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When Laura Frederickson's eight-year-old son Francisco was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood brain cancer, her life changed forever. In this episode, Laura introduces us to Francisco and shares what happened in the days following his diagnosis. How do you make the most of the time you have with a son who is dying? What role did prayer and the intercession of the saints, especially St. Carlo Acutis, play during his illness? Initially given only six to nine months to live, Francisco lived for 18 months. How does a mother prepare for the death of her child when she knows it is coming? What were Francisco's final days like? And how did his family celebrate his life at his funeral? Throughout his illness, Francisco looked forward to what he called "Heaven's Party." Laura shares how his faith and hope shaped their family's journey, why she wrote the book Pilgrim of Hope, and why Francisco's story continues to matter. This is a conversation about faith, suffering, a mother's love, and the hope of eternal life. Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Pilgrim-Hope-Childs-Terminal/dp/B0HHJ54LVX/

Fr. John Bartunek, LC, spent time on the set of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. In this episode, he begins by sharing memories from that experience before turning to a book that has profoundly influenced Fr. Edward's spiritual life and preaching: The Better Part. Why did Fr. Bartunek write The Better Part? How is the book organized, and what makes its reflections on the Gospels so helpful for prayer? Fr. Bartunek and Fr. Edward share some of their favorite Gospel passages and discuss how Scripture continues to speak to our lives. With The Better Part now available as an app, what's different from the original book? And Fr. Edward asks an intriguing question: If Fr. Bartunek were writing the book today, what would he do differently? Discover more videos, reflections, and spiritual resources from Fr. Bartunek at RCspirituality.org. https://sophiainstitute.com/promo/the-better-part/?srsltid=AU7gw4Xnvh7I8RUvcGM9jMYTB9kym8YWy7yyCZIcV2yCYfXkVtAQtYvW

October is Respect Life Month, a time when Catholics are invited to reflect on what it truly means to be pro-life—not only in what we believe, but in what we do. Fr. Edward Looney welcomes Deacon Kevin Cummings, a permanent deacon from Kansas who is doing remarkable pro-life work through Deacons of Hope and St. Mary’s Home for Mothers. Deacon Kevin shares his journey to the diaconate, including his years as a dentist for the Kansas City Chiefs, and how God eventually led him into a ministry serving pregnant women experiencing homelessness. Their conversation explores the founding and expansion of residential homes for mothers, the mission of Deacons of Hope as a clerical association for deacons, and the practical ways Catholics can help women choose life. Deacon Kevin also explains why he would like to change the way we talk about the term “pro-choice.” Pro-life people want women to have real choices, real assistance, and real alternatives so that choosing life is truly possible. They also discuss how this ministry can become a place of healing for women who have experienced abortion. Fr. Edward was so impressed by the work that at one point he told Deacon Kevin, “I don’t know how more people don’t know about what you are doing.” After hearing this conversation, you probably will be wondering the same thing. Learn more: deaconsofhope.org stmaryshomeformothers.org

A simple shoebox can make an incredible difference in the life of a child. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney talks with Michele Sagarino of Cross Catholic Outreach about Boxes of Joy, a ministry bringing Christmas gifts—and the love of Christ—to children living in poverty around the world. This year, Boxes of Joy is celebrating an extraordinary milestone: the delivery of its one millionth box! Michele shares the history and mission of Cross Catholic Outreach and explains how Boxes of Joy works. Is it a Catholic alternative to Operation Christmas Child? What should you put in a box—and what should you leave out? What does Cross Catholic Outreach add before the boxes are delivered? You’ll also hear moving stories from the mission field, learn what happens when the boxes reach children and their families, and discover how you can participate even if your parish does not sponsor Boxes of Joy. A small box can become a powerful expression of generosity, faith, and Christmas joy. Learn more and get involved at boxofjoy.org.

What do St. John Paul II, John Wayne, the saints, cowboys, classic novels, Westerns, and even Clint Eastwood have to teach Catholic men? Bear Wozniak joins Fr. Edward Looney to discuss his new book, Men of Grit and Grace: 365 Days with the Saints, Scripture, and the Wisdom of Men. Designed as a daily meditation book specifically for men, it brings together Scripture, Catholic tradition, the saints, literature, film, and culture to give men something substantial to reflect on each day. Fr. Edward asks Bear about the themes running through the year, how he found the many religious and secular quotations used in the book, and which saints have most influenced his own spiritual life. They also take a closer look at several meditations that caught Fr. Edward’s attention—from February 29 and May 10 to August 11 and October 5. And what about the man who doesn’t connect with the cowboy model of masculinity? Bear explains why the book’s vision of manhood is broader than one particular image—and even considers what Clint Eastwood might have to say to Catholic men today. Whether you are looking to deepen your own spiritual life or searching for a gift for a Catholic man in your life, Men of Grit and Grace offers 365 days of faith, wisdom, challenge, and encouragement. Buy the book: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/men-of-grit-and-grace/?oid=868&affid=203

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified on September 24, and in this episode Fr. Edward Looney welcomes author and Sheen devotee Allan Smith to help us prepare for this historic moment. Allan shares what is happening in Peoria during Sheen Week and discusses his book The Soul of a Disciple, which helps readers encounter the spirituality and wisdom of Fulton Sheen. He also tells the story of how he became a disciple and devotee of Sheen and reflects on what made the famous bishop such a captivating preacher and media personality. Fr. Edward and Allan discuss what Sheen might say to today’s Catholic content creators, podcasters, and media personalities. Allan identifies five important themes in Sheen’s spirituality and preaching—and one of them catches Fr. Edward completely by surprise. They also explore: -the decisive moment that led Sheen to commit himself to a daily Holy Hour -why Sheen became biritual and celebrated the Eastern Catholic liturgy -the fascinating story behind the World Mission Rosary that Sheen promoted -how Sheen combined prayer, preaching, media, and missionary zeal the insight that finally helped Fr. Edward “unlock” Fulton Sheen and better understand his spirituality Whether you have loved Fulton Sheen for years or are only beginning to discover him, this conversation will help you get to know the man behind the famous voice—and prepare spiritually for his beatification. Archbishop Fulton Sheen, pray for us! Buy the book: Soul of a Disciple: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-soul-of-a-disciple/?oid=857&affid=203 America's Apostle: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/americas-apostle/?oid=871&affid=203

Fr. Charles Kram lived a remarkable priestly life marked by suffering, perseverance, and a deep desire to serve God’s people. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney talks with Deacon Joe Machacek, who personally knew Fr. Kram and shares memories of his life, illness, vocation, ordination, and ministry. Despite significant physical challenges, Fr. Kram persevered in his call to the priesthood and became a source of inspiration to many who encountered him. Deacon Joe reflects on what made Fr. Kram such a memorable priest, why people continue to be inspired by his witness, and what he might someday become a patron saint of. The conversation also explores Fr. Kram’s writings, the stories people continue to tell about him, and the growing interest in his life and possible cause for sainthood. Discover the story of a Texas priest whose suffering did not define his vocation, but became part of the extraordinary witness he offered to the Church. Learn more about Fr. Kram at: http://fatherkram.com

