Advent begins with a challenge: wake up. Not in a harsh or anxious way, but in the deeply spiritual sense of rousing the soul from distraction, numbness, and drift. In this episode, we explore Jesus’ urgent call to stay awake — and why it speaks directly into the heart of every man.

Drawing on Isaiah’s prophecy of light, St Paul’s call to shake off spiritual sleep, and Jesus’ command to be vigilant, this episode looks at the places where men often grow dull or discouraged. We explore:

• why many men feel spiritually tired without realising it

• how distraction, comfort, and routine quietly weaken the soul

• the masculine meaning of vigilance and readiness

• how Advent awakens purpose, clarity, and spiritual hunger

• the example of St Joseph as a man who listens, rises, and acts

• how Lasallian spirituality helps men notice God in daily life

This powerful reflection invites men to begin Advent with honesty, attentiveness, and expectation — discovering that Christ is already drawing near.

If you’re longing for a fresh start, greater clarity, or renewed spiritual strength, this episode will help you wake up and walk into Advent with purpose.

In this opening episode of the new-look Annunciation Podcast, we explore the virtue every Catholic man needs in this moment: endurance.

Rooted in the readings of the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), this episode breaks open Christ’s words — “By your endurance you will save your lives” — and examines what real spiritual endurance looks like for men today.

We dive into:

• why men lose heart and how Scripture restores hope

• the difference between stoicism and Christian endurance

• how responsibility strengthens a man’s soul

• the forces that quietly erode masculine resilience

• where endurance must be practised: prayer, purity, work, mission

• why hidden faithfulness becomes the foundation of holiness

Drawing on Isaiah, St Paul, Jesus’ apocalyptic teaching, and the quiet strength of Lasallian spirituality, this episode challenges and encourages men to rise with renewed perseverance.

If you’re tired, stretched, or spiritually weary, this episode will give you clarity, courage, and a way forward.

This short but important episode explains the new direction of The Annunciation Podcast and why we are intentionally focusing on the formation of Catholic men — practising, lapsed, and searching.

Sean shares the cultural, spiritual, and pastoral reasons behind this change, and how it connects to the wider mission of Annunciation, a new apostolate dedicated to helping men grow in virtue, prayer, purpose, and leadership.

This is not a rebrand — it’s a refining of the mission God has been building all along.

In this episode of the Annunciation Podcast, Sean reflects on the themes of memory and mercy, particularly in the context of remembrance activities.

He emphasises that true remembrance as Christians is not about despair but about hope and love.

Drawing from the Gospel of John, he discusses Jesus' cleansing of the temple as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the importance of honouring sacrifices made in the past.

The conversation highlights the role of gratitude in fostering peace and encourages listeners to embody these principles in their daily lives.

In this episode of The Annunciation Podcast, Sean Purcell reflects on the profound concept of the communion of saints, exploring its beauty and challenges.

He discusses the church as a family, the three dimensions of the church (militant, suffering, and triumphant), and the significance of purgatory and heaven.

The conversation emphasises the importance of belonging, community, and the interconnectedness of all believers, both living and departed.

Sean invites listeners to remember their loved ones in prayer and highlights the modern relevance of the communion of saints in a fragmented world.

If you would like to join our free online community - The Annunciation Network, click on the link here where you can also leave the names of those departed you wish to remember in prayers.

In this episode of the Annunciation Podcast, Sean delves into the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, exploring themes of humility, mercy, and the true nature of prayer. He emphasises the importance of approaching God with honesty and vulnerability, contrasting the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humble plea of the tax collector. The discussion highlights the strength found in mercy, the dangers of self-sufficiency, and practical ways to embody humility in daily life. Ultimately, the episode calls listeners to embrace God's mercy and live authentically in their faith.

Keywords:

Pharisee, tax collector, humility, mercy, prayer, St John Paul II, confession, Christian life, honesty, freedom

In this episode of The Annunciation Podcast, Sean reflects on the life and legacy of St. John Paul II, emphasising the theme of courageous faith. He explores how St. John Paul II exemplified perseverance through prayer and action, the importance of speaking truth with love, and how to live out one's faith in a modern context. The discussion is anchored in scriptural references and personal anecdotes, encouraging listeners to embody the virtues of hope, gentleness, and steadfastness in their daily lives.

Keywords:

St. John Paul II, courageous faith, perseverance, prayer, truth, love, evangelization, Catholicism, hope, mission

In this episode of The Annunciation Podcast, Sean explores what “mission” really means for ordinary Catholics today — not as something reserved for priests or professional evangelists, but as the quiet, daily witness of Christian life.

Drawing on the Gospel of Matthew 22:1–14, The Parable of the Wedding Feast, he reflects on how mission begins not with speeches, but with invitation — with lives that make others curious about God.

Through stories from classroom life, insights from the saints, and simple spiritual wisdom, this episode invites you to see mission not as something you do, but something you are.

St John Henry Newman — scholar, convert, and soon-to-be Doctor of the Church — stands as one of the most influential Catholics in British history.

In this episode of The Annunciation Podcast, Sean explores Newman’s remarkable journey from Oxford scholar to Catholic saint, why his thought still matters for Catholics in the UK today, and what it means for him to be recognised as a Doctor of the Church.

Through history, Scripture, and prayer, discover how Newman’s search for truth, his deep understanding of conscience, and his integration of faith and reason continue to inspire believers navigating modern life in Britain.

🔗 Resources & Links

• The Oratory of St Philip Neri (Birmingham Oratory) – https://www.birminghamoratory.org.uk

• Newman Society Oxford – https://newmansociety.co.uk

• Vatican Biography and Homily for Canonisation (2019) – https://www.vatican.va

• Books by Newman:

  • Apologia Pro Vita Sua

  • An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine

  • The Idea of a University

• Prayer “Lead Kindly Light” – widely available in Catholic prayer books and online.

  
  

💌 Stay Connected

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and share The Annunciation Podcast. Follow @annunciationsean on Instagram for more reflections.

October is more than falling leaves and pumpkin spice — it’s the month the Church dedicates to the Holy Rosary. In this episode of The Annunciation Podcast, Sean explores why October holds a special place for Marian devotion, the history behind the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and how the Rosary remains a powerful prayer for Catholics today.

You’ll also learn simple, practical tips to pray the Rosary more fruitfully — even if you’re busy or easily distracted — and hear how Scripture runs right through the beads.

💌 Stay Connected

If this episode blessed you, please subscribe, rate, and share The Annunciation Podcast with a friend!

🔗 Resources & Links

• How to Pray the Rosary (USCCB Guide): https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary

• Hallow App (audio Rosary): https://hallow.com

• Laudate App (Catholic prayers & devotions)