Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion

How far can someone wander before God brings them home?This week on Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion, Brian Horvath and Gil Alfonso sit down with Richard Palmer, Audio Engineer for Radio Maria USA and one of the people working behind the scenes to help bring Catholic radio to listeners across the country.Before sharing his powerful conversion story, Richard takes us into the fascinating world of paranormal research, discussing how he became involved, some of his most memorable experiences, and common misconceptions about the paranormal.The conversation then turns to Richard's own faith journey. After experiencing God's love at a young age, he spent years searching for truth in unexpected places, including paganism and alternative spiritual paths. But through it all, God never stopped pursuing him.Join us for an honest and engaging conversation about searching, wandering, second chances, and the realization that no one is ever too far from God's mercy.Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.🌐 www.BreakingBreadShow.com📸 Instagram & Facebook: @BreakingBreadRadio

What do you do when someone you love is struggling? How do you keep believing, praying, and moving forward when the answers don't come quickly?This week on Breaking Bread, we sit down with Myriam "China" Machado to talk about faith, family, mental health and the power of community. China shares her personal journey of walking alongside loved ones through difficult seasons and how God taught her that hope isn't something we find once—it's something we choose, often one day at a time.We also discuss the important work being done through NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), a nationwide organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.Learn more about NAMI:www.nami.orgNAMI HelpLine (M–F, 10 AM – 10 PM ET)Call: 1-800-950-6264Text: "NAMI" to 62640In a crisis:Call or Text 988 (available 24/7)Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.🌐 www.BreakingBreadShow.com📸 Instagram & Facebook: @breakingbreadradio

What do children carry with them long after they leave home?In this episode of Breaking Bread, Deacon Tony Perez joins us for a conversation about family, marriage, parenting, faith, and the lessons that truly shape a life. Together, we explore what parents pass on beyond money and success—and why our example, values, and faith may be the greatest gifts we can give.Filled with humor, practical wisdom, and real-life experience, this episode is a reminder that some of the most important lessons aren't taught in a classroom—they're learned at home.Recorded live from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.🌐 www.BreakingBreadShow.com📱 @breakingbreadradio🎧 Also available on Radio Maria Replay, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Where is God when life hurts?In this deeply personal episode of Breaking Bread, Anthony Vazquez joins us for an honest conversation about grief, faith, music, Our Lady, and learning to trust God through life's most difficult seasons.Many at Our Lady of Lourdes Church know Anthony as the voice behind the Responsorial Psalm at Mass, but tonight he shares the deeper story behind his faith journey, the role music has played in his life, and what he has learned about God's presence in times of suffering and loss.Whether you're carrying grief, walking through a difficult season, or simply searching for hope, this conversation is a reminder that God has not abandoned you—and that even in our hardest moments, He continues to walk beside us.Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.🌐 Website: https://www.BreakingBreadShow.com📱 Instagram & Facebook: @breakingbreadradio

In Episode 36 of Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion, we sit down with our brother and primo, JC Beltran, for a real conversation about gifts, purpose and what it truly means to use what God has given you for something greater than yourself.Together, we ask the question: Are you using God’s gift for you… or for Him?We also open the vault for the very first “Breaking Bread Hall of Fun,” revisiting some of the funniest and most unforgettable moments in show history before diving into a deeper conversation about calling, ministry, Emmaus, and learning to surrender your gifts back to God.Recorded LIVE at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.🌐 www.BreakingBreadShow.com📸 Instagram & Facebook: @breakingbreadradio🎙️ Radio Maria: www.radiomaria.us

In Episode 35 of Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion, we sit down with Jose Zabalo — longtime servant, retreat leader, head usher at Our Lady of Lourdes, and one of the quiet forces behind countless retreats and ministry events — for a real conversation about faith, service, and what happens when your relationship with God becomes personal.Tonight’s episode asks a simple but powerful question: Is being a good Catholic enough?Jose shares how attending his first retreat over 15 years ago changed the way he saw prayer, service, and his relationship with Jesus. Together, we talk about moving from routine faith into real encounter, the hidden sacrifices behind ministry, serving through Emmaus and Communities of the New Evangelization, and even his recent pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.Plus: the first-ever Breaking Bread “Retreat Draft” 😂Recorded LIVE at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.🌐 www.BreakingBreadShow.com📸 Instagram & Facebook: @breakingbreadradio🎙️ Radio Maria: www.radiomaria.us

In this episode of Breaking Bread, we’re joined by our brother Mr. Angel Figueroa, O.P. as we dive into the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the powerful invitation behind it. This isn’t just about understanding something deeper in your faith—it’s about living it.We talk about where this devotion comes from, what the Sacred Heart represents, and how consecration moves your relationship with God from something you know… to something you actually live. If you’ve ever said “I’ve given my heart to God” but weren’t sure what that really looks like—this conversation is for you.Angel also walks us through the upcoming 33-day consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through Consecrati and how you can take that next step in your spiritual life.Learn more and get started at: www.Consecrati.comFollow them on Instagram: @Consecrati.vitaStay connected with us:Instagram: @breakingbreadradioWebsite: BreakingBreadShow.com

When marriage gets hard… what do you do?In this episode, Wadi and Jackie Barreto share their real journey through struggle, distance, and rediscovering their relationship through faith. Now serving in the Retrouvaille marriage retreat, they help couples at every stage—whether you’re facing challenges or simply want to strengthen your marriage.A powerful reminder that even when things feel broken… God is still working.📍 Retrouvaille: https://www.marriagerediscovery.org/📲 Follow us: @breakingbreadradio🌐 BreakingBreadShow.com📻 Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes, Miami on Radio Maria

On this episode of Breaking Bread, we sit down with Mary Winklaar, fresh off her Emmaus retreat, as she shares a real and honest journey through self-doubt, overthinking, and that familiar response we all give: “I’m good.”But are we really?Mary opens up about learning to face that internal voice instead of running from it—and how silence, journaling, and time with God helped her begin to see herself differently.In a powerful and unexpected moment, her close friends and fellow Emmaus sisters—Vicky, Valentina, and Diana—surprise her in studio, reminding us what it looks like to walk in faith with the right people around you.If you’ve ever said “I’m good”… and knew you weren’t—this episode is for you.📍 Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes on Radio Maria📲 @breakingbreadradio🌐 BreakingBreadShow.com

What does it really cost to lead souls?This week on Breaking Bread, we sit down with longtime Emmaus leader Reynerio Sanchez — a man whose quiet yes has impacted countless lives across retreats, parishes, and communities. From leading Emmaus Retreats to helping bring the movement to other churches like Christ the King in Miami, FL, Rey shares what leadership in faith actually looks like behind the scenes.In this conversation, we go beyond titles and talk about the real cost — the sacrifice, the responsibility, the late nights, and the unseen moments that come with walking alongside others in their faith journey. It’s honest, practical, and deeply rooted in what it means to serve when no one is watching.If you’ve ever felt called to lead… or wondered if you’re ready… this episode is for you.🎙️ Recorded live from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, FLFollow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradioVisit us at: www.BreakingBreadShow.com

Why do we ignore God… even when we know He’s calling?In this episode of Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion, we sit down with our brother Carlos Guerra from Our Lady of Lourdes’ Emmaus community for a real and honest conversation about delayed surrender, spiritual warfare, and the struggle to respond to God’s voice.Carlos shares his powerful encounter with Christ, the internal battles he faced with fear, insecurity, and control, and the moment everything began to change—not when he understood everything, but when he chose to stop delaying and say yes.This episode goes beyond surface-level faith and gets to the heart of a question many of us wrestle with:If God is speaking… why do we still hesitate?If you’ve ever felt that nudge to pray, to change, to return… but kept putting it off—this conversation is for you.🎧 Pull up a chair and join us at the table.Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradioVisit us: www.BreakingBreadShow.com

