Podcasts about some catholics

Some Catholics here in New Zealand have been heading to church to pray for the new Pope. Reporter Jessica Hopkins spoke to Corin Dann.

Some Catholics are concerned about recent changes to synod structures and future decisions. We take a closer look at Pope Paul VI's vision for synods, the Church's stance on women's ordination and same-sex unions, and answer more on valid marriage, frozen embryos, and Mary's sinlessness. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 14:40 – Why does the pope not follow Pope Paul VI's understanding of synods only being made up of Cardinals? Will he allow women priests and homosexual weddings? 20:50 – What does the Church require for a marriage to be valid? 24:36 – Why doesn’t the Church have an articulated position on frozen embryos? 33:14 – Why does the Catholic moral belief prioritize the individual and neighbor over family and kin? 41:34 – Why does the Church believe in patron saints? 46:43 – If Mary was human, how was she sinless? 48:09 – Why aren’t the remains of a cremated loved one allowed to be kept in a home? 51:06 – Why do we believe in the God of the Old Testament?

Catholic leaders—priests, bishops, even popes—sometimes share their opinions about various political issues. Some Catholics and those considering Catholicism often wonder, "Do I have to agree with them?" Greg and Ed ask whether all Catholics have to all have the same politics. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

Monday, 10 March 2025   Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. Matthew 8:14   “And Jesus, having come, into the house of Peter, He saw the mother-in-law of him, having been cast and fevering” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus healed the centurion's servant by simply speaking the word. Now, with that event recorded, Matthew turns to another need for healing, beginning with, “And Jesus, having come, into the house of Peter.”   Peter's house is located in Capernaum. Archaeologists believe they uncovered it in 1968. Since then, it has been made into a national landmark. Of the house, a Google search says the following:   Discovery: In 1968, archaeologists found the ruins of a large house in Capernaum  The house was part of a cluster of about a dozen houses from the 1st century AD  The house was simple, with coarse walls and an earth and straw roof  The house had a few small rooms around two open courtyards  Evidence:  The house's walls were plastered and painted with stylized flowers, pomegranates, figs, geometric figures, and hundreds of crosses The house's limestone floor had many fragments of votive lamps The house's walls had graffiti in many languages, including "Lord Jesus Christ, Help" and "Christ Have Mercy"   Once Jesus had entered the house, it next says, “He saw the mother-in-law of him.” Here the word penthera, mother-in-law, is introduced. It is a feminine Greek noun derived from pentheros, father-in-law. Of her, the next words say, “having been cast.”   As seen before, the idea of being cast means onto a bed of sickness. Hence, most translations just go with that. As for her state when she had been cast, it says, “and fevering.”   This is another new word, puressó. It is derived from pur or pura, both nouns indicating fire. As such, it is a burning fever. The word will only be used one more time, in Mark 1:30 when it details this same account.   Life application: Catholic tradition, without any substantiation from the Bible, says that Peter was the first “pope.” Not only can this not be gleaned from Scripture, but it also rather argues against it in various ways.   Popes are not supposed to be married. It is a tenet of Roman Catholicism. Priests are to remain celibate and unmarried. To cover up the point about Peter being married, Catholics claim, without any justification at all, that Peter was likely a widower when he became an apostle.   In this passage, it mentions Peter's mother-in-law but not his wife. Because of this, they claim that she was already dead... Well, obviously! Because the Bible doesn't say anything about her tending to her mother! This is known as an argument from silence. The Bible is not focusing on Peter's wife, it is focusing on her sick mother.   In all three synoptic gospels, a boy is healed after the transfiguration. There is no mother mentioned in any of the accounts. Using Roman Catholic logic, it is obvious that this boy had no mother and his father had no wife.   Other Catholics claim that Peter and his wife separated by mutual consent so that he could minister with Jesus. That is called eisegesis, inserting a presupposition into the text. There is nothing to even hint at this.   Catholic doctrine holds that Jesus and Paul both encouraged celibacy in the service of the kingdom of God. It is true that Jesus was never married, however the exact opposite is true with Peter. He refers to marriage and makes no limitations on ministers of the gospel.   Some Catholics claim that Peter was never married. A man would be a blithering idiot to have a mother-in-law and never have a wife. In fact, he would be laughed out of the Galilee. People would still be talking to this day about the numbskull who decided to have a mother-in-law without a wife.   The point of this life application is that Roman Catholicism is a cult. Stay away from this ridiculous expression of Christianity. In doing so, you will do well.   *A man with a mother-in-law who never got married... ha!   Lord God, may we carefully handle Your word, never inserting what isn't in it and never making idle speculations or even doctrines about what it doesn't say. An argument from silence is damaging when it is intended to support something already nonsensical. Help us, O God, not to treat Your word the way that Roman Catholicism does. Amen.

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Some Catholics claim there is no redemptive suffering… Are they right?

