The Inner Life

Father Joseph Illo joins Patrick to discuss St. Patrick's Day (3:33) who was Saint Patrick? (13:26) Sylvia - I heard St. Patrick raised people from the dead. Is that true? (18:53) Break 1 (20:29) Natalia - Origins...I wondered if father is familiar with How the Irish Saved Civilization. There's a discrepancy as to where St. Patrick was born. I think he was Roman and living in North Africa...I believe in Carthage when he was captured by the Irish and taken to Ireland. (26:38) Patricia - Could Patricia be synonymous with St. Patrick because there is no St. Patricia. I look at Catholic names...most of my kids have Catholic names. Carmen - My grandfather was Irish and American Indian. One tradition we had was about getting the family together and my mom would make a pot of Irish stew and dad would make corned beef and cabbage. I haven't heard anybody mention that. We have an Irish population in Hawaii. On St. Patrick's Day, they go all out with festivities. Drinking problems in Ireland, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. (37:18) Break 2 (39:11) Dr. Gerard - Thanks to my priest who gave me sacraments and communion. They came from Ireland to India. I'm now a cardiologist for the last 35 years. in US. Very thankful for St. Patrick. John - Could you comment on St. Patrick's prayer. Christ before me, behind me, etc. How could he survive in that environment? He had Christ present with him and it made him so powerful. This is what made people take heed of it. So many Irish hear...after the famine. People had to pay 7 pounds to live there or pay 4 pounds to come to America. (45:30) Cassidy - He's my patron saint and confirmation saint. How can I incorporate the life of St. Patrick during the feast with my family and share that with them?

Check out this great show from April 7, 2025 Father Patrick Hyde joins Patrick to discuss Joy in Lent (4:17) why do we talk about joy during Lent? What is joy? How important are circumstances in finding joy? (17:18) Danny - I find it's becoming hard to find joy in lent. In today's age, you don't see it. You tell people it's Lent, and then it's like...and then what? (21:36) Break 1 Susan - I've been going to daily Mass. Hoping to grow faith. I'm proud that I'm hauling myself out of bed every morning. Joy, getting closer to God...no. What more can I do? (31:00) How do you find joy in Lent if it has been a real struggle? (35:57) Break 2 Alfredo - I have found joy in the 7 charisms of the Holy spirit. Try to focus on that every day. Don't always get to all of them, but try. Enjoying Lent so far. (42:10) Maryann - 84 years old. Having trouble finding Joy in Lent because of my inability to participate because I'm home bound. (44:54) Annie - I had a pastor who made a point that joy and happiness are different. Happiness is fleeting...joy is forever...it's lasting. Jesus Others Yourself. Resources: 5 Loaves and 2 Fish https://paulinestore.com/5-loaves-2-fishes-43739-115997.html Five Loaves & Two Fish https://www.amazon.com/Loaves-Francis-Xavier-Nguyen-Thuan/dp/0819826766 He Leadeth Me https://ignatius.com/he-leadeth-me-hlm2p/?searchid=2061706

Fr. Dave Heney joins Patrick for the fifth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: “I Thirst” How does this word of thirst relate with the old testament? (12:02) Biblical meaning of water. What is the significance of the Passover cup? (20:10) Break 1 What is the importance of the Woman at the Well with Jesus’ words of “I Thirst” (26:07) how can we satisfied Jesus thirst for us? (36:32) Break 2 Beatitudes I thirst and drink for riotousness (43:34) Madeline - I love this discussion. Years ago I read the 4th Cup. The new covenant is complete. This really has changed how I look at the Triduum. Richard – Did Jesus say Carry your cross before or after he died on the cross?

Msgr. Robert Dempsey joins Patrick in studio to discuss Liturgical Practices in Lent What is the Liturgy? How is the liturgy different in Lent? What is the reason for the missing of the A (18:26) Break 1 Addison – Not Catholic. Doing a lot of research. What should I expect at a Mass during Lent? (26:25) Bonita - Tenebrae...when is it done and why? (30:07) Why is purple used during Lent? Laetare Sunday (34:54) Break 2 (36:21) Monica - Good Friday is also the first Friday, but they don't celebrate Mass...how do I fulfill my first Friday obligation? Why are things like flowers and music made less during Lent (41:52) What are the scrutinies? What is Passiontide? (46:34) Vinny - What about Holy Saturday when there's no mass during the day. The vigil Mass is there, but is the obligation?

Fr. Craig DeYoung joins Patrick to discuss Self Denial What is self-denial? (5:21) How does self-denial lead to freedom? How does self-denial lead to virtuous living? (16:27) Nicole - How this lent has been more fruitful for me and helping me lean more into it this way. (20:24) Break 1 How does time play into self-denial? (25:09) the community’s role in helping us with self-denial? (34:03) Break 2 (35:43) Sylvia - Trying to understand when I do something for others, I feel a lot of joy, but when they thank me, I don't know how to respond. I want to understand that part. How can we discern what would be best for us to give up in our lives? (42:21) Heather - OCIA and wanted to know if you're allowed to change what you're doing for Lent. I don't know if I'm doing enough?

Fr. Spencer Howe joins Patrick to discuss English Literature (2:41) what is the role of Literature in the life of the Church? What is the history of the Catholic Church in England? (10:26) what is the Catholic influence of Shakespeare. (18:55) Break 1 (19:50) Richard - I'm a reader of CS Lewis, George McDonald. I can tell you how I was put on to CS Lewis and then George McDonald.  (23:54) C.S. Lewis one of the evangelists? (28:43) Karen - Wanted to talk about reading Tolkien and then becoming Catholic. Heard about it on Fr. Simon's show. (34:00) Break 2 WWI’s influence on English Writers in their literature. (37:56) St John Henry Newman’s authorship and teaching. Who was Ronald Knox and why is he so important? (45:32) Chesterton’s importance in the common people’s mind. Resources: Newman Studies https://www.newmanreader.org/

Check out this great show from March 24, 2025 Father Dave Heney joins Patrick to discuss Anxiety in the Spiritual Life What is Anxiety? (6:49) What is the biggest source of anxiety? What is scrupulosity? (12:58) Email - How can we stop worrying we aren’t going to go to heaven? Barbara - I have suffered with OCD and scrupulosity. In the last couple years, I discovered Dr. Greg Bottaro's book and he has a chapter called Surrender to the Will of God. Admitting we are powerless over this. That is what I have to do every day. Just turn it over to God. (22:09) Break 1 What is the difference between anxiety, fear and stress? (27:41) Lisa - Are there are people who are predisposed to worry and anxiety genetically.? If they don't have faith, but tendency toward perfectionism. How advice would you offer to them? Thomas - Comments on healing between psychiatric approach and spiritual approach. Action between mental health work and spirituality. Finding healing and that people have the power to trust God and not get anxious. (40:51) Break 2 Leticia - Anxiety developed into a eating disorder. I battle with that. I do what you are suggesting...Jesus I trust in you. I take some medication. I teach catechism...takes my mind off it. (46:38) what can we do to keep anxiety down?

Msgr. Tom Richter joins Patrick for the fourth of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic, Spiritual Abandonment The Allusions of Control. (8:53) Jesus and Psalm 22. (21:24) Break 1 (22:27) Tom - I've always wondered if Jesus felt because of his humanity we as human would feel abandoned by God. Was that an expression of his human feeling because he was fully human. How can Christ feel he was abandoned? if he were fully human, he would feel that way. Can you explain that? (26:27) How Jesus abandoned Himself to God. How can we trust that God still loves us through the challenging times in our life? (38:54) Break 2 How can we cultivate Faith in our lives? (45:18) Entrusting to God all of those who will be affected by my abandonment.

Bishop Donald Hying joins Patrick to discuss Surrender to God What makes surrender so important? (7:27) What is the motivation to spiritual practices? (12:34) John - I've got 2 sons struggling with drugs. Talk to them all the time about it. Not having control and putting it in God's hands. Bonita - My brother is in a nursing home. They're going to put him on hospice. Wondering if he's in the right place. How to navigate making decisions. Can't always meet what we're hoping to have. Hospice and not knowing how to navigate. (18:54) Break 1 What does Saint Therese of Lisieux teach us about surrender to God? (22:55) Marisa - Last year, for Ash Wednesday and Lent, I vowed to give up alcohol. I used it as a crutch rather than surrounding to the Lord. I did the surrender novena, drank that night, but seven nights later, I gave it up and it's been a year of sobriety. (31:01) Stan email – are there any short prayers to say to not despair over past sins? Patrick - I've had some success surrendering to God. I have this sloth. It's tough. Lack of discipline. Need more help from God. (35:19) Break 2 Email from a listener wanting husband getting her husband back to Mass. (39:24) Elanore - I was given my sister's ashes. I'm driving around with them right now. I surrender, but have no direction. I'm looking for sacred ground. Nobody understands the relationship. She died in a nursing home. I need guidance. I believe she was a sacrificial lamb. I hold her in high regard while the rest of my family doesn't agree. Email about surrender when others don’t listen as well  (45:42) Marge - I've learned to surrender to Him. I finally realized what the Our Father really means. I've experienced different things. Been praying for granddaughter for years. I have a lot of priest friends I'm in regular contact with. Was told to completely talk to Jesus and lay all in front of the cross. Mentor and confession is important.

Fr. Marc Lenneman joins Patrick to discuss Strengthening the Will (3:06) what is our will? What are the effects of original sin on the will? (10:11) what are good and bad convictions? (15:05) Mary from MN – How do you fight an affection to a specific sin? (18:54) Break 1 Suzie - I say I have a crazy or addict brain. I'm much better during Lent. Try really hard all year, but especially during Lent. I also know that I need to be patient. I'm working on my will and God's working on my will. My family and friends have to deal with this, too. (25:44) Where is the line between holy desires and earthly pleasures? (33:32) Ann Marie - Not to give into despair when God's working on your sinful nature. I'm working on a situation with jealousy and trying to deal with being angry or vindictive, but choosing to deal with my heart in the matter. (39:19) Break 2 (40:48) Carol - This show is so spot on. I needed it for my Lenten goal process. Opened up my path to be myself and understanding to what I need to achieve in my Catholicism in becoming a better person and what God wants for me. How does prayer fasting and alms giving increase our will power?

Msgr. Jason Gray joins Patrick to discuss Lessons from Bishop Fulton Sheen Msgr. Gray’s background (4:40) who was Bishop Fulton Sheen and what is his legacy? (9:34) Nick - Part of Militia of Immaculata. Headquarters was in Peoria until it moved. Tomb of Bp Sheen is there and adoration chapel. He had a saying...those who leave do it for what they think it is. He taught me how to love and learn the faith and serve the Lord. It's so intertwined. Stall in beatification. We know when that happens...it's good because Satan wants to mess things up. What were some challenges of the beatification of Fulton Sheen? (16:27) Ken - I was raised in a Catholic/Protestant home. Father was protestant and would listen to Bp Fulton Sheen with mom. He was impressed by Sheen and would laugh at some comments. When I started listening to RR, I can hear my father's laughter. (21:02) Break 1 How do you get canonized? (25:35) Art - When I was a boy in the 60's, my parents used to watch his program. I remember it was always brighter (we only had black and white). Always wondered why that was. I realized it was the holy spirit. Found that fascinating. Very blessed man. Regina - Received a minor miracle for surgery. Had bad cataracts. Didn't have health insurance at the time. I remember watching his program. Talked about angels. At the hospital, the surgeon was kind enough to get me an angel grant to pay for the surgery. (35:03) Break 2 (37:50) Dorothy - I missed him in the 50's. anecdote to share...his style. I worked in Catholic Charities. I didn't know the society of the propagation of the faith was a competitor of ours. Went to a performance and he was there. He had such a fun style. He asked me what I do...told him I was a secretary with CC...flung the cape over his shoulder almost in dismay. Had such a twinkle and fun personality. (40:41) Janine - My father was protestant, mom was catholic. Mom loved to watch him. Dad would watch with her. Made one wall black flocked wallpaper. We lived in uptown Chicago. To this day, I believe it had such an influence on dad because he did finally receive communion. I think it was Bp Sheen. Mary - I think Americans need to make a pilgrimage to some places. Champion to Peoria to Bp Sheen, and then to Quincy to Fr. Tolton. Resources: Fulton J. Sheen Foundation: https://www.celebratesheen.com/ Treasure in Clay https://ignatius.com/treasure-in-clay-tclayp/ The Priest Is Not His Own https://ignatius.com/the-priest-is-not-his-own-pnhop/

Father Joseph Illo joins Patrick to discuss Redemptive Suffering (3:19) What does the Church teach about suffering and God’s plan for suffering? (20:34) Break 1 Father talks about the importance of responding to suffering well (26:01) Yolie - A friend had a baby as the result of a rape. Refused to abort. Was alone after that and had to deal with shame. Is that redemptive suffering? (31:37) Philip - I'm a knight of the Immaculata...sub group called knights at the foot of the cross. They have extreme suffering...many wheel chair bound. When I've introduced the concept of redemptive suffering...suddenly, my back pain or chronic pain is less...receiving relief. I think it's a goodness of God as a thank you for offering it up. Mario - I've noticed in others...sometimes when God sends you a cross, you're carrying it for someone who is dear to you. (38:21) Break 2 How does punishment and suffering come from sin? (45:04) Ann - Live in independent living. Other floors have assisted living. Most people are 65+ up to 102. Lots of suffering going on. Don't know how to approach them sometimes. Feel funny by just saying 'offer it up.' How do I approach it? How do you cultivate joy in the midst of suffering?

Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick for the third of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: Mary’s Role at the Cross (3:26) What is the context in these words of Jesus from the Cross? What Who does John represent in this scene? (13:25) What is Mary’s role in the Passion of our Lord? (18:08) Break 1 What are practical ways in which we can share in the passion of Christ? (25:39) Jim - My mother is starting to fail. My wife asked who should we pray for as a caregiver. We stopped thinking about the saints and then turned to Jesus on the cross. Jesus found a caregiver for his own mother. Found great consolation. Kurt - Redemptive suffering and joining to Christ on the cross. Very rarely do I hear anyone talking about that. We not only have that opportunity, but for the redemption of the world. We are commanded to that in John 15 and John 13. I give you a new commandment...  There's no greater good than to offer suffering for them. (34:06) Break 2 How does the prophecy of Simeon play a role in Mary’s heart at the Cross? (38:37) what can we expect from the love of Mary and how it helps us in our lives? (41:21) Sharon - When my son died. I identified with Mary for release. My son was 50 and died of a rare cancer. The loss was something I knew she understood. Gave me a great deal of help during that time. Michelle - Abortion and aborted children. Great sorrow. I delivered that child into Mary's hands.

Father Ryan Brady joins Patrick in studio to discuss The Gift of Giving and an encounter with Pope Leo (3:12)Father Brady meets the pope and gives a good gift from the heart. (9:15) the sacrificial effect of giving (12:46) How does giving make us better people? (20:31) Break 1 (21:36)  Christina - At what point is the stuff you have a problem? I had a dream of St. Therese of Avila and I think she wants me to give away my wardrobe. Trying to find peace in that. Prudence in giving. Email from listener about giving a rosary as  gift (36:17) Break 2 Amy - I don't struggle with giving away or helping.  my gifts God gave me...giving and pure love is being who they need to be. I don't know how to give people their space sometimes. (42:23) Father Brady’s Gift in Rome. Dale - Giving someone dignity by the way they dress. Read an article about picking up homeless and cleaning them up. Gave such an improved impression of what's possible with dignity in their appearance.

IL – Father Tom McCarthy joins Patrick to discuss Listening During Lent  As an Augustinian what was Pope Leo trying to say with his letter? (5:10) What prevents us from listening to God during Lent? How can we combat temptations to distractions when trying to listen to God? (13:41) what does it mean that Pope Leo says Docility is at the core of conversion?  (17:02) Carol - I didn't have a way of listening, but I have one now...with Fr. McCarthy. I'm listening to him and he is phenomenal. He's humble, sort of quiet, and he's just phenomenal. So blessed in my spirit right now. Just want to say thanks for being there. (20:08) Break 1 Judy - I'm 83. Got married a long time ago. We got back from our honeymoon, and I said, 'Let's go to church.' He said we weren't going to do that. Felt cut off for the longest time. Needed a spiritual meeting and went to a Quaker meeting which is silent. Had liturgical dreams...would be in the church and dreamed in procession. Couldn't make the dream go away. Went back to episcopal church for a while and husband said we should go to Catholic church. It's been wonderful. (27:55) Leo - Listening now and my whole life. 81 and don't know what to do with the rest of my life. Talked to priests and they tell me to pray, and don't seem to get anything from it. (31:12) How does Fasting help us listen to God? (35:48) Break 2 (40:09) Fasting from Gossip? (42:32) Beth - Discerning God's will. Something I've always struggled with and felt I never got an answer. Sometimes no answer is THE answer and we expect something specific. Maybe God doesn't have that planned for us. Why doesn’t God always speak to us more clearly? Resources Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2026/02/13/260213d.html

Check out this great show from March 11, 2025 Father Rob Kroll joins Patrick to discuss Mortification Where does the word mortification come from? (5:21) what does mortification include? How do we find the happy medium in mortification? (19:03) Laurie - A long time ago, my kids were going away from the faith. Stopped putting sugar in coffee.  Would it be efficacious to cut out the cream too? Is it better to intensify it? (23:12) Break 1 Deb - Question about if a person has struggles when trying to do mortification and trouble with self-denial. Any advice? What are ways we can do mortification? (32:55) Chris - To what extent does trying to define holiness differ from by what you deny yourself instead of what you do for others?  Is there a risk of denying yourself vs. becoming more active in our faith? (39:15) Break 2 What are dangers of Mortification? (45:15) How to discern what to do for mortification?

Check out this Encore show from March 10, 2025 Father Bobby Blood joins Patrick to discuss Simplicity in the Spiritual Life What is simplicity? (7:58) What are traps that interfere with our relationship with Jesus? How do we know if we are needing to change something in our prayer life? Albert - We go through life with battles and also the spirit world. Our Lord gives us gifts on his children.  That's the mystery. Our spiritual life is uniting each and every one of us to the Lord. (20:06) Break 1 (21:48) Jonathan - When my conversion happened in 2016, had a spiritual director. Had a lot of zeal. My advisor suggested 1 or 2 devotions and try them for 6 months. if fruitful, continue, if not, try something else. Doing liturgy of the hours and the Jesus prayer. I have a lot of devotions if I need to make a change. What is the difference between reciting prayers and praying? What is contemplation and why does it matter? (36:17) Break 2 Shelly - I have some devotions including divine mercy, Rosary. God's will...what devotion do I do to get closer to God's will? (41:25) Walt - When I walk into church for Mass, I switch from seeing Him to listening. Then, I can live the words. This should be emphasized to all of us. You can't get a lot without listening. George - Cradle Catholic. I wanted to become a priest when I was young. Retired now. Now, I have a set of prayers I do every morning. Go to daily Mass. They always speak to me, doesn't have to be the same prayer. I always get something from them and hear God speak to me. Study scripture throughout the day and journal.

IL – Fr. James Kubicki joins Patrick for the second of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: Repentance Who was St. Dismas? (7:53) where does the word repentance come from? (17:31) Deacon Shawn - I think the comment about conversion vs repentance is tied together. Reading a book . Repentance is a big part of it. Self reliance on God vs. Surrender. Deeper conversion helps navigate. (20:58) Break 1 (22:12) Gene - I was in a car accident 15 years ago. Someone was killed in the accident. I was convicted of vehicular homicide. Incarcerated for it. I felt and rationalized that if they weren't in the middle of the highway, this wouldn't have happened. Last 5 years, I've been in repentance in the dark night of the soul. Mourning and not rationalizing now. What is the meaning of the word “today” you will be with me in paradise? (36:22) Break 2 Bonnie - Repentance and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Adult children have cut me off. I'm focusing on my part. I can't fix it or fix anybody. The goodness of the holy spirit and that can bring us repentance and help us to surrender to the will of God. Accepting the consequences. (42:09) John - My problem was I felt I couldn't be forgiven for the sins I committed. When I repented, it was very difficult. I still struggle. Nicole - Question - speaking about what I've been pondering. I told my friend I don't hold on to any past sins, and I know it's a sin to not accept God's mercy. In my dream last night, I feel something was being revealed from a past sin. Had desire to go to confession. How do I go to priest about it? Wondering if I confessed it.

Fr. Allen Hoffa joins Patrick to discuss Sacramentals What is the goal of Sacramentals? (16:03) Karen - My brother when he was in his late teens was involved in drugs. My mom had placed a scapular inside his pillowcase. He didn't know it. The next morning, she looked at the scapular and it was all knotted up. She believes something happened. Brother didn't do it. How would one explain that? (20:06) Break 1 (21:10) Joshua - Is incense a sacramental? The difference between to (33:14) Break 2 (35:06) Jim - At my parish, they have removed the holy water from the fonts and wanted to find out your opinion. It appears to be against canon law. (38:59) Bella Donna - I was a witch for 40 years and was brought to the church through the Rosary.

Fr. John Eckert joins Patrick for the start of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic, Forgiveness What was he scene of the Crucifixion? How is trust in God the Father shown in this word? (16:20) Jason - I grew up in a tough household. Joined military at 17. Mom had mental illness, dad was a military man and constantly gone. Haven't seen them for years. Fighting with forgiveness and it's a battle on a daily basis. Interested if there's specific scripture or guidance to help. (25:20) Break 1 Who put Jesus on the Cross? (31:21) Linda - Why is it that a parent can forgive their children, but children are unable to forgive and hold onto things and not easily forgive us? (35:58) Jim - I'm at a point where there are family members that have been disrespectful to me and children. Children are older now, but family member favors one over the other because they are the godparent. Prayed about forgiving, confession, adoration, etc. I'm at a point where I don't want anything bad to happen, but don't want to be around them. Is that holding on to a grudge? (40:27) Break 2 (42:04)  How is Forgiveness something we can strive for in our lives? Yolie – Is it mandatory to forgive others?