Ever Ancient, Ever New

o commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fr. John A. Hardon's death, December 30th, 2025, the Institute on Religious Life will be launching a series of Fr. Hardon talks from our own archives! Father Hardon entered the Society of Jesus in 1936. He authored over 200 books, including The Catholic Catechism (1975) and was a consultant for the drafting of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He wrote countless articles, conducted numerous catechetical classes for religious and lay people, developed a series of full-semester courses and was a popular speaker and retreat master as well as a spiritual director and confessor to many. He also founded the Institute on Religious Life, Marian Catechists and Eternal Life. Father Hardon died on December 30, 2000. His cause for canonization has been opened.  Today, we will be listening to his talk titled, "The Way of the Cross" Thank you and we hope you enjoy! May God bless you!

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2012 National Meeting by Fr. James Kubicki, SJ, serves as a spiritual director at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He is a popular conference and parish mission speaker, retreat director, and the author of A Heart on Fire and A Year of Daily Offerings. Fr. Kubicki previously served as the national director of the Apostleship of Prayer (now the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network) and as the president of St. Francis Mission on South Dakota’s Rosebud Reservation. Kubicki entered the Society of Jesus in 1971 and was ordained in 1983. He has served the Jesuits in numerous capacities including, vocations, priestly formation, and deacon and lay ministry formation. Fr. Kubicki’s topic is “Living the Eucharist – United our Lives with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass”. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview featuring Bishop Robert Vasa. Bishop Robert F. Vasa, a native of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, serves as the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Santa Rosa. After obtaining his B.A. from St. Thomas Seminary College in Denver, CO, Bishop Vasa obtained a Master of Divinity from the Holy Trinity Seminary of the University of Dallas. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1976 in Lincoln, NE and subsequently spent two years pursuing post-graduate studies in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. After serving in several capacities for the Diocese of Lincoln, he was ordained to the episcopate in 2000 in Baker, OR. Bishop Vasa was appointed coadjutor bishop of Santa Rosa, CA in 2010 and succeeded to the bishopric in 2011. He also served as Present on the IRL’s Board of Directors for many years.  His journey of faith and leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to the Church and the people he serves. Bishop Vasa’s topic today is “What is the Consecrated Life” and he is interviewed by IRL Board member, Jesse Weiler. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fr. John A. Hardon's death, December 30th, 2025, the Institute on Religious Life will be launching a series of Fr. Hardon talks from our own archives! Father Hardon entered the Society of Jesus in 1936. He authored over 200 books, including The Catholic Catechism (1975) and was a consultant for the drafting of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He wrote countless articles, conducted numerous catechetical classes for religious and lay people, developed a series of full-semester courses and was a popular speaker and retreat master as well as a spiritual director and confessor to many. He also founded the Institute on Religious Life, Marian Catechists and Eternal Life. Father Hardon died on December 30, 2000. His cause for canonization has been opened.  Today, we will be listening to part three of a talk he gave titled, “Introduction To Principles and Practice of Prayer”. Thank you and we hope you enjoy! May God bless you!

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2012 National Meeting by by Dr. Scott Hahn.  Dr. Hahn received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a triple-major in Theology, Philosophy and Economics from Grove City College, PA,  his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in Biblical Theology from Marquette University. He was ordained in 1982 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, VA, but resigned his ministry to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 1986. He began teaching at Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1990, where he now holds the Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R., Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization. An exceptionally popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Hahn has spoken nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and Catholic theology. His talks have been effective in helping thousands embrace the faith.  Dr. Scott’s talk is titled, " How to Get the Most Out of Mass". Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!   

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview featuring Dr. John Olesnavage.  A lifelong devout Catholic, John Olesnavage spent twenty-five years as a case worker in the human service field, working with criminal offenders, addicts, and the mentally ill. At forty-seven, he returned to school to pursue his dream of becoming a psychologist. John is a clinical psychologist, teacher, guide and activator who can inspire you to discover your Powerful Questions and create your legacy. John formed the My Powerful Question Institute in 2014. Dr. Olesnavage’s topic today is “Your most Powerful Question” and he is interviewed by IRL Board member, Jesse Weiler. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fr. John A. Hardon's death, December 30th, 2025, the Institute on Religious Life will be launching a series of Fr. Hardon talks from our own archives! Father Hardon entered the Society of Jesus in 1936. He authored over 200 books, including The Catholic Catechism (1975) and was a consultant for the drafting of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He wrote countless articles, conducted numerous catechetical classes for religious and lay people, developed a series of full-semester courses and was a popular speaker and retreat master as well as a spiritual director and confessor to many. He also founded the Institute on Religious Life, Marian Catechists and Eternal Life. Father Hardon died on December 30, 2000. His cause for canonization has been opened.  Today, we will be listening to part two of a talk he gave titled, “Introduction To Principles and Practice of Prayer”. Thank you and we hope you enjoy! May God bless you!

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2007 National Meeting by Sr. M. Stephania Newell of the Sisters of the St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, IL. The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George have been called by God to take an active part in rebuilding the Church, which was born from the heart of the crucified Christ. Flowing out of His open side, the charism entrusted to their community is to make the merciful love of Christ visible in our service. They do this through a variety of apostolic activities throughout the United States. Sr. M. Stephania Newell’s talk is titled, What is my Vocation - Prayer of Discernment. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy! May God bless you!   

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview featuring Sister Rita Marie, SsEW with the Sister Servants of the Eternal Word in Irondale, Alabama.   The Sister Servants of the Eternal Word is a public association of the faithful begun by Mother Mary Gabriel Long in 1987. The community is contemplative-active, committed to evangelization through catechesis and retreats, according to the ideals of St. Francis and St. Dominic who rebuilt the Church in truth and charity. The Sister Servants run Casa Maria Retreat House and also participate in family catechesis, Sacramental preparation, and other catechetical missions throughout the diocese and beyond. They teach “spiritual things spiritually” (1 Cor 2:13) by witnessing to the Truth and Love of God, in imitation of St. Dominic and St. Francis. Sister Rita Marie’s topic today is “The Pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Immaculate Conception” and she is interviewed by IRL Board member, Jesse Weiler. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fr. John A. Hardon's death, December 30th, 2025, the Institute on Religious Life will be launching a series of Fr. Hardon talks from our own archives! Father Hardon entered the Society of Jesus in 1936. He authored over 200 books, including The Catholic Catechism (1975) and was a consultant for the drafting of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He wrote countless articles, conducted numerous catechetical classes for religious and lay people, developed a series of full-semester courses and was a popular speaker and retreat master as well as a spiritual director and confessor to many. He also founded the Institute on Religious Life, Marian Catechists and Eternal Life. Father Hardon died on December 30, 2000. His cause for canonization has been opened.  Today, we will be listening to part one of a talk he gave titled, “Introduction To Principles and Practice of Prayer”. Thank you and we hope you enjoy! May God bless you!

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2007 National Meeting by Msgr. Charles Mangan. Msgr. Mangan is from the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a faculty member at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. Ordained a priest in 1989, he has served as an official in the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in Rome and director of his diocese's Office of the Marian Apostolate. Msgr. Mangan’s talk is titled, Sacred Liturgy as Foretaste of Heavenly Prayer. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview featuringFr. Matthias of the Immaculate Heart, OCD of the Discalced Carmelite Friars of the California-Arizona Province. The Discalced Carmelite Friars seek to respond to Christ's call by combining the contemplative spirit with the active apostolate. As Carmelite brothers and priests, they serve the Church in various ministries. They staff three parishes, a retreat house, a house of prayer, an Institute of Spirituality, and a mission in Uganda, Africa. They are also involved in spiritual direction, hospital chaplaincy, prison ministry, and spiritual assistance to Carmelite Nuns and Carmelite Seculars. Fr. Matthias’ topic today is “Your Prayer Life: Navigating Meditation into Contemplation” and he is interviewed by IRL Board member, Jesse Weiler. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fr. John A. Hardon's death, December 30th, 2025, the Institute on Religious Life will be launching a series of Fr. Hardon talks from our own archives! Father Hardon entered the Society of Jesus in 1936. He authored over 200 books, including The Catholic Catechism (1975) and was a consultant for the drafting of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He wrote countless articles, conducted numerous catechetical classes for religious and lay people, developed a series of full-semester courses and was a popular speaker and retreat master as well as a spiritual director and confessor to many. He also founded the Institute on Religious Life, Marian Catechists and Eternal Life. Father Hardon died on December 30, 2000. His cause for canonization has been opened.  Today, we will be listening to part two of a talk he gave titled, “The Sacrament of Matrimony”. Thank you and we hope you enjoy! May God bless you!

Today, we will be listening to a talk from our 2010 National Meeting from Mother Mary Assumpta Long, O.P. titled, In Pursuit of Perfect Charity. Mother Mary Assumpta Long, OP is the former Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Mother Assumpta holds a S.T.L. in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, and has taught at the elementary, secondary and junior college levels. Mother Assumpta is the former Superior General of the St. Cecilia Congregation of the Nashville Dominican Sisters. In the early 1990s she was invited by John Cardinal O’Connor to assist with the initial formation of the Sisters of Life in New York. In 1997 she, along with three other Sisters, founded the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. The Sisters currently teach in elementary and secondary schools in Michigan and six other states across the country. Mother Assumpta was not only an IRL board member who served on the board for many years. She was also the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award recipient in 1993. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy. May God bless you!

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview featuring Sr. Sister Clare Key of the Daughters of St. Francis of Assisi, a religious congregation of women founded in Budapest, Hungary in 1894. Today their motherhouse is located in Lacon, Illinois. Their Apostolate in the Church is service to our neighbor for the love of Christ. They want to bring the good tidings of God’s goodness and to engage our whole personality. Every work in the service of God is truly great and apostolic. Our Lord Jesus Christ has embraced all men in his love and has offered himself for all. They live their religious vocation as to convince all that through their consecration to God we do not become estranged from their fellow men, but that their union with them grows deeper in Christ’s love. They render services of Christian charity to all without exception and helping thereby to promote the welfare of the earthly human common wealth. We are overjoyed to be able to share these talks and interviews with you, from these religious men and women who truly are some of the greatest treasures of the church. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy. May God bless you!

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fr. John A. Hardon's death, December 30th, 2025, the Institute on Religious Life will be launching a series of Fr. Hardon talks from our own archives! Father Hardon entered the Society of Jesus in 1936. He authored over 200 books, including The Catholic Catechism (1975) and was a consultant for the drafting of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He wrote countless articles, conducted numerous catechetical classes for religious and lay people, developed a series of full-semester courses and was a popular speaker and retreat master as well as a spiritual director and confessor to many. He also founded the Institute on Religious Life, Marian Catechists and Eternal Life. Father Hardon died on December 30, 2000. His cause for canonization has been opened.  Today, we will be listening to part one of a talk he gave titled, “The Sacrament of Matrimony”. Thank you and we hope you enjoy! May God bless you!

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2013 National Meeting by Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. of the the Conventual Franciscan Friars.  2013 national meeting with you, from Fr. James McCurry, OFM. Reverend James McCurry, OFM Conv., was born in Ireland and has lectured, conducted retreats and spiritual days, and preached in all 50 of the United States, as well as in over 60 countries on all seven continents. He authored Maximilian Kolbe: Martyr of Charity, has published several articles, and appeared on numerous radio, television and video programs. His Mariology series on EWTN was syndicated for several years, and he has frequently been a guest on the network. He is the Minister Provincial Emeritus of the Franciscan Friars Conventual, Our Lady of Angels Province, and Vice President of the Mariological Society of America. Fr. James McCurry’s topic is “Blessed Is She: Mary, Model of Faith”. Thank you for listening!  May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview featuring Brother Dominic Michael Heart of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Franciscan Brothers of Peach are a community of Franciscan Brothers consecrated freely to Christ by the vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. They live an active life of prayer, brotherhood, and service, rebuilding the Dignity of Human Life through the works of mercy. They are a public association of the faithful, following the TOR Franciscan Rule and their Community Statutes, under the gracious care of their Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Brother Dominic Michael’s topic today is “The Holy Spirit's Role in Evangelization” and he is interviewed by IRL Board member, Jesse Weiler. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Today's episode is honoring our 2008 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award recipients, Mr. Jerome and Mrs. Gwen Coniker. Desiring to live the message of Our Lady of Fatima, Jerry and Gwen Coniker consecrated themselves to Jesus, through Mary, in truth and grace. Closely collaborating with others—bishops, priests, religious and laity, the Conikers gradually developed a library of informative and inspiring multimedia resources, designed effective apostolic techniques and training, and launched innovative programs and publications of evangelization and catechesis. The Conikers, with the prayerful and material support of countless apostles, have developed a wide variety of support ministries to accomplish the AFC’s purpose and mission. These ministries include week-long family fests, weekend conferences, various retreats and a 950-acre evangelization and catechetical training institute, all dedicated to the Holy Family and aimed at producing lasting spiritual fruits. Today, we will be listening to by Jerome Coniker from our 2008 National Meeting titled, "Being Instruments of God's Mercy". Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy!  

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2013 National Meeting by Mr. Mike Sullivan.  Mike Sullivan is the president of Catholics United for the Faith and publisher of Lay Witness and Emmaus Road Publishing. He contributed to the most recent volume of the best-selling Catholic for a Reason series: The Mystery of Marriage and Family Life. He has also written for Our Sunday Visitor, This Rock, and National Catholic Register. Sullivan has appeared as a commentator on current issues in the Catholic Church on several television and radio programs. Sullivan has written and given talks on such topics as Christian marriage and family life, the teachings of Vatican II, Pope John Paul II’s “theology of the body,” the role of the laity in the Church, and devotion to Mary. Sullivan resides in Toronto, Ohio, with his wife, Gwen, and their eight children. Mike Sullivan’s talk today is titled, "Catholic for a Reason: Having Your Answers Ready". Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview on “The Seasons of the Glorious Birth of Our Lord” with IRL board member, Jesse Weiler, and Mother Marla Marie Lucas, MSCL, who is the Superior of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light. The Maronite Servants of Christ the Light are a congregation of consecrated religious serving the Church in the parish as spiritual mothers in imitation of Mary, radiating the Light of Christ in their life of contemplative prayer, asceticism, and apostolic mission to children, youth, young adults, families, the sick, dying, and grieving… They also serve alongside the priest in pastoral ministry reaching out with a maternal touch to the many needs of the parish family. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Today's episode is honoring our 2011 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award recipient, Fr. Kenneth Baker, S.J. Fr. Kenneth Baker, S.J., is editor emeritus of the Homiletic & Pastoral Review, having served as editor from 1971 to 2010.  He graduated from Gonzaga University, studied Theology at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, and translated Karl Rahner’s Primacy and Episcopate into English.  After teaching for two years at Gonzaga University, he published his translation of Rahner’s Spiritual Exercises and received his Ph.D. from Marquette University.  Returning to Gonzaga he became head of the Department of Theology in 1968, leading it faithfully through the turmoil surrounding Humanae Vitae.  He then served as president of Seattle University.  Fr. Baker has built and run three community television stations and was president of Catholic Views Broadcasting, Inc., which produced a weekly 15-minute radio program airing on 50 stations across the U.S.  He is the author of a three-volume explanation of the Faith called Fundamentals of Catholicism. Today, we will be listening to Fr. Kenneth Baker's award acceptance speech at the 2011 National Meeting. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2024 National Meeting by Sr. Regina Marie Gorman, OCD of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles.   Sister Regina Marie Gorman, O.C.D. was raised in Los Angeles where she entered Carmel in 1972.  She holds a Masters in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH. Sister Regina Marie is known for her tireless commitment to bring Jesus Christ to those with whom she works and serves. She has done this as Vicar General, Superior General, Directress of Novices, Junior High teacher, public speaker, and above all, as a friend and companion. Through the gift of the Carmelite charism, Sister Regina Marie continues to invite countless people into the presence of the living God. Sr. Regina Marie’s talk we will be listening to is titled, "The Pledge of Future Glory The Power is Within”. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview on “Digital Evangelization” with IRL board member, Jesse Weiler, and Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, O.P. of the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph. A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Father Patrick joined the Order of Preachers in 2010. Following his ordination to the priesthood, he was assigned in Providence, Rhode Island. Father Patrick served as a chaplain and instructor of theology at Providence College and as a parish priest at St. Pius V Church. Currently, he is the editor of Our Sunday Visitor, a host of the podcast Godsplaining, and a preacher of the USCCB’s Eucharistic Revival. Fr. Patrick is the co-author of Saint Dominic’s Way of Life: A Path to Knowing and Loving God and author of the devotional series My Daily Visitor, published by OSV. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Today's episode is honoring our 2009 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award recipient, Fr. Michael Scanlan, T.O.R. Fr. Michael Scanlan, T.O.R. was a priest of the Franciscan Third Order Regular Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Father Scanlan served as president of Franciscan University from 1974-2000, chancellor from 2000-2011, and became president emeritus in 2011. Father Scanlan became president of the College of Steubenville in 1974 in the midst of turbulent times for Catholic higher education. Over the next 26 years, he transformed the College into Franciscan University of Steubenville and gained for it a worldwide reputation for both excellence in academics and its passionate Catholic faith environment. His success helped spark a restoration of authentic Catholic education in the United States and beyond, with many colleges and universities renewing their Catholic identity and new schools imitating his emphasis on Catholic Church teaching. Fr. Michael passed into eternal life on January 7, 2017, after an extended illness. Today, we will be listening to Fr. Michael Scanlan's award acceptance speech at the 2009 National Meeting. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2025 National Meeting by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T. of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. Sr. Miriam James Heidland is a former Division I athlete who had a radical conversion and joined the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) in 1998. Her story has been featured on EWTN’s The Journey Home, SEEK Conferences, Steubenville Conferences and other outlets. She holds a master’s degree in theology from the Augustine Institute and speaks extensively on the topics of conversion, authentic love, forgiveness and healing. She is also affiliated with Friends of the Bridegroom and the John Paul II Healing Center in leading healing retreats for priests and religious sisters across the nation. Sr. Miriam’s talk is titled, " The Power of a Healing Heart in the Jubilee Year of Hope”. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview on “Surrendering to God’s Will” with IRL board member, Jesse Weiler, and Sr. Teresa Paul, OSF of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in East Peoria, Illinois.  Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!   

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Father Edmund McCaffrey was born on January 9, 1933. He was the former Abbot Ordinary of the Benedictine monastery, Belmont Abbey in Charlotte, N.C. Fr. Edmund was well known as a Political Scientist, a Scholar, Writer, Lecturer, Retreat Master, Educator, Defender of the Faith, Promoter of Devotion to the Angels, a strong exponent of Marian devotion and extraordinary defender of the sacredness of human life. Possessing the gift of a remarkably strong and vibrant voice, and a matching personality, Father Edmund would immediately cause an audience to sit up and take notice when he begins to speak. But his booming presentation was matched and exceeded by his eloquence in teaching the faith. His love for his heavenly Mother was beautiful and eye opening to the great gift that she is to us from God. His devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist enlightens all to a deeper love and devotion to the Real, True, Eucharistic Presence of Jesus Christ; Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Fr. Edmund passed into eternal life on November 13, 2016. Today, we will be listening to a homily Fr Edmund gave at the 2009 National Meeting. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On today's episode, we're listening to an interview with Carolyn Stegmann from the Apostolate for Family Consecration's Women's Catholic Corps in Bloomingdale, Ohio.  While living a ‘consecration of life’ through private vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, the Catholic Corps was constituted within the lay apostolate of the Apostolate for Family Consecration and exists to help fulfill its mission of sanctifying and strengthening families by way of consecration to the Holy Family and in the Truths of the Catholic Faith. The Catholic Corps has at the heart of its vocation the spiritual renewal of the Church and society through the renewal of the family. They serve the ministry of the Apostolate for Family Consecration which immerses families in the richness of the Catholic Faith through events, retreats, and catechetical and formation tools and programs, as they support families in their journey of growth in holiness. Please make sure to also check out the Apostolate for Family Consecration's Men's Catholic Corps. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!

On today’s episode, we will be featuring part one of a talk from our 2012 National Meeting by Francis Cardinal George.  The son of a janitor, Chicago-born Francis Eugene George contracted polio at the age of 13, and, due to a developed limp, was rejected by Chicago's archdiocesan seminary, leading him to join the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1957. Making his solemn profession the following year, he underwent studies at St. Henry's Preparatory Seminary in Belleville, Illinois; Pine Hills Scholasticate in Ottawa, Canada; the University of Ottawa; the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana; and the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome. Ordained a priest in 1963, in Chicago, he was appointed to the lecturing staff of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska; serving as Chairman of the Philosophy Department between 1970 and 1973. He was appointed Bishop of Yakima, Washington, by Pope John Paul II in 1990, and then to that of Chicago in 1997, following Cardinal Joseph Bernardin's death, he became the first Chicagoan to occupy the see of his native city and head of the archdiocese that once turned him away.  Francis Cardinal George’s talk is titled, " The Liturgical Theology of Pope Benedict XVI”. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview on “Religious Life and Liturgical Renewal” with IRL board member, Jesse Weiler, and Fr. David Yallaly, SJC of The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in Chicago, Illinois.  Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!   

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Today's episode is honoring our 2024 award recipient, Francis Cardinal Arinze. Francis Cardinal Arinze was born on November 1, 1932 in Eziowelle, Onitsha, Nigeria. His vocation was greatly influenced by Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi, then a parish priest, later a Cistercian monk, who baptized Cardinal Arinze in 1941, heard his first confession and from his hands gave him his first communion. At the age of fifteen, Cardinal Arinze began his secondary studies at the junior seminary and was ordained in 1958 at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome where he eventually earned a Bachelors Degree in Theology, a masters degree and a doctorate degree, Summa Cum Laude. In 1965, he was consecrated a bishop and later named Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Onitsha. He was the youngest bishop to attend the second Vatican Council. During the Nigeria/Biafra War (1967-1970), he administered, with the clergy and religious missionaries, the efficient distribution of relief materials. He was elected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in 1979, a post which he held until 1984, when John Paul II appointed him as pro-president of the Secretariat for Non-Christians. He was proclaimed Cardinal by St. John Paul II in 1985 and was President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue from 1985 to 2002. Through it all, he remained himself— simple, hardworking, prayerful, humorous, methodical and precise. For the Year of Consecrated Life in 2005, he wrote a book on the consecrated life called Radical Discipleship: Consecrated Life and the Call to Holiness., in which he said: “People in the consecrated state are called to be like leaven in society, to fulfill the prophetic role in radically calling the attention of society to the importance of following Christ…The consecrated life announces without words that nothing is too precious to offer to God.” Today, we will be listening to a talk from Francis Cardinal Arinze for the 2024 National Meeting. He is introduced by Fr. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On today’s episode, we will be featuring part two of a talk from our 2009 National Meeting by Bishop Robert Barron. Bishop Barron was ordained a priest in 1986 in the Archdiocese of Chicago and appointed to the theological faculty of Mundelein Seminary in 1992. He served as the Rector/President of Mundelein Seminary from 2012 until 2015. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Barron to be Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In 2022, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Robert Barron as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. Bishop Robert Barron is an acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian. He is also the founder of the global media ministry Word on Fire, which reaches millions of people by utilizing the tools of new media to draw people into or back to the Catholic Faith. Francis Cardinal George has described him as “one of the Church’s best messengers.” Bishop Barron and his Word on Fire team have released dozens of films, books, and study programs. Bishop Barron has produced over 400 online video commentaries. The ministry strives to consistently produce high-quality productions, including brief and lively theological reviews of contemporary culture in movies, books, music, current events, and more. Bishop Barron’s talk we will be listening to is titled, "Evangelization". Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On today’s episode, we will be featuring part one of a talk from our 2009 National Meeting by Bishop Robert Barron. Bishop Barron was ordained a priest in 1986 in the Archdiocese of Chicago and appointed to the theological faculty of Mundelein Seminary in 1992. He served as the Rector/President of Mundelein Seminary from 2012 until 2015. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Barron to be Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In 2022, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Robert Barron as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. Bishop Robert Barron is an acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian. He is also the founder of the global media ministry Word on Fire, which reaches millions of people by utilizing the tools of new media to draw people into or back to the Catholic Faith. Francis Cardinal George has described him as “one of the Church’s best messengers.” Bishop Barron and his Word on Fire team have released dozens of films, books, and study programs. Bishop Barron has produced over 400 online video commentaries. The ministry strives to consistently produce high-quality productions, including brief and lively theological reviews of contemporary culture in movies, books, music, current events, and more. Bishop Barron’s talk we will be listening to is titled, "Evangelization". Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview on “Praising God with the Archangels” with IRL board member, Jesse Weiler, and Fr. Michael Donovan, O. de M. of The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, Mercedarian Friars in Cleveland, Ohio.  Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!   

