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Better Days BroDcastS4E1 Captain of the Ship | Pandemic and Tourism | First Anniversary EpisodeToday, I celebrate the first anniversary of this podcast called Better Days BroDcast. My first podcast was entitled: When Prayerful Silence Sets the Day and it was published last July 16, 2020. I would like to thank you for your continued support and invite you to keep on listening to this podcast. I welcome you if you are new to this podcast. And yes, happy anniversary to us!
This podcast episode is in collaboration with my godchild (sacrament of confirmation) Mika Cruz. Mika is a musician/ artist; audio engineer and entrepreneur at Soundchick Productions (Podcasting Solutions) where she...2021-07-2408 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e63) Saint Anthony of PaduaAnthony of Padua was born of noble parents in Lisbon, Portugal, and entered the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine in that city at the age of 15. During the eight years that Anthony spent, in the more secluded monastery at Coimbra, which was a renowned center for biblical studies, he became a profound scholar. One biographer notes the irony in his popularity today, as a meek and sweet patron of petitions, to recover lost articles, which disguises his life as a remarkable scholar, a powerful preacher, and a worker of extraordinary miracles. (MTR) Photo by Louise Hill on Unsplash 2021-06-1204 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e62) Saint Philip NeriPhilip Neri was born in Florence, and from boyhood was noted for his combination of goodness and joy. At first, he led a quiet life of prayer, study, and penance. Philip is best known for founding the Congregation of the Oratory, which grew out of his use of a room for prayer, and for jovial entertainment of the young people of Rome. Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash2021-05-2505 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e61) Saint BernardineBernardine was born of the noble Sienese family Albizeschi at Massa Marittima, where his father was governor. Orphaned at the age of six, he was raised by aunts. At school in Siena, he was outstanding for his intelligence, his goodness, and his popularity. At the age of 17, he began a life of service to the poor, and quiet spirituality. Four years later, he joined the Franciscans, and became active in the reform group of the Order. Ordained in 1404, he led a hidden life for 12 years, and then began a career of itinerant preaching. (MTR) Photo by Pavel Nekoranec on...2021-05-1905 min
Better Days BroDcastSaint Philip and Saint JamesDe La Salle considers that the Apostle James, son of Alpheus, is the same James who was the first bishop of Jerusalem, martyred in 62 A.D., and the author of the Epistle. Some scholars however, hold that the Apostle bishop, and the author of the Epistle are two different people, but there is no confusion about Philip, as one of the first Apostles called by Jesus. The feast of these two Apostles was transferred to May 3 by Pope Pius XII in 1956, to allow for the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1. The feast of the other Apostle...2021-05-0204 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e59) Saint AthanasiusAthanasius was born in Alexandria and received an excellent education in the classics and in the Scriptures. He was very influential in opposing the heresy of Arius at the Council of Nicea. Later, as Patriarch of Alexandria, he continued his staunch defense of the true faith and endured exile three times. He wrote the Life of Saint Anthony, which had a great influence on the development and spread of monasticism. He is a Doctor of the Church. (MTR) Photo by Robert Nyman on Unsplash2021-05-0205 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR9(e58) Saint CatherineCatherine was born in Siena, the daughter of a wealthy wool dyer, Giacomo Benincasa. In adolescence, she was drawn to prayer and solitude, and became a problem for her mother, by resisting any suggestion either of marriage or of becoming a nun. A compromise was reached when she joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic at the age of 16. Catherine convinced Pope Gregory XI to leave Avignon in 1376, and to return the papacy to Rome. She lived only 33 years, but her influence was exceptional. Her writings, including over 400 letters, earned for her from Pope Paul VI in 1970, the title...2021-04-2805 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e57) - Saint AnselmSaint Anselm was born at Aosta in Piedmont. After a period of neglect of religion, he entered the Benedictine Order at the monastery of Bec, in Normandy, the center of the monastic revival in that part of France. He is a Doctor of the Church because of his writings in philosophy and theology, and because of his spirituality, which focuses on the sufferings of Christ. No doubt this orientation, which affected subsequent Cistercian spirituality, was reflected in the gentle and compassionate nature of Anselm, which De La Salle mentions in this meditation. (MTR) Photo by Scott Rodgerson on Unsplash2021-04-2006 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e56) The Annunciation of the LordThe date of this feast was determined by the relation, between the feast of Christmas, and the visit of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, a period of nine months. From its inception, this feast was the celebration of the Incarnation of Christ, rather than the honor of the Most Blessed Virgin. This explains in part why Dela Salle focuses in his meditation more on the mystery of the Incarnation than on Mary. (MTR) Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash2021-03-2405 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e55) Saint JosephDe La Salle had a special love for Saint Joseph, developed undoubtedly as part of his training in the seminary of Saint Sulpice. Photo by Manuel Asturias on Unsplash2021-03-1806 min
Better Days BroDcastChair of Saint PeterIt is significant that De La Salle wrote this meditation, during the time when the Pope’s authority was being seriously challenged, over the issue of Jansenism, especially in France. The firm support of the Pope, illustrated by this meditation, is one of the chief characteristics of De La Salle’s teaching to the Brothers, and through them, to the students in the Christian Schools. (MTR) Photo by Briana Tozour on Unsplash2021-02-2106 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e53) Presentation of the LordToday this feast is referred to, as the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which was the original focus of the celebration. As such, De La Salle’s meditation corresponds well in the second and third points. The day has also been called Candlemas Day from the time of the tenth century, because this was the day when candles were blessed and carried in procession, possibly a devotional practice based on Simeon’s words in the Gospel, that Jesus is the light that reveals God to all nations. (MTR) Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash2021-02-0104 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e52) Saint Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas was born in the castle of Rocca Secca, near Naples. He began his education at the nearby abbey of Monte Casino, and later attended the University of Naples. His Summa Theologica, published after his death, along with his other writings in 17 volumes, earned him the title of Doctor of the Church in 1567. Pope Leo XIII declared him the patron of all Catholic schools. He died on March 7, but his feast is now celebrated on January 28, the day his body was transferred to Toulouse in 1369. (MTR) Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash2021-01-2705 min
Better Days BroDcastS1E8: The "Show Up" Must Go OnA message for the Catholic Teachers Day / Lasallian Mentors Day: Who will be there for the students when they go online or go back to school?
Photo by Joel Fulgencio on Unsplash2021-01-2602 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e51) The Conversion of Saint PaulOriginally, this feast was a celebration of the transfer of the body of the Apostle Paul from the Appian Way, to the Ostian Way or, more likely, the transfer of a relic of the Apostle, to some church in Gaul around the tenth century, when the feast was first celebrated. Apparently the notion of the change from one place to another became the idea of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. From the beginning, this celebration has been near the feast of Saint Peter’s Chair in Rome, a fact that is not without significance. (MTR) Photo by J...2021-01-2404 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e50) Saint Francis de SalesFrancis de Sales was born of a noble family at Annecy, in Savoy, France. While studying in Paris at the Jesuit College of Clermont, he made a vow of chastity. He studied law at the University of Padua from 1586 to 1591, earning a Doctor’s degree. Overcoming his father’s opposition, he became a priest in 1593, and six years later was appointed coadjutor to the bishop of Geneva. In due course, he became bishop of Geneva. He was highly regarded for his wisdom and kindness. (MTR) Photo by Alex Pasarelu on Unsplash2021-01-2304 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e49) Saint Anthony - AbbotSaint Anthony is called the father of monasticism. The story of his life, written by his contemporary and friend, Saint Athanasius, is considered to be the first formal biography of a monk. (MTR) Photo by Connor Jalbert on Unsplash
2021-01-1605 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e48) Adoration of the KingsThis feast, now generally celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8, is known as the Epiphany because it originated in the Greek-speaking Near East, where the word means a showing or a manifestation. It is the feast of the manifestation to the world at large, in the person of the three Wise Men, of the majesty and the divinity of the newborn Savior. (MTR) Photo by Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash2021-01-0207 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e47) The Holy InnocentsOriginally, this feast had a penitential character, as if in mourning for the massacre of the children. Perhaps this is why De La Salle stresses self-denial and mortification in his meditation. The feast dates back at least to the fifth century. (MTR). Photo by Fallon Michael on Unsplash2020-12-2705 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR9(e46) Saint John the EvangelistAlthough this meditation does not allude to the apostolic work of the Brothers, there is a relationship with the Brothers’ spirit of zeal in the meditation’s focus on love for Jesus. This meditation might be considered as a companion to the previous one on Saint Stephen, which focuses on the spirit of faith, for zeal is the second element of the spirit of the Institute. This feast is of very early origin in the Church. Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash2020-12-2605 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e45) Saint StephenDe La Salle presents Saint Stephen to the Brothers as a model of the spirit of faith, which they had chosen under his guidance as the spirit of their Institute, not only for their own life but also as the purpose of their work with their students. This feast is of very early origin in the Church, at least as early as the fourth century. Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash2020-12-2505 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e44) The Nativity of Jesus ChristJust as the previous meditation reflects the basic Christological orientation of De La Salle’s spirituality, this meditation for Christmas, stresses the ascetical response to this Christology namely, the acceptance of poverty, and lowliness in imitation of the kenosis of Christ. However, De La Salle is careful to show the Brothers, how this spirit is wholly relevant to their educational work. Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash2020-12-2405 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e43) Vigil of the Nativity of Jesus ChristThe 1718 Rule of the Brothers states that on this vigil, at 10:30 p.m., the Brothers go to the oratory, where a subject of meditation is read, and afterward go to the church, to be there for the beginning of Matins. They make their prayer there until the time for Mass, at which they receive Holy Communion. No doubt De La Salle wrote this meditation for that occasion. It is a good example of the Christ-centric character of Lasallian spirituality. The mystery of the Incarnation is key to the prayer of De La Salle. Photo by Dan Kiefer on Unsplash2020-12-2304 min
Better Days BroDcastS4e3 Thursdays with Mitch & Broden (TM&B)Mitch and Broden share the results of their informal survey on: "What's the first thing you will do when the pandemic is over?" Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash2020-12-0909 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e42) Immaculate Conception of MaryThis feast was first celebrated in the Eastern Church, and was only gradually introduced into Europe during the ninth century. It was promoted by the Franciscans in the thirteenth century, and the Franciscan Pope Sixtus IV introduced it in Rome in 1477. Because Pope Clement XI extended it to the universal Church in 1708, it received a special impetus toward the end of De La Salle’s life. This might have promoted a special devotion among the first Brothers, and influenced this meditation by Dela Salle.
According to later regulations of the community of Saint Yon, this feast is ke...2020-12-0705 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR9(e41) Saint AmbroseAmbrose was born in Treves Germany. His father was governor of the Gauls, and a member of the Roman aristocracy. Ambrose was educated in Rome, and became a provincial governor with headquarters in Milan. While presiding at the election of the bishop of Milan, he was nominated by acclamation, even though he was not yet a Christian, although his family was. He was forthwith baptized, ordained a priest, and consecrated a bishop. He took his assignment seriously, prayed, studied, and became a great pastoral bishop, without losing his sense of the dignity and power of his office. His preaching...2020-12-0600 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR9(e40) Saint NicholasSaint Nicholas, bishop of Myra Asia Minor, is known largely from legends and popular devotion, as the patron of sailors in the East and of children in the West. When the Saracens took possession of Myra, his relics were brought to Bari Italy, and he is often called Saint Nicholas of Bari. The stories recounted by De La Salle in the third point of his meditation, are the probable origins of his becoming the patron of children. De La Salle manifests this devotion in the Conduct of Schools, by making the feast of Saint Nicholas a special holiday for...2020-12-0500 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e39) Saint Francis XavierFrancis was born at Xavier, in the Spanish kingdom of Navarre. He was educated in Paris and became a professor of philosophy at the College of Beauvais. At the University of Paris, he met Ignatius of Loyola, a fellow Basque, and became one of the first Jesuits, in 1534. In 1542 he was sent to India as Apostolic Nuncio to the Far East. Seven years later, after having labored ardently in the south and in Malacca, he carried the Gospel to Japan. He died in 1552, at the age of 46, while waiting for permission to enter China. He was canonized with Saint...2020-12-0200 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e38) Saint AndrewAndrew, as the Gospel tells us, was the brother of Saint Peter, one of the first to be called by Christ, a fisherman by trade. He was the one who told our Lord about the boy with the five loaves and two fish, and about the Gentiles who had come asking to see Jesus. There are many conflicting stories about his mission after Pentecost. He has become patron of Russia and Scotland. The tradition of the X-shaped cross of Saint Andrew, part of Scotch heraldry, does not seem to have been associated with him before the fourteenth century. His...2020-11-2900 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e37) Saint CatherineCatherine, according to the legend written about her, was beheaded after an unsuccessful attempt to kill her on a spiked wheel during the reign of Emperor Maxentius. The story of her refuting 50 philosophers has led to her becoming the patron of Christian philosophers and being venerated as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. She was popular among the crusaders, who did much to spread devotion to her. She is included in the Litany of the Saints. Saint Gertrude saw her on a throne in heaven. Saint Joan of Arc heard her voice. Music from SoundCloud.com. Photo by Kelly...2020-11-2400 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e36) Presentation of MaryThe feast of the Presentation of Mary, is based on a tradition that is without any biblical foundation for its historicity. It was first celebrated by the Pope when he was at Avignon in 1372, although the Eastern Church had celebrated it many centuries before. Pope Sixtus made it a feast for the universal Church in 1472. Pope Pius V suppressed it, but Pope Sixtus V restored it to the Roman breviary. (MTR) Music from SoundCloud.com. Photo by Lewis Westwood Flood on Unsplash2020-11-2000 min
Better Days BroDcastS4e2 Thursdays with Mitch & BrodenMitch and Broden share a secret never revealed to anyone, not even to their parents.
Photo by Abi Hinchley on Unsplash2020-11-1800 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e35) Saint Elizabeth of HungaryElizabeth of Hungary (1207–1231), the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary, was married at the age of 13 to the saintly Louis of Thuringia, Germany, for whom she bore a son and two daughters. As queen she combined great solicitude for the poor and an austere life for herself. When her husband was killed in Sicily on his way to a crusade, her brother-in-law, Henry, usurped the throne and expelled her. Eventually, she was restored as queen, and her son, Herman, succeeded to the crown. She, however, continued her life of prayer and poverty, dying at the age of 24. The fe...2020-11-1600 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e34) Saint Martin of ToursMartin was born at Salaria Hungary, and became a catechumen at an early age, despite the fact that his father was a pagan. Conscripted in the Roman army, he became a Christian after a vision of Christ rewarding him for his generosity, to a poor beggar needing warm clothing. He left the army after a miraculous victory over the barbarians in which, unarmed, he led the Romans. Coming under the guidance of Saint Hilary of Poitiers, he built a monastery near that town. Later he was chosen to be bishop of Tours. Sulpicius Severus wrote a biography of Saint...2020-11-1000 min
Better Days BroDcastS4E1: Thursdays with Mitch and BrodenTwo great friends since grade school years talk about what matters in life during these times. Recorded on Oct 26, 2020 and published the following Thursday. Photo by Frame Harirak on Unsplash2020-11-0400 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e33) Saint Charles BorromeoCharles Borromeo was born of a noble family in Arona, Italy. He earned a doctorate in canon law at Pavia in 1559 and forthwith was created a cardinal by his uncle, who had just become Pope Pius IV. He was made archbishop of Milan and Papal Secretary of State, and worked strenuously for the conclusion of the Council of Trent between 1560 and 1564. After that, he became the embodiment of the spirit and ideals of the Counter-Reformation inaugurated by Trent.He was strict in his efforts to reform the morals of his archdiocese, but even more committed to his own spiritual...2020-11-0300 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e32) All Souls DayThis feast became part of the liturgy of the universal Church in the fourteenth century. Prior to that it was a long-standing practice of the Benedictines, begun during the tenth century at the Abbey of Cluny by Saint Odilon. At one time it was a practice for every priest to say three Masses on this day. (MTR) Music from SoundCloud.com. Photo by Veit Hammer on Unsplash2020-11-0100 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e31) All Saints DayThis feast was inaugurated when the Pantheon in Rome, which had originally been dedicated to all the pagan gods by the emperor Agrippa in 273 B.C., was consecrated to the worship of God in honor of our Lady and all the Christian martyrs by Pope Boniface IV (608–615). Pope Gregory IV (827–844) assigned the feast to November 1. (MTR) Music from SoundCloud. Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash2020-10-3100 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e30) Saints Simon and JudeSimon is unknown except for the mention of him as one of the 12 Apostles. He was called the Zealot by Christ, which could mean only that he was a man of zeal for the Law rather than a member of the Zealot party. There are many apocryphal stories about him, including his martyrdom in Persia with Jude. Jude cannot be positively identified as the author of the Epistle, that bears this name nor as the brother of James, despite the translation of the first verse of this epistle. What is certain is that he was one of the Apostles...2020-10-2700 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e29) Saint HilarionHilarion is known to us from the biography of him written by Saint Jerome, who learned about him from Saint Epiphanius of Salamis, who knew Hilarion personally. Hilarion was born in Palestine and studied in Alexandria, becoming a Christian there at the age of 15. His life was a series of moves from one place to another in search of solitude, which was constantly thwarted by his reputation for miracles. He eventually found peace in Cyprus, where he died at the age of 80. - MTR. Music from SoundCloud. Photo by Finding Dan | Dan Grinwis on Unsplash2020-10-2000 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e28) Saint Luke the EvangelistThe Evangelist Luke, aAs author of the Gospel bearing his name and the Acts of the Apostles, he is the largest single contributor to the New Testament. We learn about him from passages in the Acts, together with a few references to him in Paul’s epistles. From the style and content of his writings, we can deduce that he was well educated and knowledgeable in geography, the administration of the empire, and medical matters and that he was concerned about historical accuracy, care for the poor, and sensitivity toward women. Moreover, he was probably familiar with the mother of...2020-10-1700 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e27) Saint Teresa of AvilaSaint Teresa was born in 1515 near Ávila, Spain, partly of Jewish descent, and grew up in a large, upper middle-class family. When her mother died in 1528, she became a boarder in a convent school in Ávila and in 1536 entered the Carmelites there. After some years of mediocre living in the convent, she was favored with a spiritual conversion and received excellent guidance from her uncle and from Dominican and Jesuit priests. In 1562 she founded the first of her reformed convents, Saint Joseph at Ávila. She spent the next 20 years of her life in this reform movement, which included the Car...2020-10-1400 min
TM ViBeS : The Podcast!Getting to Know Tourists & Tourism Products: Strategies to Attract New MarketsIn this episode, Doc Grace interviews Bro. Dennis Magbanua, FSC, former Brother President of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, a travel enthusiast, explorer, and adventurer. Listen as they discuss what makes a group of travelers seek particular...2020-10-0829 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e26) Saint DenisAccording to Saint Gregory of Tours, Saint Denis, the bishop of Paris, was sent to France by the Pope and martyred at a spot that was later named for him, Saint-Denis, near Paris. The Abbey of Saint-Denis became the burial place of the French kings. Dela Salle opened a school in Saint-Denis in 1708; a community of Brothers is still there today. (MTR) Music from SoundCloud.com. Photo by Ninaras. Wikimedia Commons2020-10-0800 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e25) Saint Francis of AssisiSaint Francis was born at Assisi around 1881 in Umbria. He was a son of a prosperous merchant, Peter Bernadone.
Led by a deep religious experience, he abandoned a military life and the wealth of his family at the age of 28 or 29. He embraced a spirit of utter simplicity for the love of Christ and, with the approval of the Pope, led a small group of followers in a life of poverty and itinerant preaching. He also inspired Saint Clare to found a religious group, the Poor Clares. His followers soon became very numerous, and he was forced to write a...2020-10-0300 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e24) The Holy Guardian AngelsNot until 1670 was the feast of the Guardian Angels made a celebration for the whole Church, but devotion to these protectors of individual people was a much older practice among Christians. During Dela Salle’s lifetime, the popularity of the devotion became widespread. That it meant much to the Founder can be noted by the fact that in two of his Meditations for the Time of Retreat, he calls on the Brothers to see in these angels a model for their service to the students in the Christian Schools. The school year in France began on or near October 2, a da...2020-10-0105 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e23) Saint Michael the ArchangelThe Archangel Michael was honored by the Jews as a special protector of Israel and became for Christians a special protector of the Church. Originally, September 29 was the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Michael on the Salarian Way, but since the reform of the liturgy by Vatican II, the feast is celebrated in honor of the three principal archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Music from SoundCloud2020-09-2806 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e22) Saint Matthew, Apostle and EvangelistThe only certain facts about Saint Matthew are those found in the Gospel. The details used by De La Salle concerning his mission and martyrdom are not historically certain.2020-09-2006 min
Better Days BroDcastS1E7 How to Survive the Storms in LifeLink to Arirang News: https://youtu.be/eROyHoLBEjk
Link to Firm Foundation song: https://youtu.be/ta-pL48u_w8
I was the resource speaker for the Holy Hour event of young people from Regnum Christi. The theme of the online presentation was “Laying Our Foundations.”
This is an edited version featuring only the part where I was asked to share a reflection with around 50 other young people who were online in Zoom at that time. Thanks to Lanz Sahagun and Regnum Christi for the opportunity to be with the group. Special thanks to Mai Saito for the Youtube link for the...2020-09-1714 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e21) Saint CyprianCyprian was an African who practiced law and taught rhetoric before his conversion to Christianity. His considerable talents and learning became, after his conversion and ordination to the priesthood, the reason for his being chosen as bishop of Carthage by the priests of that diocese. Music: SoundCloud2020-09-1507 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e20) Triumph of the CrossThe feast of the Triumph of the Cross, as it is called today, focuses less on the occasions of its origin and more on the mystery of the Cross in the work of salvation. As in his meditation for May 3, De La Salle stresses the importance of carrying the cross of suffering daily out of love for Christ. Music from SoundCloud2020-09-1306 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e19) Birthday of MaryDe La Salle took his inspiration for this meditation from the liturgy of the feast as it was celebrated in his time, borrowing thoughts from the Lessons of the Nocturnes, the Collect, and the Gradual of the Mass. The celebration of Mary’s birthday probably began in the Near East. It was introduced in the West during the eighth century. Music from SoundCloud2020-09-0705 min
Better Days BroDcastS3E1: A Final Say on the Original Composer of the La Salle College (HK) School SongThe debate as to who composed the lyrics of the La Salle College school song, has occupied the hearts and minds of many over the years. (This podcast episode is an audio version of an article in Gateway (HK Lasallian Family Office)2020-09-0215 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e18) - The Beheading of Saint John the BaptistPay attention to Saint John’s manner of life and to his zeal. Reflect that like him, you are obliged to prepare the way for the Lord in the hearts of your disciples and to destroy the reign of sin in them. To obtain this grace from God, which requires great purity of heart, avoid the least sins, and for this purpose make use of the same means he did: seclusion from the world and a poor and penitent life. (MTR) Music: Soundotcom.com2020-08-2806 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e17) - Saint AugustineSaint Augustine labored as a devout bishop for his people, as the leader of a community of priests, monks, and nuns, for which he wrote the Rule of Saint Augustine, and as a profound theologian, writing and debating powerfully against the Manichean, Donatist, and Pelagian heretics. Music from SoundCloud.com2020-08-2707 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e16) - Saint Louis, King of FranceSaint Louis, King gf France was born at Poissy in 1214, and became heir to the throne at the age of 12, under the regency of his devout mother, Queen Blanche of Castille. At the age of 19, he married Marguerite of Provence and had numerous children by her. He was a wise ruler of his kingdom, an example of justice, mercy, simplicity, and peace.2020-08-2407 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e15) - Saint BartholomewSaint Bartholomew was called by Jesus to be among the first Apostles. He is also mentioned in the account of Jesus’ appearance to the Apostles by the side of the lake after the Resurrection. He came from Cana, which might explain why he asked: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”2020-08-2306 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e14) - Saint BernardSaint Bernard was born near Dijon, France in the year 1090. At the age of 22, he became a Benedictine monk at Citeaux, the austere abbey of the Cistercian reform. He did not join alone, however, but brought thirty others with him, among whom were relatives, a testimony to his extraordinary influence on others even at that early age. The abbey flourished and sent out groups to make other foundations, one of which was led by Bernard, and settled at what became known as Clairvaux. It became the center of the Cistercian reform for all of Europe.2020-08-2305 min
Better Days BroDcastS1E6 - You Turn My World Upside DownIt gets harder each day to think about what to joyfully proclaim and thank God for, mainly because this is a totally different experience for us as we battle this pandemic. This pandemic has turned our world upside down. The answers may be found in Mary’s Magnificat and even your favorite style for breakfast eggs.
Music from SoundCloud.com2020-08-1508 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e13) - The Assumption of the Most Blessed VirginIn 1950 Pope Pius XII defined the doctrine of our Lady’s Assumption, saying that the Immaculate Mother of God was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory. This statement embodies the two bases for the doctrine: her Immaculate Conception and her dignity as Mother of God.2020-08-1405 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e12) - Saint CassianDe La Salle reflects on Saint Cassian being a teacher and on his martyrdom by his students. He speaks of him as a patron for the Brothers, especially in his patience with students.2020-08-1405 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e11) - Saint LawrenceLawrence was a martyr during the persecution of the Emperor Valerian, probably in the year 258, and became one of the most famous of all martyrs.2020-08-1405 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e10) - Saint CajetanSaint Cajetan founded the Society of Clerks Regular. The group vowed to live entirely on Providence, even prohibiting themselves any asking for alms. In this De La Salle saw a model for the Brothers’ commitment to gratuitous teaching and total trust in God.2020-08-1105 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e9) - Transfiguration of our LordThis feast was extended to the universal Church in 1457 by Pope Calixtus III to commemorate the victory of Saint John Capistrano over the Turks near Belgrade. It was earlier celebrated in the liturgy of the second Sunday of Lent.2020-08-1107 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e8) - Saint DominicIn 1206, Pope Innocent III commissioned Saint Dominic and bishop, Diego, to the work of preaching against the Albigensian heretics in the South of France. After much hardship, with six companions in 1215, he organized the Friars Preachers, also called the Dominicans.2020-08-1106 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e7) - Our Lady of the SnowThe feast celebrates the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, on the Esquiline Hill in Rome, the oldest church in honor of our Lady, dating back to the fifth century. The feast of Our Lady of the Snow is celebrated every August 5. Brother Rey Mejias FSC, a novice master based in the Philippines, is the featured reader for this meditation. Music is from Steff Daum (YouTube).2020-08-0508 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e6) - Saint IgnatiusDe La Salle found much inspiration in the founder of an apostolic order dedicated to education and vowing the highest regard for the Pope. Some elements of the Brothers’ Rule were adapted from the Rule written by Ignatius.2020-07-3106 min
Better Days BroDcastS1E5 When God Put Things In OrderIn the seeming disorder in the world now, there appears to be an “order-ing” in the things we do and value in life. This quarantine period has allowed us to return to ourselves again.2020-07-2907 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR(e5) - St MarthaThe feast of St Martha is celebrated every July 29. She is the sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany. Martha was the busy hostess when Jesus visited them in their home. She was not honored in the liturgy until about the fifteenth century.
Brother Rey Mejias FSC is the guest reader for this particular meditation.2020-07-2805 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR (e4) - Saint AnneSaint Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was honored, probably along with Saint Joachim, her husband, as early as the sixth century in Constantinople. Devotion in Rome can be traced archeologically to the eighth century.2020-07-2205 min
Better Days BroDcastS1E4: Signs of God’s PresenceThere are just so many uncertainties during this pandemic. January. In the People continue to endure hunger, anxiety, and the ineffective response of some government officials. With all of these, many perhaps are now asking, When this will end? Are you with us, dear Lord? Why do you allow us to suffer too much? These are difficult questions to answer. Sometimes, I feel that the answers can just be felt in the heart. Or maybe, just maybe, we should be asking a different question instead.2020-07-2107 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR (e3) - Saint James the GreaterJames the Greater is the brother of Saint John the Evangelist, often singled out by Jesus for special favors, along with Peter and John. He was put to death by Herod around 42 A.D. He is the Patron Saint of Spain, probably as a result of a legend that his body was discovered through a star that appeared over a field. His shrine became known as Campostella (field of the star).2020-07-2104 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR (e2) - Mary MagdaleneThe devotion to Mary Magdalene in France was enhanced by the belief that her body, with that of Lazarus was brought to Provence in the 9th Century.
In 1713, De La Salle, discouraged by the turn of events in his ministry, made a retreat in the monastery of Saint Maximin, near the grotto of Saint Mary Magdalen, about 30 miles from Marseille, France.2020-07-1805 min
Better Days BroDcastMTR (e1) - An Introduction to the Meditations for the Time of RetreatListen to the audio version of the Meditations for the Time of Retreat written by St John Baptist de La Salle, the Founder of the Brothers of the Christian SchoolS. Let Br. Peter and his friends read the mediations for you and make this podcast a part of your day's activities.2020-07-1802 min
Better Days BroDcastS1E3: Has God Abandoned Us?So here you are trying to decide to hit that PLAY button. Maybe the title of the episode interested you (ahhh... a clickbait!). Perhaps you are a friend of mine and want to know what I am up to during this quarantine period. Hit that PLAY button then and listen to why I think God has not abandoned us during this global health crisis.2020-07-1707 min
Better Days BroDcastS1E2: Be Healed from Spiritual SicknessThese days, we must admit that we do get afraid of getting sick. We need to be aware that sometimes we forget that there is also an essential part of us that needs our attention. This episode deals with our need to be healed in more profound ways. I hope that listening to this will give you additional energy to overcome life's challenges.2020-07-1606 min
Better Days BroDcastS1E1: When Prayerful Silence Sets the DayIf yesterday was quite noisy for you, today, we will look into cultivating that silence from within you. Hopefully, at the end of this, you will see that silence can be a form of prayer too. (This first episode is dedicated to + Br Dindo Maralit FSC)2020-07-1605 min