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ADV #512: Persecuted from Within

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

Release Date: 02/05/2024

RA #931: We Went to Kansas. It Brought Up a Lot. show art RA #931: We Went to Kansas. It Brought Up a Lot.

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

We reflect on our son’s graduation from Benedictine College, the emotions it stirred, and why this season feels like a spiritual turning point. We also discuss easy ways to follow Pope Leo XIV’s papacy and explore how God meets us despite our past and calls us forward — again and again. Plus: why it’s a great time to be Catholic. After our son’s graduation from Benedictine College, we found ourselves unexpectedly reflecting on regret, longing, and the paths we didn’t walk — and why that matters less than where God is leading us now. In this episode, we share: • Why Benedictine...

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RA #930: Why We're Hopeful About Pope Leo XIV show art RA #930: Why We're Hopeful About Pope Leo XIV

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

White smoke sure rose faster than anyone expected (at least faster than we did)! In this episode, we share where we were when Pope Leo XIV was elected, what it felt like in that moment, and our first impressions of the new Holy Father. We talk about: • Greg’s emotional reaction to the white smoke • Jennifer’s experience watching the announcement from school • Why it took so long for Pope Leo to appear • His early remarks, precision in speech, and mention of St. Augustine • What it might mean for the Rosary, the New Evangelization, and our mission We also share what this...

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RA #929: A Rosary-Loving Pope? What We’re Hoping For. show art RA #929: A Rosary-Loving Pope? What We’re Hoping For.

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

What kind of Pope does the Church need right now? In this episode of the Rosary Army Catholic Podcast, Greg and Jennifer reflect on the pontificates of St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis — and share what they’re hoping for in the next successor of Peter. From a renewed love of the Rosary, to a rekindling of the New Evangelization, to a bold embrace of the deep and timeless teachings of the Church, this conversation is both personal and hopeful. We’re not talking politics. We’re talking prayer, discernment, and trust in the Holy Spirit. And we’re asking the...

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RA #928: Fulton Sheen, Marriage, and the Cross (and Cold Coffee) show art RA #928: Fulton Sheen, Marriage, and the Cross (and Cold Coffee)

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

Crosses in life are inevitable — in marriage, family life, ministry, and even our spiritual growth. How we carry them changes how heavy they are. Diving into Archbishop Fulton Sheen's Cries of Jesus from the Cross, we share what's been going on behind the scenes, including what we've been learning (and struggling with) along the way. Also: 🔹 Jennifer finishes her first-ever knitting project 🔹 A BIG SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT! 🔹 How Fulton Sheen is shaping Greg’s prayer life 🔹 Why embracing suffering as a couple brings us closer to Jesus We don’t have everything figured out, but...

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RA #927: Wait…That’s What Jesus Meant? show art RA #927: Wait…That’s What Jesus Meant?

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

We’ve heard the Beatitudes countless times at Mass or when reading the Bible, but how much do we actually understand them? In this episode, we wrap up our two-part discussion on Matthew 5 and what the Beatitudes really mean—and honestly, some of these hit harder than we expected. 🔹 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” Are we actually yearning for the right things? 🔹 “Blessed are the merciful…” But what about mercy for ourselves? 🔹 “Blessed are the peacemakers…” Does this mean avoiding conflict, or something more? If the Beatitudes have...

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RA #926: The Beatitudes Explained: What Jesus Really Meant (Catholic Perspective) show art RA #926: The Beatitudes Explained: What Jesus Really Meant (Catholic Perspective)

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

📖 Are the Beatitudes just a list of rules, or do they reveal something deeper? Many Catholics and Christians misunderstand these powerful words of Jesus in Matthew 5—especially what it means to be “poor in spirit,” to mourn, and to be meek. 📢 Unlock the hidden meaning of the Beatitudes—and how they can transform your faith today: ✅ “What ‘poor in spirit’ REALLY means in Matthew 5 (Hint: It’s NOT about being broke!)” ✅ “Why ‘Blessed are those who mourn’ is more than just grief—and how it strengthens your faith” ✅ “True meekness is a hidden superpower...

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RA #925: The Catholic Secret That Changes Lives (Total Consecration Explained) show art RA #925: The Catholic Secret That Changes Lives (Total Consecration Explained)

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

💡 Want a deeper, more powerful Catholic prayer life? Discover Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary—an ancient devotion that has changed countless lives. Whether you’re a new Catholic or a lifelong believer, this practice will help you grow closer to Christ in ways you never imagined.  Total Consecration isn’t just another devotion—it’s a life-changing commitment that has helped countless saints and faithful Catholics grow in holiness. In this episode, we break down what it is, how it works, and why it’s NOT as intimidating as it sounds. Plus, we’ll guide you...

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RA #924: Holy Leisure show art RA #924: Holy Leisure

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

Explore how engaging in creative activities like Holy Leisure lets you share in God’s creative power and deepen your faith. 🙏🏻 LINKS:•   🙏🏻 FREE STUFF:• • • 🙏🏻 ROSARY ARMY CATHOLIC PODCAST:• • 🙏🏻 MORE FROM GREG AND JENNIFER/ROSARY ARMY:• • 🙏🏻 CONTACT & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS: 🙏🏻 VIDEO CONTENTS00:00 - Jennifer's Stress Test Results 1 7:30 - Introduction to Holy Leisure 18:57 - Knitting as Jennifer's Form of Holy Leisure 27:53 - Spiritual Reflections on Crafting 33:25 - Jennifer’s Personal...

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RA #923: Trusting God When You’re Running on Empty show art RA #923: Trusting God When You’re Running on Empty

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

What do the Wedding Feast at Cana and Romans 12 have in common? More than you might think. This week, we reflect on the gifts God gives us, how to discern and use them, and why trusting Him—especially when resources seem scarce—is key to a faithful life. 🙏🏻 LINKS: •   🙏🏻 FREE STUFF: • • •   🙏🏻 ROSARY ARMY CATHOLIC PODCAST: • •   🙏🏻 MORE FROM GREG AND JENNIFER/ROSARY ARMY: • • 🙏🏻 CONTACT & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS:   🙏🏻 VIDEO CONTENTS 00:00 - Good News and Bad News 00:25 - Reflections on Mass and the Latin...

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RA #922: Confession Confusion show art RA #922: Confession Confusion

Rosary Army Catholic Podcast

  Ever feel like something still lingers after confession, even when you know you’ve been forgiven? In this episode, Greg and Jennifer dive into the common struggle of reconciling God’s mercy with the need for purification. We wrestle with how grace, purgatory, and forgiveness play out in our lives—and even bring in a popcorn pot to help explain it. Join us for an honest conversation about faith, trust, and why the journey of forgiveness is often more complex than it seems. 🙏🏻 LINKS: •   ➡️ Support Rosary Army: ➡️ Send Feedback: 🙏🏻 FREE...

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Explore how saints overcame Church crises with Alec Torres, author of 'Persecuted from Within.'

GUEST LINKS

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Alec's Business
Persecuted from Within Book 

EPISODE  SHOW NOTES & LINKS

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In this week's enriching podcast, we had the honor of hosting Alec Torres, co-author of "Persecuted from Within: How the Saints Endured Crises in the Church." This episode is a profound journey into the heart of our faith, exploring the realities of persecution within the Church and the resilience of its saints.

We started with the pressing question: What is and isn’t persecution in the Church? Many might doubt the existence of such trials, but history and current events beg to differ. Torres masterfully dissected this complex issue, enlightening us on the subtleties of internal Church conflicts. He posed an intriguing question, drawing parallels between Judas' betrayal and contemporary challenges: "What are Christians to do when Church leaders falter?" This pivotal query set the tone for our discussion on spiritual fortitude in the face of adversity.

Delving into recent history, we touched on the ominous words of Paul VI from 1972 about the “Smoke of Satan entering the sanctuary.” Torres provided an insightful analysis, balancing the focus between the last 50 years and the preceding centuries. He navigated us through the tumultuous waters of recent scandals like the McCarrick disaster and the 2018 Church’s response to COVID-19. His views on true obedience - following leaders without succumbing to sin or falsehood - offered a fresh perspective, especially regarding the dilemma faced by priests bound by their vow of obedience.

The conversation then shifted to hope and inspiration. Drawing from John 16:33, Torres explained how he steered clear of fear-mongering, instead infusing the book with a message of hope. He shared practical steps we can take amidst persecution, echoing the eternal truth that Christ has overcome the world.

Alex Torres' background as a former speechwriter for presidents and other dignitaries, and his role as co-founder of Allograph, a strategic writing and communications firm, clearly shone through in his articulate and persuasive narrative. His expertise brought a unique depth to our discussion, making complex theological and historical concepts accessible to our listeners.

This episode with Alec Torres is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the trials within the Church and how to emerge stronger in faith. It's a compelling reminder that, like the saints before us, we too are called to endure, persevere, and triumph in our spiritual journeys.

Remember, as Rosary Army soldiers, we're not just making, praying, and giving away rosaries; we're also fortifying our faith, learning from the past, and marching forward with hope. Tune in to this inspiring episode and let's continue to grow together in faith and resilience.