Catholic Exchange

Throughout the world, over 200 million Christians face extreme persecution and violence. Even if they can escape the religious persecution in their home nation, they face further trials throughout their refugee and relocation, if they even get such an opportunity. Longtime CE contributor Casey Chalk joins us to discuss the plight of the brave Christians who face such trials in Muslim nations and the places they flee to. As detailed in his new book, The Persecuted, Mr. Chalk has had a chance to hear first-hand accounts from Christian families he met while working in Bangkok. His book tells the stories of Christians in peril and even of modern martyrs — and then lays out a strategic plan for rescuing as many as possible from their plight.You can pick up Casey Chalk's book at SophiaInstitute.comSupport the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)

How blessed our life becomes when we draw close to the Holy Spirit, responding with all of our love to the Divine Person whose very name is Love.— Sr. Mary Ann Fatula, O.P., Drawing Close to the Holy Spirit: Keys to a Transformed Life and Joyful Heart.In the Trinitarian life of the Church, we often hear about the Holy Spirit and know him as our guest, protector, and beloved gift. However, in our daily lives, we often forget about the love and work of the Holy Spirit. In today's episode, professor and author Sr. Mary Ann Fatula, O.P. shares how you can begin to form a relationship with the Holy Spirit and how He works in our spiritual lives. Drawing from the Church Fathers and beloved hymns, Sr. Mary Ann's insights show us ways we can pray with the Holy Spirit and open ourselves up to His will. Sr. Mary Ann, O.P., holds a doctorate in systematic theology from The Catholic University of America and taught theology for more than 30 years at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio. You can find her

Zhang Jian is a master artist of interior glass painting. He celebrated Christmas as a child before the Communist Revolution overturned his simple and beautiful world. But he never forgot the sights, smells, good cheer, and happy anticipation of that joyous season. In her latest book, Christmas Blossoms, Priscilla Smith McCaffrey tells the imaginative story of Jian and the final Christmas ornament he feels called to create after Midnight Mass. Complemented by stunning art, Christmas Blossomstells a story of hope and endurance at Christmas.In today's episode, Mrs. McCaffrey shares tells us about her work on literature for youngsters. We discuss why Christ's Nativity inspires so much hopeful art and share how you can find the light of Christmas in the strangest of places. Find Christmas Blossomsat your local bookstore or online through Sophia Institute Press. You can also follow Priscilla McCaffrey at CatholicMediaApostolate.com. We also recommend following artist Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs, whose art ap

Continuing our small series on great children's books for Christmas, Michael welcomes prolific author Anthony DeStefano. In today's episode, we discuss the process of writing children's books as well as the influences that make Mr. DeStefano a passionate storyteller.In his latest books, The Beggar and the Bluebird and Joseph's Donkey, explore the meaning and depth of the Nativity of Christ in two imaginative tales set ages apart. Joseph's Donkey tells the story of the Holy Family through the eyes of Joseph's hardworking and faithful donkey. Meanwhile, The Beggar and the Bluebird, is a modern fairytale in the tradition of G.K. Chesterton and Hans Christian Anderson. Each is beautifully illustrated and tells a beautiful story to share with the kids around Christmas. Check out our interview with Claudia Cangilla McAdam, the first part of our series. Follow Anthony DeStefano and find his many books at his website, AnthonyDeStefano.com.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/do

Cold, cranky, and restless—one winter’s night, the young daughter of a Bethlehem innkeeper is awoken by the crowded, comfortless condition of her family’s sleeping loft. Recalling the young couple that was staying in the stable, she rises from her bed to bring them some fire for warmth. There the young Seraphina finds the newborn Babe asleep in the manger. Her encounter with the child on a chilly night will change her life forever in this imaginative retelling of the Nativity.Claudia Cangilla McAdam, author of The Christmas Light,  joins to share us the story of Seraphina and to give her insight into what it takes to write children's books.Claudia is the first of my three guests this weekend. Each guest is a children’s author as we don’t get to talk to them too much. Each is short and will include Anthony DeStefano and Priscilla Smith McCaffreyFind The Christmas Light at SophiaInstitute.com and find Claudia at her website, ClaudiaMcAdam.com. Both in the show notes. Also check out her CE article “Why the

Advent begins in just about two weeks. As well as marking the beginning of our Christmas preparations, the First Sunday of Advent is also the beginning of the new liturgical year. Following the liturgical cycle can lead to many spiritual treasures. The feasts and seasons make match the natural rhythm of life while drawings us into the spiritual life. Yet, so much is forgotten and it is difficult to recover these traditions in our age of noise. Even as Christmas decorations go up, many of us have forgotten the liturgical significance of the weeks leading up to Christmas. To help us understand how we can dive deeper into the Liturgical Calendar, Michael welcomes Catholic parents and artists Michaela and Jeremiah Harrison, authors of The Illustrated Liturgical Year. If you want some practical ideas for how you Find The Illustrated Liturgical Year at your local bookstore or online through Sophia Institute Press. Check out Jeremiah's article, where you can preview the calendar, here at Catholic Exchange. Find

