The Flowered Path

Did the Sibyls – the Ancient Greek prophetesses – predict the Annunciation and the coming of Jesus? Justin and Timothy present some theories and read some of the possible prophecies. Justin also reads an account of the Annunciation as witnessed in a vision by Saint Gemma Galgani. The Flowered Path t-shirts are available at our etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1452343565/the-flowered-path-podcast-logo-t-shirt Also at etsy, we have a section for The Flowered Path including books, artwork, and more related to the topics we cover – and paracord rosaries, made by Timothy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LostGrave?ref=shop_sugg_market&section_id=40802353 Justin’s Substack – The Astrology of the Saints: https://astrologyofthesaints.substack.com Theme music is Mariam Matrem Virginem, played by a forest beggar. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Lichens stops by to talk about The Pope’s Exorcist: 101 Questions About Fr. Gabriele Amorth from Sophia Institute Press. We discuss Father Amorth, exorcisms, demonic infestations, oppressions, and possessions, the first exorcist, and more. Support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The autobiography of Saint Perpetua, a martyr from the second century, tells of her trial and imprisonment at the hands of the Romans. After her death in the arena, a contemporary finished her story. Support The Flowered Path on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Beth Bracy discusses two books on Saint Thérèse of Lisieux from Sophia Institute Press: I Would Like to Travel the World and I Believe in Love. We discuss Saint Thérèse’s life, wisdom, and some miracles attributed to this Doctor of the Church. Support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s an extra-long Christmas episode! Father Dwight Longenecker discusses his book, The Secret of the Bethlehem Shepherds. Father Longenecker brings a great depth of research to the topic and we learn what Bethlehem might have been like during the time of Jesus’ birth. Brother Richard Hendrick joins The Flowered Path for three segments: a story of Saint Clare’s Christmas bilocation; a discussion of Saint Francis and the Christmas Crib; and a question-and-answer segment covering possession, relics, Poor Souls and purgatory, penance, victim souls, and more. Justin Showalter shares some thoughts on the astrology of Christ’s birth and what the three Magi may have been observing in the skies. Support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, a tale from Lives of the Eastern Saints, about a great miracle worker named Habib, followed by the story of the martyrdom of another Saint Habib (aka Saint Abibus). Support The Flowered Path on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sister Mary Josefa of the Eucharist talks with Timothy about her time with the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, their new children’s book, Brides of Christ, and their foundress, Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, whose body was recently found to be incorrupt. Support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Gilbert Lavoie discusses his book, The Shroud of Jesus. We talk about the history of the relic and the physical evidence shown on the shroud image, as well as how what is shown is supported by the Gospel of John. Support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saint Ottilia was born blind, but had her sight restored upon being baptized. Some tales state that a mountain opened beneath her, to hide her from pursuers, leaving a well in the place where the saint stood. Several versions of her life story are presented, along with some additional information on Saint Odile, who is sometimes conflated with Saint Ottilia. Support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles Coulombe discusses his book, A Catholic Quest for the Holy Grail. Arthurian legends, Eucharistic miracles, Chivalry, the relics of the Passion, and more are explored – along with where the modern, would-be knight might find the Chapel Perilous and the Holy Grail on their own quest. To support The Flowered Path visit: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sister Mary Ann Fatula, OP, discusses her new book, The Wonders of the Mass and the Eucharist – which explores the compelling and touching insights of several saints regarding these miracles. The wisdom of Saint John Crysostom, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Catherine of Siena, and more are touched upon in our discussion. Support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The figure of St Sebastian, tied to a tree and pierced with arrows, may be one of the most recognizable icons of all the saints. The image of Saint Sebastian has been repurposed in many ways, but how many know the story of Saint Sebastian's life and martyrdom amongst the early Christians? Support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Phillip Campbell returns to speak about Saint Genevieve and his book of historical fiction based on her life, Matron of Paris. We also hear another reading from Brother Richard on miracles of three holy brothers from the early days of the Franciscan order. Support The Flowered Path on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, Brother Richard presents a reading about