Best CAFOD Podcasts (2025)

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82: The angels are alongside us 28:12

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1d ago28:12

28:12

Send us a text Episode 82 Special Christmas episode: a conversation and Christmas carols. Anne and Mark share their thoughts and experiences of angels. Mark reminds us that angels are both with us and in the presence of God, ‘They’re here and they’re there at the same time.’ Seeing an image carved on a tomb years ago taught Anne to think of angels,…

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81: This is about all of us. We can offer ourselves to God. 32:56

9d ago32:56

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Send us a text Episode 81 This episode comes from a parish in the Leeds diocese. Fr Michael and Fiona explain how the parish, and the people in it, help each other to be open to the working of the Holy Spirit. Father Michael shares how through the work of the Parish Mission team, 'We are trying very hard to be outward facing as well as looking for …

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80: Do you want to change the Church or do you want to change the world? 31:55

16d ago31:55

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Send us a text Episode 80 Carol shares how she grew up in a home where concern for social justice was part of being a Catholic. As a young woman she continued learning to view the world ‘through the lens of the Gospel.’ Working for small organisations, listening to the voices of vulnerable women – and through her own difficult experiences - Carol e…

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79:The future is more beautiful than I could have imagined. 35:12

24d ago35:12

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Send us a text Episode 79 Blake, a Catholic in America, shares the family circumstances that led him to really pray from the heart, for the first time. In charting his faith and his life so far, he describes feeling attuned to spiritual pain in people and places. He recounts how, through working for a faith-based organisation, he has 'seen directly…

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78: So I said, 'I'll build my own studio.' 27:29

1M ago27:29

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Send us a text Episode 78 John shares how the Lord called him to share the Gospel on local radio and now through a podcast from a studio at home in Limerick, Ireland. He credits his wife, Ann, with helping him to ‘stick with’ his faith when he was ‘inclined to go the way the world was going.’ We talk about John’s courage in finding ways to share th…

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77: I would join the Catholics over and over again 35:18

1M ago35:18

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Send us a text Episode 77 As a Catholic, when is it okay to compromise? Matt shares how his faith and his politics inform each other and how he understands compromise - and red lines. He believes wholeheartedly in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist – and also belongs to an ecumenical queer church community. He sees community as important t…

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76: A little bit of a hunger or thirst for that knowledge 28:36

2M ago28:36

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Send us a text Episode 76 Rebecca shares how she has claimed for herself a relationship with God. Living by the guidance of Luke 7:7 Ask, search, knock, has led her into a wealth of rich experiences and a 'passion for' her faith. For example, she describes her work as a volunteer at Radio Maria England where she helps to 'let people know what is ha…

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75: It's like the kingdom of heaven for me 30:03

2M ago30:03

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Send us a text Episode 75: Eddie shares his journey from his earliest memories of prayer, being tucked in bed by his mum, to how he prays now with an icon and a candle early in the morning. Journeys on foot, the silence of monasteries and especially sharing stories around a table; these are the things that give him a taste of the kingdom of heaven.…

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74: I love God. I love Mary. And I love the opportunities that I’ve been given. 26:08

2M ago26:08

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Send us a text Episode 74 Sue explains how she wanted to really 'do something with her life' on reaching forty. Invitations and opportunities followed and Sue has embraced them all - including volunteering with Mary's Meals and 'relearning my faith through my children.' Sue shares how devotion to Our Lady is a big part of her faith journey too - an…

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73: Not watering it down. The healthy tension of love and truth. 30:49

2M ago30:49

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Send us a text Episode 73 In this episode, Fiona and Martyn share their experiences of evangelising - and being evangelised. Years ago, Martyn says he ‘knew I wanted to become a Catholic, but I hadn't really discussed the topic with my family,’ and Fiona, despite being a ‘quite ludicrously devout child…very much fell out of love with the Church.’ T…

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72: I am a daughter of the Most High God 34:22

2M ago34:22

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Send us a text Episode 72: An episode with special guests Sister Marie-Kolbe Zamora, a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, visiting from America, and Jenny Hayward-Jones of CAFOD. First, Sr Marie shares her insight that conversation is 'sacred space.' Then, illuminated by her theological expertise and her recent work at the Vatican, we share ou…

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71: I have called you by your name. You are mine. 27:42

3M ago27:42

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Send us a text Episode 71 Each time she has had to adapt to life in a different country, Phyllis shares how her faith has sustained her and helped her to put down roots. She explains that ‘the Holy Spirit just sends these little connections and the right people,’ especially at a time when she almost stepped away from the Catholic Church. Find out m…

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70: The celebration of Holy Mass - where heaven and earth meet 30:12

3M ago30:12

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Send us a text Episode 70: A special episode from Padley Martyrs' Chapel. Gerard and Anne-Marie share the incredible history and spirituality of this 'thin place.' Amid the physical signs of our faith and its preciousness to previous generations, the importance of Mass shines through. We speak of the working of the Holy Spirit in the present as muc…

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69: I can understand better now the attitude of the martyrs and the saints of past centuries 32:39

3M ago32:39

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Send us a text Episode 69 At the age of thirty, Joseph attended for the first time the Traditional Mass, the Latin Mass. He explains how the experience changed his life and 'filled a gap' that he hadn't realised was there. For Joseph, now Chair of the Latin Mass Society, this liturgy is the 'engine' of a Catholic worldview. Find out more Latin Mass…

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68: National Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope. A special episode 37:51

3M ago37:51

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Send us a text Episode 68: Following pilgrims walking from four corners of England & Wales, converging in Nottingham. Their pilgrim ways, named for the four evangelists, traced the sign of the cross on the land. The pilgrims speak of Catholic heritage, hospitality, the presence of God in nature, community, hope and love. One said, 'It's really good…

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67: It's the Holy Spirit that's doing it all 23:14

4M ago23:14

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Send us a text Episode 67: John was first an Anglican and then a Catholic. In this conversation, he gives us glimpses of a life filled with dialogue with people of other faiths, care for creation, an enduring love of music, family, and trying to put the Gospel into practice each day. All these things, John says, are 'joined in my head' with the mis…

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66: The shadow is only a passing thing. There's this light and hope and beauty that is forever beyond its reach. 30:41

4M ago30:41

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Send us a text Episode 66 David describes a startling experience one Christmas day at Mass that showed him 'the abundance and realness of God's love.' Since serving a prison sentence, it is the charity, beauty and kindness of prisoners for each other that reminds him to 'choose to be a better man every day.' Prison radicalised him, David says. He n…

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65: Little moments that have somehow been strung together, made up of fragmented conversation, that begin to make sense over a lifetime 29:22

4M ago29:22

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Send us a text Episode 65 In this conversation about conversation, Clare lifts up the grace to be found in our everyday encounters with each other. Conversation is 'that place where we forge together our understanding ... where God makes God's self known.' While truth and joy stand out for Clare in scripture, she says that 'if you really want to kn…

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64: Surrounded by people that show you your faith 30:53

4M ago30:53

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Send us a text Episode 64 Nana shares how experiencing the aftermath of armed conflict, and meeting some of the people affected, led her to working at CAFOD. She once vowed, 'There's no way I'm going back into a church.' But here she reflects on how she has moved from anger to recognising that 'we are all peacemakers'. Nowadays people 'absolutely r…

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63: Living out a call to holiness, with Our Lady’s help 30:34

5M ago30:34

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Send us a text Episode 63 Michael shares his love for Our Lady, for Jesus, and for the Eucharist. In Medjugorje, in response to prayer, he met a ‘ministry buddy.’ Then, he says, 'Our Lady put very strongly on our hearts’ the beginnings of a ministry to the gay community. Continuing this work, despite struggle, judgement and criticism, Michael expla…

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62: After utter devastation, a symbol of peace, hope and reconciliation 29:29

5M ago29:29

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Send us a text Episode 62: Jim, who is an American professor and a Catholic, tells the extraordinary story of uncovering his grandfather's connection to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This research took Jim to Nagasaki, 'the centre of Catholicism in Japan for centuries.' An awkward question from a Japanese Catholic there - a descenda…

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61: Coffee with God, Latin Mass, and Sewing for the Church 28:43

5M ago28:43

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Send us a text Episode 61 Anna shares how friends helped her to recognise the presence of God in her life, as a teenager. Through prayer, she finally answered the Lord's 'nudging' and became a Lay Dominican. Her faith is nourished by attending the Latin Mass where she feels she can 'focus' better, and building community through sewing vestments and…

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60: With the Lord, I can be who I was made to be 24:47

5M ago24:47

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Send us a text Episode 60: Speaking from Wales, Joan describes with unflinching honesty how she is learning to understand God as friend and Father. Through prayer and daily journalling, she explains how her relationship with God is deepening and her life is changing. Joan has encouraging words for listeners, 'You are what He's interested in and tha…

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59: My faith has grown because of other people's faith 26:30

5M ago26:30

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Send us a text Episode 59: Helen reflects on being a lay Catholic woman in ministry, engaged in practical activities like accompaniment, and ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. There are rich, hard-won insights here. Helen describes embracing new opportunities because 'This sounds important even though I haven't really got time,' and sitting with u…

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58: Sometimes you need to let baggage go 24:27

