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The podcast for Catholic Exchange, your daily source for spiritual encouragement and information. Our goal is to help make saints in our time. Join Michael J. Lichens and several CE authors discussing articles and the latest topics.
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What Good is Prudence? (theologian & host Fr. Gregory Pine, OP)
Feb 23 2022
29 mins
What Good is Prudence? (theologian & host Fr. Gregory Pine, OP)
This is a fun one. You might not give much thought to the virtue of prudence. However, prudence is the virtue that allows you to take control of your life and choose the other virtues. Today we welcome Fr. Gregory Pine, a Dominican and doctoral student as well as author of the new book Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly. We tackle the big, small, and scary questions about prudence and how you can grow in this overlooked virtue. Check out Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly to learn more. Also check out Fr. Pine's previous book, Marian Consecration With Aquinas. You can listen to more of Fr. Pine's insights on the podcasts Godsplaining and Pints With Aquinas. Also check out Fr. Romano Guardini's monumental book, Learning the Virtue's That Lead You to God. Finally, we also recommend Fulton J. Sheen's Victory Over Vice. Photo by Sylvie V on UnsplashSupport the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Feb 23 2022
29 mins
How We Can Walk With Mary in Lent | feat. Fr. Edward Looney
You can find our show notes and resources at https://catholicexchange.com/how-we-can-walk-with-mary-in-lent-feat-fr-edward-looney (http://bit.ly/2GQBEEX).It's hard to believe, but the beginning of Lent is quickly approaching. In hopes that we can make this Lent bear great spiritual fruits, long-time CE author Fr. Edward Looney joins Michael to discuss how Mary can help us through our Lenten journey. By examining the life of Mary and the words she has given us at her apparitions, Fr. Looney shares how we can walk with Mary and have intercede for us in Lent and beyond. You'll also discover that Mary truly seeks to heal us and bring us to her Son, our Lord. You can stream this episode below or find us wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts. Among some other subjects that we touch on:The prayers Mary requested us to make at seven apparitions.How Mary's prayers can convert sinners (check out Fr. Looney's article on this subject here on Catholic Exchange)Mary's help in overcoming entrenched sins.Why we ask Mary to pray for us now.Why we should pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary during Lent.How Jesus heals Mary's broken heart (and how He can do the same for you).How to pray to hear God's voice.How St. Faustina and Mother Mary can guide us in putting more of our trust in God.The apparition of Mary in Champion, Wisconsin.Why Lent is a special time to ask Mary to help you pray for your departed loved ones.Some resources we mentioned:"An Unexpected Miracle at Lourdes" by Sheila Beirne."Lessons I Learned From Scripture After My Mom Passed Away" by Fr. Edward Looney.The Mother Cabrini Shrine on Lookout Mountain in Colorado.Find Fr. Looney's Previous interviews in our archives, "Seeking a Marian Heart" and "Learning to Love the Rosary."You can also read Fr. Looney's previous articles on Catholic Exchange.You can also find Fr. Looney on Facebook, Twitter, and his website, EdwardLooney.com.Fr. Looney's latest book, A Lenten Journey with Mother Mary, is available through Sophia Institute Press.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Feb 22 2022
34 mins
Fulton J. Sheen on Love & the Greatest Commandment (Allan Smith, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Mission Society of Canada)
An interview with Al Smith, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Mission Society of Canada.In today's episode, we discuss Fulton J. Sheen and his approach to love, the greatest commandment. While love gets confused in our culture, Ven Sheen offers a comprehensive view of love and how we can love more deeply. You can purchase The Greatest Commandment: A Fulton Sheen Anthology on Love at your local Catholic bookstore or online through Sophia Institute Press. You can also find the previous anthologies, The Cries of the Jesus from the Cross: A Fulton Sheen Anthology (2018) and Lord, Teach Us To Pray: A Fulton Sheen Anthology (2020).You can check out these previous articles and interviews from Al Smith, available here on Catholic Exchange:“Fulton J. Sheen’s Lessons on Love & the Greatest Commandment”“Every Catholic Home Needs a Good Book on the Sacraments”“Fulton J. Sheen: My Guide As I Learn to Pray”“What Fulton J. Sheen Can Teach Us About Prayer”“Ven. Fulton J. Sheen as a Lenten Guide”Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Feb 11 2022