Saint Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio. Next, Timothy tells the story of Saint Lydwine, a mystic who, while confined to bed for most of her years, lived a life full of charity, visions, and miraculous gifts. To support The Flowered Path go to: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a stroke forced him into retirement, Abbé Fouré moved to a hermitage on the Brittany coast. Over the next 14 years, he carved more than 300 sculptures into the rocks on the cliffs of Rotheneuf. Support The Flowered Path at: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Phillip Campbell talks to Timothy about Padre Pio and Phillip’s historical fiction biography of the saint, Wounds of Love. Campbell gives an overview of Padre Pio’s life before and after he became a Capuchin friar, relates some true stories of wonders and miracles attributed to the saint, and gives some historical context to this amazing man. To support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born in Wisconsin in 1870, Blessed Solanus Casey became a Capuchin Friar serving in different locations throughout the United States. Wherever he went, his humble nature and strong faith drew people from all walks of life. Father Edward Foley, the Vice-Postulator for the Canonization Cause of Blessed Solanus Casey talks to Timothy about Blessed Solanus’ life, faith, and favors attributed to his intercession. To support The Flowered Path: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mother Mary Lange was recently declared Venerable by Pope Francis. This remarkable woman founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence and Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. She served her community in education, caring for the sick, taking in orphans, and more. To support The Flowered Path, go to https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maxim Furek, author of Coal Region Hoodoo, stops by to discuss Catholic mysticism in the Coal Region of Pennsylvania. An apparition of Pope John XXIII appearing to miners trapped in a cave-in; the doomed town of Centralia, supposedly cursed by a priest; Father Alphonsus Trabold, an exorcist called in to deal with a famous haunting, Saint Teresa of Avila, and more. To support The Flowered Path, become a patron at patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saint Benedict is considered by many to be the father of Western monasticism. After living as a hermit for a time, he eventually founded several monasteries. Hear about several miracles attributed to Saint Benedict as well as the symbolism and meaning of the Saint Benedict medal. To support The Flowered Path become a patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brother Richard and Timothy continue their deep dive into the events at Fatima (originally recorded for Strange Familiars podcast in 2022). To support The Flowered Path go to https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 13 is the anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. To mark this occasion, I am publishing a long-form breakdown of the Fatima events I did with Brother Richard for the Strange Familiars podcast last year. This is part one of our conversation. If you would like to help The Flowered Path, become our patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saint Hilarion was so popular, crowds of people gathered around him, despite his desire for solitude and the remote dwellings in which he resided. Saint Hilarion traveled through the deserts, battling demons, healing the sick, and leading other monks in holy virtues – always on a quest to find a lonely place to meditate and pray. To support The Flowered Path become a patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, Brother Richard shares a story of Saint Anthony preaching to the fish. Then we hear about the life of Saint Lucy, virgin martyr, who, inspired by Saint Agatha, bravely held her principles and virtue in the face of cruel tormentors. To support The Flowered Path become a patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Anne Borik discusses Saint Sharbel Makhlouf, a Lebanese Maronite monk whose intercession is credited with thousands of miracles. We talk about Saint Sharbel’s life, the wondrous signs and phenomena which came after his death, and some of the miracles associated with his intercession – including miracles Dr. Borik herself has witnessed and studied. To support The Flowered Path become a patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 1991 to 1993 a series of wondrous events were happening, centered around Father James Bruse, who was, at the time, associate pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Lake Ridge, Virginia. Statues of Mary and Jesus wept tears, water, oil, and blood; statues and rosaries changed color; atmospheric phenomena not unlike the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima were observed; and more. If you would like to support The Flowered Path go to: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stories of Saint Macarius the Great, Saint William of Vercelli, a bilocating knight, a miracle flower grown from a dead man’s mouth, demonic possession, and more. If you would like to support The Flowered Path, go to https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saint John Damascene, Doctor of the Church, was born around the year 676. Shortly before his birth, Damascus fell under Muslim rule. Inspired by Islamic belief, the iconoclast movement gained a foothold in the Byzantine Empire. Saint John argued passionately against the iconoclasts–noting the difference between the veneration of saints and icons and the worship of God. Framed by a forged letter issued by Byzantine Emperor Leo, Saint John was arrested by the caliph, who had the saint’s hand severed at the wrist. Praying before an icon of the Blessed Virgin, Saint John fell asleep and awoke with his hand restored and fully healed. Saint John Damascene’s history of the Church, his sermons on the Assumption of Our Mother, and his various apologetic writings are considered essential works by historians. Hymns Saint John composed are still sung today.  