6M ago24:27

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Send us a text Episode 58 Jude talks about journeys, from Nigeria to the UK, from Paris to Lourdes to Rome, and his 'very beautiful' ongoing faith journey. He shares how setbacks have been transformed by trying to understand what God is saying to him. 'And now I focus on living simply,' he says. Find out more National Justice and Peace Network Conf…

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57: I only did one thing. I only loved God. 23:03

6M ago23:03

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Send us a text Episode 57: Olimpia's story begins in Romania in the Communist era. A setback in life has taught her to trust God more deeply - and she welcomes 'the peace and joy we feel when we pray.' The title of this episode is a quote from Venerable Mary Potter. Olimpia explains how this woman's resilient service inspires her faith today. Find …

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56: Missionary of the Sacred Heart: bringing the compassion of Christ 27:49

6M ago27:49

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Send us a text Episode 56: An episode for the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Fr Giacomo shares how he responded at last to the Lord calling him to religious life and how he is now living his faith as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart. 'Our motto is to bring the love of the heart of God into the world, or to be on earth, the heart of God.' Find out more …

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55: My faith has been forged in a fire 31:52

6M ago31:52

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Send us a text Episode 55: Antonia speaks frankly about her faith being 'forged in a fire' - as she came to terms with abuse scandals in the church and elsewhere. Convinced that, 'You don't have to choose between the practice of your faith and your care for people who've suffered abuse,' Antonia shares her understanding of restorative justice in th…

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54: I met holy people 25:39

7M ago25:39

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Send us a text Episode 54: Serving as a hospital chaplain is a path Christina 'didn't expect to be on.' In this conversation, she describes the blessings and challenges of walking alongside people at difficult times in their lives. 'It's a ministry of presence,' she says. Find out more Turvey Abbey image of the Risen Lord Student Cross A new episod…

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53: Put your faith and trust in God. No matter what. 21:31

7M ago21:31

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Send us a text Episode 53: Speaking from his home in Canada, Francisco shares how daily Eucharistic Adoration helped him to find his faith as an adult, 'It was a wonderful feeling.' And it is his faith, he says, which 'helps me to hang in there when everything seems lost.' Find out more Article in The Guardian Online Divine Mercy Chaplet at St John…

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52: What it means to wrestle with the Catholic Church 25:47

7M ago25:47

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Send us a text Episode 52: Maria describes her Korean Catholic heritage and how in Korea, perhaps unlike Britain, the Church is seen as progressive. Finding ways to 'stay connected with the church' while living as a queer Catholic, she says, 'has brought me close to the Catholic faith... and closer to God.' Find out more The Catholic Church in Kore…

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51: Will this community help me? 21:34

7M ago21:34

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Send us a text Episode 51: Martin shares how he became first an Anglican, then later a Catholic, drawn by Ignatian practices of 'deeper, imaginative prayer.' He speaks thoughtfully of his lived experience as a gay Christian who has managed, through God's grace, to overcome hurt and resentment, and to 'keep my mind and my heart open.' Find out more …

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50: Walking in the footsteps of the generations before us 28:08

8M ago28:08

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Send us a text Episode 50: For Thomas, 'Our faith isn't a dusty old thing. It's a living faith which has been passed down from generation to generation.' His grandmother helped to shape the way he puts his faith into action, working in the criminal justice system where 'we have something really important to bring as Catholics and as Christians.' A …

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49 : A thousand people in the building, all singing this hymn 27:49

8M ago27:49

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Send us a text Episode 49: Paul describes how and why, as an adult, he rediscovered and fell in love with his Ukrainian Greek Catholic heritage and the Byzantine (an Eastern) rite. He draws on St Paul to sum up 'the Christian faith and the Christian ethos' and especially to explain how the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church continues to flourish despi…

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Bonus Episode: The Pope who serves the moment 19:22

8M ago19:22

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Send us a text Bonus Episode: Previous guests from four continents share their appreciation for the legacy of Pope Francis in their own lives - and their hopes for the new pope. Lots of focus on the work of the Holy Spirit and a call for Catholic people to pray. Find out more Pray for one of the Cardinals A new episode, a different conversation, ev…

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48: Yes. My faith has saved me. 28:07

8M ago28:07

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Send us a text Episode 48: Felicity shares movingly how and why she worked for decades in a job she found very stressful while also feeling it was a vocation and 'God's work'. She speaks about the death of her husband and the friends and practices that are helping her to find a way through a series of bereavements. Felicity recommends being Christ-…

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47: A prophetic role - in our actions and our words 30:00

8M ago30:00

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Send us a text Episode 47: Naoise shares how he understands trying to live virtuously in a broken world - personally and professionally. He describes his belief that by our lives, we Catholics can 'have a transformative and transfigurative effect on the world around us.' Find out more Henri Nouwen's book The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England …

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46: Holy Week allows you to live that real emotion of what Christ did for us 23:29

9M ago23:29

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Send us a text Episode 46: In this special Holy Week episode, Jim, a scientist and a theologian, shares how he makes sense of the strong emotions of Holy Week. 'I don't see any contradiction between my science and my faith or my vocation and my faith...One has driven the other.' Since childhood, he explains, the practices of Holy Week help him to, …

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45: Making sure I don't get in the way 24:24

9M ago24:24

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Send us a text Episode 45: Deacon Paul explains his unusual work at Harvington Hall, offering prayer and pilgrimage alongside showcasing Catholic Tudor history for tourists. After taking 15 years to discern the Lord's call, he shares how he understands his role as a deacon. 'God put me there to be the conduit for his love in that moment. My job is …

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44: I wouldn't be without my faith 22:42

9M ago22:42

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Send us a text Episode 44: Pauline shares the people and activities that have inspired her and given her joy and friendship on her faith journey so far. Three pieces of scripture are especially precious - and following her own prayerful reflection, she explains how she is approaching Lent in this Jubilee Year. Find out more The Briars Catholic Yout…

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43: The light shines in the darkness 24:42

9M ago24:42

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Send us a text Episode 43: Speaking from America, Judy shares honestly how she has moved from saying the rosary in childhood, through working for social justice and peace, to finding regular Mass attendance 'really hard' because of the marginalisation of women in the church. She describes living in the midst of brutal US political upheaval, as 'hor…

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42: Trying to practice love every day 24:34

9M ago24:34

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Send us a text Episode 42: Jack shares how he was first 'grabbed by youth work' as a young adult. Rather than any liturgical-style-tribalism, he explains that it is our identity as children of God that inspires him and is something he brings to youth ministry today in the Diocese of Lancaster - via the Caribbean. Find out more Castlerigg Manor Lanc…

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41: To celebrate the fullness of humanity 25:26

10M ago25:26

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Send us a text Episode 41: Brid and Lorna (a mother and daughter) share their experiences of Catholic People's Weeks and the community they find there. They explain how taking seriously Jesus' words, 'I was in prison and you visited me,' has led them to witness, and be humbled by, the humanity of people on death row in America - and in Lorna's case…

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40: Why God wanted me to be a deacon 23:40

10M ago23:40

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Send us a text Episode 40: Deacon Mark shares how he first connected with his faith as a young adult, seeking truth and core values to live by. On being invited to consider becoming a deacon, he worried that his autism diagnosis would be a 'deal-breaker' but has found purpose in advocating for Catholic people who have disabilities. Find out more at…

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39: Where good things happened along the way 26:24

10M ago26:24

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Send us a text Episode 39: Eoin shares his experience of cycling from Canterbury to Rome following the Via Francigena pilgrimage route. Inspired by saints, by the welcome and kindness of others, he explains how he continues to be sustained by what happened - even while still processing it all. Find out more Hearts in Search of God: Diocesan pilgrim…

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38: The opportunity to say goodbye 27:04

10M ago27:04

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Send us a text Episode 38: Maggie's faith has both motivated and shaped her deep concern for others and for the world. She speaks with gratitude of people she names as amazing role models. She also shares honestly her experiences of 'messy, not linear' bereavement. Find out more CAFOD Candlelight Funds Young Christian Workers A new episode, a diffe…

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37:Let's give that Jesus a try again 32:26

11M ago32:26

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Send us a text Episode 37: Greg shares how his childhood love for Jesus has grown, 'gradually, slowly,' into a mission to share the Gospel with children and young people. He explains his journey from 'my heart was almost beating out of my chest' to being able to communicate his love for Jesus with confidence. Find out more: Mark 10 Mission Good She…

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36: Getting out of the boat 29:56

11M ago29:56

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Send us a text Episode 36: Sister Gabrielle tells how her extraordinary family history 'has really been the strong push for me in my own faith journey.' She explains the big, perhaps counter-intuitive, decisions she has made, led entirely by what she has felt the Lord is calling her to do. A new episode, a different conversation, every Wednesday! E…

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35: Don't be ashamed of being Catholic 30:27

11M ago30:27

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Send us a text Episode 35: Nigel explains something of his father's now-completed faith journey. From his own experience, he shares rich insights on justice, truth, Catholic social teaching, and 'reinserting Christianity into the public debate'. Find out more Catholic Union of Great Britain A new episode, a different conversation, every Wednesday! …

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34: To nurture what binds us together 21:24

11M ago21:24

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Send us a text Episode 34: Podcast host Theresa draws together some of the threads weaving through the conversations so far. What are the experiences and values that bind us together as Catholics? With excerpts from those conversations - and one or two new voices. A new episode, a different conversation, every Wednesday! Email me: theresa@KindsofCa…