Happy feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Fr. Boniface Hicks to share some thoughts from St. Alphonsus on personal prayer. Other guests include Dr. Matthew Bunson to discuss St. John Henry Newman as the newest Doctor of the Church, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Bone Church Revival podcast to preview this weekend’s Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and more…

*****

St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler, I adore You as my true God, with God the Father and God the Son. I adore You and unite myself to the adoration You receive from the angels and saints. I give You my heart and I offer my ardent thanksgiving for all the grace which You never cease to bestow on me.

O Giver of all supernatural gifts, who filled the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with such immense favors, I beg You to visit me with Your grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I beg pardon.

Grant me the gift of piety, so that I may serve You for the future with increased fervor, follow with more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your divine precepts with greater fidelity.

Grant me the gift of knowledge, so that I may know the things of God and, enlightened by Your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation.

Grant me the gift of fortitude, so that I may overcome courageously all the assaults of the devil, and all the dangers of this world which threaten the salvation of my soul.

Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to my spiritual advancement and may discover the wiles and snares of the tempter.

Grant me the gift of understanding, so that I may apprehend the divine mysteries and by contemplation of heavenly things detach my thoughts and affections from the vain things of this miserable world.

Grant me the gift of wisdom, so that I may rightly direct all my actions, referring them to God as my last end; so that, having loved Him and served Him in this life, I may have the happiness of possessing Him eternally in the next. Amen.

*****

Dr. Jon Kirwan is online at christendom.edu.

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy feast of St. Peter Chrysologus and Bl. Solanus Casey! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk about the contrast between this Doctor of the Church and a doorman who are both honored for their holiness and charity. Guests include Gary Zimak with more thoughts from the Scriptures on trusting God, and Derek Rotty to start a new series on Fulton Sheen and the modern world. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…

*****

Prayer for the Canonization of Bl. Solanus Casey

O God, we give you thanks for all the ways Your holiness shines forth in the humble life of our Capuchin Brother, Blessed Solanus Casey. Help us not to simply admire him, but to learn from him, so we too may become like him. Open us to all the graces You are giving to us on our earthly pilgrimage, as we place our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From solanuscasey.org.

*****

Derek Rotty, author of Prophet of Hope: Fulton Sheen Speaks to the Modern World

Amie Duke is online at ascensionpress.com.

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast to share how St. Ignatius can be a wise teacher in the world of spiritual and emotional health. Other guests include Rita Heikenfeld with Bible Foods, and Courtney Brown from Ruah Woods. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…

*****

Suscipe Prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

*****

RECIPES FROM RITA: OREO COOKIE RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Let the kids crush the cookies!

Ingredients

15 Oreo cookies

6 tablespoons butter, salted (if using unsalted, add 1/4 teaspoon salt when melting butter) plus extra for greasing pan

15 oz mini marshmallows, divided, 7- 8 cups, divided into 5 and 2-1/2 to 3 cups

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla

6 cups crisped rice cereal

 

Instructions

Grease a 9×13 pan lightly with butter.

Place your Oreo cookies in a large ziplock and use a rolling pin to break into pieces (don’t pulverize them completely to crumbs. If desired, transfer to a fine mesh strainer to sift out any small crumbs (this will keep your rice krispie treats from turning gray).

Melt butter in large pot over medium-low heat. DON’T BE TEMPTED TO DO HIGHER HEAT AS THIS WILL AFFECT HOW MARSHMALLOWS MELT.

Stir in 5 cups of your mini marshmallows and cook, stirring frequently, until just melted.

Stir in vanilla then add cereal and stir until combined.

Add remaining marshmallows and broken Oreos and stir briefly until just-combined.

Immediately pour into prepared baking pan and smooth with a spatula (do not firmly press the cereal into the pan or it will make the treats tough). Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.

 

Storing

Store in an airtight container at room temperature (do not refrigerate otherwise they will turn hard) for up to 3 days.

Makes 15-20 treats.

*****

Dr. Luke Arredondo is with the St. Brendan Center for Evangelization and Spirituality

Brendan Towell’s article on Ozzy Osbourne and faith is at ncregister.com.

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy feast of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk to Dr. Benjamin Lewis from ICEL about a hymn from last century written in their honor. Other guests include Dr. Jim Papandrea to discuss more ancient Christian sites from Rome, and Kris McGregor to reflect on the Office of Readings. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…

*****

Prayer for the Intercession of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

Dear Saint Lazarus, friend of Christ Incarnate and patron of the poor and the sick. I request your intercession, with the aid of the Holy Spirit; May the Lord, Who prefigured His Resurrection through your own miraculous rising, always guide me in my earthly pilgrimage and protect me in sickness and in health. Together with Saint Martha and Saint Mary, you welcomed the Savior into your home. May I do the same by welcoming Jesus into my heart and serving Him faithfully in my brothers and sisters. Help me to imitate Christ more perfectly.

Holy St. Lazarus give me the strength to overcome all temptation and difficulty. May your witness inspire me to have faith and hope in Jesus, especially amid great trial. Pray that I will display heroic virtue and persevere in love so as to merit to be received by God into the halls of heaven. I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lives and reigns with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever. Amen.

*****

Dr. Benjamin Reinhard, author of The High Hallow: Tolkien’s Liturgical Imagination

Fr. Philip Larrey is online at philiplarrey.com.

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy feast of Bl. Stanley Rother! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the powerful story of this American missionary and martyr. Guests include Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History, Fr. John Gavin, author of “Growing into God, and Brendan Hodge from The Pillar with data on the Christian population in the Middle East. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…

*****

A Prayer for the Intercession of Bl. Stanley Rother

Blessed Stanley our brother,
you poured out your life in service and spilled your blood as a witness
to the faithfulness of God’s love.
Those you loved so deeply and served so completely
knew you to be their pastor and their priest,
interceding for them as their open door to the presence of Christ.
Pray for us now and intercede on our behalf,
as we ask you to walk with us on our journey through life,
that the redeeming presence of Jesus,
might touch us now and restore us to wholeness and peace.
I ask in time of need [ state your need] that your prayer accompany us; may the mercy of Christ,
echoed in your ministry and your martyrdom,
renew us and bring us the graces necessary to heal our brokenness,
illumine our darkness, and restore the losses in our lives,
that we may be, finally, one with you in praising God forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer from archokc.org.

*****

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy feast of St. James the Greater! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss his legacy among the apostles. Guests include Andrew Petiprin to continue our series on his book “The Faith Unboxed,” and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Bone Church Revival podcast to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…

*****

Prayer to St. Joseph by Pope Pius X

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully, and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so baneful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate thee, O patriarch St. Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity. Amen.

*****

Dr. Renee Mattson, author of Child in Bloom

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy feast of St. Charbel! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell explore his legacy as a mystic and wonder worker. Guests include Rita Heikenfeld with Bible Foods, Gary Michuta from Hands On Apologetics, and Courtney Brown from Ruah Woods.

*****

Prayer of St. Faustina

Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbours’ souls and come to their rescue.

Help me, O Lord, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbours’ needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings.

Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbour, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.

Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbours and take upon myself the most difficult and toilsome tasks.

Help me, O Lord, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbour, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness.

Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbour.

May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me. Amen

*****

RECIPES FROM RITA: FATOUSH SALAD

1 head Romaine lettuce, coarsely chopped or other salad greens
1 English cucumber, diced
2-3 large tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch parsley, chopped (you may not need all of it)
2 bunches of mint, chopped – about 1/3 cup chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 bunch green onions, finely sliced (you may not need all)
1 rib celery, sliced thin
1/2 to 1 cup of black or other olives, pitted
1/2 teaspoon sumac plus extra for dusting onto plate edge

2 pita rounds, brushed with olive oil, toasted until golden brown but still chewy, cut into very small wedges or torn into pieces.

Dressing:

Whisk together
Juice of 2 lemons or more to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
Good amount of garlic: start with a nice clove, minced and
salt & pepper to taste

Garnish:

Feta for sprinkling on top (optional)

Assembly:

Put salad ingredients together. Toss with dressing. Pile onto plate. Sprinkle with Feta. Dust rim with sumac.

Serves 6.

Optional but good: Zaatar dusted pita:

Before toasting, sprinkle with zaatar

Zaatar is a blend of thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds and sumac. Sumac comes from a shrub common in the Middle East which can grow up to 33 feet (the age which Jesus died). It has a tart, lemony flavor and the berries, or drupes, are called “bobs” and are dried to produce a red spice.

*****

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good morning!  Happy Feast of St. Bridget of Sweden and St. John Cassian!  On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell talk to Mike Aquilina about this Church Father and trainer of monks.  Other guests include Fr. Philip-Michael Tangorra to talk about the role of grandparents in transmitting the faith, as we approach the feast of the grandparents of Jesus, and Gary Zimak with this week’s verse to help ease anxiety.

*****

Prayer of St. Augustine

Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would have not been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.

*****

Cincinnati Right to Life is online at cincinnatirighttolife.org.

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy feast of St. Mary Magdalene! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Amy Welborn to discuss the real Mary beyond the myths and legends. Other guests include Fr. Boniface Hicks with more thoughts on personal prayer, and Kris McGregor to reflect on the Office of Readings. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…

*****

Collect for the feast of St. Mary Magdalene

O God, whose Only Begotten Son entrusted Mary Magdalene before all others with announcing the great joy of the Resurrection, grant, we pray, that through her intercession and example we may proclaim the living Christ and come to see him reigning in your glory. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

*****

Dr. Benjamin Reinhard, author of The High Hallow: Tolkien’s Liturgical Imagination

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy feast of St. Lawrence of Brindisi! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to discuss the legacy of this Capuchin friar and Doctor of the Church. Other guests include Brendan Hodge from The Pillar with data on non-practicing Catholics, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports, and more…

*****

Collect for the Feast of St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Almighty God,
for the glory of Your Name
and the salvation of souls,
You conferred upon St. Lawrence,
the spirits of counsel and fortitude.
Grant us, in the same Spirit,
to know what we are to do,
and through his prayers,
to do what we have come to know.
We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

*****

Full list of guests

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.