Best Merely Catholic Podcasts (2024)

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82: The Catholic faith of JRR Tolkien with Holly Ordway 1:03:09

3d ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Holly Ordway joins Dr Gavin Ashenden for the 82nd episode of Merely Catholic to discuss the Catholicism of JRR Tolkien, the author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. She is the Cardinal Francis George Professor of Faith and Culture at the Word on Fire Institute and Visiting Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University. Her book Tolkien’s…

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It's Time for Spiritual Renewal - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 1:01

1h ago1:01

1:01

As we near the mid-point of summer we should ask ourselves: have we allowed for rest, refreshment, and quality time with family, or are we still drawn to excessive cellphone use, text messaging, and non-stop days, perhaps even while on vacation? It is a challenge to step away. Find a healthy balance before summer fades. In fact, now is also the tim…

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Don't Merely Exist - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 1:01

5d ago1:01

1:01

Most of us have experienced a time when our interest grows from mild or moderate to fully engaged. It could be when our hometown sports team is suddenly on a winning streak; or when we finally have the time and desire to pursue a hobby we started long ago. Jesus offers us a life-changing opportunity to become fully engaged in our relationship with …

1
A pilgrimage to Catholic England, countdown to the National Eucharistic Congress, and more! #135 23:47

11d ago23:47

23:47

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: Introduces his new co-host and Chief Communications Officer for the diocese, Tom Shakely; read the announcement of his appointment here Recaps his time with the youth of the diocese at WorkCamp 2024 Shares what he is most looking forward to while on pilgrimage to Catholic England this month with the St. Paul…

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Independence Day - One Minute With Bishop Burbidge 1:00

12d ago1:00

1:00

This week, as we celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded that it was unity, resilience, courage, and sacrifice for the common good that formed the basis of our great nation nearly 250 years ago. During this period, we have reached unforeseen heights, and have witnessed unfortunate depths. Through it all, the United States has persevered, as cit…

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Live from WorkCamp 2024, faith in action 2 years after Dobbs, and more! #134 29:11

17d ago29:11

29:11

 On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: Emphasizes the importance of Religious Freedom Week and calls us to prayer, reflection, and action Watch a replay of his homily from the Mass for Religious Liberty Speaks to the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision and how Jesus truly present in the Eucharist inspires the many ways we su…

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81: Safeguarding in the Church, with Father Hans Zollner 49:37

19d ago49:37

49:37

Father Hans Zollner, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, theologian, psychologist, and professor at the Gregorian University. He is also one of the leading experts on safeguarding and the prevention of sexual abuse. In March 2023, Father Zollner resigned from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, criticizing the leadership of the body in a pu…

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Religious Freedom Week - One Minute With Bishop Burbidge 1:01

20d ago1:01

1:01

We are amid Religious Freedom Week, a week that gains importance each year because, unfortunately, the very rights that our Constitution guarantees are increasingly under attack. The theme for this week is “Called to the Fullness of Dignity.” Religious freedom means allowing people of faith and religious communities to live out their deeply held co…

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What are the Odds? 9:32

25d ago9:32

9:32

In this episode, I talk about the terrible odds of you existing, and what that means about your role in, well, everything. Unfortunately, this is the last episode of Young Catholic Speaks for the foreseeable future. I hope to resume production eventually, so be sure to subscribe just in case! My website (where you can find episodes, links to others…

1
Recognize the Voice of Jesus - One Minute With Bishop Burbidge 0:59

27d ago0:59

0:59

So often, we hear someone speaking out of our sight, yet we are nearly certain who is speaking because the voice is familiar and distinguishable from others we know. Surely, by the tone, pitch, or cadence we realize it is a friend or family member with whom we converse every day. Those who follow Jesus recognize his voice, but this familiarity requ…

1
80: The Faith of the Fathers, with George Farmer 1:05:33

1M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

George Farmer, the Oxford-educated investment banker, social media wizard and GB News board member, is our guest for this 80th episode of Merely Catholic, the podcast series for the Catholic Herald. Mr Farmer, husband to the American social media influencer and author Candace Owens and the son of Conservative Party peer Lord Farmer, tells Dr Gavin …

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Father’s Day - One Minute With Bishop Burbidge 0:59

1M ago0:59

0:59

This Sunday we will celebrate Father’s Day. St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, is the perfect role model. He was the epitome of a faithful father: loving, kind, obedient and generous, a pillar of strength and support. As we remember all fathers, living and deceased, may we also be mindful of the courage, and stability they bring to families, i…

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D-Day anniversary, “X” concerns, a new diocesan CCO, and more! #133 25:23

1M ago25:23

25:23

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: Reflects on the 80th anniversary of D-Day and invites the faithful to pray for those who gave their lives for our freedom and for an end to wars throughout the world Gives a final preview of the Diocesan Jubilee Fest — only two days away from the time of this recording! Proudly recaps the recent ordinations …

1
Be at Peace This Day - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 0:59

1M ago0:59

0:59

We live in unsettling times. Our hearts are often restless, and we wonder where we can find peace. Only Jesus can give us the peace for which we long. It is ours when we live in a right relationship with ourselves by taking care of our spiritual, physical, and emotional needs – for we are temples of the Holy Spirit. It is ours when we live in harmo…

1
79: The vision of a Catholic Hollywood, with James Crowell 50:26

1M ago50:26

50:26

This week Dr Gavin Ashenden is joined from California by author James Crowell to discuss the work and vision of John Paul the Great Catholic University, an institute founded to harness the power of beauty to transform culture. They discuss the ambition of the university to shape “the next generation of artists and innovators with academic excellenc…

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Memorial Day - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 1:01

2M ago1:01

1:01

This week, we honor all who served in the U.S. military who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. Memorial Day is more than a federal holiday. We are inspired by those who embodied honor, loyalty, and sacrifice — those who promised to defend and serve and fulfilled that commitment by laying down the gift of their own lives. With profound thanks…

1
Mary is Your Mother 5:36

2M ago5:36

5:36

In this short episode, I talk about how Mary is both the Mother of the Church and our own Mother. Websites that I mostly forgot to mention (oops): The official website of Young Catholic Speaks: youngcatholicspeaks.podbean.com My Patreon page: patreon.com/youngcatholic Texian Pride T-shirts: texianpride.com Cardinal Burke's nine-month novena to Our …

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78: The Problems Posed by Private Revelations, with Simon Caldwell 43:34

2M ago43:34

43:34

Dr Gavin Ashenden this week speaks to fellow Catholic Herald associate editor and novelist Simon Caldwell about the recently published norms from the Vatican governing the discernment and handling of private revelations and associated mystical and supernatural phenomena.They discuss what the new norms represent and what has prompted the overhaul, t…

1
Harrison Butker, Pope Francis on “CBS 60 Minutes,” confirmations, and more! #132 28:11

2M ago28:11

28:11

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: Talks about what he is looking forward to at the Diocesan Jubilee Fest Previews his upcoming message to 2024 diocesan high school graduates and highlights some of their accomplishments Relays his thoughts on NFL kicker Harrison Butker’s recent commencement address that has garnered much media attention Comme…

1
World Children's Day - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 1:01

2M ago1:01

1:01

This will be a very special weekend, as Pope Francis hosts the first World Children’s Day in Rome! As many as 100,000 children ages 6 - 12 from countries around the world are expected to attend events and Mass with our Holy Father. Pope Francis reminds us, “To be friends with God means to pray with simplicity, like children talking to their parents…

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77: The Ratzinger Generation with Father Paschal Uche 42:07

2M ago42:07

42:07

When Pope Benedict XVI visited Britain in 2010 he was welcomed on behalf of the youth of country by Paschal Uche, then a 22-year-old from Stratford, East London. Ten years later Father Pascal was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Brentwood.In this 77th episode of Merely Catholic, Father Pascal talks to Dr Gavin Ashenden about how he answered his…

1
Mental Health Awareness Month - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 1:01

2M ago1:01

1:01

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We should commit this month to educating ourselves about mental health issues in order to gain a better understanding of these conditions. Mental illness can alter a person’s thinking, emotions, behavior, or mood. These conditions deeply impact daily living and may also influence the ability to relate to others…

1
Campus unrest, record-breaking BASH, a message for moms, IVF, and more! 34:38

2M ago34:38

34:38

 On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: Addresses the disruptive protests on campuses across the country catalyzed by the ongoing war in the Holy Land, and urges the faithful to continue to pray for wisdom for world leaders and for peace Discusses how the diocese is helping parishioners deal with mental health challenges, and highlights the estab…

1
Mothers Day - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 1:01

2M ago1:01

1:01

This Sunday, we have the exceptional privilege of celebrating Mother’s Day. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Mothers always know how to show tenderness, devotion, and moral strength, even in the moments of greatest difficulty.” Within every mother is a unique and precious grace from God — she possesses the opportunity to give her child the gift of love…

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Look Inside First - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 1:01

3M ago1:01

1:01

At times, we can make the mistake of judging others with a lack of charity. We tend to form opinions based on first impressions. Yet sometimes our judgment lacks context, and we fail to realize that only God knows a person’s heart. We can see the faults and failures of others, but neglect to recognize our own shortcomings. When we humbly acknowledg…

