Happy feast of Bl. Chiara Badano! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss why she’s come to be one of their favorite saints. Guests include Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, with more thoughts on solitude and silence, Kevin Prendergast on good sleep habits in the midst of time changes, and Rita Heikenfeld with recipes for Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls Day. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…

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Prayer for the Intercession of Bl. Chiara Badano

Father, living source of all goodness,
we give you thanks for the admirable witness of the Blessed Chiara Badano.
Illuminated by the grace of the Holy Spirit and guided by Jesus Crucified,
she believed firmly in your infinite love.
Determined to respond to you with all her strength,
she abandoned herself with complete trust to your fatherly will.
We humbly beg you:
grant us the gift of living with you and for you,
and if it is your will, the grace of (state your petition here),
through the merits of Christ our Lord. Amen.

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RECIPES FROM RITA: 4-LAYER NACHOS

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 pouch taco seasoning mix
1 can black beans, drained
1 bag tortilla chips – 8 oz or so
1 jar salsa
1/2 medium red onion, diced
Pickled jalapenos (or if you’re brave and guests like them, how about fresh sliced?)
4 cups shredded cheese – your favorite
Queso (optional but very good)
For top after baking:
Guacamole – have plenty!
Sour cream
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes

Instructions:
Brown ground beef and then add taco seasoning mix according to package directions.
Spray baking pan. Line bottom with a layer of tortilla chips.
Drop spoonfuls of meat, beans, salsa, onion, jalapenos and a third of the cheese. Drizzle with queso.
Add three more layers in the same way.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
Serve with choice of toppings.

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Full list of guests