The 2025 Jubilee: Pilgrimage, Joy, & Patience with Pope Francis & Spes Non Confundit SmartCatholics 2025-01-10 | Discover Pope Francis’ call to embrace hope, patience, and renewal in the 2025 Jubilee Year, and learn how you can live as a pilgrim of hope, spreading joy and solidarity in a fragmented world. 📖 Read the Document: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_bolla-giubileo2025.htmlyoutube.com/watch?v=4u3npn5Z2BA | 👋 Join SmartCatholics: smartcatholics.comYOUR HOSTSDominic - founder of SmartCatholics, cradle-Catholic and RadTrad convert @dominicmdesouza Jane: RadTrad convert and motherChris: Cradle-Catholic and Former Coast GuardJoshua: Recent convert & host of @TheCatholicSamurai ABOUT THIS VIDEOA group of SmartCatholics members sit together to read and talk about Pope Francis' 2025 Jubilee document, 'Spes Non Confundit' (Hope Does Not Disappoint). He calls Catholics and Christians to embrace hope as a guiding force. Rooted in the ancient tradition of Jubilee years, his document emphasizes themes of patience, pilgrimage, and solidarity with the marginalized, poor, and in pain. Pope Francis highlights our need to see the immense goodness still present in the world.We hope that you can grab this document and sit down with your friends!==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:01 – Discover the 2025 Jubilee: A Year of Hope and Renewal1:40 – Meet the friends4:54 – Spes Non Confundit: Hope Does Not Disappoint7:06 – The Jubilee’s Ancient Roots and Modern Relevance8:38 – Ancient Prayer for Modern Guidance10:11 – Pope Francis’ Vision for a Jubilee of Hope14:06 – Patience and Hope in a Fast-Moving World16:00 – Pilgrimage: A Path to Simplicity and Renewal17:20 – Solidarity with Eastern Christians in Their Suffering28:00 – Pope Francis: A Shepherd for Our Times29:18 – Finding Hope in the Goodness of the World33:34 – The Eucharist: The Source of Infinite Goodness34:14 – Pilgrims of Hope: Living Out the Jubilee Spirit36:48 – A Prayer to Mary for Listening, Decision, and Action37:00 - Read Pope Francis with us
Peace on Social Media? 8 Habits from Pope Leos State of the World SmartCatholics 2026-02-21 | Is Catholic social media becoming a battlefield? Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/8-ways-to-build-peace-online-from | In this episode of The Smart Catholics Show, Dominic De Souza, Fr. Matthew Bartow, and Timothy Quigley unpack Pope Leo’s State of the World address and apply it directly to how Catholics argue, debate, and engage online. From pride and dogpiles to dignity and conscience, this conversation lays out eight practical habits to build peace without compromising truth.What You’ll Learn✅ Why shared definitions matter before shared conclusions✅ How pride fuels online conflict (and how to disarm it)✅ Why dignity outranks every argument✅ Practical ways to interrupt escalation and de-escalate threads==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of the Catholic Church, and study the popes. smartcatholics.comSend us a gift: smartcatholics.com/donate==============================00:00 Intro – Why Catholic Social Media Feels Hostile02:10 The Pope’s State of the World & Online Conflict04:30 Shared Meanings Before Shared Conclusions08:50 Humility, Forgiveness & Cooling the Room15:00 Pride, Dunking & Performative Certainty21:30 Human Dignity Over Every Argument27:40 Peace vs Control: Augustine’s Warning33:00 Public Spaces: Encounter, Not Factions38:10 Conscience, Freedom & Coercion43:30 War Starts in the Heart48:00 Practical Habits for De-Escalation49:50 Final Thoughts & Call to Peacemaking#CatholicYouTube #ChristianLeadership #Peacemaking #FaithAndCulture #OnlineDiscourse
Gratitude, hope, and mercy: Pope Leo’s blueprint for 2026 SmartCatholics 2026-01-09 | Pope Leo’s Christmas-to-New-Year week covers a lot: Christmas Mass, Urbi et Orbi, Curia Christmas greetings, World Day of Peace, Jubilee moments, and a brand-new catechesis series aimed at Vatican II. Join us: smartcatholics.com | In this episode, we track the biggest Vatican headlines from the past week and pull out the practical thread running through Pope Leo’s words: hope that acts, peace, gratitude that rewires the heart, and a missionary posture built on presence, curiosity, and mercy.Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/in-christmas-urbi-et-orbi-pope-leoWhat You’ll Learn✅ Why Pope Leo frames peace as both gift and responsibility✅ How gratitude fights self-focus and expands your sense of goodness✅ What “mission and communion” can look like in everyday conversations✅ Why a Vatican II catechesis series could reshape the year ahead==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of the Catholic Church, and study the popes. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS00:00 Pope Leo XIV this week02:40 Christmas peace and the “gentle light” image06:06 Urbi et Orbi: peace, responsibility, love as the core14:09 Curia Christmas greetings: mission and communion23:42 New Year audience: gratitude vs self-interest27:33 World Day of Peace: mercy, welcome, disarming love28:10 New Vatican II catechesis series begins29:40 January intention: praying with Scripture30:10 Jubilee hope: starting anew + kingdom sprouting everywhere31:57 join SmartCatholics#SmartCatholics #PopeLeo #CatholicNews #WorldDayOfPeace #JubileeOfHope
Pope Leo XIV: News this Week on Peace, Prayer, and Preparation for Christmas SmartCatholics 2025-12-19 | Pope Leo XIV spent this past week returning again to the theme of peace rooted in the heart, not power. Support SmartCatholics: smartcatholics.com/donate | Dominic de Souza, Karen Dear, and Timothy Quigley (friends of SmartCatholics) touch on the war in Ukraine, to Pope Leo releasing his World Day of Peace message, to Advent reflections urging quiet prayer over frenzy, the Holy Father emphasized an “unarmed and disarming peace” grounded in conversion, humility, and hope.✅ Why Pope Leo XIV met with President Zelensky and what the Vatican emphasized✅ What the World Day of Peace message says about war, fear, and disarmament✅ How Advent preparation resists frenetic activity and returns us to the heart✅ Why Christian archaeology matters for faith, evangelization, and honestyGet the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/pope-leo-xiv-news-this-week-on-peace==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of the Catholic Church, and study the popes. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS00:00 Pope Leo XIV01:45 Ukraine & Zelensky – Civilians, children, and peace04:56 World Day of Peace – “Unarmed and disarming peace”08:37 Advent & the heart – Prayer over frenzy09:57 Christian archaeology – Returning to the sources13:21 Augustine & restlessness – Where the heart rests21:33 Recovery, mercy, and de-escalation27:41 December prayer intention – Christians in conflict zones28:09 Merry Christmas to all#SmartCatholics #PopeLeoXIV #VaticanNews #CatholicPodcast #WorldDayOfPeace
Co-Redemptrix, Migration, and Climate: What Pope Leo Is Saying SmartCatholics 2025-11-21 | When you hear headlines about “co-redemptrix,” migrants at the border, climate change, and yet another papal book, it’s easy to tune out. Dominic and Fr. Matthew walk through what Pope Leo XIV is actually doing and saying: ✅ Why the Vatican is discouraging the title “co-redemptrix” for Mary✅ How Mary as “Mediatrix” can be understood without eclipsing Christ✅ What Pope Leo XIV and the U.S. bishops are really saying about migrants and borders✅ Why climate concern in the Church is tied to justice for the poor, not “tree-hugging” politics==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of the Catholic Church, and study the popes. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro – Why we’re tracking Pope Leo XIV regularly01:45 Mary and “Co-Redemptrix” – What the new Vatican document says11:06 The new book – “The Power of the Gospel: Christian Faith in 10 Words”15:38 Migrants and the US bishops – What their new statement is really addressing19:45 COP30 in Brazil – Climate, creation, and continuity with Pope Francis23:00 November intention – Praying with the Pope to prevent suicide24:15 Join the Smart Catholics community#CatholicNews #PopeLeoXIV #SmartCatholics #CatholicFaith #MaryAndTheSaints
Nostra Aetate at 60: What It Changed, and What’s Next for Pope Leo XIV SmartCatholics 2025-11-04 | What did the Pope just teach, and why is the Church still talking about Nostra Aetate 60 years later? Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/smartcatholics-show-spotlights-nostra | In this Smart Catholics Show, Dominic chats with Fr. Matthew and Karen about Jewish-Catholic dialogue, synodality, the World Meeting of Popular Movements, and November’s prayer intention.What You’ll Learn:✅ What Nostra Aetate is—and why it still shapes Catholic-Jewish relations✅ How synodality aims at conversion of relationships (not uniformity)✅ Why grassroots “popular movements” matter to peace and justice✅ November prayer intention: uniting in prayer to prevent suicide00:00 What is Nostra Aetate? (Vatican II, “In Our Time”)03:50 Roots & reach – antisemitism condemned; dialogue widened08:24 Fears & clarity – syncretism vs. authentic dialogue13:42 Jubilee of Synodal Teams – implementation & conversion of relationships16:09 Linking to Popular Movements – listening at the margins18:37 Why grassroots matter – justice, peace, and prevention of violence21:09 November Intention #SmartCatholics #CatholicPodcast #VaticanII #NostraAetate #Synodality #PopeFrancis #JewishCatholicDialogue #CatholicSocialTeaching #PrayerIntention #PreventSuicide #PopularMovements #CatholicUnity #Ecumenism #InterreligiousDialogue #CatholicNews
Dilexi Te: Pope Leo XIVs First Major Document & Consistent Life Ethics SmartCatholics 2025-10-10 | 🎟️ Join us at LegendHaven, the friendliest fiction con in the galaxy, sponsored and built by SmartCatholics. October 18-19, tickets are $10. legendhaven.com | Join SmartCatholics: smartcatholics.com | When Pope Leo XIV released Dilexi Te, he starts right where Jesus did: with the poor. Not just the poor we imagine from Sunday school, but the modern ones too—the lonely, the unheard, the people left out of the conversation. He takes what Pope Francis began in Dilexit Nos and pushes it forward, asking us to see poverty in all its faces. Fr Matthew Bartow and Karen Dear follow up with his recent comments about Cupich and a consistent life ethic—how being “pro-life” means more than defending birth. It means standing up for the human person.==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Catching up on Pope Leo XIV1:20 – New document: Dilexi Te4:40 – The many faces of poverty7:10 – The Cupich–Durbin controversy8:00 – Pope Leo’s consistent life ethic13:40 – Synodality and solutions15:10 – Immigration as a pro-life issue20:00 – Prayer at immigration offices24:30 – Christ in our darkest places27:00 – October prayer intention28:40 – Unity between faith traditions29:00 – Invitation to Smart Catholics29:40 – Special invite: LegendHaven 2025#DilexiTe #PopeLeoXIV #ConsistentLifeEthic
The Freedom of Surrender: Entering Contemplation - Walking with Teresa Series 6/6 SmartCatholics 2025-09-25 | In the final stage of the spiritual life, we learn to let go—becoming blind, deaf, and mute to all but God’s will. This session explores Osuna’s final teaching, the Catechism’s vision of contemplation, and the witness of Walter Ciszek, who found deep freedom even in a Soviet prison camp. Here, the mask drops, and God becomes the center of everything. Get this course: members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/21273512Series: Walking with Teresa: A Beginner’s Guide to Intentional Spiritual Growth | Simple steps for prayer, discernment, and deeper trust in GodThis series is for beginners who want to grow closer to God by living with more intention. Guided by the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila, Francisco de Osuna, and other spiritual masters, you’ll learn small, practical steps—concentration, devotion, discernment, gratitude, and contemplation—that can transform daily life into a journey of friendship with God.Donate to Flemington Carmel:flemingtoncarmel.org/donate==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Concentration to contemplation3:00 – Fr Walter Ciszek's Story6:00 – Abandonment to God’s will9:00 – New vision: God in all things11:00 – Refusing to cooperate with lies13:00 – Osuna’s third step: blind, deaf, mute but free14:00 – Where the Spirit is, there is freedom15:00 – Support Flemington Carmel#prayer #spiritualgrowth #catholicchurch
Giving Thanks in All Things - Walking with Teresa Series 5/6 SmartCatholics 2025-09-25 | Gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a way of seeing the world as gift. From the faith of St. Teresa to the hard lessons of Corrie and Betsie ten Boom, we’ll learn how even trials and weaknesses can become doorways into trust. Gratitude is the soil where deeper friendship with God grows. Get this course: members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/21273512Series: Walking with Teresa: A Beginner’s Guide to Intentional Spiritual Growth | Simple steps for prayer, discernment, and deeper trust in GodThis series is for beginners who want to grow closer to God by living with more intention. Guided by the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila, Francisco de Osuna, and other spiritual masters, you’ll learn small, practical steps—concentration, devotion, discernment, gratitude, and contemplation—that can transform daily life into a journey of friendship with God.Donate to Flemington Carmel:flemingtoncarmel.org/donate==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Everything God wills is love4:00 – Corrie ten Boom in Ravensbrück6:00 – Gratitude for weaknesses7:00 – Teresa, Augustine, struggles9:00 – Father Walter Ciszek in Russia12:00 – God lets us fail to trust13:00 – Frodo, Silence, same lesson#prayer #spiritualgrowth #catholicchurch
Hearing God’s Will: The Art of Discernment - Walking with Teresa Series 4/6 SmartCatholics 2025-09-23 | What does it really mean to be devout? More than prayers or rituals, devotion is the decision to give yourself wholly to God. With St. Teresa, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Osuna as guides, we’ll explore how to shape life so that faith becomes not an afterthought, but the very heart of how we live, think, and love. Get this course: members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/21273512Series: Walking with Teresa: A Beginner’s Guide to Intentional Spiritual Growth | Simple steps for prayer, discernment, and deeper trust in GodThis series is for beginners who want to grow closer to God by living with more intention. Guided by the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila, Francisco de Osuna, and other spiritual masters, you’ll learn small, practical steps—concentration, devotion, discernment, gratitude, and contemplation—that can transform daily life into a journey of friendship with God.Donate to Flemington Carmel:flemingtoncarmel.org/donate==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Discernment isn’t guesswork2:20 – Four guiding questions 4:06 – Ask: What would Jesus not do?5:51 – God isn’t upset at mistakes8:20 – Learning God’s will through practice11:00 – Desire as the starting point of discernment14:32 – Loneliness at the root of many wrong actions15:40 – Misguided desires vs. God’s long path16:46 – Next: gratitude#prayer #spiritualgrowth #catholicchurch
Attention of the Heart: How to Practice Spiritual Concentration - Walking with Teresa Series 3/6 SmartCatholics 2025-09-21 | To live spiritually awake, we must train our attention. In this session, you’ll learn how Osuna’s teaching on recollection can be lived out in the smallest actions—whether brushing your teeth or making decisions—by asking four simple questions that keep God at the center of everything. Get this course: members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/21273512Series: Walking with Teresa: A Beginner’s Guide to Intentional Spiritual Growth | Simple steps for prayer, discernment, and deeper trust in GodThis series is for beginners who want to grow closer to God by living with more intention. Guided by the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila, Francisco de Osuna, and other spiritual masters, you’ll learn small, practical steps—concentration, devotion, discernment, gratitude, and contemplation—that can transform daily life into a journey of friendship with God.Donate to Flemington Carmel:flemingtoncarmel.org/donate==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Attention of the heart2:02 – Gifts of the Holy Spirit explained3:30 – Concentration vs. recollection4:50 – Four guiding questions introduced7:02 – Devotion as focused attention7:49 – Breaking free from scrupulosity9:07 – Common struggles: living on autopilot12:08 – Building the habit of paying attention14:08 – Next: discernment#prayer #spiritualgrowth #catholicchurch
Living with Devotion: Ordering Life Around God - Walking with Teresa Series 2/6 SmartCatholics 2025-09-19 | What does it really mean to be devout? More than prayers or rituals, devotion is the decision to give yourself wholly to God. With St. Teresa, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Osuna as guides, we’ll explore how to shape life so that faith becomes not an afterthought, but the very heart of how we live, think, and love. Get this course: members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/21273512Series: Walking with Teresa: A Beginner’s Guide to Intentional Spiritual Growth | Simple steps for prayer, discernment, and deeper trust in GodThis series is for beginners who want to grow closer to God by living with more intention. Guided by the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila, Francisco de Osuna, and other spiritual masters, you’ll learn small, practical steps—concentration, devotion, discernment, gratitude, and contemplation—that can transform daily life into a journey of friendship with God.Donate to Flemington Carmel:flemingtoncarmel.org/donate==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – What devotion really means1:02 – Teresa, Aquinas, and Osuna2:54 – Teresa’s “third mansion” description5:00 – Meditation: getting to know God7:20 – God seeks us first8:29 – What are you devoted to?10:54 – Carmelites: practical and prayerful11:09 – Next episode #prayer #spiritualgrowth #catholicchurch
Rowing and Sailing: Learning the First Steps of Prayer - Walking with Teresa Series 1/6 SmartCatholics 2025-09-17 | We begin with St. Teresa’s own story of discovery—finding a book that changed her prayer life forever. You’ll learn the classic “three stages” of the spiritual journey, and how Francisco de Osuna’s teaching on recollection offers a simple, practical starting point. Get this course: members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/21273512Series: Walking with Teresa: A Beginner’s Guide to Intentional Spiritual Growth | Simple steps for prayer, discernment, and deeper trust in GodThis series is for beginners who want to grow closer to God by living with more intention. Guided by the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila, Francisco de Osuna, and other spiritual masters, you’ll learn small, practical steps—concentration, devotion, discernment, gratitude, and contemplation—that can transform daily life into a journey of friendship with God.Donate to Flemington Carmel:flemingtoncarmel.org/donate==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – A Beginners guide to prayer2:02 – From restlessness to recollection2:42 – Teresa’s early struggles5:15 – Three stages of spiritual growth7:39 – Training manual for stage two8:20 – Steps: meditation, virtues, Spirit#prayer #spiritualgrowth #catholicchurch
Pope Leo XIV Marks Week of Unity, Martyrs, and Dialogue SmartCatholics 2025-09-12 | Join us and chat about how the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV continues the legacy of Vatican II—presiding over an ecumenical memorial for modern martyrs, calling a war-torn parish in Gaza, and promoting interreligious dialogue in Bangladesh. Get the notes:With updates on a new Chinese diocese, and reflections on crying out to God as a form of faithful surrender, his actions show the Church alive in global, pastoral, and deeply needed ways. ==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – This week for Pope Leo XIV1:33 – Ecumenical Event for New Martyrs3:09 – Unity Among Christians9:34 – Call to Parish in Gaza11:02 – New Diocese in China12:59 – Interreligious Dialogue15:22 – Crying Out as Prayer20:00 – Synodal Implementation Timeline21:49 – Prayer for Creation#PopeLeoXIV, #ChristianUnity, #CatholicChurch
Pope Leo XIV this Week: School Shooting, Sudan Floods, Israeli Tensions, LGBTQ Outreach SmartCatholics 2025-09-07 | Pope Leo's week was anything but quiet. He responded to a school shooting, called out the “pandemic of arms,” turned the world’s attention to the Sudan floods, met with Israel’s president, and met with Father James Martin. Get the notes: | Join SmartCatholics: smartcatholics.comFr. Matthew Bartow joins Dominic De Souza to look at what the Pope’s really focused on and why it matters for us. It’s not about left vs. right or about outrage. It’s about trying to understand the Pope on his terms, and responding like mature, thoughtful Catholics.==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – School shooting & Pope’s response3:13 – Pandemic of arms6:25 – Hearts need conversion7:40 – Flooding in Sudan9:25 – Stories media misses10:43 – Follow the Pope online13:30 – Meeting with Israeli president16:42 – Pope’s peace mission18:42 – Father Martin’s meeting26:32 – Smart Catholics invite#PopeLeoXIV, #CatholicNews, #SmartCatholics
The Unknown Modern Side of St. Pius X with Pedro Gabriel @pedrogabrielwriter SmartCatholics 2025-09-03 | Get the Book: pedrogabrielwriter.com/the-unknown-modern-side-of-st-pius-x | If you’ve only heard about St. Pius X from memes or traditionalist talking points, this one’s going to surprise you. Dr. Pedro Gabriel is back with a new book that flips the script on the “Pope of Anti-Modernism.” Turns out, there’s a deeply human, reforming, bridge-building side to Pius X that gets completely lost in today’s Catholic echo chambers. Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/book-feature-the-unknown-modern-sideWe talk about how he helped shape daily communion, reformed the curia and liturgy, and believed in reaching people with love before laying down the law. We also dig into how his legacy got hijacked—why some use his name to attack Vatican II and Pope Francis, and how Pedro’s book sets the record straight. If you’ve ever been confused about “modernism,” or felt like tradition gets weaponized, this is a breath of clarity. Perfect for students, seekers, and anyone trying to place the Church’s story in today’s world.LINKSthecityandtheworld.comwherepeteris.com/the-modernist-root-of-radical-traditionalismWATCH SERIESRigidity: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0eC90gzj-O03N8yLwQZkRagHeresy Disguised as Tradition: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0e4uvBp6rJ54uauchDXN8c7==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – The Unknown Modern Side1:40 – Pius X vs Modernism3:20 – Daily Communion Origins5:00 – Modernism vs Modernity6:40 – Defining Modernism Clearly8:20 – Dogma and Its Dangers10:00 – The Hijacking Begins11:40 – The Real Pius X13:20 – Pope Francis Parallel15:00 – What Modernism Really Means16:40 – Transcendence vs Immanence18:20 – Church Adapts, Truth Doesn’t20:00 – Pius X and Vatican II#StPiusX, #CatholicTradition, #ModernismInTheChurch
What is Synodality? Pope Leo XIV & Pope Francis on Dialogue, Mission, and Change SmartCatholics 2025-08-22 | Ever heard the word synodality and thought, “What does that even mean?” You're not alone. Join SmartCatholics: smartcatholics.com | Learn about LegendHaven: legendhaven.com | In this relaxed chat between friends, Karen Dear joins Dominic to unpack what Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV are inviting us into—and why it matters for every single person in the Church. Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/what-is-synodality-pope-leo-xiv-andWhether you're at Mass, in your parish, or chatting with someone in the grocery store, synodality is about learning how to listen, love, and live the Gospel with others. This conversation gives us an overview where we’re at and where we’re going—if we’re willing to show up with open hearts. And spoiler: it might start with something as simple as a smile, or sharing your hope over a cup of coffee.The SmartCatholics Show: InsightsA Show is where SmartCatholics friends chat about Pope Leo XIV: what he’s up to, what’s making headlines, and what it all actually means. That means getting past the clickbait, and into the Catholicism of it all. Let's study the popes.==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with by studying the popes and the Catholic Church, free of trolls and ads and toxicity. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:01 – What is synodality?2:05 – Missionary attitude of the Church4:04 – Dialogue at parish level6:06 – Everyone plays a part8:13 – Communion, participation, and mission10:16 – Listening to the marginalized12:48 – Modeling humility and welcome15:02 – Building trust through presence17:00 – Real-world conversations19:01 – Do you actually have hope?21:24 – Christians walk differently23:06 – Personal mission and ministry25:22 – Bringing Christ through action27:15 – Listening like Pope Francis28:25 – Synodality is Jesus’ mission29:56 – The LegendHaven Convention#Synodality #CatholicChurch #PopeFrancis
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Self-Reflection, Expands Vatican Family Benefits, & August Prayer Intention SmartCatholics 2025-08-16 | Pope Leo XIV’s latest audience challenges us to ask: How do we betray Jesus in our daily lives? Fr. Matthew Bartow and Karen Dear join Dominic de Souza to chat about the pope’s reflections on mercy and self-examination, share stories from St. Maximilian Kolbe, react to new Vatican family leave benefits, and explore a call to evangelize beyond “a set of rules to be kept.” Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-self-reflectionWe close with the August Prayer Intention — mutual coexistence — and a call to pray, reflect, and live the Gospel with compassion.The SmartCatholics Show: InsightsA Show is where SmartCatholics friends chat about Pope Leo XIV: what he’s up to, what’s making headlines, and what it all actually means. That means getting past the clickbait, and into the Catholicism of it all. Let's study the popes.==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with by studying the popes and the Catholic Church, free of trolls and ads and toxicity. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Pope Leo XIV on Betrayal & Self Reflection4:56 – Karen’s Reflection on “Better if He Had Never Been Born”8:26 – St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Witness13:00 – “At the Darkest Point the Light Is Not Extinguished”16:53 – Video Game Analogy of Falling and Returning17:59 – Vatican Expands Paternity Leave20:35 – Karen on Family Life & Evangelization with Families25:48 – Fr. Bartow on Rules vs. Relationship28:47 – Driving Analogy & Story of the Saint in the Red Light District31:35 – Respect, Chastity, and Accompaniment37:09 – August Prayer Intention: Mutual Coexistence39:35 – Join SmartCatholics#PopeLeoXIV #CatholicNews #CatholicFaith
Youth as Pilgrims of Hope: What the Pope Says About Building a Safer World & Immigration SmartCatholics 2025-08-12 | Over a million young people poured into Rome for the Jubilee of Youth. Father Matthew Bartow and Dominic de Souza talk about why the Pope is calling young people “pilgrims of hope” and what that means for the future. We talk about a heartbreaking migration tragedy off Yemen’s coast, the Church’s three big principles for immigration policy, and why building peace on nuclear weapons is like building a house on sand. Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/youth-as-pilgrims-of-hope-what-theFr Matthew's article: franciscanmissionaries.com/hospitality-and-immigration-in-catholic-social-teachingThe SmartCatholics Show: InsightsA Show is where SmartCatholics friends chat about Pope Leo XIV: what he’s up to, what’s making headlines, and what it all actually means. That means getting past the clickbait, and into the Catholicism of it all. Let's study the popes.==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with by studying the popes and the Catholic Church, free of trolls and ads and toxicity. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Welcome & intro to topics1:18 – Over a million youth attend6:28 – “Pilgrims of hope” vision7:57 – Tragedy off Yemen’s coast10:54 – Church’s 3 principles on migration13:38 – Treating migrants with dignity15:22 – Justice & mercy in policy17:24 – False security of nuclear deterrence19:26 – Golden Rule & global cooperation21:14 – Vatican’s role in peace efforts23:59 – Join SmartCatholics#PilgrimsOfHope, #CatholicSocialTeaching, #WorldPeace
Ceasefire Plea, Renewable Energy Push, & New Doctor Of The Church: John Henry Newman SmartCatholics 2025-08-05 | Pope Leo’s diplomatic efforts for peace in Palestine to a cutting-edge agrivoltaic deal with Italy, the Vatican is seeking to lead with both prayer and policy. Our bigger focus is on St. John Henry Newman and his lasting impact on how we think about development of doctrine. Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/ceasefire-plea-renewable-energy-pushThe SmartCatholics Show: InsightsA Show is where SmartCatholics friends chat about Pope Leo XIV: what he’s up to, what’s making headlines, and what it all actually means. That means getting past the clickbait, and into the Catholicism of it all. Let's study the popes.==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Catching up with Vatican news4:00 – Christian response to global suffering6:03 – Survivor’s guilt?10:00 – Vatican renewable energy plan15:02 – Who is John Henry Newman?19:04 – Development of doctrine as organic26:25 – Synodality and lay involvement32:02 – Pope Leo’s parable reflection38:46 – Join SmartCatholics#Vatican, #JohnHenryNewman, #Ceasefire
Pope Leo XIV Vacation, AI Deepfakes, & Victimhood SmartCatholics 2025-07-31 | Pope Leo XIV took a vacation just two months into his pontificate—and while he was away, AI deepfake videos faked his sermons. Let's talk about rest, recovery, and the risk of derailed faith. How do we stay grounded and discerning in a digital age? Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/pope-leo-xiv-vacation-ai-deepfakeThe SmartCatholics Show: InsightsA Show is where SmartCatholics friends chat about Pope Leo XIV: what he’s up to, what’s making headlines, and what it all actually means. That means getting past the clickbait, and into the Catholicism of it all. Let's study the popes.==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with by studying the popes and the Catholic Church, free of trolls and ads and toxicity. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Vacations and 2:41 – Pope Leo’s vacation5:13 – Speculation on encyclical and AI6:25 – AI fake videos concern8:42 – Study the Popes vs passive listening10:25 – Compassion is human before religious12:25 – Authentic worship requires action14:43 – Recovery and responsibility for amends16:46 – Discernment and healing19:01 – No cry God does not hear22:38 – Encouragement through suffering26:11 – Real prayer is honest29:08 – Authenticity and listening#PopeLeoXIV, #CatholicAI, #DeepfakeVideos
From Zelensky to the Anabaptists: Pope Leo’s Peace Talks, Prayer Intentions, & Priorities SmartCatholics 2025-06-06 | Imagine catching up on papal news over coffee with friends. That’s the vibe here. In this relaxed, thoughtful chat, three friends from SmartCatholics takes a step back to look at what Pope Leo’s been up to—from meeting with world leaders like Zelensky and Putin, to sharing heartfelt homilies and relaunching the Vatican’s magisterium site. It's been a busy first two months. Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/pope-leos-early-pontificate-emphasizesThe SmartCatholics Show: InsightsA Show is where SmartCatholics friends chat about Pope Leo XIV: what he’s up to, what’s making headlines, and what it all actually means. That means getting past the clickbait, and into the Catholicism of it all. Let's study the popes.==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith by studying the popes, free of trolls, ads, and toxicity. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Pope Leo XIV Updates2:00 – Reaching out for peace4:00 – Prayer for compassion6:00 – Papal magisterium website8:00 – Ecumenical outreach12:00 – Vatican II and growth14:00 – Common humanity and faith16:00 – Affirming other religions20:00 – Spiritual fatherhood26:00 – Obedience with respect28:00 – Modern servant leadership32:00 – Join Smart Catholics#PopeLeo, #CatholicNews, #SmartCatholics
Pope Leo XIV’s First Month: Francis 2.0? | Insights and Reflections from SmartCatholics SmartCatholics 2025-05-23 | Dominic de Souza sits down with Fr. Matthew Bartow and Karen Dear to discuss the first month of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate — and what it might mean for the Church moving forward. Join us: smartcatholics.com | Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/pope-leo-xivs-first-month-francis🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to follow this new series as we discuss, document and explore what the Pope is saying — and why it matters for faithful Catholics today. - Why Pope Leo XIV is continuing the legacy of Pope Francis- The rising tension between conservative hopes and papal reality- The call for a consistent life ethic that includes abortion, poverty, and social justice- Vatican signals toward greater inclusion of women in leadership roles- A powerful moment of interreligious unity — Muslims translating Fratelli Tutti- The Pope’s message: “Love does not calculate”“From early indications… he’s continuing the exact same program that Pope Francis had implemented.” – Fr. MatthewThe SmartCatholics Show: InsightsA Show is where SmartCatholics friends chat about Pope Leo XIV: what he’s up to, what’s making headlines, and what it all actually means. That means getting past the clickbait, and into the Catholicism of it all. Let's study the popes.==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with by studying the popes and the Catholic Church, free of trolls and ads and toxicity. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:01 – Welcome 4:00 – Continuity with Pope Francis6:00 – Graduation speech in Peru8:00 – Consistent life ethic 10:00 – Compassion in the Church12:00 – Affirmation of Pope Francis’ path14:00 – Women in Church leadership16:00 – Listening and synodality18:00 – 'Reframing Francis' for conservatives?20:00 – Stability under Pope Leo24:00 – Recovery, structure, and faith28:00 – Interreligious dialogue30:00 – Peace in Gaza#PopeLeoXIV, #Francis2Point0, #CatholicChurch
God’s Love Isn’t Earned. Here’s Why That Changes Everything | Dilexit Nos Read-Aloud Part 11 SmartCatholics 2025-05-21 | We’re back after the passing of Pope Francis, reflecting on what it means to live under a new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. In this conversation, we read and reflect on Pope Francis’ writings—focusing on the Sacred Heart and the kind of love gives everything. Read Dilexit Nos: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html | Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/gods-love-isnt-earned-heres-why-thatTogether with friends from Smart Catholics, we talk about the saints who lived this devotion: St. Claude de la Colombière’s fierce trust, St. Charles de Foucauld’s heart-led solitude, and St. Thérèse’s fearless love even in the face of her own weakness. What they show us is simple but hard to believe—God doesn’t wait for you to earn love. He just loves.This is the kind of love that sits with you in your pain, and says, “You’re not alone.” See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsKaren Dear from Catholics in RecoveryFr Matthew Bartow==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Welcome back and context3:00 – Thoughts on Pope Leo XIV6:00 – Karen on missionary hope9:00 – Sacred Heart reading begins12:00 – St. Claude’s radical confidence15:00 – Jesus’ compassion in suffering18:00 – Father Matthew on unconditional love21:00 – Connection to Buddhist detachment24:00 – Transition to Charles de Foucauld27:00 – Charles’ heart-centered spirituality30:00 – St. Thérèse’s personal devotion33:00 – Her fearlessness in God's mercy36:00 – Father on legalism vs. love39:00 – Karen on visuals and art42:00 – Closing invitation and prayer#SacredHeart #CatholicFaith #UnconditionalLove
The Wounded Heart of Jesus: A Place to Rest & Heal - Dilexit Nos by Pope Francis - 10 SmartCatholics 2025-04-12 | What if the love of God wasn’t distant or abstract — but a real, living place you could rest in? Read Dilexit Nos: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html | Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/the-wounded-heart-of-jesus-a-placeIn this shared readaloud of Pope Francis’ Dilexit Nos, (focused on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus), members of Smart Catholics explore how the pierced heart of Christ reveals a radical love that heals wounds, restores dignity, and transforms daily life. The conversation journeys from ancient saints like St. Bernard of Clairvaux to modern mystics like St. Gertrude, uncovering how this devotion grew through history — not as superstition, but as an invitation to personal relationship and inner healing.The group wrestles with the vulnerability of God — how Christ’s wounded heart is not weakness but the gateway to grace. Powerful reflections surface around suffering, Mary’s compassion, friendship with Christ, and how men and women experience this devotion differently. The Sacred Heart emerges not just as a symbol, but a spiritual home — where wounded people can find refuge, love, and the courage to heal a broken world.For anyone longing for peace, deeper faith, or a reminder that they are personally known and loved — this conversation is an invitation to encounter Christ not as a distant king, but as a friend who bares His heart for you.See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai Karen Dear from Catholics in Recovery==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Dilexit Nos by Pope Francis01:23 – Prayer to the Holy Spirit01:58 – 104 (St. Bernard of Clairvaux on the Pierced Heart)08:45 – Father Matthew Reflects on Sacred Heart & Sacraments15:00 – Section: Spread of Devotion to the Heart of Christ20:38 – St. Margaret Mary’s Vision: Christ Longs for Our Love28:57 – Devotion to Sacred Heart as Response to Division32:55 – Section: St. Francis de Sales on Christ's Heart38:01 – St. Catherine of Siena & the Secret of Christ's Heart44:14 – Vulnerability as Pathway to Pure Love50:16 – St. Francis de Sales on Abandonment to Christ's Heart56:36 – Closing Prayer & Blessing
The Sacred Heart & the Churchs Mission: What Pope Francis Needs Catholics to Get in Dilexit Nos - 9 SmartCatholics 2025-04-05 | What if Jesus’ heart could show us how to fix what’s broken in the Church today? Read Dilexit Nos: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html | A group of friends read-aloud through Pope Francis’ letter 'Dilexit Nos', to share real thoughts about faith, life, and love. We talk about what it means to really follow Jesus—not just with our thoughts, but with our hearts and actions. Is being busy at church the same as being close to God? What does it mean when Jesus’ heart was pierced, and why does that matter for us today?We explore how some churches feel alive and joyful, while others seem more focused on rules or programs. We discuss ideas like dualism—splitting faith from real life—and how Jesus wants us to bring everything to Him: our bodies, souls, and struggles. We also look at Bible stories where water is a symbol of life, showing how Jesus is the one who truly gives us what we need.If you’ve ever wondered how to grow closer to Jesus in real life—not just in prayer, but in your whole self—this video might be for you. See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai Karen Dear from Catholics in Recovery==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Dilexit Nos from Pope Francis0:53 – How the reading works1:24 – Opening prayer1:59 – Reading begins, paragraph 885:00 – Father on parish dualism8:41 – What is dualism?13:16 – Catholic aestheticism vs. dualism17:02 – Start of Chapter Four24:51 – Pierced = source of mercy32:03 – Divine Mercy connection32:39 – Fountain never runs dry37:23 – Sacred Heart = intimacy39:55 – Wrap-up and encouragement40:50 – Final prayer
Why the Sacred Heart Still Matters Today: Pope Francis, Rigidity & Jesus Heart in Dilexit Nos - 8 SmartCatholics 2025-03-28 | How do we let the Sacred Heart shape our daily lives? Members of the Smart Catholics community come together to read and reflect on 'Dilexit Nos', Pope Francis’ encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What begins as a shared reading turns into a deep, heartfelt conversation about the love of Christ, the wounds that reveal his mercy, and the ways we’re called to live that love in a hurting world. Read Dilexit Nos: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html | Get the Notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/from-jansenism-to-joy-why-the-sacredTogether, we explore the connection between tradition and today—how past popes spoke about the Sacred Heart, and how Pope Francis continues that legacy in a time of distraction and division. From the mystery of Eucharistic love to the call to serve the poor and the hidden power of monasteries, this isn’t a lecture—it’s a journey of listening, pondering, and opening the heart.There’s space here for struggle and story, for reverence without rigidity. The group returns again and again to one core idea: Christ’s love is not distant. It’s alive, present, and inviting us into a deeper unity—through prayer, through action, and through the quiet beat of his heart within ours.See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai Karen Dear from Catholics in Recovery==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 –Dilexit Nos by Pope Francis0:30 – Purpose of Reading & Format0:55 – Opening Prayer2:02 – Quote from Journal of a Soul3:17 – Paragraphs 78-79 Reading8:40 – Heart of Christ as Daily Presence9:53 – Gethsemane & Heart of America10:20 – Heart as Structuring Center15:32 – Pope Francis' Continuity with Predecessors21:29 – Encountering Jesus Beyond Intellect25:46 – Eucharist as a Balm for the Wounded29:09 – Paul’s Teaching on Unworthy Communion30:51 – Option for the Poor & Eucharist34:55 – Lazarus & the Rich Man38:38 – Eucharistic Adoration & Devotion40:10 – Jansenist Rigidity & False Mysticism46:36 – Call to Return to Mission Work47:47 – Pope Francis Embraces the Outcast48:53 – Teaching Catechism with the Heart of Christ52:43 – Invitation to Community & Closing Prayer53:51 – Final Blessing
The Holy Spirits Masterpiece is Christ’s heart? Dilexit Nos by Pope Francis | Read Aloud 7 SmartCatholics 2025-03-23 | What if Christ's love isn’t abstract—it’s emotional, embodied, and human? A group of friends sit down, crack open a document from Pope Francis, and read it out loud together. It's more than reading—it's listening, wrestling, and reflecting. Get the notes: smartcatholics.substack.com/p/the-holy-spirits-masterpiece-is-christs | Read Dilexit Nos: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html This time, Father Matthew Bartow shares his own journey—how he moved from struggling with Pope Francis to being changed by his words. We talk about Christ’s three-fold love—divine, spiritual, and human—and how that’s not just theology, it’s deeply emotional. Real feelings. Real healing. And somehow, through those feelings, Jesus draws us closer to God. We get into the Eucharist, the mystery of Divine love in something so human, and what it means to be moved—not just intellectually, but emotionally—by liturgy and service. Some of us open up about recovery, pain, and what it means to follow Jesus through suffering, into joy. See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai Karen Dear from Catholics in Recovery==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Intro & Group Purpose0:52 – Introducing Father Matthew Bartow1:50 – Journey with Pope Francis' Teachings3:10 – How the Reading Circle Works4:26 – Three-fold Love of Christ6:25 – Human & Divine Love United7:53 – St. John of the Cross on Love10:30 – Divine vs Historical Christ11:33 – Hypostatic Union Explained13:40 – Emotions in Christ’s Love17:09 – Eucharist as Infinite in the Finite20:46 – Emotions, Sin, and Christian Action23:44 – Christ Leads to the Father33:05 – Jesus’ Obedience and Longing for the Father50:00 – Liturgy, Mission & Living the Faith
Why Pope Francis Wants Us to Reclaim This Devotion to the Sacred Heart | Dilexit Nos Readaloud 6 SmartCatholics 2025-03-15 | What if the heart of Christ was more than a symbol? In this readaloud through 'Dilexit Nos' from Pope Francis, a group of friends discuss the Sacred Heart—not as a mere image, but as a profound reality of God’s love. Read Dilexit Nos: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html We talk about why devotion to the Sacred Heart has endured for centuries, how it connects us to Jesus’ real, human emotions, and why tangible faith—through art, Eucharistic miracles, and personal prayer—matters. We talk about how his heart still beats for us, how Eucharistic miracles even reveal real heart tissue, and why faith isn’t just an idea, but something we live and experience. Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic or just getting started, this is a reminder that Jesus isn’t just in history—he’s here, now, waiting for us to love him back.See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai Karen Dear from Catholics in Recovery==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Reading Dilexit Nos00:28 – Purpose: Studying papal documents together01:21 – Prayer: Invocation of the Holy Spirit01:55 – Reading Begins: Chapter 3, “The Heart That Has Loved”02:29 – True Devotion: Worship is for Christ, not just an image07:27 – Living Christ: Jesus is present today09:25 – Sacred Art: Strengthening faith through imagery10:23 – Misconceptions: Sacred Heart devotion leads to Christ14:23 – Catholic Art: Using images as reminders of faith16:24 – Jesus’ Strength: His humanity and power19:18 – Tangible Faith: Christ in history and devotion20:43 – Personal Reflections: Suffering and trust in Christ22:06 – Eucharistic Miracles: Heart tissue in consecrated hosts25:59 – Jesus’ Humanity: He lived, suffered, and felt30:39 – Sacred Heart: Uniting divine and human love31:57 – Early Church Fathers: Defending Christ’s humanity35:25 – Jesus Wept: His real human sorrow39:47 – Suffering & Acceptance: His greatest trial40:46 – Closing Prayer: Reflection on listening and action
Jesus’ Sacred Heart: The Love That Changes Everything - Pope Francis & Dilexit Nos | Read Aloud 5 SmartCatholics 2025-03-13 | What if the love of Christ was more than just an idea? Read Dilexit Nos: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html | This discussion dives into the heart of Jesus—both figuratively and literally—exploring how his actions, words, and even his gaze reveal a love that welcomes sinners, challenges hypocrisy, and invites us into a profound relationship. From encounters with the Samaritan woman to the mystery of what Jesus wrote in the sand, this conversation unpacks the radical closeness of God. Along the way, reflections on Pope Francis, the Good Samaritan, and personal moments of faith challenge us to tear down the walls in our own hearts. As we contemplate Christ’s Sacred Heart, his tears, and his ultimate sacrifice on the Cross, the question lingers: Will we accept his love, or turn away like the Pharisees?See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai Karen Dear from Catholics in Recovery==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction & Prayer00:39 – Opening Prayer: Seeking the Holy Spirit's Guidance01:22 – Paragraph 32: The Heart of Christ as the Core of the Gospel03:37 – Encounters with Jesus: Samaritan Woman, Nicodemus, and the Blind Man04:19 – The Tenderness of Jesus: Healing Through Touch05:38 – Jesus Welcomes Sinners, Pharisees Reject Him07:36 – The Prodigal Son & Pharisee Mentality08:34 – Personal Encounters: The Importance of Seeing and Touching Others09:24 – Pope Francis & The Power of Personal Encounters10:20 – Tearing Down Walls: Building Bridges of Love11:44 – Jesus Calls Out the Pharisees for Their Hypocrisy12:18 – Jesus Knows Their Thoughts and Confronts Them13:51 – The Heart of Christ & The Eucharist as the Source of Love15:20 – Jesus’ Gaze: Seeing into the Depths of Our Hearts17:25 – Jesus Sees Even the Smallest Acts of Charity18:09 – Pope Francis & The Biblical Focus of His Teachings18:48 – Do We Accept Jesus’ Love or Shut It Out?20:15 – The Good Samaritan: Are We Too Distracted to See?21:45 – Jesus’ Gaze as a Reflection of His Sacred Heart25:00 – Jesus’ Words Bring Strength & Peace25:38 – Jesus’ Deep Emotions: Tears, Compassion, and Anguish28:10 – St. Paul: Christ Loved Me and Gave Himself for Me29:40 – Living in Response to Jesus’ Love31:47 – The Righteous Fall but Keep Getting Up32:34 – Wrapping Up: Next Chapter Coming Next Week34:08 – Final Thoughts: Prayers for Healing & Community
