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…

Freedom is not a burden—it is a great GIFT from God that enables us to love Him and love our neighbor. However, it comes with a great responsibility. Soon after the coming of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost, St. Paul—actually called “Saul” at the time—consented to St. Stephen’s execution (Acts 8:1). While others threw the stones, he held their cloaks—…

One of the fundamental pillars of the Christian moral life is our human freedom. Freedom is a gift of God given to us in order to choose freely what is good, what is according to the will of God. That gives us our dignity and our responsibility. I share the story of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, and Austrian farmer who died a martyr under the Nazi go…

Today I interview Bro. Daniel Heffernan on the Beatitudes. We talk about how to interpret three of the beatitudes: “Blessed are the merciful”; “Blessed are the peacemakers”; “Blessed are you when you are persecuted for the sake of righteousness.” Bro. Daniel was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and is now a perpetually professed Brother of Miles Christ…

Today I continue reflecting on the Beatitudes: “Blessed are they who thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” I welcome Ben Eriksen again (he joined us in the last episode already!), who was born and raised in Michigan, and is about to finish his doctorate degree in Philosophy at the Catholic University of America. Make sure you liste…

This time around we continue reflecting on the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit (…). Blessed are they who mourn (…). Blessed are the meek (…).” Today we welcome Ben Eriksen, who was born and raised in Michigan, and is about to finish his doctorate degree in Philosophy at the Catholic University of America. - You can find the topics discu…

“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God” (Mt 5:8). In this episode we look at what is the meaning of “the heart”, and how purity of heart means to love God above all, and to have God as the final purpose of everything we do daily. - ENKINDLE Conference – Information and how to register: https://www.mileschristi.org/event/enkindle/ - S…

The Beatitudes of the Gospel are eight statements that our Lord taught within the context of the Sermon of the Mount (chapters 5-7 of St. Matthew). They are attitudes, ideals we have to aim for if we want to be true disciples of Christ. They portray, in some way, an image of Jesus Christ, they describe the heart of the Gospel. Those who live them o…

Jesus Christ is the foundation and the center of all the moral teaching of the Catholic Church. Our Lord became man to redeem us, but also to teach us the way to Heaven, the way to our fulfillment, the way to complete joy. So, the moral teachings of the Church, with all its precepts and “rules”, is like a help, like a road map that shows us the way…

We’re starting a new section in our podcast!! In this episode I speak about the purpose of the Commandments and of the whole moral teaching of the Catholic Church. The moral law of the Church is a guide that helps us know what the right path to Heaven is, and how to grow in the supernatural LIFE of Grace given us in Baptism. - ENKINDLE Conference –…

Why is it good to get married? Are there benefits on being joined in a sacramental marriage over “living together”? In this episode I interview Ben and Amy Eriksen, and we talk about dating, relationships, marriage and some of their experiences and suggestions for young couples who are considering marriage. - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of M…

Fr. Francis Solanus Casey, was born in 1870, in Wisconsin, and died July 31, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan. He was a Capuchin Franciscan priest. He lived most of his life in Detroit Michigan, and one of his main tasks was to be the porter at St. Bonaventure’s Monastery. His body lays today at the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. Today I share some spi…

In this episode I present a life of Blessed Solanus Casey. His liturgical feast day is July 30th. Fr. Francis Solanus Casey, was born in 1870, in Wisconsin, and died July 31st, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan. He was a Capuchin Franciscan priest. He lived most of his life in Detroit Michigan, and one of his main tasks was to be the porter at St. Bonaven…

Married couples are the bulwark of society. Without married couples, society would fall apart and the Catholic Church would be in a serious crisis. Sacramental Marriage has certain God-given characteristics, or “goods”, and some responsibilities. In this episode we speak about how marriage is one and indissoluble, a life-long commitment that requir…

Listen to the 2nd Part of my conversation with Ben and Shelby Hufford about dating and marriage! Enjoy some fun anecdotes, insights and perspectives about marriage! - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order. - Visit the Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org - This Podcast’s Websi…

In this episode I present the first part of an interview where Ben and Shelby Hufford share their stories, their visit to the Holy Land, and some awesome insights on dating and the Sacrament of Marriage. - Ben and Shelby Hufford run “The Grotto” at Hillsdale, an apostolate of St. Anthony’s Parish, Hillsdale, Michigan. - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a …

Today I talk about the effects of the sacrament of Matrimony, particularly, the marriage bond and the graces it gives to fulfill the responsibilities of the spouses. The Catechism states that from a valid marriage arises a bond between the spouses which by its very nature is perpetual and exclusive. That, moreover, the spouses are strengthened and …

In this episode I talk about some elements that are necessary in a marriage ceremony to make it valid: who are the ministers of the sacrament, what is the matrimonial consent, and the freedom from coercion and freedom from fear for the spouses to put forth a valid consent. - You can find the topics discussed in this episode in the Catechism, number…

In this episode I talk consecrated virginity for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, and how it relates to marriage. I reflect on some documents of the Vatican Council in this regard, and share some thoughts on how both marriage and consecrated life are two paths established by God Himself for our salvation and sanctification. - You can find the top…

In this episode I talk about some doctrines and practical things that undermine marriages, and on the other hand, about the ways married couples can make their relationship stronger. - You can find the topics discussed in this episode in the Catechism, numbers 285, 1604-1616, and 1659-1661. - The example from Tobit and his wife can be found in the …

Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, are a model of Christian marriage. Today we look at their example and seek their inspiration, as we delve into the great treasure of the Sacrament of Marriage, how, according to the nature God gave it, it is between one man and one woman, for their entire lifespan, for the good of the s…

Today we welcome Dr. Lawrence Feingold, to speak about the National Eucharistic Revival, an effort by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to revitalize the faith in the Holy Eucharist and to renew the Devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. - Find more about the National Eucharistic Revival in the USA: https://www.usccb.org/resourc…

Today we welcome Dr. Lawrence Feingold, to discuss the practice of celibacy in the Catholic Priesthood. Dr. Feingold presents a brief history of celibacy, its origins, its meaning, and its spiritual fruitfulness, and answers some of the typical objections. We talk about how celibacy is a true treasure in the Catholic Church, which, with the assista…

Pope St. John Paul II wrote “I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful” (Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, 4). In today’s episode we look more in depth into why the Catholic Church does not have the authority to ordain women to th…

“The Priest is a gift from the Heart of Christ” said Pope Benedict XVI, quoting St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars (France). In this episode we look at what is the Priesthood about, how the Sacrament of Holy Orders is administered, and some other elements of the Ordination of Priests. - Find more about the topics discussed in the Catechism of the Ca…

Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J., (1904-1984) was born in Shenandoah, PA. He entered the Society of Jesus, and soon after he volunteered to be—after his ordination—a missionary to Russia. Ordained in 1937, he was assigned to a Parish in Albertyn, Poland. After the Russian invasion of Poland, he went with another priest toward Russia, in search for work. But…

Today I welcome Fr. Samuel Hakeem, O.P., who will share with us his thoughts about The Catholic Ministerial Priesthood. He was ordained to the Priesthood in 2017, and he is now the Vocations Director of the Central Province of the Dominicans. - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order. - Visit the Miles Christ…

Today I welcome Fr. Samuel Hakeem, O.P., who will share with us the story of his vocation. Ordained to the Priesthood in 2017. He is now the Vocations Director of the Central Province of the Dominicans. In our conversation, we also provide some tips for discernment! - Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order. …