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Hosted by Father Andre Mahanna, President of Mission of Hope and Mercy, with guest Willy Guardiola, founder of Christian on a Mission and a pro-life activist. The discussion, lasting about 1 hour and 40 minutes, blends spiritual reflections, personal testimonies, critiques of church and societal issues, and urgent calls for charitable support. It aired during Advent, emphasizing themes of hope, martyrdom, and mercy amid global crises.Liturgical and Historical Reflections

Father Mahanna contemplates on the feast of Pope Saint Damasus I (Pope in the 4th century), highlighting early Christian persecutions under Diocletian, the promotion of martyr veneration, and the Holy Spirit's gift of fortitude (e.g., Saint Stephen's vision during stoning).

He stresses martyrdom as a divine grace, not defeat, and ties it to modern persecutions.

Willy Guardiola’s 'Christian On A Mission' Ministry

Willy Guardiola, a Cuban-born activist, shares his background: Involved in pro-life since closing 3 Planned Parenthood clinics in Palm Beach County, FL, in 2020 (a U.S. record). Founder of Pro-Lifers for Trump (since 2016) and PBC Right to Life League.

His mantra: "GGT" (God's Got This). Priorities: Awakening Catholics to the Holy Spirit, holding clergy accountable to true teachings, and defending the "Seven Cs":

Country: America first.

Church: Defend it fiercely.

Clergy: Support truth-speaking priests/bishops (e.g., Bishop Strickland, Fathers Altman and Pavone).

Constitution: Uphold it against threats.

Communities: Care for all.

Children: Protect the unborn.

Christ: The ultimate priority.

Key Discussion Topics

Pro-Life Advocacy:

Emphasis on the Right to Life as foundational. Global stats: 73 million abortions yearly worldwide; 1 million in the U.S.

Willy's efforts: Closing 55 Planned Parenthoods in 2025; shift to abortion pills (65% of U.S. abortions). Plans to educate seminarians to boldly preach against abortion at the pulpit.

Critique: Priests fear alienating parishioners (50% Democrat); post-Roe v. Wade (overturned 6/24/2022) silence from clergy led to midterm election losses.

Church Challenges and Persecutions:

"Weaponization of canon law": Silencing/canceling outspoken clergy (e.g., Fathers Pavone, Altman; Bishop Strickland). Father Mahanna shares his own "homelessness" and threats for advocating persecuted Christians.

Global persecutions: 360 million Christians (80% Catholic) affected; examples include organ harvesting in Nigeria, Cardinal's detention in Venezuela, Beirut explosion (2020), and Lebanese banking collapse/corruption.

Willy's “God’s Got This” t-shirts worn by clergy as “Spiritual Armor"; calls for Laity to lead, per Fulton Sheen: "It's up to you, the Laity, to remind our Priests to be Priests and our Bishops to be Bishops."

Personal Testimonies and Missions:

Father Mahanna: Childhood war trauma; ministry's aid to Lebanese families (e.g., Omnitrope shots for two Lebanese girls with growth deficiencies, costing $1,000/month each).

Willy: Mission trips to Haiti, Nicaragua, Mexico (with Bishop Strickland); feeding migrants; closing abortion mills through Pro-Life Prayer Rallies.

Broader issues: Human trafficking, communism's impact (Willy's Cuban roots), and attacks on priesthood/marriage.

Hope: Emphasize Unity, not gossip; Support “canceled” clergy; Laity must "walk the walk" (e.g., donate, act).

Willy pledges $1,000 to Mission of Hope and Mercy, challenging viewers to match it (for two months' medicine for the two Lebanese girls).

Spiritual message: Advent's Leap from St. John the Baptist as the “1st Pro-Life Rally"; Mary's Fiat and Joseph's Obedience.

Prayer: Psalm 62 (Trust in God as Rock + Refuge).

In this episode of the IRREVOCABLE podcast, hosted by Father Andre Mahanna of the Mission of Hope and Mercy, guest Tom Harb, Co-Chair of the American Middle East Coalition for Democracy (AMCD), discusses Pope Leo XIV's recent visit to Lebanon: Lebanon's cultural, religious, and political landscape amid ongoing challenges.

Cultural/Religious Reflections:

The episode begins with a light-hearted rendition of "Jingle Bells" and transitions to reflections on Saint Barbara's feast day, celebrated in Lebanon with children in disguises (similar to Halloween), drawing from her martyrdom story in AD 235.

Father Mahanna shares synaxarion details, emphasizing her faith and miraculous healings.Harb recounts childhood memories of the tradition in Lebanon, linking it to Christmas preparations, and contrasts it with U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving.

They highlight Lebanon's Christian heritage, including saints like Charbel Makhlouf, whose tomb emitted light during Ottoman rule, other child martyrs like Aquilina and Christina, and biblical ties to Lebanon as "Land of Saints.”

Pope XIV's Visit to Lebanon

The discussion centers on Pope Leo XIV's recent three-day visit (ending Dec 2, 2025), themed "Blessed are the Peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). The Pope emphasized peace 48 times in his speeches, urging internal reform, forgiveness, and anti-corruption efforts.

Harb praises the visit for shifting focus from mere coexistence to genuine peace, starting from individuals and families. He notes the Pope's message aligns with President Trump's peace initiatives, contrasting it with prior papal visits that stressed Christian-Muslim coexistence.

Key moments include the Pope's address at the Presidential Palace, his call for justice at the 2020 Beirut port explosion site (the largest non-nuclear blast, linked to Hezbollah-stored nitrates), and interactions with religious leaders in Harissa.

Lebanon's Crises

Lebanon is described as the "Land of Saints" with deep biblical ties (mentioned 71-73 times in the Bible), but facing existential threats: terrorism (Hezbollah's grip), corruption, economic collapse, demographic shifts, and displacement from ongoing conflicts.

Harb outlines historical conflicts: the 1975-1990 civil war, Syrian occupation, Iranian influence via Hezbollah, and Palestinian use of Lebanon as a base against Israel. He notes Christian population decline across the Middle East (except in Israel, where it grows 1.6-1.7%), attributing it to Sunni-Shia power struggles victimizing minorities.

Political Islam (both Sunni and Shia) is critiqued for lacking tolerance, with calls for federation to protect minorities. The Beirut explosion investigation remains stalled due to Hezbollah interference.

They discuss Israel's role: historical alliances (e.g., 1982 under Ariel Sharon and Bashir Gemayel), current military actions against Hezbollah as "justice" for Lebanon, and potential peace benefits like economic prosperity (comparing Israel's $550B GDP to Lebanon's $50B).

Calls to Action

Father Mahanna promotes the Mission of Hope and Mercy's End-of-Year Campaign ($62,000 goal) for food, medicine, housing, and Christmas gifts in Lebanon, sharing personal war stories from his childhood.

Harb encourages contacting U.S. lawmakers to push Lebanon-Israel peace for stability and prosperity, predicting 2026 as a "year of peace." He shares his X handle @harbtom for updates.

The episode ends with blessings, emphasizing mercy, justice, and grassroots support for Middle East Christians, tying back to Advent and Christmas themes.

This 2 hour live Thanksgiving Week Special podcast episode, hosted by Fr. Andre Mahanna and Fr. James Altman with Special Guest, Mother Miriam of the Lamb of God, O.S.B., focuses on Spiritual Thanksgiving during Advent Preparation. It emphasizes Faith Renewal amid modern Church challenges.

Main Content and Themes

• Advent and Thanksgiving: Fr. Andre frames the episode around awaiting Christ's coming, linking secular Thanksgiving to the Eucharist (Greek for "thanksgiving"). Emphasizes gratitude to God over materialism, urging Mass attendance as true thanks.
• Mother Miriam's Conversion Story: Born Jewish (Rosalind Moss), she became agnostic, then encountered Messianic Jews in the 1970s. A "holy shock" from John 1:29 ("Behold the Lamb of God") led to Evangelical Protestantism (1976), jail chaplaincy, and eventual Catholicism (1995) after studying Church Fathers and resolving Mass doubts. She founded Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope (2008), becoming a Benedictine prioress. Highlights mystical "electric bolt" experiences and seeing Mass as "a synagogue with Christ."
• Church Critique and Renewal: Fr. Altman critiques Vatican II's pastoral shifts, Novus Ordo Mass as contrary to Trent's dogma, and declining belief in the Real Presence (70-90% of Catholics). Advocates ad orientem worship and traditional practices. Mother Miriam echoes calls for doctrinal fidelity, labeling recent popes' teachings as heretical while urging personal holiness.
• Personal Insights: Fr. Altman shares his first ad orientem (facing God) Tridentine Mass epiphany leading to rejecting versus populum (facing people); stresses free will, seeking truth, and daily gratitude (e.g., notebook exercise for 365 Thanksgivings). All emphasize witnessing Faith boldly, even in secular settings.
• Practical Advice: For Thanksgiving/Advent: Focus on Christ, fast/pray, delay decorations until Christmas Eve; avoid Sunday commerce; live as if this Advent is your last. Message to families: Prioritize God amid divisions; witness unapologetically.

Fr. Andre Mahanna reflects on Spiritual Thanksgiving, personal stories of persecution, and a heartfelt appeal for donations to Mission of Hope and Mercy for persecuted Christians.

• Reflections: Links Christmas music to angelic inspiration; emphasizes true thanksgiving through Eucharist, not just food/drink. Urges gratitude to God as Creator and humanity's transformation via faith.
• Christianity's Impact: Argues the world is better with Christ; highlights His pardon on the cross as humanity's salvation. Calls for bold witnessing despite persecution, hatred, or crucifixion for faith.
• Personal Stories from Lebanon: Shares childhood wartime experiences—living in caves, scavenging food from trash, collecting water under bombings. Describes fear, hunger, and resilience; notes current crises (Beirut explosion, banking corruption, Israel-Hezbollah conflicts) leaving families at $35/month income, with 450K Christians seeking migration.
• Donation Appeal: Seeks support for 3,500 families (food/medicine), 2,500 children (gifts/education aid like notebooks, shoes, tuition). Programs include emergency relief in Lebanon, Middle East, Africa (Nigeria, Congo, Sudan, Tanzania). 96% of donations go directly; 4-star Charity Navigator rating. Ways to donate: missionofhopeandmercy.org or GiveSendGo.com/GreatHope2025.
• Broader Message: Advocates aiding persecuted Christians (350M worldwide); turn "Black Friday" into "White Friday" by donating for hope/life. Ends with blessings for safe travels, family reconciliation, and Advent joy.

Tone and Closing

Urgent and devotional, blending fiery critiques with Hope. Ends with blessings, calls to repentance, and invitations to encounter Christ in the Eucharist. Promotes Spiritual Combat against Cultural decay.