Journeys Of Hope | A Pilgrim Center Of Hope Podcast

Join Mary Jane Fox as she guides us into a deeper understanding of St. Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus! In Scripture, Joseph is silent in words, but only in words. His response to God’s call for him to take Mary and Jesus to his care was an ultimate act of faith, hope, and charity!  During this episode, our Host will discuss Scripture references to everything we know about St. Joseph Apostolic Letter titled Guardian of the Redeemer (1989), written by St. Pope John Paul II Apostolic Letter titled Patris Corde (With A Father’s Heart) dedicated to St. Joseph, written by Pope Francis ... and much more!  Click here Spiritual Exercises and access links to  Apostolic Letters Guardian of the Redeemer, and Patris Corde (With A Father’s Heart) Jewel for the Journey "I wish I could persuade everyone to be devoted to the glorious St Joseph, for I have great experience of the blessings which he can obtain from God. I do not remember that I have ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant." - St.Teresa of Avi

Come on a journey with Angela Sealana to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA! To help guide us on our spiritual pilgrimage is the rector of the shrine, Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC. During this spiritual pilgrimage, we will: Address the question of God’s mercy; Does God really forgive me? Why do we often struggle with forgiveness and our relationship with God, and how can we embrace God’s mercy for us and for others? Hear the amazing story of how the message of God’s mercy was given to us in modern times through a very special diary, and the miraculous journey of how it made its way from Poland during World War II all the way to Massachusetts! Learn how the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy came to be established, what it’s like, and what pilgrims can experience there. For more information on the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, click here to visit their website. Jewel for the Journey: ABCs of Divine Mercy: Ask for Mercy, Be Merciful, and Completely trust in Jesus. Learn more at Pi

This week’s spiritual pilgrimage takes us to 140 Rue du Bac, in the heart of Paris, France. Join Mary Jane Fox, as she takes us on a new journey to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal!  In this very chapel, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830 and instructed Catherine to have a medal struck after the model image that was presented to her. It was called the Medal of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in the beginning. However, as medals were distributed and worn by Christians; many conversions and even miracles occurred! For these reasons, the Medal came to be called the Miraculous Medal. During our journey, you will hear about: Mary’s apparition in Paris and to whom she appeared The incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure How people have experienced miracles and graces related to the Miraculous Medal … much more! For a complimentary Miraculous Medal along with a pamphlet explaining its significance, call us at 210-521-3377. Featured Image: “The Protection of God is Always

Join Mary Jane Fox and Nan Balfour, as they guide us through a pilgrimage to the Holy Land unlike the ones of today; but like the ones, many faithful pilgrims took in the middle ages! Our journey will be with a woman who lived during the same time as St. Ignatius of Loyola. She was born in Italy in the late 15th century, and her name is Angela Merici. This woman, now a canonized saint, was an incredibly strong woman of faith and courage. St. Angela Merici is the founder of the Order of Nuns called the Ursulines and made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land as well. During our journey, you will: Learn about the life of St. Angela Merici Discover what the pilgrimage experience was like during St. Angela’s time. Gain some insight into discerning God’s Will through the example of St. Angela Merici … much more! Click here to see photos of St. Angela Merici and a map view of the Holy Land! Jewel for the Journey: "Do not lose heart, even if you should discover that you lack qualities necessary for the work to which you

Listen along with Angela Sealana as she leads you on an audio pilgrimage to the first church dedicated to St. Gerard Majella in the United States, located in San Antonio. Her family has had connections to this parish for generations. During our journey, you will: Enjoy an audio walk-through of the church building Hear about its unique story of founding, and over 100 years of history Learn about its namesake, Gerardo Maiella (Gerard Majella) …and much more! Click here to see photos and a map view of St. Gerard Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX!  Jewel for the Journey: “It is possible to live always in serenity, knowing well that in God’s plan lies our happiness and fulfillment.” – St. Gerard Majella Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join Mary Jane Fox as she spiritually travels to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Mother of all men and women. It is the first, the largest, and oldest Church dedicated to the Mother of God. During our journey, Mary Jane will discuss: Relic of the Manger. The Marian image, painted by St. Luke. Why Mary is called Mother of all Mankind. Much more! Click here to see photos, and a map view of St. Mary Major in Rome!  Jewel for the Journey: “In trial or difficulty, I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear.” – Saint Therese of Lisieux Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate Featured Image by User:Ethan Doyle White, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Journey with Deacon Tom & Mary Jane Fox as they travel to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris, also known as Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Located atop the hill of Montmartre – the Mount of Martyrs, the Basilica is a popular place of pilgrimage. During this episode you will also learn about: All aspects of the Romano-Byzantine-style Basilica The history of the Basilica’s perpetual Adoration of the Holy Eucharist since 1885 St. Denis, the first Bishop & Martyr of Paris Why today the Basilica remains a place of continuous spiritual life Click here to visit our website to view pictures and a map view of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris, Frace. Jewel for the Journey "Do not let the past disturb you, just leave everything in the Sacred Heart and begin again with joy." – St. Teresa of Calcutta Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Come on a journey with Angela Sealana and Jason Nunez as they spiritually travel to the Church of Saint Mary Major Assisi, Italy. Inside one of the oldest churches in Assisi, is the Shrine of the Stripping. This site recalls the incredible act of St. Frances renounced his patrimony, including his clothing, in the bishop’s residence in the presence of his father. This is also the final resting place of Bl. Carlo Acutis. He was only 15 years old when he passed in a hospital in Monza, Italy, in 2006, offering all his sufferings for the Church and for the Pope. During this program: Learn about the life of Bl. Carlo Acutis and the legacy he has left for the world. Discover the significance behind The Shrine of the Stripping and why Bl. Carlo’s tomb is located there. Take away some lessons of how Bl. Carlo lived his life. Much more! Click here to visit our website to view pictures of the tomb of Bl. Carlo Acutis, links to the 4 websites he created, quotes, and a map view of St. Mary Major in Assisi, Italy.  Jewe

Join Deacon Tom & Mary Jane Fox as they spiritually travel to Monte San Angelo, a city and comune in the province of Pescara, Abruzzo, Italy. This small city was made famous by an apparition of St. Michael the Archangel. His appearance has made this holy site a place of healing for pilgrims who travel from around the world. During our journey, our hosts will discuss: Basilica of St. Michael–the only one consecrated by a celestial being, St. Michael. Historical site in many ways –small groups would spend time on retreat here before sailing to the Holy Land during the Crusades. Why the prayer of St. Michael is so powerful. Consecration to St. Michael Click here to visit our website to access the St. Michael prayers mentioned in our episode, see photos and a map view of Monte San Angelo! Jewel for the Journey: “The battle against the Devil, which is the principal task of Saint Michael the Archangel, is still being fought today, because the Devil is still alive and active in the world.” – Pope John Paul II

Come on a journey with our Media Production Assistant, Jason Nunez, as we spiritually travel to San Giovanni Rotondo, located in southern Italy. San Giovanni Rotondo was the home of St. Pio of Pietrelcina from July 28, 1916, until his death on September 23, 1968. Mary Jane Fox will join Jason in the first part of our journey, to share her experiences to this sacred destination! The life of St. Pio of Pietrelcina will be the focus in the second half of this week’s audio pilgrimage. During this program, our hosts will discuss: What is the journey from the United States to San Giovanni Rotondo like? What kind of an experience can pilgrims expect to have? What does the Shrine of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy look like? How can Padre Pio help us on our daily pilgrimage of life? Much more! Click here to see photos and a map view of San Giovanni Rotondo. Jewel for the Journey: “The life and mission of Padre Pio prove that difficulties and sorrows, if accepted out of love, are transformed into a privile

Come along with Eddie Reyes and Debbie Garza, pilgrimage group leaders for Pilgrim Center of Hope to the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland! A pilgrimage destination for hundreds of years, this monastery dates back to the 14th century. Jasna Góra has become one of the most venerated sites in Catholicism, due in part to the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, which is a 14th-century icon credited with many miracles. During this program, our hosts will discuss: What will pilgrims see/experience at the monastery? What is the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa? Why is the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa so important to the Polish people and to Catholics all over the world? Much more! Click here to see photos and a map view of Jasna Góra Monastery. Jewel for the Journey: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Luke 1:46-47) Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Come on a journey with Angela Sealana as she guides us in an audio pilgrimage to the Church of St. Anne in Jerusalem, built over the Virgin Mary’s birthplace, the home of Mary’s parents Sts. Joachim and Anne. During our journey, we will: Learn about the history of this famous church and the City of Jerusalem itself Take you on a guided walk through the Church –what you would see, experience, and hear as a pilgrim Learn about the history of sacred music along with various samples, and will define some terms like Gregorian chant, Byzantine, etc. Much more! Click here to see photos, a video of Fr. Victor Shoemaker singing the Salve Regina, listen to audio clips of the sacred music used In this Program, and a map view of St. Anne Church. Jewel for the Journey: “There is the music of heaven in all things, but we have forgotten to hear it until we sing.” – St. Hildegard of Bingen Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox as they spiritually travel to Calvary in Jerusalem. This is the very site where Jesus, the Son of God was crucified and where he died. During our journey, we will hear about Calvary and discuss: What does it look like today and how do we know this is THE place? Why is Mary, the Mother of Jesus called Our Lady of Sorrows? After all, she is in Heaven! How is it that calling on Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows helps us in our daily lives? Much more! Click here to see photos and a map view of Calvary Jewel for the Journey:  “Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent.” – St. John of the Cross Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

This week’s virtual pilgrimage will take us to the incredible National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD! In the first segment, our Media Coordinator, Angela Sealana, will welcome Rob Judge, Executive Director of the National Shrine! They discuss what the Nation Shrine has to offer its community and all who visit. Mary Jane Fox & Eddie Reyes, a Pilgrim Center of Hope Staff Member and Pilgrimage Leader, will continue in our second segment, as we take a closer look at Mother Seaton, as she was often called. She is the first American-born citizen to be canonized. She also founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first community for religious women established in the United States! During our time together, our hosts will: Take a closer look at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Discuss what would a pilgrim anticipate seeing or experiencing in visiting the Shrine? Share more about the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Much More! Click here to see photos and a map vi

Come on a journey with our Media Production Assistant, Jason Nunez, as we spiritually travel to three pilgrimage destinations in Santa Fe, NM. Our itinerary includes visits to St. Anne’s Catholic Church, El Santuario de Chimayo (Chimayo Sanctuary), and The Loretto Chapel – home of the Miraculous Staircase. Each one of these holy sites offers its own unique charm and beauty! Catholicism is so beautiful! During our time together, your host will discuss: A brief history of New Mexico. What is Holy Dirt? What makes the staircase in The Loretto Chapel, miraculous? Much More! Click here to see photos and a map view of the pilgrim destinations discussed in this episode.  Jewel for the Journey: "For those with faith, no evidence is necessary; for those without it, no evidence will suffice." - St Thomas Aquinas Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox as they spiritually travel to the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, in Libertyville, IL in the Archdiocese of Chicago. It is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscan Friars of St.Bonaventure Province. In the first segment, Fr. Benedict La Volpe, OFM Conv., Rector and Guardian of the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe joins Mary Jane Fox for a wonderful conversation about all things, National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe!  During our time together, we will discuss Why is Marytown referred to as the “Third City of the Immaculate”? An audio walk through the National Shrine. The life of St. Maximilian Kolbe – Priest, publisher, evnagelist, and martyr. Much More! Click here to see photos and a map view of the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Jewel for the Journey: “No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it.” – St. Maximilian Kolbe Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys

Come on an audio pilgrimage with Mary Jane Fox to the Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel! The shrine of this American saint is located in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, PA. During our time together, we will learn: About the life of St. Katharine Drexel Her Religious Life and Canonization Take a closer look at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Much More! Click here to see a photo of St. Katharine Drexel, the closing prayer for this week's episode, and a map view of the Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel. Jewel for the Journey: “Holiness consists in one thing: to do God’s will, as He wills it, because He wills it.” – St. Katharine Drexel Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate Image of Tomb captured from Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine Facebook Page

This week’s spiritual pilgrimage, Angela Sealana will lead us on a journey to the Western Wall of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. During our spiritual pilgrimage, Angela will discuss: Take you on a guided walk around the Western Wall. We’ll hear about the history of the original Temple, and what it was like during the time of Jesus, And we’ll meet two people known for their association with the Temple, Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Click here to see photos and a map view of the Western Wall Jewel for the Journey: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Come along with Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox, as they guide you on an audio pilgrimage, to Tabgha, Galilee. This is the site of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Mark 6:30–46) and the fourth resurrection appearance of Jesus (John 21:1–24) after his crucifixion. During our time together, our hosts discuss the following: A brief history on the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes–also known as the church of the Multiplication. The Gospel passage of Mark 6:34-44 – The Feeding of the Five Thousand. What does this Gospel passage teach us? Much more! Click here to see photos and a map view of Tabgha Jewel for the Journey: “… we can beg for an increase of love in our hearts that will vitalize and transform all our individual actions, and know that God will take them and multiply them, as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes.”– Servant of God Dorothy Day Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join Mary Jane Fox as she unpacks the extraordinary life of St. Teresa of Avila, the first woman to be honored as a Doctor of the Church! Her life is one that will undoubtedly leave you amazed and inspired! Did you know the Child Jesus appeared to her in her convent? An angel from Heaven appeared to her and she experienced a miraculous healing? During this program, Mary Jane will also discuss: A brief history of Avila, Spain. Teresa’s quest to the land of Moors, to become a martyr at the age of years old, along with her brother. Her illness with Malaria. Much more! Click here to see photos and a map view of Avila, Spain. Jewel for the Journey: “Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.” – St. Teresa of Avila Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate