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.