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Today's episode is honoring our 2019 award recipient, The Little Sisters of the Poor. Continuing the work of their foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, The Little Sisters’ mission is to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself. The Little Sisters of the Poor take a fourth vow of hospitality, to consecrate themselves totally to the service of the elderly poor. The Little Sisters have elderly homes all across the country including their Baltimore/Brooklyn Province and their Chicago Province, and are also located in 30 countries around the world! We will be listening to the banquet address of Sr. Constance Carolyn, L.S.P., accepting the award on the Little Sisters’ behalf. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On today's episode, we're listening to an interview with Mother Cecilia Marie, I.H.M. who is the General Superior of The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Wichita Kansas.  The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary’s primary service to the Church is the contemplation of the Word and the spreading of His message of salvation through various works of education and spiritual retreats. In union with Mary, they pray for the Church, especially for the conversion of sinners and for the sanctification of priests. Their spirituality is Eucharistic and Marian. Devotion to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary leads them to her Eucharistic Son and she nurtures within them a deep and abiding love of the Church. The heart of the Sisters’ life and the source of their unity is Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2009 National Meeting by Dr. Scott Hahn.  Dr. Hahn received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a triple-major in Theology, Philosophy and Economics from Grove City College, PA,  his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in Biblical Theology from Marquette University. He was ordained in 1982 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, VA, but resigned his ministry to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 1986. He began teaching at Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1990, where he now holds the Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R., Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization. An exceptionally popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Hahn has spoken nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and Catholic theology. His talks have been effective in helping thousands embrace the faith.  Dr. Scott’s talk is titled, " The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth". Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview on “How to Pray the Mass” with IRL board member, Jesse Weiler, and Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM of The Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy in Auburn, Kentucky. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!   

On today's episode, we're listening to an interview with Sr. Susanna Arpidone, PSGM, of The Little Friars and Little Nuns of Jesus and Mary in Theriot, Louisiana. the Little Friars and Little Nuns is composed of two celibate branches of brothers and sisters, who through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, consecrate all of their life to the Lord, at the service of the Catholic Church and of their neighbor. The brothers and sisters work together, although living in completely separate houses. They have a "dual spirituality" drawing both from the contemplative silence and prayer of the early Carmelites and from the active poverty and evangelization of the early Franciscans. Please check out these amazing groups that help support the Little Friars and Nuns!  Adpvv Lay Missionaries Adpvv Prayer Groups  If you would like to donate to support their mission you can donate HERE! Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Today's episode is honoring our 2012 award recipient, Fr. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B. Fr. Cassian is from Lynn, Massachusetts and is a scholar of sacred music and liturgy, and studied music before joining the monastic community of Saint Meinrad in 1979. He founded a renewed Benedictine monastic community in Rome in 1998 and transferred it to Norcia Italy in the year 2000. Over the last 25 years, the Monastery di San Benedetto has grown, attracting new vocations and pilgrims from around the world. He recently retired as prior but continues to serve the community and teaches liturgy at the "Pontifical Liturgical Institute" at the Benedictine University of Sant'Anselmo in Rome. The Monastery of San Benedetto in Monte is a community of Benedictine monks in Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St. Benedict, founder of western monasticism. The monks' goal is to prefer nothing to the love of Christ. They pray the full monastic office as laid out in the Rule of St. Benedict, observe the monastic fast and have retained the patrimony of Gregorian chant and the traditional form of the Latin liturgy (extraordinary form). Today, we will be listening to a talk Fr Cassian gave at the 2012 National Meeting titled, “Sacred Signs and Active Participation at Mass”. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!   

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2025 National Meeting by Fr. John Burns.  Fr. John Burns is a priest for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He studied business marketing at the University of Notre Dame, but later realized a deeper call to preach the infinite love of God with his whole life. Ordained a priest in 2010, he has served in parish ministry and taught moral theology in the seminary. Father John also works extensively with religious communities of women and has provided retreats and conferences for Sisters in Africa, Europe, and the United States. Father John recently completed his doctoral studies on the theology of healing through forgiveness. He is founder of Friends of the Bridegroom, an apostolate dedicated to the renewal of the Church through the renewal of the priesthood and women’s religious life. Fr. John currently serves as a member of the IRL Board of Directors. Fr. John’s talk is titled, "Horizon Harmony: The Lovesong of Creation and the Restoration of Order". Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview on “The Pitfalls of Vocational Discernment” with IRL board member, Jesse Weiler, and Sr. M. Karolyn Nunes, FSGM of The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, IL. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!   

