In this meditation for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14), Fr. Marty Miller draws upon the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Josemaria Escriva to share how struggles, contradictions, and even ordinary duties can become moments of joy when lived with love for Christ.

Listen now to reflect on:

• How the cross transforms suffering into holiness
• The importance of starting each day with the “heroic minute”
• St. Josemaria’s encouragement to trust God’s plans, even in small beginnings
• How the cross draws us beyond our own goals to God’s glory

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In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina helps us to prepare our hearts for the feasts of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8) and Mary's Holy Name (September 12). Her feasts remind us, like St. Joseph, that God is also telling us, “Do not be afraid to take Mary” (Mt 1:20). Mary is a wonderful reality that makes us want to do like St. Joseph, like St. John the Apostle, and bring her into our lives and into everything.

In human history, there is a deep line that divides it into two: before and after Jesus Christ. Because of divine providence, we happen to be in the afterwards of His birth and life; and that happened, in part, because of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is wonderful to think about the unity between Mary and Jesus: both hearts beating at the same rhythm, both eyes looking at the same people with the same love, both of them connected in a beautiful symphony of thoughts, loves, and desires. They both look at us individually, wanting to help us in every step we take and in every situation we live.

The connection that we have with Mary is very special. The good news is that it's not just for some people, it's for everyone, just like the love of God that precedes us.

So, on Mary's birthday, we unite ourselves to thank God for creating such a beautiful Mother, for pouring all His imagination, all His creativity in such a wonderful human being. And especially we want to say thank you for sharing His Mother with us, for giving us the possibility of calling her Mother, and to be adopted in such a wonderful family.

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How is your spiritual life influenced by what you love?

Drawing upon the life of St. Augustine, whose feast day is celebrated on August 28, Msgr. Martin Schlag helps us to see how the choice between love of God and love of the world shapes our personal holiness and the very foundations of society. By ordering our loves toward God, we discover true freedom, authentic friendship, and our belonging to the City of God where our hearts find lasting joy.

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On August 22nd the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On today’s podcast, we reflect on the coronation of our Mother as Queen of the Universe. And, how as children of this Heavenly Queen we can learn to follow her example of reigning: Mary our Queen trusted all that the Lord spoke to her, and her answer remained a constant yes. Teach us to respond to the Lord with complete trust. Mary our Queen serves-- for to reign one must serve. Teach us to be faithful servants. Mary our Queen walks with purpose and usefulness. Teach us to follow in your footsteps being useful to the Lord.

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As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the life of faith modeled by Our Lady and how we too can be filled with a trust and joy that is unable to be shaken by difficulties.

Looking to her example, Msgr. Dolan explains that our life of faith can also prosper through contemplative prayer, docility to the Holy Spirit, and trust in the will of God as we seek to share the light of Christ in the world today.

In honor of this great feast of the Assumption, how will you continue to learn from Mary and ponder important things in your heart and to think deeply about the will of God in your life?

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In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio leads us to listen and reflect on the meaning of the Transfiguration of the Lord and how it should transform us today.

The Transfiguration of Jesus encourages us in our commitment to discipleship. When we commit to protracted prayer - deep, silent, concentrated prayer - we can see God through our eyes of faith and deeds of love. The mystery of Our Lord’s Transfiguration helps the apostles to trust in the Cross and to believe that there is no such thing as a failure when we follow Christ. By deeply meditating on the scene of Transfiguration, we begin to see him, to take on his capacity for self-giving love, and we become more empowered to give of ourselves with the heart of Jesus.

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In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the life and mission of St. Josemaria Escriva, describing him as an “envelope with terrific content,” a reference to his profound spiritual legacy. Fr. Peter focuses especially on St. Josemaria’s love for the Eucharist and how he transmitted that love to others.

Listen now to reflect on:

• How St. Josemaria centered his life on the Eucharist, calling it the source of strength for Christian life and apostolate.
• Why the laity, living in the middle of the world, are uniquely called to spread the Gospel.
• The transformative power of ordinary life when lived in friendship with Christ and deep Eucharistic devotion.
• How personal holiness doesn’t require extraordinary gifts but faithfulness in daily duties, love for the Mass, and love for others.
• The legacy of St. Josemaria, especially as the “saint of the ordinary,” who reminds us that every Christian is called to be a saint where they are planted.

Fr. Peter also shares personal anecdotes St. Josemaria's humility and fatherly love, offering a holy example and encouragement for us to also be witnesses of joy and humility in the world.

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In our meditation of the week: Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the spirit of the Jubilee of Youth, inviting young people, and all who are young at heart, to rediscover the joyful call of Christ amidst the challenges of life.

Drawing from the parable of the wheat and weeds (Matthew 13), Fr. Leo reminds us that the Christian journey is not about eradicating every difficulty or fixing every flaw immediately. Like the disciples who gathered around Jesus after their missions, we are called to walk with Christ, grow stronger through adversity, and deepen our hope rooted in Him.

Listen now to reflect on:

• How the Jubilee of Youth is a celebration of hope—a call to embrace life’s mission with confidence and joy.
• The quiet strength we find when we recognize that God does not promise an easy path but promises his loving presence in every moment.
•  Why God allows trials to remain—not to discourage us, but to lead us to maturity, resilience, and deeper faith.
• How prayer, the sacraments, and Christian community anchor us like the Cross on the stormy seas of life, offering true hope and direction.

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In our meditation of the week:Fr. Fred Dolan reflects on the dramatic showdown between the prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), commemorated in the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Fr. Fred highlights Elijah’s courage in standing alone for the truth and explains how Catholics today are called to live with similar conviction in a world that often abandons its spiritual foundations.

Listen now to reflect on:

• Elijah’s bold witness on Mount Carmel in defense of the true God
• How modern society imitates idolatry through rootlessness and cultural fads
• Pope Francis’s warning about building lives without strong spiritual roots
• The vital role of doctrine, Church history, and daily study in forming conviction
• How God's grace, the power of truth, and a friendly approach, help us conquer false prophets


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In our meditation of the week: Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary in every step of the way of our lives and vocation. Marking the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Shrine of Torreciudad (Spain), Fr. Leo  draws from the Gospel of Luke, the life of St. Josemaria Escriva, and the Church’s mission to recall and praise Mary’s role in guiding us with strength, peace, and joy.

Listen now to reflect on:

• Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth as a model of divine initiative and joyful urgency
• St. Josemaria’s miraculous healing and enduring gratitude to Our Lady
• Torreciudad as a visible expression of Marian devotion and mission
• Pope Leo’s call to renew the Church through dedication to our interior lives
• How Mary strengthens our interior life and vocation with peace and purpose
• The assurance of Mary’s presence in temptation, sorrow, and daily life

As mentioned in the meditation: Pocket Crucifix, Marian Shrine of Torreciudad - Official Website

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