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St. Hildegard of Bingen—one of only four women Doctors of the Church—and her revolutionary approach to healing that seamlessly unites body and soul.

Leila Lawler joins Jack to discuss St. Hildegard's comprehensive system of natural medicine. Unlike today's healthcare model that treats the body as a flawed machine needing constant pharmaceutical intervention, Hildegard recognized our inherent capacity for self-healing when properly supported through God's natural design.

As trust in institutional medicine wavers, many are rediscovering what Hildegard knew centuries ago: that herbs, proper nutrition, rest, and spiritual balance work together to maintain health. 

Recipes and Remedies for Healing Body and Soul

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS With Scripture Are Below the Description!

The nobility of knighthood isn't about suppressing masculine power—it's about channeling it properly. Matthew McKenna, PhD candidate in theology at Ave Maria University, returns to explore how chivalry offers the antidote to both toxic masculinity and passionless mediocrity.

The conversation begins with a profound observation: fiction shapes us as much as non-fiction. The stories we consume—whether through literature, film, or other media—profoundly influence our worldview and aspirations. This makes the recovery of timeless narratives from authors like Tolkien, Chesterton, and Lewis essential for developing a coherent moral vision.

McKenna, expectant father to his first child, shares his concerns about raising children in today's cultural landscape. With pornography exposure happening at increasingly younger ages and children's entertainment becoming progressively more toxic, parents face unprecedented challenges in forming their children's moral imagination. This reality makes understanding the philosophical foundations of our culture wars more important than ever.

Read Matthew's Articles at the Catholic Exchange! 

Understanding St. Thomas Aquinas on You Tube

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Discussion questions:

1. How do the stories and media we consume shape our worldview and aspirations, and what steps can we take to ensure we engage with narratives that promote virtue and truth?
   Scripture Ref: Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
   
   
2. How does the imagery of a knight’s armor in this passage reflect the call to rise above our natural state through discipline and purpose?
   Scripture Ref: Ephesians 6:13-17 – “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm… having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”
   
   
3. The importance of combining moral virtue with practical skills. How can young men today develop both a strong philosophical foundation and the capabilities needed to address cultural challenges effectively?
   Scripture Ref: 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
   
   
4. How does the philosophical error of existentialism, as discussed by Matthew, contribute to cultural issues like transgender ideology, and what can we learn from traditional philosophical and theological perspectives to counter these errors?
   Scripture Ref: Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
   
   

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Padre Pio: The Saint with a Special Love for Americans

When we think of Padre Pio, most Catholics immediately picture his stigmata – the visible wounds of Christ that marked his hands, feet, and side. But after speaking with Mary O'Regan, author of the newly released "Padre Pio and You: The Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood," I discovered there's a far deeper dimension to this beloved saint's suffering that few have ever heard about: the mystical sword that pierced his insides.

Mary, an Irish writer who now lives in Los Angeles, spent seven years researching and writing about Padre Pio. What makes her perspective unique is that Padre Pio appeared to her twice in her teenage years – first when she was 14, watching what she describes as "a pornographic horror movie," and again when she was 17. These supernatural encounters set her on a path to understand the man who looked at her with penetrating eyes and said, "I am waiting for you."

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Ever feel like you're giving your all to work, relationships, and personal goals, but treating your spiritual life like an afterthought? Michael Pacer joins Jack to explore the disconnect that's leaving so many men unfulfilled and searching for something more.

Michael, president of 5 Stones and author of "Prayers for Catholic Men," brings his unique gift of making complex spiritual realities accessible to everyone. As a former trial attorney who specialized in breaking down complicated concepts for juries, he now applies that same clarity to the spiritual journey – particularly focusing on confession and the Mass as the "one-two punch" of authentic faith.

The conversation tackles a profound question: Why do we accept that every other area of life requires consistent effort – from weightlifting to career advancement – yet expect our souls to flourish without similar investment? 

Purchase "Prayers" For Catholic Men by Mike Pacer 

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Something extraordinary is happening in Catholic churches across America and Europe—pews that once sat half-empty are filling with young faces. This isn't a momentary blip but a genuine spiritual awakening among a generation raised in moral relativism who are now seeking objective truth.

When these seekers arrive, they bring questions. One of the most common: "Didn't the Bible say that Jesus had brothers and sisters?

Deacon Frank joins Jack. Click Here to read his articles in the Catholic Exchange

Download the Claymore Battle Plan at jp2renew.org and go to the resources link. Join a movement of young men reclaiming territory for Christ by fostering a culture of authentic love. Your journey begins not with a label, but with the profound truth that you are made for more than this world can offer.

Read Jack's Article: Am I Gay? Discovering Your True Identity in Christ 

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What happens when a young Catholic man wonders if he might be gay after developing a deep friendship with another guy? This question opens the door to a profound exploration of identity, desire, and our ultimate purpose as human beings.

The cultural narrative tells us we are defined by our attractions and feelings—that they represent our immutable identity. But what if there's something deeper? What if our attractions, even when they feel confusing or overwhelming, are actually pointing us toward something greater?

Download the Claymore Battle Plan at jp2renewed.org and go to the resources link. Join a movement of young men reclaiming territory for Christ by fostering a culture of authentic love. Your journey begins not with a label, but with the profound truth that you are made for more than this world can offer.

Read the Article: Am I Gay? Discovering Your True Identity in Christ 

Take Action: This week, spend 15 minutes in Adoration or pray with Matthew 6:33, asking, “Jesus, who am I to You?” Journal your thoughts. Then, connect with a Claymore Disciple, friend, or priest, to share your journey—you’re stronger together.

Reflection Questions:

· How does being a beloved child of God shape your view of yourself?

· How can the Eucharist help you align your desires with God’s plan?

· Who can you lean on to live the Church’s teaching with courage and joy?

Scripture Referenced: Matt 22:23-33, Rev 19:7, Rev 21:5, Eph 5:25-32, Gal 3:28 and the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2357 and 2358

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Something extraordinary is happening in Catholic communities worldwide. Young people are flocking to churches, filling pews, and rediscovering ancient truths in surprising numbers. 

What's drawing this digital generation back to tradition? The answer may lie in the example of Carlo Acutis, the "saint in sneakers" who died at just 15 but left an indelible mark on modern Catholicism. Mary Beth Bracy joins us to explore  "God's Influencer," revealing how this computer-programming teenager combined deep Eucharistic devotion with thoroughly modern sensibilities.

Carlo stands as a compelling counter-witness to our culture's emptiness. Join us as we explore how God continues raising up saints perfectly suited for our age—and what Carlo's remarkable life means for all seeking deeper connection in our distracted world. His example reminds us that no matter your age or circumstances, the path to transformation begins with a simple decision to let God's love transform your ordinary life into something extraordinary.

Get you copy of God's Influencer Here! 

Information on Consecrated Virginity

Download the Claymore battle plan and begin your own journey into Scripture. Whether you're a young person seeking truth or someone who loves and guides them, these practices can transform your relationship with God's Word from obligation to life-giving encounter.

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Young men are rising up and searching for the truth in a world that has consistently lied to them. Despite growing up in a toxic culture and relentlessly bombarded with digital distraction, they're discovering something profound: Scripture offers the authentic guidance, healing, and path they crave.

In this Episode Deacon Greg Ferrell joins Jack to explore how daily Scripture reading, using an ancient technique called Lectio Divina, can transform lives and rewire minds damaged by cultural toxicity. 

The Claymore battle plan—a systematic approach to spiritual formation—places significant emphasis on spending 15-30 minutes daily with God's Word, particularly through Mass readings that connect Old and New Testaments into a cohesive narrative of salvation.

Their discussion reveals practical wisdom for approaching Scripture: finding quiet space away from distractions, calming your mind, and approaching texts with an open heart asking "What does God want to show me?"

Discussion Questions:

How can understanding scripture transform lives?

How does writing your thoughts down help solidify insights from scripture?

Why are Personal Relationships vital for sharing faith?

What is Lectio Divina? https://jp2renew.org/2025/02/05/lectio-divina/

Listening is key to understanding God's message?

Download the Claymore battle plan and begin your own journey into Scripture. Whether you're a young person seeking truth or someone who loves and guides them, these practices can transform your relationship with God's Word from obligation to life-giving encounter.

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Something unexpected is happening in France. In a nation known as one of the world's most atheistic countries, Catholic churches are suddenly filling up with young faces. This Easter alone, over 10,000 adults were baptized into the Catholic Church—a staggering 160% increase from just eight years ago. Most remarkably, 42% of these new Catholics are young adults between 18-25 years old.

Dr. Anne Hendershott, professor of sociology and director of the Veritas Center at Franciscan University, joins us to unpack this extraordinary Catholic renaissance and what it means for faith in America. Far from being a passing trend, this revival represents something profound: young hearts searching for meaning beyond what secular culture can provide.

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Link to Article: A Catholic Renaissance in France

Here are discussion topics:

1. How does the Catholic Church’s sacramental nature and vision of human dignity offer a countercultural response to the moral relativism and secularism that Gen Z is rejecting?
2. Dr. Hendershott highlights the role of authentic Catholic education in shaping young people’s faith. What steps can you take to seek out or support educational environments that prioritize a Culture of Life over a Culture of Death?
3. The episode notes that social media, while problematic, is also drawing young people to faith. How can you use technology intentionally to grow closer to Christ and foster a holy community?
4. Reflecting on the revival in France and America, what is one practical way you can contribute to or support Gen Z’s rediscovery of Catholic truth in your own parish or community?
5. How Is the normalization of pornography a significant issue for today's youth?

Download the Claymore battle plan and begin your own journey into Scripture. Whether you're a young person seeking truth or someone who loves and guides them, these practices can transform your relationship with God's Word from obligation to life-giving encounter.

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What happens when we drop a 19th-century saint into our smartphone-saturated world? Kevin Wells, author of Coached by the Cure, Lessons in Shepherding with St. John Vianney joins Jack to explore this provocative question—and the answers might shake your perception of modern spirituality.

Wells begins with a startling comparison: the smartphones we casually place in our children's hands are functioning as "miniature Ouija boards," disconnecting them from authentic spiritual experience. "I don't care about the Ouija board, that's 1970s," Wells argues. "I care about the Ouija board—that millions upon millions of kids' carry in their pockets."

The conversation draws fascinating parallels between our current spiritual climate and post-Revolutionary France, where St. John Vianney arrived to find a spiritually dead farming community...and practical lessons for today!!

This episode offers both the challenge and the pathway forward. Share your thoughts and experiences with us, and consider how you might implement these timeless principles in your own family and community.

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