FAITH HOPE & HISTORY with FR. BILL

It was reported that when Pope Leo XIV was asked if he had any message for his country of origin, the USA, he responded "a few". Fr. Bill talks about how we Catholics can anticipate (and get ahead of) any message the Holy Father might have for the people of the United States, regardless of what that message eventually is.

Fr. Bill offers his thoughts on the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Fr. Bill offers his thoughts on who may be the next Pope and discusses interesting factors from Papal History to give some perspective on the up-and-coming proceedings.

Pope Francis passed away the morning after Easter Sunday. Fr. Bill offers thoughts on his papacy in light of the history of the Church since Vatican II, the age of social media, the criticism of aspects of his papacy, and the overall trio of papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis (the first).

Many people complain about the difficult teachings of the Catholic Church, some of which people think should be either changed or done away with entirely. Fr. Bill talks about the most difficult of those teachings and why we should work to fulfill it rather than simply ignore it or try to avoid it.

Fr. Bill offers comments on the recent exchange between Pope Francis and the Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, regarding the mass deportation of Illegal Immigrants in the United States.

While the world celebrates St. Valentine's Day, the Catholic Church, at least in the Mass, celebrates Sts. Cyril and Methodius. Fr. Bill discusses their legacy and how the issues they addressed as missionaries to the Slavic Peoples continue to be a subject of discussion, debate and progress for the Church and its ongoing mission of Evangelization.

Fr. Bill re-visits the value of having Religious Liberty in any Free Society and how, if it is to endure, Governments must protect that Freedom, but the citizens must also not fail to exercise it.

The Inauguration of President Trump was saturated with religious references, including the plurality of ministers offering invocations. Fr. Bill talks about the importance of affirming and protecting the Freedom of Religion in the United States and the task of the Catholic Church in evangelizing in such a Religiously Free Nation.

Fr. Bill addresses the recent instruction of Chicago Archbishop, Cardinal Blaise Cupich that all Catholics in his Archdiocese stand when receiving Communion.

Fr. Bill addresses the assertion of some groups that Christmas was originally a pagan feast.

Fr. Bill discusses how early Catholic Saint like St. Lucy invented Women's Lib and Feminism, how their brand is contrary to the Feminism of Today, and how we can return to the Christian roots that is at the heart of the Liberation of Women

Fr. Bill offers his thoughts on the US Election of 2024 and its aftermath; what does the various reactions to the re-election of Donald Trump say less about the nation and more about the people doing the reacting?

Pope Francis stated that American Voters must choose the Lesser of Two Evils in Election 2024. Fr. Bill addresses the comment, the sentiment that inspires it, and what we are called to as Christian Americans when Voting.

Fr. Bill returns to the issue of Freedom of Religion, accentuating its importance to all other basic freedoms.

For the Feast Day of St. Luke, who was a physician, Fr. Bill dives into the complimentary relationship between Faith and Science, debunking the modern myth that they are opposed to one another. Fr. Bill describes why and how Faith leads to Science and why proper Science, inevitably leads back to faith.

Catholics throughout the world were excited with the canonization of John Paul II as a Saint, many calling for his designation as "The Great". Fr. Bill discusses the "overlooked Pope" canonized the same day. What was the legacy of Pope St. John XXIII, and, perhaps, should he also be considered among "The Great" among Popes?

Fr. Bill has decided to read the Federalist Papers beginning October 1. In preparation he is reading through "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine, written to present an argument in favor of the Revolution against English rule.

Fr. Bill takes points of Paine's work and discusses how "Common Sense" is still relevant to what the nation is experiencing now in the midst of the current election cycle.

During Election Seasons there is a lot of soaring rhetoric by candidates for office, some hopefully, some doomsaying, some declaring what the candidate will or will not do if elected. Fr. Bill addresses some of the rhetoric and matches it against what is directed in the Constitution of the United States.

Now that the Olympics has concluded, Fr. Bill offers his thoughts on the controversy during the Opening Ceremony.

Fr. Bill discusses the Western Political principle of the Separation of Church and State in light of Catholic Saints like Stephen of Hungary and the Gospel reading that is shared on the occasion of his Feast Day. Fr. Bill applies the example of St. Stephen to Modern Political Leaders who profess a Catholic Faith in a society that exercises the Separation of Church and State while also enjoying Freedom of Religion.

Fr. Bill presents a handful of recommendations from Catholic History. Recommendations include the writings of such Church Fathers as Ignatius of Sts. Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, Justin Martyr, Augustine, Benedict as well as the works of St. John of the Cross, Theresa of Avila and Thomas Merton.

St. Ignatius of Loyola experienced a conversion as a result of reading a work of Catholic Literature. Fr. Bill discusses the Treasure Trove of Literature that has emerged from the History of the Catholic Faith and how reading these works can help deepen our faith and, like St. Ignatius, lead to a deeper and more substantial understanding of that faith.

Fr. Bill reflects on the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings during World War II.

Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs spoke at the commencement ceremony of Benedictine College. Responses have been mixed, and strong. Fr. Bill gives his take on what was said and the flaw that betrays a serious issue within the Catholic Church, that can potentially ruin the credibility of the rest of his speech.

Fr. Bill talks about May as the Month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as possible origins to the observance and lessons we can draw for evangelization in our Modern World.

Post-Enlightenment Political Philosophers pushed the Separation of Church and State. The Founding of the United States enshrines a more evolved understanding of this Political Principle. Fr. Bill talks about the difference, and how the United States understanding of this Principle is actually expressed in the Bible.

One of the traditions of celebrating and receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation is the choosing of a "Confirmation Name". Fr. Bill discusses the practice of choosing a name, how to choose, the importance of the name, and the clumsy practices surrounding it, especially as the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated.

Many news reporters and spectators described the Total Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024 as a "Spiritual" Experience.

Fr. Bill breaks down what this reflects in the overall spirituality and religiosity of the nation, as well as how the image of a Solar Eclipse fits into the symbolism and spirituality of Christianity.

Holy Week wraps up the Season of Lent. Fr. Bill talks about the events that happen and the feasts that are celebrated leading up to Easter Sunday and the 50 days of the Easter Season.

Lent inevitably ends with the 50-day celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Bill talks about how the Resurrection is presented in the Gospels, what patterns they follow, what themes they present, and how we can encounter the Risen Jesus continually as His Followers.

Jesus does not suggest forgiveness, He requires it of His followers. Fr. Bill discuses the many angles and layers of forgiveness, what is at stake, and what should motivate us to obey that command from Jesus.

With sacrifice comes Temptation. Fr. Bill talks about how we invite Temptation as an essential part of Lent and how resisting Temptation benefits us Spiritually.

Lent always includes some element of Sacrifice. Fr. Bill talks about what practices accompany the observance of Lent, what they accomplish and why they are important.

Fr. Bill talks about "Desert Spirituality", its grounding in Holy Scripture, and how it fits into the annual observance of Lent.

Heads exploded on Social Media last week when the Vatican issued its new Declaration On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings. Fr. Bill refrained from participating in the commentary, until now. His take on the Declaration is a little different than what has been widespread on Social Media as he shares his Reaction to the Reaction.

Fr. Bill discusses whether it is more important to talk about the Pope's comments on "blessings" or on the up-and-coming celebration of the Incarnation of Christ.

Catholics run parallel "Christmas Seasons" this time of year. One is the American Christmas/Holiday Season that runs from Thanksgiving to the New Year. The other is the Christian Advent/Christmas Season.

Fr. Bill talks about the distinction between the two and how both can be observed each without losing sight of the other; but it takes a minor effort, and might require a little change.

Fr. Bill addresses a common practice on Thanksgiving Day and how it undermines the true nature of the holiday.

November 10 is the Feast Day of Pope St. Leo I (the Great). Fr. Bill talks about his life and how he shaped the Papacy as we know it.

The new Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, is coming under fire for publicly professing his Christian Faith, and in giving no indication that he is a corrupt politician.

Fr. Bill discusses why this is so scandalous in today's cultural climate, and why it is a good sign when someone, even in political leadership, goes against the secular, atheistic cultural grain.

Each year there are groups who express concern that Halloween is a time of the glorification of evil, witchcraft, death and the occult.

Fr. Bill talks about what is behind the idea of evil and demonic possession and how the Halloween detractors actually give the devil more of a due than is nsecessary, and actually aid the devil more in their opposition to the celebration of All Hallows Eve.

With the recent outbreak of war between Israel and Palestine, Fr. Bill offers a Biblical and Historical context in which the current event is being played out.

How can we understand the war in light of the Biblical as well as "secular" History of that region, in light of Jesus' farewell promise of Peace, well as in light of the Promise God made that All Nations would find Blessing in the descendants of Abraham who make up the kingdom, and subsequent Nation of Israel?

Fr. Bill offers his thoughts on the Synod going on in the Vatican during the coming weeks and gives his response to the many comments and concerns that are being made about it.

September 22 is the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, declared by Abraham Lincoln in 1862.

Fr. Bill discusses the history of Slavery, how the Bible addresses the issue, its history in Christian Europe and in the Founding of the United States. He threads the needle leading up to the Civil War and Lincoln's Proclamation, and how the Constitution of the United States did not endorse Slavery, but brought forth everything from the History of Western Europe up to that point to direct the new Nation towards eventual Emancipation.

For 22 Years we have been remembering the Terrorist Attack on the anniversary of 9/11. But it is not simply one day we should be remembering. Three days later, on September 14, President Bush called for a National Day of Mourning and Prayer in the aftermath of the attack.

Listen as Fr. Bill talks about the importance of that Day of Prayer, September 14; what is celebrated in the Catholic Church, what should be remembered as a Nation, and how it all ties into what we remember in the Anniversary and Aftermath of the 9/11 Attack, and what we celebrate in our Identity and Resolve as both Christians and Americans.

Fr. Bill is back to his Podcast with what he hopes will be interesting and relevant topics regardinig Faith, Hope & History

Fr. Bill addresses the shortage of Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life in the Catholic Church. He proposes a shocking reason why he thinks God has been answering our prayers all along, and what Catholics can do to stem the tide of the decline so as to ensure a future increase in vocations.

Fr. Bill talks about Freedom of Religion, what it means, how it is protected in our Constitution, how it is threatened and what we must do to protect it against the assault it faces today.

Fr. Bill talks about the recent Academy Awards, as well as the history of the Awards as a Hollywood institution. He talks about how Hollywood has grown in its own "inclusivity" over time, how it has forgotten it's natural progress, and why it does not need the pushing of the "WOKE" movement to continue its development as a truly worldwide cinematic institution that has grown beyond Hollywood.