Happy feast of St. Charbel! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell explore his legacy as a mystic and wonder worker. Guests include Rita Heikenfeld with Bible Foods, Gary Michuta from Hands On Apologetics, and Courtney Brown from Ruah Woods.

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Prayer of St. Faustina

Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbours’ souls and come to their rescue.

Help me, O Lord, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbours’ needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings.

Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbour, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.

Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbours and take upon myself the most difficult and toilsome tasks.

Help me, O Lord, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbour, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness.

Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbour.

May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me. Amen

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RECIPES FROM RITA: FATOUSH SALAD

1 head Romaine lettuce, coarsely chopped or other salad greens
1 English cucumber, diced
2-3 large tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch parsley, chopped (you may not need all of it)
2 bunches of mint, chopped – about 1/3 cup chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 bunch green onions, finely sliced (you may not need all)
1 rib celery, sliced thin
1/2 to 1 cup of black or other olives, pitted
1/2 teaspoon sumac plus extra for dusting onto plate edge

2 pita rounds, brushed with olive oil, toasted until golden brown but still chewy, cut into very small wedges or torn into pieces.

Dressing:

Whisk together
Juice of 2 lemons or more to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
Good amount of garlic: start with a nice clove, minced and
salt & pepper to taste

Garnish:

Feta for sprinkling on top (optional)

Assembly:

Put salad ingredients together. Toss with dressing. Pile onto plate. Sprinkle with Feta. Dust rim with sumac.

Serves 6.

Optional but good: Zaatar dusted pita:

Before toasting, sprinkle with zaatar

Zaatar is a blend of thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds and sumac. Sumac comes from a shrub common in the Middle East which can grow up to 33 feet (the age which Jesus died). It has a tart, lemony flavor and the berries, or drupes, are called “bobs” and are dried to produce a red spice.

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Full list of guests