Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward

What are some of the strangest Eucharistic miracles in Church history? And why do these extraordinary events continue to fascinate believers and skeptics alike? Author Shaun McAfee joins Fr. Edward Looney to discuss his new book, Compendium of Eucharistic Miracles, published by TAN Books, which explores more than 100 accounts of Eucharistic miracles from around the world. From the famous Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano, Italy, to obscure and unusual accounts involving natural disasters, mysterious lights, and the Precious Blood, Shaun shares fascinating stories from his research. Fr. Edward also recalls his pilgrimage to Lanciano and a curious Eucharistic miracle in the Netherlands that he learned about through the movie Midwinter Break. Along the way, they discuss: Why Eucharistic miracles capture our imagination. Some of the strangest and least-known Eucharistic miracles. Different categories of miracles, including those involving doubt, natural disasters, and extraordinary light. What Shaun would say to a priest who doubts the Real Presence. A recent account involving a priest in Minneapolis. Shaun's favorite Eucharistic miracle to share with others. Most importantly, how can these extraordinary stories lead us to a deeper love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Whether you're already devoted to the Eucharist or simply curious about these remarkable accounts, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. Learn more about Shaun's book, Compendium of Eucharistic Miracles, from TAN Books: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/compendium-of-eucharistic-miracles-an-encyclopedia-of-miraculous-events-confirming-the-real-presence/

What happens when religious sisters who have spent their lives caring for others grow older and find themselves in need of care? And what happens when a religious community approaches the end of its existence? Filmmaker Linda Corley joins Fr. Edward Looney to discuss her new PBS documentary, Walking My Sister Home, which explores the challenges facing aging Catholic sisters and the uncertain future of some religious communities. In this conversation, Linda shares how she selected the religious orders featured in the documentary, the different challenges sisters face in the United States, Mexico, and Africa, and how even small donations can make a significant difference. They also discuss the future of religious life, what surprised Linda during filming, and the moving story of the sisters in Tiffin, Ohio, whose community is approaching its final chapter. Discover what these remarkable women taught Linda about faith, service, aging, and leaving a lasting legacy. Watch the documentary: Visit https://walkingmysisterhome.com to learn more about the film and where to watch it. Walking My Sister Home is also available for streaming through PBS.org.

When was the last time you received something exciting in the mail? Not a bill, advertisement, or junk mail, but something that brought you joy? In a world where so much of our communication is digital, Brianna and Kateri are helping bring back the joy of receiving something tangible through The Heavenly Post, a Catholic snail mail club. Each month, subscribers receive an envelope filled with Catholic inspiration, including a letter, an art print, a recipe card, a sticker, a saint prayer card, a QR code linking to a Christian music playlist, and a little surprise. In this episode, Brianna and Kateri share the inspiration behind The Heavenly Post, including Kateri's initial reaction when invited to become involved. We discuss what goes into preparing each month's mailing and whether subscribers put the contents to use, such as trying the recipes and sharing their creations. Who subscribes to a Catholic mail club? Is it primarily for women? How much does it cost, and is the subscriber base growing? And what does the post office think when all those envelopes arrive to be mailed? We also discuss their "Sponsor a Sister" initiative, which allows people to send Catholic mail to religious sisters. Kateri shares a little of her conversion story, and we hear how their families have responded to this creative endeavor. Perhaps this conversation will inspire you to look forward to checking your mailbox again! Learn more about The Heavenly Post: https://theheavenlypost.com/

There are 94 Catholic basilicas in the United States, and Grady Connolly has visited every single one of them! What began as a fascination with one basilica became a remarkable pilgrimage across the country. In this episode, Grady shares the story of his first basilica visit, how the idea of visiting every American basilica came about, and what he learned along the way. What makes a church a basilica? What is the significance of the bell and umbrella found in basilicas? What does Grady do when he visits one? And are there churches in America that should be designated basilicas but aren't? Grady also reveals his three favorite basilicas and shares a beautiful encounter from his travels that remains with him to this day. His journey inspired his new book, Basilicas: A Pilgrim's Guide to America's Most Remarkable Catholic Churches, published by Ave Maria Press. If you've ever visited a basilica or wondered what makes these churches special, Grady's story might inspire you to begin a pilgrimage of your own. Get Grady's book: https://www.avemariapress.com/collections/pilgrimage-collection/products/basilicas

When Laura Frederickson's eight-year-old son Francisco was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood brain cancer, her life changed forever. In this episode, Laura introduces us to Francisco and shares what happened in the days following his diagnosis. How do you make the most of the time you have with a son who is dying? What role did prayer and the intercession of the saints, especially St. Carlo Acutis, play during his illness? Initially given only six to nine months to live, Francisco lived for 18 months. How does a mother prepare for the death of her child when she knows it is coming? What were Francisco's final days like? And how did his family celebrate his life at his funeral? Throughout his illness, Francisco looked forward to what he called "Heaven's Party." Laura shares how his faith and hope shaped their family's journey, why she wrote the book Pilgrim of Hope, and why Francisco's story continues to matter. This is a conversation about faith, suffering, a mother's love, and the hope of eternal life. Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Pilgrim-Hope-Childs-Terminal/dp/B0HHJ54LVX/

Fr. John Bartunek, LC, spent time on the set of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. In this episode, he begins by sharing memories from that experience before turning to a book that has profoundly influenced Fr. Edward's spiritual life and preaching: The Better Part. Why did Fr. Bartunek write The Better Part? How is the book organized, and what makes its reflections on the Gospels so helpful for prayer? Fr. Bartunek and Fr. Edward share some of their favorite Gospel passages and discuss how Scripture continues to speak to our lives. With The Better Part now available as an app, what's different from the original book? And Fr. Edward asks an intriguing question: If Fr. Bartunek were writing the book today, what would he do differently? Discover more videos, reflections, and spiritual resources from Fr. Bartunek at RCspirituality.org. https://sophiainstitute.com/promo/the-better-part/?srsltid=AU7gw4Xnvh7I8RUvcGM9jMYTB9kym8YWy7yyCZIcV2yCYfXkVtAQtYvW

October is Respect Life Month, a time when Catholics are invited to reflect on what it truly means to be pro-life—not only in what we believe, but in what we do. Fr. Edward Looney welcomes Deacon Kevin Cummings, a permanent deacon from Kansas who is doing remarkable pro-life work through Deacons of Hope and St. Mary’s Home for Mothers. Deacon Kevin shares his journey to the diaconate, including his years as a dentist for the Kansas City Chiefs, and how God eventually led him into a ministry serving pregnant women experiencing homelessness. Their conversation explores the founding and expansion of residential homes for mothers, the mission of Deacons of Hope as a clerical association for deacons, and the practical ways Catholics can help women choose life. Deacon Kevin also explains why he would like to change the way we talk about the term “pro-choice.” Pro-life people want women to have real choices, real assistance, and real alternatives so that choosing life is truly possible. They also discuss how this ministry can become a place of healing for women who have experienced abortion. Fr. Edward was so impressed by the work that at one point he told Deacon Kevin, “I don’t know how more people don’t know about what you are doing.” After hearing this conversation, you probably will be wondering the same thing. Learn more: deaconsofhope.org stmaryshomeformothers.org

A simple shoebox can make an incredible difference in the life of a child. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney talks with Michele Sagarino of Cross Catholic Outreach about Boxes of Joy, a ministry bringing Christmas gifts—and the love of Christ—to children living in poverty around the world. This year, Boxes of Joy is celebrating an extraordinary milestone: the delivery of its one millionth box! Michele shares the history and mission of Cross Catholic Outreach and explains how Boxes of Joy works. Is it a Catholic alternative to Operation Christmas Child? What should you put in a box—and what should you leave out? What does Cross Catholic Outreach add before the boxes are delivered? You’ll also hear moving stories from the mission field, learn what happens when the boxes reach children and their families, and discover how you can participate even if your parish does not sponsor Boxes of Joy. A small box can become a powerful expression of generosity, faith, and Christmas joy. Learn more and get involved at boxofjoy.org.

What do St. John Paul II, John Wayne, the saints, cowboys, classic novels, Westerns, and even Clint Eastwood have to teach Catholic men? Bear Wozniak joins Fr. Edward Looney to discuss his new book, Men of Grit and Grace: 365 Days with the Saints, Scripture, and the Wisdom of Men. Designed as a daily meditation book specifically for men, it brings together Scripture, Catholic tradition, the saints, literature, film, and culture to give men something substantial to reflect on each day. Fr. Edward asks Bear about the themes running through the year, how he found the many religious and secular quotations used in the book, and which saints have most influenced his own spiritual life. They also take a closer look at several meditations that caught Fr. Edward’s attention—from February 29 and May 10 to August 11 and October 5. And what about the man who doesn’t connect with the cowboy model of masculinity? Bear explains why the book’s vision of manhood is broader than one particular image—and even considers what Clint Eastwood might have to say to Catholic men today. Whether you are looking to deepen your own spiritual life or searching for a gift for a Catholic man in your life, Men of Grit and Grace offers 365 days of faith, wisdom, challenge, and encouragement. Buy the book: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/men-of-grit-and-grace/?oid=868&affid=203

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified on September 24, and in this episode Fr. Edward Looney welcomes author and Sheen devotee Allan Smith to help us prepare for this historic moment. Allan shares what is happening in Peoria during Sheen Week and discusses his book The Soul of a Disciple, which helps readers encounter the spirituality and wisdom of Fulton Sheen. He also tells the story of how he became a disciple and devotee of Sheen and reflects on what made the famous bishop such a captivating preacher and media personality. Fr. Edward and Allan discuss what Sheen might say to today’s Catholic content creators, podcasters, and media personalities. Allan identifies five important themes in Sheen’s spirituality and preaching—and one of them catches Fr. Edward completely by surprise. They also explore: -the decisive moment that led Sheen to commit himself to a daily Holy Hour -why Sheen became biritual and celebrated the Eastern Catholic liturgy -the fascinating story behind the World Mission Rosary that Sheen promoted -how Sheen combined prayer, preaching, media, and missionary zeal the insight that finally helped Fr. Edward “unlock” Fulton Sheen and better understand his spirituality Whether you have loved Fulton Sheen for years or are only beginning to discover him, this conversation will help you get to know the man behind the famous voice—and prepare spiritually for his beatification. Archbishop Fulton Sheen, pray for us! Buy the book: Soul of a Disciple: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-soul-of-a-disciple/?oid=857&affid=203 America's Apostle: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/americas-apostle/?oid=871&affid=203