Have you ever been to Italy? Have you ever dreamed of going?

Teresa Tomeo, Catholic radio host and author of Italy's Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces, Fascinating Places, and Destinations Off the Beaten Path, joins Girlfriends to share her journey in Catholic media, her deep love for Italy, and the significance of pilgrimage in the Catholic faith. She discusses her personal transformation and how her experiences in Italy have shaped her understanding of faith and culture.

Teresa highlights lesser-known pilgrimage sites, the importance of documenting experiences, and practical travel tips for those planning to visit Italy. The conversation also touches on her favorite saints and their influence on her life and work.

Takeaways

* Italy's beauty and rich Catholic heritage are uniquely inspiring.

* Pilgrimages are essential for spiritual growth and connection to faith.

* Documenting experiences during a pilgrimage enhances the journey.

* Traveling to Italy requires time to fully appreciate its offerings.

* St. Francis and St. Claire are two Italian saints you should know.

* The joy of travel often comes from unexpected experiences.

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This week on the podcats, author Christine Flynn shares her personal journey from New Age spirituality to embracing the Catholic faith. She discusses the challenges of navigating beliefs, the importance of parenting in a spiritually aware environment, and the influences that shaped her faith. Christine also addresses the complexities of modern spirituality, including the debate around yoga and its implications for Catholics. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of open conversations about faith and spirituality, both with children and within the community.

Takeaways:

* New Age spirituality is a collection of beliefs that lacks a unified doctrine.

* Many people chase feelings rather than seeking truth in spirituality.

* Starting conversations about faith early with children is crucial.

* Influences from family and friends can significantly impact our faith journey.

* Understanding the concept of dying for sins can be challenging for many.

* Yoga presents a complex issue for Catholics, requiring discernment.

* Parents should be aware of the spiritual influences on their children.

* Engaging with primary sources of faith can lead to deeper understanding.

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This is a BONUS episode of the podcast and let me tell you... If you’ve been putting off upgrading your subscription, NOW is the time to do it because our Renew & Restore Lenten sessions have been FANTASTIC. Last night we connected with Gary Jansen, author of The Healing Power of Praying the Rosary.

This is a little preview of our conversation, but to hear the whole thing, upgrade here: https://daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

e had a powerful conversation about discovering how this ancient prayer can become a practical tool for peace when life gets chaotic.

Some Things We Cover:

* How the Rosary works as spiritual (and physical!) medicine

* Mary's straightforward role in bringing us to Jesus

* Concrete ways to pray when your mind won't stop racing

* How breathing exercises can be part of prayer

* What the “Jesus Prayer” is and how to practice it

We also took on viewers’ questions about prayer struggles and spiritual roadblocks.

Next week, we’ll talk with author Colleen Reiss Vermeulen about overcoming FOMO in prayer, and we would love for you to join us live. Learn more here: https://daniellebean.substack.com/p/finding-peace-in-prayer-let-go-of

In this conversation, Curtis Mitch, co-editor of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, discusses the purpose and features of the study Bible, his personal journey with Scripture, practical tips for incorporating Scripture into daily life, the role of Scripture in prayer, and how to teach children to love scripture. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding scripture within the context of the Catholic faith and provides insights into making Scripture a central part of daily life.

Takeaways

* The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible serves as a catechetical tool to instruct and strengthen faith.

* Study Bibles provide essential context and annotations to help readers understand scripture better.

* Practical ways to incorporate scripture include studying liturgical readings and focusing on one book at a time.

* Scripture is a dialogue with God, enhancing the life of prayer.

* Teaching children to love Scripture can be done through family reading and personal copies of the Bible.

* Understanding Scripture requires humility and reliance on God's guidance.

* The interconnectedness of Scripture helps illuminate Catholic doctrine and teachings.

Learn more about this unique edition of the Bible!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit daniellebean.substack.com

This is a BONUS episode of the podcast. Full access is available for upgraded subscribers at daniellebean.substack.com...

What do you do when God seems distant, and you’re left wondering if he’s even listening?

In this Renew & Restore Lenten session, Claire Dwyer helps us understand spiritual dryness—why it happens, how to navigate it, and what we can do to remain faithful even in seasons of silence.

✨ Watch a free preview here!

Upgrade now to gain full access and deepen your Lenten journey. Subscribe on Substack: https://daniellebean.substack.com/

Lent is here, and if you’re feeling a little unprepared—or even overwhelmed—you’re not alone! That’s exactly why I invited my son Ambrose to join me for a live Lenten pep talk, and now I’m excited to share the replay with all of you.

This discussion was rich with insights on repentance, the role of John the Baptist, and the three key pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We talked about why fasting isn’t just about giving things up, but about cultivating gratitude and making space for God. We also explored how we can approach Lenten sacrifices with love, rather than just white-knuckling our way through them.

If you’ve ever struggled with Lent feeling like a self-improvement project rather than a time of true spiritual renewal, I think this conversation will be a great encouragement.

You don’t have to do Lent perfectly; you just have to do it with love.

I hope you’ll take some time to listen and share your thoughts! And if you enjoy the conversation, I’d love for you to check out more of Ambrose’s work—he’s doing some really wonderful things over on his YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe!

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

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This week we get to sit down with Lisa Brenninkmyer, founder of Walking With Purpose, about her new course and book, Heart of Vines. Lisa shares her journey of creating resources for women and young girls to deepen their relationship with God. We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the collaborative creative process with family, and the hopes for young women to engage with their faith. Lisa emphasizes the importance of understanding the current questions young women face and offers practical advice for engaging with Scripture.

Takeaways

* Heart of Vines, aimed at young women seeking faith, encourages readers to explore their doubts.

* It’s important to help young women feel respected in their faith journey.

* Understanding the current questions young women are facing is crucial.

* The Psalms can serve as a great starting point for Scripture engagement.

* Relevance in ministry requires understanding secular perspectives.

* Building bridges with young adults involves mutual respect and learning.

Check out more at Walking With Purpose!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

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Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Can you believe it’s almost Lent? This year, let’s approach Lent without feeling overwhelmed. In this week’s podcast, we discuss the importance of simplicity, small intentional sacrifices, and the power of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I encourage you to trust God with your Lenten journey and to focus on personal growth and relationship with God during this sacred season.

Takeaways

* Lent is a time for renewal and restoration in our relationship with God.

* It's important to approach Lent without overwhelming ourselves with expectations.

* Small, intentional sacrifices can be more impactful than grand gestures.

* Fasting should be balanced and purposeful, not burdensome.

* Almsgiving goes beyond money; it includes time, attention, and kindness.

* Prayer is a crucial aspect of Lent; find ways to incorporate it into daily life.

* Recognize that Lent is not a performance; it's about personal growth and faithfulness.

* God has a unique plan for each person's Lenten experience.

* Embrace simplicity and focus on what truly matters during Lent.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Gracie Jagla joins us to share her journey as a Catholic children’s author and the inspiration behind her latest book, When Mary Says Yes. She discusses the importance of teaching children about Mary and the significance of saying yes to God’s call. Gracie also reflects on her personal relationship with Mary, the challenges of balancing motherhood with her writing career, and the launch of her podcast, 'Cuddle Up,' which features read-alouds of children’s books by Catholic authors. The discussion highlights the joy of nurturing faith in children through storytelling and prayer.

Takeaways

* Mary's fiat is not just a single moment but a series of small yeses throughout her life.

* Gracie’s personal relationship with Mary deepened as she became a mother.

* The Hail Mary can be a source of comfort during challenging parenting moments.

* Teaching children about Mary can be integrated into daily family life through prayer and storytelling.

* The Cuddle Up podcast aims to provide engaging read-alouds for children and families.

* Balancing work and family requires intentional time management and self-care.

* Gracie emphasizes the importance of making religious practices enjoyable for children.

👉 Order When Mary Says Yes directly from Gracie!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

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First of all, as requested in the intro to this week’s show, give me your fiction reading recommendations! Leave them here in the comments or email me…thank you!

Graham McAleer sits down with us this week to discuss his book Tolkien, Philosopher of War, and explore the philosophical underpinnings of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, particularly in relation to war, beauty, and the human experience. McAleer delves into Tolkien's enduring legacy, the significance of his Catholic worldview, and the complex interplay between beauty and darkness in his narratives. The discussion also touches on the misconceptions of Tolkien's work as mere escapism, emphasizing its deeper philosophical and strategic elements.

Read more Graham McAleer on Amazon

Takeaways

* Tolkien's works are deeply rooted in his Catholic worldview.

* Beauty in Tolkien's works often contrasts with darkness and defeat.

* Tolkien's childhood experiences shaped his worldview and writings.

* The concept of escapism in Tolkien's work is a misconception.

* Tolkien's letters provide insight into his thoughts and philosophy.

* The strategic use of land in Tolkien's narratives reflects real-world war dynamics.

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe