Eyes on Jesus with Archbishop Vigneron

Latest Episodes:

Episode 26: Catholic Schools Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the mission of Catholic schools and their renewal in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

0:30 Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike catch up on the last month, including Christmas celebrations and New Year’s Resolutions.

3:00 Mary introduces the topic of Catholic schools and asks Archbishop Vigneron about their history in the Church and Archdiocese of Detroit. The Archbishop talks about the purpose of Catholic schools to prepare students for life with a vision that’s based on faith. The Archbishop also mentions the number of Catholic schools operating in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

8:32 Archbishop Vigneron is asked about what makes Catholic schools a unique endeavor: inspired by a supernatural vision that we’re made to live in this world to prepare for happiness in the next; founded on a Christian understanding of the human person; animated by a sense of communion and community; curriculum imbued with a Catholic worldview; and sustained by a Gospel witness.

11:45 Mike Chamberland asks the Archbishop about the Synod 16 conviction that Catholic schools are an apostolate that is the responsibility of all parishes and all Christ’s faithful. Mary refers to “Unleashing our Catholic Schools,” a strategic vision for the renewal and reinvention of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Detroit. The hosts discuss what “renewal” and “reinvention” mean for schools in the Archdiocese. Archbishop Vigneron also highlights the essential characteristics of an ideal Catholic school: proudly Catholic, academically excellent, accessible to all, and sustainable to the future.

16:14 Mary furthers the discussion about how Catholic schools can be “accessible to all” now that they are no longer staffed mostly by priests and religious sisters.

19:07 Archbishop Vigneron provides an update on progress being made in the Archdiocese to ensure our schools fit the four “pillars” or essential characteristics described earlier.

12:53 Archbishop Vigneron shares his hopes for the future of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese, beginning with the opening of new schools in underserved areas – particularly schools founded by groups of lay people dedicated to Catholic education.

23:03 The hosts discuss Catholic Schools Week, an annual, national celebration of Catholic schools that takes place this year from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5. Mary shares how the witness of others online during a Catholic Schools Week years ago helped convince her to send her future children to Catholic school one day. Archbishop Vigneron summarizes local events planned for this year and discusses the theme of “Faith. Excellence. Service.”

27:30 All three hosts share reflections on their own experiences with Catholic schools. Archbishop Vigneron remembers the religious sisters sharing their faith with the students; Mike talks about an influential religion teacher at his Catholic high school; and Mary shares about a teacher and parish priest praying for and encouraging her son’s vocation.

32:54 Archbishop Vigneron concludes by expressing his appreciation to the principals and teachers serving in Catholic schools, calling them coworkers with Christ. Mary and Mike then share questions from the faithful with Archbishop Vigneron, including the devastating nature of Jesus’ death, the “bishops’ school” in Rome for newly ordained bishops, and what the Archbishop would choose as his patronage if he were to become a saint.

44:47 The episode closes with prayer intentions and a blessing.

Episode 25: Radical Hospitality Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the Biblical roots of radical, unusually gracious hospitality, how Catholics can practice it in their own lives, and how it can provide a lens through which to view the Advent and Christmas seasons.

0:25 Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike catch up on the last month. The Archbishop offers some pastoral guidance about how we can respond, spiritually and practically, to the tragic shooting at Oxford High School.

4:25 Mary introduces the topic of radical hospitality and how it can provide a lens through which to view the Advent and Christmas seasons. Archbishop Vigneron provides an overview of radical hospitality in the context of Synod 16 and Unleash the Gospel. He discusses the Biblical roots of radical hospitality and how Unleash the Gospel calls Catholics to live out this radical hospitality in a countercultural way. The point of this radical hospitality is for us to become an instrument to share the goodness of Christ and a doorway for that goodness to be opened to somebody else. Archbishop Vigneron shares some practical ways in which we can exercise radical hospitality.

15:23 Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to discuss how radical hospitality is connected to Pope Francis’ statement in Evangelii gaudium that he prefers “a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security” (49).

18:45: The co-hosts discuss how the isolation that comes from society’s reliance on social media can exacerbate feelings of loneliness among individuals. Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron how families and individuals can exercise radical hospitality, especially during this time of pandemic which presents obstacles to many in-person gatherings.

