Veil + Armour: Exploring Holiness in Catholic Motherhood, Family and Everyday Life

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It's a week before the much anticipated U.S. election!
Do you feel anxious about the election? What's a Catholic response to the anxiety, worry and divisiveness of politics today?
Hozana App is suggesting we turn to our Catholic faith and the Holy Rosary!
In Episode 11: The Rosary - A Catholic Response to the Paris Olympics with Veil + Armour, Cassandre Verhelst, the head of the English Division of the international app said, "An isolated Christian is a Christian in danger."
Let's hear Joseph and Sheila's conversation with Cassandre, who is in Paris, France. They dove into the transformative power of prayer and how, in times of anxiety like an election period, the collective strength of community prayer becomes a beacon of hope. Cassandre shared her unique insights into an inspiring Rosary Chalelnge that aims to unite 50,000 individuals worldwide in prayer, and how tools like the Hozana and Rosario apps are facilitating these global connections of prayer in the digital age.
Our discussion also found its way into the personal realm, as Cassandre shared about her own faith journey. After joining Catechism classes and youth group in the U.S. and in France, she drew closer to the Church, and it was a time where the nurturing community and catechism classes played a crucial role. We also explored the significance of the Rosary, likening its repetitive nature to meditative practices that ground us amidst chaos. Together, we highlighted the importance of introducing this spiritual tool to the younger generation, fostering a deeper connection to faith through innovative methods.
Lastly, we journeyed to Lourdes, a sacred site of pilgrimage that holds special meaning for many Catholics. We marveled at the modern legacy of Blessed Carlo Acutis and celebrated the enduring inspiration offered by saints, both past and present. From experiencing the healing waters of Lourdes to witnessing communal acts of faith, these stories resonate with the ongoing impact of spirituality in our lives. As we wrapped up the episode, we extended an invitation to join the Rosary Challenge and connect with our vibrant community, encouraging listeners to share the blessings of prayer and unity.
How to Participate in the Rosary Mission to Pray for America:
Open or download the Rosario app by clicking here.
Select "New group" and then "I have an invitation code."
Enter the code: PRAYFORAMERICA to join this prayer week.
The Hozana Christian Prayer App and the Rosario App can be found at: https://www.hozana.org
or as an app in the App Store
To Connect with Veil + Armour:
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Email: [email protected]
https://sheilanonato.com
https://veilandarmour.com
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https://www.x.com/@sheilanonato
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The Catholic Feminine Genius vs. Radical Feminism: An In-Depth Discussion with Sister Helena Raphael Burns, fsp

Join us on the Veil and Armour podcast for an enlightening conversation with Sister Helena Raphael Burns, a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, who is well-known for her media ministry.
We are talking about the "F' word this week: Feminism!
In this episode, Sister Helena Burns fsp focuses on God's divine design for humanity, and discusses her journey from Radical Feminism to embracing the Feminine Genius. She deep dives into what Radical Feminism entails, its implications on society, and contrasts it with the Catholic Church's perspective of the Feminine Genius, coined by the late Great Saint John Paul II. Learn about her insights on Theology of the Body, the differences between men and women, and how these differences reflect God's creation. Sister Helena also shares personal stories, scientific facts, and theological insights that helped her debunk radical feminist views and to find peace in her feminine identity in Jesus Christ.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:22 Opening Prayer

01:49 Sister Helena's Background and Work

03:25 Defining Radical Feminism
03:41 Damage from Radical Feminism
4:04 What is feminism?
4:49 Radical Feminism
5:11 Our souls and bodies are gendered
6:02 Spiritual mothers and fathers
6:09 The fallacy of Radical Feminism
6:28 The brain: male vs. female
6:45 Transgendersim

07:02 Impact of Radical Feminism

8:18 Radical Feminism and Resentment
10:17 Women's power, authority and gifts
10:24 Getting out of Radical Feminism
10:52 Gender roles
11:48 Theology of the Body
12:18 Design of the Body
12:59 Personal Journey into Radical Feminism
13:04 Background in Radical Feminism
13:54 Are women oppressed?
15:04 Do radical feminists hate men?
15:26 Focus on self
15:45 "Women can have it all"
15:57 Social Media and its impact on women
16:48 The allure of Radical Feminism in Sr. Helena Burns' younger years

16:55 Cultural Influences and Media
17:19 Terrible message to women
16:55 Sr Helena Burns' causes

25:31 The Feminine Genius

27:22 Masculinity and Femininity

32:22 Understanding Gender and Biology

33:19 Philosophical Insights on Identity
35:29 Is there an ideal "masculine" and "feminine"?

36:56 The Feminine Genius According to John Paul II

37:42 Scientific Backing for Gender Differences

39:36 Men and Women: Different Yet Complementary

46:21 Transcendence and Immanence: Imaging God

48:03 The Beauty of Biological Differences

54:17 Celebrating the Unique Design of Men and Women

58:13 Conclusion
To connect with Sr. Helena, please visit: http://www.hellburns.com
@SrHelenaBurns on X/Twitter and @SrHelenaBurnsfsp on YouTube

Connect with Sheila:
- Instagram
- X / Twitter
- Website

https://veilandarmour.com
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Izabela Ciesinska, celebrated author and illustrator, takes us on an inspiring journey from her childhood in Communist Poland to her flourishing creative career in Canada, all framed by her profound return to the Catholic faith. We unpack the heartfelt inspiration behind her debut children's book, "The Little Donkey and God's Big Plan," where a single Biblical passage sparked deep reflections on God-inspired purpose and self-discovery. Isabella also delves into her love for European fairy tales, revealing how their moral clarity and enchanting illustrations have shaped her unique artistic style.
Through a Christian artist's lens, Izabela gives her impressions on the controversy surrounding the Olympics' Opening Ceremonies, critically looking at the alignment with beauty, truth, and goodness. Izabela underscores the importance of anchoring art and ambition in service to God and society.
In a beautiful testimony to the transformative power of faith and art, Izabela shares her personal journey back to Christianity. A road trip through Arizona's majestic landscapes reignited her belief in a creator, leading to a spiritual rebirth and a deepened commitment to Catholicism. Her renewed faith not only inspired her children's book but also fueled her passion for introducing beauty and art to children, advocating for creating meaningful experiences at home. We close with reflections on the community's vital role in nurturing spiritual growth.
Connect with Izabela:
-X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/@IZZYpics
-Website: https://www.izzipics.com/
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@izzipix
Connect with Sheila:
- Instagram
- X / Twitter
-Email: [email protected]
- Website
https://veilandarmour.com
https://veilandarmour.buzzsprout.com
https://www.sheilanonato.com
Please let us know how you liked this episode, and our podcast overall. Do you have a favourite episode? Did something that Izabela or a previous guest said that has resonated with you? Please share with us at [email protected] We will read reader comments on a future podcast!
Please pray for our show, that means a lot to us! If you find value in it and believe it warrants a five-star review, please kindly take 30 seconds now and rate our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to our show. Thank you very much and God bless!

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Episode 12: Fr. Rob Galea's Journey to Jesus + the PriesthoodPart One: "When We Fall, God Rises"

This episode is a must-listen for parents and anyone seeking inspiration and hope. Father Rob Galea's journey from addiction to priesthood, his encounter with Jesus, and his mission to evangelize through music and ministry offer valuable insights into the transformative power of faith. Whether you're a parent seeking guidance in supporting your child's vocation or someone looking for inspiration in your own faith journey, this episode has something for everyone.
In this week's episode, Veil + Armour host Sheila Nonato interviews Father Rob Galea, who shares his journey from a troubled teenager to becoming a Roman Catholic priest in Australia and an impactful Christian musician.
Fr. Galea is an internationally-renowned singer-songwriter and former X Factor contestant. He is the founder of ICON Ministry which reaches more than two million youth around the world. Fr. Galea talks about the difficulties he faced as a teen, including addiction and violence, and how he found hope and healing through his relationship with Jesus.
Fr. Galea emphasizes the importance of prayer and having a personal relationship with Jesus in everyday life. He also discusses the role his parents played in turning his life around and his journey towards the priesthood. Fr. Galea encourages parents to foster a culture that embraces religious vocations and to help their children discern their true calling and vocation.
Fr. Galea's autobiography is "Breathrough: A Journey from Desperation to Hope." (Ave Maria Press: 2018)
For more info on his ministry, please visit https://frrobgalea.com
@frrobgalea on social media: YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook, Spotify
@iconministry
This interview was recorded on June 21, 2024.
To parents, if you notice signs of mental illness, mental distress or suicidal ideation, please seek immediate medical and professional help for your child.
Please seek advice and help from your doctor and local health professional in your area.
In Canada, Kids Help Phone is available: Text 686868 (free and across Canada, based upon information found online on Aug. 9, 2024)
www.kidshelpphone.ca
As of Aug. 9, 2024, YouTube recommends this link of resources:
https://findahelpline.com/
Thank you to our faithful listeners in Canada, the U.S., Guam and Mexico!