1
Why You Should Pray the Rosary 10:45

3M ago10:45

10:45

The Rosary is the only topic I have covered twice. It's that important to me. You should have seen my script; it didn't have everything I originally intended to say, and it looked like a Choose Your Own Adventure (Skip to page 4; skip to page 7). Be sure to check out Texian Pride T-shirts at texianpride.com and use the coupon code "YCS" to get free…

1
Vine and Branches - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 0:59

3M ago0:59

0:59

Every weekend, home improvement stores are filled with people braving long check-out lines, determined to tackle that project that will make their living space more attractive, pleasing, and perhaps increase its potential value. The “do-it-yourself” demographic features many who are accomplished carpenters or craftsmen. They simply follow direction…

1
Dignitas Infinita, the Middle East, Christ House, and more! 25:43

3M ago25:43

25:43

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: Implores the faithful to unite in prayer with Pope Francis to pray unceasingly for peace in the Middle East Highlights some of the diocesan schools honored for their outstanding commitment to military families within this Month of the Military Child Explains more about the recently released declaration by th…

1
Travel Lightly - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 0:59

3M ago0:59

0:59

How often when we pack for a trip do we add just one more item, then something else, and finally that last thing we must bring? We do the same in our daily lives. We run errands, shuttle from one appointment to the next, perhaps even eat lunch on the run. Soon our day becomes a whirlwind of activity, our task list becomes overburdened, and we accom…

1
Child Abuse Prevention Month - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 0:59

3M ago0:59

0:59

In April, our nation observes National Child Abuse Prevention Month —a time when we acknowledge, discuss, and find solutions for unimaginable crimes against children. It is estimated that more than 600,000 children are mistreated in the United States each year, either sexually, physically, emotionally, or by neglect, with neglect being the most pre…

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76: Catholic thought and the crisis of the West, with Michael J. Knowles 50:45

3M ago50:45

50:45

Michael J. Knowles, the American broadcaster, political commentator, actor and author, is the guest of Dr Gavin Ashenden for this 75th episode for Merely Catholic, the podcast series for the Catholic Herald. They discuss the many “diverse and eccentric” identities of American conservativism in the twilight of the Biden presidency and Mr Knowles’ wo…

1
Easter, “Cafeteria Catholics”, Baltimore bridge collapse, and more! #129 26:55

3M ago26:55

26:55

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: Recaps Holy Week and the Triduum and shares how we can live as disciples of our Risen Lord this Easter season Invites all to continue to pray for victims and those affected by the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Shares what we can learn about sacrifice from Pope Francis and Fathe…

1
New Life in Christ - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 0:59

3M ago0:59

0:59

The celebration has just begun! This week we are filled with overwhelming elation and awe after hearing of the Resurrection of Our Lord. Jesus has transformed sadness into joy, darkness into light, and suffering into triumph. Filled with renewed spirit, we continue the Easter season, lifted up in joy, and always with the promise of eternal peace. P…

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 40 – Choosing God in All Things 14:48

4M ago14:48

14:48

As we come to the final day of the 40-day retreat, let us once again focus our attention on the theme of this retreat: "Finding God in All Things." At the heart of this theme is a relationship, an ultimate relationship with God. If the ultimate goal of Christians in this world is to "inherit eternal life", and if being with God forever is the meani…

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75: Banning conversion therapy, with Dr Patricia Morgan 38:29

4M ago38:29

38:29

Dr Gavin Ashenden is joined this week by Dr Patricia Morgan, the distinguished sociologist and author of the 2023 book Banning Conversion Therapy: The Missing Evidence, amid impending legislation to criminalise counselling, discussion, prayer and teaching based on orthodox Christian doctrine in spite of such changes representing a serious attack up…

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 39 – A Pain That Is More Bearable in Life 16:21

4M ago16:21

16:21

Yesterday we learned that through the examination of consciousness, we can heighten our awareness of God’s blessings in our lives and become more grateful so that we can more easily find God in all things. But how can we be grateful if we find no blessings from God in our lives, but only pain and suffering? How can we find God in all things in such…

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 38 – From Examen to Gratitude 12:09

4M ago12:09

12:09

We had mentioned before that the "present moment" is the only time when we can truly "find God" and "encounter God". When we are fully present in the "here and now", that is the time when we can best experience God’s presence. However, for us to be able to achieve this state of "living in the present" does not happen overnight. Fortunately, we can …

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 37 – Do You Really Want Me? 14:23

4M ago14:23

14:23

During the last ten days of the retreat, we kept mentioning that the relationship God wants to have with us is a marriage relationship. The concept of marriage originates from God Himself. Since we perceive God as a father figure and Jesus Christ also embodies a male identity, when we talk about our relationship with God being a marital one, it's e…

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 36 – The Most Difficult Step in Repaying God’s Love 14:01

4M ago14:01

14:01

Yesterday we reflected on God's love, that is too much for us to bear. Do you have any new insights into the love that God has poured on you? Have you been touched by this overwhelming and inexplicable love? Did it pull your heart strings? Do you feel compelled to respond in some way? Or perhaps you think that you have already done your best to rep…

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Easter - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 0:59

4M ago0:59

0:59

This week is unlike any other. We walk with Jesus to Jerusalem; we witness him being betrayed; we see his suffering, even to the point of death on a cross; we wait with anticipation and then rejoice, for we will stand in the awesome glory of Christ’s holy light on Easter morning. This week we receive a reminder and an invitation. The reminder is th…

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 35 – A Love Too Much To Bear 12:29

4M ago12:29

12:29

The question we asked ourselves in the previous day’s retreat about why we wish to enter heaven is one we really need to face. Reflecting on this question helps us understand the relationship between "heaven" and "earth", the connection between "eternity" and "the present moment". Our answers will become our life goals, helping us live each moment …

1
Hands and Feet 5:19

4M ago5:19

5:19

In this short episode, I talk about how Jesus gives us His whole Self in the Eucharist, and how we should offer Him our whole selves in return. You could say it's my contribution to the Eucharistic Revival that the bishops of the United States are calling for. Released March 23, 2024.By Bennett

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 34 – Connection between Heaven and the Present Moment 11:43

4M ago11:43

11:43

As we enter the final seven days of the retreat, it's time to ask ourselves some very serious questions about life, especially those concerning life and death. These are the questions we often avoid or are afraid to face. However, it's only when we seriously face these core, essential, and ultimate questions in life that we can truly confront ourse…

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 33 – An Unobstructed Direct Line Connecting Heaven and Earth 12:44

4M ago12:44

12:44

We used the term "Unlimited Connection Plan" yesterday to describe the most ideal mode of communication between us and God. This “Unlimited Connection Plan” does not require signing any contract, does not charge any fees, does not have any unfavourable terms and fine prints, and is entirely user-driven. It is applicable for life, remaining eternall…

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 32 – Unlimited Connection Plan 12:15

4M ago12:15

12:15

Yesterday, one of the reflection questions we asked was: "Do you have difficulty receiving God's messages?" I wonder what your answer was. I remember someone once asked me this: "You said you received messages from God. How did you receive them? Did you really hear His voice, or was it just a feeling? Under what circumstances did you receive these …

1
Vice President Harris tours abortion facility, Fr. Planty selected to participate in Synod, March Madness, and more! #128 23:07

4M ago23:07

23:07

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: Shares the news of the USCCB selection of Father Donald Planty Jr., pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, as one of five priests from the U.S. to join the worldwide delegation of priests in the next phase of the ongoing Synod on Synodality Extends the nationwide invitation to pray for the end of ab…

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 31 – The Christian Version of “Living in the Present Moment” 11:54

4M ago11:54

11:54

Based on yesterday's meditation, we understand that we are truly "alive" only when we are in a state of "whole-person presence", meaning that our body, heart, spirit, and mind are all present together. The only time we can truly "find God" and "encounter God" is in the "present moment"! This is an evidence of being "wholly alive" as Christians and …

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 30 – The Evidence of Being “Alive” 13:41

4M ago13:41

13:41

Yesterday we talked about the importance of "living in the present moment" which is the prerequisite for us to find God in all things. Although God is not bound by time and space, we cannot live outside of the "here and now". Therefore, the only time we can truly "find God" and "encounter God" is in "this moment"! This concept is important for Chri…

1
Palm Sunday - One Minute with Bishop Burbidge 0:59

4M ago0:59

0:59

This Sunday will mark the beginning of the most solemn week of the year. Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday, when we commemorate both the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, then recall The Passion of the Lord. Palm Sunday does three things for us: First, it reveals the Lord’s great love for us, a love that knows no end nor counts the cost. Se…

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[Finding God in All Things] Day 29 – A Prerequisite for Finding God 13:17

4M ago13:17

13:17

At this stage of the retreat, it’s time to ask about your current status. If you've been following along with the retreat, you may find yourself in one of two states, with two distinctly different mindsets. The first is that you're thoroughly enjoying the content of the retreat and the opportunity for meditation, to the point where you may have eve…

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