31:25 Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron how he would like to see this radical hospitality lived out in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

35:30 Archbishop shares about being the recipient of radical hospitality while he was studying in Rome and how those experiences helped him understand the importance of welcoming the stranger. Mike and Mary share their own stories of experiencing radical hospitality.

39:30 Mary and Mike share questions from the faithful with Archbishop Vigneron, including praying to St. Nicholas, celebrating Christmas-adjacent feast days, and fruits of the Year of St. Joseph. The episode closes with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 24: A Synodal Church Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses what it means to be a Synodal Church: What is a synod, a review of Synod 16, and the graces that have followed, and what’s ahead with the global Synod on Synodality.

(0:25) Mike, Mary, and Archbishop Vigneron catch up on the last month. The Archbishop talks about the opportunities for prayer, fraternity, and mutual support at the recent priest and deacon convocations, as well as his trip to the Vatican with USCCB President Archbishop Gomez of Los Angeles and their audience with our Holy Father.

(6:50) As the global Church prepares for the Synod on Synodality and the Archdiocese of Detroit approaches the fifth anniversary of Synod 16, Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to reflect on local church’s synodal identity. The Archbishop talks about how listening to the Holy Spirit must be central to any synod and that participants must come together, listen to one another, and walk alongside each other on the path of discernment.

(10:55) Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike look back at Synod 16 and the importance of prayer in the years leading up to it – especially during the Year of Prayer for a New Pentecost and the Come, Encounter Christ prayer and worship events held throughout the Archdiocese. Archbishop discusses some of the fruits of Synod 16, particularly that we, as a local Church, are more docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and our prayers are more ardent and less perfunctory.

(15:30) Archbishop Vigneron reflects on earlier Archdiocesan synods, especially Synod 69, and how they relate to Synod 16.

(19:15) Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about the Mass for Pardon celebrated shortly before Synod 16. Archbishop says that it was vital to celebrate that Mass so that the Holy Spirit could most effectively work through us at Synod 16.

(24:10) What does Pope Francis mean when he calls for us to be a more synodal church? Archbishop discusses how it’s about listening together, repenting together, and working together on a shared mission. In the case of the Archdiocese of Detroit, that mission is to transform southeast Michigan into a community of joyful missionary disciples.

(33:25) Archbishop talks about where he thought we would be five years on from Synod 16. Families of Parishes, although an unanticipated development, are also a fruit of that synod.

(36:30) Where will the Archdiocese of Detroit be in five years? Archbishop says that we will be settled into our Family of Parishes relationships and that this way of being will have become natural for us. Our parishes will be focused on the work of outreach: to those on the margins, young adults, the “nones,” baptized but non-practicing Catholics, and all those who live within the territorial boundaries of our parishes – Christian and non-Christian.

(38:30) Archbishop offers advice about what to take away from this synodal process. He encourages us to listen every day for the missionary opportunities God gives us and to look for partners to carry out that mission. Husbands and wives are natural mission partners, and it is important that they let the Holy Spirit work through them and their marriage to bring about what God wants.

(41:26) Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about the symbols of a bishop’s office, intercessions for diaconate vocations, and a synodal Archdiocese of Detroit both pre- and post-pandemic.

(52:20) Archbishop Vigneron asks listeners to pray for the upcoming meeting of the U.S. bishops and closes with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 23: The Holy Rosary Oct 11, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the Holy Rosary, its origins, and the special graces that can flow from commitment to this ancient devotion.

(0:25) Mike, Mary, and Archbishop Vigneron catch up on last month. The Archbishop talks about some of the blessings experienced in the Archdiocese of Detroit as summer has transitioned into fall, including increased enrollment in schools, the September consecration of two new Consecrated Virgins Living in the World, and the ordination of three men as permanent deacons.

(5:25) Mary mentions that Archbishop Vigneron’s birthday is coming up on Oct. 21. He suggests that anyone wishing to pray for him on his birthday could perhaps pray a decade of the Rosary–in honor of October as the Month of the Rosary –and include a special prayer for the eternal repose of the Archbishop’s mom and dad.

(6:20) The Archbishop gives an overview of the different prayers and mysteries associated with the Rosary, including 150 Hail Mary prayers, one for each Psalm that many people in early Christianity could not read. He then lists and discusses the five Joyful Mysteries, the five Sorrowful Mysteries, the five Glorious Mysteries, and the five Luminous Mysteries.

(9:28) The Archbishop says it is custom to pray certain Mysteries on certain days, but people are free to meditate on any mystery they feel drawn to on a particular day. On Saturdays, the Archbishop likes to mediate on whatever mystery best fits the time of year, like the Joyful Mysteries at Christmas and the Sorrowful Mysteries during Lent.

(10:38) The Archbishop says counting prayers on beads is a very ancient practice. He says there’s been some debate about the role of St. Dominic in formulating the current format of the Rosary. Whether that’s true or not, the Archbishop acknowledges the important role the Dominicans have had in propagating this form of prayer. The Archbishop mentions that many popes throughout history have promoted the Rosary.

(13:00) Co-hosts discuss the addition of the Fatima prayer to the Rosary. The Archbishop says it was not included when he learned the Rosary at the time but that he picked it up somewhere along the way. The Archbishop says Pope Leo XIII instituted October as the Month of the Rosary. He offers tips for people who tend to become distracted while praying the Rosary.

(18:54) Mike says the repetition of the Rosary can be distracting to some but a helpful cadence to others. The Archbishop talks about the draw many people feel toward praying the Rosary. The co-hosts talk about families incorporating the Rosary into their daily lives and how the Rosary prayers are available to the faithful at any time, in any place. The Archbishop emphasizes the importance of making a commitment to praying the Rosary.

(25:33) The Archbishop talks about the Rosary as a “battle weapon” against spiritual opposition. He uses it in this way, particularly when he is weighed down by negativity and discouragement. He has even found consolation just holding the Rosary. By this gesture, we assert that we belong to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and we are under her protection

(27:33) The co-hosts discuss the phrase, “going to Christ through Mary.” The Archbishop explains that we “take our clue” from Jesus who gave his mother to us before he was crucified. Christ came to us through Mary, so it is appropriate that we can go to Christ through Mary.

(32:40) The Archbishop says that in Christ there is a new creation, which is epitomized by the humanity of Jesus. This allows what is naturally good to be elevated to a whole new level; we are sanctified through our everyday acts.

(34:10) The Archbishop talks about the Marian apparitions at Fatima and at Lourdes, both of which invited the faithful to pray the Rosary. The co-hosts discuss the power of the Rosary and the graces they have experienced by praying it. The Archbishop urges listeners to pick up the Rosary, even just one decade at a time to build the devotion.

(40:00) Mary and Mike share questions from the faithful with the Archbishop, including the Archbishop’s birthday, languages, and liturgical/calendar seasons. The Archbishop asks for continued prayer for the Archdiocese’s transition to Families of Parishes. They then close with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 22: Evangelical Charity Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses Evangelical Charity and our call as Catholics to keep Jesus at the center of our good works so that we satisfy not just physical needs, but spiritual thirsts as well.

(0:22) Mike, Mary, and Archbishop Vigneron catch up on the last month. The Archbishop offers encouragement for a new school year, and he shares practical ways we in the Archdiocese of Detroit can contribute to the crises in Haiti and Afghanistan.

(6:20) Mary introduces this episode’s topic: evangelical charity. Archbishop Vigneron offers an overview of what exactly the virtue of charity is and what it means to describe charity as being evangelical. He shares how the decision to “rebrand” Christian service into evangelical charity developed from the call from Synod 16 to focus more clearly on our mission and the need to do good works with the Holy Spirit’s involvement.

(12:04) The Archbishop discusses the role of the Office of Evangelical Charity in enabling organizations to be renewed and refocused on the mission of announcing God in our communities. He talks, too, about Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan and the works they perform in Detroit.

(18:48) The Archbishop also recognizes St. Vincent De Paul Societies within parishes who are instrumental in mobilizing the works of mercy as well. Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to explain more about the corporal works of mercy, and he shares each of the seven works and why they’re so pivotal to our faith. The three also discuss Mercy in Action Day of Service and how people can get involved.

(24:49) Archbishop Vigneron offers advice for how people can live the works of mercy out well in their daily lives, beginning with discernment and prayer, and leading to an opportunity to share testimony. Mike and Mary also examine the ways we can open ourselves everyday to find the opportunities to serve one another.

(35:05) Mary and Mike share questions from the faithful with the Archbishop, including whether he ever considered a religious order, what a nuncio is and does, and the last good book he read. They then close with a blessing.

Links from this episode:

Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan

Detroit Catholic Special Report: Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan

Mercy in Action Day

Evangelical Charity Finder

Office of Evangelical Charity

Adoration Finder

Mass Finder

The Idea of a University

Episode 21: St. Anne Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses St. Anne as the Patroness of Detroit and the Grandmother of Jesus in honor of the Feast of Ss. Anne and Joachim and the first World Day or Grandparents and the Elderly.

(0:00) Archbishop Vigneron shares some highlights from his last month, including spending time up north and celebrating his 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination. The three also discuss some of the history and highlights of the Archbishop’s time as a bishop.

(5:10) Mary introduces this episode’s topic, which is St. Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Patroness of Detroit. Archbishop Vigneron talks about who St. Anne is and why she’s so important to us. He discusses the role that Anne and Joachim had in both bringing about the incarnation, and the process by which saints are given patronages.

(10:37) Archbishop Vigneron talks about how St. Anne became the patroness of the Archdiocese of Detroit. They talk about the other possible patrons the archdiocese considered and the historic roots of St. Anne in the city of Detroit, even before the French settlers arrived.

(17:43) Mary asks about the ways our diocese honors St. Anne, and Archbishop Vigneron mentions the annual novena at the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, invoking her ordinarily in prayer, and other examples. Archbishop Vigneron also talks about the role of Fr. Gabriel Richard in keeping the link to St. Anne and Detroit’s founding.

(22:09) Mike asks about the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit becoming a basilica, and Archbishop Vigneron discusses what that designation means, how it was sought, and why it was granted. He also talks about the Shrine of Ste. Anne and its purpose within the church.

(26:11) The Archbishop talks about the tympanums he commissioned — one for the Chancery downtown, and one in the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament — that depict St. Anne as a witness to her patronage.

(33:30) Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and the Holy See’s inspiration behind establishing the celebrations. The three talk about the importance of grandparents in continuing the link or the chain of faith that we trace all the way back to the settlement of Detroit.

(37:49) The three discuss how Ss. Anne and Joachim served as grandparents to Jesus and all that they teach us about these roles. The Archbishop gives some advice of how the faithful can pray for St. Anne’s intercession.

(41:09) Mike and Mary ask the Archbishop questions from the faithful, including whether he’ll watch the Olympics, what he would’ve done if he hadn’t been a priest, and what it was like leading the Church in Oakland.

(48:00) Archbishop Vigneron asks listeners to pray for their priests during the transition to Families of Parishes, and he closes in prayer.

Links from this episode:

Shrine to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre

Episode 20: The Beauty of Truth Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses his latest pastoral note on digital media — both the challenges and the good that can come from them when they’re used with charity and a commitment to truth.

(0:28) Archbishop Vigneron, Mike, and Mary discuss the arrival of spring and summer, and some of the return to more normal activity after the pandemic. They also discuss the way Catholic schools rose to the challenge of the pandemic, and the Archbishop offers words of gratitude to educators and families.

(4:25) The Archbishop reflects on the USCCB meeting that was held earlier this month, sharing his key takeaways of the intensity with which the Conference seeks to serve the Church, the witness to the Eucharist, and upcoming canonization causes.

(8:07) Mary introduces this episode’s topic of communication in the digital age, which is also the subject of Archbishop Vigneron’s eighth pastoral note, The Beauty of Truth. Mary gives an overview of the note and the Archbishop shares what inspired him to write on this topic now.

(12:21) Archbishop Vigneron talks about the significance of releasing this pastoral note on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, and the three discuss the importance of how we use digital and social media to connect with others. The Archbishop also shares some of the messages he hoped to impart in specific pieces of the pastoral note.

(17:23) Mike asks about discourse that can harm the cause for truth and goodness, and the Archbishop discusses certain aspects of argumentative discourse that fail to consider the goodness of the other participants.

(22:15) Mary introduces some of the “red flags” that the Archbishop writes about in his note. The Archbishop then elaborates on some of them and discusses the ways the faithful can avoid falling into them. He talks, as well, about the responsibility that we have to use digital resources to build up rather than tear down.

(32:28) Archbishop Vigneron shares the importance of considering the positive uses of digital communications, as well. He looks back at millennia of technological advances and how they were used for the glory of God, stressing that we have those same opportunities. He then discusses the ways the digital continent can be used to connect one-on-one.

(36:38) The Archbishop gives advice on how to avoid the digital red flags, reflecting on the virtues that can counter each of them. He encourages spiritual practices and reflections before using social media to consider how to make the space better and more charitable. The three discuss “trolls” and our calling as Christians to love even when it’s not easy to love. Mary directs listeners to find the pastoral note on the Unleash the Gospel website (or linked below), and Archbishop Vigneron offers his final thoughts on the journey of growth in the digital continent that all disciples are on together.

(43:52) Archbishop Vigneron answers questions from the faithful about the importance of philosophy in the study of theology, the presence of multiple Catholic rites in Michigan, and the strangest thing the Archbishop has ever blessed.

(55:09) The Archbishop asks for prayers for the transition to Families of Parishes, and he closes with a blessing.

Links from this episode:

US Bishops Advance Two Canonization Causes

The Beauty of Truth: Communicating Love in a Digital Age

Episode 19: The Domestic Church May 27, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the shapes and sizes of the Catholic family and the privilege and responsibility a family has to strengthen their faith together.

(0:32)The Archbishop gives updates on his last month, including priestly ordinations, his personal retreat, and special Masses offered for police officers and firefighters. They discuss the grace that ordinations offer both the local Church and the Archbishop himself, who has the privilege of ordaining the men.

(9:01) Mary introduces this month’s topic, which is the Domestic Church. The Archbishop explains what “Domestic Church” really means, referring to the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Church and identifying the family as the Church in microcosm. He discusses the mission of the Domestic Church, the mission everyone has for their husband or wife, their children, and their parents.

(15:30) After discussing the varied changes the domestic church saw during the pandemic, the Archbishop addresses how clergy, single people, couples without children, and other forms of family that don’t match the “traditional” structure tie into the life of the domestic church. Mike, Mary, and the Archbishop also discuss what family looks like from a clergy perspective.

(22:01) Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the model of the Holy Family, especially in this Year of St. Joseph. Mary also introduces the Year of Amoris Laetitia that Pope Francis recently announced, and the Archbishop provides an overview of the apostolic exhortation’s main themes. Mary asks what an “Amoris Laetitia family” looks like, and the Archbishop responds that it’s a family focused on service.

(27:57) Mary asks what things a family can do to build up their domestic church and live it well. The Archbishop suggests praying together, sharing scripture, and engaging in acts of service as strong ways to begin. They also discuss the model of St. Joseph and the Holy Family, and why May is dedicated to Mary.

(35:11) The Archbishop talks about how devotions to the Blessed Mother, like praying a decade of the Rosary together every day, can help strengthen families as domestic churches. He also discusses the role of grandparents in the life of the family.

(39:33) Archbishop Vigneron answers questions from the faithful including what formation was like during the time of Vatican II, the Archbishop’s desert island sacramentals, and his favorite Marian feast. He asks for prayers for his leadership of the Church, and closes with prayer.

Links from this episode:

Year of St. Joseph

Year of the Family

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Second Vatican Ecumenical Council Constitution on the Church

World Meeting of Families 2022

Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity

Episode 18: Divine Mercy Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron, Mike, and Mary discuss the history and origins of the Divine Mercy devotion and what it means for our faith life today.

(0:53) Archbishop shares how his last month has been, particularly with celebrating Holy Week and Easter. He shares his excitement at having celebrated the Triduum with congregants in the cathedral, and he also mentions the great movement we’re currently seeing within Families of Parishes. Mike and Mary also reflect on the beauty of the Triduum and the great grace of being able to share it in a different way from last year.

(6:22) Mary introduces this month’s topic: Divine Mercy. Archbishop gives an overview of Jesus’s apparitions to St. Faustina and how they led to the Divine Mercy devotion, and relates this devotion to other notable devotions, such as the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Corpus Christi. Archbishop, Mike, and Mary reflect on how the Divine Mercy devotion was established at a time when we truly needed it, and how God’s Providence is always guiding us and revealing new things to us.

(10:33) Archbishop talks about the specific term “Divine Mercy.” He emphasizes that it reminds us that this mercy truly comes directly from the Father. He mentions the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Clinton Township, and Mary reflects on the image of Divine Mercy and how it came about. Archbishop gives some background on the image, and he, Mike and Mary reflect on how God uses everyday, ordinary people to share his divine message.

(15:11) Mary asks about specific ways individuals and families can recognize the Divine Mercy devotion. Archbishop suggests the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the image, and doing works of mercy. He addresses the importance of our works of mercy being more than just do-goodism, but being true acts of witness to Christ. Mike, too, reflects on the three “dimensions” of the devotion and the importance of showing mercy to others.

(21:26) Archbishop speaks on the relationship between Divine Mercy and the sacraments of Eucharist and reconciliation. The three also discuss the wide range of devotions available to Catholics and how Archbishop Vigneron participates in his own personal devotions. They talk more, too, about the Divine Mercy Shrine and a few other shrines within the Archdiocese of Detroit.

(30:56) Wrapping up the conversation on Divine Mercy, Archbishop encourages the faithful to find the best way for them to participate in the Divine Mercy and what grace God is offering to each individual.

(32:16) Archbishop answers questions from the faithful, such as Archbishop’s experience with both hearing and making confession, which pope Archbishop would regard as the most influential, and how to engage in conversation with people who question the Church’s teachings.

(47:22) Mike asks Archbishop for any prayer intentions, and Archbishop asks for prayers for the continued movement to Families of Parishes and for the priest leaders who will be moving to their Families in Wave 1. Archbishop then closes with a blessing.

Links from this episode:

Divine Mercy Chaplet

Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

Episode 17: The Year of St. Joseph Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the Year of St. Joseph and the model the Patron of the Universal Church sets for all the lay faithful.

(0:43) While reflecting on the past month, Archbishop Vigneron, Mike, and Mary discuss the end of the general dispensation from the Sunday obligation in March. Archbishop discusses what that means and who still has dispensation. He also talks about why we have an obligation and what makes Mass so central to a Catholic life.

(5:10) Mike asks if Archbishop has received any feedback about returning to Mass from parishes, and Archbishop shares the success he’s observed. He also mentions the safety protocols churches have in place, and the acts of charity we do for others when we observe them.

(7:34) Mary introduces the Year of St. Joseph, which Pope Francis announced on December 8, 2020, and Archbishop explains a little more about what that is. Archbishop also talks a bit about the pope’s letter Patris Corde and what we can glean from it.

(11:03) Archbishop reflects on the inspiration he finds in St. Joseph, and he, Mary, and Mike discuss the lives of the Holy Family as real, human experiences to which we can relate, emphasizing that no moment of our lives exists outside the transformation of the Holy Spirit.

(16:23) Archbishop considers the way boys often model themselves after their dads, and that in his human incarnation, so much of how Our Lord behaved would likely have been modeled from St. Joseph.

(19:08) Mike, Mary, and Archbishop reflect on the announcement of the Year of St. Joseph arriving on the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX naming St. Joseph the Protector of the Universal Church and how that is relevant to us today.

(23:51) Mary reflects on the 33 Day Consecration to St. Joseph and how the connection to each of his titles has enhanced her spiritual life and the lives of those with whom she’s been doing the consecration.

(27:06) Archbishop shares practical ways the faithful can commemorate this year of St. Joseph and asks for prayers for all priests, that they be good spiritual fathers. He reflects that the Holy Spirit knows the right path for everyone, and that people should trust their intuition in which prayers, devotions, or meditations are right for them.

(30:56) Archbishop answers questions from the faithful, discussing discernment of the priesthood, discernment of personal spiritual experiences, and what success will look like in the Families of Parishes implementation.

(39:15) Mike asks if Archbishop Vigneron has any prayer requests, and Archbishop mentions the final scrutiny examinations of deacons who are called to the priesthood, asking for intentions for them. Archbishop then closes with prayer.

Links from this episode:

Dispensation guidelines from the Archdiocese

Patris Corde

33 Day Consecration to St. Joseph

St. Joseph Shrine

Novena to the Holy Cloak of St. Joseph

Families of Parishes