"Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey." - St. Anthony of Padua. Inspired by the first Franciscan Martyrs of North Africa, Fernando (Anthony) joined the order, praying God would allow him to follow in their footsteps, but the Lord had different plans. Instead of dying preaching to Muslims, St. Anthony would live to preach to St. Francis himself, and Pope Gregory IX, helping usher in a new Pentecost in the Church. If God has ever changed your plans, and you've struggled to receive what he has for you instead, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

“Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving. Without sacrifice, there is no love.” -St. Maximilian Kolbe. You may believe that in a moment of great peril, you would certainly have the strength offer your life in the place of a family member, but, could you make the ultimate sacrifice for a stranger? It is most appropriate on this year's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception to tell the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who was so ardently devoted to our Blessed Mother. If you want God to fill your heart with the courage of a martyr, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"How could I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me!" - St. Elizabeth of Hungary. If you were born into wealth and privilege, so much that you would want for nothing, could you give it all up for the Lord? St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who's ministry only lasted four years, is one of history's greatest examples of radical generosity and self-sacrifice for the good of others. If you struggle with the courage to give up your excesses for the sake of your relationship with God, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"To conquer himself is the greatest victory that man can gain." -St. Ignatius of Loyola. It has been said that, rather than change us, stress and adversity amplify who we really are. If your life's ambitions had been taken from you through violence, would you give in to despair? St. Ignatius is one of the greatest examples of embracing heroic virtue. If you're in a place where you know you need to choose God, but don't think you have the strength to do so, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"Our lives will truly be beautiful only if we discover how to love God above all

things and our neighbor as ourselves." In the 90s and 2000s, an era of decade vcnce in our world, Blessed Carlo Acutis lived a life of service to God, and to others. If you've ever wondered if God can use your gifts for His glory, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you." -1Peter 5:10. If you had betrayed Christ in his hour of need, would you have the humility to accept His forgiveness? St. Peter the Apostle not only did this but served as the leader of the early Church in its mission to make disciples of all nations. If you struggle not only to ask forgiveness, but accept it, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

"When one does one's own duty, one must not be concerned, because God's help will not be lacking." If the doctor told you that your only option to save your life was abortion, what would you choose? St. Gianna Beretta Molla, an Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother in the mid 20th century shows us one of the greatest examples of holy self sacrifice in the history of our Church. If you struggle with the virtue of courage, this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

If your child's life was taken by criminal action, could you forgive the perpetrator? The martyrdom of St. Maria Goretti and it's aftermath is a story of radical reconciliation and love. Do you struggle to forgive others, even in the little things? This episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast is for you.

The #BecomeFire podcast is back with a new format. This "season" will focus on lessons from the lives of the saints. Join us next week for Episode 1. Pax et bonum!

“Every Christian is called to become a strong athlete of Christ, that is, a faithful and courageous witness to his Gospel. But to succeed in this, he must persevere in prayer, be trained in virtue, and follow the divine Master in everything.” -Pope St. John Paul II. Father's Day has just passed, and what better way to honor fathers than to bring on the FATHER of a father! In this episode of the #BecomeFire Podcast, we welcome legendary college basketball coach, and dad to Fr. Peter Teresa, Tom McConnell.