Living Heartsongs: Journey with Mattie J.T. Stepanek to Hope & Peace

Kathy Dempsey and Maria Johnson are joined by guest Gina Clark, past Executive Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Maryland. Gina knew Mattie, and worked with him in the local Maryland MDA. She recalls several events from Mattie's life, including a dramatic medical emergency that involved a mad dash to provide a relic of Saint Andre Bessette, and a miracle!

Kathy and Maria sit down with guest Kevin Reilly, a firefighter who knew Mattie, to share heartfelt memories of a joy-filled boy whose passion for life left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Kathy and Maria sit down with guest Kevin Reilly, a firefighter who knew Mattie, to share heartfelt memories of a joy-filled boy whose passion for life left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

In this Holy Week episode, Kathy and Maria reflect on the profound beauty and spiritual depth of Mattie Stepanek’s poetry, which echoes Christ’s journey through suffering, love, and hope. His words invite us to enter more fully into the mystery of the Cross.

In this moving episode, Fr. Seith reflects on the remarkable virtues of Mattie Stepanek, highlighting his embrace of redemptive suffering and profound union with Christ on the Cross. Discover how Mattie’s witness continues to inspire a deeper understanding of suffering, hope, and holiness.

Cheryl Kerwin recalls the suffering that Mattie went through and observes how he aligned his suffering to Christ at Calvary.

Hosts Maria and Kathy explain Mattie's concept of Heartsongs and share thoughts on his joyful and playful spirit.

In this inaugural episode of Living Heartsongs, hosts Maria Johnson and Kathy Dempsey introduce themselves and share their encounters with Mattie's life and legacy. Also hear about Mattie’s life-threatening challenges in 2001 leading up to the poem he wrote, Hope for Life’s Journey.