Keywords

Fr. Rob Galea, journey, troubled teenager, priest, musician, addiction, violence, hope, healing, relationship with Jesus, prayer, personal relationship, parents, mother, support, prayers, vocation, discernment, culture, religious vocations, calling

Takeaways

• Fr. Rob Galea's journey from a troubled teenager to becoming a priest and musician is a testament to the transformative power of a personal relationship with Jesus.
• Prayer is essential in maintaining a relationship with Jesus, and it can be incorporated into everyday activities such as driving, exercising, and even daily chores.
• Parents play a crucial role in fostering a culture that embraces religious vocations by encouraging their children to consider priesthood or religious life, and providing them with role models and opportunities for discernment.
• True fulfillment comes from responding to one's vocation, whether it be priesthood, religious life, or marriage, and settling for anything less can lead to a lack of fulfillment.
• Having a support system, like Fr. Galea's parents, who prayed for him and believed in his vocation, can make a significant impact on a person's journey.

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How to become like saints through virtue, patience and resilience with Jacqueline Clovis, Founder of Determined to Achieve
Can virtues like generosity and forgiveness truly transform your mental health and personal development? Join us as we welcome Jacqueline Clovis, a Catholic mindset coach and CEO of Determined to Achieve, who offers a refreshing perspective on merging psychology with the Catholic faith. Jacqueline takes inspiration from Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" and elaborates on the significance of purpose and character education in schools. We dive deeply into practical tips for parents aiming to instill and model virtues, providing a roadmap to help children grow into future leaders and saints.
Curious about how to make virtues engaging for children? Jacqueline shares innovative methods, like a game designed to teach kids about virtues and faith in a fun, interactive way called the "Journey to Jesus" board game. We also discuss the delicate balance between reward and intrinsic motivation, helping children appreciate the value of their actions beyond immediate gratification. The episode underscores the importance of emotional regulation and resilience, with Jacqueline providing insights on how virtues like discipline and temperance can lead to personal success and long-term achievements.
Parenting isn't just about guiding children through their growth; it's about modeling the behaviour you wish to see. In this episode, we highlight the significance of parents' actions and consistency, especially during summer when family interaction is high (the interview was recorded on July 8, 2024). Jacqueline offers practical advice on how to incorporate virtues into daily activities like chores and family tasks, fostering a loving environment where virtues can naturally thrive. We cap off the episode with a look at how small, everyday sacrifices can serve as powerful lessons in Christian virtue, setting the stage for our next discussion with Sister Helela Burns on the Feminine Genius and parenthood. Tune in for an enriching conversation that blends faith, psychology, and practical parenting.
Connect with Jacqueline Clovis:
https://www.instagram.com/@determinedtothrive_
https://determinedtoachieve.co.uk
Connect with Sheila:
- Instagram
- X / Twitter
- Website
https://veilandarmour.com
Email: [email protected]
Thank you to our listeners from Australia, Belarus, Canada, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guam, Hawaii, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, North Macedonia, South Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom, the United States. We sincerely appreciate each and everyone of you! If you like our show, please feel free to give us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever. you listen to our podcast! Please feel free to comment on YouTube, share, like and subscribe! This is how our show will grow to reach more Catholic mothers and families who can benefit from our message of hope and empowerment through the Feminine Genius and courageous Christianity. Thank you and God bless!

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