Setting Your Heart on Fire: Pope Francis’ Call to True Faith in Dilexit Nos | Read Aloud Part 4 SmartCatholics 2025-02-28 | What if faith wasn’t just about knowing the right answers but about setting your heart on fire? Read Dilexit Nos: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.htmlIn this conversation on 'Dilexit Nos', Pope Francis challenges us to move beyond intellectual understanding and into an intimate, transformative relationship with Christ. Drawing from Ignatian spirituality, St. Bonaventure, and St. John Henry Newman, we chat about the power of the heart in faith—how love, not just knowledge, moves us toward God. From the burning hearts of the disciples on the road to Emmaus to the uncontainable fire of the Blessed Virgin Mary, divine love reshapes not only our souls but also society itself. With personal reflections, insights from Vatican II, and a call to unity, this study reminds us that true faith is not just about belief—it’s about becoming love in action.The end of Chapter 1: FireThis is Part 4 of an ongoing series to study the Popes together, and help more Catholics discover the depth and practicality of these messages. Your Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesKaren Dear from Catholics in RecoveryJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai ==============================ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.com==============================TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Prayer for Pope Francis in the hospital 1:21 – Discussion begins, reading from paragraph 24 of Dilexit Nos3:14 – The heart vs. intellectual concepts in faith 4:10 – Reflections on prayer, St. Ignatius' retreat structure 5:54 – Friendship as a matter of the heart, connection to Adam & Eve 7:37 – "In-breaking" of God’s desire, *The Hound of Heaven* reference 8:20 – Faith is not just knowledge but a holistic unity of the person 9:09 – Pope Francis as a universal retreat guide 10:45 – Journeying with Jesus as a companion in faith 11:32 – The danger of ideology in faith 13:06 – Connection between Ignatian spirituality and 12-step programs 15:26 – St. Bonaventure: praying for raging fire16:14 – St. John Henry Newman: faith as heart-to-heart relationship 18:05 – St. Francis of Assisi: a model of burning love for God 21:48 – Fire as a biblical image of love and transformation 23:29 – Road to Emmaus: hearts burning in Jesus’ presence 24:57 – The Blessed Virgin Mary’s heart as a consuming fire of love 29:49 – Before the Heart of Jesus, intellect must give way to love 33:39 – The world is set aflame by God’s love through us 39:12 – Being a restorative presence, not a damaging one 44:32 – The Sacred Heart: unifying all of history and salvation 46:52 – The Gospel’s fire continually awakens human dignity 48:50 – Christ’s love brings both warmth and clarity 52:34 – Closing thoughts: living the Gospel in mission 53:23 – Final prayer to Mary, woman of listening, decision, and action
Do We Have a Heart? Pope Francis’ Powerful Wake-Up Call in Dilexit Nos | Readaloud Part 3 SmartCatholics 2025-02-21 | Pope Francis' Dilexit Nos asks us if we're really living from the heart, or just going through the motions? This section dives into love, connection, and what makes us truly human. Read the document: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html | Join SmartCatholics: smartcatholics.com ABOUT THIS VIDEO: Chapter 1: The Heart Unites the FragmentsPope Francis’ Dilexit Nos reminds us that the heart is what holds everything together—our relationships, our faith, and even our personal stories. Our group dives into themes of authenticity, self-knowledge, and love, reflecting on how society’s obsession with individualism and AI can pull us further apart. We explore Mary’s example of pondering life’s mysteries, the loss of human connection, and the simple moments that shape us. With references to The Great Divorce, nostalgia, and personal stories, the big question emerges: Do we really have a heart, or are we just going through the motions?Through it all, Pope Francis keeps bringing us back to one simple truth—Christ loved us first, and that love changes everything.See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai Karen Dear from Catholics in RecoveryTIMESTAMPS0:00 – Dilexit Nos by Pope Francis1:10 – Opening prayer1:54 – Paragraph 17: The heart unites the fragments2:33 – Overcoming fragmentation through relationships4:56 – Jesus on true devotion6:23 – Narcissism and societal disconnection12:14 – Paragraph 19: Mary’s pondering heart14:12 – Importance of reflection16:10 – Story of Zach Sobiech17:02 – Connecting Pope Francis’ past teachings21:53 – Paragraphs 20-21: Poetry, love & humanity22:35 – Nostalgia & small human moments24:05 – The heart’s role in identity34:41 – Church teachings on tech & morality38:04 – Paragraphs 22-23: War & loss of heart39:35 – Love as fulfillment40:30 – Closing prayer41:54 – SmartCatholics
Returning to the Heart | Dilexit Nos by Pope Francis | Readaloud Part 2 SmartCatholics 2025-02-14 | Pope Francis' 'Dilexit Nos' challenges us to reclaim the heart in a fast-paced, digital world—exploring love, identity, and spiritual depth in a culture that often forgets them. Read the document: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html | Join SmartCatholics: smartcatholics.com ABOUT THIS VIDEO: Chapter 1: Returning to the HeartOur fast-paced, tech-driven world often leaves "no room for the heart," which can disconnect us from ourselves and others. Through Pope Francis’ insights and references to philosophy, literature, and theology, a group of friends examine the struggle to balance intellect, will, and emotion in a culture dominated by rationalism and digital distractions. Drawing from figures like Dostoevsky, we chat about how true fulfillment lies in cultivating love, presence, and deep relationships rather than mere efficiency. Our legacy is shaped by love, and making room for the heart in daily life is an essential spiritual practice.Through it all, Pope Francis keeps bringing us back to one simple truth—Christ loved us first, and that love changes everything.See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza | Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai Karen Dear from Catholics in RecoveryTIMESTAMPS0:30 – Welcome1:06 – Opening prayer1:58 – Paragraph 9: "Returning to the Heart"3:31 – Reflection on “no room is left for the heart”5:03 – Challenges of making space for the heart6:27 – Discussion on technology and silence8:34 – Paragraph 10: Historical neglect of the heart10:14 – Reflection: Understanding the heart’s role12:45 – Love as a unifying force14:52 – Paragraph 11: Consequences of devaluing the heart16:45 – Dostoevsky’s heartless character19:26 – Need for personal encounters over digital distractions21:41 – Paragraph 13: The heart shapes identity and resists evil23:50 – Algorithms, digital manipulation, and the heart26:24 – The heart as central to identity and love29:50 – Paragraph 16: Grasping reality through the heart32:02 – Reflection on intuition and emotion34:29 – Pope Francis’ depth as a theologian36:18 – Closing prayer37:56 – SmartCatholics
Dilexit Nos: He Loved Us by Pope Francis | #1 Reading Together & Discussion SmartCatholics 2025-02-07 | Pope Francis' Dilexit Nos is all about the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus—why it still matters today and how we can live it. Read the document: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html | Join SmartCatholics: smartcatholics.com ABOUT THIS VIDEO: Chapter 1: The Importance of the HeartA group of friends sit down together to read and reflect on the encyclical, sharing thoughts on the heart as more than just an organ—it’s the center of our emotions, decisions, and spiritual life. We get into scripture, philosophy, and even a childhood story from Pope Francis to explore themes of authenticity, transformation, and God’s unconditional love. These few selections from this encyclical challenges us to ask the big questions: Who am I? What’s my purpose? How do I want to be remembered? Through it all, Pope Francis keeps bringing us back to one simple truth—Christ loved us first, and that love changes everything.See the full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0fpv6FIQBn1eKzk2-ZkEb7LYour Hosts:Dominic de Souza @dominicmdesouza Founder of SmartCatholicsJane & Chris JonesJoshua Slusher @TheCatholicSamurai Karen Dear from Catholics in RecoveryTIMESTAMPS0:00 – Intro to Dilexit Nos and its purpose0:35 – How to engage with Pope Francis’ writings1:09 – Why devotion to the Sacred Heart matters today1:47 – Prayer to the Holy Spirit for guidance3:17 – The heart vs. modern superficiality3:58 – Greek meaning of "heart" and its depth4:43 – God’s promise of a new heart (Ezekiel, David)5:33 – Dilexit Nos: Christ’s unbreakable love7:15 – God's love and graces—freely given but not asked for8:47 – The mystery of the heart beyond biology9:40 – How the heart unites reason and emotion11:01 – The Bible reveals the heart’s true intentions11:47 – The sincere heart vs. deception (Samson & Delilah)13:36 – How the heart always reveals the truth15:12 – Pope Francis on authenticity and transformation18:06 – Why we struggle to know ourselves18:54 – Pope Francis' "lie cookies" story19:45 – Life’s big questions lead back to the heart22:18 – Christ’s heart as the answer to our search24:50 – Self-awareness and true transformation27:05 – What if Adam and Eve had run to God?27:56 – The Sacred Heart as our model29:07 – Engaging deeply with Dilexit Nos30:13 – Invitation to join SmartCatholics31:30 – Closing prayer to Mary
Connection & Encounter: Pope Francis Vision for Social Media SmartCatholics 2025-01-31 | Pope Francis calls us to transform social media into a space for real connection, dialogue, and evangelization—are we up for the challenge? Read the Document: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/communications/documents/papa-francesco_20140124_messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html | Join SmartCatholics: smarcatholics.comABOUT THIS VIDEOPope Francis keeps putting out these beautiful messages, but how often do we actually sit down and read them? In this conversation, a group of Smart Catholics members gathers to do just that—reading and reflecting on his message for the 48th World Communications Day. The Holy Father challenges us to see social media not just as a tool, but as a way to create real encounters, to listen, and to bring people together. He warns about the dangers of isolation, confirmation bias, and manipulation in digital spaces, but instead of rejecting technology, he calls us to use it well—to bring warmth, healing, and true dialogue. Drawing on the parable of the Good Samaritan, we explore what it means to be “neighbors” online and how to build a digital space that reflects the love of Christ.ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church.Join our community: smartcatholics.comDonate now: smartcatholics.com/donateTIMESTAMPS0:31 – Overview of Pope Francis’ message1:06 – Introducing the panel1:45 – Opening prayer4:51 – The internet as a tool for encounter5:40 – Discussion on media focus7:57 – Unity over division9:37 – Importance of listening12:01 – Challenges of digital media14:22 – Patience and openness in communication16:40 – Risks of isolation via social media19:04 – Engaging with media wisely20:20 – Communication as a human achievement25:43 – The Good Samaritan model27:07 – Media manipulation as violence34:36 – Media as space for encounters36:14 – Church’s mission in digital spaces45:56 – Engaging in dialogue50:39 – Christian witness as presence51:19 – Communication as healing52:04 – Church’s role in digital spaces59:17 – Join SmartCatholics