In this episode of Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion, we join a powerful and honest conversation about what happens when life falls apart… and how God meets us right there in the middle of it.Tonight, we sit down with Luis Sanchez, from Our Lady of Lourdes, whose journey is one of deep struggle, healing, and transformation. From moments that felt like complete shipwreck… to encountering the mercy and love of God in a way that changed everything, Luis shares what it looks like to be rebuilt—piece by piece—by grace.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt lost, broken, or unsure of where life is heading. It’s a reminder that even when we take wrong turns, even when things don’t go as planned… God is still present, still working, and still leading us home.Because what feels like a shipwreck… might just be the beginning of your return to harbor.📍 Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church – Miami, FL📲 Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradiowww.BreakingBreadShow.com

This week on Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion, we sit down with Ivan “Grumpy” Perez of the Emmaus Bikers to talk about faith, brotherhood, and the upcoming Ride for Hope, a motorcycle ride supporting cancer research in partnership with the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.Grumpy shares how an encounter with God while driving a tractor trailer changed the direction of his life, how his Emmaus retreat experience deepened his relationship with Christ, and how a passion for motorcycles became a mission to serve others.Recorded live from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida, this conversation reminds us that God often uses the things we love to bring hope to others.Learn more about the Emmaus Bikers and the Ride for Hope:E-Mail: [email protected] with Breaking Bread:📸 Instagram: @breakingbreadradio🌐 Website: breakingbreadshow.comPull up a chair and join the conversation.

Have you ever prayed and quietly wondered… “Is anyone actually hearing me?”In this episode of Breaking Bread, Brian, Gil, Yinett, and Alexis welcome Deacon Mike Fresneda to the table for a real and honest conversation about prayer, faith, and the moments in life when people begin to question whether God is truly listening.Drawing from years of ministry walking with families through baptisms, marriages, struggles, and everyday life, Deacon Mike shares stories and insights about how people wrestle with faith, why prayer sometimes feels unanswered, and how God often speaks in ways we don’t immediately recognize.Together, the table explores what it means to trust God in the silence, how faith grows through life’s challenges, and why the most important part of prayer might not just be asking—but learning to listen.As always, the conversation mixes faith, humor, and real-life moments, reminding us that none of us walks this journey alone.Pull up a chair and join the conversation.www.BreakingBreadShow.com@BreakingBreadRadio

For the first time, Breaking Bread steps outside the studio and into the heart of the 14th Annual ManUp Conference — recorded live from St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, Florida, where hundreds of men gathered in faith, brotherhood, and purpose.This extended edition of the episode includes additional conversations, interviews, reflections, and moments that go beyond the one-hour Radio Maria broadcast — offering a fuller experience of what Brian and Gil encountered inside ManUp.In this special field episode, they speak with the men behind the mission, brothers attending the conference, and leaders serving men’s spiritual growth in the Church. Through real conversations captured on-site, this episode explores what happens when men choose not to walk alone in faith — and why spaces of Catholic brotherhood matter today more than ever.Featuring voices from the ManUp team, retreatants, and seminary leadership, along with reflections on priestly formation, Catholic masculinity, marriage restoration, and the power of men gathering for God.Recorded live during the 14th Annual ManUp Conference at St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami.Learn more about ManUp: www.ready2manup.comRetrouvaille: www.helpourmarriage.orgConnect with Breaking Bread: www.breakingbreadshow.com

What happens when life doesn’t unfold the way you pictured it — the career shifts, the timeline changes, and the road you planned suddenly looks nothing like the road you’re on? In this episode, we break bread around a question all of us face at some point: How do you follow God’s plan when it doesn’t look like yours?Joining us at the table is Omar Babun — husband, father, mental health counselor, and life coach — who shares his journey from childhood dreams of becoming a doctor to discovering a calling to help others find direction, healing, and purpose. We talk about faith, grief, God’s timing, “rerouting,” and what it looks like to trust Him one step at a time. Plus: plenty of Miami banter, a moment from NBA All-Star Weekend, and a hilarious round of Bread Crumbs you don’t want to miss.Follow Omar: @omarlifecoachConnect with Omar: OmarLifeCoach.comConnect with Breaking Bread: @breakingbreadradioContact: BreakingBreadShow.comRecorded Live at: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, FL

This episode continues our two-part conversation on St. Joseph — moving from belonging into leadership.What does real leadership actually look like in daily life?Joined by Lay Dominican and Consecrati leader Mr. JC Collar O.P, we explore how St. Joseph models quiet, faithful, entrusted leadership — not from spotlight or status, but from surrender, responsibility, and presence.JC shares his personal journey of consecration to St. Joseph, the role of virtue in forming men, and why fatherhood — biological or spiritual — remains one of the most urgent callings of our time.If you’ve ever felt unqualified to lead, unsure how to guide your family, or drawn to deeper spiritual formation as a man, this conversation is for you.The next Consecration to St. Joseph begins February 15.Learn more or join: www.consecrati.comMore Breaking Bread episodes and resources:www.breakingbreadshow.comRecorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida

What does it really mean to belong?In this episode of Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion, we begin a two-part conversation centered on identity, sonship, and trust — starting not with leadership or action, but with belonging.We’re joined by our brother Angel Figueroa, husband, father, lay Dominican, and longtime Emmaus brother, as we reflect on the quiet strength of St. Joseph and what he teaches men (and women) about being sons and daughters of God before trying to lead, fix, or perform.Drawing from Scripture, real life, and Angel’s own journey — including his experience with consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph — this conversation speaks to anyone who has ever felt like a guest in their faith instead of a child at home.This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next week, we’ll continue with Learning to Lead: What St. Joseph Teaches Us About Fatherhood.🔗 Learn more about the St. Joseph consecration journey at www.consecrati.com🌐 Visit us at www.BreakingBreadShow.com📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @breakingbreadradioPull up a chair — you belong here.

In this episode of Breaking Bread we’re joined by Fabian Moncada (OMambient) — a musician, graphic designer, and Emmaus brother who creates electronic music as an offering to God.Through conversation, Scripture, and original music, we explore a powerful question:How does God use our gifts — especially art — to bring people back to Him?Fabian shares the inspiration behind his music, including tracks shaped by quiet moments of prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and devotion to the Virgin Mary. His story reminds us that creativity can become prayer when it’s placed in God’s hands — and that faith doesn’t live in just one box.🎶 Hear Fabian’s music here:https://soundcloud.com/omambient📻 Recorded live on Radio Maria🌐 Listen live or find replays at: https://radiomaria.us📸 Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradio🌍 Connect with us: https://BreakingBreadShow.comPull up a chair — you’re always welcome at the table.

What do you do when life gets hard… not because everything fell apart, but because you’re simply tired?This week on Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion, we’re breaking bread around a question many people carry quietly: How do you stay in the fight when quitting feels easier than continuing?Recorded live from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida, we’re joined by Christian Machado from St. Timothy — Emmaus brother, boxer, coach, and founder of AMA Boxing Club — who shares how discipline, faith, and community help us keep showing up when life feels heavy. From the gym to prayer, from exhaustion to gratitude, this conversation reminds us that staying in the fight doesn’t always mean winning — sometimes it simply means not quitting today.Along the way, we talk about consistency, burnout, gratitude as a “cheat code,” faith in everyday life, and how God meets us right where we are — even when we’re running on empty.If you’ve ever felt worn down but still trying, this episode is for you.📍 Recorded live on Radio Maria 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradio🌐 Website: www.BreakingBreadShow.comPull up a chair — the table is always open.

What do you do when life (or your faith) feels like it’s been written off?Tonight at the table, we’re joined by Luis Llerena — a brother from the Men’s Emmaus community at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami. Born in Arequipa, Peru, Luis shares how God met him in unexpected places—from a 2003 military deployment to a powerful Emmaus “Lazarus moment” that woke something up in him. We talk humility, the slow work of growth, finding peace through the Rosary, and why revival isn’t a one-time moment…it’s a process.Because being called out of the tomb doesn’t mean everything is fixed—sometimes it just means you’re alive enough to start walking again.🎙️ Recorded at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (Miami, FL)📍 Website: BreakingBreadShow.com📲 Instagram/Facebook: @breakingbreadradio

What happens when a life lived at full speed finally slows down in the presence of God?In this episode of Breaking Bread, we’re joined by our brother Carlos Ribero from St. Timothy, who shares a powerful story of forgiveness, mercy, and transformation — moving from burning through life to discovering a deeper, steadier fire for Christ.From growing up a cradle Catholic, to encountering Christ in a personal way through Emmaus, to walking through serious trials with unshakable trust, Carlos reminds us that no one is ever disqualified from God’s grace — and that it’s never too late to come home.Along the way, we reflect on the Gospel of Luke 4:14–22, talk about slowing down in a world that rushes everything, and share some laughs around the table — because faith is lived in real life.Pull up a chair. This conversation might feel familiar.Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.📻 Listen live on Radio Maria at radiomaria.us📲 Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradiowww.breakingbreadshow.com

In this New Year’s special episode of Breaking Bread, we take the show on the road and bring you the first-ever Emmaus Games, recorded live from Piruw Grill, a Peruvian restaurant in Southwest Miami known for its amazing food, great atmosphere, live music, and karaoke nights.Emmaus brothers from Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Timothy, St. Brendan, and Good Shepherd Catholic Churches come together for a night of friendly competition, faith-based games, inside jokes, and unforgettable moments. From trivia to teamwork, laughter to reflection, this episode reminds us that Emmaus isn’t just a retreat — it’s a shared road we walk together.It’s lighthearted, it’s joyful, and it’s everything a New Year episode should be — same faith, same road, very different answers.📍 Recorded live at Piruw Grill📻 Aired on Radio Maria📲 Follow us on Instagram @breakingbreadradio🎧 Available on Spotify & Apple PodcastsWherever you’re listening from, pull up a chair — the table is set.

For this Christmas episode, Breaking Bread left the studio and gathered family around a real table for a night of food, laughter, faith, and honest conversation. We talk about Christmas then vs. now, family traditions, what shows up at the table every year, and the moments that remind us God meets us right in the middle of real life.It’s not polished — it’s family. Just good food, good stories, and plenty of bread being broken.📍 Recorded live from Strange Beasts Brewpub & Pizzeria, Miami, Florida📸 Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradiowww.BreakingBreadShow.comwww.strangebeast.beerFrom our family to yours — Merry Christmas 🎄

In this episode of Breaking Bread, we sit at the table with Raul G, a devoted servant of the Church whose journey of faith has been shaped by service, song, and learning how to come back when the road felt long.Born in Boston and raised in Miami, Raul shares how anxiety, silence, and time before the Blessed Sacrament became part of God’s quiet work in his life. Through Emmaus, ministry, and a deep love for the sacraments, he discovered that faith isn’t about having everything figured out — it’s about trusting that God never stops calling us home.This is a conversation about patience, mercy, and the courage it takes to return — even when it feels awkward, delayed, or uncertain.Pull up a chair. The table is open.Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.📻 Listen live on Radio Maria at radiomaria.us📲 Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradio

We took Breaking Bread out of the studio and onto the fairway for a special episode recorded live at the 8th Annual ManUp Golf Tournament. Join Brian and Gil as they ride through the course interviewing players from the golf cart, sit down with organizers and priests at the table, and capture the laughs, brotherhood, and faith that make this event so powerful.Every shot, every story, and every moment today helps support the 14th Annual ManUp Conference, coming February 20–21 at St. John Vianney Seminary — a weekend that transforms the lives of men across South Florida.Enjoy interviews, fun behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt reflections from the course, and the kind of joy and authenticity that define the ManUp mission.Swing hard. Pray hard. And come ride with us.Conference info: www.Ready2ManUP.comFollow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradioAired live on Radio Maria

