12/31/25 - Born into slavery in Missouri, scarred for life by violence, and left with only one working eye, Julia Greeley arrived in Denver with nothing the world would call success. What she did have was an unshakable love for Jesus Christ, especially present in the Blessed Sacrament, and a tireless devotion to the poor. Known for walking the streets at night so she wouldn’t embarrass those receiving her help, Julia quietly gave food, clothing, and comfort to families who had nothing to offer in return. Her deep love for the Sacred Heart and her daily presence at Mass shaped a life of hidden holiness that transformed an entire city. In this episode, we reflect on the extraordinary faith, suffering, and charity of Servant of God Julia Greeley, a woman the world overlooked, but heaven did not.
12/30/25 - Bishop Joseph Strickland joins us to unpack the truth about marriage in light of his pastoral reflection “Una Caro, One Flesh: A Shepherd’s Word on Marriage,” responding to confusion surrounding the Church’s witness to this sacred vocation; he reaffirms that marriage is not a cultural construct or merely a stable relationship, but a divine institution rooted in Genesis and raised to the dignity of a sacrament by Christ, where a man and woman freely give themselves to become “one flesh,” reflecting the exclusive, lifelong, indissoluble, and fruitful union instituted by God, and warns against subtle shifts that emphasize relational stability or pastoral accommodation over the supernatural reality and sacrificial demands of Christian marriage; with Scripture, magisterial teaching, and pastoral clarity, Bishop Strickland calls the faithful to embrace the fullness of Church teaching — fidelity, openness to life, and sacrificial love — not as burdens, but as the path to holiness and true human flourishing in Christ.
Theresa Bonopartis, Founder of Entering Canaan, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the life-changing work of this Catholic ministry dedicated to healing after abortion. Rooted in the mercy of Jesus Christ and faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, Entering Canaan provides compassionate support for women and men who are seeking healing, reconciliation, and spiritual restoration. Theresa explains how Entering Canaan offers hope through retreats, spiritual accompaniment, pastoral counseling, and a faith-filled community that walks with individuals on their journey toward peace. The discussion highlights the Church’s mission of mercy, the power of forgiveness, and how authentic healing is possible through God’s grace.
12/12/25 - The culture around life is at a crossroads, and Catholics have a crucial role to play. In this video, we explore practical ways to defend life, influence society, and inspire a culture that respects the dignity of every human being—from conception to natural death. Learn how prayer, witness, advocacy, and bold action can help shift hearts and minds today. Join us as we discuss how each of us can be a part of changing the culture now.
12/11/25 - Join us for an inspiring conversation with Derek Rotty, author of Praying with Sacred Art: Pondering the Mystery of Redemption Through Visio Divina, as we explore how beauty draws the soul to Christ and how sacred art can become a powerful doorway into contemplative prayer. In this interview, Derek explains the roots of visio divina, the harmony of truth, goodness, and beauty in the Catholic spiritual life, and how sacred images can shape the way we enter into the mysteries of the liturgical year. He shares practical guidance for praying with art, approaching Scripture through visual meditation, and allowing sacred masterpieces to form the imagination toward holiness. Whether you’re seeking a richer prayer life, a deeper appreciation of beauty, or a new way to encounter the Lord, this conversation will help you see how sacred art can transform your devotion and open your heart to Christ. Get the book: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=praying-with-sacred-art&srsltid=AfmBOora-lGoU5A9U--CQSGUE8J2nJwiZOXWsYblZPcO6c9ZUrb0hjKH
12/9/25 - Nathan Loyd shares the remarkable journey that carried him from a childhood fascination with science to studying aerospace engineering at the University of Notre Dame, serving in the United States Air Force (where he continues to serve in the reserves), and ultimately becoming a lawyer defending life and religious liberty with the Thomas More Society. Nathan reflects on how God pursued him through each stage of his life, how his love for truth and the order of creation deepened his Catholic faith, and why he now uses his gifts to protect the Church and the most vulnerable. His story weaves together science, service, and steadfast faith, offering a compelling witness for anyone discerning God's call in their own life.
12/5/25 - We take an honest look at the crossroads facing the pro-life movement and why bold, unflinching leadership is now more critical than ever. With the Trump administration showing a willingness to cast pro-lifers aside, the need for powerful voices like Lila Rose and Kristan Hawkins has never been greater; voices willing not only to lead, but to lead loudly, consistently, and publicly without fear of political backlash. We discuss why their platforms, courage, and clarity are essential in a moment when many are staying silent, and why the pro-life movement cannot win without leaders who step forward, speak plainly, and refuse to back down. This is a call for the strongest advocates in the movement to amplify their voices even more, because the side with the boldest and most principled leadership will ultimately shape the future.
