Advertise on podcast: FAITH HOPE & HISTORY with FR. BILL

On the Feast Day of St. Denis, the Patron Saint of Paris, France, Fr. Bill offers thoughts on the recent visit to France by Pope Leo XIV, the subsequent Civil Unrest throughout France, in light of the History of Catholicism, the French Revolution, the rise of Secular France, and what we can learn as the United States enters into another Mid-Term Election Season.

Fr. Bill talks about the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen in light of the rise of Socialist and Communist candidates in the upcoming Mid-term Elections in the United States. Why is the Catholic Church opposed to Communism and Socialism and how are those political philosophies detrimental to Humanity and Human Dignity?

Fr. Bill talks about the history Popes who took the name of Leo, noting the length of some of the Papacies, as well as the events that occurred during their leadership of the Catholic Church that had ramifications for the history and development of both the Church and the History of Western Civilization.

Fr. Bill talks about the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in light of the comments made by factions within the country who seek to downplay and vilify the Founding Fathers. He draws a comparison to the rhetoric, with the actual history of who our Founders were, what they risked and what it means for our identity as a nation today and for the next 250 Years.

Fr. Bill talks about America's History of Freedom of Religion and what "Separation of Church and State" means in the context of America's Founding and in American Society as a whole.

Fr. Bill discusses two hot and divisive issues that are being discussed in the social and political arena as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Independence - Reparations for Slavery and the Abolition of the Electoral College in Presidential Elections. This is particularly important for our nation as it prepares to engage in another hotly contested mid-term election cycle.

Fr. Bill looks back on the recent exchange of rhetoric between the Holy Father and the President of the United States over the War in Iran.

Ascension Thursday is now Ascension Sunday. Epiphany has been transferred from January 6 to the 2nd Sunday after Christmas. Fr. Bill addresses the low attendance of Catholics for Holy Days of Obligation and suggests alternative days that can tap into our identity as Americans, and how they can draw people into Church.

People have been listening with bated breath the comments about the Iran war made by Pope Leo XIV, our First "American" Pope. Fr. Bill discusses the public image and persona of the Holy Father, the War in Iran and the Pope's comments in light of Church teaching on the Just War Theory.

Fr. Bill discusses the Sacrament of Confession and how both Priest Confessors and Penitents can grow lax in the celebration of such an important Sacrament. He also offers some suggestions to both Priests and Penitents on how to make the Sacrament a more meaningful experience of God's Forgiveness.

Fr. Bill discusses the issue of Conscience; how it used and misused in moral decision making and what it means for Christians. Is it an internal justification of any action? Is it a means whereby God guides us from within? How can we be confident in its guidance? How do we properly form it in ourselves and those entrusted to us for their upbringing?

Fr. Bill discusses the habit of some priest who embellish the words of the Mass and what it implies about their preaching. He also talks about why it is important for Priests to stick to the words of the Mass as written before them in the Roman Missal, and why they should take seriously their role as preachers.

Fr. Bill discusses his basic principle for making changes in parishes in which he has served as a priest

Fr. Bill comments on the disruption by protestors of a Christian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota in light of the Church's celebration of its Martyrs. He also makes a comparison between the suffering of Martyrs throughout Christian History with the harassment in the US and the West, and in some places continued Persecution of Christians throughout the world.

Fr. Bill discusses the all-too-common habit of interpreting the work of the Holy Spirit (or the opposite) according to our own desire and agenda.