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The news cycle overwhelms us with tragedy—political assassinations, church shootings, global conflicts, and the cries of suffering people worldwide. Where do we turn when darkness seems to engulf our daily lives? This deeply moving episode offers a spiritual sanctuary through a special Mother's Day retreat that feels perfectly timed for our current moment of collective grief.

We journey together to the Garden of Gethsemane, reflecting on how Jesus himself responded when facing his greatest suffering—by turning to prayer. Following His divine example, we're invited to bring our heaviest burdens to the foot of the cross, looking to Mary's "Feminine Genius" as our guide. Her unimaginable strength watching her son die transforms our understanding of suffering, revealing how God can turn even the most horrific evil into the path of salvation.

The retreat begins with "Freedom from Fear," honouring Saint Anne, Mary's mother, whose quiet and little known life of raising the Mother of God reminds us that our daily tasks as mothers—cooking, cleaning, teaching—become part of God's Divine plan when done with love. Sheila's personal testimony of healing through Saint Anne's intercession brings our Catholic faith n into our everyday lives, offering tangible hope when we feel most helpless.

Mary's humble "Yes" to God appears as weakness to a secular world, yet reveals the profound courage found in surrendering our will to God's greater purpose. Through beautiful prayers and a litany honouring Our Lady's  presence around the world, we're equipped to embrace our vocations with renewed trust and peace amid uncertainty.

To find the retreat, please search for "Prayerful and Powerful Retreat for Mothers with Our Lady"
https://hozana.org

To see more of Charlie Kirk's legacy, please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCfaIu2jO-fppCQV_lchCRIQ 

Please subscribe to the Veil and Armoir podcast for weekly inspiration that views Catholic motherhood through both a journalist's lens and a mother's heart. Let's journey together, finding strength to Be Brave, Bold, and Blessed even in life's darkest moments.

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"Who is that woman holding my baby?" 

This jarring moment of non-recognition became the catalyst for Maureen Brintnell's remarkable transformation journey. After years of putting everyone else first, this homeschooling mother of eight found herself staring at a Disney vacation photo, unable to recognize the exhausted stranger cradling her child.

In this powerful conversation, Maureen (now known as "The Alpha Momma") shares how this wake-up call led her to reclaim her health and deepen her faith during perimenopause. She walks us through the often-unspoken challenges of this 7-10 year transition that can begin as early as our mid-30s, causing symptoms far beyond hot flashes – from anxiety and fatigue to pelvic floor dysfunction and heart palpitations.

What makes Maureen's approach unique is her unwavering commitment to Catholic values. When conventional medicine offered only solutions incompatible with her faith, she forged her own path, developing strength training routines, nutrition frameworks, and stress management techniques that honor both body and soul. Her gym wall bears witness to this integration: "It would be a shame to work so hard to be fit for this world and be unfit for the kingdom."

Beyond physical transformations, Maureen guides women to reframe midlife as a preparation for continued purpose. She teaches practical strategies for engaging family support, measuring success beyond the scale, and discerning God's calling for the next chapter of life. Whether you're approaching perimenopause, navigating its challenges, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers concrete tools rooted in faith to help Catholic women thrive through every season.

Connect with Maureen at https://www.alphamomma.ca or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/@alphamommafit to learn more about her programs, including Catholic Midlife, designed specifically for women navigating these changes with faith as their foundation.

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A Remarkable Friendship of Faith: Cancer survivor Tammy Peterson and Catholic convert Queenie Yu 

A blessed Rosary and daily prayers in a hospital atrium sparked an extraordinary spiritual journey for Tammy Peterson. Recorded just five days before her confirmation into the Catholic Church, this intimate conversation reveals how suffering became the doorway to profound transformation.

Tammy's story begins with her daughter Mikhaela's childhood battle with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis—38 painful joints that left a young mother feeling helpless and questioning faith. Yet through this suffering, she found an unexpected connection with Mother Mary, who watched her own Son die on the Cross. This maternal bond became the foundation for a spiritual awakening years later when facing her own mortality.

When Queenie Yu brought a Rosary blessed by Pope Francis to Tammy's hospital room during her battle of a debilitating mystery illness post-cancer surgery, neither woman expected it would become a daily ritual spanning five weeks. Through these morning prayer sessions, Tammy not only learned the mysteries of the Rosary but began a deep process of reflection, grief, and spiritual growth. "It was the one orderly thing," Tammy recalls, "very deep because I was also going through my life."