“The faith given to me in baptism suggests to me surely: by yourself you will do nothing, but if you have God as the center of all your action, then you will reach the goal.”— Pier Giorgio FrassatiBlessed Pier Giorgio Frassati died in 1925 at the age of 24. However, Bl. Frassati's faith, humor, and charity continue to have a great impact on souls throughout the world. In today's episode of Catholic Exchange, Michael welcomes Christine M. Wohar, the founder of FrassatiUSA and author of Finding Frassati: And Following His Path to Holiness.Called “The Man of the Eight Beatitudes” by Pope St. John Paul II, Bl. Frassati had a heart to help the impoverished and oppressed from an early age. Michael and Christine discuss how a young man from great wealth and influence took to heart the teachings of Christ. We also discuss the impact he had on his friends and family and how his funeral became a small pilgrimage for thousands of people. If you ever wondered what God has planned for young Catholic adults, toda

Today's short episode is guest hosted by Fr. Edward Looney who interviews Prof Roberto De Mattei, author of the new book Saint Pius V: The Legendary Pope Who Excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I, Standardized the Mass, and Defeated the Ottoman Empire.We discuss the legacy of Pope Pius V, a saintly figure who encouraged devotion to the rosary while he changed the history of Western Civilization. Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)

Today, Michael welcomes back Dr. Paul Chaloux, who appeared on our previous episode “A Catholic Answer to Suffering.” Today, Dr. Chaloux addresses some arguments he made in his popular article, “40 Years Later: Revisiting When Bad Things Happen to Good People.”While the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People has sold millions of copies and remains popular, the Catholic Church has been discussing this very question of generations. In our episode, we discuss the ways Catholics understand and process suffering as well as what we can do in response. Dr. Chaloux also shares his insights from his own medical and personal struggles and what insights he has learned in both experience and education.Books and Links:Check out Dr. Chaloux’s book, Why All People Suffer: How a Loving God Uses Suffering to Perfect Us, at your favorite bookseller or online at Sophia Institute Press.Check out articles from Paul Chaloux at Catholic Exchange by following this link. You can also follow him at his website, PaulChaloux.com. As

Today we welcome Jeff Cavins, whose love of Scripture brought him back to the Catholic Church. Jeff Cavins is the creator of the celebrated Great Adventure® Bible Timeline study series which has empowered generations of Catholics to understand the Bible’s central “story of salvation.” Jeff has been a leading Catholic evangelist, author, and podcast host for decades, and is particularly well known having hosted EWTN’s “Life on the Rock” TV show for six years. Jeff’s best-selling books and Bible studies include The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation, Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible, Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life, The Activated Disciple and Walking with God: A Journey Through the Bible.Jeff Cavins can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and at JeffCavins.com.You can follow Ascension Press and The Great Adventure Bible study on Facebook and Twitter as well. Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)

There are a lot of important lessons in today's episode. Frist, Michael learns why he needs to read the preface. More importantly, Dr. Paul Chaloux—adjunct professor of theology at the Catholic University of America—shares with us the ways we can see suffering in the light of our Christian faith. It's an engaging question and conversation that we will return to in future episodes. Check out the book: Why All People Suffer: How a Loving God Uses Suffering to Perfect Us.Also check out Prof. Chaloux's articles: https://catholicexchange.com/author/paul-chalouxSupport the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)

September 12, 2021 marks the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, the greatest poet of Western Christianity. While Dante has had a profound impact on art over the centuries, Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz has undertaken an ambitious project to sculpt Dante's magnum opus, The Divine Comedy. Mr. Schmalz is the artist behind the famous Homeless Jesusstatue, which can be found at churches throughout the world. He has also sculpted large public memorials such as Angels Unawares, the Canadian Veterans’ Memorial and Golden Leaves. His latest project, sculpted amidst the COVID lockdowns, is possibly his most ambitious and will feature 100 individual sculptures walking people through Dante's work on Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. He will thus be the first artist to depict all 100 cantos of The Divine Comedy. Today on the Catholic Exchange Podcast, Timothy Schmalz describes his creative process and how Dante has had such an impact on his work. Mr. Schmalz also tells us about the parallel

The family is proclaimed to be The Domestic Church or, as St. John Paul II said, the building blocks of society. The family's role in God's providence is so great that it can often come under attack. In our confused and chaotic age, how can parents protect their family and raise a saintly household?Today's guest, Kathleen Beckman, returns to the CE Podcast to share how families can put on the armor of God and protect their loved ones. Mrs. Beckman also discusses the necessary steps you can take to make a Eucharistic home and why thanksgiving and Mary are powerful weapons against demons. With her experience in the ministry of exorcism, Kathleen Beckman will help you to feel prepared for spiritual battle while encouraged to bring your children up in faith. Kathleen's books include:A Family Guide to Spiritual WarfarePraying for Priests: An Urgent Call for the Salvation of SoulsGod’s Healing Mercy: Finding Your Path to Forgiveness, Peace, and JoyWhen Women Pray: Eleven Catholic Women on the Po

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen died over forty years ago. However, his work remains as influential and inspiring it was when he was alive (if not more so!). What keeps people coming back to the televangelist and bishop after so many decades? Examining his work on the sacraments, Michael is joined by Al Smith, the founder and director of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Mission Society of Canada and the editor of three Fulton J. Sheen anthologies, who takes a look at the work of the Archbishop. In today's episode, Al Smith and Michael Lichens discuss how they've discovered Fulton J. Sheen in youth and how his work has continued to influence them. We also take a look at the writings and homilies of Ven. Sheen on the sacraments and his advice for newly-wed couples. Finally, we discuss Fulton Sheen's advice for welcoming children into our lives. Other topics we discussed:How much writing did Fulton Sheen accomplished while hosting a popular TV series.How Ven. Sheen's writings can help us to find a r

The Catholic Exchange Podcast is honored to welcome back long-time contributor and author Fr. Edward Looney as our guest host. In today's episode, Fr. Edward Looney interview's author Anthony DeStefano about his latest illustrated book, Our Lady's Wardrobe. Mr. DeStefano is the author of A Travel Guide to Heaven, The Grumpy Old Ox, and is a frequent television host.Why parents should feel encouraged to pass Marian devotion down to their children.The reasons for why Mary has so many different titles. Which Marian devotions children and youth tend towards.How Our Lady of Lourdes affirms God's love for us. The power of art and illustrations of Our Lady, especially at a young age. Listen below or find Catholic Exchange on Apple, Google, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting app.Fr. Edward Looney's articles can be found on Catholic Exchange, and you can find our previous interview with him at this link. Fr. Looney is also the author of the best-selling books, A Lenten Journey with Mother

Catholic Social Teaching has a rich intellectual and spiritual tradition. However, despite the modern dialogue surrounding surrounding social justice, Catholic Social Teaching can get lost in forgetfulness and misinterpretation. Laura Zambrana, MDiv joins us to give a brief yet thorough introduction to the richness and depths of Catholic Social Teachings and how they can help us in our post-Covid world. Mrs Zambrana explains the theological foundations of true social justice while also going into the popes and saints who have influenced Catholic Social Teachings. Today's episode is ideal for anyone who wants to begin learning (or relearning) the foundations of Catholic Social Teaching. Find Endow Group's latest book, Catholic Social Teaching, on their website where you can also read a free chapter: EndowGroups.org.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)

Longtime Catholic Exchange contributors and frequent podcast guests Fr. Edward Looney and Jeannie Ewing discuss Mrs Ewing’s much read article, “St. Joseph: Our Patron Saint of a Happy & Holy Death.” In this conversation, Jeannie discusses ways that St. Joseph’s example and support can help us to become better people in our faith, familial, and personal lives. Meanwhile, Fr. Edward gives his insights into the power of the saints in his life as a parish priest.Listen below or find Catholic Exchange on Apple, Google, Spotify or wherever you love to listen to podcasts.Other subjects we discussed:How St. Joseph can help you through the trials of grief and mourning.The humility we can learn from St. Joseph and how that will ultimately allow God to take control.The power of saintly intercession in helping you to grow in your struggles while conquering personal vices.What St. Joseph’s radical trust and obedience can show us in our modern day.How St. Joseph’s intercession can help us with our interior struggles.Li

While we begin to wonder what our Post-COVID world may look like, now is a perfect time to acquire new and lasting habits for holiness. If you're not sure where to start making these habits, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR brings 800 years of the Franciscan tradition within the reach of laity. Today's episode of the CE Podcast discusses how we can take the first step to grow closer to sainthood in your daily life. Michael and Fr. Mark-Mary discuss the ways you can add a few minutes of prayer and contemplation each day and (more importantly) make those habits stick. Stream our conversation below or find Catholic Exchange on your favorite podcast app. Resources and topics we discuss todayHabits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR is available through Ascension Press or your favorite bookseller. How the Franciscan 3x5 Examen can be enrich your spiritual life right now. The importance of intentionality and contentment in your daily spiritual life.How working wi

After a year of frustration and uncertainty, more people are able to return to Mass at their local parish. For many, this upcoming Easter weekend will feel like a homecoming of sorts after being physically absent during the last Paschal season. If you are among these pilgrims who can now come home, now is a great time to learn the art of meditating on the Catholic faith.Today, Michael is joined by long-time CE contributor and returning guest Fr. Edward Looney to discuss the practical steps you can take to your time at Mass to a new level.In what promises to become a spiritual classic, Fr. Edward Looney’s Meditations after Holy Communion guides your prayers during those intimate moments with the Lord following Holy Communion, elevating your soul and mind and leading you into a deeper relationship with Christ.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)

Michael talks with Jason Shanks of the OSV Institute about OSV Innovation Talks and our approach to evangelizing our neighbors and, ultimately, our culture. We have a short but direct conversation about how we have (or haven't) approached the New Evangelization and what apostolates can do to bring more souls to the Church. To learn more about OSV Innovation Talks, go to OSVTalks.com.Support the show (https://catholicexchange.com/donate)