Who was Mary Pyle, the American woman remembered as one of Padre Pio’s closest spiritual daughters? Author Susan De Bartoli, whose book Padre Pio’s American Daughter: The Story of Mary Pyle tells her remarkable story, joins Fr. Edward Looney to introduce us to this fascinating—and often overlooked—woman in the life of St. Padre Pio. Born into wealth and raised Protestant, Mary Pyle converted to Catholicism and eventually left behind her life in America for San Giovanni Rotondo, where she became a devoted spiritual daughter of Padre Pio and supported his ministry for decades. Susan shares how her own devotion to Padre Pio developed through pilgrimage and explains why the Capuchin saint continues to fascinate people around the world. She also explores what Padre Pio meant when he spoke of his “spiritual children”—and whether Catholics today can consider themselves among them even though they never knew him during his earthly life. Along the way, Fr. Edward and Susan discuss: Mary Pyle’s conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism Her surprising connection with Maria Montessori The house Mary built near Padre Pio—and why Padre Pio’s parents both died there Why Mary is buried with the Capuchins in San Giovanni Rotondo Whether there could someday be a cause for Mary Pyle’s canonization What her life teaches about generosity, detachment, and the emptiness of material wealth Padre Pio and Mary Pyle as an example of spiritual friendship Other notable spiritual children of Padre Pio Why Padre Pio continues to draw pilgrims from around the world What it is like to make a pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo Mary Pyle could have lived a comfortable and privileged life in America. Instead, she discovered something greater—and gave her life, her resources, and her friendship in service to Padre Pio and his mission. Learn more about Susan De Bartoli and her work: littleflowerbookshelf.com littleflowerpilgrimages.com Book: Padre Pio’s American Daughter: The Story of Mary Pyle- https://sophiainstitute.com/product/padre-pios-american-daughter/?oid=856&affid=203

Mother Antonia Brenner’s vocation story is anything but ordinary. She wasn’t someone who dreamed of becoming a religious sister from childhood. She was married. She was a mother. She experienced divorce. She raised a family and spent years serving others—at one point helping send medical equipment to people in need around the world. And then God led her somewhere almost unimaginable: into a Mexican prison. Mother Antonia eventually gave away much of what she owned, moved into a cell at La Mesa Prison in Tijuana, and devoted her life to serving the men incarcerated there. Known throughout the world as the “Prison Angel,” she would eventually found the Eudist Servants of the Eleventh Hour, a religious community created especially for women who discover a vocation to religious life later in life. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Sr. Anne Marie Maxfield, who knew Mother Antonia personally and served alongside her for six years. Sr. Anne shares Mother Antonia’s remarkable vocation story, including the prayer she made asking God to show her whether she was truly doing His will—and how God answered that dangerous prayer. She also shares Mother Antonia’s poem “My Call to Prison” and explains how she herself discovered the Eudist Servants of the Eleventh Hour. They also discuss: Why Mother Antonia founded a community specifically for later vocations What life and ministry inside the prison actually looked like Whether people who knew Mother Antonia considered her a living saint Sr. Anne’s favorite memory from her six years serving alongside Mother Antonia The Mother Antonia prayer Fr. Edward has come to love and recommends to others What Mother Antonia’s children think about the possibility that their own mother could someday be recognized as a saint What Mother Antonia might someday become the patron saint of Where Mother Antonia is buried And why her extraordinary life continues to inspire people today Mother Antonia Brenner was called the Prison Angel. After hearing her story, you might find yourself wondering whether she was also something more: a prison saint in the making. 📖 Learn more about Mother Antonia in the biography The Prison Angel. Learn more about the Eudist Servants of the Eleventh Hour at EudistServants.org.

St. James Coffee in Rochester, Minnesota, is more than a place to grab a cup of coffee—it is a creative work of Catholic evangelization. In this episode, Fr. Edward talks with Melissa about her relationship with St. James Coffee, including the amusing story of how she learned to enjoy coffee despite not being much of a coffee drinker when she first began working there. They discuss some of the shop’s uniquely Catholic creations, including the St. Polycarp Pistachio Latte and a new drink in development called The Purgatory, which will appropriately feature a little pepper burn. Melissa also shares whether Bishop Robert Barron ever stops by—and what he orders when he does. The conversation goes deeper into the Catholic identity of St. James Coffee: why the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in a tabernacle at the shop, the role of Catholic art and decor, and how the space strives to be recognizably Catholic while still remaining welcoming to everyone. As Melissa describes it, the atmosphere is “just Catholic enough that they aren’t being imposed upon and feel comfortable.” They also explore the significance of St. James the Apostle and the Camino de Santiago to the coffee shop’s identity, and ultimately how a coffee shop can become a place of encounter, hospitality, conversation, and evangelization—even for people who might never think to walk through the doors of a church. http://stjamescoffee.com

What message did Our Lady communicate through her silent apparition at Knock alongside St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, and the Lamb of God? Fr. Edward Looney welcomes author Patrick O’Hearn to discuss his latest collaboration with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC—a beautifully illustrated book about Our Lady of Knock. Patrick shares how he first learned about the apparition and describes the book’s illustrations as “Beatrix Potter meets Catholicism.” He also explains how the artwork contains subtle expressions of Catholic faith, including the image of a priest quietly praying his breviary. Fr. Edward recalls how he acquired a picture of Our Lady of Knock as a teenager and shares a personal insight into the figures present at the apparition. Both St. Joseph and St. John welcomed Mary into their homes: Joseph took Mary as his wife after the message of the angel, and John took her into his home after Jesus entrusted her to him from the Cross. Their presence at Knock may therefore invite every Christian to welcome Mary into the home of one’s heart and life. The conversation also revisits an insight previously shared by Knock Shrine rector Fr. Richard Gibbons: Mary’s silent solidarity with the suffering people of Ireland. Fr. Edward and Patrick also discuss: The significance of the apparition’s complete silence The meaning of St. Joseph, St. John, the altar, the Cross, and the Lamb Connections between Knock and other Marian apparitions Hidden spiritual details within the book’s illustrations How America may now be helping to re-evangelize Ireland, after generations in which Irish Catholics helped evangelize the United States Discover how the silent apparition at Knock continues to speak powerfully to the Church today. Learn more about Patrick O’Hearn and his books at PatrickROHearn.com Buy the book: https://bookstore.shopmercy.org/the-lamb-of-god-the-story-of-our-lady-of-knock.html

Can a homeschooling family make Catholic movies, bring inspiring stories from history to the screen, and even create its own streaming service? Kathleen, Mary, and Faustina Bowen of Industrious Family Films join Fr. Edward Looney to share how their family transformed a love of faith, history, and storytelling into a growing Catholic film ministry. Fr. Edward recalls how he first discovered their work and asks how filmmaker Jim Morlino influenced the young filmmakers as a teacher and mentor. The Bowens share the story that inspired their first feature film, what they have learned through years of independent filmmaking, and how they cast actors and select locations for their productions. They also discuss their short Western, End of the Santa Fe Trail, inspired by Servant of God Sister Blandina Segale. The Bowens explain how a Faith and Freedom reader first introduced them to Sister Blandina, what drew them to her remarkable life, and how they continued learning about the courageous frontier nun while making the film. The conversation then turns to their next major project, Fabiola. Set in ancient Rome, the story follows a pagan noblewoman who gradually becomes fascinated by the courage, charity, and faith of the Christians around her. The family explains why they chose this story, how they hope to bring it to the screen, and how viewers can support the film through crowdfunding. You will also hear how the Bowens: -Created Industrious Family Theater, their own family-friendly streaming platform -Produce and distribute independent Catholic stories that might otherwise go unseen -Make films that homeschooling families can use alongside history and religion curricula -Respond to encouragement from viewers who appreciate their work Chose “Industrious Family” as their company name—and introduced Fr. Edward to the virtue of industriousness -Discover how one family is working to reclaim filmmaking through stories rooted in faith, virtue, history, and the Catholic imagination. -Industrious Family Films describes its mission as producing Catholic films that inspire families through truth, beauty, heroism, sacrifice, and virtue. Support Fabiola: FabiolaMovie.com Explore Industrious Family Films and Industrious Family Theater: IndustriousFamily.com

Blessed Stanley Rother refused to abandon his people, even when remaining with them placed his own life in danger. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Ed Jeep, whose family has a fascinating personal connection to the Oklahoma priest and martyr. Ed’s father was a Catholic priest who knew and served alongside Fr. Stanley Rother before later leaving active ministry. That family connection eventually inspired Ed’s own passion for sharing Rother’s story and promoting devotion to him. Fr. Edward and Ed discuss the political turmoil and violence that produced numerous martyrs in Central America, as well as Fr. Rother’s fear that he might be abducted and killed far from his parish. He worried that his people would mistakenly believe he had abandoned them. Ed recounts the events surrounding Rother’s martyrdom and explains why his cause, which was initially considered alongside those of other martyrs, eventually proceeded on its own. They also explore: Fr. Rother’s life and ministry among the people of Guatemala The circumstances surrounding his martyrdom Fr. Edward’s missed opportunity to visit the place where Rother was killed Reactions to images of Rother dressed as a missionary and farmer rather than in clerical attire The remarkable priestly and religious vocations that emerged from the mission after his death The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City Ed Jeep’s efforts to promote devotion in Washington, D.C. Growing pockets of devotion to Blessed Stanley Rother throughout the United States An upcoming documentary narrated by Martin Sheen Blessed Stanley Rother’s life offers a compelling example of pastoral courage, missionary dedication, and a priest’s willingness to remain with his people until the end. Learn more about Ed Jeep’s work at stanleyrotherproject.org.

Netflix is bringing Little House on the Prairie back to television—but what should longtime fans expect? In this interview, we discuss Netflix's upcoming reboot of Little House on the Prairie, including: Why the series is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books rather than the classic Michael Landon television adaptation. Whether longtime fans are likely to embrace—or reject—the new version. How the reboot hopes to introduce a new generation to the beloved stories. The historical background behind Dr. George Tann, the African American physician portrayed by Jocko Sims, who treated the Ingalls family during a malaria outbreak. Whether this reboot has the potential to become a long-running television series. If you grew up watching Little House on the Prairie or are curious about Netflix's newest adaptation, this conversation provides historical context and explores what audiences can expect. 👍 Subscribe for more interviews, film discussions, and conversations about faith, history, and culture.

In 1873, a devastating yellow fever epidemic swept through Shreveport, Louisiana. As thousands fled the city, five Catholic priests made the extraordinary decision to stay behind. One after another, each knowingly entered the fever wards to care for the sick, administer the sacraments, and accompany the dying—fully aware that doing so would almost certainly cost them their own lives. In this episode of Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward, I welcome historian Dr. Cheryl White, one of the leading voices promoting the Cause of the Shreveport Martyrs. We discuss the remarkable story of these five priests, whose heroic charity has inspired generations of Catholics since their deaths. Our conversation explores: -The 1873 yellow fever epidemic and why so many people fled Shreveport. -The courageous decision of each priest to replace the one who had just died, knowing he would likely be next. -The moving final words of one martyr: "Write to my bishop and tell him I go to my death." -The "Heroic Brotherhood" and the immediate reputation for holiness that surrounded these priests after their sacrifice. -How Dr. White became involved in researching and promoting their Cause for sainthood. -The discovery of a long-lost photograph that helped put a face to one of the martyrs. -A striking nineteenth-century recruitment letter inviting seminarians to America with the promise of "much hard work... frequent sickness, a violent or lonely death, and an unknown grave." -The graces reported through the martyrs' intercession and Dr. White's own experience of their spiritual companionship. -How pilgrims can visit the martyrs' graves today, including the four buried at Calvary Cemetery in Shreveport and the fifth buried in Monroe at the request of the faithful. -What these priests teach us today about heroic charity, priestly brotherhood, and living with eternity in view. The story of the Shreveport Martyrs is not merely one of heroic deaths—it is a witness to the Gospel lived to its fullest. Their example reminds us that authentic Christian love is willing to lay down its life for others. Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1467150908?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback