In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the readings from Genesis and Luke, inviting listeners to rediscover the gift of hospitality and the presence of God in daily life. He begins with Abraham’s encounter with the Lord in the form of three visitors, pointing out how acts of welcome—once instinctive in many homes—have diminished in a world grown fearful and distant. Drawing from his own heritage and childhood memories, Msgr. Esseff recalls how guests were always seen as a gift from God, echoing the Benedictine phrase, “Here comes Christ.”Whether it’s a stranger at the door or a family member across the table, he reminds us that Christ often comes to us hidden in the ordinary.

He then turns to the story of Martha and Mary, where Mary quietly receives the Lord while Martha grows anxious in her serving. Msgr. Esseff warns that we can lose sight of our identity as sons and daughters of God when we focus only on doing rather than being. The heart of the Gospel is not about performance but relationship—a truth that Mary lived and Martha struggled to understand. Paul’s words in Colossians, “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” invite each of us to carry the awareness that God is with us, not just in church, but everywhere: in the hospital room, in the kitchen, in moments of silence, and in the faces of those we serve. Msgr. Esseff closes with the reminder that God longs for us not just to serve Him, but to know Him—and to let ourselves be known.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Scranton. He served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta and continues to offer spiritual direction and lead retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity worldwide. Msgr. Esseff also had a profound encounter with St. Padre Pio, who became his spiritual father. He has served in various parts of the world through the Pontifical Missions, a Catholic organization founded by St. John Paul II to share the Good News, especially with the poor. . Msgr. Esseff continues to lead retreats and provide spiritual direction to bishops, priests, seminarians, sisters, and other religious leaders around the world.

The post Hospitality of the Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff warmly recounts memories of his two sisters, Marlene and MayAnn, reflecting on the deep familial bonds that shaped his life and priesthood. He shares vivid childhood stories, such as witnessing Marlene’s birth, their mischievous adventures, and Marlene’s loyal companionship with her brothers. Marlene was a trusted confidante and a source of joy and nurturing within the family. He also recounts MayAnn’s tender heart and spiritual maturity, culminating in her self-offering to God when her brother faced a life-threatening illness. Her acceptance of her own terminal illness became a profound moment of grace and sacrifice within the family.

Through these recollections, Msgr. Esseff reflects on how the presence of his sisters enriched his understanding of human relationships and prepared him to encounter women and men in his ministry with deeper compassion and respect. This familial experience helped shape his pastoral heart, particularly in his work with prisoners, where he learned to view each person as a true brother or sister in Christ.

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

The post SFTH-6 – The Gift of Sisters – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the meaning of the Ascension and Pentecost, urging us to move beyond a childish, distant view of heaven. Christ’s ascension was not a departure to a far-off place, but a deeper entry into our lives through the Holy Spirit. Jesus remains present in the world through the Church and within each baptized person. Heaven is not “up there,” but within; the Trinity dwells in the heart of the faithful. The Church, then, is not merely an institution but the very body of Christ alive in the world, called to bring God’s presence into every place and relationship through love.

Msgr. Esseff further addresses the difficulty of loving those who have deeply hurt us, explaining that this is humanly impossible without Christ. It is only through union with Jesus, who lives within us, that true forgiveness and love become possible. He tells personal stories, including his mother’s near-death experience and witness to divine love, illustrating how we are called to manifest this divine presence through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and mercy. The world remains in darkness when we fail to reveal Christ within us. Each person is a tabernacle of God’s presence, and our mission is to let that divine light shine through our daily lives, even in the most painful or ordinary moments.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton.  Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St.  Teresa of Calcutta.    He continues to offer direction and retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity worldwide.  Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him.  He has lived in areas around the world,  serving in the Pontifical Missions, a Catholic organization established by St. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor.  Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute.  He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders worldwide.  

The post The Ascension – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his formative years growing up in a Lebanese Maronite Catholic family. He shares vivid stories of his early friendships formed around the church and school, highlighting how closely tied family, faith, and community life were in his upbringing. He recounts his experiences serving as an altar boy alongside his brother, being mentored by his father, and how boxing became both a defense mechanism and a metaphor for dealing with conflict. His early encounters with schoolyard hostility and physical altercations shaped his understanding of strength and protection, which he later came to see in a new light as he matured in his priestly identity.

Later in life, Msgr. Esseff realized that the combative instincts he was taught—though meant to protect—also delayed deeper human connections. He candidly discusses how those early lessons in self-defense influenced his relationships, even into seminary. A profound spiritual awakening led him to understand that the priesthood isn’t just a role but a call to be Christ to others. He expresses regret for the harm caused by a hardened attitude and explores how true formation comes not just through education but through learning to love as Christ does.

