The Cyndi Peterson Show - Inspiring Your Catholic Faith

A priest notices a man repeatedly leaving Mass immediately after receiving Holy Communion. One day, he sends two altar servers to follow him down the street, each carrying a lighted candle. Why would a priest do such a thing? In this short episode, Cyndi shares a memorable story about St. Philip Neri that offers a powerful reminder of Who we receive in the Eucharist—and why the moments following Holy Communion deserve our love, attention, and reverence.

What happened when a Catholic exorcist asked an ordinary woman to bless her own food? Monsignor Stephen Rossetti recounts an unusual encounter at a restaurant involving a woman who claimed to see demons. What happened when dessert arrived offers a surprising lesson about the importance of our own prayers. In this episode, Cyndi Peterson explores what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about the ability of baptized Catholics to offer blessings, why we don't always need a priest to ask God's blessing, and the importance of praying with faith and confidence. You may never think about your ordinary prayers quite the same way again. Source: Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, Exorcist Diary: Don't Eat a Demon Catechism of the Catholic Church: Paragraphs 1669 and 1671.

Why do we repeat a Roman centurion's words just before receiving Communion? A story in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist brought that question to mind. The Gospel account behind the words points us toward humility, faith, and a man who came to Jesus for someone he loved. The next time you hear those words at Mass, pause and ask: Do I trust Jesus to heal me? And do I bring the people I love to him?

We make time for so many things in our daily lives, but how much time do we spend learning about God and growing in our faith? The saints and great spiritual teachers of the Church have long emphasized the importance of spiritual reading. Without it, we can find ourselves spiritually stagnant, even after years of practicing our faith. In this episode, Cyndi shares insights from Fr. Chad Ripperger, Fr. John Hardon, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and Archbishop Fulton Sheen on why spiritual reading matters. She also recommends four excellent Catholic books that can help deepen your prayer life, strengthen your trust in God, and bring new understanding and appreciation to your Catholic faith. The challenge is simple: Always have a good spiritual book you're actively reading. Even ten minutes a day can make a difference. Here are four excellent Catholic books I recommend for anyone wanting to deepen their faith and grow closer to God. 1. Searching for and Maintaining Peace — Fr. Jacques Philippe A short, practical book about learning to trust God, overcome worry and discouragement, and maintain peace of heart even during life's difficulties. View or order from Scepter Publishers 2. The Better Part — Fr. John Bartunek, LC An excellent resource for developing a deeper relationship with Jesus through meditation on the four Gospels. It helps turn Scripture reading into personal prayer and can be used for years as a daily prayer companion. View or order from Sophia Institute Press 3. Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist — Dr. Brant Pitre A fascinating exploration of the connections between the Old Testament, the Jewish Passover, and Jesus' institution of the Eucharist. This book can deepen your understanding and appreciation of Christ's Real Presence and the Holy Mass. View or order from Ignatius Press 4. The Fulfillment of All Desire — Ralph Martin Drawing on the wisdom of seven great Doctors of the Church, this comprehensive guide explains the stages of spiritual growth, the obstacles to holiness, and our journey toward deeper union with God. View or order from Renewal Ministries Read Fr. Hardon's complete article        

St. Louis de Montfort recounts an extraordinary story about St. Dominic, 15,000 demons, and the power of the Rosary. Cyndi shares this remarkable account along with testimony from Padre Pio and Catholic exorcists about why the Rosary has long been called a powerful weapon against the demonic. It is a vivid reminder of the power of every Hail Mary—and why we should never underestimate the power of the Rosary Mary so ofter implores us to pray.

The Gospel of Matthew introduces Joseph simply as "the husband of Mary." But have you ever wondered how he became her husband in the first place? Scripture doesn't tell us how Joseph was chosen. But ancient Christian tradition—and a remarkable account from the 17th-century mystic Venerable Mary of Ágreda—offers a fascinating backstory. In this episode, Cyndi shares Ágreda's account of the selection of Joseph and uncovers a surprising connection to the Old Testament that makes one detail of the story especially significant. But the deeper question is not only how Joseph was chosen. It is what he was chosen for. Pope St. John Paul II provides the answer—and it reveals just how extraordinary Joseph's vocation really was. A beautiful look at the hidden calling of St. Joseph, the choice God placed before him, and the quiet yes that helped change the course of salvation history.

We tend to think about everything angels can do that we cannot. But what if the Catholic understanding of suffering reveals something extraordinary that human beings can do that even angels cannot? A comment from Fr. Dan Reehil led Cyndi to look at human weakness, Christ's Cross, and our place in God's plan from a completely different direction. What Christ did with suffering changes what our own pain can become—and reveals that even when we think we have nothing left to give, we may still have something powerful to offer.

Dr. Dan Schneider was assisting during an exorcism when something happened that stopped the session. What happened next—and what changed when one of the men returned to the room—offers a remarkable way of looking at something familiar in the Catholic faith. It also raises a much deeper question: When our sins begin to define us, is that how God sees us? This story may change the way you see what is waiting for you when you come home to the Father. References & Further Listening The Shawn Ryan Show — Episode #224 Dan Schneider — U.S. Army Attack Helicopter Pilot Turned Exorcist Assistant Released August 4, 2025 The discussion referenced in this episode begins at approximately 17:15, with the story of the trainee priest and Confession beginning around 17:36. Schneider's discussion of the demon no longer recognizing the priest after Confession, followed by his explanation of sin as a "pattern break," begins around 17:56. Official episode: https://shawnryanshow.com/blogs/the-shawn-ryan-show/srs-224-dan-schneider-u-s-army-attack-helicopter-pilot-turned-exorcist Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1468 "The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship." See also CCC §1465, which describes the priest in the Sacrament of Penance as a sign of "the Father who awaits the prodigal son and welcomes him on his return."

Does God ever lead us toward sin? When we pray, "Lead us not into temptation," the words can sound as though we are asking God not to tempt us—but Scripture tells us clearly that God tempts no one. In this episode, Cyndi explains what this often-misunderstood petition of the Our Father actually means, the important difference between being tested and being tempted, and why temptation itself is not the same as consenting to sin. She also uncovers a beautiful connection hidden in the order of the Lord's Prayer: in "forgive us our trespasses," we ask for mercy after we have fallen; in "lead us not into temptation," we ask for grace when temptation comes, before we fall again. The Our Father is more than a prayer to memorize. It is the loving guidance of a Father who knows exactly what his children need to remain close to him and grow in holiness.

  Why does St. John tell us that Mary Magdalene mistook the risen Jesus for the gardener? In this episode, Cyndi looks at Mary's encounter with Christ outside the empty tomb and a fascinating reflection from St. Gregory the Great. Mary may have been mistaken about who was standing before her—but she may not have been entirely mistaken about what He was doing. This small detail in John's Gospel reveals something beautiful about the way Christ works within the human heart. Even when our prayers seem unanswered, suffering does not make sense, or we cannot see what God is doing, He may be closer than we realize—patiently bringing forth new life within us. The challenge this week is simple: Don't leave the garden too soon. References The Gospel According to John 19:41; 20:1–18 John identifies the location of the tomb as a garden and recounts Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus. Read John 20 through the USCCB St. Gregory the Great, Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 25 Gregory reflects on Mary remaining at the tomb, Christ calling her by name, and her mistaken belief that He was the gardener. This homily contains the reflection: "Was he not spiritually a gardener for her, when he planted the fruitful seeds of virtue in her heart by the force of his love?" English translation by David Hurst, O.S.B., Cistercian Publications, 1990. "Mary Magdalene—Gregory the Great" An accessible excerpt from Homily 25, including Gregory's reflections on Mary's love, perseverance, and recognition of Christ. Read the excerpt at Crossroads Initiative