In this episode I welcome Dr. Janet Smith. Janet Smith recently retired from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, MI, where for nearly 20 years she held the Father McGivney Chair of Life Ethics. She has published and spoken on the Church’s teaching on sexuality and on other moral issues. She has served on one Vatican Council and two Vatican comm…

In this episode I welcome Fr. John of God, a priest of Miles Christi, as we reflect on several applications of the Fifth Commandment (“Thou shall not kill”) in our lives. We talk about the illicit manipulation of embryos; the permanent and unchangeable teaching of the Church about the evil of abortion; in what cases the “principle of double effect”…

In this episode I reflect on several applications of the Fifth Commandment (“Thou shall not kill”) in our lives. Listen in to get a glimpse into the richness of the Catholic teaching on promoting and protecting the well-being of our neighbor, their lives and their souls! - You can find these topics in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1…

In this episode I reflect on several applications of the Fifth Commandment (“Thou shall not kill”) in our lives. Listen in to get a glimpse into the richness of the Catholic teaching on promoting and protecting the well-being of our neighbor, their lives and their souls! - You can find these topics in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1…

In this episode I reflect on how the Fourth Commandment—“Honor your Father and your Mother”—applies to the relationship between the duties of the Government and the obedience of the citizens in our human society. Listen in to get a glimpse into the richness of the Catholic teaching on civil society! - You can find these topics in the Catechism of t…

In this episode I welcome Bro. Daniel Heffernan. We discuss the Fourth Commandment “Honor Your Father and Your Mother”, and the implications and duties that it imposes both on children and parents in the family. We look in particular to St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Eph 6:1-2). We also consider the family as the basis for the whole human soci…

In this episode I welcome Fr. Matthew Maxwell, and we discuss the Third Commandment, “Keep the Day of the Lord holy”. We speak about the meaning of the Sabbath in the Old Testament, and how the Church started to celebrate the Day of the Lord on Sunday, the day the Lord rose from the dead. We also discuss what are the obligations imposed by this Com…

In this episode I welcome Fr. Matthew Maxwell, and we discuss the Second Commandment of the Decalogue: “You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.” - You can find these topics in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 2142 to 2167. - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order. - Visit the M…

In this episode we discuss the fact that the veneration of images and statues is good and holy, and it is NOT forbidden by the First Commandment, on the contrary, it has been solemnly and definitively approved by the Church in the Council of Nicaea, in 787 A.D. - You can find these topics in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 2129 to 213…

We are celebrating the 350th anniversary of the apparitions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pope Francis dedicate a three-year jubilee to this devotion, from December 2023 to June 2025. This is why in this episode I speak about the Apparitions of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary, and how to practice this great devotion. - I encourage you to read…

In this episode we discuss several sins against the First Commandment like tempting God, Sacrilege, Divination, Magic, Occultism, Atheism and Agnosticism, and why it is important for you to know about them! - You can find these topics in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 2110 to 2128. - We discuss similar topics in Episode 32 (The probl…

In this episode we reflect on the obligation that, as a result of the First Commandment, individual persons and societies and their leaders as well, have to recognize and obey God, Jesus Christ, and even accept and recognize the Catholic Church as the Church established by Christ. We mention the examples of St. Louis IX King of France, St. Ferdinan…

St. Monica prayed with perseverance and hope for the conversion of her son—who eventually became not only baptized Catholic, but also a priest, a bishop and a saint, now known as St. Augustine. Hope in God, love for God, adoration, worship and fidelity are all attitudes included in the First Commandment. In this episode I look at some of the sins a…

In this episode, after talking a bit about the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I discuss the First Commandment, and some of the sins against it, particularly, sins against faith. - You can find these topics in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 2083 to 2094. - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religio…

The Commandments (or the Decalogue) were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24). We can read about this in the book of Exodus and Deuteronomy. They must be understood within the context of God’s Covenant with Man. God gives us the gift of his Commandments not as a burden or a limitation, but to guide us to eternal life, to show us the eas…

Wouldn’t it be great to be told some ten simple steps to get to Heaven? Well… that is what the Decalogue (also called “the Commandments”) is—TEN STEPS given by God to man so we may have a path to get to Heaven! Today we will speak about the Commandments in general, and where the current wording comes from. - You can find these topics in the Catechi…

Today we take a look at the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. He wrote the “Spiritual Exercises”, and is the Master of the Spiritual Life for Miles Christi. He’s an example of a man who was very much immersed in a worldly lifestyle, but by the grace of God was converted, and went on to become a great saint. We also re…