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

The post SFTH-5 – Fighting the Good Fight – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor explore the theme of discernment and the lifelong formation of a soul in relationship with God. One’s life is not defined solely by the present moment but by the totality of one’s journey, shaped by past experiences, cultural background, and the presence of God in each encounter. True discernment involves understanding both where a person has been and where God is calling them and the importance of seeing each human interaction as involving a divine third party. Awareness of God’s hand throughout one’s life—past, present, and future—is essential for spiritual growth.

Msgr. Esseff also shares vivid memories from his childhood growing up in a Maronite Catholic family in coal country Pennsylvania. He recalls spiritual moments of wonder—from giving away a dime to a stranger and feeling profound joy, to sensing God’s presence in nature and creation as a young boy. He speaks of his early and deep awareness of God’s presence, shaped by family, community, and the liturgical life of the Church. These formative experiences are not extraordinary but available to all who open their hearts to God’s nearness.

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

The post SFTH-4 – Communion Found in the Little Things – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the often overlooked yet deeply influential role of his grandmothers in shaping his family’s legacy. He shares how his paternal grandmother, Cecilia Oland, immigrated from Lebanon and never fully learned English, communicating primarily in Arabic with her grandchildren. Despite this, she expressed deep affection for Msgr. Esseff, even using a humorous Arabic endearment, which he later discovered translated to “my little garlic fart.” This affectionate, if unconventional, nickname highlighted the depth of love that transcends language barriers. He also recalls how his maternal grandmother endured significant hardships, including a harrowing multi-year return to Lebanon during World War I, illustrating the resilience and strength of these women in holding their families together through cultural displacement and adversity.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the vital role of grandparents in family life, contrasting the rich, intergenerational bonds of his upbringing with the isolation often seen in modern nuclear families. He fondly recounts the close-knit dynamics of his family, where his grandmother’s nurturing presence extended beyond her immediate children to include her grandchildren, creating a deep sense of belonging and spiritual connection. This reflection leads him to appreciate the theological importance of grandparents in the broader context of family and faith, noting how this generational link provides a spiritual anchor that nourishes both personal and communal identity.

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

The post SFTH-3 – A Grandmother’s Love, a Family’s Strength – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his family’s deep roots in the Maronite Catholic tradition, tracing his lineage back to Lebanon. He shares how his grandparents immigrated to Pennsylvania, where distinct ethnic enclaves formed around coal mining towns like Wilkes-Barre. He describes his grandfather’s journey from Lebanon and the strong faith that shaped his upbringing and the significance of being baptized in the Maronite Rite, which maintains a continuous connection to the ancient Christian traditions and Aramaic language used by Jesus. This connection profoundly shaped his spiritual identity, grounding him in a lineage that extends back to the earliest days of the Church.

Msgr. Esseff also recounts the colorful and sometimes turbulent story of his parents’ marriage. His father, a hard-living truck driver, found faith after a men’s retreat, marking a pivotal turning point in his life. Despite their unconventional beginnings and the cultural tensions of their respective backgrounds, his parents maintained a steadfast marriage for 60 years. This legacy of faith, family, and resilience profoundly influenced his vocation as a priest, connecting him to the deep roots of his family’s spiritual heritage.

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

The post SFTH-2 – Rooted in Faith – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this opening episode, Monsignor John Esseff shares the deeply personal story of his family’s immigration from Lebanon to America—fleeing persecution, carrying with them a rich Catholic faith, and planting deep roots in Pennsylvania.

He reflects on growing up in a multi-generational Maronite Catholic household, filled with faith, love, and quiet sacrifice. He honors his grandfather, a humble deacon and “ragman,” who lived a life of deep prayer and became a spiritual father to him. Through these early memories, we glimpse the formation of a heart destined for priesthood.

Msgr. Esseff’s family journey is not only a story of survival, but of grace passed down from heart to heart. This episode offers a powerful reminder: holiness often begins in the hidden places—around the family table, in acts of mercy, and in the quiet witness of those who love without measure.

“There are so many canonized saints… but he’s my hero.”
— Msgr. John Esseff, speaking of his grandfather George Esseff 

“What happens to us doesn’t define us—it’s how we respond that makes the difference.”

“The family is the most important unit in the world.”

How has your own family story—its joys and wounds—shaped your faith?

Who are the hidden saints in your life? Have you thanked God for them?

In what ways can your home become more like the Holy Family’s—rooted in prayer, simplicity, and service?

Are there old family wounds in need of forgiveness and healing?

How might God be calling you to pass on a living legacy of faith to future generations?

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

The post SFTH-1 – The Beginning… – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for Divine Mercy Sunday and it’s meanings for our lives.  He discusses the identity of the Christian, and in particular, what it means to be a “Catholic”.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton.   Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta.   He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world.  Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him.  He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor.  He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.   

The post Who Are You? Your Catholic Identity on Divine Mercy Sunday – Building a Kingdom with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he reflects on the mystery of Easter and our relationship with the Risen Christ.

“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.”

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine;

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by St. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.

The post Happy Easter!!!! Have You Encountered Jesus? – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.