Foundation COO Kevin Doyle joins Steve Courtney to recap the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship that took place this past weekend at The Cardinal at Saint John's.
August 25, 2025 ~ Jordan Young, coaching specialist from Jordan Young Golf and Co-host of Spin on Golf, joins Kevin to recap the LIV Championship that was at Saint John's Resort in Plymouth.
We've got NFL updates, a look at the new NBA era, and a NSFW restaurant title. Kept it tight this week as we gear up for Episode 100 next week. Follow RGD: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8u8GmvBi6th6LOOMCuwJKw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_good_denver/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgooddenver Got a Denver event, cause, opening, or recommendation? We want to hear from you! Tell us what's good at tom@kitcaster.com. Troy's Takes NFL Injury News A new era of NBA NFL teams are playing their starters more in preseason Ryan's Takes Rocky Flats' Nuclear Ghosts – A new bike trail opened through the former bomb factory site, sparking safety concerns. Mystery Rock Spill Jams I-25 – 175 yards of landscaping rock shut down lanes near Alameda. Parrots Need Cash – A parrot sanctuary scrambles to raise $7K to feed 250 birds. “Frankenstein” Rabbits Spotted – Cottontails with viral growths spark jackalope rumors. Bear Redecorates Car – A hungry bear shredded an SUV's interior in Jefferson County. “Eat Less Meat” Backlash – Denver's climate campaign draws fire from ranchers. Councilmember Cries Foul – Layoffs spark political accusations at City Hall. Denver Zoo's Lion Cubs – Four newborn cubs are healthy and bonding off-exhibit. Banana Ball Invades Coors Field – The Savannah Bananas turned baseball into a circus at Coors. Colorado Ghost Town Sold – A 305-acre mining village sold for nearly $1M. Elitch Gardens Ride Scare – Dozens stranded 17 stories high on the Star Flyer ride. Events Sunset Cinema: Bridesmaids – Tue 8/19, Sculpture Park The Narrators – “Grades” – Wed 8/20, Buntport Theater CU Denver Block Party – Thu 8/21, Downtown Campus Adult Spelling Bee – Thu 8/21, Adrift Tiki Bar Shakespeare in the Wild – Aug 21–24, deKoevend Park Artists in Conversation – Fri 8/22, RiNo Civil Dusk Performance – Fri 8/22, Saint John's Cathedral Movies at McGregor: Shrek 1 & 2 – Sat 8/23, McGregor Square RiNo Summer Art Market – Sat 8/23, RiNo ArtPark Creeplesque Burlesque Fest – Aug 22–24, The Creepatorium Kangaroo Yoga – Weekends, Wheat Ridge Rockies vs. Dodgers – Aug 19–21, Coors Field RugbyTown 7s Tournament – Aug 22–24, Infinity Park Denver Roller Derby Doubleheader – Sat 8/23, Rollerdome CU Buffs Season Opener – Fri 8/29, Boulder Rockies vs. Cubs – Fireworks – Fri 8/29, Coors Field Volunteer Opportunity South Metro Medical Equipment Loan Closet – Help seniors and people with disabilities borrow free equipment. New Restaurants Town Pump Provisions – Cherry Creek bodega/market with deli, Little Man Ice Cream. Saigon Noodle Club – Playful Vietnamese bowls at Edgewater Public Market. Broderick (Wash Park) – New cocktail bar pouring Negronis and Old Fashioneds. Music produced by Troy Higgins Goodboytroy.com
A late-night party. A walk across a frozen lake bridge. And then—nothing. When Josh Guimond vanished without a trace, it tore open buried fears and unanswered questions.Josh was a brilliant junior at Saint John's University—a proud scholar and someone with a spark of political ambition. On November 9, 2002, after a party on campus, he headed back across a bridge over Stumpf Lake and simply disappeared. Despite exhaustive searches, digital evidence emerging years later, and renewed attention from Unsolved Mysteries and the Simply Vanished podcast, answers remain elusive. In this true crime with a queer perspective episode, host Jordi and Brad explore the intersection of identity, secrecy, and how a young man's hidden online life may hold the key to an unsolved LGBTQ+ mystery.Hosted by Jordi and Brad, Beers With Queers toasts to queer stories, chilling puzzles, and untold injustices—one cold one at a time. Press play, crack open a beer, and help us shine a light on the coldest corners of queer history.
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 494 - One-On-One with Pat Perez Talking All Things LIV Golf The LIV Golf Championship is in Michigan this week and the curiosity meter is running high at The Cardinal at Saint John's Resort prepares to host the tournament. Part of the LIV Golf broadcast team is the energetic and outspoken Pat Perez, who joined host Bill Hobson for a one-on-one conversation about all things LIV Golf, the learning curve of live broadcasting, his future on the PGA Tour Champions, and more. If you'd like to attend the LIV Golf Championship at Saint John's Resort in Plymouth, CLICK HERE for ticket information. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
Dr. Deepan Rajaratnam, director of ministerial formation at Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, and Deacon Richard Scheierl, deacon moderator for the Diocese of Saint Cloud, discuss the formation process, including human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation, for those discerning the diaconate in the Diocese of Saint Cloud.
Love a good mystery? Me too. That's why finding out that Emily Hanlon has a super cool series with two opposites as sleuths made me nearly dance (it would've been loud on the recording!). Listen in to find out my favorite elements we discussed (book 1 is here and I'm eager to dig in! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Books 1 and 2 are available and let's all read and review so we get a dozen more, because this just sounds so awesome! A Cloud of Witnesses by Emily Hanlon Life at Saint John of the Cross Parish in Pequot Bays should have returned to normal after one of its priests was cleared of murdering a parishioner and the true killer put behind bars. But a troublesome new group called Dies Irae has moved in, led by the fire-and-brimstone Father Thaddeus. When one of its devoted followers dies under suspicious circumstances, Father Seamus enlists Martha Collins to help him oust Father Thaddeus from the parish. But when a second member of Dies Irae dies, the Purple Pest detective, Marya Cook, shuffles back into action. Can Marya unmask another murderer before he or she strikes again—or will Martha become the next victim? In this sequel to Emily Hanlon's phenomenal debut, Who Am I to Judge?, the scatterbrained octogenarian sleuth, Marya, and her sensible sidekick, Martha, are back in action with new twists and turns, an assortment of scheming suspects, and of course, plenty of purple-penned notecards. Learn more about Emily on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a small DNA virus that infects skin and wet surfaces of the body. The virus is typically spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are over 100 different types of HPV. The most common types of HPV are found on the skin and appear as warts. It is one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections worldwide. HPV is responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers. The high-risk types of HPV form in the back of the throat, also known as Oropharyngeal Cancer. Vivian F. Wu, MD, MPH, is a surgeon-scientist specializing in all cancers of the head and neck, including those of the tongue, throat, voice box, thyroid, skin, and salivary glands. She is the Director of the Head and Neck Cancer Center of Excellence at Saint John's Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI).
Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 393The Saint of the day is Saint Camillus de LellisSaint Camillus de Lellis’ Story Humanly speaking, Camillus was not a likely candidate for sainthood. His mother died when he was a child, his father neglected him, and he grew up with an excessive love for gambling. At 17, he was afflicted with a disease of his leg that remained with him for life. In Rome he entered the San Giacomo Hospital for Incurables as both patient and servant, but was dismissed for quarrelsomeness after nine months. He served in the Venetian army for three years. Then in the winter of 1574, when he was 24, Camillus gambled away everything he had—savings, weapons, literally down to his shirt. He accepted work at the Capuchin friary at Manfredonia, and was one day so moved by a sermon of the superior that he began a conversion that changed his life. He entered the Capuchin novitiate, but was dismissed because of the apparently incurable sore on his leg. After another stint of service at San Giacomo, he came back to the Capuchins, only to be dismissed again, for the same reason. Again, back at San Giacomo, his dedication was rewarded by his being made superintendent. Camillus devoted the rest of his life to the care of the sick. Along with Saint John of God he has been named patron of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. With the advice of his friend Saint Philip Neri, he studied for the priesthood and was ordained at the age of 34. Contrary to the advice of his friend, Camillus left San Giacomo and founded a congregation of his own. As superior, he devoted much of his own time to the care of the sick. Charity was his first concern, but the physical aspects of the hospital also received his diligent attention. Camillus insisted on cleanliness and the technical competence of those who served the sick. The members of his community bound themselves to serve prisoners and persons infected by the plague as well as those dying in private homes. Some of his men were with troops fighting in Hungary and Croatia in 1595, forming the first recorded military field ambulance. In Naples, he and his men went onto the galleys that had plague and were not allowed to land. He discovered that there were people being buried alive, and ordered his brothers to continue the prayers for the dying 15 minutes after apparent death. Camillus himself suffered the disease of his leg through his life. In his last illness, he left his own bed to see if other patients in the hospital needed help. Reflection Saints are created by God. Parents must indeed nurture the faith in their children; husbands and wives must cooperate to deepen their baptismal grace; friends must support each other. But all human effort is only the dispensing of divine power. We must all try as if everything depended on us. But only the power of God can fulfill the plan of God—to make us like himself. Saint Camillus de Lellis is the Patron Saint of: HospitalsNursesHealthcare workersSick Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 391The Saint of the day is Our Lady of Mount CarmelThe Story of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah in northern Israel in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. By the 13th century they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They soon celebrated a special Mass and Office in honor of Mary. In 1726, it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For centuries the Carmelites have seen themselves as specially related to Mary. Their great saints and theologians have promoted devotion to her and often championed the mystery of her Immaculate Conception. Saint Teresa of Avila called Carmel “the Order of the Virgin.” Saint John of the Cross credited Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel, and helping him escape from prison. Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus believed that Mary cured her from illness. On her First Communion day, Thérèse dedicated her life to Mary. During the last days of her life she frequently spoke of Mary. There is a tradition—which may not be historical—that Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary's own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance—a call that Mary models in a splendid way. Reflection The Carmelites were known from early on as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” The title suggests that they saw Mary not only as “mother,” but also as “sister.” The word sister is a reminder that Mary is very close to us. She is the daughter of God and therefore can help us be authentic daughters and sons of God. She also can help us grow in appreciation of being sisters and brothers to one another. She leads us to a new realization that all human beings belong to the family of God. When such a conviction grows, there is hope that the human race can find its way to peace. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the Patron Saint of: Chile Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Let This Mystery Change You: The Self-Giving of Christ and the Call of the Priest This Homily, delivered on the anniversary of Father Bernard's ordination, . . . . . . reflects on the deep theological and spiritual meaning of the priesthood, particularly through the lens of the Passion narrative in the Gospel of John. The Homily highlights the moment at the cross where Jesus entrusts Mary to the beloved disciple and vice versa, explaining this as the beginning of Mary's unique relationship with the priesthood. Mary's Unique Relationship with the Priesthood The Homily draws a distinction between the celebration of priesthood on Holy Thursday (when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and shared his priesthood with the apostles) and Good Friday, which commemorates Christ's own high priesthood as He offers Himself in sacrifice for the salvation of the world. The Homily also explains the priest acts in the person of Christ at the altar, not merely recalling the Last Supper but entering into Christ's eternal sacrifice. A key point is that priests must be transformed by the mystery they celebrate, resting their hearts against Christ's own, just as John did. The homily draws special attention to the mystical intimacy between Mary and the priest, emphasizing how a priest must not just welcome Mary into his home but allow himself to be welcomed into hers. Finally, the homily praises Father Bernard as one who embodies this deep, Marian-shaped priesthood . . . one who listens to the heart of Christ and allows Mary to guide and shape his vocation. Listen to: Let This Mystery Change You: The Self-Giving of Christ and the Call of the Priest ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christ of St. John of The Cross: Spanish Painter: Salvador Dalí: 1951 The painting is known as the Christ of Saint John of the Cross, because its design is based on a drawing by the 16th-century Spanish friar John of the Cross. Note: This is a low-resolution picture for copyright purposes.
Read Online“What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” Matthew 10:27What is it that our Lord speaks to you in the “darkness” and what is it that you “hear whispered” by Him? This is an important question to consider, since whatever it is that is spoken that way must be spoken “in the light” and proclaimed “on the housetops.”Recall that when people first came to Jesus, curious about Him, He would often speak in a veiled way, in figures of speech and in parables. This method of teaching is the first step in Jesus' ongoing deepening revelation to us. His parables and various figures of speech are meant to draw the listener in so that they are attentive to the deeper message.Recall, also, that Jesus said to His disciples, “I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father” (John 16:25). In which way does our Lord speak to you?As we grow in faith, and become more and more familiar with our Lord, He will begin to “lift the veil,” so to speak, and will begin to whisper His deepest truths to us within the depths of our souls. He will communicate to us in ways that go far beyond the veiled message of His parables and figures of speech and will communicate His very self to us, in ways that are beyond words.The Gospel passage above, when taken by itself, seems to clearly indicate that there is much God wants to say to us in a clear way. But He wants to speak it to us in the “darkness” of our interior life and with gentle whispers that can only be heard when we give Him our full attention. Saint John of the Cross, for example, speaks much of the “darkness of faith” by which the deepest communications from our Lord are received. These communications are beyond words, concepts and images and can only be communicated in a direct and spiritual way through infused prayer. Infused prayer is not something you can accomplish on your own; it is a gift by which God continually draws you deeper, you respond and are called even deeper, and you continue to respond.The Gospel passage above also clearly indicates that God wants us to share this most pure faith with others. To share it in the light and to proclaim it on the housetops. This is first done by the witness of our lives, by allowing the transforming grace of God to shine forth through us in ways that He can only do. It is also done by being attentive to those moments when God wants to use you to share His deeper and often veiled truths with others. God must first speak them to you, and then at the promptings of His grace, He will, at times, use you to share Him with others.Reflect, today, upon this twofold action commanded by our Lord. First listen to Him. Listen to Him in the “darkness of faith.” Let Him draw you into the deepest and most certain convictions about His love and mercy and His very Self. Then, as you savor these hidden and holy communications from our Lord, look for ways by which He wants to speak to others through you. You do not have to initiate this proclamation, you only need to respond when He directs you. By building a deep level of prayer in this way, you will not only come to know our Lord in ways that are beyond words, you will also know how and when He wants to speak to others through you. My good Jesus, You desire to speak to me and all Your children in ways that are deep, profound and beyond words. Please do draw me deeper into these communications of Your love so that I may see beyond the veil and come to know You as You are. Please also use me, dear Lord, to speak to others as You choose. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Ilyas Basim Khuri Bazzi Rahib, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Join Ryan DellaCrosse and Ryan Scheel from The Catholic Talk Show for an unforgettable pilgrimage and Mediterranean cruise through Greece and Turkey, exploring the cradle of Christianity. Marian Pilgrimage To Greece & Turkey - Sept. 25 - Oct. 5, 2025 Register For The Pilgrimage Here: https://bit.ly/CTSGreecePilgrimage Walk in the footsteps of the Apostles as you visit breathtaking and sacred sites, including the Acropolis in Athens, the home where the Virgin Mary and Saint John lived after the Ascension, the cave where Saint John received the Book of Revelation, and key locations tied to the missionary journeys of Saint Paul the Apostle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24Mammon is another word for money. Jesus is clear that you must choose to serve either God or money, but not both. A divided heart does not suffice. Saint John of the Cross, in His spiritual classic “Ascent to Mount Carmel,” explains something similar. He says that our desires must become completely purified to the point that all we desire is God and His holy will. Every other desire in life must be purged away so that we are singularly devoted to God. Does this mean that God and God alone should be the object of all of our love? Yes, indeed. But that truth must be properly understood.When we consider the calling we have been given from God to love, it is true that we must love not only God but also many other things in life. We must love family, friends, neighbors, and even our enemies. Hopefully we also love other aspects of our lives, such as our vocation, our job, our home, a certain pastime, etc. So how do we love God with singular devotion when we also have many other things we must love?The answer is quite simple. The love of God is such that when we make God the singular object of our love and devotion, the love we have for God will supernaturally overflow. This is the nature of the love of God. As we love God, we will find that God calls us to love Him by loving other people and even various aspects of our lives. As we love what God wills us to love and as we express our love for all that is contained in the will of God, we are still loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.But back to our Scripture above. Why is it that we cannot love God and money? “Mammon” in this passage must be understood as a love that becomes an unhealthy attachment and desire. Money is such that we can “love” it by allowing our desires for it to become disordered and, thus, exclude the will of God from that “love.” Money is not evil when it is used solely in accord with the will of God. In that case, the money we use will give God great glory. But when money, or any other object of our desire, begins to take on a life of its own, so to speak, then that desire will be at odds with our love of God. To love God and God alone means we love God and all that He wills us to love in life.Reflect, today, upon the necessity of being singularly devoted to God. As you commit yourself to this exclusive love, consider also whom and what God calls you to love in and through Him. Where does His perfect will lead you, and how are you called to show your love of God through the love of others? Consider, also, any ways in which you have allowed an unhealthy attachment to money or anything else in life to distract you from the one and ultimate purpose of your life. Allow God to purge those unhealthy desires and false “loves” from your heart so that you will be free to love as you were made to love.My Lord and God, You are worthy of all of my love. You and You alone must become the single focus of all of my love. As I love You, dear Lord, help me to discover all that Your will directs me to love more and all that Your will calls me to detach from. May I choose only You and that which is contained in Your holy and perfect will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
This is the documented autobiography of a victim of government mind control. Cathy O'Brien is the only vocal and recovered survivor of the Central Intelligence Agency's MK-Ultra Project Monarch mind control operation. Chiseled deep into the white stone of the CIA's Langley, Virginia headquarters is a partial verse lifted from the Holy Bible and writings of Saint John...""and the truth shall set you free." This statement, like the agency, is total reality. The building that it is engraved upon houses the world's most successful manufacturer of lies to facilitate psychological warfare. The "Company" uses truth and technology as their raw materials to produce "pure" lies for control of you and America's allies.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.
In this second dispatch from the Jubilee Pilgrimage, led by Father Dave, Brett, Lino Rulli, and Tyler Veghte of “The Catholic Guy Show,” we hear more about their experiences in Rome. They traveled through the holy doors of all four papal basilicas in Rome and Vatican City: Saint Peter, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Saint John Lateran, and Saint Mary Major.
Read Online“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20 (Year B Gospel)Of all the great feasts we celebrate within the Church throughout the year, today's Solemnity presents us with a Mystery that is so deep and transcendent that our eternity will be spent in perpetual contemplation. The Trinity, the life of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, will never get old, never be fully understood, and will be the cause of our everlasting adoration and joy. Though the Church has used philosophical concepts to explain the Trinity, no human concept or description will ever fully explain Who God is. Though we can point to some general truths about God, we will never be able to fully depict the inner essence, depth, beauty and omnipotence of the Trinity.As we consider that fact, it's important to understand that the Trinity is not first a theological mystery we try to define. Rather, the Trinity is first a communion of Persons we are invited to know. We do not primarily come to know God through intellectual deduction. We come to know God through prayerful union with Him. Though theology is exceptionally useful and important, the essence of God is beyond any and every philosophical concept we can define.The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are Persons. And as Persons, they want to be known. And they want to be known primarily through a life of deep and intimate prayer. Praying to One Person, of course, is praying to all, since they are One God. But we are, nonetheless, called to a relationship of love with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And though our feeble minds may not be able to fully comprehend the essence of God, He will draw us deeper and deeper into a knowledge of Him if we let Him.Prayer often begins by saying prayers, by meditating upon Scripture, and by listening. But true prayer is something much deeper. True prayer is contemplative prayer that ultimately leads to divine union. Only God can initiate this form of prayer in our lives, and only God, through this deep form of prayer, can communicate Himself to us as He is. Some of the greatest mystics of our Church, such as Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Ávila, explain in their mystical theology that the deepest knowledge of God does not come through concepts or images. In fact, if we wish to obtain a knowledge of God in His essence, we must allow Him to purge every concept of Who He is so that the pure light of His essence can be poured forth upon our minds. This knowledge, they say, is beyond knowing “about” God. It's the beginning of a knowledge “of” God.Reflect, today, upon the Most Holy Trinity. As you do, say a prayer to God asking for a deeper and more intimate knowledge of Him. Ask Him to communicate to you His divine love and to open your mind and heart to a deeper understanding of Who He is. Try to humble yourself before the great Mystery of the inner life of God. Humility before the Mystery of God means that we know how little we know about Him and how little we know of Him. But that humble truth will help you move closer to the deeper relationship of love to which you are called.Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, please draw me into a relationship of love with You Who are one God and three divine Persons. May the mystery and beauty of Your life become more known and loved by me each day through the gift of transforming mystical prayer. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Holy Trinity via Web Gallery of ArtSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Read OnlineIt is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written. John 21:24–25As we conclude our Easter season, we are given the conclusion of the Gospel of Saint John to ponder. Recall that John's Gospel has been a central focus throughout the Easter Season. Therefore, if you have been prayerfully reading the Gospel for Mass each day for the past several weeks, then you have truly immersed yourself in this holy Gospel.The Gospel of Saint John is much different from the other three Synoptic Gospels. John's language is mystical and symbolic. John presents the seven miracles as the seven “signs” that reveal Jesus' divinity. Jesus is identified as I AM, the Son of the Father, the Vine, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Eternal Word, and more. John points to the Crucifixion as Jesus' hour of glory in which He takes up His throne of the Cross for the salvation of the world. And John's teaching on the Eucharist is truly profound.John states that the reason he wrote his Gospel was so “that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). John clearly loved our Lord and understood Him, not only by personal experiences while Jesus was alive on earth but also through a profound level of prayer in his later years. And this depth of understanding and mystical knowledge is communicated in such a way that the reader is easily drawn into John's prayerful understanding.As John concludes His testimony about Jesus, he states something worth pondering. He states that Jesus did so many things that were not recorded by him or others, that if they were all written down, the whole world would not contain the books that would be written. First of all, everything that was written down could be the source of prayerful study for a lifetime. John's Gospel alone could never be exhausted of its meaning. But then consider this final line of John's Gospel and try to take it as a literal statement for a moment. If that statement were literally true, that the whole world could not contain the books that would record all that Jesus did, then this fact should leave us with a holy awe. In fact, the reason this must be true is because what Jesus did within each and every mind and heart He touched is truly indescribable. Volumes upon volumes could not thoroughly describe it. His divine action of saving souls, rescuing people from sin and death, and pointing them to eternal life is more than our feeble minds can fully comprehend. Reflect, today, upon the holy Gospel of Saint John. As we do conclude this Easter Season and our reading of John's Gospel, allow yourself to sit in awe of the infinite activity of our divine Lord in the lives of those who have turned to Him. Consider every movement of grace in their lives that has been accomplished with such care and love by our Lord. Reflect upon the fact that for eternity you will be contemplating the Eternal Word made Flesh, the Messiah, the Great I AM, the Son of the Father and every other name given to Him Who is our God and King. Saint John loved our Lord and understood Him deeply because he spent his life prayerfully pondering all that Jesus did. Continue to commit yourself to this holy pondering so that you will be drawn more deeply into this contemplation with holy awe.Jesus, Messiah, You are truly beyond comprehension in Your beauty, glory and holiness. You are God from God and Light from Light. You are the Great I AM, and all the books in the world could not properly describe the depth of Your greatness. Fill my mind and heart with the gift of deep spiritual insight so that I, like Saint John the Evangelist, will be continually drawn into a holy awe of You. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Andrei Mironov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.