Saints for Slackers

St. Joan of Arc KNEW, without a doubt and despite opposition and persecution, that God had called her to a special mission: to save the Catholic King and the Catholic Church in France - and ultimately to save souls for Christ. She was the heroic, warrior saint who shows us how to enter the battlefield for God!

Moira of Modern Catholic Mom is a Midwest girl — though she lived for a short while in the South, and absolutely loved it — she still misses those winters! 

She met her husband, John, while filming a chastity video in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Clearly, they are big fans of irony. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Marriage and kids has been the best — and most unexpected — adventure of her life! She and John have six kids, work together in a family business and are are in various stages of homeschooling their kids. So far, so good.

In her “free time” a.k.a. “when she should be doing something else” she loves writing about faith, family, friends, travel — and everything in between — over at ModernCatholicMom.com. 

A few random things about her: she used to travel the country and give chastity talks, once testified before Congress on the issue of abstinence education, was kissed on the forehead by St. John Paul II, and Nancy Drew and Anne of Green Gables helped her learn to love her red hair at a time in her life when she absolutely hated it. 

Her biggest surprise in life has been finding so much happiness in the craziness of the life of a wife and mother. She wouldn’t change it for anything!

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-joan-of-arc/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Michelle Hillaert, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

St. Maximilian Kolbe is the saint who gave up his life to save a fellow Auschwitz prisoner. He loved to remind us that truth is not relative, but a fundamental creation of God. St. Maximilian challenges us to overcome the obstacles of life by growing in our faith and staying close to the sacraments to gain strength - so that we might become one with Truth, the Truth that is our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Jeremy Lustig has been a member of the Troops of Saint George since its launch. He served as the original chartering Captain of his parish troop, and then appointed to the National Board of the Troops of Saint George. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Board and as the Director of the National Executive team.

Jeremy was raised participating in scouting organizations as a child and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He has always had a passion for the outdoors and is an avid hunter and fisherman still today.

A graduate of Baylor University, Dr. Lustig continued his education by earning his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree and a Masters degree in orthodontics and oral biology. Currently, he is in private practice in the north Fort Worth area.

Jeremy converted to Catholicism in 2005 and is on fire for his faith. He serves as the chairmen of the pastoral advisory council, is a 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus, and participates in many other parish organizations. Most importantly, he is honored to serve as an Acolyte during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Jeremy has been married to his beautiful wife Kerry since 1997, and they are blessed to have five children; Madison, Savannah, Nicholas, Isaac and Gracie Ann (who passed away at the age of two in February of 2018).

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-maximilian-kolbe/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Michelle Hillaert, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

St. Pope John Paul II was the pope who urgently taught us to fight for the family. We learn to live out our identity as adopted sons and daughters of God in the family. Of the many wonderful treasures offered to us from this incredible pope and saint, his advocacy for the family is second to none. His teachings echo in our hearts that strong families make strong nations, and strong nations produce saints.

Patrick Novecosky is one of America’s most accomplished Catholic communicators. He’s the author of 100 WAYS JOHN PAUL II CHANGED THE WORLD and has won more than two dozen awards from the Catholic Press Association. He has edited and written for some of America’s top publications and has been published in five languages. Patrick serves as the Executive Director of the Warrenton Pregnancy Center in Warrenton, Virginia. He’s the founder of NovaMedia, a public relations firm specializing in the Catholic space. He previously served as Legatus Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief for 12 years. He’s traveled to 26 countries, met Pope St. John Paul II five times, and made Pope Francis laugh out loud, but most importantly, he is a husband and father of five beautiful children.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-pope-john-paul-ii-strong-families-create-saints/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Michelle Hillaert, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton suffered the loss of loved ones throughout her life, which left her feeling empty and in search for more. She eventually found all she was looking for, and so much more, in finding her home in the Catholic Church and in the arms of Mary, the Mother of God. This saint teaches us to find all we could ever want and need in God Our Father and Mary Our Mother.

Fr. Joe O’Connor serves as the Director of Seminarians for the Diocese of Syracuse and Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Baldwinsville, New York.

Here’s a little backstory on the good Padre: Before Fr. Joe became a priest, a few of our teammates came to know him through our alma mater, the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He’s been friends with our Founder, Lisa Martinez, since Freshman orientation weekend, presided at her and Mike’s wedding a decade ago, and now serves as the Spiritual Father of Little With Great Love. Fr. Joe has also been bosom buddies with Tammi McCarthy, our team’s Spiritual Mother – so that makes them Mom and Dad, spiritually speaking – which is very accurate since they nurture a lot of spiritual children. 

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-elizabeth-ann-seton/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

St. Benedict teaches monks, and us, how to live a Christ-centered & Christ-ordered life. St. Benedict began a deep walk with the Lord as a hermit, living in solitude for three years. He then started opening monasteries, and developing principles to structure a monk's daily way of life, which we know of today as "The Benedictine Rule."

This saint taught monks how to be monks. The quote “ora et labora” is Latin for pray and work.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Brian Squibbs. Brian has been a member of the Troops of Saint George since its inception the summer of 2013. Volunteering in capacities such as Patrol 2nd Lieutenant, Communications Officer and Co-Recruiting Chair at the local troop level, Brian joined the National Executive Team March of 2015. In striving to become a better Catholic male in society each and every day, the Troops of Saint George has allowed for Brian and his sons to grow in virtue, their love for Christ and the Church He founded in an outdoors organization faithful to the catechism and magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Brian has over 20 years experience in sales and recruitment and he enjoys a good old-fashioned conversation. He holds a Bachelors in Business Administration degree in Marketing from Youngstown State University. Brian was blessed to have wonderful spiritual influence and guidance from several strong priests and nuns throughout his altar service and schooling at St. Patrick’s Parish and Catholic School in Hubbard, Ohio and then at Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio before moving to Texas.

Brian is a former Marine and garnered many strengths that are now used in his daily life. He married his wife, Lisa, in 1999 and they reside in North-central Texas with their three sons, Alex, Luke and Sean, and daughter, Maria. He and his family are faithful parishioners of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Keller, Texas.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: xxx

Learn more + follow the Troops of St. George here:

https://troopsofsaintgeorge.org/

https://www.facebook.com/TroopsofSaintGeorge/

https://twitter.com/troopsstgeorge

https://www.instagram.com/troopsofsaintgeorge/

https://www.youtube.com/c/TSGHQ

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

St. Veronica knelt down, wiped a suffering face with love and compassion, and became a saint! The example of St. Veronica teaches us that loving our neighbors well is a ticket to sainthood. When we can see the face of Jesus in those around us and love them, we are not far from the love St. Veronica showed Jesus in wiping His face. The love we put into small gestures and acts of service holds a power that can make us holy.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Joy Boudreaux. Joy and her husband, Ben, were both born and raised in the small rural village of Parks, Louisiana. They both graduated from Breaux Bridge High School, where she helped him pass English IV and he helped her pass Advanced Math. It was a good match! Ben graduated from USL in May 1995 (no typo) and the high school sweethearts married just one week later. Joy continued on at USL as an English secondary education major, until early 1996 to when they learned their first child was on his way.  

Ben and Joy continue to raise their family in Cecilia, Louisiana where they’ve lived since 2008. Ben has worked in the IT field for 25 years now. His IT work led him to Brown and Brown Insurance Agency over a decade ago where he continues to work as an Enterprise Engineer. Joy was able to put her educational experience to good use by homeschooling their kids for the past 13 years.  

They now have 15 children: Anthony - 23; Thomas - 20; Samuel - 18; MaryJoe - 17 (lost to miscarriage in 2002); Grace - 16; Teresa - 14; Charlie - 13; Henry - 12 (lost to miscarriage in 2007); their ‘big twins,’ Max & Simon - 11; their ‘little twins,’ Eric & Adam - 10 (stillborn in 2009 at 34 weeks); Carolyn - 8; Lucy - 7; and little Ella - 4 (died in 2016).  

They feel blessed to have been able to care for Ella themselves in their home with the help of hospice care for all 8 months and 6 days of her short life. After months of assorted health issues and complications, including morphine shots for pain management, Ella earned her crown on Valentine’s Day of 2016. As Joy says, “Jesus and Mary themselves came to bring her back home.”

The Boudreauxs are both blog contributors for Red Bird Ministries. Joy also has her own blog where she writes about large family life, homeschooling, being Catholic and living life while parenting kids both here on earth and in Heaven.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-veronica/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

St. Louis Martin was a remarkable saint, husband & father, and a man who helped build an entire family dedicated to God. He can teach us how to lead and be members of a holy family and household. St. Louis Martin entered a special and holy marriage with another saint, his wife St. Zelie Martin. Together, they raised a family that offered their whole lives to God.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Ryan Breaux. Ryan is from the small town of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He's been married 18-years to his wife, Kelly. They have 4 children: 12-year-old Estelle Gabriella, and 3 Saints in heaven - twins Emma Grace & Talon Antoine would be turning 15 this year, and a baby they lost through miscarriage, Christian Ryan. Ryan works for Coca-Cola when he’s not doing Red Bird Ministries work with Kelly. Together they worship at St Bernard Church in their hometown, and serve the Diocese of Lafayette in grief support for parents of loss. Red Bird Ministries has carefully designed a system that anticipates the stages of grief and the challenges that will be encountered with a unique focus on how to keep marriages intact and preserve healthy family relationships after a loss.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-louis-martin/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

St. Zelie Martin became the mother of a family that radically said "Yes" to God's plans. She is a saint who teaches us to say yes to God no matter what, to His unique and unexpected plans, joys, sorrows, and everything else that means following God in all things.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Kelly Breaux. Kelly is from the small town of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. She's been married 18-years to her husband, Ryan. They have 4 children: 12-year-old Estelle Gabriella, and 3 Saints in heaven - twins Emma Grace & Talon Antoine would be turning 15 this year, and a baby they lost through miscarriage, Christian Ryan. Kelly serves as the president of Red Bird Ministries, which has carefully designed a system that anticipates the stages of grief and the challenges that will be encountered with a unique focus on how to keep marriages intact and preserve healthy family relationships after a loss.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-zelie-guerin-martin/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

St. Gianna Molla was a wife, mother, doctor, and God's faithful servant. St. Gianna inspires us to open ourselves to the many ways God will call us to use our gifts and talents for His glory. She particularly inspires any woman who longs to follow Christ in all things. She practiced self-giving daily in her call to her family, her medical patients, and in the stillness of prayer with God.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Kara Hebert. Kara Hebert is a native of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. A small-town community where family and faith run strong. She is married to Daniel, her one and only high school sweetheart. They welcomed their first daughter, Genevieve, in the winter of 2017. A few short years later, they prepared to welcome a new member to their family with their second daughter, Vivienne. 

Unfortunately, at her routine 16-week check-up, they learned Vivienne's little heart was no longer beating. With Daniel at her side, on August 20th of 2019, Kara gave birth to Vivienne Janeé Hebert. Her parents delivered her into the arms of Jesus.

In the aftermath of burying their daughter, Kara struggled in her desolation as the world around her continued to move forward while she felt she had ceased living anymore. Through the support of other bereaved mothers and the grace of God dispensed within the sacraments, she began to see and feel His light.

As her life-long grief journey was beginning, divine providence, and the communion of their children in heaven, seated her behind Kelly and Ryan Breaux, founders of Red Bird Ministries, at our home parish St. Bernard Church one Saturday afternoon. From that point forward, Kara's desire to know and love the Lord gained strength. Her attendance at the Restored grieving mother's retreat where Jesus' overwhelming presence moved her to begin using her voice, her words to glorify Him through her suffering. This special calling allows Kara to bring Jesus to others and create a legacy for Vivienne, both of which greatly delight her heart.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-gianna-molla/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Mother Whose Promise & Love NEVER Fails

Our Lady of Guadalupe challenges us, her beloved and sometimes overly self-reliant children, to remember that she always has our back. She will protect us and care for our every need. Even when St. Juan Diego tried to avoid meeting her again to take care of his affairs, she found him wherever he was. She reminded him, and us, that our Mother knows all we need and it is pointless to try to do it all on our own. A mother who is so faithful, she encounters us on whatever path we are walking in life.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Kelli Davis. Kelli is a Little With Great Love Contributor & Speaker, a stepmother to a daughter with a severe mental illness and two young men, and a wife who likes to keep her husband laughing especially in their new home in Lafayette, Louisiana. Kelli’s life changed when she met Jesus for the first time on an 8th grade retreat. Since then, she’s been on a faith adventure which seems to keep her and those around her on their toes. The Lord rescued Kelli from a disordered life of anxiety, which led her to an addiction that almost killed her body, mind, and spirit. Out of love, He has been reordering and restoring Kelli’s life for more than a decade through a journey of healing, transformation, and empowerment. Now, she is doing her part to help others discover the joy in little things while overcoming life’s challenges with Jesus by our side. She has developed a deep appreciation for using the Word of God as our daily medicine, for learning how not to take ourselves too seriously, and for listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit for help in everyday circumstances. Through 25+ years of experience in her faith adventure, she communicates simple and practical ways for individuals to find hope, joy, and God’s presence in everyday life.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/our-lady-of-guadalupe

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.