From the Friars (Catholic Christian Spirituality)

Podcast by Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR.

Podcast by Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR.

Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.

In this hilarious and heartfelt homily, Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher weaves together Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector with a Halloween twist—and an unforgettable story about losing (and “finding”) his car in New York City. From fake piety to Comic-Con cosplay, from saints with eyeballs-on-a-plate to Batman asking for blessings, this episode explores what it really means to drop our masks and stand before God as we are. Through laughter and humility, Fr. Luke leads listeners from the humor of human folly to the hope of divine mercy. Drawing inspiration from St. Carlo Acutis’ profound insight—“Everyone is born an original, but many die a copy”—he reminds us that holiness isn’t about pretending to be perfect; it’s about becoming authentically ourselves in Christ. If you’ve ever worn a spiritual costume, gotten lost in the city of your own pride, or just needed a reason to smile on the road to heaven, this episode will warm your heart and lift your spirit. Key themes: * The Pharisee and the tax collector: humility vs. hypocrisy * Halloween, holiness, and the danger of spiritual masks * Finding humor (and grace) in everyday mishaps * The mercy of Jesus that always brings us home safely * St. Carlo Acutis and the call to be “originals” of God’s love Perfect for: listeners who love storytelling, Catholic humor, and the kind of wisdom that sneaks up on you between laughs.

Jesus loved us most fully by dying for us. Therefore, if we are to love like Jesus, we must die for others. A retreat talk by Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR.

Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.

Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.

Father Luke explains the backstory on the famous quote from Saint Carlo Acutis, "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven!" Listen to learn more. Podcast by Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR.

The rosary is the posture of the Christian life. A retreat talk by Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR.

Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.

The utter joy and beauty of the spiritual life is that we are not alone, because we are in relationship with God. A retreat talk by Fr. Jeremiah Mryiam Shryock, CFR.

During the last few weeks we have seen an appalling display of public violence. During this time of the 9/11 anniversary we also celebrate the Triumph of the Cross. Listen to learn more! Podcast by Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR.

Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.

Jesus uses the strongest language possible to communicate a most important message: we must put God first or else we will not make it, in other words, we can not save ourselves! Listen to learn more! Podcast by Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR. For all of Father Luke's homilies, search for the podcasts "Daily Homilies Blue Army Shrine" and "Franciscan Fridays at the Shrine"

Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.

If we have enough faith, humility can be hilarious! Listen to learn more. Podcast by Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR.

God answered the prayers of Saint Monica for the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine. Listen to learn more! Podcast by Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul, into heaven was something which God did. Listen to learn more! Podcast by Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR.

Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.

Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.