If you enjoy The Flowered Path, please support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maximanius, Malchus, Martinianus, Dionysius, Johannes, Seraphion, and Constantine – seven holy martyrs from the ancient city of Ephesus – were enclosed in a cave by Roman Emperor Decius. Legend holds that, hundreds of years later, the cave was opened and the seven men awoke as if they had only slept one night. If you enjoy The Flowered Path, please support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After seeing a magnificent vision of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers, Saint Hubert dedicated his life to Christ. He was known for his generosity, eloquence, devotion – and for his ability to cast out demons, and provide miraculous healings, including curing rabies. Years after Saint Hubert’s death, his intercession was called on to cure and prevent rabies – sometimes using threads from his miraculous stole, and other times using a device which became known as Saint Hubert’s Key. You can support The Flowered Path, get extra content, merch, and more: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While you are waiting for the next proper episode of The Flowered Path, please enjoy this interview with Brother Richard Hendrick (originally presented on Strange Familiars in 2020). The origins of Christmas, the Three Magi, Mary Magdalene, the Holy Grail, the teachings of Saint Francis, Christmas legends and rituals, and much more. Support The Flowered Path at https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Among the various icons and images of saints there exist curious depictions of decapitated figures holding their own heads. These saints, known as cephalophores, were said to walk, speak, pray, and even preach for a period of time after they had been beheaded. Hear stories of Saint Denis, Saint Aphrodisius, Saint Lucian, Saint Valerie, Saint Minas, Saint Justus, Saint Felix, Saint Regula, Saint Nicasius, Saint Osyth, and Saint Edmund the Martyr. If you would like to help support The Flowered Path, become a patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saint Gemma Galgani’s life was filled with apparitions, locutions, levitations, stigmata, and other miracles. Saint Gemma endured physical attacks from demonic entities– often leaving her bruised and bloody–but she was also blessed with visitations from her Guardian Angel, Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and even Jesus. To help support The Flowered Path, become a patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though he felt drawn to religious life, Francesco Possenti ignored the call for years, preferring fine clothes, dancing, and the company of women. After hearing the voice of the Blessed Virgin Mary, however, Francesco made his way to the Passionist order, where he received his religious habit and his new name, Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. Though he died young, Gabriel was held as an example of piety to all those in his order. Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows' intercession is credited with many miraculous healings. If you would like to help support The Flowered Path, please consider becoming a patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An early Christian virgin martyr, Saint Agatha was tortured and tormented – but she answered these abuses with clever and righteous words which, it was said, tortured her captors hearts and minds more than the iron hooks, burning coals, and sharp blades from which Saint Agatha suffered. If you would like to help support The Flowered Path, become our patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Flowered Path. In the first episode, we will tell the story of Saint Leonard of Noblac. Saint Leonard lived in the 6th century AD and is responsible for many miracles, most notably freeing many prisoners who invoked his name and intercession. We’ll also hear the tale of Saint Leonard’s Forest in England where, legends say, the saint slayed a dragon. If you would like to support this podcast and get bonus content besides, become our patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefloweredpath sources for this episode: Brittanica.com Butler's Lives of the Saints, Complete Edition Catholic Online (Catholic.org) Catholic Encyclopedia Dragons and Serpents in Sussex (sussexarch.org.uk) The Golden Legend Theme music is Mariam Matrem Virginem, played by a forest beggar. The closing song is Red Footsteps by Stone Breath. https://stonebreath.bandcamp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices