The Maine Catholic

Names are sacred; especially the name of the Lord. The Lord's Day, Sunday, is also sacred. Bishop Ruggieri opens up the Second and Third Commandments and shows how they shape something we rarely connect to faith: the way we speak and the way we rest.He explains why blasphemy cuts deeper than we think, why your name carries the weight of your dignity, and why Sunday was never meant to be just another day on the calendar. It's a call to reclaim reverence, in our words and in our time.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-63

Every idol promises freedom and delivers slavery instead. Bishop James Ruggieri opens the Ten Commandments in this episode of Auspice Maria. The commandments begin only after God frees his people from Egypt, and that order matters. "God's first call and just demand is that man accept him and worship him," and unpacks why worship is not flattery but truth-telling about who we are.From there, the bishop names the quiet idols that crowd out God today. Power, money, reputation, even other people can take the throne meant for God alone. He also explains why superstition, magic, and sacrilege dimmish true faith. To worship rightly, is to become free. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-62

Bishop James Ruggieri turns from the individual heart to the whole human family. Communion with God was never meant to stay private, he explains. It spills outward into justice, subsidiarity, and solidarity with the poor, shaping how we build families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. But good structures alone cannot save a society. Something deeper has to change first.That deeper change, Bishop Ruggieri explains, comes through grace, not willpower. Law shows us the good; only the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to live it. Drawing on paragraphs 1877 through 2051 of the Catechism, he traces the path from natural law to the New Law of the Gospel, arguing that holiness was never meant to be a solo pursuit. We must strive for holiness together.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-61

"The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes." - Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1733.This weeks episode focuses on the beginning of section 3 of the Catechism. Bishop Ruggieri compassionately discusses Christian morality, free will, and the reason God made us."Our choices matter. Our habits matter. The way we treat others matters. We do not earn salvation by our own strength. Salvation is grace, but grace does not bypass our freedom. It heals, elevates, and invites our cooperation. The Christian moral life is the life of a child who has received a great inheritance and is learning to live according to it." - Bishop Ruggieri.A full transcript is available on our website at: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-60

Bishop James Ruggieri closes out Part Two of the Catechism this week. The topic is sacramentals and Christian funerals. Holiness in life, hope in death.Why do Catholics carry blessed objects? Do rosaries, medals, holy water, or other blessings have some mystical power? Bishop Ruggieri explains why sacramentals are not magic. They are invitations to grace.Then the conversation turns to death. Why do we celebrate funeral Masses? What does the Church actually teach about cremation? How should ashes be treated? Bishop Ruggieri offers clear, compassionate guidance for grieving families.Let this episode be a reminder that Christ never abandons His children, in life or in death.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-59

Bishop James Ruggieri closes the Catechism's series on the seven sacraments with Holy Matrimony. He traces marriage from creation itself through Christ's presence at Cana, explaining how a man and woman become ministers of the sacrament through free consent. He unpacks conjugal love, the gift of children, and the family as a domestic church.Bishop Ruggieri also speaks directly to married couples, single people, and those who are divorced or divorced and remarried. He addresses the Church's teaching on annulment with honesty and compassion. He closes the sacraments series with a prayer for every state of life, and a Hail Mary for all who listen.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-58

Bishop James Ruggieri turns to the sacrament of Holy Orders, opening a new chapter of the Catechism on the sacraments at the service of communion. He traces how Christ continues his apostolic mission through bishops, priests, and deacons, and explains the three degrees of ordained ministry and how each serves the Church in a distinct way. Drawing on Scripture and the Second Vatican Council, he shows how the ministerial priesthood exists to serve the common priesthood of all the baptized, not to stand apart from it.Bishop Ruggieri also addresses who can receive Holy Orders and closes with a reminder that Holy Orders is rooted in service, not status. A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-57

Bishop James Ruggieri turns to the second sacrament of healing: the anointing of the sick. He traces Jesus's tenderness toward the suffering throughout the Gospels, from the healing of Simon Peter's mother-in-law to Christ's compassion at the tomb of Lazarus. Drawing on paragraphs 1499 to 1532 of the Catechism, Bishop Ruggieri explains how illness fits within the Paschal Mystery and how suffering, when united to Christ, can carry real meaning rather than despair.He also addresses common misunderstandings about the sacrament. Anointing is not reserved for the dying. It brings strengthening, peace, and courage to anyone facing serious illness, old age, or a difficult surgery, and it can be received more than once. "The sick are not simply people to whom the Church ministers, they are also members through whom the Church is sanctified."A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-56

The sacrament of confession, also known as the sacrament of penance or reconciliation, is a vital part of Christian life. Bishop Ruggieri continues his journey through the Catechism with this episode about the sacrament of confession. He explains why baptism does not erase every weakness. Concupiscence still pulls the heart toward sin. He breaks down contrition, confession, and satisfaction. He explains the difference between mortal and venial sin.The bishop also addresses common fears about confession. He explains the seal of confession and the priest's role as servant, not judge. No one needs perfect words to come back. Mercy is always greater than sin.A full transcript of this episode can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-55

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Bishop James Ruggieri unpacks that claim carefully, drawing on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the documents of Vatican II. Bishop Ruggieri focuses on paragraphs 1322 to 1419 of the Catechism this week. He traces the Eucharist from the upper room to every altar in the world, explaining real presence, transubstantiation, and the Mass as sacrifice. "If you are not yet Catholic or not yet able to receive communion, I would simply, again, encourage you, let the mystery draw you deeper. Come and see. Ask questions. Let your hunger for God become prayer. The Eucharist is not a thing the Church possesses. The Eucharist is the Lord who gives himself to the Church." - Bishop Ruggieri.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-54

Bishop James Ruggieri explores what the sacrament of confirmation truly is and how it completes and strengthens the grace received at baptism. Along the way, he addresses a common misconception: confirmation is not a coming-of-age ceremony or Catholic "graduation". It is an important sacrament of initiation.He also reflects on Maine's restored order of the sacraments of initiation, the pastoral opportunities and challenges it presents, and closes with an open invitation to any Catholic who was baptized but never confirmed.This episode focuses on paragraphs 1285 to 1321 of Catechism of the Catholic Church. A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-53

Baptism is not a naming ceremony or a family tradition. It is the beginning of new life in Christ. Bishop James Ruggieri continues his walk through the Catechism of the Catholic Church by discussing baptism, exploring its effects, its necessity, and the profound responsibility it places on parents and godparents. He also explains emergency baptisms, infant baptisms and the importance of welcoming children into the faith. Bishop Ruggieri issues a simple challenge for every baptized Catholic to rediscover the gift they have received. Whether you are baptized, unbaptized, or considering whether or not to baptize your children, this episode has something for you.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-52

This episode continues the series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, diving deeper into Part Two: the Celebration of the Christian Mystery. Drawing from the Catechism and the Second Vatican Council's Sacrosanctum Concilium, Bishop Ruggeri explores four essential questions about the sacred liturgy: Who celebrates it? How is it celebrated? When is it celebrated? And where is it celebrated?Along the way, he reflects on the connection between the church on Earth and in heaven, the place of signs and symbols, music, and sacred images in sacramental celebration, and the sanctifying rhythm of the liturgical year, and the Liturgy of the Hours. He also addresses the role of the souls in purgatory within the Church and closes with a personal invitation to rediscover the sacredness of the Lord's Day.Whether you are new to the Catechism or deepening a lifelong faith, this episode offers a rich and accessible guide to understanding why the liturgy is not simply ceremony, but the very work of Christ in and through his Church.Read the full transcript on our website: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-51

Bishop James Ruggieri introduces Part Two of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The Celebration of the Christian Mystery. Exploring the vital link between belief and worship, he explains how the liturgy makes present the saving work of Christ through the sacraments. From the central role of the Paschal Mystery to the action of the Trinity in every liturgical celebration, this episode highlights how the Church’s worship forms, nourishes, and sends believers into mission. Bishop Ruggieri also unpacks key concepts like mystagogy, anamnesis, and epiclesis, offering a deeper understanding of how Catholics encounter divine grace through the sacramental life.A full transcript is available on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-50

Every week at Mass, we proclaim that we believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. We must not forget the depth of those claims. Even the word "amen" carries a deep profession of faith.In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri closely examines the "last things" in the first section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Listen to hear how Christ's resurrection transforms death into a path to eternal life. You can read a full transcript on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-49

We do not simply stop existing when our bodies die. The saints live on in heaven and remain in communion with the Church on Earth and in purgatory. In this weeks episode, Bishop Ruggieri explains how we know this and what that means for the Church as a whole. This episode focuses on paragraphs 976 through 981 of the Catechism. A full transcript can be found on our website: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-48Please forgive the sounds of the lawn mower that start about halfway through.

How do bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and lay people all fit together in the Catholic Church? Bishop Ruggieri answers that question in this week's episode. He explains the Catechism's teachings on each role in detail. "Each vocation is distinct, but none, importantly, is isolated. Each is necessary. Each is ordered toward holiness and mission." - Bishop Ruggieri.You can read the full transcript on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-47

All Catholics are very familiar with the phrase "the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church." Yet, it is easy to forget that each of those four words has a distinct meaning in the life of the Church. In this week's episode, Bishop Ruggieri explains the deeper meanings behind the four "marks" of the Church as they are described in the Catechism. It's a longer episode, but well worth listening to.A full transcript is available on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-46

In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri explains what we mean when we say, “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.” The Church is not a building or a group of priests, the Church is a whole people, the people of God. Bishop Ruggieri focuses on three important images of the Church: The Church as the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Each of these images help illuminate how Christ guides us and calls us to Him. A full transcript can be found on our website at: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-45

What do we really mean when we say, “I believe in the Holy Spirit?” This week, Bishop Ruggieri discusses the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. This episode draws from the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 683–747. "The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, not merely an influence, not merely a symbol of divine energy, the Holy Spirit is God." A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-44

What really happened when Jesus “descended into hell,” and what does His resurrection mean for our lives today? In this episode, Bishop James Ruggieri unpacks the Catechism’s teaching on Christ’s descent to the dead, His glorious rising, His ascension into heaven, and His promise to come again in judgment. With Scripture, tradition, and prayerful reflection, he shows how these mysteries reveal not only the victory of Christ over sin and death, but also the hope offered to every believer.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-43

In this episode of the Auspice Maria podcast, Bishop James Ruggieri continues his thematic walk through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on paragraphs 571–630 and the heart of the Paschal Mystery. The center of the Christian faith, he reminds us, is not first a moral code or a philosophy, but a proclamation: God loves you.Bishop Ruggieri reflects on how Christ reveals the Father’s love through personal encounter. His love leads intentionally to the cross as the culmination of God’s saving plan. Christ freely gives himself “to the end,” revealing that love is stronger than sin and death.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-42

In this episode of Auspice Maria, Bishop James Ruggieri continues the Catechism series by reflecting on the heart of the Christian faith: the Paschal Mystery. He begins with a simple but profound question many carry in silence, "Does God really love me?"Drawing from the Catechism, Bishop Ruggieri walks through key moments in Christ’s public ministry, including His baptism, temptation in the desert, preaching of the Kingdom of God, and steadfast journey toward Jerusalem. These moments reveal a God who enters fully into the human condition and remains faithful within it.A full transcript is available on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/paschal-mystery-part-1-catechism-series-part-11-auspice-maria-ep-41

Join Bishop James Ruggieri as he unpacks the hidden parts of Christ's early life. In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri discusses Mary's Immaculate Conception, The role of Jesus' parents, and His 30 silent years in Nazareth. The quiet simplicity of our Lord's early life sanctifies daily life for all of us. As CCC 521 declares, "Christ enables us to live in Him all that He Himself lived."How can you sanctify your ordinary days?A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/entering-life-christ-catechism-series-part-10-auspice-maria-ep-40

Why would God enter the world in a barn? Was Jesus human, God, or both? These are the questions at the heart of this week's episode.Bishop James Ruggeri explores the mystery of the Incarnation, the Word made flesh. He unpacks its wonders via Nativity scenes, the nuances of the liturgy, and Catechism teachings on salvation and divine love. A full transcript is available on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/word-made-flesh-catechism-series-part-9-auspice-maria-ep-39

In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri addresses the perennial question: Why is there sin? Drawing on Catechism paragraphs 385–412, he explains the goodness of creation, the misuse of human freedom, the reality of temptation, and the wound of concupiscence that affects every person.Yet despite our wounded state, there is hope. Listen to hear why God's grace and mercy will always prevail.A full transcript can be found on our website at: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/why-there-sin-why-there-hope-catechism-series-part-8-auspice-maria-ep-38

Bishop Ruggieri uses a recent trip through Northern Maine to frame how we humans interact with God's other creations. He discusses how everything that exists, both seen and unseen, shares a common creator. "When I looked at Katahdin that day, I was not just looking at geology. I was looking at something sustained in existence by love." A full transcription of this episode is available on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/creation-angels-and-humanity-catechism-series-part-7-auspice-maria-ep-37

Bishop James Ruggieri reflects on creation in a “state of journeying." Our world is not a finished product, but a story still unfolding under God’s providence. Drawing from the Catechism, he explores the Trinity as Creator, the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit, and the deeper questions every human heart asks: Where do we come from? Where are we going?He also takes on a timely topic: artificial intelligence. Where does AI fit within God’s plan? What’s the difference between information and wisdom, processing and discernment? And why can technology never replace the human vocation?A full transcript of this episode can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/our-role-creation-catechism-series-part-6-auspice-maria-ep-36

Bishop Ruggieri begins this episode with difficult questions that every believer must face at some point. Pulling directly from the Catechism, he asks, "Where do we come from? Where are we going? What is our origin? What is our end? Where does everything that exists come from and where is it going?" (CCC 282) After examining the catechism's answers to these questions, he addresses a question that all of us struggle with: “If God the Father almighty, the Creator of the ordered and good world, cares for all his creatures, why does evil exist?” (CCC 309)The answers to these questions are not simple. Fortunately, God does not leave us to contemplate them alone. A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/wonder-communion-catechism-series-part-5-auspice-maria-episode-35

In this fourth installment of his series on the Catechism, Bishop James Ruggieri reflects on the Catechism’s teaching on faith as a gift from God."The Catechism reminds us that God continues to draw near through revelation, which is both mysterious and tangible. God reveals Himself gradually, patiently, through covenants, prophets, and ultimately in His Son. Revelation reaches its fullness not in an idea, but in a Person. In Jesus Christ, God does not merely speak about Himself. He gives Himself." - Bishop RuggieriA full transcript can be found on our website at: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/faith-gods-gift-our-response-and-creed-we-profess-auspice-maria-ep-34

Bishop Ruggieri discusses paragraphs 101 to 184 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He explains how the Sacred Scriptures are essential to our faith and the life of the whole Church. The Bible is not a "dead letter" but the truly living Word of God. "The Church does not merely place a Bible in our hands. She proclaims it at mass, she explains it in preaching, she interprets it within tradition, she guards it so that it guards us." - Bishop RuggieriA full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/when-god-speaks-church-listens-catechism-series-part-3-auspice-maria-episode-33

Continuing through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Bishop Ruggieri explores the deep restlessness of the human heart, our desire for God, and how God reveals Himself to us. This episode invites listeners to reflect on human dignity, God’s faithful pursuit of humanity, and the full deposit of faith found in Scripture, Tradition, and the teachings of the Church.A full transcript can be found on our website at: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/god-satisfies-our-longing-catechism-series-part-2-auspice-maria-ep-32

This episode marks the beginning of a series of episodes focused on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Bishop Ruggieri explains the historical context of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and gives an introduction to what it contains. Bishop Ruggieri emphasizes a key message from the catechism, that God draws close to us at every time and place. "I think that's really important because sometimes we may feel we're forgotten or we may feel alone. But please, we're not alone, especially in our questions. And God never abandons us in our struggles. God is closer to us than we can possibly even imagine." - Bishop James RuggieriA full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/origin-catechism-catechism-series-part-1-auspice-maria-ep-31

The genealogy of Jesus is more than a list of names at the beginning of Mathew's Gospel. It's a brief summary of a deep story of salvation. Some of Jesus's ancestors were holy people, but most were imperfect at best. Bishop Ruggieri explains how the genealogy of Jesus shows God’s faithfulness through imperfect people, and invites us to trust in His plan even in times of waiting and uncertainty.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/our-lords-imperfect-ancestors-auspice-maria-episode-30

In this episode, Bishop James Ruggieri reflects on the quiet strength and faithful obedience of St. Joseph. Through a close reading of Matthew’s Gospel, he explores Joseph’s righteousness, reverential fear, and trust in God amid mystery. This meditation invites listeners to consider how God often works through hidden lives, humble faith, and courageous yeses offered without full understanding.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/st-josephs-example-trust-auspice-maria-ep-29

What would it mean to truly love without fear? One woman, through her Immaculate Conception, shows us exactly this. This episode focuses on Mary, the Mother of God, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. Bishop Ruggieri explains how Mary was able to love God truly and without fear. He also discusses the apparitions of Guadalupe, which show how Mary guides her children in miraculous ways.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/how-mary-teaches-us-love-without-fear-auspice-maria-ep-28

Where is the Lord asking you to trust him more deeply? In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri examines the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, a book with many readings in Advent. Bishop Ruggieri highlights the importance of trusting God over anything else. "When worship is strong, justice is strong. When worship is hollow, injustice follows."A full transcript can be found on our website at: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/trusting-god-and-answering-his-call-auspice-maria-ep-27

Is holiness possible for regular people? Yes. Servant of God Ruth Pakaluk proved this by doing ordinary things with extraordinary love and faithfulness. Ruth was a wife and mother who converted to Catholicism in 1980. In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri examines Ruth's life and explains how her witness provides a practical example of how to strive for holiness in the present day. The article Bishop Ruggieri mentioned can be read here: Vatican says sainthood cause for American mother Ruth Pakaluk can move forward | Catholic News AgencyMore information about Ruth's life and legacy, as well as her cause for canonization, can be found at https://ruthpakaluk.com/You can read the full transcript of this episode at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/american-moms-faithful-witness-and-cause-sainthood-auspice-maria-ep-26-bishop-james-ruggieri

Bishop Ruggieri offers a reflection on immigration issues in the United States. He speaks as a shepherd of souls to explain the recent Special Message released by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops about immigration. He uses the story of an ICE raid in Ohio and it's ripple effect on the community to frame the two sides of the debate, and he explains how each perspective does not contradict the other. Bishop Ruggieri urges us to pray, listen, and anchor our hearts in the Gospel. "Human dignity and national security are not in conflict. Both are possible if people of good will work together."The US Bishop's Special Message on Immigration can be found here: https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/us-bishops-issue-special-message-immigration-plenary-assembly-baltimoreThe WSJ article Bishop Ruggieri referenced can be found here: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/a-taco-shop-raid-splits-an-ohio-town-in-red-america-0057a8deA full transcript of this episode can found on our website at:https://portlanddiocese.org/news/reflection-immigration-auspice-maria-ep-25

What should a person do after hearing God's call? And is sainthood really achievable for people like us? Bishop Ruggieri answers these questions by detailing the discernment process and unpacking the universal call to a vocation to holiness."The call to holiness is not an abstraction. It's not something for the past or the saints in stained glass windows in our churches. It's about you and me right where we are."For more information about vocations in the Diocese of Portland, visit https://portlanddiocese.org/vocations or contact [email protected] full transcript is available on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/vocation-holiness-auspice-maria-ep-24

To close out Respect Life Month, Suzanne Lafreniere, Director of Public Affairs and Pro-Life Liaison for the Diocese of Portland, discussed the work she does to support pro-life efforts in Maine. Suzanne offers practical, actionable advice for Catholic Mainers who want to help build a culture of life. Resources mentioned in this episode:- Respect Life Month: https://portlanddiocese.org/respect-life-month - Life House Maine: https://lifehousemaine.org/- Maine Pregnancy Support Centers: https://mainerighttolife.org/pregnancy-support/- Start "Walking With Moms in Need" at your parish: https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/parish-resources- Three Beliefs (end of life decision guide): https://portlanddiocese.org/threebeliefsA full transcript is available on our website at: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/building-culture-life-suzanne-lafreniere-maine-catholic-podcast

Bishop Ruggieri encourages listeners to get involved with the March for Life and the Maine Catholic Education Initiative. He discusses how both serve the mission of the Church, building a culture of life and building the kingdom of God here on earth. Resources mentioned in this episode: Info about our trip to the March for Life: https://portlanddiocese.org/event/march-life-2026Register for the March for Life (registration deadline 11/14/25): https://portlanddiocese.net/march-for-life-2026Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education initiative: https://mainecatholiceducation.org/Info for Homeschoolers: https://mainecatholiceducation.org/homeschool-collaborativeAbout the Cabrini Schools: https://mainecatholiceducation.org/cabrini-schoolsSupport the Backpack Program: https://mainecatholiceducation.org/backpack-programA full transcript can be found on our website here: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/march-life-and-mother-cabrini-maine-catholic-education-initiative-auspice-maria-ep-23

In this episode of the Auspice Maria podcast, Bishop James Ruggieri reflects on why the right to be born must be foundational in building a culture of life. It is the vulnerable thread in the seamless garment of our morality. If that thread is pulled, the rest begins to unravel. A full transcript, with sources, can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/thread-unravels-auspice-maria-ep-22

In this episode of Auspice Maria, Bishop James Ruggieri addresses the often silent pain of infertility with honesty and compassion. He recognizes the pain that many couples feel as he explores the beauty of marital love, the Church’s moral teaching on reproductive technology, and the hope found in faith and perseverance. Through scripture, Church documents, and pastoral reflection, Bishop Ruggieri offers a message of dignity, healing, and trust in God’s creative love.A Full transcript can be found on our website here: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/pain-infertility-auspice-maria-ep-21

Many people believe that the mind and body are somehow separate, that our bodies are not integral to our identity. In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri explains the truth that our bodies, minds and souls are all integral aspects of human nature.Bishop Ruggieri also explains how to respond to people who struggle with gender dysphoria. We must accompany them with love, though we must not be complicit in encouraging false ideas.A full transcription with sources cited can be found at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/gender-identity-and-truth-body-auspice-maria-ep-20

How should Catholics respond to the hookup culture? Bishop Ruggieri explains how with an approach rooted in faith and scientific research.Bishop Ruggieri explores how hookups and "situationships" can reduce people to objects and erode dignity, while chastity opens the path to genuine love and communion. "How is God calling you, in your daily life, to live love as a gift, freely, faithfully, and authentically, in a world that so often settles for less?"A full transcription, now with a full list of sources, can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/hookup-culture-vs-authentic-love-auspice-maria-ep-19

In this episode of Auspice Maria, Bishop Ruggieri confronts the cultural wound of pornography and its impact on human dignity and authentic friendship. Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and the wisdom of Plato, Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. John Paul II, he shows how lust reduces people to objects. God calls us to reject lust and pursue communion and virtuous friendship. With honesty and compassion, Bishop Ruggieri warns of early exposure among youth, urges families to guide and protect, and points all listeners toward the freedom and joy found in virtuous love.As always, a full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/pornography-and-erosion-human-dignity-auspice-maria-episode-18-bishop-james-ruggieri

The Lord sends us forth whether we're ready or not. In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri opens the Great Commission and shows us its heart: faith, accompaniment and mission despite hesitation. He reminds us that the Spirit leads, redirects, and sends."The point is that missionary outreach is our first task, and it advances by witness that invites rather than coerces. So we speak the name of Jesus, we offer reasons for our hope, and we live the gospel in such a way that it rings true." - Bishop RuggieriA full Transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/go-and-make-disciples-sending-forth-auspice-maria-ep-17-bishop-james-ruggieri

"When we think about evangelization, we might first think of arguments, catechism classes, or homilies. These are all important, but none of them bear fruit without joy." In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri emphasizes that joy is the mark of a Christian alive in the Spirit. Not to be confused with happiness or pleasure, true joy comes from the Holy Spirit. In a divided, cynical world, joy outshines fear. Listen to this episode for practical advice on how to live your faith joyfully in daily life.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/witnessing-secular-world-auspice-maria-ep-16-bishop-james-ruggieri

Bishop James Ruggieri explores what it truly means to be a missionary parish in 2025. Moving beyond the walls of buildings, he reflects on the parish as a living community of faith, called to proclaim the Gospel, foster encounters with Christ, and build the kingdom of God. Drawing on the teachings of Vatican II and Canon Law, Bishop Ruggieri challenges us to reclaim a vision of parish life centered on mission, communion, and service.A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/parish-center-mission-auspice-maria-ep-15-bishop-james-ruggieriThe Maine Catholic Podcast is a production of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, all rights reserved.