For Reasons of efficiency I have changes how I am posting the podcast on this page. Rather than a description I have just listed the name and the links to Audio And Video.

Franciscan Wisdom In Today’s Society

Living The Beatitudes, Do They Really Matter?
A conversation with Br. Francisco Whittaker OSB
In this engaging conversation, Paul R. Long OFS speaks with Brother Francisco Whittaker OSB, a Benedictine monk from St. Vincent Arch Abbey. They explore the essence of monastic life, the unique vows of Benedictines, and Brother Francisco’s personal journey to the monastery. The discussion delves into the importance of prayer, community, and the active role of Benedictines in ministry, contrasting it with other monastic traditions. Brother Francisco shares insights on defining a prayerful life and the significance of intentionality in one’s spiritual practice. In this conversation, Br. Francisco and Paul R. Long OFS explore the essence of prayer, humility, and the importance of community in religious life. They discuss the challenges of engaging younger generations in the church, emphasizing the need for authenticity and a deeper understanding of faith. The conversation highlights the significance of distinction in religious life and the joy found in service and community. They conclude with practical advice on discernment and the importance of prayer in discovering one’s vocatiunity connection.


New Year Resolutions???
In this conversation, Paul R. Long OFS discusses the significance of New Year resolutions through a secular Franciscan lens. He emphasizes the importance of setting intentions that reflect deeper values such as humility, service, and care for creation. The discussion covers practical ways to incorporate these values into resolutions, the role of prayer and community in supporting these goals, and the importance of reflection and adaptability in the resolution process. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to approach their resolutions as acts of faith that foster personal growth and community connection.

Christmas in Greccio
This conversation explores the origins and significance of the nativity scene, initiated by St. Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Italy, over 800 years ago. It delves into St. Francis’s spiritual vision, emphasizing humility and the tangible experience of faith. The preparation for the first living nativity is recounted, highlighting community involvement and the profound impact of this tradition on Christmas celebrations worldwide. The legacy of St. Francis’s nativity scene continues to resonate, teaching timeless lessons about experiencing sacred love personally.

Advent
This episode explores the profound wisdom of the Franciscan tradition as a guide for spiritual preparation during Advent. Paul R. Long OFS emphasizes the importance of simplicity, joy, and connection to creation, contrasting these values with the commercial rush of the holiday season. He discusses how the Franciscan approach encourages a deeper spiritual connection through nature, community service, and mindful prayer practices, ultimately leading to a more meaningful Advent experience.

CALLED???
The Franciscan vocation is rooted in the teachings of St. Francis and focuses on living a life of simplicity, humility, and service.
There are different types of Franciscan vocations, including the friars, the Poor Clares, and the secular Franciscans, each offering unique ways of living out Franciscan principles. mAYBE YOU HEAR THE “CALL”.

The Rosary: for Franciscans and Everyone!
This conversation explores the profound connection between the Rosary and Franciscan spirituality, highlighting its historical evolution, significance in daily life, and practical tips for enhancing the prayer experience. Paul R. Long OFS emphasizes the Rosary as a journey of faith, a tool for meditation, and a means of fostering community and personal growth within the Franciscan tradition.

The Sense of AWE
Remember when you first stepped into a grand cathedral, and your gaze was pulled upward by the towering arches and intricate stained glass? That feeling of awe, once a cornerstone of Catholic worship, seems to be fading. In a time when ancient rituals meet modern interpretations, many wonder if we’ve lost touch with the sacred wonder that once drew people in. As we explore this shift, we’ll shed light on why this change is happening and what it means for the faithful today. Discovering the reasons behind this transformation could lead us back to moments that inspire true reverence in our spiritual lives.

Franciscan Fraternity
The bedrock of the secular Franciscan order is the concept of fraternity, which is about forming bonds, sharing faith, and creating a supportive community. Fraternity is rooted in the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and the Bible, emphasizing community, love for one’s neighbor, and unity. It is lived out through simplicity, humility, and service to others. Embracing fraternity enriches individual experiences and contributes positively to the lives of others.

The Beauty of Franciscan Prayer
Are you curious about Franciscan prayer and how it can transform your spiritual life? If so, you’re in the right place. And if you’re ready to explore a deeper connection with the divine, let’s dive in.

What is Secular Franciscan Profession
The conversation explores the concept of profession as a secular Franciscan and its significance in the lives of individuals who choose to embrace this path. It highlights the core ideals of poverty, humility, and simplicity championed by St. Francis and emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with all of creation. The conversation also discusses the process of formation and discernment that individuals go through before making their profession, as well as the responsibilities and commitments that come with being a professed secular Franciscan. It concludes by offering resources and contact information for those interested in exploring the Franciscan way of life.

Know before you Speak
In this Episode, Paul emphasizes the importance of educating ourselves before engaging in conversations. He highlights the dangers of speaking without knowledge and the need to seek reliable sources of information.

Experiencing Newness
A new year has begun. New challenges, new possibilities, and new ways of looking at things if we choose to do it. A resolution that we make on New Year’s is nothing more than giving ourselves an opportunity to experience something new. Join me today as we talk about newness and how we can embrace it.

Christmas 2023
This episode explores the true meaning of Christmas, the significance of the holiday in the Catholic faith, the rich traditions of the Franciscans, and the various ways in which Christmas is celebrated around the world. It also delves into the symbolism of the Christmas tree and offers suggestions on how to make the holiday more meaningful through acts of kindness and charity. The importance of inclusion and embracing the spirit of Christmas is emphasized.

Advent
This episode is about Advent: what it means, what Emmanuel is. So join me as we walk together through Advent.

Thankfulness
Have you ever taken the time to think about all the things you should be thankful for? In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about thankfulness, and we’re going to talk about gratefulness.
This Episode is also available on YouTube Channel: Our WalkTogether or click below:
November 18, 2023
This episode is also available on the YouTube channel :
Our Walk Together or click below:

In this episode I talk about the “Dark Night of the Soul” . I explore the meaning of Darkness and what St John of the Cross had to say about it. Advent will soon be here, the season of celebrating the Dark with the anticipation of the Light at Christmas.
It is also a reflection on how we all find ourselves in darkness and the hope of Light
This Episode is also available on YouTube Channel: Our WalkTogether or click below:
November 1, 2023

Who will YOU ask?
This episode contains some information about changes in the podcast.
It also has a short Meditation which is where the name comes from.
October, 2023

All earlier Podcasts can be found by clicking the button below

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