This is a Bonus Episode: Good Conversation, Lots of Laughter, Intimate sharing and yes...singing!

"He is truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity."

In this intimate and heartfelt episode, I sit down with a dear friend Anika Johnson to talk about the heart of our faith: Jesus in the Eucharist. Together, we explore how the Real Presence of Christ has captivated our hearts. Through stories, laughter and honest conversation, Anika and I delve into personal experiences of encountering Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, the beauty of The Mystical Body of Christ (community) and the life-giving power of this sacred mystery.

Anika shares a bit of her conversion story and how becoming Catholic started through an encounter of Jesus in the Eucharist.

We reflect on the Eucharist not only as a sacred mystery but also as the Pilgrim’s Diet—spiritual sustenance for those walking the road of faith—and the call to not only receive this gift, but to share it with the world, "Because Jesus is too much to keep for ourselves".

✨ Key Takeaways

• The Eucharist is central to the Catholic faith and sustains believers on their spiritual journey.
• Personal encounters with Jesus in the Eucharist can lead to deep transformation.
• Community is essential in nurturing faith and supporting one another on the pilgrimage.
• The Pilgrim’s Diet metaphor reminds us that the Eucharist is the soul’s true nourishment.
• Adoration and reception of the Eucharist foster intimate relationship with Christ.
• The Eucharist brings peace and healing, especially in times of trial.
• Recognizing Jesus’ Real Presence changes how we live and worship.
• The Eucharist is not just for us—it’s a mission to the world.

Closing Encouragement: Remember, Pilgrims — we are not alone. Jesus has given us His very self as our bread of life, food for our journey. In Him contains all Sweetness- all that we desire, all that we need is in Him. He is our very sustenance.

✨ Let’s be intentional on this earthly pilgrimage to heaven.

📲If this episode touched your heart, share it with a fellow pilgrim and don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes!

In this third episode of The Pilgrim's Heart Podcast, we begin unpacking the sacred tools given to us for our earthly pilgrimage — starting with the Gifts of The Holy Spirit.

I am joined by a dear friend and fellow pilgrim, Angèle Alonzo, for a heartfelt and Spirit-led conversation. Together, we reflect on what it means to intentionally live a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. With honesty and encouragement, we discuss how these gifts aren't just "extras" for the holy few — they are the very tools each of us needs to walk in our anointed call.

🔥 "It’s okay to pray, ‘Holy Spirit, let me use You.’"

We reflect on the truth that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the Body of Christ, for the building up of the Church, and for the advancing of the Kingdom of God on earth.

🕊️"To be open to the Gifts of the Spirit is not only our Christian right—it’s our Christian duty."

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus expresses “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” — Luke 12:49. We are invited into the fullness of relationship with God—Father, Son, and Spirit—and called to walk fearlessly with our Advocate, the Holy Spirit.

Call to Action: This week, let’s slow down and intentionally ponder:

• 🙏 How is the Holy Spirit prompting my heart today?
• 💬 Where might the Spirit be inviting me to healing, renewal, or courage?
• 🌬️How can I cultivate a deeper relationship with Him today?

Closing Encouragement: Remember, Pilgrims — we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is not only present… He desires relationship. Let’s open our hearts, pick up our spiritual tools, and walk this journey with purpose.

✨ Let’s be intentional on this earthly pilgrimage to heaven.

📲If this episode touched your heart, share it with a fellow pilgrim and don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes!

Though Easter is often celebrated as the season of glory and triumph, this year on earth was anything but straightforward. It was straight up wild! Life was “life-ing,” and the season that is supposed to feel light and victorious still held its fair share of sorrow, uncertainty, and tension. And yet—resurrection graces was still flowing.

In this episode, I am joined by dear friend Jameke Brown, a seminarian currently discerning the priesthood, for a meaningful conversation about the seasons of Lent and Easter—especially in the context of a Jubilee Year.

Together, Jameke and I reflect on personal experiences of Lent and Easter in 2025, sharing how:

• Even in Lent, a time traditionally marked by sorrow and penance, there are glimmers of joy, intimacy with Christ, and glory.

• Glory and suffering are inextricably linked in the life of Christ and in our own spiritual journeys.
• It's okay to feel the sorrowful mysteries even in the midst of the Glorious season.

Jameke also opens up about his journey in seminary— and what discernment looks like in real time.

The conversation also touches on the deeply emotional moment for the global Church: the death of Pope Francis and the election of our new Pope- Leo XIV. Sharing how the Church continues to be a living, breathing body that moves with the Holy Spirit—even through grief and transition.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• "The glory of Christ is inextricably linked to His suffering." - Jameke Brown. The resurrection doesn’t erase suffering—it transforms it.
• It’s okay if Easter doesn’t feel “glorious” in the traditional sense. God is still at work.
• God is present, even when we don’t feel Him. Our call is to keep showing up.
• "Intentionality begins with God. When He calls us to be intentional, He’s inviting us to respond to His deep intentional love."
• The Christian journey is always about holiness and love—not perfection, but presence.

👣 Whether you're in a season of Lent or living into the hope of Easter, may this episode remind you that God is not afraid of your sorrow—and He never asks you to walk the road alone.

💬 Let’s Connect: If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Pilgrim’s Heart Podcast for more authentic conversations between good friends and people with beautiful hearts sharing the highs and lows of our earthly pilgrimage, rooted in love, real life, and the mystery of faith.

Welcome, to the Pilgrim's Heart Podcast! This is the first episode, the Introductory episode.

I am Monique Romany, the co-host of this podcast and I am joined by two good friends; Thea and Stefanie, in this first episode.

We talk about the conception/birth of this podcast, hopes for the podcast, and a little nugget of what listeners should expect in this podcast.

The following excerpt guides our conversation: "The purpose of our life is to arrive at our final destiny-our home in heaven! God created us out of pure love so that we might know Him, love Him and serve Him in this life and be happy with Him forever in heaven. This is a simple but profound catechetical truth. To arrive at our final destination, heaven, we should carefully plan our route. If we do not, we will drive around like a chicken with its head cut off, as we have all experienced upon getting lost. Many people in the modern world have not the slightest idea where they came from, what their goal in life is, or how to reach that goal. They follow the most current fad, or their feelings, or the advice and suggestions of friends who are even more confused than they are. In the end, sadness and depression invade and permeate their whole being." - Fr. Ed Broom (Total Consecration Through the Mysteries of the Rosary: Meditations to prepare for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary)

We express that while living intentionally is a sacrifice, it is worth it. It is important to live intentionally and when we do so, we find power and joy in our journey. This is what it means to have a pilgrim's heart- being intentional.

Takeaways:

• Thea: "Intentional reliance on God."
• Stefanie: "Intentionality means making a choice. Take the time to figure out what kind of life you want and make the choice."
• Monique: "Intentionality is a sacrifice and that can be frustrating at times but practice it in the little things and eventually it will envelope your whole life and your relationship with God."

Resources:

• Total Consecration Through the Mysteries of the Rosary: Meditations to prepare for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary by Fr. Ed Broom OMV https://a.co/d/b9khk0c
• John 6:67-69
• Romans 5:3-5

Action:

Read and ponder the excerpt above. What is your takeaway from our sharing? How can you be more intentional on your earthly pilgrimage?

This is an announcement episode for a new podcast.

The Pilgrim's Heart Podcast: where we meet as friends and share the hearts of men and women who are on an intentional journey toward God.

Here we'll laugh, we'll cry, we'll be encouraged.

Listen to hear when is the first episode and what it's going to be about.