What happens when the grind no longer satisfies the soul?In this powerful Advent episode of Breaking Bread: Stories of Faith & Conversion, we sit down with Ernie Velasquez to hear how God transformed his life from hustle to holy.As we enter the first week of Advent — the week of Hope, Ernie shares how losing control, surrendering to God, and rediscovering prayer, the Rosary, Adoration, and service rebuilt his life from the inside out. This is a real story of waiting, surrender, redemption, and the quiet power of Hope.Recorded live from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, FL, this episode is a reminder that God does His best work when we finally let go.📍 Live Thursdays on Radio Maria📲 Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradio🌐 Visit: www.BreakingBreadShow.com

It’s Thanksgiving night at the table! In this special episode of Breaking Bread, we kick things off with the first-ever Breaking Bread Thanksgiving Draft — where Brian, Gil, Yinett, and Alexis battle it out to build the ultimate Thanksgiving plate. From fried turkey and pernil to mac & cheese, croquetas, and pumpkin pie, the competition is real, the trash talk is friendly, and poor Petunia the pig does not make it out untouched.Then we shift from laughter to life as we welcome our guest, Jerry Blanco from Good Shepherd. Jerry shares his journey of faith, family, Colombian roots, and how a quiet, steady walk with God — plus a grandfather who never missed Mass — shaped his heart. He opens up about the power of community, marriage rooted in God, and his simple but powerful message: open your heart and let God guide your life.If this episode blesses you, share it with someone who might need a little light, laughter, and belonging today.📸 Instagram: @breakingbreadradio📍 Recorded at: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church — Miami, FloridaBroadcast on Radio Maria — a Catholic voice in your home.

In this powerful episode, Brian and Gil sit down with Angel Figueroa and JC Collar from Consecrati to unpack what consecration truly means — not as a mystical concept reserved for priests or saints, but as a daily, practical, life-changing surrender for every believer.From stories of faith, heartbreak, and redemption, to the humor of decorative plates and Miami life, this conversation blends laughter with depth. Angel and JC walk us through their journeys, how consecration transformed their marriages, families, and spiritual lives, and why setting your heart apart for God changes everything.Whether you’re new to consecration or deep in your spiritual walk, this episode is packed with wisdom, testimony, and encouragement.Recorded LIVE at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, FL on Radio Maria USA.Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradioLearn more / Share your story: BreakingBreadShow.comConsecrati Website: consecrati.com

In this special live music episode, we welcome the Bolivar Family — Luis, Ada, Kevin, and Alan — from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, FL.They’re not just a family who sings together… they’re a family who worships together. From serving the poor alongside the Missionaries of Charity to leading music and prayer at retreats and Mass, their story is a beautiful reminder that worship begins at home.Join us as we laugh, reflect, and enter into heartfelt moments of live worship right from the studio. This episode will lift your spirit and stir your heart.🎶 Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.📻 Aired on Radio Maria USA — A Catholic Voice in Your Home.📱 Follow us on Instagram: @breakingbreadradiowww.BreakingBreadShow.com

What does “yes” look like when God keeps calling—at home, at the altar, and in the everyday? For our 10th episode, Deacon Erik Cinco (Our Lady of Lourdes, Miami) joins us to share his journey from Managua’s youth groups to the diaconate: a vocation within a vocation. We talk Adoration (“Adoro Te Devote”), the grace of sacramental marriage, and why deacons are called to sacramentalize service—making Christ’s love visible through humble ministry.We open with an Opening Prayer, then “Word at the Table” (Luke 15:1–10—the lost sheep and the searching woman), and dive into how God doesn’t just look for us… He seeks us. Deacon Erik reflects on resting in the Spirit as a teen, discerning the call with his wife, and what deacons actually do day-to-day (yes, he gets called “Father” a lot). We close with a quick Bread Crumbs round and a special Around the Table drop-in about the Consecrati 33-day consecration to Jesus through Mary.If this conversation blessed you, follow and share it with someone who needs encouragement today.—Instagram: @breakingbreadradioWebsite: BreakingBreadShow.comRecorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, FL.