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Today's episode is honoring our 2025 award recipient, Fr. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem. Fr. Thomas is a Norbertine priest of St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado, California, a community of Norbertine Canons. After his studies of philosophy and theology, Fr. Thomas has served since 1981 as spiritual director, novice master, director of formation and pastoral caregiver of victims of physical, psychological and spiritual abuse. Since 2000 he has been the National Director of the Institute on Religious Life. He is also Professor and Director of the Vita Consecrata Institute at Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College." Father Nelson was also instrumental in bringing the Congregation of Norbertine Sisters from Slovakia to California, the only active Norbertine women’s community in the US.  Today, we will be listening to Father Thomas’ banquet address at the 2025 National Meeting. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!   

On today's episode, we're listening to an interview with Sr. Alicia Torres, O.S.F. of The Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago.  The Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago have branches for men and women who live and serve in Chicago’s West Humboldt Park neighborhood. Following Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis, their lives centers upon their relationship with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, including Daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Out of their life of prayer and community flow their apostolates: Service to the Poor, Evangelization and Teaching. Through the hard work and outreach of the community, every month, 3,000 families are assisted with food and other basic needs, hundreds of youth and seniors are supported through programs to help them flourish. Currently the sisters teach religion in three poor inner-city Catholic schools. Please visit their site and learn how you can help support the renovation of the St. Hyacinth convent as the Franciscans' new formation house! God bless you and thank you for listening!

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2025 National Meeting by Archbishop Jeffery Grob.  The Most Rev. Jeffrey Scott Grob was named Archbishop of Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Pope Francis on November 4, 2024 and was installed January 14, 2025.  Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Archbishop Grob grew up on a dairy farm in nearby Cross Plains. Archbishop Grob attended Holy Name High School Seminary in Madison. He received a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio and went on to complete his priestly formation at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary.  Archbishop Grob was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1992 and has served in many roles in his 32 years there in addition to pursuing advanced studies such as a licentiate in canon law as well as a doctorate of canon law. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy! 

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview on “Active Participation in the Ascension of our Lord, Jesus Christ” with IRL board member, Jesse Weiler, and Fr. Etienne Huard, O.S.B., a Benedictine monk and priest at Conception Abbey in Northwest Missouri.  Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy!

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Today's episode is honoring our 1993 award recipient, Mother Mary Assumpta Long, O.P. Mother Assumpta Long is the former Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In the early 1990s she was invited by John Cardinal O’Connor to assist with the initial formation of the Sisters of Life in New York. In 1997 she, along with three other Sisters, founded the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. The Sisters currently teach in elementary and secondary schools in Michigan and six other states across the country. Mother Assumpta was also an IRL board member who served on the board for many years. Today, we will be listening to a talk she gave at our 2024 National Meeting titled, “Another Prophet Named John”. Thank you and we hope you enjoy!

On today's episode, we're listening to an interview with Br. Steven Vargos, O.Ss.S. from the Brigittine Monks at The Brigittine Priory of Our Lady of Consolation in Amity, OR. The Order of the Most Holy Savior (the "Brigittines") was founded in 1370 by St. Bridget of Sweden, upon a direct revelation from Heaven, as an order of contemplative monks and nuns, who follow the Rule of St. Augustine. Following the original pattern of monasticism, the monks do not ordinarily receive Holy Orders. The Priory has a special devotion toward the Sacred Liturgy, the Passion of Christ, the Eucharist, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the papacy, and praying for the souls in Purgatory and for the unity of Christians. The monks support themselves by making Gourmet Confections. Br. Steven Vargos is interviewed by IRL Board member, Jesse Weiler. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy!

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2017 National Meeting by Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P.   Fr. Mullady recently passed into eternal life on April 22, 2025. Please pray for the repose of his soul. You can read his obituary to learn more about his amazing life serving the church.  Fr. Mullady taught at the Vita Consecrata Institute for nearly 20 years and served as the Theological advisor for the Institute on Religious Life for over 30 years. Fr. Mullady was a mission preacher and retreat master for the Dominican Friars, Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in Oakland California. He hosted a twelve-part series on Mother Angelica's EWTN television network, authored of four books and numerous articles and wrote the Answer column in Homiletic and Pastoral Review.  Fr. Mullady was also designated as an official Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis for the Year of Mercy.  Thank you for listening, may God bless you!