The Carmelite Roadmap for Ordinary People | Practical Carmelite Spirituality for Busy People 6/6 SmartCatholics 2025-01-06 | What if the key to transforming your life wasn’t in doing more—but in doing less? Sr. Gabriella reveals how simple, quiet practices can create deep change. Discover why guarding your words, embracing stillness, and trusting God’s timing could be the radical shift you’ve been searching for. From Pope Francis’ life-changing moments to the power of turning inward, we chat about the the hidden strengths in your weaknesses and the divine plan waiting for you to take the first step. ABOUT THIS SERIESWhat if the peace you’ve been searching for isn’t found in doing more, but in embracing less? Guided by Sister Gabriella of the Incarnation, OCD, this six-part series shares the life-changing practices of Carmelite spirituality—800 years of prayer, simplicity, and love distilled into practical steps for your daily life. Through powerful stories, personal reflections, and actionable insights, this series will show you that your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be profound. This is your invite to change your life and become a source of light and stability in a restless world. ABOUT THIS SERIESWhat if the peace you’ve been searching for isn’t found in doing more, but in embracing less? Guided by Sister Gabriella of the Incarnation, OCD, this six-part series shares the life-changing practices of Carmelite spirituality—800 years of prayer, simplicity, and love distilled into practical steps for your daily life. Through powerful stories, personal reflections, and actionable insights, this series will show you that your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be profound. This is your invite to change your life and become a source of light and stability in a restless world. GET THE SMARTCATHOLICS COURSEShare your comments and learn along with other members:members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/17636808/aboutYOUTUBE PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0dPHPn3bOT9TPGvPvfSFQhZABOUT SR GABRIELA OF THE INCARNATION, OCDSister Gabriela of the Incarnation, OCD, was born in Gold Rush country in California. She lived a few years in Switzerland, and in 1979 entered the Carmelite Monastery in Flemington New Jersey where she is still a member. She handles the bookkeeping of the Community and takes care of their dogs. She writes articles and is a regular contributor to Where Peter Is. She also has a monthly column in the diocesan paper, 'The Metuchen Spirit'. She can be reached through her Community's website, flemingtoncarmel.orgABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.comJOIN THE HOLY HEARTS GROUP • Hosted by Sr. Gabriella of the Incarnationmembers.smartcatholics.com/spaces/15817265/aboutSHARE YOUR PRAYER REQUEST • Know you’re being prayed for!members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/3982246/chat0:00 – Why Simple Spirituality Can Feel So Hard1:13 – How to Spread the Carmelite Way Without Preaching2:09 – This Story About Pope Francis Will Inspire You to Slow Down3:51 – The Explosive Secret of Carmelite Spirituality4:54 – Scared to Act? Here’s Why You Should Trust God’s Plan5:40 – Prayer Is Friendship—Here’s How to Start7:25 – The Community You Need to Stay Faithful8:30 – Your Weakness Could Be the Key to Helping Others10:34 – Love Like Christ in the Chaos of Everyday Life12:03 – How to Find the Flemington Carmelites Online
Spiritual to Practical: Wisdom from 800 Years | Practical Carmelite Spirituality for Busy People 5/6 SmartCatholics 2025-01-05 | Discover how ancient Carmelite spirituality—practiced for over 800 years—can transform your daily life. Sister Gabriella of the Incarnation explores how anyone, regardless of lifestyle, can embrace this interior-focused approach to faith. From practicing virtues like patience, humility, and charity to guarding the power of your words, she reveals practical steps to live spiritually in the modern world. If you’ve ever desired a richer spiritual life, this is your invitation to start.ABOUT THIS SERIESWhat if the peace you’ve been searching for isn’t found in doing more, but in embracing less? Guided by Sister Gabriella of the Incarnation, OCD, this six-part series shares the life-changing practices of Carmelite spirituality—800 years of prayer, simplicity, and love distilled into practical steps for your daily life. Through powerful stories, personal reflections, and actionable insights, this series will show you that your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be profound. This is your invite to change your life and become a source of light and stability in a restless world. ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.comGET THE SMARTCATHOLICS COURSEShare your comments and learn along with other members:members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/17636808/aboutYOUTUBE PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0dPHPn3bOT9TPGvPvfSFQhZABOUT SR GABRIELA OF THE INCARNATION, OCDSister Gabriela of the Incarnation, OCD, was born in Gold Rush country in California. She lived a few years in Switzerland, and in 1979 entered the Carmelite Monastery in Flemington New Jersey where she is still a member. She handles the bookkeeping of the Community and takes care of their dogs. She writes articles and is a regular contributor to Where Peter Is. She also has a monthly column in the diocesan paper, 'The Metuchen Spirit'. She can be reached through her Community's website, flemingtoncarmel.orgJOIN THE HOLY HEARTS GROUP • Hosted by Sr. Gabriella of the Incarnationmembers.smartcatholics.com/spaces/15817265/aboutSHARE YOUR PRAYER REQUEST • Know you’re being prayed for!members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/3982246/chat0:00 – Can Ancient Spirituality Transform Your Daily Life? 0:39 – Who Can Practice Carmelite Spirituality? (Spoiler: Anyone) 1:37 – How to Keep Your Focus on Jesus Anywhere, Anytime 2:39 – The Life-Changing Power of Words 4:33 – What Does ‘Pray Without Ceasing’ Really Mean? 6:12 – Spiritual vs. Religious: Finding the Balance 8:08 – The Gift of Desire: How God Draws Us Closer 8:55 – Practical Spiritual Discernment: The Truth Behind Negative Thoughts 9:39 – What’s Next? Building a Community of the Heart
Supermarkets, Martyrdom, & Simple Faith: | Practical Carmelite Spirituality for Busy People 4/6 SmartCatholics 2025-01-04 | A simple act of grocery shopping can radiate spiritual depth. Sr. Gabriela takes us from an everyday market to recount the extraordinary martyrdom of Carmelite nuns during the French Revolution. Their silent, unflinching faith amid persecution restored peace to France. She challenges us to think: How can our simple acts of faith transform our world? ABOUT THIS SERIESWhat if the peace you’ve been searching for isn’t found in doing more, but in embracing less? Guided by Sister Gabriella of the Incarnation, OCD, this six-part series shares the life-changing practices of Carmelite spirituality—800 years of prayer, simplicity, and love distilled into practical steps for your daily life. Through powerful stories, personal reflections, and actionable insights, this series will show you that your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be profound. This is your invite to change your life and become a source of light and stability in a restless world. ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.comGET THE SMARTCATHOLICS COURSEShare your comments and learn along with other members:members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/17636808/aboutYOUTUBE PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0dPHPn3bOT9TPGvPvfSFQhZABOUT SR GABRIELA OF THE INCARNATION, OCDSister Gabriela of the Incarnation, OCD, was born in Gold Rush country in California. She lived a few years in Switzerland, and in 1979 entered the Carmelite Monastery in Flemington New Jersey where she is still a member. She handles the bookkeeping of the Community and takes care of their dogs. She writes articles and is a regular contributor to Where Peter Is. She also has a monthly column in the diocesan paper, 'The Metuchen Spirit'. She can be reached through her Community's website, flemingtoncarmel.orgJOIN THE HOLY HEARTS GROUP • Hosted by Sr. Gabriella of the Incarnationmembers.smartcatholics.com/spaces/15817265/aboutSHARE YOUR PRAYER REQUEST • Know you’re being prayed for!members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/3982246/chat0:00 – How This Quiet Habit Can Build a Stronger Faith0:46 – A Simple Supermarket Encounter That Changed Everything1:31 – The Secret Ripple Effect of Faithful Actions2:21 – The Untold Heroism of the Carmelite Martyrs3:23 – How a Vow of Sacrifice Saved a Nation4:19 – Living Faith in Secret: The Story of the Exiled Nuns5:10 – The Martyrs Who Faced the Guillotine in Silence6:05 – How Quiet Faith Can Transform the World6:54 – The Hidden Power of Modern Carmelite Prayer7:50 – Why Prayer Matters in a World of Noise8:30 – Living Faith: Applying Ancient Wisdom Today
St. Teresas Secret to Stability in Chaos | Practical Carmelite Spirituality for Busy People 3/6 SmartCatholics 2025-01-03 | In a world of chaos and confusion, what does it mean to be a foundation stone—a stable force others can rely on? Drawing inspiration from St. Teresa of Ávila, this conversation explores how faith, conviction, and humility can change lives. Whether through grand acts or quiet consistency, being a foundation stone is about more than personal stability; it’s about building something lasting for others. With powerful examples from history, such as St. Macarius and two humble married women, and reflections on modern challenges faced by contemplative nuns, Sr. Gabriela shares the timeless power of living an ordinary life in extraordinary faith.ABOUT THIS SERIESWhat if the peace you’ve been searching for isn’t found in doing more, but in embracing less? Guided by Sister Gabriella of the Incarnation, OCD, this six-part series shares the life-changing practices of Carmelite spirituality—800 years of prayer, simplicity, and love distilled into practical steps for your daily life. Through powerful stories, personal reflections, and actionable insights, this series will show you that your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be profound. This is your invite to change your life and become a source of light and stability in a restless world. ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.comGET THE SMARTCATHOLICS COURSEShare your comments and learn along with other members:members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/17636808/aboutYOUTUBE PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0dPHPn3bOT9TPGvPvfSFQhZABOUT SR GABRIELA OF THE INCARNATION, OCDSister Gabriela of the Incarnation, OCD, was born in Gold Rush country in California. She lived a few years in Switzerland, and in 1979 entered the Carmelite Monastery in Flemington New Jersey where she is still a member. She handles the bookkeeping of the Community and takes care of their dogs. She writes articles and is a regular contributor to Where Peter Is. She also has a monthly column in the diocesan paper, 'The Metuchen Spirit'. She can be reached through her Community's website, flemingtoncarmel.orgJOIN THE HOLY HEARTS GROUP • Hosted by Sr. Gabriella of the Incarnationmembers.smartcatholics.com/spaces/15817265/aboutSHARE YOUR PRAYER REQUEST • Know you’re being prayed for!members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/3982246/chat0:00 – How St. Teresa’s Radical Idea Can Rebuild Stability0:42 – The Secret to Staying Grounded in Chaos1:39 – Build Something Bigger Than Yourself2:20 – Real Challenges, Real Grace: Responding to God’s Call3:15 – How Your Faith Impacts Others—Even Now4:52 – A Saint’s Surprising Encounter with Everyday Holiness6:25 – Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Faith7:14 – Are You a Foundation Stone in Your World?8:03 – The Legacy of Faith That Lasts Centuries
The Black Death, Church Scandals, & the Rise of the Discalced Carmelites | Foundation Stones 2/6 SmartCatholics 2025-01-02 | Sr Gabriela takes us into the fascinating story of how the Carmelite order underwent radical change during the chaos of the 16th century. Against the backdrop of the Black Death, Church scandals, and social upheavals, St. Teresa of Jesus emerged as an unexpected leader. She boldly redefined the Carmelite way of life, founding the Discalced Carmelites and championing silence, solitude, and simplicity. From her personal struggles, to the resistance she faced in pursuing reform, find out how how St. Teresa became a "foundation stone" of faith and resilience.ABOUT THIS SERIESWhat if the peace you’ve been searching for isn’t found in doing more, but in embracing less? Guided by Sister Gabriella of the Incarnation, OCD, this six-part series shares the life-changing practices of Carmelite spirituality—800 years of prayer, simplicity, and love distilled into practical steps for your daily life. Through powerful stories, personal reflections, and actionable insights, this series will show you that your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be profound. This is your invite to change your life and become a source of light and stability in a restless world. GET THE SMARTCATHOLICS COURSEShare your comments and learn along with other members:members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/17636808/aboutYOUTUBE PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0dPHPn3bOT9TPGvPvfSFQhZABOUT SR GABRIELA OF THE INCARNATION, OCDSister Gabriela of the Incarnation, OCD, was born in Gold Rush country in California. She lived a few years in Switzerland, and in 1979 entered the Carmelite Monastery in Flemington New Jersey where she is still a member. She handles the bookkeeping of the Community and takes care of their dogs. She writes articles and is a regular contributor to Where Peter Is. She also has a monthly column in the diocesan paper, 'The Metuchen Spirit'. She can be reached through her Community's website, flemingtoncarmel.orgJOIN THE HOLY HEARTS GROUP • Hosted by Sr. Gabriella of the Incarnationmembers.smartcatholics.com/spaces/15817265/aboutSHARE YOUR PRAYER REQUEST • Know you’re being prayed for!members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/3982246/chat0:00 – How the 16th Century Changed the Carmelite Order Forever0:50 – The Black Death’s Shocking Toll on the Church1:46 – Scandals, Chaos, and the First Carmelite Nuns2:41 – The Reformation Era: A Mirror of Modern Religious Turmoil3:31 – St. Teresa’s Radical Call to Silence and Solitude4:24 – Why Carmelite Nuns Switched to Sandals6:14 – How St. Teresa Fought Resistance to Reform7:10 – “Be a Foundation Stone”: St. Teresa’s Defining Moment8:35 – The Unstoppable Leadership of St. Teresa of Jesus9:14 – Lessons from the Reformation: Faith Amid Chaos
Awakening to the Call of a Foundation Stone | Practical Carmelite Spirituality for Busy People 1/6 SmartCatholics 2025-01-01 | Explore the rich, simple spirituality of the Carmelite tradition. Sister Gabriella of the Incarnation, OCD, explains how the 800-year-old practices of the Carmelite Order—founded on meditation, discernment, and love—are still just as relevant today. Through her own story, we highlight how simplicity and contemplation can guide everyday decisions. With a focus on Mary’s pondering heart and the Holy Spirit’s gentle inspiration, Sister Gabriella shares how spirituality can be both practical and life-changing. ABOUT THIS SERIESWhat if the peace you’ve been searching for isn’t found in doing more, but in embracing less? Guided by Sister Gabriella of the Incarnation, OCD, this six-part series shares the life-changing practices of Carmelite spirituality—800 years of prayer, simplicity, and love distilled into practical steps for your daily life. Through powerful stories, personal reflections, and actionable insights, this series will show you that your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be profound. This is your invite to change your life and become a source of light and stability in a restless world. ABOUT SMARTCATHOLICSsmarter faith, smarter life. | We are Catholics who want to learn, discuss, and deepen our faith with the magisterium of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. smartcatholics.comGET THE SMARTCATHOLICS COURSEShare your comments and learn along with other members:members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/17636808/aboutYOUTUBE PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvMdbFvrq0dPHPn3bOT9TPGvPvfSFQhZABOUT SR GABRIELA OF THE INCARNATION, OCDSister Gabriela of the Incarnation, OCD, was born in Gold Rush country in California. She lived a few years in Switzerland, and in 1979 entered the Carmelite Monastery in Flemington New Jersey where she is still a member. She handles the bookkeeping of the Community and takes care of their dogs. She writes articles and is a regular contributor to Where Peter Is. She also has a monthly column in the diocesan paper, 'The Metuchen Spirit'. She can be reached through her Community's website, flemingtoncarmel.orgJOIN THE HOLY HEARTS GROUP • Hosted by Sr. Gabriella of the Incarnationmembers.smartcatholics.com/spaces/15817265/aboutSHARE YOUR PRAYER REQUEST • Know you’re being prayed for!members.smartcatholics.com/spaces/3982246/chat0:00 – The Call to Practical Carmelite Spirituality 1:10 – Awakening to the Foundation Stone: A Carmelite Overview 2:42 – From Scripture to Spirit: Meditating on the Law of the Lord 4:10 – The Carmelite Journey from the Holy Land to Europe 5:37 – Mary and Elijah: Timeless Inspiration for Carmelite Life 6:22 – Practical Spirituality in a Modern Context 7:50 – A Contemplative Vocation: Sister Gabriella’s Personal Story 9:06 – 40 Years of Depth: Lessons from a Life of Contemplation 9:51 – Coming Up Next: The Impact of Foundation Stones
How I left a Catholic cult: Radical Traditionalism, the Gospel, and the Church with Dominic de Souza SmartCatholics 2024-09-10 | Follow the podcast catholicthirdspace.com | Founder of SmartCatholics, Dominic is proud to support Paul Fahey's newest project, Catholic Third Space. We kick off with a deeply personal story of faith, concepts like "truth stacking" and cult dynamics, and reconstruction.Prompted by Paul's questions, we learn about Dominic’s upbringing in a cult-like tradition, filled with apocalyptic beliefs and a rigid, fear-based understanding of God. This sets the stage for his ongoing struggle to reconcile his faith with his fear.Midway through the journey, we see Dominic deconstructing the beliefs he inherited from his fundamentalist upbringing. Curiosity and even archaeology lead to his ultimate adventure so far—leaving the cult-like community. Throughout this journey, relationships—with God, Jesus, Mary, and the broader Church community—serve as a source of both confusion and comfort. The podcast also touches on Pope Francis as a guiding figure in Dominic’s evolving faith, highlighting his influence in shaping modern Catholicism and offering hope in the process of rebuilding spiritual belief.- Introduction to the podcast, exploring the beauty and ugliness in Catholicism.- Discussing "real harm and real Grace" in the church, and the concept of "truth stacking."- Importance of acknowledging both good and bad experiences in faith.- Dominic's background, raised in a cult-like environment with apocalyptic beliefs.- The struggle to reconcile faith with personal experiences and relationships.- The impact of family dynamics on understanding God and faith.- Exploration of the duality in relationships with God, Jesus, and Mary.- The confusion surrounding God as a distant figure versus a loving one.- The influence of guilt and fear on spiritual growth and understanding.- The journey of deconstructing beliefs from a fundamentalist upbringing.- The role of archaeology and intellectual curiosity in questioning faith.- The adventure of leaving a cult-like environment for love and personal freedom.- The cost of leaving, including loss of identity and community.- The ongoing process of reconstructing faith and understanding.- Finding hope in personal relationships and the broader church community.- The importance of freedom and love in understanding God.- The role of Pope Francis as a guiding figure in navigating faith.- The tension between questioning beliefs and maintaining belonging.- The hope found in community and the future of the church.- Concluding thoughts on faith, love, and the search for truth.ABOUT DOMINICDominic de Souza is cradle-Catholic passionate about how Faith, history, and science meet in today’s world. Born in New Zealand, studied in Fiji and France, raised in Australia, and now living in the USA. Dominic is riveted by the Catholic frontier between faith, science, and history. He converted from radical traditionalism by a strange route – archaeology, quantum physics, psychoanalysis, mythology, evolution, angeology, and our Holy Father Pope Francis. dominicdesouza.comABOUT THIRD SPACE: Third Space is the podcast for those who see the beauty of Catholicism, as well as the ugliness, who have experienced real harm AND real grace in the Church. Every episode I will have conversations with guests about the good and the bad in the Church—avoiding easy answers or black & white fundamentalism—in order to hold on to all that is true. SUPPORT THIS SHOW: Please consider becoming a paid subscriber. All of your support directly helps my family and allows me to continue working on projects like this podcast, the newsletter, as well as resources about spiritual abuse in the Catholic Church. catholicthirdspace.comABOUT THE HOST: Paul Fahey lives in Michigan with his wife and five kids. He is a limited licensed professional counselor, retreat leader, and catechist. He is a co-founder of Where Peter Is, founder and co-host of the Pope Francis Generation podcast, and the host of the Third Space podcast. He seeks to provide pastoral counseling for Catholics who have been spiritually abused, counseling for Catholic ministers, and counseling education so that ministers are more equipped to help others in their ministry.
From Resurrection to Eucharist: A Unique Catholic Travelers Tale with Denise Mercado SmartCatholics 2024-08-13 | Website: denisemercado.com | Denise Mercado, an award-winning author, blogger, and solo traveler, as she discusses her latest book, "Stations of the Resurrection." Discover the unexpected inspiration behind this unique devotional book that takes readers on a journey from the crucifixion to Pentecost. Denise's personal story as a solo traveler creates fascinating stories in her writing process and opens new spiritual insights.ABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZASmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect’, and be firstresponders. “We don’t have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. smartcatholics.com
Why does Pope Francis criticize Faithful Catholics? Pedro Gabriel & Ridigity SmartCatholics 2024-08-07 | Is it true that the more faithful we are, we become a more rigid remnant? Pedro Gabriel argues no: Pope Francis' challenges to rigidity are intended to create more effective evangelizers in our world. Rigidity - or laxity - are precisely the temptations that faithful Christians must overcome. Get the Book: enroutebooksandmedia.com/rigidityFollow Pedro: https://x.com/pedrogabwriterWebsite: pedrogabrielwriter.comPedro's book delves into historical examples, such as the Novatian crisis, to illustrate how the Church has consistently navigated between rigidity and laxity, often choosing compassion and individual respect over inflexible doctrinal positions. Drawing inspiration from saints like Paul, Augustine, and Alphonsus Liguori, Gabriel demonstrates how finding a balance between firmness in faith and flexibility in practice has been a recurring theme in Church history. Plus he also has a surprising take on what it means to be a 'remnant' - and you won't expect it.Pedro challenges common perceptions of the Catholic Church as a monolithic, oppressive institution, instead presenting it as an entity that has continually grappled with the tension between strict adherence to rules and the need for adaptability and mercy. 'Rigidity: Faithfullness or Heterodoxy' offers readers a deeper understanding of the Church's theological and pastoral development over time.ABOUT DR PEDRO GABRIELDr. Pedro Gabriel is a Portuguese Internet journalist, having received a diploma with Honours from the London School of Journalism in 2021. He is a member of the International Association of Religion Journalists. He is currently residing in Portugal with his wife, Claire.He is one of the co-founders of Where Peter Is, where he remains as one of its main contributors.He won second place from the 2024 Catholic Media Association Awards in the category “History” for his book Heresy Disguised as Tradition (En Route, 2023) and also won first place and honourable mention from the same organization in the category “Pope Francis” and “Sacraments” for his apologetics book “The Orthodoxy of Amoris Laetitia (Wipf and Stock, 2022). His latest apologetics book is “Rigidity: Faithfulness or Heterodoxy?” (En Route, 2024).He was an accredited press corps member for the press coverage of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023. Currently, he is taking classes in moral theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. He is also a medical oncologist, a parish reader, and a published writer of Catholic novels.
Rigidity and Fundamentalist Extremes? Pedro Gabriel on Faithfulness or Heterodoxy SmartCatholics 2024-08-02 | Pedro Gabriel breaks down the dangers of rigidity and laxity in faith and morality in his latest discussion. He lays it out clearly: both extremes distort the point of religious laws and teachings, which is to guide and help people, not to be followed blindly or ignored. Using historical examples and Pope Francis' wisdom, Pedro champions a balanced, person-centered approach open to the "God of surprises" and ready to accept correction. This book is a valuable roadmap for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of living a faithful, nuanced, and meaningful life.Get the Book: enroutebooksandmedia.com/rigidityFollow Pedro: https://x.com/pedrogabwriterWebsite: pedrogabrielwriter.comABOUT DR PEDRO GABRIELDr. Pedro Gabriel is a Portuguese Internet journalist, having received a diploma with Honours from the London School of Journalism in 2021. He is a member of the International Association of Religion Journalists. He is currently residing in Portugal with his wife, Claire.He is one of the co-founders of Where Peter Is, where he remains as one of its main contributors.He won second place from the 2024 Catholic Media Association Awards in the category “History” for his book Heresy Disguised as Tradition (En Route, 2023) and also won first place and honourable mention from the same organization in the category “Pope Francis” and “Sacraments” for his apologetics book “The Orthodoxy of Amoris Laetitia (Wipf and Stock, 2022). His latest apologetics book is “Rigidity: Faithfulness or Heterodoxy?” (En Route, 2024).He was an accredited press corps member for the press coverage of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023. Currently, he is taking classes in moral theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. He is also a medical oncologist, a parish reader, and a published writer of Catholic novels.
Rigidity: The Sober Truth with Pedro Gabriel | Faithfulness or Heterodoxy SmartCatholics 2024-07-30 | Pedro Gabriel tackles the themes of rigidity, faithfulness, and the need for discernment in his latest book, "Rigidity, Faithfulness, or Heterodoxy." He shatters the myth that rigidity equals true faithfulness, breaking down Pope Francis' message against rigidity and why it's so often misunderstood. Pedro's straightforward writing style makes complex history and theology easy to grasp. He shows how both rigidity and laxity can veer into heresy and emphasizes the vital role of virtue and prudence in faith. An essential read for anyone looking to grasp Catholic teachings and Pope Francis' wisdom.Get the Book: enroutebooksandmedia.com/rigidityFollow Pedro: https://x.com/pedrogabwriterWebsite: pedrogabrielwriter.comABOUT DR PEDRO GABRIELDr. Pedro Gabriel is a Portuguese Internet journalist, having received a diploma with Honours from the London School of Journalism in 2021. He is a member of the International Association of Religion Journalists. He is currently residing in Portugal with his wife, Claire.He is one of the co-founders of Where Peter Is, where he remains as one of its main contributors.He won second place from the 2024 Catholic Media Association Awards in the category “History” for his book Heresy Disguised as Tradition (En Route, 2023) and also won first place and honourable mention from the same organization in the category “Pope Francis” and “Sacraments” for his apologetics book “The Orthodoxy of Amoris Laetitia (Wipf and Stock, 2022). His latest apologetics book is “Rigidity: Faithfulness or Heterodoxy?” (En Route, 2024).He was an accredited press corps member for the press coverage of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023. Currently, he is taking classes in moral theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. He is also a medical oncologist, a parish reader, and a published writer of Catholic novels.
She kicked the radtrad hornets nest: Miss Happy Catholic (Laura) and TradRecovery SmartCatholics 2024-06-15 | Website & Conference: tradrecovery.com | Support Laura: paypal.com/donate/?business=GMCY3VXDGYCVN | Join Laura, aka Miss Happy Catholic, in a breathless overview of her journey through radical traditionalism to creating TradRecovery.com and the upcoming Catholics in Communion conference. Learn her beginnings, her personal story, the challenges she faced, and how she is now creating a healthier online space for discussing Catholicism among those converting away from fundamentalism. Learn about the speakers, the topics, and the vision behind this groundbreaking conference that aims to provide support, healing, and resources for those impacted by traditionalism.Highlights: - Laura's journey from radical traditionalism to creating TradRecovery.com- The upcoming Catholics in Communion conference- Key speakers like Jeremiah Banister, Sr. Mary Eucharista, SMMC, Dom Dolmasso, Andrew Bartel, and Fr. Eric Gilbaugh- Topics include liturgy, spiritual abuse, faith, and more- Plans for future resources, local groups, and educational programs
Dignitas Infinita SmartCatholics 2024-04-22 | Dominic and Paul wrap up this season with a conversation about the new document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), Dignitas Infinita, about the infinite dignity of the human person. We discuss the main themes of the document before moving on to sharing our positive and negative reactions to it. “Every human person possesses an infinite dignity, inalienably grounded in his or her very being, which prevails in and beyond every circumstance, state, or situation the person may ever encounter. This principle, which is fully recognizable even by reason alone, underlies the primacy of the human person and the protection of human rights. In the light of Revelation, the Church resolutely reiterates and confirms the ontological dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed in Jesus Christ. From this truth, the Church draws the reasons for her commitment to the weak and those less endowed with power, always insisting on ‘the primacy of the human person and the defense of his or her dignity beyond every circumstance’” (Dignitas Infinita 1). LINKSSpiritual Abuse Workshoppopefrancisgeneration.com/p/i-myself-will-shepherd-my-sheep Life as Christ: Catholic Social Teaching Retreatpracticalkerygma.com/p/what-is-life-as-christ-catholic-social Dignitas Infinitahttps://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/04/08/240408c.html Fratelli Tuttihttps://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.htmlPaid subscribers get to watch each episode early! All of your contributions directly supports my family and allows me to continue this podcast and all the resources I’ve shared here!SUBSCRIBE: popefrancisgeneration.com ABOUT POPE FRANCIS GENERATION Pope Francis Generation is the show for Catholics struggling with the Church’s teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Hosted by Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic de Souza, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we’re taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the Kerygma, the forgotten doctrine of theosis, and the teachings of Pope Francis. Together, with you, we’re the Pope Francis Generation. SUPPORT THIS SHOW: PFG MEMBERSGot a question you’d like us to respond to in the next episode? Have some feedback? Visit us at popefrancisgeneration.com to send a message. Paid subscribers get to watch each episode before everyone else, join private Q&As, and pitch ideas for the topic of our final show this season!ABOUT PAUL FAHEYPaul lives in Michigan with his wife, Kristina, and five kids. A catechist, retreat leader, counseling student, as well as a contributor and co-founder of Where Peter Is. Paul writes and speaks about what he loves: the Kerygma, the Sacraments, Catholic Social Teaching, and Pope Francis. pfahey.comABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZASmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect’, and be firstresponders. “We don’t have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. smartcatholics.com
Throwback Episode - The Dignity of the Human Person SmartCatholics 2024-04-14 | In this throwback episode (from Season Two) Paul and Dominic discuss the first of the four principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the dignity of the human person. We are all tempted to reduce the value of others, to, as Pope Francis puts it, “despise the limit that another’s value imposes.” Since Vatican II, the Church has emphasized the infinite dignity of every human being and has explained the implications of that belief. Faith has untold power to inspire and sustain our respect for others, for believers come to know that God loves every man and woman with infinite love and “thereby confers infinite dignity” upon all humanity. We likewise believe that Christ shed his blood for each of us and that no one is beyond the scope of his universal love. (Fratelli Tutti 85)LINKSSpiritual Abuse Workshoppopefrancisgeneration.com/p/i-myself-will-shepherd-my-sheep Life as Christ: Catholic Social Teaching Retreatpracticalkerygma.com/p/what-is-life-as-christ-catholic-social Dignitas Infinitahttps://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/04/08/240408c.html Fratelli Tuttihttps://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.htmlPaid subscribers get to watch each episode early! All of your contributions directly supports my family and allows me to continue this podcast and all the resources I’ve shared here!SUBSCRIBE: popefrancisgeneration.com ABOUT POPE FRANCIS GENERATION Pope Francis Generation is the show for Catholics struggling with the Church’s teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Hosted by Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic de Souza, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we’re taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the Kerygma, the forgotten doctrine of theosis, and the teachings of Pope Francis. Together, with you, we’re the Pope Francis Generation. SUPPORT THIS SHOW: PFG MEMBERSGot a question you’d like us to respond to in the next episode? Have some feedback? Visit us at popefrancisgeneration.com to send a message. Paid subscribers get to watch each episode before everyone else, join private Q&As, and pitch ideas for the topic of our final show this season!ABOUT PAUL FAHEYPaul lives in Michigan with his wife, Kristina, and five kids. A catechist, retreat leader, counseling student, as well as a contributor and co-founder of Where Peter Is. Paul writes and speaks about what he loves: the Kerygma, the Sacraments, Catholic Social Teaching, and Pope Francis. pfahey.comABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZASmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect’, and be firstresponders. “We don’t have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. smartcatholics.com
What is Abuse of Conscience? SmartCatholics 2024-04-01 | This week, Paul and Dominic dive into a specific type of spiritual abuse, the abuse of conscience. An individual’s conscience is their innermost sanctuary where they are alone with God. However, that sanctuary can be invaded and violated by the malicious and the careless. Paul and Dominic give examples of what this kind of abuse looks like and how common it is. So common that, at times, the abuse of conscience is presumed to be the orthodox way of practicing the faith. “We also find it hard to make room for the consciences of the faithful, who very often respond as best they can to the Gospel amid their limitations, and are capable of carrying out their own discernment in complex situations. We have been called to form consciences, not to replace them.” (Amoris Laetitia 37)LINKSPFG episode about conscience:popefrancisgeneration.com/p/conscience-and-disagreeing-with-theThe Place Where You Stand is Holy Ground: Recognizing and Preventing Spiritual Abuse in the Catholic Church:wherepeteris.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/The-Place-Where-You-Stand-is-Holy-Ground.pdf Paid subscribers get to watch each episode early! All of your contributions directly supports my family and allows me to continue this podcast and all the resources I’ve shared here!SUBSCRIBE: popefrancisgeneration.com ABOUT POPE FRANCIS GENERATION Pope Francis Generation is the show for Catholics struggling with the Church’s teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Hosted by Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic de Souza, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we’re taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the Kerygma, the forgotten doctrine of theosis, and the teachings of Pope Francis. Together, with you, we’re the Pope Francis Generation. SUPPORT THIS SHOW: PFG MEMBERSGot a question you’d like us to respond to in the next episode? Have some feedback? Visit us at popefrancisgeneration.com to send a message. Paid subscribers get to watch each episode before everyone else, join private Q&As, and pitch ideas for the topic of our final show this season!ABOUT PAUL FAHEYPaul lives in Michigan with his wife, Kristina, and five kids. A catechist, retreat leader, counseling student, as well as a contributor and co-founder of Where Peter Is. Paul writes and speaks about what he loves: the Kerygma, the Sacraments, Catholic Social Teaching, and Pope Francis. pfahey.comABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZASmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect’, and be firstresponders. “We don’t have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. smartcatholics.com
