Podcasts about catholics

Fr. Mike points out God's remarkable promise of deliverance to Israel even in the midst of their captivity and apparent hopelessness. Even when we don't see God working in our lives, we rejoice in God because we trust and hope in his promise of salvation. Today's readings are Isaiah 25-27, Habakkuk 3, and Proverbs 11:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

WarRoom Battleground EP 1053: As Catholics Are Martyred, “Pope Leo” Responds With New Cultural-Marxist Medal Named After Himself

Here's Day 6 of the St. Anne Novena! You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We're praying for you! We hope you will continue to enjoy this novena! Pray with Catholics around the world! Subscribe with these links: Audio Podcast in iTunesVideo Podcast in iTunesYoutube Channel Rate and Review the podcast in iTunes: Click here to give us a rating and review, this will help us reach more people with prayer! Video: Audio

Ryan and Suzanne return to break down the biggest stories in the world of UFOs and beyond, including the uncertain future of the Roswell Daily Record, claims of a Bigfoot body, allegations that the U.S. government is trying to lure UFOs, how Catholics may prepare for Disclosure, and new developments in Suzanne's explosive investigation into the La Madera UFO incident which occurred the same week of the Socorro UFO landing. Join us at ANOMACON on September 12th: http://www.anomacon.com Send us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/SomewhereSkiesPod Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/somewhereskies ByMeACoffee: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/UFxzyzHOaQ Substack: https://ryansprague.substack.com/ All socials and books: https://linktr.ee/somewhereskiespod Follow Suzanne on X: https://x.com/csuzannelanders Email: ryan.sprague51@gmail.com Opening theme song by Septembryo Closing song by Per Kiilstofte Copyright © 2026 Ryan Sprague. All rights reserved. #Catholics #UFOs #UAP #UFOlogy #Bigfoot #BigfootBodyFound #Religion #Aliens #Paranormal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is medicine really for? In this solo episode, Gomer explores the purpose of medicine through the lens of Scripture, philosophy, and the Catholic faith. Drawing from Sirach, Plato, St. Thomas Aquinas, Edmund Pellegrino, and the healing ministry of Jesus, he argues that today's healthcare crisis is ultimately a crisis of understanding what it means to be human. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Pastor Adriel Sanchez and Core Christianity Producer Aaron Simon answer a variety of viewer questions from the comment section of Core Christianity episodes. FREE DOWNLOAD OF JUSTIFICATION & SANCTIFICATION A clear introduction to justification and sanctification. Learn how Protestants and Catholics differ on the gospel and why it matters. FOLLOW US YouTube | Instagram | X/Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter WHO WE ARE Sola Media serves today's global church by producing resources for reformation grounded in the historic Christian faith. For over thirty-five years, Sola has walked alongside Christians in their faith, pointing away from novelty and ourselves, and toward Christ and his gospel as proclaimed in the Scriptures, articulated in the ancient Christian Creeds, and summarized in the confessions of the Protestant Reformation. Learn more: https://solamedia.org/

St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) was a man known for his generosity. He was also well known for his writings on topics of spirituality, which were widely popular and were read by both Catholics and Protestants.  Links Article "St. Robert Bellarmine's Influence on the Writing of the Declaration of Independence":  https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=6607 Article: "St. Robert Bellarmine, Galileo and Heliocentricity":  https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/st-robert-bellarmine-galileo-and-heliocentricity/ Pope Benedict XVI General Address on St. Robert Bellarmine (2011):  https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=9554 Robert Bellarmine: Spiritual Writings - https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/2875-6/robert-bellarmine.aspx Way of the Fathers Podcast episode 4.13 - "Pelagianism and the Seeds of Calvinism" - https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/413-heresiespelagianism-and-seeds-calvinism/ SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's Newsletter:  https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters/ DONATE at:  http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Dr. Papandrea's Homepage:  https://jimpapandrea.wordpress.com/ Dr. Papandrea's latest book - Praying the Wisdom: Inspired Prayers for Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/praying-the-wisdom/ Dr. Papandrea's YouTube channel, The Original Church: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOriginalChurch Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:  https://www.ccwatershed.org/  

