Catholic Exchange

Dr. Alex Lessard joins the podcast to discuss the organization Adeodatus, "an educational nonprofit organized to support the ongoing renewal of Catholic liberal education through conferences, community-building, publication, consulting, and due diligence."Dr. Lessard touches upon:The importance of the liberal arts and the role of the Church in educationThe whole-person approach to education vs. the utilitarian modern modelThe true purpose of learning: the ascent to wisdom and knowledge of GodWhy any scholar, when divorcing an academic field from its teleological end in God, loses expertise of the field itselfResources for grassroots implementation of Catholic principles of formationTechnology in education: how we must control the tools lest they control usListeners can learn more at adeodatus.com. The first of three annual conferences is taking place later this month.Support the show

Catholic Exchange contributor Mary Beth Bracy  resolved on Divine Mercy Sunday to be "married to Jesus Christ immortal." She joins the podcast to share about her vocation as a Consecrated Virgin in the world. Mary Beth sheds light on:Saints who were consecrated virgins and the role of this vocation in the early ChurchHer resolutions, daily responsibilities, and prayer routineThe community aspect of consecrated virginity, and role in parish lifeMaintaining her perpetual Eucharistic adoration chapelThe importance of spiritual directionHow writing helped her to discernTips for discerning any vocationMary Beth's writing can be found at Catholic Exchange and on her blog, The Little Way.If you enjoyed this discussion, please consider supporting the show.Support the show

Author Marlene Watkins joins the podcast to discuss her recent book Everyday Miracles of Lourdes:  Twenty Extraordinary Experiences Along the Way to the Grotto.Marlene covers:The ministry and mission of the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American VolunteersHow Marlene's life was forever changed by her first trip to LourdesThe 70 approved, documented miracles of Lourdes, plus the 7800+ testimonies of healingsHow Our Lady of Lourdes continues to provide medical healings to this day, as well as spiritual healings and miraculous conversionsHow the peace and joy at Lourdes alleviates doubts and revitalizes the faith of pilgrimsHow Mary won over the heart of one Protestant convertHow you can access the special graces of Lourdes--on pilgrimage or at homeIf you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting the show.Support the show

Catholic historian and writer Elena Maria Vidal sets the record straight on the oft-maligned Catholic Queen of France and martyr of the Revolution. While candidly acknowledging the queen's faults, Elena's work paints a portrait of Marie Antoinette in all her complexity.Drawing from her years of research, Elena discusses:Popular misconceptions about the queen, then and nowThe origin of the "let them eat cake" rumorWhat modern TV series and movies get wrongMarie Antoinette's strong Catholic faith and moral character, and many recorded charitable worksThe deeply Catholic milieu of the French court and its role in ChristendomThe truly demonic nature of the French Revolution and its pagan "Cult of Reason"How the queen was able to secretly receive the sacraments before her deathMarie Antoinette's piety and equanimity at the guillotineElena has written several books about Marie Antoinette and her family, including two novels and a biography. They are available at the links below:Marie-Antoinette, Daughter of the Caesars: Her Life, Her Times, Her LegacyTrianon:  A Novel of Royal FranceMadame RoyaleHer latest research focuses on the Stuart dynasty. She blogs at https://teaattrianon.blogspot.com/. +If you enjoyed this discussion, please consider supporting the show.Support the show

Fr. Michael Rennier joins the podcast to discuss his new book The Forgotten Language: How Recovering the Poetics of the Mass Will Change Our Lives.Father Michael discusses:His conversion story: from Pentecostal student, to Episcopal priest, to Catholic priestHow the transcendence and wonder of the Mass played a role in his conversionCombatting pride and surrendering to God's willWhy beauty challenges us, as opposed to sentimental gratificationHow beauty, as an "encounter with eternity," communicates theological truthsHow to alleviate boredom at MassSimple ways for parish priests to instill beauty in their liturgy and church buildingsIf you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting the show.Support the show

Catholic therapist and author Bob Schuchts joins the podcast to discuss the latest edition of his classic book Be Healed: A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life.Bob addresses:Emotional pain and the Seven Deadly Sins Lessons from decades as a therapist and the work of the John Paul II Healing CenterForgiveness and healing within the familyJesus as the Physician of Souls and the saints as our guidesSupport the show

Longtime culture-warrior and conservative author Bill Donohue joins the podcast to discuss his new book War on Virtue: How the Ruling Class Is Killing the American Dream.Bill shares his opinions on:The "vital virtues" that are prerequisites to successWhy Hollywood's depravity is a coordinated effort to corrupt hearts and mindsWokeism as a replacement religionHow average American Catholics can protect themselves and their children in the culture warSupport the show

In this episode, Kristen speaks with Archduke Eduard Habsburg, Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See, about his forthcoming book The Habsburg Way.Eduard outlines seven rules for a holy and happy life, including:Get Married (and have lots of children)Be Catholic (and practice your faith)Believe in the Empire (and subsidiarity)Die Well (and have a memorable funeral!)We discuss several noteworthy figures from his ancestry, and how each of these principles guided both their public and private lives.Learn about:The tensions between the Faith and diplomacyThe recipe for a successful Catholic marriageThe differing Habsburg reactions to the Reformation and the Enlightenment, and how these affected the ChurchThe principle of subsidiarity as the bedrock of governance How the United States and the Habsburg Empire are more alike than you think!Support the show

In this episode, Catholic actress, speaker, and author of Pure Power  Nicole Abisinio joins us to discuss her background and current work in Catholic filmmaking.Nicole opens up about:Her background in Hollywood and her dramatic conversion to CatholicismHow she spreads the Gospel message in the filmmaking industryPureflix, the wholesome alternative to Netflix Her newly released project, The Advocate, spreading awareness about human traffickingThe spiritual warfare battles that surround us every dayLifelong healing through prayer and the sacraments Support the show

Phillip Campbell is a Catholic author, teacher, publisher, and regular contributor to Catholic Exchange.Join us as we discuss:-The writing process from idea to execution-The future of Catholic literature-How to instill a love of reading in your children-How living in the digital age changes how we read and reduces reading comprehension-Homeschooling options for Catholic families Links:Phillip's latest book Wounds of Love, a story about Padre Pio for young adultsThe Church and the Dark AgesCruachan Hill Press: "Catholic Books for Nerdy Intellectuals"Homeschool ConnectionsArticles at Catholic ExchangeSupport the show