Podcast appearances and mentions of Saint Peter

Has former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's career been scripted and controlled by the strange leader of a breakaway Hare Krishna group? Chris Butler formed the Science of Identity organization in the seventies. Gabbard's parents joined when she was two years old. Gabbard claims Butler has no influence on her political life, yet bombshell reporting by the Washington Post piece unearths 25,000 leaked documents to reveal that her guru may have been pulling the strings all along. The kicker? Gabbard resigned two days after journalist Jon Swaine let her team know the article would be published. Meanwhile, another cult-leader story concerns American-born Abdullah Hashem. Claiming to be the “true and only legitimate pope” (as well as successor of Jesus, Saint Peter, and Mohammed), Hashem and 150 followers took over a former orphanage in England—and have been building a significant online following ever since. On April 29, hundreds of police raided Hashem's headquarters, charging the holy man and eight others with human trafficking, sex crimes, and forced marriage. This is the story of how these two cult operators are influencing minds across the pond. Show Notes British Police Raid Abdullah Hashem's Compound Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders Granted in AROPL Case Religious Sect Immigration Visas Investigated Patreon Bonus: The New Age Muslim Apocalyptic Prophet WaPo Piece on Tulsi Gabbard's Mysterious Guru's Influence on her Political Career Hare Krishna Guru Sought Political Power Starting in the 1970s New Yorker: What Does Tulsi Gabbard Believe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: If a scientist were able to eradicate the Down syndrome Gene, would that be playing God? Would it be a mortal sin? Can people still get saved through Jesus during the tribulation? Can a Roman Rite Catholic attend Mass at the other Rites, and if so, all of them or which ones? How does the Church determine if a saint needs a feast day or not? And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

On this episode, Barna Donovan, Ph.D. joins us to discuss “UFOs, Psyops, and Persuasion”. UFOs, Barna is a professor of communication and media studies at Saint Peter's University in Jersey City, New Jersey. He teaches a course on the history of the intersection between conspiracy theories and popular culture, especially the long connection between Hollywood […] The post 437: UFOs, Psyops, and Persuasion – Interview with Barna Donovan, Ph.D. first appeared on Persuasion by the Pint.

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) William discusses apparitions of the Holy Apostles, including the apparitions of Saint Peter to Roman Emperor Constantine, to Saint Francis of Assisi, and to Saint John Nolasco; Saints Peter and Paul to Saint Sylvester; Saint John to Saint Prochorus, then later at Knock, Ireland; Saint Andrew to the Monk Epiphanius and to Bishops; Saint Bartholomew to certain Armenian Faithful; and Saint Paul to Saint Anthony the Great

National Indigenous Peoples Month in Canada celebrates an Iroquois maiden born in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, in present-day New York State, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-80) and her family contracted smallpox in an epidemic; she was the only one of the family to survive, but had scarring on her face. She was influenced by French Jesuit missionaries and converted to Catholicism at age 19. After taking a vow of perpetual virginity, she left her village, and moved to the Jesuit mission village of Kahnawake, just south of Montreal, Canada. There she died five years later, respected for her piety and good works. She was beatified in 1980 by Pope John Paul II, and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI at Saint Peter's Basilica on 21 October 2012. Enjoy this first part of three of The Life and Legacy of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Part 1 of 3. Check out the YouTube version of this episode at https://youtu.be/nZKWCKMoRWo which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and diagrams. Super Saints podcast available at https://amzn.to/46spnjl Bob & Penny Lord's book: Visionaries, Mystics & Stigmatists at https://amzn.to/41z4aUS Bob & Penny Lord books available at https://amzn.to/4epZEiT Books about Kateri Tekakwitha at https://amzn.to/3QJSJqY ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's HISTORICAL JESUS podcast: https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA & https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Super Saints podcast with Bob and Penny Lord, Life of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, 12july2021. All audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 4 June 2026, Memorial of Saint Peter of Verona, Priest, Martyr, based on 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Mark 12:28-34, sent in from Chicago, Illinois, USA.

As Pope Pope Leo XIV prepares for his visit to Valencia, one of Spain's greatest religious mysteries is once again back in the spotlight: the search for the true Holy Grail. And surprisingly, Spain has not one… but two famous chalices, both believed by some historians and believers to be the authentic cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper.The best known contender is kept inside Valencia Cathedral. Known as the Holy Chalice of Valencia, this small dark red agate cup has a story worthy of a Hollywood movie. Tradition says Saint Peter took it from Jerusalem to Rome, where early Christians protected it during periods of persecution. Later, during the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, the relic was secretly moved across northern Spain, hidden in monasteries deep in the Pyrenees before eventually arriving in Valencia in the 1400s.What makes this grail especially fascinating is that several Popes, including Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI, have actually used it during Mass. While the Vatican has never officially confirmed it as the authentic Holy Grail, historians agree that parts of the cup date back to the time of Christ.But Valencia is not alone. In the city of León, inside the ancient Basílica de San Isidoro, another chalice challenges Valencia 's claim. Known as the Chalice of Doña Urraca, researchers created worldwide headlines after suggesting it may also have travelled from Jerusalem through Egypt before reaching medieval Spain through royal alliances and Christian kingdoms.Faith, history, politics, and legend all collide in these mysterious cups. Whether authentic or not, Spain has become one of the world's most unexpected guardians of one of Christianity's greatest legends.For Jorge: Small Group Tours in Spain & PortugalWebsite: https://travelingwithjorge.com/Small group tours Spain, cultural tours Spain and Portugal, authentic travel experiences, guided tours for mature travelers, food and wine tours Iberian Peninsula.If you're dreaming about discovering Spain and Portugal beyond the typical tourist routes, Jorge designs small group cultural tours that combine history, local gastronomy, wine experiences, and meaningful human connections. His journeys are crafted for curious travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and depth over rushed itineraries. Explore upcoming departures, detailed itineraries, and insider travel insights at TravelingWithJorge.com Your trusted source for unforgettable small group tours in Spain and Portugal.For Fran: Cultural & Gastronomic Tours in Spain & PortugalWebsite: https://travelingsteps.es/Spain cultural tours, Portugal walking tours, food and wine travel Spain, Camino experiences, senior-friendly tours Spain, immersive Iberian travel.Looking for a deeper way to experience Spain and Portugal? Fran at Traveling Steps curates immersive cultural tours that blend history, gastronomy, local traditions, and relaxed walking experiences designed especially for thoughtful, experience-driven travelers. From Mediterranean islands to the Portuguese Camino, each itinerary is built around authentic encounters and meaningful storytelling. Discover upcoming tours, travel guides, and insider advice at TravelingSteps.es and start planning your next unforgettable journey through Spain and Portugal.For Pamplona Fiesta – San Fermín Balcony RentalsWebsite: https://www.pamplonafiesta.com/Planning to experience the legendary Running of the Bulls in Pamplona? Secure one of the best balcony views in the city with PamplonaFiesta.com Our premium San Fermín balcony rentals offer safe, exclusive, and unforgettable vantage points overlooking the famous Encierro route. Whether it's your first visit or a return to the thrill of San Fermín 2026, we provide trusted, centrally located balconies for the ultimate Pamplona experience. Explore availability and book early at PamplonaFiesta.com to guarantee your place above the action.

