Pat Oedy-Murray welcomes back author and Catholic speaker Joan Watson highlighting Blessed Carlo Acutis as a modern example of a pilgrim who used technology to share Eucharistic miracles. The chat also delves into the grueling pilgrimage of Saint Zélie Martin to Lourdes, demonstrating how unanswered prayers can still bring profound spiritual grace. Finally, Joan shares a forgotten story about Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s own journey to Lourdes to seek blessings for his mission to Japan. https://stpaulcenter.com/store/making-a-pilgrimage-a-companion-for-catholics https://integratedcatholiclife.org/

We pull from Matthew Archbold's website - Creative Minority Report - with a story from Brazil where parents were reportedly sentenced to prison for homeschooling their daughters without using the government's approved diversity curriculum. The discussion then shifts closer to home as Dave, Ron, and Pat react to a controversial new Canadian law, Bill C-9, which they state could potentially categorize quoting certain parts of the Bible as a hate crime. Together, they explore these troubling international stories to highlight how subtly these shifts in educational and religious freedom can creep into local communities. https://creativeminorityreport.com/

Bishop Daniel E. Thomas' hand-picked question of the week: The priest of our diocese attend a convocation every other year. Is this a retreat or a conference or both? How is the topic decided for the convocation?

Father Eric Schild responds off the collar to: What was the worst haircut or hairstyle you ever had? If you wanted to win an eating contest, what food would you choose to eat the most of? What is the most transformative spiritual moment you've had since your ordination?

Father Nathan Cromly dives into the final words of King David in 2 Samuel, highlighting the transformative power of divine praise amidst life's battles. Drawing connections to Theodore Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" and Paul Simon's imagery of a battered boxer, he reminds leaders that the Christian life is fortified by the Holy Spirit to endure heartbreak and trial.