34 mins
A Catholic Prayer App to Boost Your Spiritual Life (Eddie Trask, Augustine Institute)
While our technology gives us access to tools and information beyond our imagination, it often feels like our phones are a distraction. More than helpful, our phones can be a source of angst and confusion. As Catholic Christians, though, we often have found a way to use new technology to deepen our faith. The Amen app is one such tool from the Augustine Institute. Bringing together prayer, meditations, scriptures, and scholarship, Amen is possibly the most comprehensive Catholic app available. Today's guest, Eddie Trask of the Augustine Institute, talks about the ways that your phone can be a reminder of God's grace and not just a source of distraction and anxiety. Find the Amen app in your app store or at AmenApp.orgCheck out the Augustine Institute at augustineinstitute.org Photo by Grant Whitty on UnsplashSupport the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Feb 6 2022
27 mins
Courageous Christians Living Their Faith in Muslim Lands | Casey J. Chalk
Throughout the world, over 200 million Christians face extreme persecution and violence. Even if they can escape the religious persecution in their home nation, they face further trials throughout their refugee and relocation, if they even get such an opportunity. Longtime CE contributor Casey Chalk joins us to discuss the plight of the brave Christians who face such trials in Muslim nations and the places they flee to. As detailed in his new book, The Persecuted, Mr. Chalk has had a chance to hear first-hand accounts from Christian families he met while working in Bangkok. His book tells the stories of Christians in peril and even of modern martyrs — and then lays out a strategic plan for rescuing as many as possible from their plight.You can pick up Casey Chalk's book at SophiaInstitute.comSupport the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Jan 17 2022
23 mins
The Holy Spirit Draws Us Close | Sr. Mary Ann Fatula, O.P.
How blessed our life becomes when we draw close to the Holy Spirit, responding with all of our love to the Divine Person whose very name is Love.— Sr. Mary Ann Fatula, O.P., Drawing Close to the Holy Spirit: Keys to a Transformed Life and Joyful Heart.In the Trinitarian life of the Church, we often hear about the Holy Spirit and know him as our guest, protector, and beloved gift. However, in our daily lives, we often forget about the love and work of the Holy Spirit. In today's episode, professor and author Sr. Mary Ann Fatula, O.P. shares how you can begin to form a relationship with the Holy Spirit and how He works in our spiritual lives. Drawing from the Church Fathers and beloved hymns, Sr. Mary Ann's insights show us ways we can pray with the Holy Spirit and open ourselves up to His will. Sr. Mary Ann, O.P., holds a doctorate in systematic theology from The Catholic University of America and taught theology for more than 30 years at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio. You can find her books, Drawing Close to the Holy Spirit and Heaven’s Splendor, at Sophia Institute Press.We also reccomend the following articles by Sr. Mary Ann, published on Catholic Exchange:Devotion to the Holy Spirit: Loving the Person of LoveGrowing to Know & Love the Holy SpiritThe Divine Persons Dwell in Us through Grace✠Image by falco from PixabaySupport the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Jan 7 2022
37 mins
Great Christmas Books for Children III | Christmas Blossoms by Priscilla Smith McCaffrey
Zhang Jian is a master artist of interior glass painting. He celebrated Christmas as a child before the Communist Revolution overturned his simple and beautiful world. But he never forgot the sights, smells, good cheer, and happy anticipation of that joyous season. In her latest book, Christmas Blossoms, Priscilla Smith McCaffrey tells the imaginative story of Jian and the final Christmas ornament he feels called to create after Midnight Mass. Complemented by stunning art, Christmas Blossomstells a story of hope and endurance at Christmas.In today's episode, Mrs. McCaffrey shares tells us about her work on literature for youngsters. We discuss why Christ's Nativity inspires so much hopeful art and share how you can find the light of Christmas in the strangest of places. Find Christmas Blossomsat your local bookstore or online through Sophia Institute Press. You can also follow Priscilla McCaffrey at CatholicMediaApostolate.com. We also recommend following artist Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs, whose art appears in Christmas Blossoms. You can visit her site at GwynethThompsonBriggs.com.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Dec 18 2021
36 mins
Great Christmas Books for Children II: Joseph’s Donkey & The Beggar and the Bluebird by Anthony DeStefano
Continuing our small series on great children's books for Christmas, Michael welcomes prolific author Anthony DeStefano. In today's episode, we discuss the process of writing children's books as well as the influences that make Mr. DeStefano a passionate storyteller.His latest books, The Beggar and the Bluebird and Joseph's Donkey, explore the meaning and depth of the Nativity of Christ in two imaginative tales set ages apart. Joseph's Donkey tells the story of the Holy Family through the eyes of Joseph's hardworking and faithful donkey. Meanwhile, The Beggar and the Bluebird, is a modern fairytale in the tradition of G.K. Chesterton and Hans Christian Anderson. Each is beautifully illustrated and tells a beautiful story to share with the kids around Christmas. Check out our interview with Claudia Cangilla McAdam, the first part of our series. Follow Anthony DeStefano and find his many books at his website, AnthonyDeStefano.com.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Dec 14 2021
28 mins
Great Christmas Books for Children (Part I): The Christmas Light by Claudia Cangilla McAdam
Cold, cranky, and restless—one winter’s night, the young daughter of a Bethlehem innkeeper is awoken by the crowded, comfortless condition of her family’s sleeping loft. Recalling the young couple that was staying in the stable, she rises from her bed to bring them some fire for warmth. There the young Seraphina finds the newborn Babe asleep in the manger. Her encounter with the child on a chilly night will change her life forever in this imaginative retelling of the Nativity.Claudia Cangilla McAdam, author of The Christmas Light, joins to share us the story of Seraphina and to give her insight into what it takes to write children's books.Claudia is the first of my three guests this weekend. Each guest is a children’s author as we don’t get to talk to them too much. Each is short and will include Anthony DeStefano and Priscilla Smith McCaffreyFind The Christmas Light at SophiaInstitute.com and find Claudia at her website, ClaudiaMcAdam.com. Both in the show notes. Also check out her CE article “Why the Nativity Story Still Captivates.” Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Dec 10 2021
27 mins
Make the Liturgical Calendar Part of Your Home | Michaela & Jeremiah Harrison
Advent begins in just about two weeks. As well as marking the beginning of our Christmas preparations, the First Sunday of Advent is also the beginning of the new liturgical year. Following the liturgical cycle can lead to many spiritual treasures. The feasts and seasons make match the natural rhythm of life while drawings us into the spiritual life. Yet, so much is forgotten and it is difficult to recover these traditions in our age of noise. Even as Christmas decorations go up, many of us have forgotten the liturgical significance of the weeks leading up to Christmas. To help us understand how we can dive deeper into the Liturgical Calendar, Michael welcomes Catholic parents and artists Michaela and Jeremiah Harrison, authors of The Illustrated Liturgical Year. If you want some practical ideas for how you Find The Illustrated Liturgical Year at your local bookstore or online through Sophia Institute Press. Check out Jeremiah's article, where you can preview the calendar, here at Catholic Exchange. Find The Harrison's and their many tips for living the liturgy at home on their website, LiturgyoftheHome.comAnother great book for living the liturgical year that we mentioned is the book Around the Year with the von Trapp Family by Maria Augusta von Trapp.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Nov 15 2021
36 mins
Finding Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati | Christine M. Wohar, FrassatiUSA
“The faith given to me in baptism suggests to me surely: by yourself you will do nothing, but if you have God as the center of all your action, then you will reach the goal.”— Pier Giorgio FrassatiBlessed Pier Giorgio Frassati died in 1925 at the age of 24. However, Bl. Frassati's faith, humor, and charity continue to have a great impact on souls throughout the world. In today's episode of Catholic Exchange, Michael welcomes Christine M. Wohar, the founder of FrassatiUSA and author of Finding Frassati: And Following His Path to Holiness.Called “The Man of the Eight Beatitudes” by Pope St. John Paul II, Bl. Frassati had a heart to help the impoverished and oppressed from an early age. Michael and Christine discuss how a young man from great wealth and influence took to heart the teachings of Christ. We also discuss the impact he had on his friends and family and how his funeral became a small pilgrimage for thousands of people. If you ever wondered what God has planned for young Catholic adults, today's episode will introduce you to a young, athletic man whose holiness carried on long after his death. Christine Wohar is a champion of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati and you can follow her work at FrasattiUSA.org. You can also find local Frassati groups at this page. Her book, Finding Frassati: And Following His Path to Holiness, is a lovely devotional and collection of stories about Bl. Frassati that is highly recommended. You can preview Finding Frassati in the following excerpts, free through Catholic Exchange.Pier Giorgio Frassati’s Love for Our LadyBlessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: A Eucharistic Life & the Practice of Penance✠image: portrait of Bl Pier Giorgio Frassati by Luciana Frassati / Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Nov 9 2021
1 hr 5 mins
Meet Pope St. Pius V: The Legendary Rosary Pope (Prof. Roberto De Mattei & Fr. Edward Looney)
Today's short episode is guest hosted by Fr. Edward Looney who interviews Prof Roberto De Mattei, author of the new book Saint Pius V: The Legendary Pope Who Excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I, Standardized the Mass, and Defeated the Ottoman Empire.We discuss the legacy of Pope Pius V, a saintly figure who encouraged devotion to the rosary while he changed the history of Western Civilization. Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Oct 9 2021
17 mins
When Bad Things Happen to Good People: A Catholic Answer (Paul Chaloux, author & professor)
Today, Michael welcomes back Dr. Paul Chaloux, who appeared on our previous episode “A Catholic Answer to Suffering.” Today, Dr. Chaloux addresses some arguments he made in his popular article, “40 Years Later: Revisiting When Bad Things Happen to Good People.”While the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People has sold millions of copies and remains popular, the Catholic Church has been discussing this very question of generations. In our episode, we discuss the ways Catholics understand and process suffering as well as what we can do in response. Dr. Chaloux also shares his insights from his own medical and personal struggles and what insights he has learned in both experience and education.Books and Links:Check out Dr. Chaloux’s book, Why All People Suffer: How a Loving God Uses Suffering to Perfect Us, at your favorite bookseller or online at Sophia Institute Press.Check out articles from Paul Chaloux at Catholic Exchange by following this link. You can also follow him at his website, PaulChaloux.com. As well, he regularly shares news and insights on both Facebook and LinkedIn.Join Paul Chaloux in his Avila Institute Course on suffering, which will run through the month of November. Follow this link to learn more.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Oct 3 2021
1 hr 6 mins
The Bible as a Great Adventure (Jeff Cavins, author & teacher)
Today we welcome Jeff Cavins, whose love of Scripture brought him back to the Catholic Church. Jeff Cavins is the creator of the celebrated Great Adventure® Bible Timeline study series which has empowered generations of Catholics to understand the Bible’s central “story of salvation.” Jeff has been a leading Catholic evangelist, author, and podcast host for decades, and is particularly well known having hosted EWTN’s “Life on the Rock” TV show for six years. Jeff’s best-selling books and Bible studies include The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation, Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible, Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life, The Activated Disciple and Walking with God: A Journey Through the Bible.Jeff Cavins can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and at JeffCavins.com.You can follow Ascension Press and The Great Adventure Bible study on Facebook and Twitter as well. Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Sep 23 2021
26 mins
A Catholic Answer to Suffering | Paul Chaloux, author and professor
There are a lot of important lessons in today's episode. Frist, Michael learns why he needs to read the preface. More importantly, Dr. Paul Chaloux—adjunct professor of theology at the Catholic University of America—shares with us the ways we can see suffering in the light of our Christian faith. It's an engaging question and conversation that we will return to in future episodes. Check out the book: Why All People Suffer: How a Loving God Uses Suffering to Perfect Us.Also check out Prof. Chaloux's articles: https://catholicexchange.com/author/paul-chalouxSupport the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Sep 13 2021
43 mins
The Sculptor Bringing Dante to Life | A Conversation with artist Timothy P. Schmalz
September 12, 2021 marks the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, the greatest poet of Western Christianity. While Dante has had a profound impact on art over the centuries, Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz has undertaken an ambitious project to sculpt Dante's magnum opus, The Divine Comedy. Mr. Schmalz is the artist behind the famous Homeless Jesusstatue, which can be found at churches throughout the world. He has also sculpted large public memorials such as Angels Unawares, the Canadian Veterans’ Memorial and Golden Leaves. His latest project, sculpted amidst the COVID lockdowns, is possibly his most ambitious and will feature 100 individual sculptures walking people through Dante's work on Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. He will thus be the first artist to depict all 100 cantos of The Divine Comedy. Today on the Catholic Exchange Podcast, Timothy Schmalz describes his creative process and how Dante has had such an impact on his work. Mr. Schmalz also tells us about the parallels he sees between Dante-in-exile and the general feelings we all feel in our chaotic world. Through all this, we find in Dante a companion for the road who restores our hope in Providence of God. Today's episode is especially a great start if you have a love of Dante's work or want to dive into his great poem. ResourcesFind more info about the Dante gardens and sculptures at the site DanteSculpture.com, where you can see the many beautiful sculptures. You can also follow Mr. Schmalz's work at his website or Facebook. Learn more about the premier at Florence's Badio Fiorentina at their website. Finally, take a look at our previous coverage of the art of Timothy Schmalz:Creating Art as an Act of Prayer (podcast)Art as Theology: A Conversation with Timothy P. Schmalz (podcast)The Homeless Jesus Statue, the Year of Mercy and the New Evangelisation by KV Turley (article)✠Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Sep 4 2021
43 mins
A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare (Kathleen Beckman, Foundation of Prayer for Priests)
The family is proclaimed to be The Domestic Church or, as St. John Paul II said, the building blocks of society. The family's role in God's providence is so great that it can often come under attack. In our confused and chaotic age, how can parents protect their family and raise a saintly household?Today's guest, Kathleen Beckman, returns to the CE Podcast to share how families can put on the armor of God and protect their loved ones. Mrs. Beckman also discusses the necessary steps you can take to make a Eucharistic home and why thanksgiving and Mary are powerful weapons against demons. With her experience in the ministry of exorcism, Kathleen Beckman will help you to feel prepared for spiritual battle while encouraged to bring your children up in faith. Kathleen's books include:A Family Guide to Spiritual WarfarePraying for Priests: An Urgent Call for the Salvation of SoulsGod’s Healing Mercy: Finding Your Path to Forgiveness, Peace, and JoyWhen Women Pray: Eleven Catholic Women on the Power of PrayerKathleen Beckman is a frequent contributor at Catholic Exchange. Check out her articles here and the following:Our previous interview, How Families Can Prepare for Spiritual Warfare.Mary, Culture, Family, and Spiritual WarfareExorcists Witness: Mary, Defender Against DemonsTemptation: The Ordinary Ways the Devil Attacks UsYou can find her work at KathleenBeckman.com and foundationforpriests.org.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Aug 17 2021
48 mins
Fulton J. Sheen's Guide to the Sacraments of the Church (Al Smith, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Mission Society of Canada)
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen died over forty years ago. However, his work remains as influential and inspiring it was when he was alive (if not more so!). What keeps people coming back to the televangelist and bishop after so many decades? Examining his work on the sacraments, Michael is joined by Al Smith, the founder and director of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Mission Society of Canada and the editor of three Fulton J. Sheen anthologies, who takes a look at the work of the Archbishop. In today's episode, Al Smith and Michael Lichens discuss how they've discovered Fulton J. Sheen in youth and how his work has continued to influence them. We also take a look at the writings and homilies of Ven. Sheen on the sacraments and his advice for newly-wed couples. Finally, we discuss Fulton Sheen's advice for welcoming children into our lives. Other topics we discussed:How much writing did Fulton Sheen accomplished while hosting a popular TV series.How Ven. Sheen's writings can help us to find a road map to the sacramental life.Bishop Sheen's call to see the sacraments with a divine sense of humor.The origin, power, and efficacy of the Seven Sacraments.The power of baptism throughout our lives.Why Fulton Sheen said that it takes "three to get married."Articles & ResourcesYou can purchase Archbishop Sheen’s Book of Sacraments at your local Catholic bookstore or online through Sophia Institute Press. You can also find the previous anthologies, The Cries of the Jesus from the Cross: A Fulton Sheen Anthology (2018) and Lord, Teach Us To Pray: A Fulton Sheen Anthology (2020).You can check out these previous articles and interviews from Al Smith, available here on Catholic Exchange:“Every Catholic Home Needs a Good Book on the Sacraments”“How Bishop Sheen Helped Me to Reconcile With the Blessed Mother”“Fulton J. Sheen: My Guide As I Learn to Pray”“What Fulton J. Sheen Can Teach Us About Prayer”“Ven. Fulton J. Sheen as a Lenten Guide”Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Jul 30 2021
50 mins
Share Marian Devotions With Your Children (Fr. Edward Looney & Anthony DeStefano)
The Catholic Exchange Podcast is honored to welcome back long-time contributor and author Fr. Edward Looney as our guest host. In today's episode, Fr. Edward Looney interview's author Anthony DeStefano about his latest illustrated book, Our Lady's Wardrobe. Mr. DeStefano is the author of A Travel Guide to Heaven, The Grumpy Old Ox, and is a frequent television host.Why parents should feel encouraged to pass Marian devotion down to their children.The reasons for why Mary has so many different titles. Which Marian devotions children and youth tend towards.How Our Lady of Lourdes affirms God's love for us. The power of art and illustrations of Our Lady, especially at a young age. Listen below or find Catholic Exchange on Apple, Google, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting app.Fr. Edward Looney's articles can be found on Catholic Exchange, and you can find our previous interview with him at this link. Fr. Looney is also the author of the best-selling books, A Lenten Journey with Mother Mary, A Heart Like Mary’s, Meditations after Holy Communion, and A Rosary Litany.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Jul 26 2021
27 mins
A Quick Intro to Catholic Social Teachings with Laura Zambrana of Endow Groups
Catholic Social Teaching has a rich intellectual and spiritual tradition. However, despite the modern dialogue surrounding surrounding social justice, Catholic Social Teaching can get lost in forgetfulness and misinterpretation. Laura Zambrana, MDiv joins us to give a brief yet thorough introduction to the richness and depths of Catholic Social Teachings and how they can help us in our post-Covid world. Mrs Zambrana explains the theological foundations of true social justice while also going into the popes and saints who have influenced Catholic Social Teachings. Today's episode is ideal for anyone who wants to begin learning (or relearning) the foundations of Catholic Social Teaching. Find Endow Group's latest book, Catholic Social Teaching, on their website where you can also read a free chapter: EndowGroups.org.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)
Jun 12 2021
42 mins