Magnificat Ministry Podcast

By Magnificat Ministry

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. W... more

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The podcast currently has 382 episodes available.

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Number 1: Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin
Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin Show notes: In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Pat, and Jackie are joined by Susan Potvin to discuss the processes of Discerning the Will of God. Susan Potvin, worship leader and inspirational speaker, has been involved in Catholic and ecumenical renewal work for more than forty years. She and her husband, Urby, who have been married for 45 years, reside in Steubenville, Ohio. They have raised 4 children and have 2 grandchildren and one on the way. Susan is the leader of Living Praise Worship Team, which travels nationally and internationally, serving such groups as Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women, where she is the Chair for Praise and Worship…. Women of Grace®, the National Charismatic Renewal and many local dioceses and women’s ministries. With Living Praise, Susan has produced seven worship CD’s. Susan has a passion to speak and teach about praise and worship and inspire others in their relationship with the Lord. Graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a B.A. in Theology, Susan also has a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University and is a trained Spiritual Director through the School of Spiritual Direction at Franciscan University. Susan works as a school counselor at a K-12 Christian school. Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples? Why and how do we follow and serve Him today? In this SOME WOMEN podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today. Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him! Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org The post Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
September 11, 202651min
Number 2: From Walls of Anxiety to Waves of Praise with Gail O’Brien
From Walls of Anxiety to Waves of Praise Guest: Gail O’Brien Location: Albany, NY Date: March 2026 In this deeply moving testimonial, Gail O’Brien takes listeners on a chronological journey through her life, illustrating how God repeatedly went before her—even during a year-long period of self-proclaimed atheism. Gail opens up about her childhood battle with severe shyness and a debilitating 20-year struggle with crippling social anxiety. From her early career at Grumman Aerospace to a dramatic physical healing, a painful divorce after 22 years of marriage, and an unexpected late-in-life romance, Gail shares how surrendering her life completely to Jesus and the Blessed Sacrament transformed her from a trapped introvert into a joyful leader of music ministry and Catholic Charismatic renewal. Gail discusses growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY, as a profoundly shy child. Outwardly loved by her family, she felt deeply isolated and unable to speak full sentences to outsiders, building a protective wall around her emotions and developing early signs of panic and social anxiety. While studying computer science in college, Gail stopped praying and declared herself an atheist. However, following the tragic death of a classmate, a profound, desolate emptiness during a memorial service led her to realize God had removed His presence to show her He had been there all along. After landing a software job at Grumman Aerospace, Gail’s anxiety intensified. Unable to speak to street evangelists, Jesus met her in her living room through a Christian radio program where she accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She eventually found community, scripture memorization, and emotional safety within a local Baptist church’s young adult group. Gail details her 1991 marriage to her first husband, Joe, and her subsequent introduction to the Catholic Charismatic renewal via the Spirit Life Center. She shares a powerful, mystical experience before the Blessed Sacrament that resolved her doubts about the Real Presence, leading to her confirmation. After discovering an internet-backed dietary solution, Gail experienced a sudden lift of her 20-year anxiety—which turned out to be an intense physical response to artificial hormones in meat. This miraculous healing occurred just two weeks before she needed to step up as the primary caregiver for her dying father. As Gail found her voice, her marriage dynamics fractured, resulting in a painful divorce after 22 years. Gail reflects on the hours spent in a 24-hour adoration chapel, using the book I Hurt by Ann Costa to weed out bitterness, leading her to pursue a clean slate through the annulment process. Gail recounts reconnecting with her college friend, Mark O’Brien, leading to a vibrant wedding with 100 guests—a stark contrast to her first private wedding. She details their spiritual battles as a couple and her current fulfillment leading praise with the Joyful Heart music ministry and the Albany Magnificat chapter. Notable Scripture Quotes Referenced Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.” John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son…” Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged…” Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” John 6:54 – “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life…” James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Connect & Resources Mentioned Book Mentioned: I Hurt by Ann Costa Gail O’Brien’s Testimony was given to the Magnificat Albany Chapter in March, 2026. The post From Walls of Anxiety to Waves of Praise with Gail O’Brien appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
September 07, 202639min
Number 3: Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart
Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart Preached on the memorial of St. Agatha, as the group prepares to go ashore for a day of mission, this homily asks a plain question: what are we actually equipped with? Fr. Tom Sparacino starts with the gifts. Those in the Charismatic Renewal have them, he says — the trouble isn’t receiving, it’s using. Each of us has been given something different, and the Lord asks us to embrace it. Then he tells on his own formation. Men spend seven or eight years in the seminary, and on ordination day he tells them the truth: “Congratulations — we’ve prepared you for a priesthood that doesn’t really exist.” Books don’t equip a priest. The school of the Spirit does. And that school, he says, is the one all of us are enrolled in. So what does the Spirit equip us with? Two things. Holiness — not the position of our hands or the clothes we wear, but a focus fixed on one and only one, Jesus. And fear of the Lord — not being afraid, but knowing our lives are nothing without Him, that nothing we could ever want or dream of compares to Him. That’s where St. Agatha comes in. She focused on one and only one. She was tortured with hot coals — which is why she’s invoked as a patron of firefighters, and why Fr. Tom, watching the water that morning and thinking about the graces flowing, decided she ought to be a patron of the Charismatic Renewal too. “We want those hot charcoals to touch our hearts today. We want to burn. We want to be consumed by the fire of the Holy Spirit.” He’s honest about how asking works: tell the Lord what you want — he does, all the time, and it usually doesn’t go his way — but trust that He gives what you need, because His grace is always sufficient. The gifts and the fruits begin with fear of the Lord and grow into a life of piety: honoring God, and nothing else. He closes with St. Paul: “We pray for you always, that our God may make you worthy of His call and fulfill by His power every intention and work of faith.” Live in the Spirit today. Be dependent on Him. And with these gifts, do the one thing we were made to do — exalt God forever. Key quotes “We’ve got the gifts. We just need to use them.” “Congratulations — we’ve prepared you for a priesthood that doesn’t really exist.” “It’s the school of the Spirit that equips our guys — and equips us.” “What does holiness look like? Is it the position of our hands, or the clothes we wear? Or is it our focus on one and only one — and that is Jesus?” “Fear of the Lord: not to be afraid, but to realize that our lives are nothing without Him.” “We want those hot charcoals to touch our hearts today. We want to be consumed by the fire of the Holy Spirit.” “He will give you what you need, because His grace is always sufficient.” Scripture & liturgy references Memorial of St. Agatha, virgin and martyr (February 5) — tortured with hot coals; invoked as a patron of firefighters and against fire 2 Thessalonians 1:11 — “that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith” Isaiah 6:6–7 — the burning coal that touches the prophet’s lips Isaiah 11:2–3 — the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including fear of the Lord and piety Galatians 5:22–23 — the fruits of the Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you” Daniel 3 — the canticle refrain, “praise and exalt him above all forever” The Catholic Charismatic Renewal; baptism in the Holy Spirit Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ In this inspiring collection of nine homilies, Fr. Tom invites listeners into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ through the liturgical year, the Eucharist, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Preached during a Magnificat pilgrimage, these reflections weave together Scripture, personal testimony, humor, and practical spiritual wisdom to encourage believers to live boldly as missionary disciples. Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts. Just as the infant Christ was presented in the Temple, believers are called to welcome His presence daily through prayer, Scripture, and especially the Eucharist. Every Mass is an invitation to encounter Christ anew and allow His Word to become the guiding light for life’s journey. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit with confidence and humility. Holiness is presented not as perfection but as complete dependence upon God. Fr. Tom reminds us that every baptized Christian has received spiritual gifts and is called to use them courageously in service of the Church and the world. A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest. Through moving personal stories and reflections on sunrise prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and the beauty of creation, Fr. Tom illustrates how Christ continually invites His people away from the noise of everyday life into intimate communion with Him. The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth. Pride, fear, divided hearts, and the temptation to place conditions on God’s will prevent authentic healing and discipleship. Instead, Fr. Tom calls believers to surrender everything to the Lord, trusting that God’s grace is always sufficient, even amid suffering and uncertainty. Drawing from the lives of saints including Simeon, Anna, St. Agatha, St. Scholastica, St. Bernadette, and St. Blaise, these messages demonstrate how ordinary people become extraordinary witnesses through unwavering faith and courageous obedience. One of the most powerful themes woven throughout the homilies is that God does not abandon His people in suffering. Rather than removing every trial, He provides the grace necessary to endure them. Through stories of pastoral ministry, healing prayer, and personal encounters with God’s mercy, Fr. Tom encourages listeners to trust God’s timing and remain steadfast even in life’s darkest moments. Ultimately, these nine homilies form one unified invitation: to become living tabernacles of Christ. Nourished by the Eucharist, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and transformed by divine mercy, every Christian is called to leave Mass renewed, fearless, and ready to bring Christ’s light into the world. Highlights Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist Living as temples of the Holy Spirit Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions Learning from the witness of the saints Trusting God’s grace in suffering Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life Living each day focused on Christ and His mission Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14th, 2026. The post Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
September 02, 20267min
Number 4: Emptying Yourself to Find Fulfillment with Fr. Jon Miskin
Fr. Jon Miskin — Emptying Yourself to Find Fulfillment In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Fr. Jon Miskin shares the remarkable story of his vocation to the priesthood and the lessons he has learned about sacrifice, obedience, trust, and authentic love. Ordained in 2019 for the Diocese of Little Rock, Fr. Jon reflects on his upbringing in a faithful Catholic family, where he first learned the meaning of self-giving love through the example of his parents and siblings. As a cradle Catholic, his journey was not marked by a dramatic conversion, but by a gradual transformation of the heart—a movement from simply knowing about God to developing a personal relationship with Him. Fr. Jon candidly recounts how he initially resisted any thought of becoming a priest. Like many young people, he envisioned a future filled with personal success, marriage, children, and financial security. Yet through a series of providential moments—including a life-changing retreat experience, a letter from his pastor, and a growing awareness of God’s voice in prayer—he found himself confronting a deeper question: not what he wanted from life, but what God wanted for him. Drawing inspiration from Philippians 2:6-8, Fr. Jon explains how Christ’s example of self-emptying became the foundation of his vocation. He explores the paradox at the heart of Christian discipleship: that true fulfillment is found not in pursuing our own plans, but in surrendering ourselves to God’s will. Listeners will be encouraged by Fr. Jon’s reflections on humility, obedience, sacrifice, and trust. Whether you are discerning a vocation, navigating marriage and family life, or simply seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, this conversation offers practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement. Key Topics Discussed Growing up in a faithful Catholic family The difference between knowing God and following God Vocational discernment and listening to God’s call The transformative power of retreats, Adoration, and Confession Why obedience is central to discipleship The connection between priestly and marital vocations Finding joy through sacrifice and self-gift Trusting God’s plan over our own desires The beauty and fulfillment of serving others Memorable Quote “What you want may be beautiful things, but what do I want for you?” Takeaway Fr. Jon’s testimony reminds us that God’s plans often exceed our own expectations. When we surrender our lives to Him, embrace sacrifice, and trust His guidance, we discover the deeper joy and purpose for which we were created. True fulfillment is found not in holding tightly to our own dreams, but in allowing God to shape them according to His perfect will. Fr. Jon Miskin’s talk was given to the Cherokee Village Chapter, AR in March 2026. The post Emptying Yourself to Find Fulfillment with Fr. Jon Miskin appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
August 31, 202635min
Number 5: Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Praise and Worship
Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Praise and Worship Shownotes: In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Susan Potvin as they explore the value and purposes of praise and worship in various settings. Susan Potvin, worship leader and inspirational speaker, has been involved in Catholic and ecumenical renewal work for more than forty years. She and her husband, Urby, who have been married for 45 years, reside in Steubenville, Ohio. They have raised 4 children and have 2 grandchildren and one on the way. Susan is the leader of Living Praise Worship Team, which travels nationally and internationally, serving such groups as Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women, where she is the Chair for Praise and Worship…. Women of Grace®, the National Charismatic Renewal and many local dioceses and women’s ministries. With Living Praise, Susan has produced seven worship CD’s. Susan has a passion to speak and teach about praise and worship and inspire others in their relationship with the Lord. Graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a B.A. in Theology, Susan also has a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University and is a trained Spiritual Director through the School of Spiritual Direction at Franciscan University. Susan works as a school counselor at a K-12 Christian school. Get more information on Praise and Worship and order CD’s at www.LivingPraiseWorship.com. Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples? Why and how do we follow and serve Him today? In this SOME WOMEN podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today. Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him! Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org Watch on YouTube The post Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Praise and Worship appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
August 28, 202653min