Advertise on podcast: Traditional Catholic Daily Devotional

It's the Feast of St. Anthony Mary Claret, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: today in Church History: "1956 – Catholic Hungary Rises Against Communism", the meditation: "The Example of a Saint", today's news from the Church: "SALUS ANIMARUM: A Documentary About the Episcopal Consecrations of 2026", a preview of this week's episode of The SSPX Podcast: "What Is the Communion of Saints?", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "The Example of a Saint" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/assumption-to-advent "SALUS ANIMARUM: A Documentary About the Episcopal Consecrations of 2026" (FSSPX.news) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjYc07qGfnI The SSPX Podcast: "What Is the Communion of Saints?" (SSPX Podcast) View on YouTubeListen & Subscribe on SSPXpodcast.com The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's a Feria, 4th Class, with the color of Green. In this episode: today in Church History: "October 22, 1962 — Vatican II Begins Debating the Sacred Liturgy", the meditation: "The Imitation of Jesus Christ", today's news from the Church: "Cardinal Zuppi: The Reassuring Face of Modernism", a preview of the Sermon: "What Does It Mean to Forgive?", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "The Imitation of Jesus Christ" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/assumption-to-advent "Cardinal Zuppi: The Reassuring Face of Modernism" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/who-are-you-judge-61240 "What Does It Mean to Forgive?" (SSPX Sermons) SSPX YouTube: Sermons PlaylistListen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's a Feria, 4th Class, with the color of Green. In this episode: the meditation: "A Difficult Law", today's news from the Church: "The Cardinals Who Have Lost Their Way", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "A Difficult Law" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/assumption-to-advent "The Cardinals Who Have Lost Their Way" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/cardinals-who-have-lost-their-latin-61680 The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of St. John Cantius, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: "The Forgiveness of Injuries", today's news from the Church: "Cardinal Roche Rules Out Any Return to Freedom for the Traditional Mass", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "The Forgiveness of Injuries" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/assumption-to-advent "Cardinal Roche Rules Out Any Return to Freedom for the Traditional Mass" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/cardinal-roche-rules-out-any-return-freedom-traditional-mass-61638 The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of St. Peter of Alcantara, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: "The Bankrupt Servant", today's news from the Church: "Leo XIV Revives the Assisi Scandal of 1986", a preview of the Sermon: "The Miracle of the Sun and the Reality of Hell", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "The Bankrupt Servant" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "Leo XIV Revives the Assisi Scandal of 1986" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/assisi-leo-xiv-revives-scandal-1986-61599 "The Miracle of the Sun and the Reality of Hell" (SSPX Sermons) SSPX YouTube: Sermons PlaylistListen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of XXI Sun of Pentecost / St. Luke, 2nd Class, with the color of Green. In this episode: the meditation: "Divine Mercy", today's news from the Church: "The Appeal Against the Decree of Excommunication is Ongoing in Rome", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "Divine Mercy" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "The Appeal Against the Decree of Excommunication is Ongoing in Rome" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/communique-general-house-appeal-against-decree-excommunication-ongoing-rome-61602 The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Saint Luke is traditionally remembered as a physician, a companion of Saint Paul, and the author of the third Gospel. But what makes him especially interesting is how differently he tells the story of Jesus compared with the other Evangelists. For one thing, Luke wasn't writing primarily for a Jewish audience. Matthew constantly points back to Old Testament prophecies, showing how Jesus fulfills the promises made to Israel. Luke certainly does that too, but he writes with a particular concern for the wider Greek-speaking world. His Gospel emphasizes that Christ came not only for Israel, but for every nation. And he tells us something unusual right at the beginning. Luke opens his Gospel almost like a historian. He explains that he has investigated the accounts handed down by eyewitnesses and carefully arranged them for a man named Theophilus, so that he can know the certainty of what he has been taught. That's quite different from Mark, who launches almost immediately into John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness. Luke also gives us stories we wouldn't have without him. The Annunciation. The Visitation. The shepherds at Bethlehem. The finding of Jesus in the Temple. In fact, much of what Catholics know about the early life of Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin comes from Luke alone. Ancient Christian tradition has even suggested that Luke learned some of these details directly from Mary, although Scripture doesn't explicitly tell us that. Then there are his parables. The Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Rich Man and Lazarus are all found only in Luke. Notice what they have in common: mercy, repentance, wealth, poverty, and the surprising ways God turns human expectations upside down. Luke is especially attentive to people society overlooks. Women appear prominently throughout his Gospel. So do the poor, tax collectors, Samaritans, and sinners. His account repeatedly shows Christ seeking people whom others have dismissed. And Luke's story doesn't end with the Resurrection. He also wrote the Acts of the Apostles. That's a fascinating detail because Luke effectively gave the Church a two-volume history. His Gospel tells what Christ did during His earthly ministry. Acts shows how the risen Christ continued His work through the Apostles and the Holy Ghost. Together, those two books make up more than a quarter of the New Testament. There's also an old tradition that Luke painted the first image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Several famous icons, including ones venerated in Rome and the Christian East, have been attributed to him, although those artistic attributions cannot be historically verified. That tradition is fitting, though. Luke's Gospel has given Christian artists some of their most beloved scenes for nearly two thousand years. Without Luke, we would know far less about Bethlehem, Our Lady's early experiences, the mercy of Christ, and the beginnings of the Church. Saint Luke the Evangelist, faithful historian of Christ and herald of God's mercy, pray for us. - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: "Faith in the Angels", today's news from the Church: "Liquid Magisterium", a preview of this week's episode of The SSPX Podcast: "The Roman Catechism: Who Belongs to the Church?", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "Faith in the Angels" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "Liquid Magisterium" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/liquid-magisterium-61534 The SSPX Podcast: "The Roman Catechism: Who Belongs to the Church?" (SSPX Podcast) View on YouTubeListen & Subscribe on SSPXpodcast.com The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Saint Richard Gwyn was a Welsh schoolteacher who had a remarkable talent for getting under the skin of the authorities. He was intelligent, stubborn, deeply Catholic, and apparently had a sense of humor that even imprisonment couldn't take away. He was born around 1537 in Montgomeryshire, Wales, and received an excellent education, studying at Oxford and Cambridge. Eventually he returned to Wales, married a woman named Catherine, and became a schoolteacher. Together they raised a family while England and Wales were undergoing enormous religious changes. Under Queen Elizabeth I, attendance at Protestant services was compulsory, and Catholics who refused could face heavy fines and imprisonment. Richard refused. He believed the Catholic Mass and the authority of the Pope were worth defending, even when doing so threatened his livelihood and his family. Eventually, he was arrested. The authorities tried several ways to make him conform. On one occasion, Richard was taken to a Protestant church and placed in front of the pulpit so he would have to listen to the sermon. Richard had other ideas. According to the traditional accounts, he began rattling his chains so loudly that nobody could hear the preacher. When ordered to stop, he reportedly replied that he was making noise because he didn't want to hear what was being preached. That didn't improve his relationship with the authorities. During his imprisonment, Richard continued writing Welsh religious poetry, much of it defending the Catholic faith and criticizing the religious policies of the government. His verses are among the most interesting surviving examples of Welsh Catholic resistance during the Reformation. And he wasn't imprisoned for just a few weeks. Richard spent years in confinement, separated from his wife and children, repeatedly pressured to abandon his faith. Eventually he was charged with treason, largely because of his refusal to accept the religious settlement and his defense of Catholic authority. At his trial, Richard defended himself with the same sharp wit that had made him so troublesome in prison. When witnesses offered contradictory testimony, he pointed out the inconsistencies and refused to pretend the accusations were true. He was condemned anyway. On October 15, 1584, Richard was taken to the marketplace in Wrexham and executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering. According to tradition, his final words included a prayer for his executioners and an appeal to God for mercy. Today, Richard Gwyn is remembered as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970. His