12/4/25 - Allan Parker, President of The Justice Foundation and former legal counsel for Norma McCorvey ("Roe") and Sandra Cano ("Doe"), returns to unpack the argument that abortion is fundamentally unconstitutional. Parker lays out the original meaning of the Constitution, explains how Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton were built on legal and historical distortions, and shows why the Supreme Court's own later rulings expose the weaknesses of those decisions. He also discusses the roles of due process, equal protection, and the rights of the unborn in building a clear legal case for life, while sharing The Justice Foundation's ongoing work to defend the most vulnerable.
12/3/25 - Brother Marcel Van, a Vietnamese Redemptorist known as the "Apostle of Love," grew up in a small Catholic village in northern Vietnam, where he experienced a profound personal conversion to Christ as a child. Embracing radical humility and mystical intimacy with God, he followed St. Thérèse of Lisieux's "Little Way," dedicating himself as the "heart of priests" through prayer, suffering, and love for the spiritual growth of others. Imprisoned after voluntarily returning to communist‑ruled North Vietnam, Marcel ministered to fellow prisoners and maintained unwavering faith under persecution until his death in 1959. His mystical visions, writings, and heroic witness continue to inspire, and his cause for beatification highlights a life of simplicity, love, and total self‑surrender.
12/2/25 - Jim sits down with Dr. Marie Meaney to discuss her book "When Expecting Doesn't Happen: Turning Infertility into a Journey of Hope." As a bioethicist, Dr. Meaney brings a wealth of knowledge on the ethical, medical, and spiritual dimensions of infertility and reproductive technologies. In this episode, she explores the journey of infertility and secondary infertility, how couples can navigate emotional and spiritual challenges, and ways friends and family can provide meaningful support. We'll also discuss natural fertility treatments, including NaProTechnology, and the potential risks and ethical concerns surrounding in vitro fertilization. Dr. Meaney offers insight into the theology of reproductive medicine, shares practical strategies for maintaining hope and resilience, and highlights how couples can find grace and spiritual growth even amidst the disappointments of infertility. This conversation provides a comprehensive guide for couples and supporters seeking understanding, guidance, and hope on the path toward parenthood.
12/1/25 - Dr. Joseph Meaney, Senior Fellow of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, examines the growing threats posed by artificial intelligence to human dignity, conscience, and the moral order. He warns that AI-driven technologies, if left unchecked, risk reducing human life to data, replacing personal responsibility with automated decision-making, and undermining the ethical foundations of medicine and society. Drawing on Catholic teaching, Dr. Meaney explains why a strong bioethical framework is essential to confront these challenges, defend the sanctity of life, and ensure technology serves humanity rather than dominates it.
11/26/25 - Maria Esperanza de Bianchini was born on November 22, 1928, in Barrancas, Venezuela, and from the age of five experienced mystical visions, including Thérèse of Lisieux appearing from the Orinoco River and giving her a red rose. At twelve, gravely ill, she saw the Our Lady of the Valley, who foretold her mission to "help save this world," after which her health was miraculously restored. Though she entered a convent in 1954, a vision involving a rose and the stigmata revealed her true vocation as a wife and mother, and she later founded Finca Betania, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared publicly beginning in 1976. Credited with extraordinary gifts—mystical visions, reading hearts, bilocation, and roses spontaneously emerging from her chest—she also founded the Betania Foundation to promote evangelization, family unity, and spiritual renewal. Maria Esperanza died on August 7, 2004, and in 2010 the Church formally opened her cause for beatification, granting her the title "Servant of God," leaving a legacy of faith, prayer, and divine intimacy that continues to inspire believers worldwide.
11/25/25 - Bishop Joseph Strickland unpacks his pastoral letter, "The Truth About Vatican II", revealing that while the Council was born from holy intentions, it was also shaped by human frailty and deliberate infiltration that has contributed to widespread confusion in the Church. He explains how many of Vatican II's ambiguous teachings have been twisted into a "spirit of rupture" that undermines the Church's timeless doctrine and calls for a hermeneutic of continuity, reading the Council through the lens of Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium rather than as a break in the Deposit of Faith. Bishop Strickland also reflects on his recent interactions at the annual USCCB meeting in Baltimore, where he boldly spoke out on pressing issues facing the Church and called for episcopal clarity on matters of faith, liturgy, and moral truth. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the need for reverent worship, fidelity to doctrine, and courageous leadership in an age of confusion.
