137 From Megachurch To MegaCatholic & The Beautiful Power Of Retreat The Art Of Catholic With Matthew Leonard podcast

1:30:49

Matthew Leonard is joined by Father Wayne Sattler, who lived the contemplative life as a hermit for years and has great wisdom to share on the spiritual life. 🟠 See the Group Starter Pack for Introduction to Real Prayer! https://bit.ly/3QRe9zs 🔵 Sign Up for the FREE Lent Streaming! https://bit.ly/3QhC5LX 🟢 Purchase an Introduction to Real Prayer Workbook from Science of Sainthood - https://bit.ly/3CP9Ot8 🔵 Purchase an Introduction to Real Prayer Workbook from Amazon - https://amzn.to/4i7y2h9 If I say "hermit", what's the first thing that comes to mind? An ancient Desert Father wearing a burlap sack, nappy beard, living a life of self-denial in a remote cave? Or maybe a medieval nun, enclosed in a cell attached to a church wall, only receiving food through a small window? What would one look like in the 21st century? They're kind of hard to picture because that's pretty much all we have of hermits these days - pictures. Not anymore. I've got one for you on the Art of Catholic podcast...and he's got some spiritual pearls to share with you. After all, there's a deep knowledge and inexpressible sweetness in a life lived solely for God - and a deep wisdom that comes from being immersed in the Divine, all day every day. But instead of having to go into the desert or monastery to hear their wisdom, you just have listen to this episode. My guest on the Art of Catholic, Father Wayne Sattler, lived as a diocesan hermit for several years in a secluded one-room cabin in North Dakota. While there, his relationship with God deepened dramatically - and his insights into God's profound love for all of us are breathtakingly beautiful. Tune in to our conversation as we discuss: - How to distinguish the beginnings of contemplation from other forms of prayer What is the "suspension of the senses" in prayer (and how to distinguish it from sleep:) The role of silence and self-denial in developing a deeper relationship with God Why we shouldn't fear what St. John of the Cross calls the Dark Night How understanding the body-soul connection can enhance our spiritual life And much more! Now, if you're thinking to yourself, Wait a minute! If he's a hermit, how is he being interviewed on a podcast... ...that's a great question - and as you'll discover from our conversation, after calling him to spend years as a hermit, God has a new mission for Father Sattler now - and it's one that you'll definitely want to hear about. God bless! Matthew…

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144 Discovering Mary in the Book of Revelation 1:01:23

5 weeks ago1:01:23

1:01:23

🟡 Sign Up for the FREE Lent Streaming! 🟢 Purchase a Workbook from Science of Sainthood 🟠 Purchase Workbook from Amazon Episode Description When one of your closest friends dedicates 20 years of his life to a project, it's going to come up from time to time in conversation. And when that project relates to something that you're passionate about too, then you know those conversations are going to be powerful. AND w hen that good friend just happens to be Curtis Mitch, Co-Editor of the new Ignatius Press Study Bible, and that conversation takes place on the Art of Catholic podcast... ...it makes for an episode you're definitely not going to want to miss! In today's podcast, Curtis and I dive into one of the most mysterious, misunderstood, and controversial books in the Bible - the Book of Revelation. With the same brilliance you'll find in his commentary for the new Ignatius Press Study Bible, Curtis explains how we as Catholics are to interpret the image of the Woman Clothed with the Sun - and you might just be surprised at his take on it. Our conversation also explores topics such as: The Vision of the Woman Clothed with the Sun The Multi-layered identity of the Woman in Revelation 12 The very first prophecy about Our Lady The significance of the 12 stars crowning Mary in Revelation How Revelation describes the "rebirth" of Christ's humanity in heaven And much more! After 20 years of eating, sleeping, and breathing God's Word, Curtis has a depth of insight on these topics that is unrivaled. Enjoy the episode and God bless, Matthew 🟡 Sign Up for the FREE Lent Streaming! https://bit.ly/3QhC5LX 🟢 Purchase a Workbook - https://bit.ly/3CP9Ot8…

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143 Introduction to Real Prayer - Lesson One 25:59

