Send us a text

In this special episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, we reflect on the life and legacy of Blessed Stanley Rother, the first U.S. born martyr. As we approach his feast day on July 28th, I am joined by Ennie Hickman, a missionary and speaker who has walked in the footsteps of Blessed Stanley in Guatemala. Ennie shares his deep connection to Stanley’s story and the inspiring lessons we can learn from his life.

Blessed Stanley gave his life in martyrdom for the people of Guatemala, standing in solidarity with the oppressed. His ordinary yet extraordinary life serves as a powerful reminder of the call to holiness and the heroic sacrifices that come from living out one's vocation with faith and love.

In this episode, we delve into Stanley's humility, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the people he served. From his early failures to his eventual mission in Guatemala, Ennie reflects on the real-life lessons that Blessed Stanley’s life can offer to us today.

Topics Covered:

• The inspiring story of Blessed Stanley Rother and his mission in Guatemala
• How Stanley’s ordinary life became an example of extraordinary holiness
• The importance of trust, submission, and love in answering God’s call
• The powerful example of Blessed Stanley’s martyrdom and the legacy it leaves
• Ennie’s personal connection to Stanley’s story and mission in Guatemala
• How we can all live our ordinary lives with great love and dedication to God

📖 Learn More:
Discover more about Blessed Stanley Rother's life and legacy. For those interested in exploring his story further, Ennie recommends reading this, a collection of his heartfelt letters home, showcasing his deep spirituality and devotion.

🌍 Get Involved:
If you feel called to learn more about Blessed Stanley’s mission, consider joining one of Ennie’s pilgrimages to Guatemala, where you can experience the place that shaped Stanley's heroic life. Visit Ennie Hickman’s website for more information.

🎙️ Join the Conversation:
If this episode has inspired you to deepen your trust in God’s plan for your life and to embrace the call to holiness, subscribe, share, and leave a review. We would love to hear how Blessed Stanley’s story has impacted your faith journey.

Sponsors:
Thank you to our sponsor, Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app that supports your daily reflections and confidence in sharing the faith. Get started today with a free trial using code gottabesaints.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Father Robert Nixon, a translator and expert on St. Bonaventure's writings, to dive deep into the mysteries of the Mass through the lens of this great Doctor of the Church.

Father Nixon shares his insights from his newly translated work, Expositzio Mise — an English translation of St. Bonaventure's profound exposition on the Mass. This episode takes listeners on a journey through the rich symbolism and mystery of the Eucharist, drawing connections between the ancient rites of the Church and the living experience of faith today.

We discuss the significance of the Mass, not just as a ritual but as the source and summit of our Catholic faith. Father Nixon emphasizes how the Eucharist unites us with Christ's life, teaching, passion, death, and resurrection, and how this mystery elevates our daily spiritual lives.

This episode is an invitation to reflect on how deeply the Eucharist impacts us, not only during the Mass but in our everyday walk with God. Whether you're looking to deepen your devotion to the Eucharist or explore the timeless wisdom of St. Bonaventure, this conversation offers profound insights into the sacred liturgy.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to St. Bonaventure and his mystical insights into the Mass
• The Eucharist as a living encounter with Christ's entire life and mission
• How the Mass unites us with God and elevates our daily faith journey
• The role of reverence and devotion in experiencing the Mass
• Practical advice on how to deepen our awareness of the Mass and the Eucharist
• Father Nixon’s perspective on the continuity of the Mass through history, from the Tridentine to the Novus Ordo

📖 Get Involved:
Explore St. Bonaventure's Expositzio Mise: The Mysteries of the Mass Explained at Tan Books to deepen your understanding of the Mass and its profound mysteries.

📲 Join the Conversation:
If this episode inspired you to reflect more on the mysteries of the Mass or if you want to deepen your relationship with the Eucharist, subscribe, share, and leave a review. Let us know how this discussion has impacted your faith journey.

🎙️ Stay Connected:
For more episodes on deepening your spiritual life, subscribe to the Gotta Be Saints Podcast today!

Sponsors:
Thank you to our sponsor, Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app that supports your daily reflections and confidence in sharing the faith. Get started today with a free trial using code gottabesaints.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Brian Walsh — campaign spokesperson for Consecrate America and a member of Dynamic Catholic.

Brian joins me to discuss the powerful movement of consecrating America to the Eucharist, a grassroots initiative that invites the faithful to place the Eucharist at the heart of our national life. This conversation dives into the deep significance of this consecration for our country and for the individual believer, as well as how it ties into the ongoing Eucharistic Revival launched by the U.S. bishops.

But this conversation goes beyond the petition itself — it’s a call to action for families, communities, and individuals to strengthen their devotion to the Eucharist and take ownership of the spiritual renewal we all long for. Brian shares why this is such an essential time in history and how each of us can take part in consecrating ourselves, our families, and our nation to the greatest source of grace on earth.

This episode offers inspiring insights for anyone seeking to renew their relationship with the Eucharist, strengthen their family life, and actively participate in the spiritual revival of our nation.

Topics Covered:

• The origin story of Consecrate America and the grassroots movement behind it
• What it means to consecrate America to the Eucharist
• The spiritual impact of consecration on families and individuals
• How to engage with the Eucharistic Revival and deepen your devotion
• Why the Eucharist is the shield we need for the challenges of today’s world
• The importance of inviting others to experience the grace of the Eucharist
• What we can learn from the Eucharistic devotion of saints like Mother Teresa

📖 Get Involved:
Visit ConsecrateAmerica.com to sign the petition and learn more about how you can take part in this historic movement.

📲 Try Truthly (Sponsored):
Truthly is the world’s first Catholic action app — your AI sidekick for daily reflections, instant teachings, and confidence in sharing the faith. Get started today and use code gottabesaints for a free trial.

🎙️ Join the Conversation:
Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode deepened your love for the Eucharist and inspired you to consecrate your life — and our nation — to Jesus.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Michael Lichens — author, editor, and one of today’s best storytellers on Catholic saints and forgotten holy witnesses.

Michael joins me to discuss I Killed Maria Goretti, a gripping true story about the life, martyrdom, and legacy of Saint Maria Goretti — and the stunning conversion of her murderer, Alessandro Serenelli. Originally written by Pietro Di Donato and newly republished by Sophia Institute Press, this book draws from firsthand interviews with Maria’s family, the friars who knew Alessandro, and Alessandro himself.

But this conversation goes far beyond history — it’s a powerful reflection on mercy, radical forgiveness, and how no soul is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Michael shares the details of Maria’s heroic witness, the unimaginable forgiveness shown by her mother, and how Alessandro’s heart was transformed from hardness to holiness.

This episode offers inspiring insights for anyone wrestling with sin, guilt, or the question: Can I really be forgiven? You’ll come away reminded that God’s mercy can heal even the most broken hearts and that we, too, are called to offer that mercy to others.

Topics Covered:

• The story behind I Killed Maria Goretti and why it’s so unique
• Who was Maria Goretti before her martyrdom — her devotion, daily life, and heroic virtue
• Alessandro Serenelli’s tragic background and what led to the crime
• The radical forgiveness Maria offered on her deathbed — and what it means for us
• How Alessandro’s life was changed through Maria’s intercession
• The importance of sharing stories of mercy in a world obsessed with outrage
• Why Michael believes Maria Goretti is a perfect saint for our time

📖 Get the Book:
I Killed Maria Goretti by Pietro Di Donato is newly republished by Sophia Institute Press — pick up your copy here.

📲 Try Truthly (Sponsored):
Truthly is the world’s first Catholic action app — your AI sidekick for daily reflections, instant teachings, and confidence in sharing the faith. Get started here and use code gottabesaints for a free trial.

🎙️ Join the Conversation:
Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode deepened your trust in God’s mercy and inspired you to become an agent of forgiveness in your own life.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with George Weigel — Catholic theologian, longtime papal biographer, and one of today’s most respected voices on faith, culture, and public life.

George joins me to discuss his newest book, Pomp, Circumstance, and Unsolicited Advice, a collection of commencement speeches and university lectures he’s given over the years. But this conversation isn’t just about academia — it’s a wide-ranging reflection on wisdom, holiness, mentorship, and what it means to live the faith boldly in today’s world.

Drawing from his years of experience, including his close friendship with Pope St. John Paul II, George offers both timeless advice and personal stories that challenge and inspire.

This episode offers engaging insights for anyone seeking to grow in holiness, embrace their Catholic identity, and navigate the world with clarity, courage, and conviction.

Topics Covered:

• How Pomp, Circumstance, and Unsolicited Advice came to be
• What makes a great commencement address — and why they still matter
• The best advice George ever received — and how it shaped his life
• Personal stories from his friendship with Pope St. John Paul II
• The role of humor, humility, and faith in offering guidance
• What young Catholics need to hear today as they step into an increasingly secular world
• How all of us, regardless of vocation, are called to holiness in ordinary life
• Why truth, reason, and faith remain inseparable in Catholic witness

📖 Get the Book:
Pomp, Circumstance, and Unsolicited Advice – Commencement Addresses and University Lectures is available from Ignatius Press here.

📲 Try Truthly (Sponsored):
Truthly is the world’s first Catholic action app — your AI sidekick for daily reflections, instant teachings, and confidence in sharing the faith. Get started here.
Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

🎙️ Join the Conversation:
Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode deepened your appreciation for mentorship, truth, and the universal call to holiness.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Tess Livingstone—Australian journalist, longtime editor at The Australian, and author of the definitive biography of the late Cardinal George Pell.

Tess offers a powerful and deeply informed reflection on the life, legacy, and final years of one of the most consequential and controversial Catholic figures of our time. Drawing on years of firsthand reporting, personal interviews, and her new biography, she helps us see Cardinal Pell not just as a headline, but as a man shaped by faith, courage, and suffering.

This episode offers timely insights for anyone seeking to understand Cardinal Pell’s impact on the global Church, his wrongful imprisonment, and the future of Catholic leadership.

Topics Covered:

• What Cardinal Pell was really like behind closed doors
• How he handled media scrutiny and public backlash with faith and fortitude
• The truth behind his unjust imprisonment—and the global reaction to his exoneration
• Why Tess decided to write this biography and what surprised her along the way
• Cardinal Pell’s views on Church reform, tradition, and the modern world
• How he remained joyful and faithful even in the face of false accusations
• Lessons Catholics can take from his example today

📖 Pick up Tess Livingstone’s new biography Cardinal Pell through Ignatius Press or wherever books are sold.

📲 Follow Tess’s journalism in The Australian for continued insights on Church and society.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this conversation gave you a renewed appreciation for truth, justice, and fidelity to the Gospel.

🙏 Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Truthly. Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai. 

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J.—Jesuit priest, founder of Ignatius Press, and longtime student and friend of Pope Benedict XVI—to discuss the significance of having the first-ever American Pope and what it means for the Church and for each of us as Catholics.

Drawing from decades of experience in theology, publishing, and spiritual mentorship, Fr. Fessio offers a rich and personal perspective on the papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis, and now Pope Leo XIV. With clarity, conviction, and humility, he explores the spiritual opportunity—not just the news headline—of this historic moment.

This episode is full of wisdom for anyone who cares about the Church’s future, who’s navigating questions of unity and tradition, and who seeks to grow in holiness amidst change.

Topics Covered:

• What makes this American Pope unique—and why his missionary background matters
• Reflections on Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian spirituality and pro-life convictions
• How Fr. Fessio’s personal relationship with Pope Benedict shaped his understanding of Church renewal
• Why liturgy, beauty, and truth still matter in an age of artificial intelligence
• The lessons American Catholics can learn from the universal Church
• Why we can find peace—even joy—no matter who the Pope is
• What the enduring legacy of John Paul II and Benedict XVI offers for today’s Catholics
• The unexpected grace of failure—and how God builds through it
• Fr. Fessio’s encouragement for priests, missionaries, and the lay faithful alike

📖 Explore more from Fr. Fessio through Ignatius Press and check out the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, now available in full.

📲 Follow Ignatius Press on social media for more Catholic resources.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this conversation gave you hope for the Church and challenged you to “follow Jesus” more faithfully—no matter the headlines.

🙏 Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Truthly. Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Peter Kreeft—Catholic philosopher, longtime Boston College professor, and author of over 100 books—for a candid and moving conversation about his personal conversion story, told in his latest book, From Calvinist to Catholic.

Raised in a devout Calvinist household and educated at Calvin College, Dr. Kreeft’s journey to Catholicism was not a rebellion, but a pursuit of truth. With humor, humility, and deep clarity, he shares what drew him to the Church, what nearly kept him away, and how his love for Jesus only deepened along the way.

This episode is full of wisdom for anyone discerning the Catholic faith or seeking to understand the beauty of the Church more deeply.

Topics Covered:

• Why Dr. Kreeft initially resisted writing his conversion story—and what changed his mind
• The most difficult Catholic doctrine to accept—and how he came to embrace it
• The influence of C.S. Lewis, Church Fathers, and personal conscience
• How reading Church history challenged his assumptions about Protestantism
• Lessons from Boston College and years of teaching Catholic students
• The surprising role Calvin College played in leading him to Catholicism
• Why the Church’s sacramental system initially felt foreign—and how it became foundational
• Advice for anyone discerning conversion to Catholicism
• What Catholics can learn from Protestants—and vice versa
• Why joy, not just truth, is essential to the Christian life

📖 Pick up a copy of From Calvinist to Catholic by Dr. Peter Kreeft through Ignatius Press or wherever books are sold.

📲 Follow Dr. Kreeft’s work:

Website: peterkreeft.com

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this conversation inspired you to seek truth with boldness and humility.

🙏 Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Truthly. Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Rosemary McGuire Berry—Catholic author, pilgrimage leader, and storyteller—for a conversation that’s both practical and inspiring. Her new book, Piety and Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints, explores the ancient concept of temperaments and how understanding our personalities can lead us to holiness.

Together, we discuss how the saints lived out virtue through their unique temperaments, and how we can do the same in our homes, marriages, work, and spiritual lives. This episode is full of wisdom, saintly stories, and encouragement for anyone seeking to better understand themselves—and become the saint they are called to be.

Topics Covered:

• What the four classical temperaments are—and how to recognize them
• Why your temperament is not a weakness to fix, but a gift to develop
• How Jesus perfectly embodies all four temperaments
• Real-life examples of saints like St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Thomas More, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Francis de Sales
• Why understanding your temperament (and your spouse’s or child’s!) can radically improve relationships
• The battle against discouragement and how to push forward in the spiritual life
• How each temperament faces unique temptations—and paths to virtue
• What practical steps we can take to grow in holiness, right where we are

📖 Pick up a copy of Piety and Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints by Rosemary McGuire Berry through TAN Books or wherever books are sold.

📲 Follow Rosemary:

• Website: rosemarymcguireberry.com
• Substack: rosemarymcguireberry.substack.com 
• Instagram: @rosemarywriter

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this conversation helped you understand yourself—or the saints—a little better.

🙏 Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Truthly. Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I’m joined by Professor James Nolan, sociologist at Williams College and author of Atomic Doctors, for a powerful conversation on memory, martyrdom, and healing—centered on the Catholic history of Nagasaki and his work on the Nagasaki Bell Project.

James shares the remarkable story of his grandfather, Dr. James Nolan, who served as a physician on the Manhattan Project and later traveled to Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the immediate aftermath of the atomic bombings. What began as a family legacy of moral complexity became a personal mission for healing and reconciliation through the gift of a new bell—donated by American Catholics—to replace the one destroyed at Urakami Cathedral.

Together, we explore the deep Catholic roots of Nagasaki, the heroic endurance of the hidden Christians, and how their suffering bore fruit through forgiveness, faith, and restoration.

Topics Covered:

• The forgotten Catholic history of Nagasaki and its "hidden Christians"
• Why Urakami Cathedral was the ground zero for Japan’s Catholic faith
• The life and witness of Takashi Nagai and post-bomb theology of redemptive suffering
• Tensions faced by Catholic doctors during the Manhattan Project
• The story behind the Nagasaki Bell Project and how Catholics today can help
• Why the legacy of martyrdom still speaks to us in a divided and war-torn world
• How the new bell—named The Kateri Bell of Hope—will ring out once again on August 9, 2025

🔔 Learn more and support the Nagasaki Bell Project. 

📖 You can also check out Atomic Doctors by James Nolan, available wherever books are sold.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this conversation moved you or helped you see the past—and your faith—with new eyes.

🙏 Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Truthly. Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

Support the show