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Some Catholics claim there is no redemptive suffering… Are they right?

Questions Covered: 04:31 – In light of Romans 3, how could anyone outside of the Church be justified? 10:04 – Based on Matthew 24. can the faithful really be inadvertently lost? 14:15 – As a new convert who had poor RCIA, how should I move forward if I still don't accept some teachings like the Immaculate Conception? 20:08 – Jn 6:55-66. Have you encountered arguments against this verse from protestants? 28:22 – Some Catholics argue that NFP should rarely be used. Do things that can be mitigated by prudence like financial stability count as grave reasons in justifying the use of NFP? 32:33 – Why do animals have to suffer? 40:00 – How do I talk to an atheist friend who doesn’t believe in souls? 44:35 – Are wearing crystals because they ‘give off good energy' be considered the occult? 48:38 – What is the scriptural basis for baptism by desire? Could Jesus do something similar for those who can't receive the Eucharist? 51:41 – The CCC says we come to know Jesus through the Holy Spirit. But how can we say that if the bible says we come to know him through the breaking of the break and the real presence of the Eucharist? …

Many Catholics, as well as Christians from other denominations, have a habit of talking about God as though God were masculine or even male. Some Catholics will even affirm that they believe God is masculine, and that referring to God as anything other than masculine is theologically questionable or even sinful. After all, two of the three divine persons of the Trinity are specifically designated with male names: the Father and the Son. Jesus called God “Father” and taught his disciples to pray accordingly. And in a faith tradition with all-male leadership, people may be accustomed to thinking that the masculine is essentially superior.  But does this mean God is male or masculine? Or that Catholics are obliged to think of the divine exclusively in masculine terms? On this episode of the podcast, hosts Emily Sanna and Rebecca Bratten Weiss talk to Dominican Sister Barbara Reid about whether God has a gender and how considerations about gender identity are connected with our talk about God. Reid is the president of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She has written numerous books, including feminist interpretations of scripture, and has been honored for her pioneering work in feminist Biblical studies.  You can read more about this topic in these links: “Does God have a gender?” by Sister Barbara E. Reid, O.P. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202303/does-god-have-a-gender/ “How we read Scripture can help or hinder efforts toward gender equality” by Sister Barbara E. Reid, O.P. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2015/11/16/how-we-read-scripture-can-help-or-hinder-efforts-toward-gender-equality “Reimaging God: An interview with author Jessica Pegis” A U.S. Catholic interview https://uscatholic.org/articles/202301/reimaging-god-an-interview-with-author-jessica-pegis/ “Stop (only) calling God ‘he'” by Meghan Murphy-Gill https://uscatholic.org/articles/201812/stop-only-calling-god-he/ “Can we call God ‘Mother'?” by Katherine Attanasi https://uscatholic.org/articles/201406/can-we-call-god-mother/ “Consider a different meaning of ‘God the father'” by Emily Sanna https://uscatholic.org/articles/202206/consider-a-different-meaning-of-god-the-father/ Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries. https://www.claretiansusa.org/

1, 2, 3, 4) Some Catholics claim there is no redemptive suffering… Are they right?

1, 2, 3, 4) Some Catholics claim there is no redemptive suffering… Are they right?

Laura can't figure out where people store their tons of stolen frozen wings and shrimp (as heard in the news). SOME Catholics are getting the go-ahead to have corned beef on Friday, Tim may be stirring up a lawsuit when he mashed a Justin Bieber song with Colbie Caillat's “Bubbly,” and Lady Gaga's make-up artist shows the remnants of transitioning from red carpet glam to stripped down, no makeup stage performance.

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa. SHOW DESCRIPTION: Some people think divorce is the easy way out or a marriage and an annulment is just like a giant undo button. Some Catholics think if you get divorced, it means you're excommunicated. With all the fog surrounding this topic in the church, it's time we clear the air once and for all. This week Barb Bettwy, director of the Tribunal for the Diocese, joins us to talk about what an annulment is and isn't and how the church feels about divorce."

Special Guest Kyle Seraphin -  Follow Kyle on Twitter - @KyleSeraphin Listen to Kyle's Podcast - thekyleseraphinshow.podbean.com Recovering FBI agent, Federal Whistleblower, civil liberties enthusiast & 2A amendment defender. The transition under Mueller they don't recognize the FBI anymore. The post 9/11 types see what the agency has become and they don't want to be a part of. They have had their sins in years past but it is more and more apparent they aren't doing the right things. The problems are institutional at this point. It needs a complete reboot. It can only exist in a free America is a complete reset or total breakdown. They wanted me to do a COVID19 test every 72 hours b/c I refused to take the vaccine. My FBI badge - the front is all shiny and pretty but the back is just all worn and tarnished which is a great metaphor.  On the face the FBI is a great American organization but it is rotten and wicked to the core. The Crusade Channel knows and is associated with 5 of those organizations listed on the ‘watch list'. I won't give away the FBI whistleblower - there were 300 that were Catholic or Christian that refused to take the COVID vaccine. Those 300 are only 1% of the FBI so that tells you a great deal too. Salon and the Atlantic were used - they are both click bait organizations Footnote B - this was written w/ some Catholic knowledge so this is very Catholic, and people are wondering has there been infiltration into these Catholic groups? It was redacted so we wouldn't expose anyone especially the whistleblower or their FBI organization information. That being said the publisher of the article Tracy Bean she had the same concerns - the fact you and your listeners have the same concerns shows there are forces at work that are conspiring and they seem to be making a stand, I don't believe in coincidences and it is overwhelming we are seeing a Satanic push toward things like abortion etc. Like saying our current President isn't Catholic…people are afraid to say. They are either being coopted or they are conspiring against the Catholic laity. Book - Trevor Aaronson - The Terror Factory: Inside the FBI's Manufactured War on Terrorism. You can't be the hero w/o a villain and the FBI is fine w/ manufacturing a villain so they can be the savior.  Mark Houck - will be interviewing him on the incident w/ the Planned Parenthood escort. I wish I would be better like Mark Houck but I would have skinned this old man alive and buried him in the gutter. National Security side - violent extremist it isn't a violent crime per say it is a ‘pre-crime' so to speak. This had to be signed off by an Intelligence Officer - this went through many people. This is the first of it's kind if you read and they seem to be very proud of this too. This can create a weakly worded FBI case. This will give them the extra boost to allow them to go investigate people.  Confidential sources etc Outside the radical Muslim and other terrorist extremist groups, I have never seen this with ANY Christian organization. This is worded like they know a Sedevacantism - the Catholics that believe there is no Pope. You are allowed to be an extremists in this country, there is NOTHING illegal about that. We don't tell people they must convert or get the sword. If this is a valid concern, these radical extremists, that they will act like White Nationalist Catholic Jihadist they won't find one b/c there is no such thing.  If they are a Jihadist, they aren't Catholic or Christian. You start by classifying SOME Catholics as fringe which gives the FBI the door to open investigations against ALL Christians. When you consider the FBI doens't consider itself a policing unit, it is intelligence FIRST w/ law enforcement capability.  They also have the DOJ backing this ideology b/c they are also all in on abortion and abortion rights.

Some Catholics go elsewhere to find what they like. For example, they go to a historic, ornate church that offers the official Latin Mass. The same with a church that offers the Gregorian chant. Some Catholics would even like the Church to return to pre-Vatican II. 

The mysterious white linen cloth known as the Shroud of Turin has been a subject for debate in its authenticity for centuries. Some Catholics refer to the shroud as the best evidence for the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but is there good reason to think that? This episode, we're taking a deeper look at the Shroud of Turin. Is the shroud fact, or faked? Forensic Testing from 2018: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1556-4029.13867 https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33164668 Truth Wanted YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TruthWanted Linktree: https://linktr.ee/CalvinSmith Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AY6VUu4Ycf Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unquestionablecalvin --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unquestionablewithcalvin/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unquestionablewithcalvin/support

Delivered by Jefli Bajo and Brother Jean Lostar Jewadut from Catholic Religious High School Saint John Paul II Seminary Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Joel 2: 12-18; Rs psalm 51: 3-4.5-6a.12-13.17; 2 Corinthians 5: 20 - 6: 2; Matthew 6: 1-6.16-18 STANDARD OF PIETY Our meditation on the Ash Wednesday has the theme: Standard of Piety. There was a Muslim husband and his wife who had an initiative to come to the cathedral and prayed in front of the statue of Virgin Mary. Some Catholics there saw such happening in wonder. They got an impression on that Moslem couple that they looked so pious in their disposition of prayer. They must have asked the Virgin Mary for something. Then the parish priest came to meet them and ask about the reason they prayed in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They simply replied, it was their standard of piety. They wanted to ask for something they really believed God would grant in their favor. Standard of piety was owned and highly obeyed in Jewish tradition and religion. Jesus Christ lived that standard of piety and righteousness, but He perfected it and taught it to us. That standard of piety includes three basic deeds that are mostly required, namely fasting, praying, and charity. The Jews required this to every individual of their religion, that if these three righteous deeds were well observed, someone would be seen as a true religious person who is kind and pleasing to God. Jesus also considered all three of these pious standards to be so worthy and significant for His followers. But there is a strong difference between the standard of piety taught by Jesus and the one practiced by the Jews. The difference is about motivation or intention. For Jesus and what He always affirms to us, the motivation to pray, fast or mortification, and do charity is to establish a relationship with God the Father in heaven. This is truly a spiritual aspect, a work of the heart, and an activity of faith in God. The book of the prophet Joel in the first reading emphasizes a renewal of the heart, and not external acts such as clothes torn out and various other outside attributes. This confirms that the standard of piety of the Jews was very much in conflict with what Jesus taught. Their piety is not for God but to get praises from others, that they are holy and righteous people. Their payment already obtained with that appearance, while God does not give anything as a gift for them. Therefore Jesus strongly reminded us not to follow such external standards. Our standard is in the heart that has a direct relationship with God, our Father. Every time doing all these three elements of piety correctly and properly, it is when someone experiences a gift of salvation from God, says Saint Paul in the second reading today. This is the spirit of Ash Wednesday which we all celebrate today to begin our Lent. With the ashes to symbolize our unworthiness, our relationship with God fully places us as sinners who regret the sins committed and ask for forgiveness from God. Let's pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord God, may with this Ash Wednesday we are filled with a new enthusiasm to begin the journey of our renewal in this Lent. Glory to the Father... In the name of the Father ... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/media-la-porta/message

 PLUS EPISODE #0044 THE LAST POPE In this rarely heard interview from his vast archives, Richard speaks with the late Cris D. Putnam, the co-author of a new book which asserts Pope Francis l will be the final Pope of the Catholic Church as foretold by St. Malachy.  Guest: Cris D. Putnam (deceased) co-author of a  book which asserts Pope Francis l will be the final Pope of the Catholic Church as foretold by St. Malachy. St. Malachy's Prophecy of the Popes, is said to be based on his prophetic vision of the next 112 popes, beginning with Pope Celestine II, who died in 1144. Malachy presented a description of each pope, culminating with the final pope, Peter the Roman, whose reign would end with the destruction of Rome and judgment. The prophecies, first published in 1595, were attributed to St. Malachy by Benedictine historian Arnold de Wyon, who recorded them in his book Lignum Vit. Tradition holds that Malachy had been called to Rome by Pope Innocent II. While there, he experienced a vision of the future popes, including the last one, which he wrote down in a series of cryptic phrases. According to the prophecy, the next pope is to be the final pontiff, Petrus Romanus or Peter the Roman. Some Catholics believe that the next pope on St. Malachy's list heralds the beginning of a great apostasy followed by great tribulation, setting the stage for the imminent unfolding of apocalyptic events, something many non-Catholics would agree with.  

Catholics sometimes confuse God's Word (Christ) with the “Word of the Lord” they hear proclaimed at Mass. Because the latter comes to us through human intermediaries, interpreting the scriptures quickly gets messy! Some Catholics take literally the Roman Catholic Catechism's suggestion that “sacred scripture is the speech of God, as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 81). Others recognize that the Bible is a book of theology, not a book of history or science. In this episode, Father Jayme notes the complicated history of the Bible, which didn't come down from heaven complete, hardbound, and to the singing of angels. No scribes were present in the Garden of Eden or at the birth or crucifixion of Jesus. Instead, human beings penned stories decades—and sometimes centuries—after purported events, employing the limited vocabularies of their ancient languages and worldviews, and sometimes recording errors and contradictions. Other human beings later decided which works to include or exclude in their canons of inspired texts. Inclusive Catholics recognize that human beings interpret everything, often from very diverse perspectives, and they attempt to understand what the ancient authors of inspired scriptures were attempting to communicate about their God, their world, and their beliefs. In contrast to ordinary Catholics and rigid, judgmental Pharisees, Extraordinary Catholics seek to follow in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth, a loving, merciful, forgiving and inclusive revolutionary who dined with…sinners!Have you seen the latest issue of Extraordinary Catholics magazine?Check out Episode 87 of the Sonic Boomers podcast!Learn more about the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM), of which Inclusive Catholicism is part, through Sacramental Whine podcast, and check out Sacramental Whine: Chronicling the Independent Sacramental Movement, Volume 1 & Volume 2!Check out other podcasts by and for Inclusive Catholics!Support Extraordinary Catholics podcast!

What are some great Marian books? What are the errors regarding True Devotion to Mary? Why Mary will bring us closer to Jesus. Let's discuss! http://www.patreon.com/thecatholicmanshow (Become a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10 part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank you gifts for supporting the show!) https://selectinternationaltours.com/catholicmanshow/ () Travel to Italy, the Holy Land, Scotland, or Europe. Take a Catholic pilgrimage cruise or mix in Faith and Food or Faith and Fitness. No matter where you travel with Select, you will be embraced by faith. All our trips feature daily mass, unparalleled access to sacred sites, local guides that speak your language, and excellent accommodations. We have been helping pilgrims put their feet in the places their faith began for over 30 years. We want to help YOU experience the fun and faith-enriching power of pilgrimage. https://selectinternationaltours.com/catholicmanshow/ (Click here) About our drink: https://drinkannapolis.ca/collections/all (Annapolis Hard Cider) Annapolis Hard Cider sent us several different ciders to try. They were all delicious and worth having. A great compliment to your holiday dinners. Check them out! Thank you, Annapolis Cider, for sending us some of your delicious ciders About our gear: Top Marian books for Adam: True Devotion to Mary Hail, Holy Queen Echo of God 33 days to Morning Glory Champions of the Rosary Behold your Mother About the Topic: A true devotion is defined as a "promptness of the will in the service of God" - Aquinas Errors of a True Devotion: 1. In wishing to go to our Lord without passing through Mary. Some Catholics do not see clearly enough how expedient it is to have recourse to the Blessed Virgin in order to enter the intimacy of Christ. 2. They fear that devotion toward her is abused and that injury is done to our Lord by paying excessive honor to BVM. 3. Seems to consider Mary a hindrance in reaching divine union, whereas all her influence is exercised in order to lead us to it. "To neglect the mediators whom God has given us because of our weakness, shows a lack of humility. Intimacy with our Lord in prayer will be greatly facilitated by frequent recourse to Mary." EX: Asking Mary to help make a good examination of conscience and confession. "There are Catholics who do not see clearly enough the necessity of having recourse to Mary that they may attain to intimacy with the Savior” - Fr. RGL Degrees of the Devotion: 1. Consists in praying to the BVM from time to time, honoring her as the Mother of God, saying, for example, the Angelus with true recollection every time it rings. 2. Having more perfect sentiments of vereration, confidence, and love for Mary. Lead us to the daily recitation of at least one of the three parts of the Rosary while we meditate on the joyful, sorrowful, or glorious mysteries, which are for us the road of eternal life. Page 27 in Secrets of the Rosary on why the rosary is more efficacious than reading the psalms. 3. True devotion to Mary, that proper to proficients, consists in consecrating oneself entirely to our Lord through her. "This devotion consists in giving oneself entirely to the BVM in order to belong entirely to Jesus Christ through her." CCC 964: Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it. "This union of the mother with the Son in the work of salvation is made manifest from the time of Christ's virginal conception up to his death";504 it is made manifest above all at the hour of his Passion Fruits of the Devotion: St. Louis de Montfort says that this road to God is easier, and nevertheless more meritorious, and consequently a more perfect, short, and sure road. “But thanks to Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort,” he wrote in 2004 in the Letter... Support this podcast

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - The bishop of Gallup, New Mexico has said that COVID-19 vaccines can be taken by Catholics with a clear conscience. He said the state ought not universally mandate the vaccine, without allowing for conscientious objection. The bishop made his comments in a letter released Wednesday. Some Catholics have raised concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine's remote connection to aborted fetal tissue. Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of a Brazilian bishop, days after a sexually explicit video of the bishop was shared on the internet. The 60-year-old bishop led a diocese north of the city of São Paulo from 2012 until this week. The bishop has been investigated multiple times by the Vatican for alleged sexual misconduct, or for covering up sexual misconduct. A man has been arrested and charged in connection to a fire at a Catholic church in Glasgow last month. The fire destroyed the 163-year-old church, which was considered to be the spiritual home to Glasgow's Polish community. The 24-year-old man has been charged with deliberately starting a fire, with the intention of damaging property. Today is the feast of the French missionary, and founder of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity, Saint John Eudes. John is remembered for his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Holy Heart of Mary. He wrote the first book ever on the devotions to the Sacred Hearts.

In 1920, in the face of the Soviet Unions' aggression, Catholic Poland stood alone. How does Poland's resistance serve as a cause for hope today. The Register's UK Correspondent KV Turley tells the story of the “Miracle of Vistula” When Our Lady Saved the World From Communism. And then, there's the recent Catholic wedding of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the Westminster Cathedral. Some Catholics have questions how such a marriage can be valid. We are joined by Fr. Pius Pietrzyk for an explainer on Catholic Marriage and Church law.

In 1920, in the face of the Soviet Unions' aggression, Catholic Poland stood alone. How does Poland's resistance serve as a cause for hope today. The Register's UK Correspondent KV Turley tells the story of the “Miracle of Vistula” When Our Lady Saved the World From Communism. And then, there's the recent Catholic wedding of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the Westminster Cathedral. Some Catholics have questions how such a marriage can be valid. We are joined by Fr. Pius Pietrzyk for an explainer on Catholic Marriage and Church law.

In 1920, in the face of the Soviet Unions' aggression, Catholic Poland stood alone. How does Poland's resistance serve as a cause for hope today. The Register's UK Correspondent KV Turley tells the story of the “Miracle of Vistula” When Our Lady Saved the World From Communism. And then, there's the recent Catholic wedding of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the Westminster Cathedral. Some Catholics have questions how such a marriage can be valid. We are joined by Fr. Pius Pietrzyk for an explainer on Catholic Marriage and Church law.

Can a woman morally learn to pole dance if her intentions are good? When is using NFP to avoid pregnancy licit, and when is it being used with a contraceptive attitude? How is the body the only thing capable of making visible what is invisible? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II’s beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Patron Question: There is a documentary that was recently added to Netflix called, "Strip Down, Rise Up." I have not seen it, but from the description and the reviews I have read, it is about a group of women who take an intensive class on pole dancing to "reclaim their sexuality" and to help them use their bodies as an art form to heal from wounds of their past that are related to their bodies and minds. Can a woman morally learn to pole dance if her intentions are good? Question 2: When is using NFP to avoid pregnancy licit, and when is it being used with a contraceptive attitude? It seems there is no clear answer. Some Catholics say it must be a grave situation (such as losing your job, or medical reason), while some say it's fine to use NFP to avoid pregnancy for the first few years of marriage to enjoy your time together before having kids, or simply to space children out to the ideal 2-3 years. I imagine the answer is somewhere in the middle, but where exactly do we draw the line? Qestion 3: I don't understand the thesis statement of Theology of the Body. How is the body the only thing capable of making visible what is invisible? Christopher always talks about how other things (i.e. a Cinnabon, a good beer) are sacraments of invisible realities, or foretastes of the beatific vision. Can you please explain how the body is the only thing capable of making visible invisible divine realities? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

There's a controversial topic in some Catholic circles-- NFP-- Natural Family Planning. Some Catholics think it's just like contraception, so wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole. Some Catholics think it's a lot harder than the contraceptives they're using, so wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole. Or so we've noticed...This isn't an episode on that. Instead, it's a step or two before that topic-- why women benefit from knowing how their bodies work, and a bit about why men are better off knowing some of that, too. 

Listen to news from around the Asia in a capsule under 10 minutes. You have everything that you need to know right here.The fast-decreasing space for religious freedom in Asia marked most stories this week, a fact highlighted by the annual report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Four Asian nations--India, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia—were downgraded to the lowest category of "countries of particular concern" because of their increased attack on religious freedom. Giving credence to the report, China continued its religious oppression. Some Catholics suspect the communist regime is using the pandemic as a cover to suppress religion because it comes amid administrative claims of dissipating Covid-19. The outbreak of Covid-19 seems to be under control in at least in two Asian nations—South Korea and Vietnam, where Catholic dioceses have started public services with restrictions. But the situation is bad in Indonesia's Jakarta. The Archdiocese of Jakarta has decided to extend its Covid-19 emergency period to May 31. In India, as the pandemic situation worsens, the government is set to extend its lockdown. The 40-day lockdown was to end on May 3, but several states have asked to extend it as they continue to record increasing cases.Presented by John Laurenson and produced by Binu AlexFor news in and about the Church in Asia, visit www.ucanews.com

Coronavirus Crisis:  Carpe DiemGrief over the Loss of the Eucharist Episode 3March 27, 2020Mary Magdalene saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” John 20.  Who resonates with Mary Magdalene's lament? They have taken away my LordThe reactions of faithful Catholics to our churches being shuttered are not getting much press.  But grief comes up a lot, a lot in conversations, with tears: Committed Catholics are grieving the loss of access to Our Lord in the Eucharist.  And there are many other emotions as well.  So we know the reasons that are offered for the closing of the parishes.  On March 16, the White House guidance to avoid gatherings larger than 10 people.  In response, almost all dioceses closed the churches and cancelled public masses and gatherings of all kinds. Even confessions are to be postponed unless there is risk of death.  No reasonable person wants to arbitrarily increase the death count from the virus.  What has gotten much less attention is the real pain and loss of those of us dedicated and devoted to the Eucharist.  The impact of that loss.  And this is a place where we can acknowledge that pain and the weirdness of it all.  It is weird to watch Mass on TV or a computer monitor on Sunday morning.  Mary Magdalene yearning for Jesus outside the tomb would not have been satisfied by watching a video of Jesus on the angel's iPhone.  Remember, this podcast is all about embracing the possibilities and opportunities for spiritual and psychological growth in this virus crisis, all grounded in a Catholic worldview.We are always embracing the situations we find ourselves in and the people we find ourselves with, in deep confidence that all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord.   All things.  All things.  Including our losses of access to the Eucharist.   So ask the question:  How in God's Providence can this situation be good for my spiritual life right now?It's really important to ask the question.  Many people won't seek the answer, and won't find it.  Some Catholics will cover their grief with anger, and rail against the present circumstances, suffering like rebels. Others will endure their grief without imbuing it with spiritual meaning, suffering like Stoics.   We have another option.  Action item for this episode.  Ask the question:  How is this loss of the Eucharist best for me?  How is it best for me, right now, that I've lost access to the Blessed Sacrament, the Mass, Eucharistic adoration, Confession? It's vital that each of you who is struggling with the loss ask that question, and not just accept answers from other people, including me.  And you need to turn it into a prayer, not just asking yourself, but asking God.  Because there are reasons for the loss.  God allowed it out of His love for you..  And those reasons vary from person to person, depending on our needs.  I want to give some possible answers, not so you can just accept them, because they may not fit you and your needs right now, but to serve as examples.  1.       One possible answer for some is to increase our thirst for the Eucharist.  Maybe you've stared to take our Lord's presence in the Eurcharist for granted.   Psychologically, we tend to desire things more once we are deprived of them.  So if this is going on for you, you can ask for the love for Our Lord in the Eucharist to increase 2.      The loss of the Eucharist may help you to become in touch with some experience of abandonment or betrayal from your past.  There is a psychological technique called an affect bridge – that is where you work to remember when in the past you felt the same way you do now.  For many of you, grief or anger over the loss of the Eucharist may tap into some other unresolved loss in your life.  You can check that out.  In your prayer, your quiet time, go back through your life to the times when you have felt the same way as you do now about the loss of the Eucharist.  Is there something there, unresolved that you should know about?  Something that God is allowing to surface in you now, so that you can take it to him for healing?  3.      For me, I'm finding out how dependent I have been on my routine.  I rely on my routines.  For me this is about not relying on my spiritual plan of life and my regular spiritual routine.  It's about relying on God moment to moments and maintaining the Presence of God, recollection, rather than just during my prayer time.  It's about coming back to deepening the relationship, and embracing my dependency.  I don't need daily Mass or an hour of Eucharistic adoration to do that.  In this situation, I can embrace the idea that it's better that I don't have them.  As hard as it is for me to say that.  I need God, and He is not bound by my lack of access the Eucharist.  Again, it's important that you for yourself ask how this loss of the Eucharist is best for you.  And if you are so moved, share it – let me know.  Get in touch with me,  Send me an email at crisis@soulsandhearts.com.  And if you want to learn more about your personal psychological reactions in this crisis and how they interfere with your spiritual life, I am developing a short assessment and some limited-space webinars now. Sign up on our website at soulsandhearts.com on the coronavirus crisis: Carpe Diem page if you want to be notified when they are available.   