11/24/25 - Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR, joins us to address the deep wounds and hidden suffering experienced by women and men after abortion. With compassion, clarity, and the heart of a true shepherd, Fr. Roaldi explains why no sin is beyond God's mercy, how Christ longs to restore every soul, and what the Church offers for real healing—from the Sacrament of Confession to ministries like Rachel's Vineyard and post-abortion counseling. Whether you are seeking healing yourself or hoping to support someone you love, this conversation will remind you that God never abandons His children and that peace, forgiveness, and restoration are truly possible.
11/21/26 - We explore the growing movement for legal and spiritual recognition of every pre-born child as a human person made in the image of God. As personhood becomes an increasingly urgent topic in the public square, we reflect on the Church's clear and unwavering teaching that human life must be protected from the moment of conception. We also highlight recent signs of hope, such as the National Men's March in Boston, where faithful men gathered to pray, repent, and publicly witness to the dignity of unborn children. We examine why personhood matters, how Catholics can effectively articulate the truth in a culture confused about the value of human life, and what concrete steps believers can take to build a society that recognizes, protects, and cherishes every human person, no matter how small.
11/20/25 - Today on The Simple Truth, Jim Havens recaps the Men's March to Abolish Abortion as well as the Rally for Personhood. If you enjoy The Simple Truth and the other great Catholic programs from The Station of the Cross, please consider making a donation of any size to support our apostolate! As a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, your donations are tax deductible and help us to continue spreading the Gospel to the airwaves for years to come! To donate, call 1-877-711-8500, visit thestationofthecross.com, or use your iCatholicRadio mobile app! We also offer a great assortment of thank-you gifts, which can be viewed at thestationofthecross.com! Thank you for your generosity!
11/19/25 - We are joined today by Joanne Wright, co-founder of The Station of the Cross Catholic Media Network! If you enjoy The Simple Truth and the other great Catholic programs from The Station of the Cross, please consider making a donation of any size to support our apostolate! As a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, your donations are tax deductible and help us to continue spreading the Gospel to the airwaves for years to come! To donate, call 1-877-711-8500, visit thestationofthecross.com, or use your iCatholicRadio mobile app! We also offer a great assortment of thank-you gifts, which can be viewed at thestationofthecross.com! Thank you for your generosity!
11/18/25 - Bill Baaki, attorney and dedicated board member of the historic Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine in Fultonville, New York, shares the deeply personal journey that drew him into a life of faith, service, and devotion to the North American Martyrs. Bill reflects on the moments of grace, suffering, and providence that shaped his spiritual path, the role the Shrine played in strengthening his love for the Church, and why the witness of the martyrs continues to transform lives today. His story offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that God still works profoundly through holy places and courageous saints.
11/17/25 - Dr. Elizabeth Rex, president and co-founder of the Children First Foundation and one of the nation's leading advocates for "snowflake" embryo adoption, joins us for an in-depth Catholic examination of the moral questions surrounding the rescue and implantation of frozen embryos. Drawing on decades of pro-life research and testimony, Dr. Rex explains how embryo adoption developed in response to the explosion of IVF practices that left hundreds of thousands of tiny human beings abandoned in cryogenic storage, and she walks through the key points of contention within Catholic moral theology, including debates sparked by Dignitas Personae, concerns about whether adoption constitutes illicit "heterologous procreation," and the moral distinction between creating embryos versus rescuing already existing ones. She discusses real cases of families who have adopted embryos, the pastoral questions couples face, the urgent need for clarity as IVF expands in the United States, and why she believes embryo adoption represents a life-affirming and morally defensible response to the crisis of frozen human persons.
11/14/25 - We examine Bishop Joseph Strickland speaking out during the USCCB fall assembly about a confirmation liturgy on 8 November in which Gio Benítez - in a civil same‑sex marriage - was confirmed, his spouse acted as sponsor, and both received Holy Communion at a Mass concelebrated by James Martin, S.J. Bishop Strickland told the Committee on Doctrine, "Since we're in the area of doctrine… priests and others gathered celebrating the confirmation of a man living with a man openly. And it just needs to be addressed." Despite his appeal, the panel offered no response and moved on, leaving many observers concerned about the silence on such a serious doctrinal matter. We'll explore the theological and canonical issues raised, why faithful Catholics may feel persecuted from within, and what this could mean for bishops, sacramental integrity, and accountability in the Church.