6 weeks ago25:59

25:59

Lesson One of a beautiful, crash course on everything you need to know to move into a deeper, more fulfilling life of prayer according to the saints. This incredible series from Matthew Leonard will stream FREE this Lent. 🟡 Sign Up for the FREE Lent Streaming - CLICK HERE ! 🟢 Purchase a Workbook 🔵 Watch Lesson One on YouTube If you’ve ever struggled to pray or find it difficult to take your relationship with God to the next level, you’ve got to see this new series from Matthew Leonard and the Science of Sainthood! “ Outstanding!!! Thank you!” "I was so skeptical...just thought here's another program to do. I am amazed at the things I have experienced in this program!" Introduction to Real Prayer starts with the basics, covering topics like why pray to begin with, how it works, and what we’re supposed to pray for. But that’s just the beginning. You'll be guided through the ins and outs of Vocal, Meditative, and Contemplative prayer, learning not just what they are, but how to do them . We’re even providing Guided Audio Meditations with each lesson to help you practice what you’re learning! But that's not all. This series also covers topics like: Overcoming Distraction Spiritual Consolations & Dealing with Dryness The Beautiful Power of Silence The 3 Stages of the Spiritual Life and more ! In short, it’s a powerful, free, crash course on real prayer that teaches everything you need to know to move into a deeper union with God... and stay there . Listen to Lesson One, Sign Up, & join thousands of Catholics around the world learning to move into a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with the God of the universe who is waiting for you to join him… in prayer ! 🟡 Sign Up for the FREE Lent Streaming - CLICK HERE !…

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142 I Knew I Was Catholic When...A Conversation with Cameron Bertuzzi 36:30

8 weeks ago36:30

36:30

🟡 SIGN UP for the totally FREE Lenten Series on Prayer: https://bit.ly/40wDq6C 🟠 SUPPORT Matthew Leonard's work to spread the Catholic faith: https://bit.ly/3VqCONa Watch the full interview with Cameron Bertuzzi here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTglQJoqWtc It's hard to believe, but more than 26 years have passed since I became Catholic. Even so, I still get asked on a fairly regular basis about my conversion story. And I totally get it. Everyone loves a conversion story. After all, it's inspiring to hear about all the little winks and nudges from God - not to mention all the momentous, life-changing, divine thunderbolts that God uses to draw his beloved children home to the Church. I had my fair share...and then some. That said, conversion is normally a process. It takes time. And for me, part of it was the pursuit of a deeper spiritual life. I unexpectedly found something in the Catholic faith that I never quite did as a Protestant. And I recently sat down with a young man named Cameron Bertuzzi on his very popular podcast Capturing Christianity to share that part of my story. Today's Art of Catholic podcast contains an excerpt from that interview. In this episode, Cameron and I discuss the massive role the spiritual life of the Church played in my conversion, as well as the ways in which my understanding and practice of the spiritual life exploded once I became Catholic. During our conversation, I also address some of the practicalities I learned were involved in the spiritual life, such as: The stages of spiritual growth The teachings of the saints on how to pray How it all works together ...And much more! This is a unique conversation that people have told me they've found truly helpful. God bless, Matthew…

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141 The Husband & the Hermit: A Powerful Story of Saving Love 1:09:25

22 weeks ago1:09:25

1:09:25

In this episode of the Art of Catholic, Matthew Leonard is joined by author Kevin Wells, who shares the powerful story of his wife Krista's battle with alcoholism, the impact it had on his spiritual life - and the incredible redemption God brought through the figure of a saintly priest. 🟡 Sign up for a totally FREE 2-week trial of the Science of Sainthood program: no credit card required, no cancellation, just sign up and watch! https://bit.ly/48n0GHp 🟢 Get Kevin's book, The Hermit: The Priest Who Saved a Soul, a Marriage, and a Family, here: https://ignatius.com/the-hermit-hermp/ 🔵 Watch my last interview with Kevin Wells, Priest & Beggar: The Jaw-Dropping Story of Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz, here: https://youtu.be/TJpXJmyW4Bg 🟠 Learn more about the Sisters of Mary and donate here: https://www.worldvillages.org 🟠 SUPPORT this podcast and Matthew's work to spread the Catholic faith: https://bit.ly/3A2F46K ▶️ Please like and SHARE this video by clicking the SHARE button! 00:00 Introduction: Pain and Redemption 01:27 Kevin Wells: Author and Advocate 04:16 The Journey of Writing 'The Hermit' 10:23 Facing Addiction: Kevin's Family Struggles 18:07 The Role of Father Flum 24:25 Patience in the Face of Suffering 30:08 The Power of Prayer and Hope 35:21 The Journey into the Interior Castle 38:30 The Role of Prayer in Healing 41:43 The Maternal Influence of Mary 44:11 Confession and the Power of Priests 49:54 Practical Advice for Spouses in Crisis 55:42 Patience and Trust in God's Plan 01:00:00 Hope and Redemption in Christ About this Episode: Have you ever been in a seemingly hopeless situation? A situation so dire that you despaired of ever seeing change or healing? Many of us have been there...or are there right now. Addiction, divorce, unfaithfulness, father wounds, mother wounds, abuse, hardened hearts, and a host of other painful issues are constantly manifesting themselves in our lives. And while different situations present different challenges, the underlying truth remains the same. Namely, that no matter how bad things may look, God is faithful and in control. It's certainly not always easy to see, but it's the truth. Just ask my guest on today's Art of Catholic podcast. Author Kevin Wells found himself in a seemingly hopeless situation when his wife’s alcoholism began to tear their lives apart. But as he trudged through years of pain, Kevin gradually learned to rest his head on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and allow himself to be stripped bare like Christ on the Cross. And eventually, through the miraculous intervention of a saintly priest, his wife was healed, his family was redeemed, and his pain was turned into joy. Full of heartache, struggle, hope, and healing it's a story you need to hear. In this podcast, Kevin shares powerful insights about: The crucial role of patience in the face of dire situations. Why prayer is our refuge in the face of intense suffering and despair What he would differently if he could go back to when it first began St. Teresa of Avila's guidance in the face of pain Practical advice for dealing with extremely difficult situations And more... Get ready to hear a powerful story of pain, bondage, and finally, exhilarating redemption, that puts on full display the love, mercy and power of God to overcome any situation - no matter how difficult.…

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140 Nine Kids, Foreign Missions, & Peace in the Midst of Pain 1:51:46

25 weeks ago1:51:46

1:51:46

Give it 3 minutes and you won't turn it off. This is a truly powerful and moving story of a man, a woman, and bevy of children who live a life totally abandoned to God...even in the midst of gut-wrenching sorrow and suffering. If you can listen without being inspired in some way, you may need to check your pulse. That's all I can say. Matthew 🔵 PLEASE consider donating to the Henderson family to enable them to continue their mission work: https://www.familymissionscompany.com/project/henderson-family/ 🟡 Start your spiritual transformation right now! Sign up for a totally FREE 2-week trial of the Science of Sainthood program: no credit card required, no cancellation, just sign up and watch! https://bit.ly/4gPvYdY 🟠 SUPPORT this podcast and Matthew's work to spread the Catholic faith: https://bit.ly/47WKJYA 🟢 Join Matthew on PILGRIMAGE to the HOLY LAND in 2025: https://bit.ly/3zLoAj2 ▶️ Please like and SHARE this video by clicking the SHARE button! 00:00 Encountering this Missionary Family 04:01 Michael Henderson's Journey to Faith 06:54 From Baptist Roots to Catholic Discovery 12:31 The Struggle with Sin and Seeking Truth 20:29 The Eucharist: A Transformative Experience 34:54 Living Out the Faith After Conversion 41:07 The Call to Missionary Life 55:34 A Leap of Faith: Leaving Everything Behind 01:01:16 The Power of Community and Vocation 01:07:38 Miracles in the Mission Field 01:13:20 Facing a Crisis with Faith 01:21:23 Transitioning Back to the States 01:40:28 Living a Life of Mission and Service About this Episode: Surrendering to God’s will is hard. For most of us, it’s a lifelong struggle to learn to let go of our own plans and embrace God’s instead. But that struggle is crucial - because the more completely you’re able to abandon yourself to God’s will, the more peace you’ll find, no matter what your situation or circumstances. No one knows this better than my most recent podcast guest, Michael Henderson...(you're gonna love this guy). About ten years ago, Michael, his wife Veronica, and their (at the time) six, now nine (!!) beautiful children, discerned that God was calling them to a more radical surrender than most of us could ever imagine. They sold their comfortable house and belongings in the U.S. and moved to Mexico, and later to Taiwan, to spread the Faith, all the while relying solely on God’s providence for their livelihood. And boy, did God ever provide. Their story is one of miracle after miracle, conversion after conversion, and an ever-deepening, radical trust in God to “take care of everything,” as the Surrender Novena puts it. In this podcast, Michael shares stories like: How God used a Taekwondo gym in the middle of Mexico to transform local families The day his family arrived in Taiwan with no housing lined up, no money in their pocket, and his wife 2 months postpartum with their 7th child - and how God instantly provided for their every need The very serious recent family crisis that has brought them to an even deeper peace and reliance on God. I have to say, personally, that this episode was an emotional one for me. In fact, I'll give you just 3 minutes of listening before your jaw hits the ground. The beauty of this family’s joy in every circumstance is undeniable, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with Michael. I hope this podcast moves you as deeply as it did me.…

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139 How to Know if Your Spiritual Life is Healthy 55:14

35 weeks ago55:14

55:14

A couple of weeks ago, I was interviewed on the EWTN show Take 2 with Jerry & Debbie about my discovery of the Catholic spiritual life a few years after I entered the Church. As a brand new Catholic, I didn't yet understand the incredible spiritual patrimony that was ours. But once I learned more about it...and began to practice it...that's when everything changed! And it was such a powerful conversation that I'm sharing it with you on the Art of Catholic podcast. You'll hear us talk about some of my story, as well as some spiritually crucial topics such as: • What a healthy interior life looks like for regular Catholics • The importance of community in our spiritual journey • The absolute necessity of authentic meditation • The role of spiritual direction • Practical tips on how to deepen your prayer life I'm so grateful to Jerry and Debbie and all the wonderful folks at EWTN for inviting me onto their show - and for graciously allowing me to share the episode with you on my podcast. If you want to hear a very practical discussion about how to make real spiritual progress, this episode is for you!…

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138 Isolation, Weakness, & Shattering the Lies We Tell Ourselves 1:25:38

41 weeks ago1:25:38

1:25:38

In today's Art of Catholic podcast, Matthew Leonard is joined by Catholic evangelist John Edwards, who shares stories and insights he's gained from guiding countless men to a deeper relationship with Christ. But don't think for a second this is an episode only for men. We hit topics that affect everyone like: Shattering the lies we tell ourselves Why isolation is the Devil's playground The most pressing problem haunting men (Listen up, ladies! You need to hear this.) The beautiful power of weakness Why community is absolutely essential for men & women This is a must-listen episode for anyone longing for the deep joy that comes from an intimate relationship with God and the mystical body of Christ.…

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137 From Megachurch to MegaCatholic & the Beautiful Power of Retreat 52:07

49 weeks ago52:07

52:07

Matthew Leonard is joined by Betsy Orr, Founder and President of The Retreat at Heritage, who shares her incredible conversion story and tells us all about how God led her to create this truly unique new retreat center focused on beauty and silence. 🔵 Check out The Retreat at Heritage & book a spot at Matthew's retreat- "The Divine Whisper: Deeper Prayer & the Silent Embrace of God" from September 13 - 15, 2024: https://www.heritagega.org/book 🟡 Grab Matthew's FREE guide to Catholic meditation, 8 Ways To Jumpstart Your Prayer Life: https://bit.ly/4aKc2pp 🟠 SUPPORT this podcast and Matthew's work to spread the Catholic faith: https://bit.ly/4cWk6VH 🟢 Join Matthew on PILGRIMAGE to the HOLY LAND in 2025: https://bit.ly/49JlEzi…

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136 Priest & Beggar: The Jaw-Dropping Story of Venerable Fr. Aloysius Schwartz 1:25:37

1 year ago1:25:37

1:25:37

Every now and then I come across someone or something in the Church that leaves me slack-jawed...in a good way. This is one of those times. If you've heard of Venerable Fr. Aloysius Schwartz, you know what I'm talking about. If not, prepare to have your mind blown. Matthew 🟡 Sign up for my TOTALLY FREE Lenten series on the Mass: https://bit.ly/3U9u7aX 🔵 To learn more about the Sisters of Mary and make a difference visit https://www.worldvillages.org/poverty/ Grab a copy of Priest & Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz https://amzn.to/48dDhXl 🟢 Join Matthew on PILGRIMAGE to the HOLY LAND in 2025: https://bit.ly/3OCycAK 🔵 SUPPORT Matthew's work to spread the Catholic faith: https://bit.ly/3UAgJNs…

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135 The Dark Roots of Feminism & the War on Men 1:12:28

1 year ago1:12:28

1:12:28

🟡 Science of Sainthood Website: https://bit.ly/3HqUpOg 🔴 Sign up for my TOTALLY FREE Lenten series on the Mass: https://bit.ly/3U9u7aX 🟢 Join Matthew on PILGRIMAGE to the HOLY LAND in 2025: https://bit.ly/3S26nCV 🔵 SUPPORT Matthew's work to spread the Catholic faith: https://bit.ly/3O3Xnw8 After spending many months working very hard on a new liturgy series, I thought "Why not have a pleasant, light podcast to unwind a little?" So I called my friend and Founder of Theology of Home, Dr. Carrie Gress, and said, "How about coming on the show and talking about your new book?" So much for unwinding. After all, her new book is titled The End of Woman: How Smashing the Patriarchy Has Destroyed Us . It's all about how we arrived at this culturally dangerous place in which we now find ourselves, particularly in regards to feminism and society's bloodlust for the destruction of men. (And if you're a guy who said to himself, "Feminism? Dude, I'm out." Trust me, this topic has a massive impact on those of us who share the XY chromosomes.) Of course, feminism is a tricky word. Yes, we all agree that abortion-focused, radical feminism is wrong. But what about the "rest of it"? Because it seems that there are a lot of opinions on the various incarnations and iterations of the "feminist movement." Can it all be separated or is there a deeper problem? One way or the other, it's safe to say we're facing a societal crisis in regards to all of this. So in today's episode of the Art of Catholic podcast, we're going to peel back the onion a bit and discuss the shocking backstory of feminism (and where it's all going). Dr. Gress has done a massive amount of research into the little-known stories of the women (and men!) who shaped the movement, and its hidden roots in the French Revolution, Communism, and even the occult. This one is what you call an "eye-opener". (I think I'm ready for some more liturgy:).…

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134 The Terrible Sin of Telling the Truth 11:38

1 year ago11:38

11:38

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133 The Powerful Battle Plan to Bring Loved Ones Back to the Church 13:40

2 years ago13:40

13:40

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132 Catholic Psychologist's Take on Inner Healing & Forgiveness w/ Dr. Matthew Breuninger 1:07:16

2 years ago1:07:16

1:07:16

If this Art of Catholic Podcast episode whets your appetite to learn more, click below to get access to all of the video courses included in the Science of Sainthood! 🟡 Science of Sainthood Website: https://bit.ly/3PhKWxw 🔴 Watch the FREE Science of Sainthood Course: CATHOLIC MYSTICISM & THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE OF GRACE for FREE! https://bit.ly/3YVavb3 🟢 Join Matthew on a 5 Star PILGRIMAGE to the HOLY LAND https://bit.ly/3OZdKcP 🔵 SUPPORT Matthew's work to spread the Catholic faith https://bit.ly/44BBtFP ▶️ Please like and SHARE this video by clicking the SHARE button! We all need healing...every last one of us. And the latest Art of Catholic Podcast episode explores a bit of a different, but powerful angle on the topic that can make all the difference when it comes to healing deep emotional wounds and finding true freedom. Most Catholics are at least somewhat familiar with the idea of redemptive suffering. It's what your mom was referring to every time you stubbed your toe as a kid and she'd tell you to "offer it up." Redemptive suffering takes place when we unite our own trials to Christ's through a simple act of the will and obtain graces for ourselves and others. But have you ever heard of redemptive healing? In my conversation with Catholic psychologist and Franciscan University of Steubenville professor Dr. Matthew Breuninger, we discuss what redemptive healing is and why approaching inner healing through a trusting relationship with God is the only way to make real progress. We also hit topics like: -The powerful role of forgiveness in healing -How suffering mistakenly becomes normalized -Why living for security robs us of freedom -The difference between pain and suffering -How we can experience freedom in Christ and still carry wounds. So if you or anyone you know has struggled to heal from interior wounds, this is an episode you don't want to miss.…

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131 How Should Catholics Respond to AI? 49:12

2 years ago49:12