memory remains especially strong in Wales, where Catholic schools and churches bear his name. There's something particularly appealing about Richard's story. He wasn't a bishop. He wasn't a famous theologian. He was a husband, a father, and a teacher who refused to surrender his faith. And when the authorities tried to silence him, he sometimes responded by making even more noise. Saint Richard Gwyn, courageous Welsh martyr and joyful defender of the Catholic faith, pray for us. - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of St. Hedwig, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: "St. Michael in History", today's news from the Church: "Corsica: The Desecration of a Statue of the Virgin Mary Sparks Outrage", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "St. Michael in History" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "Corsica: The Desecration of a Statue of the Virgin Mary Sparks Outrage" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/corsica-desecration-statue-virgin-mary-sparks-outrage-61546 The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Saint Hedwig of Silesia was a duchess who lived in a castle, raised a family, and had access to just about every comfort medieval Europe could offer. Yet she became famous for something rather unusual. She refused to wear shoes. Hedwig was born around 1174 into a noble Bavarian family and married Henry the Bearded, Duke of Silesia, while still a young girl. Together they governed a large territory in what is now Poland, raised seven children, and became important supporters of the Church. But Hedwig had very little interest in living like a wealthy duchess. She wore simple clothing, fasted frequently, and often walked barefoot, even through the freezing winters of Silesia. Her confessor eventually ordered her to wear shoes. Hedwig obeyed, in a manner of speaking. According to a beloved tradition, she began carrying her shoes in her hands instead of wearing them. When questioned, she could truthfully say she always had them with her. Apparently, even medieval saints could be clever about following instructions. But Hedwig's generosity was much more than a personal exercise in poverty. She established hospitals, supported monasteries, helped prisoners, and regularly visited poor families. One particularly interesting practice involved people imprisoned for debt. Rather than simply paying their debts and sending them away, Hedwig sometimes arranged work for them so they could support themselves and their families. She also took a personal interest in the women serving in her household, helping them obtain education, religious instruction, and suitable marriages. Her greatest foundation was the Cistercian convent at Trzebnica, established with her husband in 1202. It became one of the most important religious houses in medieval Poland. And her own family experienced considerable suffering. Several of her children died young, and in 1241 her son Henry II was killed fighting the Mongol invasion at the Battle of Legnica. The defeat was devastating, and much of Silesia feared further destruction. Hedwig mourned her son, but according to her early biography, she accepted the news with remarkable faith, entrusting him to God's mercy. After her husband's death, she spent much of her remaining life near the convent at Trzebnica, where her daughter Gertrude was abbess. Although Hedwig never formally became a nun, she lived simply among the sisters and continued her works of charity. She died in 1243. Today, pilgrims still visit the magnificent Basilica of Saint Hedwig in Trzebnica, where her tomb has been venerated for centuries. She remains one of the great patron saints of Silesia and an important figure in both Polish and German Catholic history. And there's something wonderfully memorable about her legacy. She had a duchess's wealth, a noble family's influence, and a castle to live in. Yet people remembered her bare feet. Saint Hedwig of Silesia, generous mother of the poor and humble duchess of Christ, pray for us. Join Us Live for the Angelus Press Conference Please join the Angelus Press 2026 Conference for Catholic Tradition Livestream at AngelusPlus.com. A one-year subscription to Angelus+ is just $49.99 and includes access to this year's conference, podcasts, sermons, topical series on the family, and much more - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: "Angels in the Old Testament", today's news from the Church: "Leo XIV Relaunches Vatican Diplomacy in Moscow", a preview of the Sermon: "Dwell in the Sacred Heart", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "Angels in the Old Testament" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "Leo XIV Relaunches Vatican Diplomacy in Moscow" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/russia-leo-xiv-relaunches-vatican-diplomacy-moscow-61543 "Dwell in the Sacred Heart" (SSPX Sermons) SSPX YouTube: Sermons PlaylistListen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Saint Teresa of Ávila is famous for her mystical visions, her reform of the Carmelites, and her extraordinary writings on prayer. But some of the best stories about her reveal a woman who was practical, funny, occasionally exasperated, and remarkably good at handling difficult people. For example, Teresa once found herself dealing with a nun who insisted she was receiving extraordinary supernatural revelations. Rather than immediately believing her, Teresa suspected the woman might be imagining things. According to an account in her Foundations, she arranged for the sister to eat properly, sleep more, and spend less time dwelling on her supposed visions. Teresa understood something important. Not every unusual spiritual experience comes from heaven. She also had a wonderful sense of humor about her own difficulties. One famous story says that while traveling between convents, Teresa fell into a muddy stream and complained to God about how badly He treated His friends. According to the traditional telling, Our Lord answered, "Teresa, that is how I treat My friends." Teresa supposedly replied, "No wonder You have so few!" The exchange is probably legendary, but generations of Catholics have loved it because it sounds exactly like the Teresa they encounter in her writings. Then there were her adventures in convent administration. Teresa founded seventeen reformed Carmelite convents, often with almost no money, unreliable transportation, difficult local authorities, and buildings that needed enormous repairs. In her letters, she worried about everything from spiritual formation to whether the sisters had enough blankets. She was a mystic who could spend hours in contemplation and then turn around and negotiate a property purchase. One of her lesser-known accomplishments was her insistence that recreation mattered. Teresa wanted her nuns to laugh together, enjoy conversation, and avoid becoming gloomy or overly solemn. She believed that a community unable to live cheerfully together would struggle to grow in charity. And she was remarkably suspicious of exaggerated holiness. Teresa disliked unnecessary displays of penance, especially when they damaged someone's health or made life difficult for everyone else. She repeatedly emphasized obedience, common sense, and genuine charity over spectacular spiritual experiences. There's also a fascinating detail about her death. Teresa died on the night of October 4, 1582, just as Spain was adopting the Gregorian calendar. The calendar jumped directly from October 4 to October 15, meaning that Teresa's death became associated with the very date on which the Church now celebrates her feast. She literally died during the disappearance of ten calendar days. Teresa's greatness wasn't simply that she experienced extraordinary visions. It was that she combined profound mystical prayer with an astonishing amount of practical wisdom. She could contemplate heaven. And then make sure the convent roof didn't leak. Saint Teresa of Ávila, joyful reformer of Carmel and wise teacher of prayer, pray for us. - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of St. Callistus, 3rd Class, with the color of Red. In this episode: the meditation: "The Mission of Guardian Angels", today's news from the Church: "Tomorrow, the Antichrist? When Theology Sheds Light on Geopolitics", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "The Mission of Guardian Angels" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "Tomorrow, the Antichrist? When Theology Sheds Light on Geopolitics" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/tomorrow-antichrist-when-theology-sheds-light-geopolitics-61530 The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Saint Fortunatus of Todi is one of those early Italian bishops whose reputation survived for fifteen hundred years, thanks in large part to some remarkable stories preserved by Pope Saint Gregory the Great. Fortunatus lived during the sixth century and served as Bishop of Todi, a hilltop town in central Italy. This was a difficult period for the region. The Western Roman Empire had collapsed, wars were sweeping through Italy, and bishops often found themselves responsible for far more than the spiritual needs of their people. Fortunatus became especially known for his charity, his prayers, and, according to Gregory, an extraordinary gift for working miracles. One of the most unusual stories concerns a horse. A Gothic soldier had left his horse in Fortunatus's care. When the soldier returned, the animal became so wild that nobody could approach it. Fortunatus simply made the Sign of the Cross, and the horse immediately became calm. Apparently, even the horses recognized a holy bishop. But Gregory records something considerably more astonishing. A man came to Fortunatus grieving the death of his son. He begged the bishop to restore the boy to life. Fortunatus initially refused, insisting that such power belonged to God alone. The father wouldn't give up. According to the account, Fortunatus eventually knelt beside the child's body and prayed. The boy was restored to life. Gregory included this story in his Dialogues, a collection of accounts about the holy men and women of Italy. These weren't simply entertaining legends to Gregory. He wanted Christians living through frightening and uncertain times to remember that God had not abandoned His Church. Fortunatus also became associated with the healing of the sick and the deliverance of those suffering from demonic oppression. His reputation spread well beyond Todi, and pilgrims began visiting his tomb after his death. And here's something particularly interesting about his legacy. The church dedicated to him in Todi eventually became one of the town's most magnificent buildings. The present Church of San Fortunato is a beautiful medieval structure overlooking the surrounding Umbrian countryside. Its crypt preserves the memory of the bishop, and the church also contains the tomb of Jacopone da Todi, the thirteenth-century Franciscan poet traditionally associated with the Stabat Mater. So one church connects an early miracle-working bishop with one of medieval Catholicism's most famous religious poets. Fortunatus died around the year 565, but his name never really left Todi. For centuries, the townspeople have remembered him not as a powerful ruler or famous scholar, but as the bishop who cared for them and whose prayers, they believed, could accomplish extraordinary things. Saint Fortunatus of Todi, compassionate shepherd and wonderworker of Umbria, pray for us. - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of St. Edward the Confessor, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: "St. Michael the Archangel", today's news from the Church: "The Essence of the Fatima Message of October 13, 1917", a preview of this week's episode of Abp. Lefebvre Audiobook: "I Have Handed On What I Received", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "St. Michael the Archangel" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "The Essence of the Fatima Message of October 13, 1917" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/essence-fatima-message-october-13-1917-22754 The SSPX Podcast: "I Have Handed On What I Received" (SSPX Podcast) View on YouTubeListen & Subscribe on SSPXpodcast.com The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Saint Edward the Confessor was one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England, and his reign ended just months before one of the most famous events in English history: the Norman Conquest of 1066. But Edward's story is interesting for another reason. He was a king who became a saint not because he died in battle or suffered martyrdom, but because he tried to govern his kingdom with justice, generosity, and a genuine love for God. Edward was born around 1003 into the English royal family. His childhood was anything but peaceful. When Danish invaders took control of England, Edward was forced into exile in Normandy, where he spent much of his youth. Imagine growing up as a prince who couldn't actually live in his own country. He eventually returned to England and became king in 1042. By then, he was already known for his religious devotion and gentle character. Edward was not the sort of king who enjoyed warfare. He preferred settling disputes, helping the poor, and supporting the Church. One tradition says that he was so generous that when a beggar asked for money and Edward had none available, he removed a valuable ring from his finger and gave it away. That ring became part of one of England's most beloved royal legends. According to the story, years later two pilgrims traveling in the Holy Land encountered a mysterious old man who identified himself as Saint John the Evangelist. He gave them a ring to return to Edward, explaining that he had received it from the king while disguised as a beggar. The message also foretold Edward's approaching death. Another tradition says Edward possessed the gift of healing. People suffering from a disease known as   came to him for help, and he reportedly cured them through prayer and touch. This helped establish the famous English custom of the Royal Touch, in which later kings touched sufferers while praying for their healing. But Edward's most visible legacy is something you can still visit. He rebuilt Westminster Abbey. Edward wanted a magnificent church dedicated to Saint Peter beside his royal palace in London. The abbey was consecrated in December 1065, just days before Edward died in January 1066. The building we see today is largely a later Gothic reconstruction, but Edward's shrine remains at its heart. And here's where the story gets especially interesting. After Edward's death, England descended into a succession crisis. Within months, William the Conqueror invaded, defeated King Harold at Hastings, and changed English history forever. Yet the Norman kings who followed continued honoring Edward. In fact, his reputation for holiness became so important that later English monarchs looked to him as a model of Christian kingship. His crown, or at least the crown traditionally associated with him, became part of the symbolism of English coronations. Even today, the crown used for the most solemn moment of a British coronation is called Saint Edward's Crown. That's an extraordinary legacy for a king who died nearly a thousand years ago. Edward's title, "the Confessor," simply means that he witnessed to the faith through a holy life rather than through martyrdom. He never conquered a great empire. He never founded a religious order. But he left behind a shrine, an abbey, and an ideal of kingship that survived the very dynasty he belonged to. Saint Edward the Confessor, holy king of England and protector of the poor, pray for us. - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's a Feria, 4th Class, with the color of Green. In this episode: the meditation: "The Trial of the Angels", today's news from the Church: "Leo XIV Wanted to Rediscover the "Ecumenical Potential" of the Augsburg Confession", a preview of the Sermon: "Pray the Rosary Every Day", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "The Trial of the Angels" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "Leo XIV Wanted to Rediscover the "Ecumenical Potential" of the Augsburg Confession" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/leo-xiv-wanted-rediscover-ecumenical-potential-augsburg-confession-61516 "Pray the Rosary Every Day" (SSPX Sermons) SSPX YouTube: Sermons PlaylistListen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Saint Wilfrid of York was one of the most influential bishops in early English history, but he also had an extraordinary talent for getting into arguments. With kings. With bishops. And occasionally with almost everyone at once. He was born around 634 in Northumbria, in northern England, when Christianity was still taking root among the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. As a young man, Wilfrid spent time at the monastery of Lindisfarne before traveling to Rome, something that was still quite an adventure in the seventh century. That journey changed his life. Wilfrid became convinced that the English Church needed to follow the liturgical customs of Rome more closely. At the time, Christians in northern England followed traditions inherited from Irish missionaries, including a different method of calculating the date of Easter. That might sound like a small disagreement. It wasn't. In 664, the famous Synod of Whitby gathered to settle the question. Wilfrid argued passionately for the Roman calculation of Easter, pointing to the authority of Saint Peter and the practice of the Roman Church. King Oswiu eventually agreed. That decision helped bring the churches of Northumbria into closer conformity with Roman practice, and Wilfrid became one of the most important churchmen in England. But his troubles were just beginning. Wilfrid was appointed Bishop of York, although disputes over his consecration and jurisdiction repeatedly interrupted his ministry. At one point, he returned from being consecrated in Gaul only to discover that another bishop had been installed in his place. Later, when King Ecgfrith and Archbishop Theodore divided his enormous diocese into smaller territories, Wilfrid objected and appealed directly to Rome. He won support from the pope. The king was not impressed. Wilfrid was imprisoned and eventually forced into exile. And here's where his story takes an unexpected turn. Rather than spend his exile simply complaining about what had happened, Wilfrid became a missionary. He traveled to Sussex, where much of the population was still pagan, and began preaching Christianity. According to Saint Bede, the region was suffering from a terrible drought. Wilfrid taught the people how to fish using nets, something they apparently had not practiced successfully before. Then, as he baptized converts, rain finally returned. For the people of Sussex, that was quite an introduction to Christianity. Wilfrid later carried out missionary work among the Frisians on the European mainland as well. He eventually returned to Northumbria, although further disputes and exiles followed. His career was complicated, and even sympathetic accounts suggest he could be stubborn and difficult. But he was also extraordinarily determined. Wilfrid founded monasteries, built impressive stone churches, and helped establish Roman liturgical customs throughout northern England. His great foundations at Ripon and Hexham became important centers of Christian learning and worship. One particularly fascinating survival is the seventh-century crypt at Hexham Abbey, traditionally associated with Wilfrid's original church. Visitors can still descend into the stone passages built during his lifetime, nearly fourteen hundred years ago. Wilfrid died in 709 after decades of preaching, traveling, governing, arguing, and occasionally starting over. He wasn't always easy to get along with. But he believed the unity of the Church was worth fighting for. Saint Wilfrid of York, tireless missionary and defender of the unity of the Church, pray for us. - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by a...

It's the Feast of XX Sunday after Pentecost, 2nd Class, with the color of Green. In this episode: the meditation: "The Existence of Guardian Angels", today's news from the Church: "La Reja: 14 Commitments, 2 taking of the Habit and first Vows", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "The Existence of Guardian Angels" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "La Reja: 14 Commitments, 2 taking of the Habit and first Vows" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/la-reja-14-engagements-2-taking-habit-and-first-vows-61515 The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> One of the most extraordinary titles given to the Blessed Virgin Mary is also one of the oldest: Mother of God. And believe it or not, there was a time when Christians argued fiercely over whether Mary could properly be called that. The story takes us back to the fifth century, when a bishop named Nestorius became Patriarch of Constantinople. Nestorius objected to calling Mary Theotokos, a Greek word meaning "God-bearer" or "Mother of God." He preferred the title "Mother of Christ," fearing that the other title confused Christ's humanity with His divinity. That might sound like a minor disagreement over words. It wasn't. The real question was who Jesus Christ actually is. Was He one divine Person, truly God and truly man, or could His humanity and divinity somehow be treated as belonging to separate subjects? Saint Cyril of Alexandria strongly defended the title Mother of God, explaining that Mary did not give Christ His divine nature, but she truly gave birth to the Person who is God the Son. In 431, bishops gathered at the Council of Ephesus to settle the controversy. The council upheld Mary's title as Theotokos and condemned Nestorius's teaching. According to ancient accounts, when the people of Ephesus learned the council's decision, they celebrated with enormous enthusiasm. Crowds accompanied the bishops through the streets carrying torches, rejoicing that the Church had defended both the divinity of Christ and the dignity of His Mother. That celebration became one of the great moments in the history of Marian devotion. But here's something interesting. The feast of Mary's Divine Maternity on October 11 is actually much newer than the Council of Ephesus. In 1931, exactly fifteen hundred years after the council, Pope Pius XI established the Feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the universal Roman calendar. He wanted Catholics to commemorate the anniversary of Ephesus and reflect on the extraordinary privilege God had given Mary. The feast was assigned to October 11 and celebrated as a second-class feast in the traditional calendar. Pius XI also issued the encyclical Lux Veritatis, explaining the importance of the Council of Ephesus and its teaching about Christ and His Mother. The feast remained on October 11 in the 1962 Roman Missal. After the liturgical reforms, the separate October celebration was removed from the general calendar, while the ancient feast of January 1, honoring Mary's divine motherhood, became the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. There's something beautiful about the history of this feast. The Church didn't call Mary Mother of God simply to give her another magnificent title. She did it to defend the truth about her Son. Because the Child Mary held in her arms at Bethlehem was not merely a holy man who would someday become united to God. He was God Himself, made man. And that makes Mary's motherhood unlike any other in human history. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of St. Francis Borgia, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: "Heaven", today's news from the Church: "Pilgrimage to the Holy Martyrs Despite the Ban by the Cardinal of Toronto", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "Heaven" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "Pilgrimage to the Holy Martyrs Despite the Ban by the Cardinal of Toronto" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/canada-pilgrimage-holy-martyrs-despite-ban-cardinal-toronto-61508 The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop   Saint Francis Borgia had just about everything a man could want in sixteenth-century Spain. He was wealthy, powerful, happily married, and closely connected to the royal family. Then one encounter with death changed the way he looked at everything. Francis was born in 1510 into the famous Borgia family. His family included some of the most powerful figures in Renaissance Europe. Francis became a trusted member of the court of Emperor Charles V, married a noblewoman named Eleanor de Castro, and together they had eight children. By his late twenties, he was already one of the most important noblemen in Spain. Then, in 1539, Empress Isabella died. Francis was assigned to accompany her body to Granada for burial. According to the famous account, when the coffin was opened to verify her identity, he was horrified by how quickly the beautiful young empress had begun to decay. The experience shook him. He reportedly resolved never again to serve a master who could die. It wasn't that Francis suddenly abandoned everything. He still had a wife, children, and responsibilities. In fact, he became Duke of Gandía and spent several years governing his estates, raising his family, and caring for the poor. But something had changed inside him. When Eleanor died in 1546, Francis began seriously considering religious life. He had encountered the newly founded Society of Jesus and was deeply impressed by its spiritual ideals. Eventually, he made an extraordinary decision. He gave up his dukedom, arranged for his children's futures, and entered the Jesuits. Imagine the scandal at court. One of Spain's wealthiest noblemen had voluntarily exchanged his title, estates, and political influence for the life of an ordinary priest. And he wasn't finished surprising people. Francis eventually became the third Superior General of the Jesuits, succeeding Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Father Diego Laínez. Under his leadership, the order expanded dramatically. He strengthened Jesuit schools, encouraged missionary work, and helped send missionaries to distant parts of the world. There's an interesting connection to Saint Teresa of Ávila, too. Francis met Teresa during the early years of her mystical experiences and encouraged her after hearing about her spiritual life. Two great reformers of the sixteenth-century Church found themselves supporting one another. Francis died in Rome in 1572, exhausted after a demanding diplomatic mission undertaken at the pope's request. His relics are venerated in Madrid, where devotion to him has continued for centuries. Francis Borgia's life wasn't a rejection of marriage, family, or public service. He had lived all three faithfully. But he learned that none of them, not even an emperor's favor or a nobleman's fortune, could last forever. And he wanted to give his life to the One who could. Saint Francis Borgia, humble Jesuit and nobleman who chose the treasures of heaven, pray for us. Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

It's the Feast of St. John Leonardi, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: "Hell", today's news from the Church: "Saint Marys: Growth that Shows No signs of Slowing Down", a preview of this week's episode of The SSPX Podcast: "What Does the Holy Ghost Do?", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? [email protected] Sources Used Today: "Hell" — From the Assumption to Adventhttps://angeluspress.org/products/from-trinity-sunday-to-the-assumption "Saint Marys: Growth that Shows No signs of Slowing Down" (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/saint-marys-growth-shows-no-signs-slowing-down-61478 The SSPX Podcast: "What Does the Holy Ghost Do?" (SSPX Podcast) View on YouTubeListen & Subscribe on SSPXpodcast.com The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Saint John Leonardi was a pharmacist who became a priest, founded a religious order, and eventually helped lay the groundwork for the Church's worldwide missionary efforts. He was born in 1541 near Lucca, Italy, and as a young man trained to become an apothecary. In those days, an apothecary was part pharmacist, part herbalist, and part medical adviser. John learned how to prepare medicines, treat illnesses, and care for people who came looking for help. But the more he worked with the sick, the more he began thinking about another kind of healing. The healing of souls. At thirty-one, John was ordained a priest, and he immediately noticed something troubling. Many Catholics in Lucca knew surprisingly little about their faith. The Council of Trent had called for better religious instruction, but putting those reforms into practice was taking time. John decided to do something about it. He began gathering children and young people for catechism lessons. Before long, other priests joined him, and in 1574 he founded the community that eventually became the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God. And that's when the trouble started. Not everyone appreciated John's enthusiasm for reform. His efforts to improve religious life brought him into conflict with influential people in Lucca. Opposition became so intense that he was eventually forced to leave his hometown. Imagine founding a religious community to help your neighbors and then discovering that some of those neighbors would rather you stayed away. John took the disappointment to Rome. There, he became friends with Saint Philip Neri and continued working for the renewal of the Church. He also developed a remarkable interest in foreign missions. Together with the Spanish priest Juan Bautista Vives, John promoted the idea of establishing a center in Rome where young men from different nations could be trained as missionaries. That proposal helped prepare the way for the Church's later missionary institutions, including the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, established in 1622, thirteen years after John's death. There's also an interesting connection to his original profession. John never really stopped being an apothecary at heart. He simply came to believe that the Church needed spiritual medicine just as urgently as sick people needed physical medicine. His approach to reform wasn't merely to criticize what was wrong. He wanted to provide better priests, better catechism, and better spiritual formation. In 1609, when an epidemic struck Rome, John personally cared for the sick. He contracted the disease himself and died on October 9. He was sixty-eight. Today, his relics are venerated in the Church of Santa Maria in Campitelli in Rome, where the religious community he founded continues its work. John Leonardi began his career preparing medicine for the body. He spent the rest of his life trying to bring souls back to health. Saint John Leonardi, devoted teacher of the faith and physician of souls, pray for us. - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org