As Pope Pope Leo XIV prepares for his visit to Valencia, one of Spain's greatest religious mysteries is once again back in the spotlight: the search for the true Holy Grail. And surprisingly, Spain has not one… but two famous chalices, both believed by some historians and believers to be the authentic cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper.The best known contender is kept inside Valencia Cathedral. Known as the Holy Chalice of Valencia, this small dark red agate cup has a story worthy of a Hollywood movie. Tradition says Saint Peter took it from Jerusalem to Rome, where early Christians protected it during periods of persecution. Later, during the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, the relic was secretly moved across northern Spain, hidden in monasteries deep in the Pyrenees before eventually arriving in Valencia in the 1400s.What makes this grail especially fascinating is that several Popes, including Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI, have actually used it during Mass. While the Vatican has never officially confirmed it as the authentic Holy Grail, historians agree that parts of the cup date back to the time of Christ.But Valencia is not alone. In the city of León, inside the ancient Basílica de San Isidoro, another chalice challenges Valencia 's claim. Known as the Chalice of Doña Urraca, researchers created worldwide headlines after suggesting it may also have travelled from Jerusalem through Egypt before reaching medieval Spain through royal alliances and Christian kingdoms.Faith, history, politics, and legend all collide in these mysterious cups. Whether authentic or not, Spain has become one of the world's most unexpected guardians of one of Christianity's greatest legends.For Jorge: Small Group Tours in Spain & PortugalWebsite: https://travelingwithjorge.com/Small group tours Spain, cultural tours Spain and Portugal, authentic travel experiences, guided tours for mature travelers, food and wine tours Iberian Peninsula.If you're dreaming about discovering Spain and Portugal beyond the typical tourist routes, Jorge designs small group cultural tours that combine history, local gastronomy, wine experiences, and meaningful human connections. His journeys are crafted for curious travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and depth over rushed itineraries. Explore upcoming departures, detailed itineraries, and insider travel insights at TravelingWithJorge.com Your trusted source for unforgettable small group tours in Spain and Portugal.For Fran: Cultural & Gastronomic Tours in Spain & PortugalWebsite: https://travelingsteps.es/Spain cultural tours, Portugal walking tours, food and wine travel Spain, Camino experiences, senior-friendly tours Spain, immersive Iberian travel.Looking for a deeper way to experience Spain and Portugal? Fran at Traveling Steps curates immersive cultural tours that blend history, gastronomy, local traditions, and relaxed walking experiences designed especially for thoughtful, experience-driven travelers. From Mediterranean islands to the Portuguese Camino, each itinerary is built around authentic encounters and meaningful storytelling. Discover upcoming tours, travel guides, and insider advice at TravelingSteps.es and start planning your next unforgettable journey through Spain and Portugal.For Pamplona Fiesta – San Fermín Balcony RentalsWebsite: https://www.pamplonafiesta.com/Planning to experience the legendary Running of the Bulls in Pamplona? Secure one of the best balcony views in the city with PamplonaFiesta.com Our premium San Fermín balcony rentals offer safe, exclusive, and unforgettable vantage points overlooking the famous Encierro route. Whether it's your first visit or a return to the thrill of San Fermín 2026, we provide trusted, centrally located balconies for the ultimate Pamplona experience. Explore availability and book early at PamplonaFiesta.com to guarantee your place above the action.

Father Anthony with Cristina and Tony regroup today after the weekend.  Father Anthony offers daily prayer with the Litany to the Sacred Heart.  Father refers to the period of the Era of Martyrs more specifically to the end of the period of martyrdom which failed to end Christianity.  He refers to and reads from writings of Pope Damasus I on the martyrdom of Saint Peter.  He talks about references Pope Benedict XVI made to the Great Apostasy and talks about how we are continuing the writing of the story of our church today; the story staying the same but the times change.  He reminds us the need to recognize the need to stay true to the church and focus on serving God in humility calling for metanoia. Father discusses how the moving away from God to focus on the SELF has caused this disorientation both from outside and inside of the church. They discuss the need to remain true to Catholicism despite all the challenges faced with today and keep the Church as a reverent and holy place.   St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish   

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: ​Is "made in the image and likeness of God" meant to be taken literally or spiritually? Should veiling be done after Vatican II? Is watching a recorded Mass different from a livestreamed Mass? Can Demons infiltrate our thoughts? Can a mortal sin become venial through habit? What does "binding and loosing on Earth as in Heaven" mean? Do priests need to find their own place to live? Is religious trauma a real thing? What decision should be made if a doctor recommends an abortion? Do IVF babies have a soul? Can Gregorian Masses be offered for an entire family tree? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Delivered by Svara Nirmala and Stella from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. 1 Peter 4: 7-13; Rs psalm 96: 10.11-12.13; Mark 11: 11-26.BE A SHARER OF GOD'S GRACE Our meditation today has the theme: Be a Sharer of God'sGrace. There was an elderly priest who died some time ago at the age of 100 inthe local parish rectory where he had worked for the past 45 years. He was aspecial priest and was entrusted to work in that parish for a long time untilthe end of his life. There are so many interesting stories told byparishioners. His life is engraved in the hearts of every parishioner. There was a parishioner who shared his story likethis. In his family, there were 5 levels of lineage whose marriage was blessedby the Priest. Other sacraments such as infant baptism, First Communion,Sacrament of Confirmation and Marriage are also served by the Priest. The storyof this one family is also the same as many other families in the parish. Fromhis hands, families received an outpouring of grace from God. From his mouth,they heard and received God's Word that illuminates life. From his heart,parishioners get every sense of love and appreciation as people living in aspirit of peace. In short, this late Pastor was a sharer of God's grace likeJesus Christ. The priest died and went to the heaven leaving behindhis fame, especially his fragrant name and his extraordinarily good deeds. TheFirst Letter of Saint Peter in today's first reading speaks about love thatshould be shared sincerely and freely, because love really covers a lot of sin.Love demands nothing more than the necessity of sharing God's grace withothers. Today's Gospel reading encourages us to share gracewith our neighbors and what is asked is the grace of forgiveness of sins. Noone escapes the fact that one, two or more people have already been guilty ofus. Mistakes big and small have had negative consequences for us. However,those of us who are victims or those who are harmed never run out of Allah'sgrace. God always bestows His grace on us through our various types ofspiritual activities and experiences every day.  So it is not difficult for us to share the grace offorgiveness with those who have wronged us. May we not delay the opportunity toforgive others who have wronged us. The Lord Jesus advises us, that "Whenyou stand praying, first forgive if there is anything in your heart againstanyone, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive your trespasses."Never forget to forgive as a result of too often and long delays to do so.Otherwise, sin can freeze and rust inside you. Letus pray. In the name of the Father ... O Allah most gracious, may we trulybecome true distributors of Your mercy through the spirit of always forgivingour neighbors. Our Father who is in heaven... In the name of the Father ...

Delivered by Vici from the Parish of St. John the Baptist in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. 1 Peter 1: 18-25; Rs psalm 147: 12-13.14-15.19-20; Mark 10: 32-45.WE HAVE BEEN REDEEMED WITH PRECIOUS BLOOD The theme for our meditation today is: We Have BeenRedeemed with Precious Blood.  SaintPeter, as the leader of the apostles and head of the early Church, gave thepeople a strong conviction that the salvation of man is not something cheap orordinary. In his letter, he affirms that we have been redeemed not with gold orsilver, but with the precious blood of Christ. Jesus showed the most perfectlove when he willingly accepted suffering, punishment, and died on the cross tosave mankind from sin. The cross is not a sign of defeat, but a sign of God'sgreat love for the world. Peter himself witnessed firsthand how Jesus enduredHis suffering. He saw the holy Master insulted, flogged, and finally crucified.That experience changed Peter's life completely. He who had once feared anddenied Jesus, eventually became a courageous preacher. He understood thatChrist's love was not just words, but real sacrifice. Therefore, Peter wantedevery Christian to live with the conviction that they are precious in God'seyes. Such a great love of Christ should move our hearts tolive in love as well. Jesus not only taught love, but He Himself carried it outcompletely. The apostles and disciples followed that example. They facedthreats, rejection, imprisonment, and even death in order to maintain theirfaith in Christ. Many of them eventually died as martyrs. They believed theybelonged to God who had redeemed them with His own blood. The realization that we are redeemed at a high priceshould shape our attitude to life every day. We are not meaningless people. Weare loved and saved by Christ Himself. Therefore, our lives should not be usedfor sin, hatred, or indifference to others. Every act of love, forgiveness,patience, and small sacrifice we make is an answer to the great love that Godhas given us. The right Christian attitude is to keep the heart fromdisappointing Jesus. We try to keep His commandments not because we fearpunishment, but because we love Him. A person who is aware that he has beenredeemed by the blood of Christ will strive to live faithfully, honestly, andlovingly. When he falls into sin, he will rise again and ask for God's mercy,for he knows that Christ gave His precious life for his salvation. Let us look at the cross of Christ with a gratefulheart. There we see the true self-esteem of man. God Himself is willing to giveHis life so that man can have life. So let us not waste such great love.  Letus pray. In the name of the Father ... O God, we thank Your most glorious andgreat love to save us through the self-sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Maywe always live the same love. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to theHoly Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...

Delivered by Stella from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. 1 Peter 1: 10-16; Rs psalm 98: 1.2-3ab.3c-4; Mark 10: 28-31.REPENTANCE THAT IS NOT IN VAIN Our meditation today has thetheme: Repentance That Is Not in Vain. Saint Peter as the leader of the earlyChurch had a very big responsibility to maintain and defend the faith of his fellowChristians. The members of the Church that were increasing day by day hadbecome the new baptized Christians. They came from other beliefs or ideologies,most of whom were considered pagans by the Jews. Their choice to abandon their old beliefs or ideologiesand embraced Christ-led Christianity was generally seen as a form ofconversion. The apostle Peter taught and guided them to repent sincerely whichmeans to have a repentance not in vain. Peter was not speaking without reason aboutrepentance not in vain. Its basis was his own experience with the companions ofthe apostles and the first disciples of Jesus. At first around Galilee in the area of ​​Judea, Peter andhis companions were Jewish ordinary people. They were like all other Jews. Someof them were fishermen in the sea of Galilee. They had the books of the Mosaiclaw and all its religious traditions. But Jesus Christ came and brought achange in their lives. The new life brought by Jesus had indeed completed whathas been handed down by Judaism and its traditions. It was then later calledChristianity. Peter and his companions experienced repentance for themselves,and that repentance was not in vain. What is meant by repentance not in vain? The evangelistMark today gives one definition. Repentance is not simply leaving an old lifeand acknowledging the new one. It is the same as a person leaving one place andarriving at a new destination. It is simply as that. In a new place he didn'tknow what to do or what to behave. This is not a repentance requested by theLord. It is tantamount to futile repentance. On the other hand, the apostle Peter and his companionsmade a repentance with the content of self-denial and all that is attached tooneself even like family members, then what is even more challenging is willingto endure suffering and persecution. This is a very meaningful repentance. So,someone who is truly converted is he or she who remains as a human person inthe world but with the clothes, body, and attitudes of Jesus Christ. A personwho follows his or her culture and traditions, but whose heart, mind, will,pattern of life, and spirit of life is Jesus Christ. It is a genuine repentanceor a radical new life. It is this repentance that revives the Church throughoutthe ages. Let'spray. In the name of the Father... Our Father in heaven, bless us so that thefaith we profess in Christ endures from now to the end of time. Our Father whoart in heaven... In the name of the Father...

Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter - Mass in the Morning Lectionary: 302 The Saint of the day is Saint Gregory VII Saint Gregory VII's Story The 10th century and the first half of the 11th were dark days for the Church, partly because the papacy was the pawn of various Roman families. In 1049, things began to change when Pope Leo IX, a reformer, was elected. He brought a young monk named Hildebrand to Rome as his counselor and special representative on important missions. Hildebrand was to become Gregory VII. Three evils plagued the Church then: simony–the buying and selling of sacred offices and things; the unlawful marriage of the clergy; and lay investiture—kings and nobles controlling the appointment of Church officials. To all of these Hildebrand directed his reformer's attention, first as counselor to the popes and later as pope himself. Gregory VII's papal letters stress the role of the bishop of Rome as the vicar of Christ and the visible center of unity in the Church. He is well known for his long dispute with Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV over who should control the selection of bishops and abbots. Gregory VII fiercely resisted any attack on the liberty of the Church. For this he suffered and finally died in exile. He said, “I have loved justice and hated iniquity; therefore, I die in exile.” Thirty years later the Church finally won its struggle against lay investiture. The liturgical feast of Saint Gregory VII is celebrated on May 25. Reflection The Gregorian Reform, a milestone in the history of Christ's Church, was named after this man who tried to extricate the papacy and the whole Church from undue control by civil rulers. Against an unhealthy Church nationalism in some areas, Gregory reasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ, and expressed in the bishop of Rome, the successor of Saint Peter.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

In this episode, host Megan Barber interviews Alfred Hawkins, curator at Historic Royal Palaces on his work at the Tower of London. The interview explores the many faceted role of the Tower as a palace, fortress and prison, its rich history and what royal life there was like in different eras.Guest Bio: Alfred Hawkins is a historian, buildings archaeologist, curator, and broadcaster with a decade of experience working in the commercial archaeology, heritage, and museum sectors. As Curator of Historic Buildings for HM Tower of London, and Cathedral Archaeologist at Salisbury & Portsmouth Cathedrals, he helps to conserve, research, and share the histories of some of Englands most important sites. Alongside overseeing numerous large scale development and conservation projects he regularly makes on screen appearances on various documentaries including Channel 5's Inside the Tower, Discovery Channel's Unearthed and BBC's Digging for Britain.Select Publications: Hayward, K. M. J., Hawkins, A. R. J., ‘The Spiral Stair in the Norman Flamsteed Turret within the White Tower at HM Tower of London: An Architectural and Petrological Examination' Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society (Forthcoming, 2026) Hawkins, A. R. J., Faillace, K., Madgwick, R., & Sidell, J. (2025). Life, death and worship at his Majestie's Tower of London: excavations outside the Chapel Royal and Royal Peculiar of Saint Peter ad Vincula. Archaeological Journal, 182(1), 3–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/00665983.2025.2491919Alfred Hawkins ‘The Peculiar Case of a Royal Peculiar: A Problem of Faculty at the Tower of London' in, Ecclesiastical Law Journal, Vol 24 (3) pp. 1-19Follow Alfred/HRP on Social Media: alfredrjhawkins.bsky.social (BlueSky)Alfredrjhawkins_history (instagram)ARJ_Hawkins (X)HistoricRoyalPalaces on InstagramHRP_Palaces / TowerofLondon on Xhistoric.royal.palaces on TikTok.  

Saint Peter of Alcantara (1499–1562) was so extreme in his pursuit of God that even other saints were stunned by his austerity. In this episode, we dive into the shocking life of the emaciated Franciscan reformer who slept only ninety minutes a night, wore heavy iron chains for years, fasted relentlessly, and became known for his mystical ecstasies and levitations.If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnny Mac shares five good news stories: In the Netherlands, human remains found beneath the Saint Peter and Paul Church may be Charles de Batz de Castelmore—D'Artagnan—pending DNA testing in Munich; the grave included a bullet and a 1660 coin. In Japan, the Henn na Resort and Spa Kansai Airport checks guests in with multilingual robot dinosaurs and offers themed rooms, ocean views, and multiple baths and saunas. In Brazil, scientists report vast termite-built marundas—possibly 200 million mounds visible via satellite—likely waste dumps for an underground tunnel network, some up to 4,000 years old. In England, a nine-month-old capybara named Samba escaped Marwell Zoo and remains missing as staff search with thermal drones. In Annapolis, an annual sock-burning festival continues a tradition begun in 1977.John also hosts Daily Comedy NewsUnlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media!  For Apple users, hit the banner which says Uninterrupted Listening on your Apple podcasts app. Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories' with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is info@caloroga.com

Delivered by Novi and Keenan from the Parish of Saint Peter in the Diocese of Bandung, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 20: 28-38; Rs psalm 68: 29-30.33-35a.35b-36c; John 17: 11b-19.SHARING THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Our meditation today has the theme: Sharing the Giftsof the Holy Spirit. There is a group of the Catholic youth who entered thechurch to do a prayer service. They were seven, four girls and three boys. Theywere all amazed by the decoration displayed beside the altar showing the sevenimages of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each chose one gift of the Spirit whichmostly suitable to each one's personality, namely the gift of wisdom,understanding, advice, knowledge, piety, fortitude (strength), and fear of God.After praying for few moments, they returned home with joy. There was a good and noble intention from them as agroup of the Catholic youth and as individual Christians as well. They wantedto give testimony to other Catholic youths, so that they could bring all youngpeople around them to a good Christian fellowship in the Church. They also wantedto become apostles in the sharing of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to theirother friends in their neighborhood. They believed that they would becomeuseful Christians if they shared the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Why do we need to share the gifts of the Holy Spirit?There are several important reasons. The first reason is because God himselfhad shared His divine power with humans through the Son of God who became a manin Jesus Christ, then Jesus Himself sent His Spirit to us. God always sharesHimself through His everlasting love, and so we must also able to share thatlove. The main purpose of this sharing is to create unity. This is the core ofJesus' prayer which today's Gospel reading proclaims. A sharing of the gifts ofthe Spirit aims for unity and not for disunity. The second is because the Holy Spirit moves and makesthings work. He moved every person in the Early Church and then initiated theiractivities so that they did not remain silent or hid themselves from public.Saint Paul was sent by the risen Jesus and he was instructed to move from oneplace to another, because he must extend the presence of the Church in allcorners of the earth. We are also filled and moved by the Holy Spirit so thatwe can share the Good News to others. And the third reason is because the one Church that wehave is an inclusive Church. Jesus Christ had entrusted the great mission tothe Church which is to make all people and nations His disciples. So there isno other way to fulfill this except that every member of the Church has to moveout from his or her place and share the gifts of the Holy Spirit to otherpeople. The world might have a lot of things for making people's life nice andenjoyable, but it must be lacking in the love and mercy of the Lord which comesfrom the work of the Holy Spirit. It is truly a blessing for our world todayif the sharing of the gifts of the Holy Spirit really happens in us as amanifestation of the apostolic character of our Holy Church.Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Jesus Christ, in the moment of waitingthe coming of the Holy Spirit, we put our faith in You as our true teacher andLord. Strengthen us with Your blessing and love so that in this moment ofpreparation we will always focus with devotion and prayer. Glory to the Fatherand to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: ​Is it moral to purchase a relic with the intention of giving it to the clergy? What is the best way to explain to a non-Catholic that cohabitation is not allowed? Why is divorce not allowed in cases where the spouse cheats? Do two people who have dated have any claim towards each other? Is it a sin to joke about an assassination attempt? What is the best way to deal with a pornography addiction? Can a priest, after hearing the confession of a criminal, hand over security footage to the police? Can a Roman Catholic make a habit of attending Byzantine Catholic liturgies?  And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

To meet the demands of modern, high-intensity warfare, the U.S. Army Reserve must remake itself --"Army Reserve 4.0"-- is the finding of an Army War College integrated research project. Steve Trynosky discussed this study with authors Kiona Pritchard, Brandon Collins, and Colleen Vermeulen. They found the Army Reserve is in a "readiness trap" caused by spreading insufficient infrastructure and budget across too many formations. To address this, the team proposes a tiered readiness model: "Ready Now" for immediate response, "Expand Tomorrow" for operational depth, and "Endure Always" for a long-term strategic reserve. Beyond structural changes, the authors advocate for a "unified culture" through increased cross-pollination, such as embedding Reserve officers in active-duty units and vice versa. By offering flexible service options tailored to diverse civilian lifestyles, the Army Reserve can better retain top talent and remain an indispensable partner to the joint force in future peer conflicts. One of the things that we see here at the Army War College and out across the broader force—it's considered okay as an active duty officer to not be familiar with the reserve component. And that's a problem because the reserve components, plural, make up roughly 50% of the force. Brandon Collins is an Army lieutenant colonel and was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer in 2006 from Officer Candidate School and has held an array of assignments in both the Regular Army and Army Reserve, to include, most recently, CJ2X Director for Combined Joint Task Force-OIR in Baghdad, Iraq. LTC Collins holds a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law – Houston; a Master's Degree in Global and International Studies from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is a member of the AY26 Resident Course at the U.S. Army War College. Kiona Pritchard is a colonel and an Army Nurse Corps Officer commissioned in 2005 through the Army ROTC Green to Gold Program following several years of active duty enlisted service. She began her career in the Regular Army and later transferred to the Army Reserve becoming a Nurse Practitioner. COL Pritchard has held a variety of command, clinical, and staff assignments, most recently as Commander of the 10th Battalion, 108th Regiment, an Army Reserve instructor unit for medical non-commissioned officer professional military education and enlisted medical MOS qualification courses. Kiona holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Portland. She is a member of the AY26 Resident Course at the U.S. Army War College. Colleen Vermeulen is a colonel who earned her commission as an Army Engineer Officer from ROTC in 2004. She has held a diverse range of command and staff assignments in both the Regular Army and Army Reserve, to include, Reserve Command Engineer for Special Operations Command South and Commander, 3rd Battalion, 330th Infantry Regiment, a unique Army Reserve unit missioned to deliver Infantry One Station Unit Training. COL Vermeulen holds both a Master of Divinity and Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University. She is a member of the AY26 Resident Course at the U.S. Army War College. Stephen Trynosky is the John Parker Chair of Reserve Component Studies at the U.S. Army War College and earned his commission as a Medical Service Corps Officer from ROTC in 1998.  He has held a diverse range of command and staff assignments in both the Regular Army and Army Reserve, to include, most recently, Senior Advisor, Professional Military Education, Office of the Secretary of War; and Commander, 993rd Medical Detachment (Veterinary Service Support). COL Trynosky holds both Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo, as well as a Master of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies and a BA in history from Saint Peter's College. He is a graduate of the AY23 Resident Course at the U.S. Army War College. Photo Credit: Created by Gemini

Fr. Mattingly reflects on the Second Reading from the First Letter of Saint Peter, inviting us to consider what it means to “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.”

The Phoenix is one of the most well-known mythical creatures in the world, and holds a special place in many hearts due to its symbolism of resurrection. Dying in flame and rising from the ashes, the Phoenix is likely the world's most iconic symbol of rebirth. But many tellings miss what may be the most important part of the Phoenix myth; the dignity and honor with which it treats its past self.We follow the Phoenix from its most ancient origins in Egypt as the Bennu, the radiantly rising bird sacred to the sun god, into Greek mythology through the works of Herodotus, and into the world through diverse works including the oldest Jewish play, Coptic Christian texts, and even the works of William Shakespeare.In the millennia since its origins, the Phoenix is an enduring symbol of rebirth and resurrection, inspiring leaders in rejuvenating society, artists in reinventing culture, and all those who go through the journey of renewal, rising from the ashes of the old self.Mythos & Logos are two ancient words that can be roughly translated as “Story & Meaning.”Support the channel by subscribing, liking, and commenting to join the conversation!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mythosandlogos00:00 Introduction00:31 Phoenix, from the Aberdeen Bestiary00:54 Ancient Origins00:59 Marble Bust of Herodotus, Rome, Second Century01:14 Obelisk of Sesostris, Heliopolis01:24 Herodotus, Histories, Book II02:08 Pajuheru Papyrus, Egypt, Ptolemaic Period, photographed by Djehouty, licensed under Creative Commons03:00 Cultural Rebirth03:13 Chiron Teaching Achilles to Play the Lyre, Roman Fresco from Herculaneum, First Century03:41 Phoenix, from the Nuremberg Chronicle by Hartmann Schedel03:48 The Burning of Troy by Dirck Verhaert03:56 Ovid, Metamorphoses, Book XV04:29 Aeneas Saving Anchises from Burning Troy by Adam Elsheimer04:47 Queen Elizabeth I by Nicholas Hilliard05:03 20 Lepta Coin, Greece, First Hellenic Republic, photographed by Classical Numismatic Group, licensed under Creative Commons05:34 Fable of the Phoenix by Aegidius Sadeler II05:45 Phoenix Stained Glass, Saint Peter's Church, Purgstall, Austria, photographed by BSonne, licensed under Creative Commons06:22 The Reborn Soul06:33 Roman Portrait of Lactantius or Apuleius, from the Bishop's Museum, Trier06:57 Phoenix by Marcus Gheeraerts the Elder07:04 The Phoenix by Cornelis Troost07:13 Lactantius, The Phoenix07:49 Phoenix, from the Aberdeen Bestiary08:01 Panel with Phoenixes and Flowers, China, Fourteenth Century08:09 Phoenix by Henry Justice Ford08:20 Conclusion: The Human Phoenix10:34 OutroAll works of art are public domain unless stated otherwise. Ambiment- The Ambient by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.

Full Text of Readings Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter Lectionary: 289 The Saint of the day is Saint Peter of Tarentaise Saint Peter of Tarentaise's Story There are two men named Saint Peter of Tarentaise who lived one century apart. The man we honor today is the elder Peter, born in France in the early part of the 12th century. The other man with the same name became Pope Innocent the Fifth. The Peter we're focusing on today became a Cistercian monk and eventually served as abbot. In 1142, he was named archbishop of Tarentaise, replacing a bishop who had been deposed because of corruption. Peter tackled his new assignment with vigor. He brought reform into his diocese, replaced lax clergy, and reached out to the poor. He visited all parts of his mountainous diocese on a regular basis. After about a decade as bishop, Peter of Tarentaise “disappeared” for a year and lived quietly as a lay brother at an abbey in Switzerland. When he was found out, the reluctant bishop was persuaded to return to his post. He again focused many of his energies on the poor. Peter of Tarentaise died in 1174 on his way home from an unsuccessful papal assignment to reconcile the kings of France and England. His liturgical feast is celebrated on September 14. Reflection We probably know a lot of people who would welcome the chance to receive some honor or honorary position. They relish the thought of the glamour and glory. But saints like Peter of Tarentaise remind us that humility and the avoidance of glory is the way of the Gospel.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

In this episode, Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, President and CEO of Saint Peter's Healthcare System, shares how a mission driven, family like culture and deep CEO engagement drive excellence in quality and patient safety. He discusses leadership accountability, clinical excellence, and how transparency, technology, and continuous improvement shape high performing care environments.

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: ​How does Father feel about restricting communion to practicing Catholics? Should we skip the morning offering prayer during Good Friday? Who is Fr. Brancich's favorite saint? Is it an option for the congregation to stand for the whole Liturgy of the Eucharist? Will a priest automatically administer the apostolic pardon with the anointing of the sick?  Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Born in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, in present-day New York State, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-80) and her family contracted smallpox in an epidemic; she was the only one of the family to survive, but had scarring on her face. She was influenced by French Jesuit missionaries and converted to Catholicism at age 19. After taking a vow of perpetual virginity, she left her village, and moved to the Jesuit mission village of Kahnawake, just south of Montreal, Canada. There she died five years later on April 17th, respected for her piety and good works. She was beatified in 1980 by Pope John Paul II, and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI at Saint Peter's Basilica on 21 October 2012. Enjoy the first part of three of The Life and Legacy of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Super Saints podcast available at https://amzn.to/46spnjl Bob & Penny Lord's book: Visionaries, Mystics & Stigmatists at https://amzn.to/41z4aUS Bob & Penny Lord books available at https://amzn.to/4epZEiT Books about Kateri Tekakwitha at https://amzn.to/3QJSJqY ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's HISTORICAL JESUS podcast: https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA & https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Super Saints podcast with Bob and Penny Lord, Life of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, 12july2021. All audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: ​​What is the best way to end a confession? Should you wait to sit at Mass until the priest sits? Does the church offer Holy Communion to those with dementia, Down Syndrome, or other mental impairments? Historically, how were deaf people able to assist at the traditional Latin mass? Is it ever ok to swear to express frustration? Why have people tried to change the Canon of the Mass? How do Catholics interpret the relationship in the Song of Songs? What is a Mass stipend? How many Masses should be said for a deceased loved one? Is there a difference between praying to God the Father and Jesus? How do Jesus and Mary feel about gay people? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

RecLess presents: This Parks & Rec Life - Meredith Lawrence and John Stutzman. Meredith Lawrence - MPA, CPRE - Parks & Rec Director/Assistant Public Works Director, Mendota Heights, MN and John Stutzman, former Recreation and Leisure Services Director, City of Saint Peter, MN speak to how they develop their support system, caretake their mental health, and protect their personal family life as single parks and recreation professionals.This Parks & Rec Life is a podcast exploring the impact of a parks and recreation career on the lives of the loved ones of a parks professional. Hosted by Hannah Mize, editor and producer of the parks and recreation podcast RecLess and editor and producer of This Parks & Rec Life, and cohost Shane Mize, Director of Parks and Recreation, Pflugerville, TX.

This meditation reflects on Saint Peter's journey from the "bitter tears" of his denial to the transformative "living hope" found in the Resurrection. It explores how Jesus often remains by our side in unexpected ways—as a gardener or a stranger—even when we fail to recognize his presence through our personal trials. Drawing from Saint Peter's first letter, Father J.P. Mitchell explains that we are regenerated by God's mercy regardless of our past faults. Therefore, with Christ's help, let us go through this life with joy—the joy of the Resurrection. Our Lord is here. We were lost and now we've been found.

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: Is working out our salvation with fear and trembling contradictory to the advice to not be anxious or worry? Why does the church seemingly promote interfaith dialogue yet denounce beliefs like Freemasonry? Is the Trinity difficult to understand because it is a mystery or because it has a logical problem? Why is Easter celebrated before a full three days have passed? What can be done to prevent another French Revolution? What is the difference between ICKSP and FSSP parishes? How does one overcome being inconsistent in prayer life? ​​Why is consulting with spirits forbidden? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: Is it immodest for a pregnant woman to show her stomach in public? Can someone seeking a declaration of nullity serve as a witness to a baptism? When does anger turn into the sin of hatred? Father Brancich's thoughts on inculturation. Father's advice for discerning a third order. What should someone do if they are leaning towards Orthodoxy? Why does it feel like we're just reciting words during the Nicene Creed? How does one align themselves to the movements of grace? What should be done if a husband doesn't lead their household in Catholic matters? What if someone is not strong enough to stand up to their wife? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

What happens when your faith falters? When you promised you'd never fall… but you did?In When Faith Falters — and Comes Back, we explore the powerful story of Saint Peter—his bold confidence, devastating denial, and beautiful restoration. From Gospel of Luke 22 to Gospel of John 21, we see that failure is not final when grace steps in.Jesus told Peter he would be sifted—but also that his faith would not fail. And when Peter broke under pressure, Jesus didn't shame him. He restored him. Three denials were met with three affirmations of love. Not interrogation—restoration.This message is for anyone carrying regret, shame, or the quiet fear that God is done with you. Faith doesn't die when it stumbles. It grows when it stops trusting self and starts resting fully in Christ.Your worst moment did not cancel your calling. Grace always has the last word.Running on empty, get Midweek Refill, the spiritual pitstop you need!