Healthcare can be confusing, complicated and expensive. Some Catholics are choosing to change how they fund healthcare by choosing a health sharing program instead of insurance. Bradley Hahn, co-founder and CEO of Solidarity HealthShare helps us understand some of the healthcare issues facing people today and how health sharing works.  Today's show is brought to you by our friends at Morning Star OB/GYN: http://www.morningstarobgyn.com and Pediatrics http://mstarpeds.com

**Today's host(s):** Scot Landry **Today's guest(s):** Brian Benestad, professor of theology at the University of Scranton and author of the book "Church, State, and Society"; and Janet Benestad, Secretary for Faith Formation and Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Boston * [University of Scranton](http://www.scranton.edu) * ["Church, State, and Society: An Introduction to Catholic Social Doctrine (Catholic Moral Thought)"](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0813218012/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pilo0e-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=0813218012) **Today's topics:** Catholic social doctrine **Summary of today's show:** Brian and Janet Benestad discuss with Scot Catholic social doctrine, being a Catholic in the public square, and how to establish a hierarchy among the various elements of Catholic social teaching. **1st segment:** Scot began by asking what the Church asks of us in the public square, how do we form our consciences, and how do we apply Church teaching to the public square? This will be addressed today by our guests, Brian and Janet Benestad. Scot began by noting today's news that Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver has been appointed to become archbishop of Philadelphia. Janet said this is big news. He has been recognized nationally for his leadership in Denver. Scot said Archbishop Chaput has written two books on applying our faith to public life. Brian said Chaput is not afraid to teach the counter-cultural aspects of the Catholic faith today.  * ["Render Unto Caesar," Archbishop Charles Chaput](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385522290/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pilo0e-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0385522290) * ["Living the Catholic Faith," Archbishop Charles Chaput](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/156955191X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pilo0e-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=156955191X) Chaput was a classmate of Cardinal Seán in seminary. They are both Capuchins, studied together, and were ordained on the same day. They were both appointed as bishops at a young age. People have been drawing comparisons between the two. Cardinal Seán was appointed to Boston in its darkest days and Philadelphia is going through similar difficulties today.  * [John Allen's interview with Archbishop Chaput in the National Catholic Reporter](http://ncronline.org/news/people/exclusive-interview-archbishop-charles-chaput) The archbishop's installation will be on September 8, 2011 in Philadelphia. **2nd segment:** Janet said she and Brian will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on September 11. Of course, their 30th anniversary was 9/11/2001 and they were traveling in Europe at the time. They have four children, 3 of them in New England. Two of them are married. They have 4 grandchildren ranging in age from 1 to 7. Their unmarried daughter lives in Rhode Island and teaches at Portsmouth Abbey. Their unmarried son is an Air Force lawyer who recently returned from Iraq. Brian has been a professor of theology at University of Scranton since 1976. In addition to "Church, State, and Society," he's written extensively on Catholic social teaching and bioethics. When they lived in Scranton, Janet started as a parish CCD teacher. In the 1980s, she taught political science, philosophy and history as an adjunct professor. Later, she was hired by the Diocese of Scranton and worked there for 10 years in the area of parish life, which is similar to her work in Boston in faith formation and evangelization. She's been in Boston for a little more than two years. Boston is a much bigger place and very challenging, while very rewarding. Her areas of coverage are much larger as well: healthcare, cultural diversity, and more.  Brian and Janet have also taught together at the Master of Arts in Ministry program at St. John Seminary, teaching the Catechetical Certificate. They began when they were first married teaching catechetics at St. Theresa in West Roxbury and after they moved to Scranton, Brian still had Janet's assistance and input on his work. Brian said it's a great gift to teach theology at the university. He would continue to do it even if he were financially independent. Practically all of his work is with undergraduates. He's been on sabbatical this year, finishing up the work for the book. Scot said he was surprised that there weren't many books on the totality of Catholic social doctrine outside of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. He wanted to help people understand what the Church means by justice. For example, social justice is a new term in the 20th century. People are still trying to figure out what it means. Scot asked the difference between Catholic social doctrine and what is commonly referred to as social justice. Brian said social justice is commonly understood as a set of structures that enable society to pursue the common good. It's not understood as a personal virtue. That's very different from Catholic social tradition which sees justice as a virtue. Social justice is meant to in the same way that St. Thomas Aquinas called communicative justice, which is the virtue that directs all the other virtues. Social justice is all those things that contribute to the common good and meeting people's needs. Catholic social doctrine is based on the dignity of the human person. All else is understood in relation to that. Common good is the sum of all the conditions that enable people or groups to achieve perfection, to achieve your dignity. Dignity is acquired by the way you live. People can act beneath their dignity or in accord with their dignity. If society really supports a marriage and family life, then it helps people realize they need to live a certain way to achieve their dignity. **3rd segment:** Scot said the USCCB lists [seven themes of Catholic social teaching](http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/socialteaching/excerpt.shtml): 1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person 2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation 3. Rights and Responsibilities 4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable 5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers 6. Solidarity 7. Care for God's Creation Scot said the lists seems to be prioritized. Sacredness of life and dignity of the human person is most important. Some Catholics would advocate that they're all equal so if someone is not supporting the dignity of the human person but supporting the rest, you're doing well, but Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI would disagree. Brian said you can never act against the dignity of the human person. Janet said if we don't recognize the dignity of the human person and their life, then all the rest is irrelevant. The common good depends on all seven, but there might be some play in how to achieve them, but the protection of life can only be achieved in certain narrow ways and violation of that is always wrong. Brian said since 1973, and the Roe v. Wade decision, Catholic politicians have been saying that all of these are equal and if you get 5 out of 7 then you're doing okay. The USCCB says about Life and Dignity of the Human Person: >The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. Scot surmised that the paragraph itself is written in a prioritized order as well: abortion, euthanasia, cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and then the death penalty. Janet said the bishops have been clear that abortion is preeminent. The bishops have said that if a politician takes a position contrary to the Church's teaching, the bishop will approach him, talk with him, ask him to be in conformity with the Church, and if they still refuse, to refrain from receiving Communion. Pope Benedict XVI, when he was Cardinal Ratzinger, [laid out how a Catholic should approach a political candidate](http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0403722.htm) who supports abortion. The voter could only vote for a pro-abortion candidate if there was a proportionate reason, but nowhere have the bishops laid out what such a proportionate reason is. Voting for a politician *because* of his pro-abortion stance would be material cooperation with evil, while voting for a pro-abortion politician *in spite of* his stance on abortion because he had another stance that would prevent evil, would be *remote* material cooperation, which means it doesn't take away all the evil of the situation, but reduces some of the culpability for it.  Janet said we become responsible when the politician begins to pass laws that will affect society.  **4th segment:** Scot said Catholic social teaching is not based on bishops deciding on the Church's political positions in the public square. Brian said the commitment to the Catholic social teaching is rooted in and strengthened by our spiritual lives. It is based on the Deposit of the Faith received from Christ and the Apostles. Scot said we're called to know our faiths and not just listen to various pundits who say one thing or another. We're also facing an increasing demand that the public square should only be influenced by non-faith-related values. We're called to live as practical atheists, not letting our consciences formed by our faith influence us. Brian said this is a country that has always protected religious freedom and we can apply our faith to public issues. We don't impose our views on others. We propose an idea. We make an argument and people don't have to accept it. Janet said we should never be afraid of being excluded from public life for expressing our views. Nobody tells us we can't express our religious views when we say we should take care of the poor. So we have to say that protecting life isn't just our religious belief; it's the truth. Part of our responsibility for being good citizens is being good parents and good teachers and to share the love of Christ. Brian also recommends reading the papal social encyclicals, the documents of Vatican II, and the writings of Aquinas and Augustine on justice.