Ep. 41 Father Luke Mata and Father Michael Duffy | Shepherd Circle Priest Podcast

On this week's episode, Father Duffy talks with Father Luke Mata of Opus Dei about his upbringing in a fun Catholic family that always put Mass first, his call to the priesthood, and why camaraderie is so key in the life of a priest. 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Offering spiritual direction at Napa's summer conference03:33 Blessed with a beautiful family growing up in Madrid05:02 Growing up the 2nd of nine kids05:20 Learning from his father as he was dying08:30 Faith was 'free to choose' in the Mata household11:00 Memories of his dad at the lake during childhood 14:10 Impact of a good father on faith formation 14:35 At 14, wanting to come to the United States 16:55 Roots founded in Opus Dei at a young age17:30 The fostering of a priestly soul even within laity18:50 An ordination day Father Mata will never forget 22:00 Moving to Los Angeles to serve as a priest23:00 Lessons in offering spiritual direction 25:16 A calling isn't just to the priesthood, it's a call to be holy26:10 As priests, Jesus has to be our best friend 27:00 The importance of being in the confessional for Catholics 29:33 Depression within the priesthood and many growing up without a dad30:55 As priests, looking out for brother priests to foster friendship31:40 The vital importance of prayer in the life of a priest33:15 Sad reality of a priest dying alone and not found for 3 days 35:00 Making time to attend a priest's funeral 37:00 Fraternity is like 'water in the desert'38:40 The importance of fraternal correction given with love 39:42 Always think: is this getting me closer to Heaven or not? 40:10 The profound beauty and truth of the Eucharist at every Mass42:00 The hope we can all find in our Blessed Mother 43:35 Clinging to the Holy Spirit while hearing Confession44:14 The hope found in our new Holy Father Pope Leo 45:20 Seeing the excitement of students when Holy Father was named