Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified on September 24, and in this episode Fr. Edward Looney welcomes author and Sheen devotee Allan Smith to help us prepare for this historic moment.

Allan shares what is happening in Peoria during Sheen Week and discusses his book The Soul of a Disciple, which helps readers encounter the spirituality and wisdom of Fulton Sheen. He also tells the story of how he became a disciple and devotee of Sheen and reflects on what made the famous bishop such a captivating preacher and media personality.

Fr. Edward and Allan discuss what Sheen might say to today’s Catholic content creators, podcasters, and media personalities. Allan identifies five important themes in Sheen’s spirituality and preaching—and one of them catches Fr. Edward completely by surprise.

They also explore:
-the decisive moment that led Sheen to commit himself to a daily Holy Hour
-why Sheen became biritual and celebrated the Eastern Catholic liturgy
-the fascinating story behind the World Mission Rosary that Sheen promoted
-how Sheen combined prayer, preaching, media, and missionary zeal
the insight that finally helped Fr. Edward “unlock” Fulton Sheen and better understand his spirituality

Whether you have loved Fulton Sheen for years or are only beginning to discover him, this conversation will help you get to know the man behind the famous voice—and prepare spiritually for his beatification.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen, pray for us!

Buy the book:
Soul of a Disciple: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-soul-of-a-disciple/?oid=857&affid=203
America's Apostle: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/americas-apostle/?oid=871&affid=203

Fr. Charles Kram lived a remarkable priestly life marked by suffering, perseverance, and a deep desire to serve God’s people.

In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney talks with Deacon Joe Machacek, who personally knew Fr. Kram and shares memories of his life, illness, vocation, ordination, and ministry. Despite significant physical challenges, Fr. Kram persevered in his call to the priesthood and became a source of inspiration to many who encountered him.

Deacon Joe reflects on what made Fr. Kram such a memorable priest, why people continue to be inspired by his witness, and what he might someday become a patron saint of. The conversation also explores Fr. Kram’s writings, the stories people continue to tell about him, and the growing interest in his life and possible cause for sainthood.

Discover the story of a Texas priest whose suffering did not define his vocation, but became part of the extraordinary witness he offered to the Church.

Learn more about Fr. Kram at: http://fatherkram.com

Who was Mary Pyle, the American woman remembered as one of Padre Pio’s closest spiritual daughters?

Author Susan De Bartoli, whose book Padre Pio’s American Daughter: The Story of Mary Pyle tells her remarkable story, joins Fr. Edward Looney to introduce us to this fascinating—and often overlooked—woman in the life of St. Padre Pio.

Born into wealth and raised Protestant, Mary Pyle converted to Catholicism and eventually left behind her life in America for San Giovanni Rotondo, where she became a devoted spiritual daughter of Padre Pio and supported his ministry for decades.

Susan shares how her own devotion to Padre Pio developed through pilgrimage and explains why the Capuchin saint continues to fascinate people around the world. She also explores what Padre Pio meant when he spoke of his “spiritual children”—and whether Catholics today can consider themselves among them even though they never knew him during his earthly life.

Along the way, Fr. Edward and Susan discuss:

• Mary Pyle’s conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism
• Her surprising connection with Maria Montessori
• The house Mary built near Padre Pio—and why Padre Pio’s parents both died there
• Why Mary is buried with the Capuchins in San Giovanni Rotondo
• Whether there could someday be a cause for Mary Pyle’s canonization
• What her life teaches about generosity, detachment, and the emptiness of material wealth
• Padre Pio and Mary Pyle as an example of spiritual friendship
• Other notable spiritual children of Padre Pio
• Why Padre Pio continues to draw pilgrims from around the world
• What it is like to make a pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo

Mary Pyle could have lived a comfortable and privileged life in America. Instead, she discovered something greater—and gave her life, her resources, and her friendship in service to Padre Pio and his mission.

Learn more about Susan De Bartoli and her work:
littleflowerbookshelf.com
littleflowerpilgrimages.com

Book: Padre Pio’s American Daughter: The Story of Mary Pyle- https://sophiainstitute.com/product/padre-pios-american-daughter/?oid=856&affid=203