The fruits of this transformation are evident throughout the conversation. Family members marvel at the dramatic changes in Tammy, with her husband noting how unusual it is to see someone of her age transform so completely. What emerges is a woman who remains deeply concerned for her loved ones but is no longer attached to controlling outcomes—a freedom born of surrender.

As Tammy prepared to take "Mary" as her Confirmation name before her Confirmation a year ago, she reflects on how she's "been looking for Mother Mary since I was a little kid." Her journey reminds us that conversion can be the sudden conversion like that of St. Paul or a result of the culmination of a lifetime of seeking truth, persevering in suffering, and ultimately, finding peace in surrender.

Have you experienced profound transformation through friendship or suffering? We'd love to hear your story. Share your thoughts and join our community of women seeking to live out their faith with courage and grace.

The Tammy Peterson Podcast can be found on all podcasting platforms, including YouTube and Apple Podcasts
https://youtube.com/@UCUwUe0mLO6vOob4NmBL4cpw 
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-tammy-peterson-podcast/id1624988035

Queenie Yu is the Director of Character Education at Hawthorn School for Girls in North York, Ontario
https://hawthornschool.com

To reach Veil + Armour (available on all podcasting platforms)
https://veilandarmour.com
https://www.instagram.com/@veilandarmour
https://www.x.com/@sheilanonato
https://veilandarmour.buzzsprout.com

To hear the conclusion of the story about Dr. Peterson's medical distress a few years ago, as told by his wife, Tammy, please watch or listen to this episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/39-tammy-peterson-prays-for-pope-francis-and-the/id1739137478?i=1000706745492

https://youtu.be/O8bGcrRl

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What happens when motherhood leaves you wondering who you are beyond diapers, carpools, or an empty nest? In this illuminating conversation with Jill Simons, Executive Director of Many Parts Ministries, we uncover how understanding your charisms—unique spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit—can transform your identity and purpose as a Catholic woman.

Jill explains the crucial distinction between gifts of the Holy Spirit (which all Christians receive) and charisms (which are unique to each person and meant for building the Church). This difference isn't just theological—it's deeply practical for mothers who often struggle with identity shifts when achievements, relationships, and routines change after having children.

"Our truest identity comes from what God says about us, not what we say about ourselves," Jill emphasizes, offering a powerful alternative to the identity confusion many women experience. Through Many Parts Ministries' assessment process, women can gain objective perspective on their spiritual gifts, discovering where God is calling them to serve within both their domestic church and the broader Catholic community.

Particularly fascinating is the concept of "seasonality" in our charisms. Just as motherhood evolves through different stages, the Holy Spirit often gives us new gifts for new seasons—whether we're new mothers, launching teens into adulthood, or entering our empty nest years. These charisms don't replace our vocation but rather empower us to live it more fully while continuing to grow in holiness.

For mothers of teenagers, Jill offers specific guidance on helping young people discover their own charisms, including a specially designed assessment for teens and strategies for supporting their discernment without overmanaging it. Her insights provide a roadmap for parents seeking to guide their children toward purposeful, faith-filled futures.

Ready to discover your unique spiritual gifts? Visit manypartsministries.com to take their assessment, access their communities, or explore their books and podcast. Your charisms aren't just for you—they're God's way of working through you to build His kingdom, one motherly moment at a time.

To find out more about Many Parts Ministries and receive their free guide to Charisms, please visit
https://manypartsministries.com
Jill Simons hosts the Charism for Catholics Podcast, available on all podcasting platforms
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/charisms-for-catholics/id1688464564

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Catholic sex and marriage coach, and moral theologian, Dr. Sarah Bartel shares her insights on marital intimacy from a Catholic perspective, explaining how sex is a physical renewal of our marriage vows and addressing common misconceptions that prevent couples from experiencing true intimacy.

• The Catholic understanding of sex as "body language" that renews our marriage vows
• Why there's no moral obligation for wives to always say "Yes" to sex all the time
• Distinction between spontaneous and responsive desire in men and women
• How socialization affects our comfort with sexual desire
• Common barriers to fulfillment including past trauma, pain, and negative messaging
• Using Scripture, especially Song of Songs, to develop a healthier view of sexuality within marriage
• Understanding Catholic teaching on responsible parenthood and Natural Family Planning
• The importance of open communication
• Creating emotional connection as the foundation for physical and emotional intimacy

Dr. Bartel's "My Delight" program offers Catholic women a safe community to ask questions anonymously and develop practical skills for greater intimacy. Learn more at https//canafeast.com

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To reach Veil + Armour, please visit:
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Girl Talk: Sheila interviews Cassandre about her wedding preparations and the importance of prayer during the engagement and after the wedding. This is Part 2 of the conversation.

Highlights:
9:03 Intuition entrusted in prayer
9:22 When Cassandre's fiance knew she was The One
10:17 "I knew a year and a half before that he was the one."
10:34 "I did not have a list."
11:36 First time Cassandre felt the Lord's presence while praying
12:01 Praying the Our Father
12:47 Wedding planner?
13:46 How do you navigate the wedding decisions? Who decides?
13:59 Amazing moms
14:53 Interior preparation
15:18 The decision of faith
15:35 Praying for our marriage
16:18 Are people praying for you on the Hozana app?
18:38 Impact of community prayer
18:56 "We are called to evangelize"
20:25 Veil + Armour Retreat for Mothers on the Hozana App
21:35 Women need that community of prayer
21:24 "An isolated Christian is a Christian in danger."
22:06 Mothers needing prayer
22:14 We need to uplift our mothers
23:13 How to sanctify social media
23:22 Testimony of prayer
24:07 Prayer intention for friend in distress
24:31 200 people prayed the intention
24:59 Answer to prayer
5:23 Power of Prayer
26:00 Cassandre's next chapter
26:15 Prayers for Cassandre
26:38 Million roses for Mother Mary
26:43 Three million roses for Mother Mary
27:48 Cultural and Spiritual Battle

We appreciate all of your prayers! And for watching, commenting and sharing the episode!
To be clear, there were no paid advertisements for this episode.  

Sheila mentioned the Buy Me A Coffee website which is a way for our subscribers and listeners to help support our podcast apostolate.
https://buymeacoffee.com/sheilanonato

For the free Hozana App, to pray with people around the world, please visit:
https://hozana.org
To pray the Rosary on a free app, the link is: https://rosario.app/en/

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A Young Catholic Bride prepares for her marriage in Paris, France.
Sheila speaks with Cassandre Verheslt from Paris, France, who has some bittersweet news for us!
Stay tuned to find out!

0:01 Cassandre's quote: Growing closer to Jesus
0:32 Welcome1:07 "Love is patient, love is kind." 1 Corinthians 1-13
2:39 Opening prayer
3:10 Cassandre's Announcement
5:10 Understanding French Wedding Traditions
5:55 Church Wedding follows the civil wedding
6:57 Do most people do the church wedding?
7:40 Marriage Preparation
10:30 Finding the dress
13:30 A veil?
14:17 Wedding cake Traditions
14:47 Princess Diana and Prince Charles' Wedding Cake
15:24 "Are you saving a slice of your wedding cake for next year?"
15:54 Sheila's wedding cake fiasco
17:44 Q: How did you meet?
22:45 Marriage prep
23:14 Blooper - cameo of my daughter
28:09 The 4 Pillars of Marriage
30:07 Marriage prep tips
31:51 "Find the good in what is bothering me"
33:19 "Was prayer part of your courtship?"
35:40 An hour of adoration per week and Mass
37:01 The Sanctity of Marriage mirroring the Holy Trinity
37:41 Final prayers and Congratulations to Cassandre and her husband

To find an online prayer group and join over a million people around the world praying together, pelase visit the free Hozana App: https://hozana.org
A free online Rosary prayer App is also available: https://rosario.app/en/

Support the show

To reach Veil + Armour, please visit:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@veilandarmour

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"For I know my Redeemer Lives."
The Book of Job, Chapter 19, Verse 25

Hear Part 2 of Jaylen Meyer's incredible Journey to Heaven, a young mother's story of overcoming addiction and finding Jesus through the Word of God.

How did she and her family face the cross of cancer?

The conclusion to her story, through the words of her dear friend, Catholic author, homeschooling Mom of 7, Charisse Tierney.

Stay tuned for this upcoming episode.

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all podcasting platforms

https://veilandarmour.buzzsprout.com

Thank you + God bless

Photo credit: @sheilanonato on X/Twitter

To contribute towards the publication of Jaylen Meyer's story, please connect with Charisse on her website:
https://charissetierney.com

Your prayers are much appreciated!

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all podcasting platforms
If hearing this story blessed you in some way, please share with a friend. Thank you!

Highlights:
4:13 Jaylen hanging on in the hospital
4:34 God's purpose
4:42 Visitors inspired by Jaylen
4:58 All for the love of God
5:03 She was in love with Jesus
5:11 Refusing pain meds
5:20 Journey of Suffering & Redemption
7:43 Conversion
8:42 The Diagnosis
9:14 "You're so young, it can't really be cancer."
9:50 More tests
10:05 The doctor's call
11:09 Impact upon her family
11:30 Chemo
13:02 Christmas
13:32 Another surgery
13:54 Stage 4
14:45 Family vacation
14:53 Pilgrimage
15:25 "You're going to be able to do this"
16:11 Praying for spiritual healing
16:14 Interior preparation for final days
16:24 Rollercoaster
16:54 Coming to terms with the end
17:56 Coming to terms with God
18:39 Finding Peace
19:09 Final hours
21:05 Father Jarrod's Homily
22:17 Flowers on her casket
23:01 Did she heal from childhood trauma?
23:55 St. Therese
24:23 First class relic
24:58 Resurrection
27:24 Forgiveness
28:18 What can we learn from Jaylen's example?
29:41 Trust in God
30:57 Father Jarrod's visit
30:44 Bride of Christ in Heaven
31:40 Living faith out loud
32:54 Father Jarrod's Blessing
33:27 How to detach from the world
34:01 How is Jaylen's family?
35:34 Message for mothers who are struggling
37:57 You are not alone
38:80 Writing the book
41:36 Final prayer: Divine Mercy
42:50 Conclusion: Bible Reading - Book of Job

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To reach Veil + Armour, please visit:
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Happy Feast of Corpus Christi!

In this episode of the Veil and Armour podcast, Sheila Nonato interviews Charisse Tierney, who shares the inspiring story of her beloved friend ,Jaylen Meyer. Charisse discusses her journey as a mother, writer, and musician, and how her friendship with Jaylen blossomed through shared experiences in faith and motherhood.

The conversation delves into Jaylen's struggles with addiction, her transformative relationship with the Bible, and her eventual conversion to Catholicism. Charise highlights Jaylen's unwavering faith, her approach to suffering, and the profound impact she had on those around her, culminating in the writing of a book about her life by her friend, Charisse, with the working title of "A Beautiful Soul."

Takeaways:
-Jaylen's story is one of transformation and faith.
-The title 'Beautiful Soul' reflects Jaylen's character.
-Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based spiritual formation for children.
-The Bible played a crucial role in Jaylen's healing journey.
-Jaylen's unexpected pregnancy led to her transformation into a devoted mother.
-Jaylen's conversion to Catholicism was a significant turning point in her life.
-Living a life of holiness involved simplifying her surroundings and prioritizing prayer.
-Jaylen's suffering was embraced as part of her spiritual journey.

Memorable quotes:
"She was a beautiful soul."
"She surrendered everything."

To support Charisse Tierney's work towards completing the book, "A Beautiful Soul," please visit:

https://www.charissetierney.com

https://www.youtube.com/@charissetierney

Support the show

To reach Veil + Armour, please visit:
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https://www.sheilanonato.com
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What resonated with you the most about this episode? Feel free to email us and let us know!
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Welcome back to Part II of the conversation with Dr. Dermot Kearney, former President of the Catholic Medical Association in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Kearney discusses Abortion Pill Reversal (APR), a medical treatment deemed controversial by pro-abortion groups, that can help women who change their minds after taking the first abortion pill mifepristone. His work providing this treatment in the UK has faced significant opposition despite evidence of its effectiveness and safety, highlighting tensions between "reproductive choice" advocacy and medical ethics.

• Abortion Pill Reversal has helped thousands of women continue pregnancies after taking mifepristone, according to some studies and Heartbeat International
• When administered promptly, progesterone treatment has approximately 55% success rate in continuing pregnancies
• Opposition evolved from claiming APR was "junk science" to falsely stating women don't change their minds
• Critics attempted to portray the treatment as dangerous despite progesterone's established safety record for pregnancy
• Science supports abortion pill reversal with animal studies showing 80% success when given within 24 hours
• No increased risk of birth defects for babies born after successful reversal treatment
• Dr. Kearney faces professional challenges but continues based on scientific evidence and women's need for this service
• Women who contact Dr. Kearney receive factual information without judgment - 35% choose not to proceed with reversal
• Medical ethics requires respecting all human life and supporting informed patient choices

Dr. Dermot Kearney is on social media: https://www.x.com/@dermotkearney3

Sources mentioned:

https://abortionpillreversal.com

https://heartbeatinternational.com

https://aaplog.com

American Association of Pro-life Obestetricians and Gynecologists

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