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Join us for an engaging conversation with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite priest, who recently attended a Congress meeting in Boston. Father Stephen shares his experiences, from the joyful talks on the saints of Carmel to the camaraderie of the event. We even get a peek into the meticulous organization of his expansive library and introduce a new podcast feature that lets you, our listeners, send messages directly to us.

In our exploration of holiness, we dissect vital documents like Pope Pius XI's Casti Connubii and the Second Vatican Council's Lumen Gentium, revealing how every member of the Church is called to reflect Christ's holiness, regardless of their life situation. We discuss the shift from a hierarchical perspective to viewing the Church as a grace-filled community, and address the practical challenges and profound significance of living out this universal call to holiness in everyday life, drawing inspiration from Christ's love for His Church.

Lastly, we challenge the productivity mindset that often infiltrates our spiritual lives, transforming prayer into a checklist of tasks. Our reflections emphasize the value of unstructured, quality time with God, akin to the irreplaceable moments parents spend with their children. Delving into Teresa's profound themes of divine presence, we discuss how the soul houses the Trinity and how true holiness is a gift from God, not a mere moral achievement. Join us to embrace the journey to divine holiness, recognizing it as an invitation to participate in Christ's glory and love.

Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at myfriendthefriar@gmail.com or click here!

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In this episode, we dive deep into the critical role of the laity within the Church, inspired by Lumen Gentium. We discuss how both men and women are essential to the Church's mission, working alongside clergy and religious members. Our discussion touches on the importance of collaboration, mutual respect for different vocations, and the dangers of clericalism. With the backdrop of today’s internet-driven world of strong opinions, we emphasize the need for diverse perspectives and a mature approach to faith and life.

This episode also brings to light the powerful mission of laypeople to sanctify the world through their everyday lives. We explore the concept of duty and obligation, and how the roles of priest, prophet, and king can manifest in lay vocations. Father Stephen underscores the laity's duty to live out gospel values authentically, influencing family life, civil society, and professional environments. We wrap up with a reflection on the universal call to holiness and the shared privilege of faith among all believers, making this a deeply inspiring and thought-provoking discussion.

Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at myfriendthefriar@gmail.com or click here!

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In this episode, Father Stephen and John discuss the centrality of Christ in the Church and its mission as a sacrament of God's love. Drawing insights from Sacrosanctum Concilium and theologians like St. Cyprian, they explore how the Church, as the new Eve born from Christ's side, aims to unify believers.

They also tackle the complexities of getting involved in church communities, especially for introverts. The conversation sheds light on the challenges and rewards of community engagement, referencing the ecclesiology and pneumatology from the Second Vatican Council's documents like Lumen Gentium. Finally, they wrap up with a thoughtful discussion on navigating forgiveness and self-protection within faith communities, offering insights on personal growth, communal faith, and the journey toward unity and understanding.

Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at myfriendthefriar@gmail.com or click here!