Live from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (Miami, FL), we sit down with Bertha Uribasterra for a conversation about Adoration, devotion, and the power of giving God just one hour.We start with some brunch talk (because apparently “just one hour” never means one hour), then open the Word at the Table (Luke 13:31-35) — where Jesus reminds us what it means to stay focused on our mission and gather under His wings.Bertha shares how Adoration changed her life, how one quiet hour became the heartbeat of her faith, and why protecting that time with Jesus has transformed not only her — but her community.We laugh through Bread Crumbs (crochet confessions, brunch debates, and more) and, in Around the Table talk about what it means to truly show up for God the way we show up for everything else.Follow along and keep the conversation going:• Instagram: @BreakingBreadRadio• Website: www.BreakingBreadShow.com• Radio Maria: A Catholic voice in your home✨ Listen, share, and remember: One hour with God can change everything — no reservation required. ⏰🍞

Live from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (Miami, FL), we sit down with Alex Alvarez for a real conversation about faith that isn’t always a straight line. We start with some Publix conversation, find out who Petunia is and then open the Word at the Table (Luke 12:49–53)—why Jesus’ “fire” can feel disruptive but actually forges us.Alex shares how he first met the Lord as a kid, drifted, and then found his way back to God through Emmaus, music ministry, and time in the Adoration Chapel (yes, even down to the perfect lightbulb). We laugh through Bread Crumbs (NY roots, Dominican flavor, Miami energy) and, in Around the Table, reflect on bold faith moments making headlines.Follow along and keep the conversation going:Instagram: @BreakingBreadRadioWebsite: www.BreakingBreadShow.comRadio Maria: “A Catholic voice in your home.”Listen, share, and remember: wondering doesn’t mean you’re lost—God still has you on the map. 🎙🍞

👉 Ready to take the next step? Learn more or register at www.Ready2ManUP.comThis week on Breaking Bread, we’re diving into the heart of the ManUp Conference (Feb 20-21, 2026), a movement that’s been calling men to rise for over 14 years.We’re joined by Ed Kolo, coordinator of ManUp, and Father Jorge Reyes, spiritual advisor for the conference. Together, they share what makes this event so powerful, how it’s changed lives, and why now more than ever, men are being called to step up and live their faith boldly.Whether you’ve been walking with Christ for years or just starting to ask questions, this conversation is your invitation to rise, lead, and follow Jesus with courage.🎧 Tune in. Be inspired.👉 Learn more or sign up today at www.Ready2ManUP.comwww.BreakingBreadShow.com

This isn’t just another episode of Breaking Bread — it’s a night where faith, brotherhood, and late-night conversations come alive. Recorded live from the Emmaus Retreat House at Our Lady of Lourdes, this special broadcast takes place after the lights go out and most of the retreat house is silent… but the Holy Spirit is still moving.Brian and Gil invite listeners to pull up a chair and experience the quiet but powerful moments when hearts are set on fire — just like in Luke 24:13–35, when the disciples said, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way?”In this episode, we’re joined by brothers Manny Cano, Steven Serrano, Adam Raposo, and others as they share honest, heartfelt testimonies of how God has moved in their lives — stories of miraculous healing, perseverance through trials, answered prayers, and renewed faith. From near-death experiences to moments of divine encounter, each story reveals how Christ walks with us even when we don’t recognize Him at first.☕ The coffee may keep us awake, but it’s the Spirit that keeps the fire burning. Join us around the table for late-night laughter, faith-filled reflections, and powerful witness.🎧 Featuring: Manny Cano, Steven Serrano, Adam Raposo & more📖 Luke 24:13–35 – The Road to Emmaus📡 Radio Maria USA | 91.9 FM HD3 | www.RadioMaria.us