Today, after taking inspiration from the Didache, and the example of the Martyrs of Abitinae (A.D. 304), we look into the five Precepts of the Church, which are part of the law of the Church for all baptized Catholics. - You can find these topics in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 2041 to 2043. - Here’s a homily by Pope Benedict XVI t…

Today, after looking at the historical background of the publication of the Encyclical “Humanae Vitae”, we consider whether the Catholic Church has the authority (and the duty!) to teach not only on matters of doctrinal truth, but also on matters of morality, and particularly, if she has the authority to interpret the Natural Law. - You can find th…

Today we look at the Catholic meaning of Redemption, Justification, Sanctifying Grace, Actual Graces and Merit. All of them key concepts to understand our spiritual and moral life correctly! Don’t miss this enlightening, doctrine-packed episode! - You can find these topics in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1987 to 2016. - Some biblic…

After looking at the example of the life and death of St. Thomas More, under Henry VIII, we look at the different kinds of law there are (Divine or Eternal, Natural, Revealed, Ecclesiastical and Civil), considering the attributes and limitations of each one of them and their application to our daily lives. Don’t miss this important foundational epi…

In this episode, Sr. Mercedes, from the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist, shares her life and vocation story. She’s the Vocations Director for the Dominican Sisters… and she is from the Dominican Republic! During our very enjoyable conversation, she also shares tips on discernment, and tells us why Consecrated Men and Women are so …

In 1858, our Lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in a Grotto, in Lourdes, France. On May 21, 2024, I went with 15 volunteers to serve at the Shrine in Lourdes. We stayed there for seven days. Jack Fedewa and Anna Wilberding were two of the volunteers. Today they share their experiences, their stories, and what they brought back with them from thi…

Are we supposed to always obey human authorities? Does their power come from God? What is the Common Good? Today we address the importance of Civil Authority for the well-being of our human society, and what is that civil authority supposed to preserve and promote in our community. Don’t miss this great episode! - You can read the following resourc…

Just as God is a community, a Trinity of Persons, so too, man—who is created by God—was made to live in community. This social aspect of man is embedded in our human nature. Today I talk about how the human society and even the civil authorities are willed by God. I also talk about the principle of “subsidiarity”. Don’t miss this great episode! - Y…

The Seven Capital Sins or Deadly Sins: Why are they called “Capital”? Are they sins or vices? What are some examples of each of them? How can we oppose and overcome them? Today we address with Deacon Benjamin (a member of the Miles Christi Religious Order) these topics that can be so eye-opening for your spiritual life! - You can find these topics …

SHOWNOTES Today I interview Fr. Michael Ward. He is an Englishman, a Catholic Priest, and a literary critic and theologian, with a special expertise in the writings of C. S. Lewis. He will share with us insights on C. S. Lewis’ works and gives great recommendations on why read his works and which are the most important from his point of view. - Fr.…

During the Sacred Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, we could identify different ways in which people offended God. We have Judas, who was instrumental in capturing our Lord; St. Peter who denied Jesus three times; some of the Pharisees and the leaders of the Sanhedrin; there was Pilate himself, who could have released Christ. And finally, there wer…

Today I interview Fr. Michael Ward. He is an Englishman, a Catholic Priest who converted from Anglicanism, and a literary critic and theologian, with a special expertise in the writings of C.S. Lewis. He works at the University of Oxford where he is an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He is the author of the award-winning a…

When there’s a car accident, your vehicle can be dented or scraped, or it could be totaled. Something similar happens with sin. Sin can be venial or mortal. And these two are essentially different degrees of sin. Through mortal sin we lose the state of Grace, and if we die unrepented and with that mortal sin in our soul, we cannot enter Heaven. Thi…

Evil is an undeniable reality in our world. But the worst evil is that of SIN. Through sin we deliberately break the law of God, offend our Creator, and hurt our neighbor and ourselves. But the Mercy of God is greater than our sin, and with the grace won by Jesus Christ we can overcome sin in our lives! - LINK to episodes 90 and 95 of this podcast …

Today we welcome Msgr. McLean Cummings, a priest from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and Director of Spiritual Formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. He spent several years as a missionary priest in Russia. He will share with us his vocation story, as well as some insights for discernment, good tips for your prayer life, and recommendations for a s…

Today we consider the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit individually, and we look at some good examples of how they acted in the lives of the saints! - You can find the topics discussed today in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1830 through 1832. - You can read the encyclical by Pope Leo XIII, “Divinum illud munus” here. - Fr. Patrick Wai…

Today we welcome Deacon Benjamin, a transitional deacon of Miles Christi born in Texas. He will share with us his vocation story, as well as some insights for discernment and good tips for your prayer life! - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order. - Visit the Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://w…

When St. Joan of Arc was confronted with a tribunal made up of the best theologians in France, she didn’t stand a chance. However, her answers were so profound and clear, that she baffled all those who were trying to prove her wrong. Her answers were examples of the gifts of the Holy Spirit—particularly that of Wisdom—put into action. In this episo…

Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. It is the New Commandment of Jesus Christ (Jn 13:34). In this episode we look at the nature of love, the third theological virtue, and how to put it into practice in your daily life. Don’t miss the inspiring e…

What do Habakkuk, Job and the Good Thief (who was crucified with Christ) have in common? They are all amazing examples of the supernatural virtue of Hope. Today, following their example, together with the example of the Seven Maccabean brothers, I address the meaning of the theological Virtue of Hope. I also suggest great ways in which you can prac…

Today we look at the Theological Virtues, and the virtue of Faith in particular, how it is a theological virtue infused by God in baptism, that enables us to believe in God, and believe in everything that God has said and revealed to us through Jesus Christ, which the Holy Church presents to us and taught by God. Toward the end of the episode, I sp…

After looking at an example in the life of St. Philip Neri, "the Apostle of Rome", we look at the supernatural life given to us in Baptism, particularly, the “infused moral virtues”, as different from the “acquired moral virtues” and from the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit”. - The topics discussed can be found in the Catechism, numbers 1265-1266, and 18…

Today we speak about the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. I describe them, show their importance in your spiritual life, and give some good examples of how you can apply them in your daily life. Listen in to know how to understand and live out these four columns of our moral life! - The topics discussed can be found …

Today I share a simple experience that reminded me how God can work at any time and unexpectedly through the hands of a Priest. Some weeks ago I attended SEEK, a conference with some 20,000 college students in attendance, and some 450 priests helping with confessions. I hope this story is an occasion to reinvigorate the appreciation of the Holy Pri…

After considering the virtuous example of how St. Francis de Sales was able to overcome his bad temper with much effort and patience (scratch marks were found under his desk!), we look at what are some key principles to living a virtuous life. What is VIRTUE and why is it important? In particular, that we should have as a goal not just “doing good …

The Christmas season is in full swing, and the New Year is here! As we begin 2024, on January 1st, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. She is our protection and our strength as we begin anew. The Christian Tradition teaches us a beautiful Marian Antiphon, very proper to this time of the year, called the Sub Tuum Praesidium…

In this episode I welcome Fr. John of God, as we prepare for Christmas. We talk about some principles of our moral conscience, how it is the God-given help to know what is right and wrong. We discuss topics like what is a guilty conscience, an erroneous conscience, culpable ignorance and invincible ignorance, and how we can sometimes silence our co…

In this episode I welcome Fr. Tim Anastos, who is a priest from the Archdiocese of Chicago, and a chaplain at the Newman Center at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He shares his vocation story, and some thoughts about discernment, Advent and Christmas. He has a series of minute-reel homilies which you can find in the link below. - Link to Fr. Ti…

In this episode we talk about why it is important to “form your conscience” and some ways to do it successfully. Don’t miss these reflections, so useful for your spiritual life! - You can find the topics discussed in this episode in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1783-1785. - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Cat…

In this episode I look at that “treasure within ourselves” which is our moral conscience. It is a “treasure” because it shows us the path to live honest and virtuous lives, and therefore is like the voice of God in our hearts that leads us to Heaven. I look at the example of an Old Testament king, and at the example of St. Augustine in his Confessi…

In this episode we continue talking about human passions and how they interact with our will, our deliberate choices, and how we can train our passions to make them be more in line with what is morally good and virtuous. I present an example taken from the life of St. Joan of Arc, that shows how human passions can affect us positively and help make…

In this episode I speak about the passions, and the role they play in our moral life. I look at the life of Christ, and how the Gospels manifest different moments in the life of Our Lord where his passions are manifested. I share an amazing example taken from the Confessions of St. Augustine. - You can find the topics discussed in this episode in t…

In this episode we look into the “sources” of the morality of our human actions, specifically, what is the “moral object” what are the “intentions” and what are the “circumstances” of a human act. We address why “the end doesn’t justify the means” and why some actions are always morally illicit, like the case of abortion, blasphemy and perjury. - Y…