What can basketball teach seminarians about fraternity, virtue, and priestly ministry?

In this episode, seminarian Joe Jasinski shares how seminary basketball—though not formally one of the pillars of formation—has become a powerful space for human and spiritual growth. Through early-morning practices, national tournaments, shared victories, and hard losses, the court becomes a place where character is tested and brotherhood is formed.

Under pressure and fatigue, seminarians learn humility, accountability, and reliance on one another. Mistakes become opportunities for growth, encouragement, and reconciliation—habits that directly translate to pastoral ministry and community leadership.

Drawing parallels between sport and discipleship, the conversation highlights formation as progress rather than perfection, the importance of practicing virtue before it’s needed, and the call to remember God even in struggle. Seminary basketball ultimately reveals a holistic vision of formation—body and soul—where becoming a good teammate helps form good shepherds.

In this Fourth Week of Advent reflection, Father Joseph Briody continues the St. John’s Seminary Advent series Awaiting the Blessed Hope, the Coming of Our Saviour. Drawing from the prophecy of Isaiah and its fulfillment in the Gospel, he invites listeners to pause and “behold” — to see anew by grace the mystery of God’s saving plan.

Fr. Briody explores the promise of Emmanuel, “God with us,” fulfilled in the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, and reflects on the profound roles of Mary, the Mother of Divine Grace, and Saint Joseph, the silent and obedient guardian who gives Jesus his Davidic lineage.

As Advent draws to a close and our gaze turns toward Christmas, this episode offers scriptural insight, theological depth, and practical spiritual guidance — encouraging us to welcome Christ with gratitude, hope, and peace as we await the joy of his Nativity.

In this third installment of our special short Advent series, Fr. Joseph Briody reflects on the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday—a day marked by joyful expectation as the coming of Christ draws near.

Fr. Briody guides listeners through the rich scriptural themes found in Isaiah’s vision of renewal and healing, the Psalm’s proclamation of God’s steadfast justice, and St. James’ call to patient, hope-filled perseverance. He also unpacks the Gospel scene in which John the Baptist, from prison, seeks confirmation of the Messiah—and Jesus responds with works that reveal the breaking-in of God’s kingdom.

Through these readings, Fr. Briody invites us to recognize how Advent prepares our hearts to welcome Christ at Christmas: with joy, courage, and firm trust in God’s saving presence.

In this week’s Advent reflection, Fr. Joseph Briody explores the scriptural promise of hope found in Isaiah’s prophecy and the call to conversion proclaimed by John the Baptist.

Isaiah’s image of “a shoot from the stump of Jesse” anchors the episode, revealing God’s faithfulness to David and the promise of new life after desolation. The prophet’s vision of a peaceable kingdom—where all creation lives in harmony—points toward the Spirit-anointed Messiah who will gather the nations to himself.

Fr. Briody then turns to the New Testament, where Jesus identifies himself as the one foretold by Isaiah, and St. Paul reminds believers in Romans that all Scripture is written for our encouragement and instruction. John the Baptist emerges as the herald who prepares the way of the Lord, calling God’s people to genuine repentance and readiness for Christ’s coming.

As Advent continues, this reflection invites listeners to welcome Christ’s merciful presence now and to live each day with renewed faith, conversion, and hope as we await his final coming.

Enjoy a nostalgic Christmas with this special bonus episode featuring Sounds of Christmas, a rare 1974 album recorded by the Saint John’s Seminary Choir under the direction of Rev. Francis V. Strahan, then Director of Sacred Music. Let these historic recordings—chant, traditional carols, and beloved seasonal classics—bring you into the warmth, reverence, and joy of Christmases past.

Side 1- Hodie Christus natus est! — Praetorius• 00:00 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming • 02:33 Angelus ad Virginem (Feast of the Annunciation) — 14th CenturySchola: Rev. Steven M. Kucharski, Rev. Richard J. Mehm, Mr. Peter W. Hogan, Mr. James J. O’DriscollRecorder: Mr. Stephen M. Healy• 04:22 Silent Night — Traditional• 09:00 Dominus dixit ad me (Introit: Midnight Mass) — Gregorian Chant• 11:33 This Is the Night — I. Deiss• 13:39 O Holy Night — Adam Soloist: Rev. Francis V. Strahan• 17:28 Hallelujah, Amen — Handel

Side 2- Laudate Dominum omnes gentes!• 20:15 Go Tell It on the Mountain — Traditional Soloist: Rev. Richard J. Mehm• 23:40 Shepherds, Awake! (Austrian Carol) — K. Davis• 25:21 Carol of the Bells (Ukrainian Carol) — Wilhousky• 26:55 Calypso Noel (Caribbean Carol) — Krunnfusz• 29:04 Silver Bells — Livingston & Evans Soloist: Rev. Francis V. Strahan• 32:17 The Little Drummer Boy (Czech Carol) — K. Davis• 34:57 The Sleigh (Russian Winter Song) — Kountz• 36:14 The Snow Lay on the Ground (English Carol)• 38:36 Do You Hear What I Hear? — Regney & Shayne

Accompanists:Mr. Joseph A. Camara, Mr. Joseph T. Devine, Mr. Gerald H. Galipeau

Percussive Effects:Mr. Peter W. Hogan

The Saint John’s Seminary Choir of 1974 consisted of about 60 seminarians preparing for the Catholic priesthood, from college-level studies to the final year of theology. Based in Brighton, Massachusetts, the seminary serves the Archdiocese of Boston and other dioceses and religious communities. The choir regularly provided music across the archdiocese and at major liturgies at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Their annual Christmas program, Sounds of Christmas, became widely known and beloved, bringing traditional and contemporary carols to hospitals, parishes, and schools. Side 1 of the album presents the story of Christmas; Side 2 gathers carols from many nations, expressing the universal joy of Christ’s birth.

Fr. Strahan, professor of Church Music and director of the choir, received his music degree from the New England Conservatory and completed further studies at the Pius X School of Music. He served on the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, led workshops across New England, and composed music included in The Catholic Liturgy Book and the People’s Mass Book.

Join Fr. Joseph Briody for the first episode of a special four-part Advent reflection series. Over the four weeks of Advent, Fr. Briody will guide listeners through each Sunday’s Scripture readings, helping us enter the Word of God and let it transform our hearts and lives.

In this episode, reflecting on the First Sunday of Advent (Year A), we explore Isaiah’s vision of inclusion, peace, and God’s promise to rebuild what is broken. From the “mountain of the Lord’s house” to turning swords into plowshares, Isaiah calls us to vigilance and hope. Fr. Briody connects these prophecies to Matthew’s Gospel, highlighting the call to stay awake and prepared for Christ’s coming—both personally and in glory at the end of time.

Step into Advent with Scripture as your guide, watching, praying, and welcoming the Lord into every moment of your life.

In this episode, Fr. Denis and Alex open the doors to the world of priestly formation, guiding listeners through what makes the seminary experience unique. They unpack why formation is more than academics, why it can take up to seven years, and how it differs from a typical college education or career track.

From daily life and spiritual growth to human, pastoral, and intellectual development, they explore the pillars that shape a man preparing for the Catholic priesthood. At its heart, formation is an invitation—a time for God to shape our hearts to His call.

Whether you're discerning, curious about seminary life, or simply want a deeper understanding of how the Church forms her future priests, this episode offers a clear, engaging look into the journey.

In this episode, Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran reflect on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, exploring the spiritual and symbolic weight of the moment. Together, they examine the role of the papacy, the profound legacy of Pope Francis, and the significance of welcoming an American pope to the Chair of Saint Peter.

Highlights include:

• The Pope’s Role: As the visible sign of unity for the Church, especially among bishops, the pope is called to be a shepherd who strengthens the faithful in their journey.

• Legacy of Pope Francis: Remembered for his pastoral presence and radical closeness, Pope Francis emphasized synodality, listening, and serving those on the margins.

• Personal Encounters: Fr. Denis shares his own experience meeting Pope Francis, reflecting on his humility, joy, and spiritual presence.

• Election of Pope Leo XIV: The surprise announcement of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope stirred excitement and hope. The conversation captures where Mike and Fr. Denis were when they heard the news—and their reactions to seeing an Augustinian from Chicago step onto the loggia.

• Tradition and Symbolism: From papal attire to the significance of colors like red and white, the episode also explores the powerful symbols that shape our understanding of the papal office.

🎵 Music Note: This episode features the “Hymnus Pontificius” in Latin—also known in English as the “Pontifical Anthem”—a stirring piece that underscores the reverence and gravity of this historic moment.

In this episode, Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran reflect on the timeless parable of the Prodigal Son.

Their conversation highlights the deep spiritual truths behind this familiar story—truths that resonate even more profoundly during the Easter season. As the prodigal son rises from his place of despair and walks back to the father, we’re reminded that Easter is about rising with Christ, reclaiming our identity, and returning to the arms of the Father who always welcomes us with love and joy.

Through thoughtful discussion on the Eucharist, prayer, and the grace that calls us home, this episode is a reminder that Easter is not just a day—it’s a way of life.

The Resurrection invites all of us to live as people of hope, rooted in mercy, and renewed by God’s unfailing love.

In this episode, Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran reflect on Paragraph 2843 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which calls us to forgive from the depths of our hearts. Drawing from the Parable of the Merciless Servant (Mt 18:23-35), they explore our own need for God’s mercy and the challenge of extending that same forgiveness to others. How can we move beyond hurt and resentment? What role does the Holy Spirit play in transforming our wounds into compassion?

Join us for a heartfelt conversation on the power of forgiveness and the freedom it brings.