In this week’s episode of Breaking Bread, we’re joined by our brother in Christ, Benny Lopez, from St. Agatha Catholic Church. Benny’s story is one of transformation — from chasing worldly desires and living on his own terms to discovering the freedom, peace, and purpose that comes when you surrender to God’s will and let the Holy Spirit lead.Together at the table, we reflect on the Gospel, hear Benny’s powerful testimony of faith, and explore what it really means to trade our will for His. From moments of heartbreak and struggle to the joy of serving others through prayer and community, Benny reminds us that surrender isn’t weakness — it’s strength, and it’s the path to a life in the Spirit.We also lighten things up with Bread Crumbs (rapid-fire fun questions), share a few stories Around the Table, and close with a Final Blessing led by Benny himself.📍 Recorded live from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, Florida and aired on RadioMaria

What is Kerygma — and why is it so important? In this episode, we sit down with Erz Munsie and Giancarla Heredia from the Communities of the New Evangelization to talk about the simple but life-changing proclamation at the core of our faith: that God loves us, Jesus died and rose to save us, and He calls us into new life.For 25 years, the retreat "Jesús Te Llama" (Jesus Is Calling) has been bringing that Good News to life in Miami’s Spanish community. Now, for the first time ever, the retreat is being offered in English. Erz and Giancarla share their testimonies of how this encounter with Christ changed their lives and why the Kerygma is a message that’s meant to be shared with everyone.From reflections on Scripture to quick-fire fun in Bread Crumbs and heartfelt stories in Around the Table, this episode is a reminder that evangelization isn’t complicated — it’s simply sharing what God has already done in us.Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, FL.

In this episode of Breaking Bread, we sit down with our brother Richard Novoa to hear the powerful story of how his Emmaus retreat at Our Lady of Lourdes became the road that changed everything. Richard shares how one encounter with Christ transformed his life, set his heart on fire, and led him into a deeper walk of faith and service in the Church.Together with Brian, Gil, and Yinett, we reflect on how God often meets us right where we are — sometimes in the most unexpected ways — and how saying yes to Him can open doors we never imagined. Richard’s testimony is living proof that faith is not just a belief, but a journey that reshapes the way we live, love, and serve.Whether you’re walking a road of questions, struggles, or renewal, this episode will remind you that no path is too broken for Christ to transform.📍 Recorded live at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Miami, and broadcast on Radio Maria USA.

What does it really mean to walk the call of Christ in our daily lives? In this episode, Brian and Gil welcome two brothers from St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Miami — Armando Alvarez and Luis González — to share how God has called them to live their faith through service, family, and community.Armando is the Men’s Ministry coordinator at St. Brendan’s Elementary, while Luis is coordinating the Men’s Emmaus retreat at St. Brendan’s Church. Together, they remind us that discipleship is not just something we say — it’s something we live. From the impact of their Emmaus retreats, to the joys and struggles of family life, to the simple but powerful call to serve in their parish — their stories invite us all to reflect on how we, too, are called to walk the call in our own lives.www.BreakingBreadShow.com

Jose “Gallego” Rodriguez, from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Miami, joins the premiere of Breaking Bread to share how faith is more than words—it’s a daily surrender. He reflects on the challenge of trusting God not only in good times but also through pain and uncertainty. From his earliest days, God’s hand has guided him through close calls and life-changing moments, leading him into a deeper walk of faith through the Emmaus experience. Gallego’s encounter with the Emmaus retreat transformed his life and revealed how God had been with him from the very beginning. Former coordinator for Emaus Spanish and now serving as coordinator for English Emmaus at Our Lady of Lourdes, Gallego testifies to the power of letting go and letting God.www.BreakingBreadShow.com