Today on Coast To Coast Hoops Greg recaps Saturday's college basketball results, talks to Curtis Rogers of 710 Seattle Sports about takeaways from Duke vs Michigan & Houston vs Arizona, and the landscape of the west coast teams & the Big Ten, & Greg picks & analyzes every Sunday game! Link To Greg's Spreadsheet of handicapped lines: https://vsin.com/college-basketball/greg-petersons-daily-college-basketball-lines/ Greg's TikTok With Pickmas Pick Videos: https://www.tiktok.com/@gregpetersonsports?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  Podcast Highlights  2:10-Recap of Saturday's Results 32:01-Interview with Curtis Rogers 49:58-Start of picks UAB vs Memphis 52:19-Picks & analysis for UW Green Bay vs Detroit 54:56-Picks & analysis for Ohio St vs Michigan St 57:17-Picks & analysis for Iona vs Merrimack 59:48-Picks & analysis for Northern Kentucky Youngstown St 1:02:30-Picks & analysis for Rice vs Tulane 1:04:50-Picks & analysis for Saint Peter's vs Siena 1:07:29-Picks & analysis for Towson vs Drexel 1:10:00-Picks & analysis for Fairfield vs Quinnipiac 1:12:51-Picks & analysis for Robert Morris vs Wright St 1:15:23-Picks & analysis for Fort Wayne vs Cleveland St 1:17:50-Picks & analysis for Niagara vs Rider 1:20:38-Picks & analysis for Sacred Heart vs Marist 1:23:05-Picks & analysis for Canisius vs Mount St. Mary's 1:25:38-Picks & analysis for UW Milwaukee vs Oakland 1:28:07-Picks & analysis for Florida Atlantic vs North Texas 1:30:36-Picks & analysis for Iowa vs Wisconsin 1:33:17-Picks & analysis for UT San Antonio vs Tulsa 1:36:20-Start of extra games Boston U vs Lehigh 1:39:02-Picks & analysis for American vs Lafayette 1:41:29-Picks & analysis for Holy Cross vs Bucknell Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is celebrated annually on February 22nd to honor a wooden throne, enclosed in a massive bronze reliquary designed by Bernini, located in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Tradition claims the chair belonged to the Apostle Saint Peter, the leader of the Early Christians in Rome and first Pope, and which he used as Bishop of Rome in the 1st century A.D. The relic symbolizes the authority and mission of St. Peter as the first Pope and the teaching authority, or magisterium, of his successors. Books about Saint Peter at https://amzn.to/4c7U0RG ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Catholic Saints & Feasts of the Liturgical Year-February 22-Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle—Feast (Feb. 20, 2025); Saint of the Day podcast with Mike Roberts — Feast Day Of The Chair Of Saint Peter (22feb2025), Covenant Network. Audio excerpts reproduced under a Creative Commons license and the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Text of Readings First Sunday of Lent Lectionary: 22 The Saint of the day is Chair of Saint Peter The Story of the Chair of Saint Peter This feast commemorates Christ's choosing Peter to sit in his place as the servant-authority of the whole Church. After the “lost weekend” of pain, doubt, and self-torment, Peter hears the Good News. Angels at the tomb say to Magdalene, “The Lord has risen! Go, tell his disciples and Peter.” John relates that when he and Peter ran to the tomb, the younger outraced the older, then waited for him. Peter entered, saw the wrappings on the ground, the headpiece rolled up in a place by itself. John saw and believed. But he adds a reminder: “…[T]hey did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead” (John 20:9). They went home. There the slowly exploding, impossible idea became reality. Jesus appeared to them as they waited fearfully behind locked doors. “Peace be with you,” he said (John 20:21b), and they rejoiced. The Pentecost event completed Peter's experience of the risen Christ. “…[T]hey were all filled with the holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4a) and began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit prompted them. Only then can Peter fulfill the task Jesus had given him: “… [O]nce you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). He at once becomes the spokesman for the Twelve about their experience of the Holy Spirit—before the civil authorities who wished to quash their preaching, before the Council of Jerusalem, for the community in the problem of Ananias and Sapphira. He is the first to preach the Good News to the Gentiles. The healing power of Jesus in him is well attested: the raising of Tabitha from the dead, the cure of the crippled beggar. People carry the sick into the streets so that when Peter passed his shadow might fall on them. Even a saint experiences difficulty in Christian living. When Peter stopped eating with Gentile converts because he did not want to wound the sensibilities of Jewish Christians, Paul says, “…I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong…. [T]hey were not on the right road in line with the truth of the gospel…” (Galatians 2:11b, 14a). At the end of John's Gospel, Jesus says to Peter, “Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18). What Jesus said indicated the sort of death by which Peter was to glorify God. On Vatican Hill, in Rome, during the reign of Nero, Peter did glorify his Lord with a martyr's death, probably in the company of many Christians. Second-century Christians built a small memorial over his burial spot. In the fourth century, the Emperor Constantine built a basilica, which was replaced in the 16th century. Reflection Like the committee chair, the chair refers to the occupant, not the furniture. Its first occupant stumbled a bit, denying Jesus three times and hesitating to welcome gentiles into the new Church. But, as we know, he turned toward the light. Some of its later occupants have also stumbled a bit, sometimes even failed scandalously. As individuals, we may sometimes think a particular pope has let us down. Still, the office endures as a sign of the long tradition we cherish and as a focus for the universal Church.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Saturday after Ash Wednesday Lectionary: 222 The Saint of the day is Saint Peter Damian Saint Peter Damian's Story Maybe because he was orphaned and had been treated shabbily by one of his brothers, Saint Peter Damian was very good to the poor. It was the ordinary thing for him to have a poor person or two with him at table and he liked to minister personally to their needs. Saint Peter escaped poverty and the neglect of his own brother when his other brother, who was archpriest of Ravenna, took him under his wing. His brother sent him to good schools and Peter became a professor. Already in those days, Saint Peter Damian was very strict with himself. He wore a hair shirt under his clothes, fasted rigorously and spent many hours in prayer. Soon, he decided to leave his teaching and give himself completely to prayer with the Benedictines of the reform of Saint Romuald at Fonte Avellana. They lived two monks to a hermitage. Peter was so eager to pray and slept so little that he soon suffered from severe insomnia. He found he had to use some prudence in taking care of himself. When he was not praying, he studied the Bible. The abbot commanded that when he died Saint Peter Damian should succeed him. Abbot Saint Peter founded five other hermitages. He encouraged his brothers in a life of prayer and solitude and wanted nothing more for himself. The Holy See periodically called on him, however, to be a peacemaker or troubleshooter, between two abbeys in dispute or a cleric or government official in some disagreement with Rome. Finally, Pope Stephen IX made Saint Peter Damian the cardinal-bishop of Ostia. He worked hard to wipe out simony—the buying of church offices–and encouraged his priests to observe celibacy and urged even the diocesan clergy to live together and maintain scheduled prayer and religious observance. He wished to restore primitive discipline among religious and priests, warning against needless travel, violations of poverty, and too comfortable living. He even wrote to the bishop of Besancon complaining that the canons there sat down when they were singing the psalms in the Divine Office. He wrote many letters. Some 170 are extant. We also have 53 of his sermons and seven lives, or biographies, that he wrote. He preferred examples and stories rather than theory in his writings. The liturgical offices he wrote are evidence of his talent as a stylist in Latin. He asked often to be allowed to retire as cardinal-bishop of Ostia, and finally Pope Alexander II consented. Saint Peter Damian was happy to become once again just a monk, but he was still called to serve as a papal legate. When returning from such an assignment in Ravenna, he was overcome by a fever. With the monks gathered around him saying the Divine Office, he died on February 22, 1072. In 1828, he was declared a Doctor of the Church. Reflection Peter was a reformer and if he were alive today would no doubt encourage the renewal started by Vatican II. He would also applaud the greater emphasis on prayer that is shown by the growing number of priests, religious, and laypersons who gather regularly for prayer, as well as the special houses of prayer recently established by many religious communities.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Today is day 50 and we are in the section on the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed on Jesus Christ the Son of God. Today we are on the fourth line: “I believe in Jesus Christ” and studying question 50. 50. What does “Christ” mean? Christos is the Greek term for the Hebrew title Messiah, meaning “Anointed One.” Old Testament kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil. Jesus the Christ was anointed by the Holy Spirit to perfectly fulfill these roles, and he rules now as Prophet, Priest, and King over his Church and all creation. (Exodus 40:12–16; 1 Samuel 16:11–13; 1 Kings 19:15–16; Psalm 89:19–29; Luke 3:21–22; 4:14–21; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 4:14–5:10) We will conclude today with The Collect for the Confession of Saint Peter found on page 626 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 336 The Saint of the day is Seven Founders of the Servite Order The Story of the Seven Founders of the Servite Order Can you imagine seven prominent men of Boston or Denver banding together, leaving their homes and professions, and going into solitude for a life directly given to God? That is what happened in the cultured and prosperous city of Florence in the middle of the 13th century. The city was torn with political strife as well as the heresy of the Cathari, who believed that physical reality was inherently evil. Morals were low and religion seemed meaningless. In 1240, seven noblemen of Florence mutually decided to withdraw from the city to a solitary place for prayer and direct service of God. Their initial difficulty was providing for their dependents, since two were still married and two were widowers. Their aim was to lead a life of penance and prayer, but they soon found themselves disturbed by constant visitors from Florence. They next withdrew to the deserted slopes of Monte Senario. In 1244, under the direction of Saint Peter of Verona, O.P., this small group adopted a religious habit similar to the Dominican habit, choosing to live under the Rule of St. Augustine and adopting the name of the Servants of Mary. The new Order took a form more like that of the mendicant friars than that of the older monastic Orders. Members of the community came to the United States from Austria in 1852 and settled in New York and later in Philadelphia. The two American provinces developed from the foundation made by Father Austin Morini in 1870 in Wisconsin. Community members combined monastic life and active ministry. In the monastery, they led a life of prayer, work and silence while in the active apostolate they engaged in parochial work, teaching, preaching, and other ministerial activities. Reflection The time in which the Seven Founders of the Servite Order lived is very easily comparable to the situation in which we find ourselves today. It is “the best of times and the worst of times,” as Dickens once wrote. Some, perhaps many, feel called to a countercultural life, even in religion. All of us are faced in a new and urgent way with the challenge to make our lives decisively centered in Christ.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: What does it mean to be a "lukewarm" Catholic? Father Brancich's advice to overcome scrupulosity. Does a livestreamed Mass fulfil a Sunday obligation for someone unable to attend in person? Why did the Catholic Church originally segregate men and women during Holy Mass? What does the church teach regarding near-death experiences? Why are blessings only effective if done live instead of recorded? Why do some priests who say the TLM speak very fast? What does Jesus mean when he said, "My kingdom is not of this world"? And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Friends of the Rosary,The Catholic Church celebrates today, February 5th, the Memorial of St. Agatha (d. 250), a virgin and martyr who died in defense of her purity, in Catania, Sicily, after the governor of that region tried in vain to force her to consent to sin.Her name appears in the Roman Canon of the Mass, along with six more women martyrs: Saints Felicity, Perpetual, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, and Anastasia.When asked about her faith, she said: "I am a handmaid of Christ, and that is why I bear the outward appearance of a slave; yet this is the highest nobility, to be a slave to Christ."The governor threatened her with the most dreadful tortures if she did not renounce Christ.Agatha countered: "If you threaten me with wild beasts, know that at the Name of Christ they grow tame; if you use fire, from heaven angels will drop healing dew on me.""If you do not cause my body to be torn to pieces by the hangmen, my soul cannot enter the Lord's paradise with the martyrs.”She was burned with red-hot irons and despoiled of her breasts.In the night in prison, the apostle Peter appeared to her with healing remedies."I am the apostle of Christ; distrust me not, my daughter." Agatha replied: "I have never used earthly medicines on my body. I cling to the Lord Jesus Christ, who renews all things by His word."She was miraculously healed by St. Peter: "Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I give you praise because by Your apostle You have restored my breasts."Throughout the night, a light illumined the dungeon. When the guards fled in terror, her fellow prisoners urged her to escape, but she refused: "Having received help from the Lord, I will persevere in confessing Him who healed me and comforted me."Four days later, by order of the governor, Agatha was rolled over pieces of sharp glass and burning coals. At that moment, the whole city was rocked by a violent earthquake.Two walls collapsed, burying two of the governor's friends in the debris. Fearing a popular uprising, he ordered Agatha, half dead, to be returned to prison.Here she offered her dying prayer: "Blessed Agatha stood in the midst of the prison and with outstretched arms prayed to the Lord: O Lord Jesus Christ, good Master, I give You thanks that You granted me victory over the executioners' tortures. Grant now that I may happily dwell in Your never-ending glory." Thereupon, she died.A year after her death, the city of Catania was in great peril from an eruption on Mount Etna.Even pagans fled in terror to the saint's grave. Her veil was taken and held against the onrushing flames, and suddenly the danger ceased. Her grave is venerated in Catania, Sicily.[In the picture above: Saint Agatha Attended by Saint Peter and an Angel in Prison, painting of Alessandro Turchi in The Walters Art Museum]Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠February 5, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Read Online“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:10–13During the first half of Jesus' public ministry, despite the religious leaders growing increasingly hostile, He accomplished many things. Numerous conversions took place, many began to believe He was the Messiah, miracles abounded, and His fame spread far and wide. During this time, Jesus gave special attention to twelve of His disciples, setting them apart and designating them as Apostles. Honored by Jesus' special attention, perhaps these twelve men struggled with pride, thinking they were above the rest of the disciples.In today's Gospel, “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits” (Mark 6:7). This divine authority was something new to them, a gift beyond anything they had ever known. For that reason, Jesus exhorted them to rely on Divine Providence for their mission, exercising it with humility and simplicity: “He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts […] He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there'” (Mark 6:8, 10).This was a pivotal moment for the Twelve. During the first half of Jesus' public ministry, the Twelve were our Lord's students: listening to Him, accompanying Him, praying with Him, and learning about the Kingdom of God. Suddenly, the time came for them to act in Jesus' name and with His authority. As they went forth, two by two, preaching repentance in the surrounding towns and villages, something amazing took place. They witnessed God's power working through them, changing lives. With the newfound authority of their words and actions, they must have been amazed to see miracles take place at their command and demons fleeing in their presence.Though the Twelve were entrusted with the unique mission of becoming the foundation upon which Jesus would build His Church—especially Saint Peter, the Prince of the Apostles—we must all see ourselves in this divine commissioning. In accord with the requirements of our own divinely appointed missions, we, too, will be entrusted with “authority over unclean spirits.” Though only those officially sanctioned by the Church act in the formal role of exorcists, God's authority is entrusted to each of us to thwart diabolical activity every day. By simply remaining in a state of grace and relying upon that grace, we participate in Christ's victory over evil, thwarting satan's works, revealing his lies, and assisting others in their quest for interior freedom. We do this in varied ways, depending on our vocations and particular missions.Reflect today on the mission Christ has entrusted to you. Parents, spouses, siblings, co-workers, friends, and neighbors are all called to share in Christ's mission in unique and varied ways. As you ponder your own mission, consider two questions. First, have you, like the Twelve, embraced repentance and conversion by drawing closer to our Lord? Have you committed yourself to deepening that conversion so as to be more fully united with Christ? Secondly, have you allowed your union with Christ to equip you for the mission God has entrusted to you? Do you sense His divine authority in your life, enabling you to preach in His name through your words and deeds? Does your mere presence bring Christ's grace, dispelling darkness and evil? Resolve to continue the mission given to the Twelve in accord with God's will, and you, too, will be amazed at what God will do through you. My glorious Lord, You called the Twelve and formed them in Truth and grace, drawing them into lives of profound conversion. You then sent them forth in Your name to preach repentance and to dispel evil with authority. Please draw me close to You and form me by Your grace so that I not only know, love, and serve You more fully, but also become a greater instrument of Your grace to others. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

"Saint Peter was a humble, devout and peace-loving man, unlike his father, Tsar Symeon the Warrior (d. 927), during whose reign there had been perpetual warfare. By contrast, Peter's long reign was peaceful, and notable for the restoration of good relations with Byzantium and with the West. Peter married Maria, the grand-daughter of the Emperor Romanus Lecapenus, who recognized him as basileus (tsar or king), and he obtained independence from Constantinople for the Bulgarian Church with its own Patriarch. He had a great love for Saint John of Rila (19 Oct.), whom he would often consult, and he kept in touch with renowned ascetics of the time like Saint Paul of Latros (15 Dec.). The King acted energetically against the Bogomil heresy, an offshoot of Manicheism, by which some of his people, lacking sufficient instruction in the faith, were being misled. He called a council in order to condemn the heresy and reassert Christian principles. Nevertheless, the infection was to remain active for many years in Bulgaria. Following the invasion of the north of his Kingdom by Prince Svyatoslav of Kiev in 969, Peter abdicated and became a monk. He died in the following year, having consecrated his final days to God alone." (Synaxarion)   A note on the Bogomils: The Bogomils flourished in the Eastern Europe as an organized church from the 10th to the 15th century. In theology they were dualistic, incorporating some Manichean and Gnostic ideas from the Paulicians. They were nationalistic and gained much support through their opposition to Byzantine dominance over the Slavic peoples. They disappeared as an organized body around the fifteenth century, but elements of their beliefs persisted in popular thinking for many centuries afterward.

My guest today is Beth Ellen Adubato. I met Beth last month and was so impressed with her background and dedication to making a positive impact in the world. From her own personal experience of being sexually assaulted in college, Beth has championed women's issues for decades and created an organization that supports women of domestic violence. She has been a journalist, researcher and professor of criminal justice, at both Saint Peter's University and Rutgers University, training her students to be critical thinkers, who care for others with empathy.  Beth now feels compelled to serve her state on a larger scale and is running for Congress in New Jersey District 7. Her run for Congress reflects her values, determination and strength, embodying what it means to be a courageous leader who speaks the truth and stands up to injustice. I am so grateful that someone with Beth's experience wants to throw her hat in the political ring. If you live in NJ-7 or know people who do, please share Beth's info and let's support someone with this rich experience and integrity to be voted into Congress.   Check out the Show Notes for links to Beth's website, her L.I.N.D.A. Organization and her email. Perhaps you want to host a meet and greet and/or encourage others to do so. Enjoy the podcast!  Links: www.beth4nj.com www.wearelinda.org badubato@saintpeters.edu badubato@scj.rutgers.edu

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012426.cfmFather Jason Lewis, MIC confronts a question that has echoed since the time of Christ: Who is Jesus, really? As the Gospel recounts, some of Jesus' own relatives believed He was “out of his mind,” while the scribes accused Him of acting by the power of evil. Yet Jesus' works—healing the sick, casting out demons, forgiving sins—force a decision that cannot be avoided.Father Jason draws on the classic trilemma, popularized by C.S. Lewis: Jesus can only be one of three things—lunatic, liar, or Lord. A mere “good moral teacher” is not an option. As Lewis argued, a man who claimed divine authority and spoke as Jesus did could not simply be misunderstood or exaggerated. Either His claims were false, making Him gravely deceptive or delusional, or they were true, demanding our faith and obedience. Scripture itself bears witness to this truth: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:1, 14; NABRE).The Church has always proclaimed this same confession of faith. Saint Peter declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16; NABRE), not by human reasoning alone, but by revelation from the Father. Father Jason reminds us that the fruit of Christ's life and teachings confirms this identity. Lies do not produce saints. Deception does not transform the world through sacrificial love, truth, and mercy across centuries.Because Jesus is Lord, He does more than teach—He gives Himself. In the Eucharist, entrusted to the Apostles and handed down through the priesthood, Christ remains truly present to nourish His people and draw them into divine life. This is the heart of the Gospel and the foundation of Christian faith.To grow deeper in your understanding of how Christ continues His saving work through the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, recorded live at the Becker's 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable, Garrick Stoldt, VP Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Saint Peter's Healthcare System, discusses the effects of the Big Beautiful Bill, the rapid expansion of automation across healthcare finance, and why maintaining a strong human role remains essential as organizations modernize.In collaboration with R1.

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: Why does Revelation 5:13 point to animals being able to praise God? What can a priest do for communion if he is not in a state of grace? Is it a sin not to follow the guidance given to you in the confessional? How do we balance being sorrowful and blessed? How open do we need to be about our sins during confession? Prayer suggestions for Septuagesima. Does annulment require a civil divorce first? What does it mean when people say Mary is the spouse of the Holy Spirit? What should we do if the precious blood is spilled onto our clothes? Is silver the same as white as a liturgical color? Why can't women be priests? And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: Is prayer in a state of mortal sin efficacious? What types of prayers should be said after Mass? What do you need to be capable of consenting to marriage? Why is the Gloria omitted during Lent and Advent but not the Sanctus? Can those who are divorced receive holy communion? Can a Catholic parent take a job as a psychic to provide for their family? What is the significance of the relic of the blood of Christ? Should Children leave Mass to attend a Children's Liturgy? Do priests still need to say Mass if no congregation is present? And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP, is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show: Is there a specific length of time a priest should shoot for with a homily? Is the Epiphany a Holy Day of Obligation? What is the best way to follow along with the TLM? Advice on convincing a friend to fulfil their Mass obligation. Is there an English word-for-word translation of the Bible? Why do some churches have the "Our Lady of" title? Is it a sin to refuse to attend an irreverent Mass if it's the only option? What Sports should a teenage Catholic boy play? Book recomendations for those with fallen-away family members. What can a family do if there is no wake or funeral for a member? And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

“Why Didn’t God Make Everyone Sinless? ” This question opens a discussion on divine purpose, touching on the complexities of justice and mercy. Other topics include the foundation of the Church on Saint Peter, the relationship between God’s justice and mercy in the context of Hell, and the practical benefits of joining a church community. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:25 – Does God make some people for honorable use and some not for honorable use? 17:38 – I struggle with the church being founded on the Rock of Saint Peter? 29:00 – How can I relate God's justice and mercy with the nature of Hell? 38:30 – What is the practicality of joining a church community? 47:09 – I am not Catholic because I think you preach a different Gospel

1. Middle East Peace Agreement & U.S. Foreign Policy The discussion opens with praise for Donald Trump’s foreign policy—his “peace through strength” approach ended a two-year war, freed hostages, and prevented global instability. Trump is decisive and feared by America’s enemies (Iran, Hamas, China, Russia), contrasting with Biden, whom they describe as “weak and appeasing.” Historical examples (ISIS defeat, strikes on Iranian targets, anti-Houthi and anti-Venezuelan actions) are cited as evidence of Trump’s assertive leadership. 2. Government Shutdown The conversation blames Democrats—specifically Senator Chuck Schumer—for the “Schumer Shutdown.” The speakers argue Republicans are trying to reopen the government, while Democrats obstruct funding. They highlight political theater surrounding an upcoming rally (“No King’s Rally”) and accuse Democrats of prioritizing political optics over public service. There’s commentary on Congressional pay during shutdowns, with a contrast drawn between Cruz “refusing his paycheck” and Democrats “continuing to collect theirs.” 3. Charlie Kirk’s Death & Legacy This section memorializes Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, fictionalized here as assassinated and posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump. We explore Christian forgiveness, with Kirk’s widow, Erica, forgiving Kirk's killer during the televised service. The narrative blends religious devotion, martyrdom, and political faith, presenting Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom,” comparable to figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Lincoln, and Saint Peter. Trump’s and Erica’s differing views on “loving one’s enemies” are discussed as a theological and moral moment. 4. Interview with Eric Trump The final part is a conversation with Eric Trump, discussing: Legal battles faced by the Trump family (naming prosecutors like Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, Fani Willis, and Jack Smith). Financial strain (“$400 million defending ourselves against nonsense”). Perceived bias and corruption in the justice system. We then shift to personal reflections on Donald Trump as a father: Emphasis on discipline, hard work, no substance use, and humility despite wealth. Advice for parents: “Keep them poor, make them work early.” The conversation ends on a note of familial pride and loyalty. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.