My Friend the Friar
A podcast where we learn about our faith and share what it takes to live a Catholic Christian life through conversations and contemplations with my friend the friar, a Discalced Carmelite Priest.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 44 minutes
- Episodes
- 105
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
The Eschatological Heartbeat of Advent
In this episode, John and Father Stephen uncover the profound anticipation of the Nativity and the second coming of Christ. Feel the pulse of ancient traditions come alive in our presen…
Prayer: Building a Relationship with God Beyond Words
In this episode, Fr. Stephen, John, and Bertha finish their exploration of prayer through the fourth pillar Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode isn't about merely reciting pr…
Unraveling Christian Prayer: Understanding its Role and Purpose in Christian Life
In this review of the final pillar of the Catechism, Fr. Stephen and John paint a picture of the transformative power of prayer, revealing how it feeds our faith in Christ's mercy and h…
Advent Bonus Episode: Anticipation and Action
Are you prepared for the Second Coming? As Advent approaches, let's embark on a deeply spiritual journey, reflecting on this season divided into two significant parts. The first stage, …
Understanding Synods and Synodality: Importance of Dialogue and Seeking Truth in the Catholic Church
In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen navigate through the intricate world of synods and synodality, focusing on the need to seek understanding and truth over the desire to be "right". …
Exploring the Synodal Gatherings
Curious about the roots of synods and the role of the church's teaching office? Prepare to journey back in time with John and Fr. Stephen Sanchez. Through a fascinating exploration of t…
Relationship is at the Core of Religion
After several weeks of travel and recovering from fall allergy induced sickness, John and Father Stephen delve into the reality of how ritual and religion point to something greater: ou…
God's Will, Mary's Role, and Our Spiritual Growth with Chris Colleps
Journey with us on a profound spiritual exploration, as my dear friend Chris and I weave through an intricate web of faith, truth and understanding. The twists and turns of Chris's spir…
Exploring Virtue and Sin: A Journey towards Self-Awareness and Grace
In this episode, John contemplates sin, virtue, and the role of self-awareness has in our ability to cooperate with God's grace. This episode is not just about introspection; it's about…
Passing on the Faith: A Dialogue on Community, Relationship, and Personal Growth
In this episode, John invites his daughter into a short conversation about her personal experiences with faith and the Church. She brings a fresh perspective to the table, discussing ho…
Anniversary Episode! Contemplations on Faith, Culture, and Community
In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen celebrate the first anniversary of 'My Friend the Friar' in one of the libraries at the Mount Carmel Center monastery in Dallas, Texas. Their chat …
Exploring 'Life in Christ': A Deep Dive into the Third Pillar of the Catechism
In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen journey into the heart of the third pillar of the Catechism, 'Life in Christ', a compelling exploration of our conduct, decisions, and spiritual gr…
Foundations of Christianity: Tradition, The Magisterium, and Papal Infallibility
In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John continue to unpack tradition in the framework of the Second Vatican Council's affirmation of Papal Infallibility and Tradition - key doctrines that…
The Significance of Tradition: Understanding and Preserving the Apostolic Faith
In this episode, John and Father Stephen take us on a captivating journey into the depths of tradition in response to a listener's question. Ever wondered about the importance of tradit…
The Human Person: Body and Soul
In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen turn their attention to the Catholic view of the human person as a unified entity of body and soul. They unravel teachings from the Catechism, the …
Discovering the True Essence of Discipleship
In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen Sanchez dissect evangelization, guided by the Apostolicam Actuositatem, the conciliar decree of the Second Vatican Council. They stress that evange…
Understanding Our Christian Vocation and the Call to Action
What if the true depth of your Christian faith journey lies in understanding the very essence of your being - the supernatural part of your human nature? In this episode, Fr. Stephen an…
Evangelization and the Role of Laity
In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John discuss discipleship and the lay person's role in evangelization. They discuss how to authentically represent Christ, focusing on building relation…
Decoding Truth and Prophecy
In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen set the philosophical foundations of truth as viewed by Plato, Aristotle, and early Christianity. They then journey through the immaterial world of…
Understanding the Book of Revelation
In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John unearth the secrets of the Book of Revelation as they navigate its historical context and rich symbolism. They go back to the time of Emperor Domit…