In this episode of The Cordial Catholic, I'm joined by my friend theologian, Bible scholar, and former Protestant pastor Dr. John Bergsma to dig into one of the most nefarious misconceptions about the Catholic Church versus Protestantism and, cordially, share some of his shocking conclusions. Is Protestantism really more "Biblical" than Catholicism? Dr. Bergsma says, no. On topics of how the Church is organized, what worship looks like, what Jesus taught, how authority is passed on, and how decisions and interpretations of Scripture are made Dr. Bergsma shows, over and over again, that the Catholic Church is more closely aligned to Scripture than Protestantism at its very core.This is a truly fantastic episode!For more from Dr. Bergsma visit his website. Check out this book Stunned by Scripture from Our Sunday Visitor Press and his podcast of the same name.To purchase any of John's fine books visit the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.Send your feedback to cordialcatholic@gmail.com.Sign up for our newsletter for my reflections on  episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive contests.To watch this and other episodes please visit (and subscribe to!) our YouTube channel.Please consider financially supporting this show!For more information visit the Patreon page.  All patrons receive access to exclusive content and if you can give $5/mo or more you'll also be entered into monthly draws for fantastic books hand-picked by me.If you'd like to give a one-time donation to The Cordial Catholic, you can visit the PayPal page.Thank you to those already supporting the show!Theme Music: "Splendor (Intro)" by Former Ruins. Learn more at formerruins.com or listen on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.A very special thanks to our Patreon co-producers who make this show possible: Amanda, Elli and Tom, Fr. Larry, Gina, Heather, James, Jorg, Michelle, Noah, Robert, Shelby, Susanne and Victor, and William.Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind and follow The Cordial Catholic on social media:Instagram: @cordialcatholicTwitter: @cordialcatholicYouTube: /thecordialcatholicFacebook: The Cordial CatholicTikTok: @cordialcatholic

As we continue journeying through the prophets, Fr. Mike helps us understand the oracle concerning Tyre and points out that God's judgment will always be completed. Today, we also begin reading the Book of Habakkuk and learn about the five powerful woes we can all relate to. Today's readings are Isaiah 23-24, Habakkuk 1-2, and Proverbs 11:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

“Why can't women be priests?” This question opens a discussion on the role of women in the Church, alongside inquiries about how transgender individuals can feel welcomed in Catholicism and the negative perceptions of the Church within the LGBTQ community. Additional topics include defending the Immaculate Conception and addressing marriage preparation with unmarried priests. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:13 – Why can't women be priests? 12:25 – How does a transgender person feel welcomed in the Catholic Church? 20:35 – Why is there such a negative view of Catholicism among the LGBTQ community? 30:20 – What advice do you recommend to defend the Immaculate Conception? 41:12 – How do I explain to someone why we have to go to a priest, who will never be married, to take marriage preparation classes? 45:54 – How do I respond to fellow practicing Catholics who agree on all teaching except for the teachings on homosexuality because they have family with same-sex attractions?

Why does the priest name so many saints and martyrs during Eucharistic Prayer I? Far from being a list of unfamiliar names, these saints and martyrs reveal the Church's living tradition and remind us that every Mass unites heaven and earth. Dr. Sri explores the rich meaning behind all these holy men and women, revealing how their witness deepens our participation in the Mass, strengthens us, and reminds us that we are never alone on our journey to heaven. _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Here's Day 5 of the St. Anne Novena! You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We're praying for you! We hope you will continue to enjoy this novena! Pray with Catholics around the world! Subscribe with these links: Audio Podcast in iTunesVideo Podcast in iTunesYoutube Channel Rate and Review the podcast in iTunes: Click here to give us a rating and review, this will help us reach more people with prayer! Video: Audio

This audiobook is completely funded by you, the listener. If you would like to help us complete this project in full, please visit SSPX.gifts/audiobook. In this release, Father Marcel Lefebvre is called from formation work in France to a far greater responsibility: the episcopacy. Chapter 8 follows his consecration as bishop and his arrival in Dakar, where he takes charge of a vast missionary territory marked by Islam, animism, colonial tensions, and a small but growing Catholic flock. With his usual combination of doc trine, prayer, practical intelligence, and quiet determination, he begins building for the future: schools, seminaries, parishes, religious communities, social works, and new mission stations. We see him as both father and organizer, gentle with souls but firm in principle, working to establish the reign of Christ in a young and difficult mission field. View on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/yG2jyhh98B8  – – – – – – – Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional – it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ – – – – – What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  https://sspx.org

Patrick explores the grip of anxiety and OCD, offering stories of struggle, resilience, and hard-won breakthroughs through faith, prayer, and community. Through calls, old wounds resurface and unexpected comfort arrives through novena prayers, guardian angels, and the quiet relief of finding peace again. Jasmine - I have really bad OCD. Is there a novena or therapist that can help me? Nothing really works. (02:36) Kathleen - Why is it such a big shock that we finally have an American pope? What is your take on this? I love Pope and am so proud he is American. (08:53) Barbara - I am in 70s and suffered OCD whole life. The Novena of Surrender, and the first three steps of the AA program, has helped me. (16:19) Drew - Praying and handing over my anxiety to God really helped me. Start with the spiritual things and then things get a lot better (20:13) Joan - Did our Blessed Mother know that the child Jesus was God as she was raising Him? (34:29) Pete - The devil can appear as an angel of light, yet in the garden he appeared as a serpent. How to make sense of this? (37:22) Olivia - I have not felt this type of peace in over 20 years thanks to your advice. How do I navigate Catholics who weaponize the Bible? (40:43)

Morning Offering, July 21, 2026 is brought to you by The Catholic Company https://bit.ly/4aQp4nvFather Brad explores Matthew 12, the Early Church Fathers, and ancient Christian tradition to explain why Catholics believe in Mary's perpetual virginity.Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

In this episode of The Catholic Money Show, Jonathan and Amanda react to financial advice telling couples who are living paycheck to paycheck or paying off debt to “stop having babies.”They explain why that advice falls short of a Catholic understanding of marriage, fertility, stewardship, and openness to life.Jonathan and Amanda also clarify an important point: serious circumstances can lead a married couple to prayerfully discern postponing pregnancy for a time. However, that discernment is deeply personal and cannot be reduced to a blanket rule that financial progress should come before children.In this episode:Why debt does not automatically mean couples should delay childrenThe difference between Catholic discernment and a contraceptive mentalityWhy financial goals must remain ordered to your vocationHow children can motivate families to become more intentional with moneyWhy waiting for the “perfect time” can become its own trapWhen serious financial hardship may warrant temporary discernmentWhy one-income and two-income families can both make prudent choicesHow the Church's teaching helps Catholics navigate difficult circumstancesWhy financial advice from non-Catholic sources often requires careful siftingFor more candid Catholic conversations about money, join the WalletWin Weekly Newsletter at:https://walletwin.com/newsletterMusic in this episode is by Dylan Gardner – ⁠⁠⁠⁠check out his album Almost Real⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on ⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, or wherever you listen to great music.

Jesus is truly here.Everything else flows from that.

44 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.Simile est regnum caelorum thesauro abscondito in agro : quem qui invenit homo, abscondit, et prae gaudio illius vadit, et vendit universa quae habet, et emit agrum illum. 45 Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls.Iterum simile est regnum caelorum homini negotiatori, quaerenti bonas margaritas. 46 Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it.Inventa autem una pretiosa margarita, abiit, et vendidit omnia quae habuit, et emit eam. 47 Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kind of fishes.Iterum simile est regnum caelorum sagenae missae in mare, et ex omni genere piscium congreganti. 48 Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth.Quam, cum impleta esset, educentes, et secus littus sedentes, elegerunt bonis in vasa, malos autem foras miserunt. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just.Sic erit in consummatione saeculi : exibunt angeli, et separabunt malos de medio justorum, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.et mittent eos in caminum ignis : ibi erit fletus, et stridor dentium. 51 Have ye understood all these things? They say to him: Yes.Intellexistis haec omnia? Dicunt ei : Etiam. 52 He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.Ait illis : Ideo omnis scriba doctus in regno caelorum, similis est homini patrifamilias, qui profert de thesauro suo nova et vetera.Laurence of Brindisi, a Capuchin friar who for some years ruled his whole Order, acquired great fame for learning and eloquence, and labored with remarkable success in most parts of Europe preaching to Catholics, to Protestants, and to Jews. When 80,000 Turks invaged Hungary in 1605, he it was who inspired the united Christian armies of 18,000 men to the attack and himself led them to complete victory riding before them bearing a large cross. He died in Lisbon in 1611. 1. The Treasure Hidden in the Field (vv. 44)A man discovers a treasure so valuable that he joyfully sells everything to buy the field.Notice two things:He doesn't give up everything reluctantly.He gives it up because he has found something infinitely better.Jesus isn't saying Christians should despise earthly goods. He's saying that once you've discovered the Kingdom, everything else finds its proper place.2. The Pearl of Great Price (vv. 45–46)This parable is slightly different.The first man stumbles upon the treasure.The merchant has been searching all along.Some people are converted unexpectedly. Others spend years searching for truth before they find Christ.Again, Jesus emphasizes the worth of the Kingdom.3. The Dragnet (vv. 47–50)Jesus is describing the visible kingdom on earth.The Church contains:saintssinnerspeople growing in holinesspeople resisting graceThe final separation belongs to God.Sometimes we wonder why evil seems to remain in the world—and even within the visible Church. Jesus says the final judgment comes at the end of the age.4. The Householder (vv. 51–52)Then He says:"Every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings forth from his treasure things new and old." A faithful disciple doesn't discard the old. He doesn't cling only to the new. He treasures both.As Catholics, we naturally think of:the Old Testament fulfilled in Christthe continuity of apostolic teachingthe Church preserving ancient truth while continually proclaiming it anew.

Fr. Mike focuses on Isaiah 22 today and explains how the role of the pope in the Catholic Church goes all the way back to this important chapter in Isaiah. We learn that Jesus himself instituted the papacy by making Peter his 'al-habbayit, the one over the household who holds the keys to the kingdom when the king is away. Today's readings are Isaiah 21-22, Nahum 3, and Proverbs 10:29-32. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Jonathan Healey, The Blazing World: A New History of Revolutionary England, 1603–1689. This segment introduces James I, the first monarch to rule both England and Scotland, who faced a kingdom deeply divided by religion. It details the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an attempt by radical Catholics to destroy the political elite, which fueled a lasting anti-Catholic paranoia and a fear of "popish" tyranny. Healey explains the rise of the "middling sort," a prosperous and literate group of peasant farmers and gentry who began dominating Parliament. Beset by inflation and the high costs of a "military revolution," James struggled financially and sought to avoid expensive continental wars. (1)1840

“Can we lose our salvation?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic understanding of faith and grace, addressing concerns about the nature of salvation. Other topics include the idea of being saved and lost repeatedly, responses to claims about prophecy and salvation, and the implications of Matthew 7:21-23 for believers. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:00 – Can we lose our salvation? 06:15 – Are we just saved and lost over and over again? How do Catholics view this? How does it work in the day to day? 16:00 – My brother is talking to his protestant friend who claimed you lose your salvation if you don’t accept the prophecy from a current pastor. How does one respond to that? 22:00 – I'm a convert, what does salvation mean from the Catholic position? 31:22 – I'm protestant and believe you can not lose your salvation. Missing sunday service doesn’t cause you to lose salvation. 50:45 – Regarding Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says Lord, Lord… What does this quote mean for salvation?

In this episode, Ryan talks with Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the only Catholic priest in Gaza, for a firsthand account of what it means to shepherd a flock through war. Fr. Romanelli shares what he witnessed when his church was bombed, what it was like to celebrate Mass while explosions sounded outside, and why he refused to leave. His faith, his people, and his witness will change how you think about what it means to be Catholic. 00:00 Meet Fr. Romanelli01:12 Catholics in Gaza02:23 Faith and Mission in Gaza04:49 War's Impact on Christians06:31 Destruction and Urgent Needs09:28 Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza11:38 Gaza's Children and Youth16:59 Interfaith Relations in Gaza20:55 Why Fr. Romanelli Stayed26:41 Support from Pope Francis33:55 Is Peace Possible?41:39 A Message of Hope and Prayer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's Day 4 of the St. Anne Novena! You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We're praying for you! We hope you will continue to enjoy this novena! Pray with Catholics around the world! Subscribe with these links: Audio Podcast in iTunesVideo Podcast in iTunesYoutube Channel Rate and Review the podcast in iTunes: Click here to give us a rating and review, this will help us reach more people with prayer! Video: Audio

Join Julie Shore and Father Michael Prey for In the News! They discuss world, national, state, and local current events and topics that matter most to Catholics. Listen live Mondays at 12:30 PM with an encore on Saturdays at 2:00 PM exclusively on WHYF AM 720. In this timely episode, Julie Shore and Father Michael Prey dive into Pope Leo XIV's powerful new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, which calls on Catholics to confront the growing “anti-human vision” emerging in artificial intelligence. Through thoughtful conversation and prayer, they explore how AI is reshaping education, work, productivity culture, and human relationships, while reminding us that our true dignity and worth come from being sons and daughters of God, not from what we produce or achieve. You'll hear practical wisdom on: - Using AI as a tool without letting it become a trap - Protecting human dignity in a tech-driven world - Staying rooted in faith amid rapid technological change - Real-life examples from education, careers, and parish life Whether you're optimistic, cautious, or simply curious about AI, this episode offers clarity, hope, and a deeply Catholic perspective on one of the most important issues of our time. Tune in now for insightful discussion that will refresh your mind and strengthen your faith. In the News - faith, culture, and current events with heart and honesty.

Fr. Mike celebrates Day 200 of our journey by highlighting the relationship between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel according to the Lord's plan. We have a God who died for his enemies to make them his friends, and we see that foreshadowed in Isaiah, concerning the horrific acts of Assyria and Egypt. Today's readings are Isaiah 18-20, Nahum 1-2, and Proverbs 10:25-28. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Here's Day 3 of the St. Anne Novena! You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We're praying for you! We hope you will continue to enjoy this novena! Pray with Catholics around the world! Subscribe with these links: Audio Podcast in iTunesVideo Podcast in iTunesYoutube Channel Rate and Review the podcast in iTunes: Click here to give us a rating and review, this will help us reach more people with prayer! Video: Audio

Conversion doesn't always happen in a single blinding moment of clarity. Sometimes, like drops of water slowly filling a glass, conversion to the Catholic faith is the result of countless conversations, experiences, and quiet moments accumulated over many years.In today's episode, I speak with Lucinda -- a teacher and Cambridge graduate -- about her journey to the Catholic Church. Through conversations with friends, encounters with Evangelical Christians and faithful Catholics, and even a visit to Auschwitz, Lucinda gradually came to understand and embrace the Catholic faith.Lucinda's conversion story is a powerful reminder that every small act of kindness, every thoughtful conversation, and every example of faithful living can shape another person's search for truth in ways we may never see.Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Why does prayer sometimes feel dry?In today's homily, Fr. Patrick Lynch, MIC reminds us that Jesus is the source of Living Water, and the Holy Spirit leads us to the wellsprings of prayer.Drawing from the Church's ancient tradition of Lectio Divina—the "Ladder of Heaven" described by the monk Guigo II—we learn to deepen our relationship with Christ through four simple steps:

In this life, we find ourselves at a midway point between earth and Heaven. We are some years away from the first moment of our existence and we are likewise some years away from our eternal home.As Catholics, we know that, while we are on the journey of this life, we must live it, in some way, like the life to come. Our life on earth now must resemble what our life in Heaven will be for us to be able to enter into Heaven when we die. “As the tree casts its shadow, so does it fall”The essence of what Heaven will be is that we will delight in God. We will be filled with immense joy and happiness by being in the presence of God.Thus, it would seem to mean that we are meant to possess a certain joy and happiness, through God, on this earth. We know that this is one of the characteristics of the lives of the saints. Though they suffered much, they yet possessed in their souls a continual joy.In the Hail Holy Queen, we call this earth a “valley of tears”. We call ourselves “banished children of Eve”. We say that we come to Our Lady “sinful and sorrowful”. We say that we send up our sighs to her “mourning and weeping”.The trials of this life are very real. But they must be also be accompanied by a real joy.I want to consider what I believe is the main problem we face in striving to have supernatural joy, as well as the resources that we have, as Catholics, to maintain that joy, so that our joy on earth may be a preparation for our joy in Heaven.St. Thomas says that joy is caused by love: either by us being in the presence of the thing that we love or because the thing that we love is in good shape.This shows us that any joy in our life has to come from us loving the things that we have. Do we have blessings in our lives that are able to provide us a constant joy? Yes, we do. If we are not joyful, it is because we do not love them sufficiently.Just to take some examples. We believe that, when we receive Holy Communion, we receive Our Lord Himself into our souls. This is an incredible gift and blessing. Some souls are comforted and strengthened when receiving Our Lord; they delight in dwelling with Him. This is what the Communion verse of today's Mass tells us: “Taste and see how good the Lord is; happy the man who takes refuge in Him.” Others receive Our Lord and it has little or no impact on them.Or think about the fact that we have a Father in Heaven who dwells in happiness and loves us and bestows all manner of goodness upon us. We know this gives great joy to the Church because she expresses it in the Mass, especially at the Gloria: “We praise Thee. We bless Thee. We adore Thee. We glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory.” What sort of joy does the existence of God give us on a regular basis?Sometimes, traditional Catholics allow the situation in the Church to put a damper on their joy. This is especially true when we are receiving these terrible condemnations from Rome.But there have always been crises in the Church and we must not let the current crisis be an obstacle from us drawing joy from our faith. When I talk to people who are new traditional Catholics, I always tell them: “make sure you do not become obsessed with the crisis. Rather, profit from the traditional Mass and the traditional devotions that you have found. Make them the center of your life, not these Church controversies”.

Fr. Mike explains why Joel would say there are certain times for war, even within God's plan. In a broken world, we are sometimes called to fight the brokenness around us, but we must believe that God is allowing this not because he likes war, but because something better will come in its place. Today's readings are Isaiah 16-17, Joel 3, and Proverbs 10:21-24. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

“Why do Catholics believe in no divorce when Jesus says that there is an exception for sexual immorality?” This question opens a discussion on the Church’s teachings about marriage, alongside inquiries about the idea of the gift of tears experienced during Mass, the implications of Bishop Gasser's relatio on doctrinal decisions, and the validity of baptisms in diverse church contexts. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:01 – Why do Catholics believe in no divorce when Jesus says that there is an exception for sexual immorality? 14:48 – Is the gift of tears real? I had an experience of crying for no reason at Pentecost Mass this year? 28:40 – Does Bishop Gasser's relatio necessitate many ex cathedra doctrinal decisions in the past? 40:58 – I grew up in a oneness church, where some believed in the Trinity; others did not. For baptism, if the two people in the church involved in the baptism believed in the Trinity and baptized in the trinitarian formula, would that baptism be valid? 45:25 – If we hold Mary to be the most exalted creature, how do we handle Matthew 11:11 that says no one born of woman is greater than John the Baptist?

Here's Day 2 of the St. Anne Novena! You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We're praying for you! We hope you will continue to enjoy this novena! Pray with Catholics around the world! Subscribe with these links: Audio Podcast in iTunesVideo Podcast in iTunesYoutube Channel Rate and Review the podcast in iTunes: Click here to give us a rating and review, this will help us reach more people with prayer! Video: Audio

Full Text of Readings Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 106 The Saint of the day is Saint Mary MacKillop Saint Mary MacKillop's Story If Saint Mary MacKillop were alive today, she would be a household name. It's not that she sought the limelight. On the contrary, she simply wanted to serve the poor wherever she found them in her native Australia. But along the way, she managed to arouse the ire of some rather powerful churchmen. One even excommunicated her for a time. Born in Melbourne in 1842, to parents who had emigrated from Scotland, Mary MacKillop grew up in a family that faced constant financial struggles. As a young woman she was drawn to religious life but could not find an existing order of Sisters that met her needs. In 1860, she met Father Julian Woods, who became her spiritual director. Together they founded a new community of women—the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Josephite Sisters. Its members were to staff schools especially for poor children, as well as orphanages, and do other works of charity. As the congregation grew, so did Mary MacKillop's problems. Her priest-friend proved unreliable in many ways and his responsibilities for direction of the Sisters were removed. Meanwhile, Mary had the support of some local bishops as she and her Sisters went about their work. But the bishop in South Australia, aging and relying on others for advice, briefly excommunicated Mary—charging her with disobedience—and dispensed 50 of her Sisters from their vows. In truth, the bishop's quarrel was about power and who had authority over whom. He ultimately rescinded his order of excommunication. Mary MacKillop insisted that her congregation should be governed by an elected mother general answerable to Rome, not to the local bishop. There also were disputes about whether or not the congregation could own property. In the end, Rome proved to be Mary's best source of support. After a long wait official approval of the congregation—and how it was to be governed—came from Pope Leo XIII. Despite her struggles with Church authorities, Mary MacKillop and her Sisters were able to offer social services that few, if any, government agencies in Australia could. They served Protestants and Catholics alike. They worked among the aborigines. They taught in schools and orphanages and served unmarried mothers. Money, actually the lack of it, was a constant worry. But the Sisters who begged from door to door, were bolstered by faith and by the conviction that their struggles were opportunities to grow closer to God. By the time Mary MacKillop was approaching the end of her life, the congregation was thriving. She died in 1909 at the age of 67. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1995. In 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI canonized her, she became Australia's first saint. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on August 8. Reflection The story of many foundresses of religious communities and the tales of the early days of those communities can make for fascinating reading. Those women were dedicated and tough and fought for those they served. Let's thank the Lord for raising up such wonderful examples of faith.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text MessageA signature can look like safety, right up until the day it becomes worthless ink. We take you back to 1933 Germany to watch a deal get made with Adolf Hitler and then dismantled piece by piece, revealing why legal guarantees cannot protect anyone when an authoritarian regime treats law as theater.We set the context most people miss: German Catholics had lived through decades of hostility stretching back to Bismarck's Kulturkampf, and the chaos of Weimar Germany made the desire for a binding national promise feel urgent. When Hitler needs the Center Party's votes to lock in power, he offers a trade that sounds “practical” on paper: the Reichskonkordat will protect Catholic schools, parishes, and legal standing, and in return the Church steps out of politics. Then the reality hits. Youth groups disappear, priests are surveilled, and the regime's attacks on human dignity keep escalating.From there, we draw a clear modern parallel to the Vatican's agreement with the Chinese Communist government over bishop appointments, renewed through 2028, and Cardinal Joseph Zen's public warnings about the underground Church being left behind. The question underneath both stories is the same: what actually protects the vulnerable when the people in power do not believe truth is real?We end with the turning point in 1937, when Pope Pius XI releases Mit Brennender Sorge, smuggled into Germany and read from pulpits under the Gestapo's nose, calling Catholics to spiritual resistance and naming the poison even when politics refuses to. If you care about religious freedom, church-state relations, and the limits of diplomacy under authoritarianism, this one will stay with you. Key Points from the Episode:• German Catholics shaped by decades of harassment under Kulturkampf  • Weimar instability fueling a desire for national legal guarantees  • Hitler trading “protection” for the Church's silence in politics  • The Reichskonkordat's promises contrasted with immediate Nazi violations  • Why agreements fail when leaders reject truth and justice  • Parallels to the Vatican's China agreement and Cardinal Joseph Zen's warnings  • Mit Brennender Sorge as a shift from diplomacy to defiance  • The covert distribution effort and the risk taken by clergy and laity  • The persecution that followed, including imprisonment and deaths at Dachau  Be sure to check out our show page at TeamMojoAcademy.com, where we have everything we discussed in this podcast as well as other great resources.  Links

Fr. Mike introduces us to the prophet Joel and the unique timing of his ministry in the midst of tragedy. He also touches on the prophecy concerning Lucifer and St. Michael the Archangel, and how the two are directly contrasted to show the glory of God. Today's readings are Isaiah 14-15, Joel 1-2, and Proverbs 10:17-20. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

“What is schism and heresy?” These concepts are explored alongside questions about the nature of sin and forgiveness, including how a priest forgives sins. The discussion also touches on the implications of making a slasher movie, the fate of souls after death, and the role of guardian angels, providing a comprehensive look at these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:15 – What is Schism and Heresy? 18:23 – Is it objective grave matter to make a slasher movie? 30:30 – How does it work for a priest to forgive sins? 32:35 – My atheist friend is asking where are people who have died? If Christ hasn't come to judge yet then they couldn't be in heaven or hell. 38:30 – Would it be a stretch to say that Saint Paul might have wrote the first few chapters of Hebrews, with one of his followers finishing it after he was executed? 46:15 – What happens to your guardian angel when you die? 49:13 – Why do Catholics believe in no divorce when Jesus says that there is an exception for sexual immorality?

Why does the Catholic Church have 73 books in the Bible, and how should Catholics read and interpret Scripture? Jeff unpacks ten foundational truths about the Catholic understanding of the Bible, explaining how Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the teaching authority of the Church work together to reveal God's plan of salvation. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!

In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad Onishi sits down with renowned scholar, author, and television producer Reza Aslan for a wide-ranging conversation about America's religious past—and why that history matters more than ever. Drawing on Aslan's new podcast series, Our Seven Neighbors, they unpack the myths surrounding "one nation under God," the long struggle for genuine religious freedom, and the forgotten stories of Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Catholics, Indigenous peoples, and other communities who had to fight for the rights they were promised. Together they explore how Christian nationalism distorts American history, why religious pluralism has always been contested, and what the nation's 250th anniversary should really invite us to remember. The conversation also turns to immigration, Islamophobia, Chinese exclusion, the enduring legacy of empire, and even an extended behind-the-scenes discussion of HBO's The Leftovers, where Aslan served as a producer and helped shape many of the show's religious themes. Whether you're interested in American politics, religion, history, or culture, this episode offers a compelling reminder that democracy has always depended on expanding the circle of belonging—not narrowing it. Support independent journalism and analysis from Axis Mundi Media by becoming a subscriber: https://axismundinetwork.substack.com Subscribe to the Axis Mundi Network on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AxisMundiNetwork Learn more about the Institute for Religion, Media, and Civic Engagement: https://www.irmce.org Our Seven Neighbors: https://www.axismundi.us/podcasts/our-seven-neighbors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's Day 1 of the St. Anne Novena! You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We're praying for you! We hope you will continue to enjoy this novena! Pray with Catholics around the world! Subscribe with these links: Audio Podcast in iTunesVideo Podcast in iTunesYoutube Channel Rate and Review the podcast in iTunes: Click here to give us a rating and review, this will help us reach more people with prayer! Video: Audio

Sister Dede Byrne has witnessed death from both sides, as a physician and as a religious sister. She has sat with the dying, prayed with the suffering, and watched souls pass from this world to the next. Her message is urgent: the final days of life are spiritually invaluable and should never be intentionally shortened.Speaking in the shadow of the Archdiocese of Chicago's new suicide memorial and the growing acceptance of euthanasia and assisted suicide, Sister Dede insists that mercy is real, but presumption is dangerous. "From the saddle to the ground, mercy is sought, and mercy is found," she quotes, emphasizing that Christ offers every person a final opportunity to choose Him. But no one can definitively judge the state of a soul at death. That belongs to God alone.The interview turns to the crisis within the Church: SSPX excommunications, the Vatican's relationship with China, the Synod on Synodality, and debates over homosexuality and the Latin Mass. Sister Dede acknowledges the confusion but rejects despair. The faithful response is not outrage; it is prayer, the sacraments, and fidelity to Christ. She points to Fatima and the Blessed Virgin Mary's promise of triumph, urging believers to "pray, pray, pray" and remain steadfast.The crisis is real. But the triumph is certain. Sister Dede calls on Catholics to hold the line, not with anger, but with hope.Make the switch today to iCatholicMobile today!iCatholic Mobile—supporting the Catholic faith with every connection.https://www.facebook.com/icatholicmobile https://www.icatholicmobile.com/ HELP SUPPORT WORK LIKE THIS: https://give.lifesitenews.com/?utm_source=SOCIAL U.S. residents! Create a will with LifeSiteNews: https://www.mylegacywill.com/lifesitenews ****PROTECT Your Wealth with gold, silver, and precious metals: https://sjp.stjosephpartners.com/lifesitenews +++SHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ +++Connect with John-Henry Westen and all of LifeSiteNews on social media:LifeSite: https://linktr.ee/lifesitenewsJohn-Henry Westen: https://linktr.ee/jhwesten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ralph Martin returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, The Coming Judgment: Are We Ready? He and Thomas discuss the lack of a Scriptural worldview among many present-day Catholics, and the reluctance of many to believe in or preach what the Church has always believed hell, the urgent need for repentance, and the judgments of God. Links Ralph Martin, The Coming Judgment: Are We Ready? stpaulcenter.com/thecomingjudgment Thomas Mirus, "Bring back 'negative spirituality'" https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/bring-back-negative-spirituality/ Eamonn Clark, "The Revenge of Amoris Laetitia" https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/revenge-amoris-laetitia/ DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio  SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters

Fr. Mike reveals yet another prophetic message that points towards the coming of Christ, explaining why the Book of Isaiah is often called the Book of Woe and the Book of Consolation. He also touches on the powerful prayer we hear as we end our journey with Tobit. Today's readings are Isaiah 11-13, Tobit 13-14, and Proverbs 10:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Become a saint by saying "yes" to God, starting with the Mass. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why the Eucharist is God's greatest gift and why the saints made it the center of their lives. If we want to become holy, we can't ignore the place where Jesus gives Himself completely to us. Don't settle for what's easy, discover why faithful participation in the Mass is essential on the path to sainthood.

Why does God use material things to communicate His grace? In this week's episode, Frs. John and Sean explore the Catholic understanding of sacraments, sacramentals, and relics. What makes a sacrament different from a sacramental? Why does the Church bless everything from homes to rosaries? And why do Catholics venerate the relics of the saints? Along the way, they discuss why matter matters, how the Incarnation changes the way we see creation, and why God continues to use visible signs to draw us to invisible realities.

If theistic evolution doesn't work, and Darwinian evolution is scientifically inadequate, what alternative framework better explains the origin of life and the universe? On this ID The Future, host Andrew McDiarmid concludes his two-part conversation with Father Michal Chaberek and Steve Greene, authors of a new book called Creation or Evolution? A Catholic Dilemma. In Part 1, the discussion centered on why evolution became a dilemma for many Catholics. Part 2 explores the obvious follow-up questions: what does modern science actually reveal? Does the evolutionary story satisfy the evidence? And if not, what is the more adequate explanation? Fr. Chaberek and Greene review just a few of the many lines of scientific evidence suggesting that a Darwinian process in wholly incapable of producing life as we know it. Source

Why did Jesus ask God about being forsaken? Did the Father forsake the Son? My denomination taught me that you can "fall away," and they used 2 Peter 2 as their proof. Can you explain that passage? Are some Catholics saved? What does God think about their praying to saints? What is a saint?

Fr. Mike talks about the destruction of Israel and explains how Jesus becoming man fulfills this prophecy we hear in Isaiah. He also points out the importance of God's anger with the Assyrians destroying Israel, even though he will bring the greatest blessings out of the worst circumstances. Today's readings are Isaiah 9-10, Tobit 10-12, and Proverbs 10:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

“How Is Mary the Mother of God?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of Mary in Catholic theology, including her role in Revelation 12 and the implications of Matthew 1:25 regarding her relationship with Joseph. Other topics include the biblical foundations for the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, as well as addressing concerns about Marian apparitions. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:50 – I'm a former non-denom. Mary is why I became Catholic. Does the Church see a connection between Rev 12. And Mary giving birth to God on earth? 11:40 – Can you elaborate on Matthew 1:25 and why it doesn't mean that Mary and Joseph eventually had relations? 18:20 – What biblical evidence is there for Immaculate Conception and the Assumption? 29:30 – Can you help me understand the recent document that backed off the idea of Mary as Mediatrix? 35:49 – My aunt says Marian apparitions are demonic. We tell her Mary always points to her son, but she doesn't listen. How can we reach her? 43:00 – Where is the Immaculate Conception rooted in the Bible? 48:30 – Why do Catholics say the prayer, “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we love you. Save souls.” Mary and Joseph don't save souls. Jesus does.

Fr. Mike highlights the purity of Tobias and Sarah's love and the power of their prayer as a married couple. Today we read Isaiah 7-8, Tobit 7-9, and Proverbs 10:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike zeroes in on Isaiah 5-6 today. He emphasizes the literary masterpiece of the parable of the vineyard in Isaiah 5 and how it represents the story of Israel. He also shows us how Isaiah 6 is full of rich symbolism that points to the sacred realities of the Mass. We are reminded that God is truly holy and deserving of our praise. Today's readings are Isaiah 5-6, Tobit 5-6, and Proverbs 10:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.