Journeys Of Hope | A Pilgrim Center Of Hope Podcast

Join Angela Sealana and Debbie Garza – a pilgrimage group leader for Pilgrim Center of Hope – as they virtually travel to some of the sites related to St. Anthony de Padua, the patron saint of San Antonio, known for his powerful preaching. During this program: Learn about the places of St. Anthony’s birth and spiritual formation. Discover how St. Anthony impacted the world through his ministry as a Franciscan. Talk about St. Anthony’s relevance for us today and our everyday spiritual journey. Jewel for the Journey:The spirit of humility is sweeter than honey, and those who nourish themselves with this honey produce sweet fruit.  – St. Anthony of Padua Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Welcome back as we continue our virtual pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy. Our Host, Mary Jane Fox introduces us to St. Clare and San Damiano. Did St. Clare come from humble beginnings? Was she friends with St. Francis? What is the significance of the San Damiano crucifix? We learn about this and much more! JEWELFORTHEJOURNEY Blessed be you O God for having created me! – St. Clare of Assisi Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join Mary Jane Fox for a virtual pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy. We will take a stroll through this ancient town of Assisi and finally visit the Basilica of St. Francis that contains the tomb of Francis and you will be introduced to St. Francis and learn how he encountered Christ, plus much more! Jewel for the Journey Blessed be you O God for having created me! St. Clare of Assisi Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

This week’s virtual pilgrimage with Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox takes us to the Mount of Beatitudes!  During our time together, our Hosts discuss the following: What does the inside of this beautiful church look like? What is symbolic about the area surrounding the church? What did Pope Francis mean when he said called the Beatitudes, the Christian ID Card? Much more! Jewel for the Journey “The Sermon on the Mount is addressed to the entire world, the entire present, and future and yet it demands discipleship and can be understood and lived out only by following Jesus and accompanying him on his journey.” – Excerpt from  Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI book,  Jesus of Nazareth Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Come on a journey with Mary Jane Fox to a sacred site in South Texas that attracts over a million pilgrims each year. Since 1954, Catholics in search of healing and other blessings have been drawn to this shrine with a beloved wooden statue of the Immaculate Conception. Join us as we explore the massive basilica, the life-size Stations of the Cross, and the history which has led many throughout Texas and Mexico to have a deep devotion to Our Lady of San Juan. Jewel for the Journey:Mater Immaculata, Ora pro nobis – Immaculate Mary, Pray for us.— on a banner held by two angels above the statue of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Come on a virtual pilgrimage with Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox to the River Jordan!  We have chosen this destination because it is the site where Jesus, the Son of God was baptized by John as we read in the Gospels of Matthew (3:13-17), Mark (1:9-11), and Luke (3:21-22).    During this Journey of Hope, you will discover the following:  The significance of this River which has the lowest elevation of any river in the world and where it flows.   Why is this River so important and visited by people from all over the world?  What insights from this place will help us in our daily lives?    Plus we will incorporate the virtue of Hope and how this virtue can lead us to live without fear.  Jewel for the Journey There is no place for selfishness and no place for fear! Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice. – St. John Paul II Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

This week Mary Jane Fox will take us on a virtual pilgrimage to Lourdes, in Western France. Visit the site where Mary, the Mother of God, revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception to St. Bernadette. Meet the young visionary, Bernadette Soubirous, and be transported to her home, to the Grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to her, and to the healing baths that the Lady revealed to Bernadette. Prayer to Our Lady of LourdesOh, ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request. I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and

This week Deacon Tom & Mary Jane Fox will take a virtual pilgrimage to Milk Grotto, not far from the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square in Bethlehem. Officially called Magharet Sitti Mariam or the Grotto of the Lady Mary, tradition holds that the Holy Family took refuge in this grotto (hollowed out of limestone) on their way to Egypt as they were fleeing the Slaughter of the Innocents. It is believed that while nursing the infant Jesus a few drops of Mary’s milk fell upon the yellowish-brown stone and turned it to white. During this program, you will learn more about this sacred destination and why it is frequented by new mothers and women who are trying to conceive. Jewel for the Journey: Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect, and enlighten families.   — St. Pope John Paul II Guardian of the Redeemer - St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation on St. Joseph Learn more at Pilgrim Center Of Hope Help us spread

Join Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox for a virtual pilgrimage to the most sacred spot in the world, the site where Jesus was born. Meditate on this holy place as you pass through bronze gates to the spot, marked by a silver star, where the Savior was born. During this program, Deacon Tom and Mary Jane will also guide us through: The Door of Humility. The Chapel of the Manger. The Altar of the Three Kings. Much More! Jewel For The Journey We desire to be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas time, not in a cold manger of our heart, but in a heart full of love and humility, in a heart so pure, so immaculate, so warm with love for one another. – St. Mother Teresa Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox for a virtual pilgrimage to the Holy Land, specifically to an open area outside of Bethlehem referred to Shepherd’s Field. This open area was where the Angel appeared to the Shepherds that Holy Night when Christ was born! During this program, with Deacon Tom and Mary Jane as our guides, we will: Make note of some very interesting historical facts. Discover the Chapel built in honor of the Shepherds. Learn more about the shepherds at the time of Jesus. Much more! Jewel for the Journey “The closer we are to the Good Shepherd, the safer we are from those who want to destroy our faith.” – A friend of Pilgrim Center of Hope.

Take a spiritual journey with us ‘Down Under’ to historic St. Mary’s Cathedral of Sydney, Australia. Located near the city’s beautiful Hyde Park, this grand church—rich in symbolism and spirituality—is where Pope Benedict XVI began the Stations of the Cross during World Youth Day 2008. Angela Sealana was there, just a few yards from the pope. Join us to hear about that experience, plus… Learn about the Catholic and Australian symbols in the cathedral’s art & architecture Gain encouragement from the courageous story of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, who lived in Sydney Find hope & strength for your own daily life Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys  Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join Mary Jane Fox for a virtual pilgrimage to Immaculate Conception Shrine located in Washington D.C. The United States has long been considered the great melting pot, where people from many diverse lands have come to dwell. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is proud to reflect this rich heritage of America. During this program, Mary Jane will help us learn more about: The first Mass celebrated during its construction. The Basilica’s beautiful architecture, chapel, oratories, and Sacred Art. Which Saints have visited this National Treasure? JEWEL FOR THE JOURNEY – Saint Mother Teresa “Pray especially to Our Blessed Mother Mary, placing all your intentions into her hands. For she loves you as she loves her Son. She will guide you in all your relationships so that peace may fill your life.” Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys  Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join Mary Jane Fox for a virtual pilgrimage to the summit of Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus (celebrated on August 6). During this program you will learn more about: What occurred on Mt. Tabor Why our Lord choose this mountain to be Transfigured The Church of the Transfiguration A young man on pilgrimage from Cana experiences a miracle Jewel for the Journey: From a woman, who is a Palestinian Catholic living in the Galilee Region – her name is Rabab:    Being here enables us to understand that we need to detach ourselves from material things, to look to heaven, as earthly things often separate us from Jesus. It is no coincidence that Jesus choose this mountain for His Transfiguration.  “Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys"  “Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate" 

Take a spiritual journey with us to Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Parish) in Mexico City, Mexico, which holds the Shrine of Fr. Miguel Augustin Pro. This Jesuit martyr’s famous photograph shook Mexico; his arms outstretched for his execution by firing squad as he shouted, Viva Cristo Rey (Long Live Christ the King)! There is much more to this holy priest’s story that will inspire you; a comedian, musician, and creative Jesuit who suffered from physical and emotional trials, yet persevered to his heroic death into eternal life. Hear about the shrine, including relics of Miguel Pro found there Discover relatable & inspiring stories from Miguel Pro’s life Find hope & strength for your own daily life Cover Art Photo courtesy of Fr. Lawrence Lew, OP. Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Inspired by the words of St. Peter’s first letter in the New Testament (cf. 1 Peter 2: 4-5). This passage refers to the “living stones,” those whose ancestors have passed on the Catholic faith to them, and who are living witnesses to Jesus Christ. Join Angela Sealana as she interviews Holy Land pilgrim, Marjorie McClellan, a Living Stone, for a visit to the sacred site of Mt. Carmel located in the Haifa District of Israel. Many significant moments in the life of the Old Testament prophet Elijah took place here. Mt Carmel is also home to the 19th century Stella Maris Monastery, the world headquarters of the Carmelite religious order. Jewel for the Journey: Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you.All things are passing. God never changes.Patient endurance obtains all things.Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.– St. Teresa of Avila Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox as they lead you on a journey to visit what is the oldest ancient city on earth, dating back to 9,000 BC. Jericho was the first city the Israelites conquered. It is located not far from Our Lord was baptized in the Jordan River, and as a result of several natural springs is an oasis in a very arid region of the Jordan Valley. During this program you will discover more about: Christian pilgrimage sites located here the time Jesus spent in Jericho as mentioned in Scripture what we can learn from the Gospel accounts of Zacchaeus and Bartimaeus – both encountered Jesus in Jericho Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

How can we make our next trip to a cemetery a journey of hope? Join Deacon Tom & Mary Jane Fox for this encouraging & enlightening conversation on this truest sense of “journey of hope.” What happens during a Catholic burial? When visiting the grave sites of loved ones, what is good for my family & I do? What is the purpose & origin of All Souls Day? How can we have hope today amidst so much suffering & loss? Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Come on a journey with us to this town on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, which was at the center of Our Lord’s public ministry. This fishing port and market for merchants was also where St. Peter lived. It was the town where Jesus invited Matthew the tax collector; “Follow me.” Experience this bustling village where a number of the apostles lived, where Jesus announced the Holy Eucharist, and where he healed and taught. We will take you to Peter’s house, travel down the Via Maris, and go to the synagogue where Jesus went on the Sabbath day. Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us continue to spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Join us as we take a spiritual pilgrimage to Cana in the Galilee region of the Holy Land. We will visit the Wedding Church built over the site of the famous Wedding Feast attended by Jesus, his Mother, and his apostles; where the changing of water into wine took place. During this program, also discover: the significance of the Wedding at Cana what it’s like to travel as a pilgrim to Cana spiritual insights for our daily lives from Jesus’ first miracle Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us keep spreading hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Come on a journey to the medieval city of Avila! The entire Old Town of Avila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For pilgrims, the city of Avila is important because of its association with great mystic & reformer St. Teresa, a 16th century Carmelite nun; the first woman to be honored as a Doctor of the Church. Explore Convento de Santa Teresa, containing her relics, and Monasterio de la Encarnacion where she lived. Learn about this fascinating saint who reformed the Carmelites alongside St. John of the Cross Receive precious spiritual insights you can learn for your daily life from St. Teresa’s practical wisdom. Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org Help us continue! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate