Happy feast of the North American Martyrs! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Brian O’Neel, author of 150 North American Martyrs You Should Know, to discuss the life of St. Isaac Jogues and companions. Other guests include Fr. Robert Nixon with more wisdom from St. Albert the Great, and pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast on healthier ways to manage stress. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports, and more…

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North American Martyrs Collect

O God, who chose to manifest the blessed hope of your eternal Kingdom by the toil of Saints John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues and their companions and by the shedding of their blood, graciously grant that through their intercession the faith of Christians may be strengthened day by day. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

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Recipes from Rita

PRALINE CRUNCH SNACK MIX

16 oz box oat squares cereal
2 cups pecans, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped (or your favorite nuts)
1/2 cup dark or light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon each: baking soda and salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Preheat oven to 250. Spray a cookie sheet with sides or a 9×13 pan. Combine cereal and nuts in large sprayed bowl and set aside.
Either on the stove or in microwave, combine sugar, syrup and butter. Bring to a boil and stir in vanilla, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Pour over cereal mixture and stir to coat.

Pour onto cookie sheet and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely and break into pieces. Store at room temperature. Makes 8 cups.

SPICY BUFFALO CHEX MIX 

3-4 cups each: rice chex and wheat chex cereal
2 cups favorite cheese flavored crackers
2 cups tiny pretzel twists
1 stick butter
Up to 1/4 cup Buffalo hot wings sauce or to taste
1 pouch dry ranch salad dressing mix
2 teaspoons celery seed
Mix cereals, crackers and pretzels. Set aside while bringing butter, hot sauce, dressing mix and celery seed to a simmer. Pour over cereal mixture and mix. Microwave on high, uncovered, 4-5 minutes, stirring thoroughly every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool and store in covered container.

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Janice Briedenbach is online at thepursuitofwisdom.org.

Brian O’Neel, author of 150 North American Martyrs You Should Know

Fr. Nicholas Blackwell is online at carmelitefriars.org.

Full list of guests