David is caught in the Halloween tug-of-war: Is it Catholic or pagan? He hears conflicting stories: some say Halloween’s Catholic, others claim it’s pagan, and then there’s a theory that Catholics just created it to counteract a pagan holiday. Patrick Madrid jumps in to clear the fog!



The Catholic Origins


Patrick breaks it down: the early Church didn’t care about what pagans were doing. The Catholic Church is rooted in Jesus' time, growing from those early days just like Jesus said it would. Halloween, for Catholics, actually has roots in All Saints Day (Nov 1), where we honor saints in heaven, and All Souls Day (Nov 2), where we pray for all the faithful departed. 



Celebration?


Halloween night (Oct 31) became a chance for Catholics to feast before the solemnity of All Saints. Just like Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is the big feast before Lent, Halloween became a "last hurrah" before All Saints. It wasn’t some mysterious pagan ritual being adopted, just Catholics prepping for the day of the saints in true celebratory style.



Did Pagan Ideas Sneak In?


Sure, some pagan stuff probably slipped into the Halloween scene over the centuries. But that wasn't because the Church wanted it! Cultures mixed, and traditions morphed. Just like Mardi Gras in Rio looks nothing like its humble beginnings, Halloween’s celebration was transformed by popular culture, not the Church.



Handling the “It’s Pagan!” Critics 🧐


Patrick explains that people who claim Halloween is just some pagan invention are usually grabbing onto loose facts, often from YouTube or online rumors. The whole “Catholics copied pagans” idea is blown out of proportion and lacks historical evidence.



So, when someone tries to tell you Halloween is pagan, just smile and say, “It started as a way to get ready for All Saints, and yeah, people had fun the night before.” 🎉 It’s not about copying pagans but celebrating saints!





The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

David is caught in the Halloween tug-of-war: Is it Catholic or pagan? He hears conflicting stories: some say Halloween’s Catholic, others claim it’s pagan, and then there’s a theory that Catholics just created it to counteract a pagan holiday. Patrick Madrid jumps in to clear the fog!
 
The Catholic Origins 
 Patrick breaks it down: the early Church didn’t care about what pagans were doing. The Catholic Church is rooted in Jesus' time, growing from those early days just like Jesus said it would. Halloween, for Catholics, actually has roots in All Saints Day (Nov 1), where we honor saints in heaven, and All Souls Day (Nov 2), where we pray for all the faithful departed. 
 
Celebration? 
 Halloween night (Oct 31) became a chance for Catholics to feast before the solemnity of All Saints. Just like Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is the big feast before Lent, Halloween became a "last hurrah" before All Saints. It wasn’t some mysterious pagan ritual being adopted, just Catholics prepping for the day of the saints in true celebratory style.
 
Did Pagan Ideas Sneak In? 
 Sure, some pagan stuff probably slipped into the Halloween scene over the centuries. But that wasn't because the Church wanted it! Cultures mixed, and traditions morphed. Just like Mardi Gras in Rio looks nothing like its humble beginnings, Halloween’s celebration was transformed by popular culture, not the Church.
 
Handling the “It’s Pagan!” Critics 🧐
 Patrick explains that people who claim Halloween is just some pagan invention are usually grabbing onto loose facts, often from YouTube or online rumors. The whole “Catholics copied pagans” idea is blown out of proportion and lacks historical evidence.
 
So, when someone tries to tell you Halloween is pagan, just smile and say, “It started as a way to get ready for All Saints, and yeah, people had fun the night before.” 🎉 It’s not about copying pagans but celebrating saints!
 
 
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

The Best of the Week

Is Halloween a Pagan Holiday? (The Patrick Madrid Show)

Maybe you've been there. You start to pray a Rosary or Chaplet but then you soon fall asleep and start to snooze. Was your prayer "not counted"?

 

Raphael calls in to ask Patrick Madrid about this, and here's his response. 

 

🚫Patrick says, "Nope!" to feeling bad about unfinished prayers. It's not a sin.

 

All About the Heart! ❤️ It's the intent that counts. Praying with a true heart? God's all ears, even if you doze off mid-Hail Mary.

 

Interruptions Happen! 🔊 Life's full of surprises, and so is prayer. If you get cut off, don't beat yourself up.

 

Ideal vs. Real Life Sure, finishing a prayer is the goal, but hey, you're only human. Do your absolute best to finish your prayers and leave the rest to God. 

 

So, next time you're half-asleep, clutching your Rosary, remember... incomplete prayers are still prayers. Keep it up, and sweet heavenly dreams! 😴🙏✨

 

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

 

Maybe you've been there. You start to pray a Rosary or Chaplet but then you soon fall asleep and start to snooze. Was your prayer "not counted"?
&nbsp;
Raphael calls in to ask Patrick Madrid about this, and here's his response.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
🚫Patrick says, "Nope!" to feeling bad about unfinished prayers. It's not a sin.
&nbsp;
All About the Heart! ❤️ It's the intent that counts. Praying with a true heart? God's all ears, even if you doze off mid-Hail Mary.
&nbsp;
Interruptions Happen! 🔊 Life's full of surprises, and so is prayer. If you get cut off, don't beat yourself up.
&nbsp;
Ideal vs. Real Life Sure, finishing a prayer is the goal, but hey, you're only human. Do your absolute best to finish your prayers and leave the rest to God.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
So, next time you're half-asleep, clutching your Rosary, remember... incomplete prayers are still prayers. Keep it up, and sweet heavenly dreams! 😴🙏✨
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.
&nbsp;

Are Your Half-Prayed Rosaries Wasted? (Top Episode of 2024 for The Patrick Madrid Show)

"How can I be sure that God is leading me to take the next step into something?"

 

"Why do I feel "spiritually dry?"

 

"Is the devil playing tricks on me?"

 

These are all questions that can be taken into Ignatian discernment, and you'll learn a little about it in this podcast of The Inner Life with Patrick Conley.

 

Patrick Conley has a great conversation with Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., exploring the spiritually electrifying realm of consolation and desolation. It's all guided by none other than St. Ignatius of Loyola's profound insights.

 

🙏 Consolation: When God Gives You That Heavenly Hug 🙏

 

Imagine, if you will, a moment of prayer so powerful, it feels like a divine embrace. That's consolation for you! It's not about the fleeting thrill of worldly pleasures but a deep, abiding peace that whispers, "You're loved beyond measure." Fr. Kubicki explains that it's God's way of drawing us closer, igniting our hearts with faith, hope, and charity. Ever cried tears of joy in prayer? That's consolation playing its heavenly chords.

 

Desolation: The Spiritual Slump 

 

But wait, the spiritual life isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Enter desolation: that dry spell where heaven seems silent, and your spiritual life feels like it's on a hiatus. But don't be fooled; this isn't just about feeling spiritually "meh." It's a battleground where discernment is key. Is this a test, or is the enemy playing tricks? Fr. Kubicki shares that desolation can lead us away from God, tempting us with earthly consolations. Yet, it's also a call to deeper trust and purification.

 

🔍 Discernment: Heavenly Detective Work 🔍

 

So, how do we tell if it's God's voice or just spiritual junk mail? Fr. Kubicki lays down some Ignatian wisdom to help us discern the source of our spiritual experiences. True consolation leads to an outpouring of love for God and neighbor, while desolation pulls us into a self-centered spiral. The key? Look at the fruits: love, joy, peace, and charity are divine hallmarks.

 

🎢 The Spiritual Journey: Not a Feel-Good Festival 🎢

 

God isn't in the business of keeping us spiritually consoled 24/7. Why? Because our faith journey isn't about chasing divine "feel-goods" but seeking the God of consolation itself. It's about love, sacrifice, and sometimes, walking through spiritual deserts to truly find the oasis of God's presence.

 

💡 Takeaway: Seek the Giver, Not Just the Gifts 💡

 

Fr. Kubicki and Patrick Conley remind us that our spiritual life is a rich tapestry woven with moments of joy and trials. It's a divine adventure that teaches us to cherish the consolations but not to idolize them. Instead, we're called to seek the God who offers these gifts, growing in faith, hope, and love, regardless of our spiritual "weather."

 

Catch the whole episode here!

 

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

"How can I be sure that God is leading me to take the next step into something?"
&nbsp;
"Why do I feel "spiritually dry?"
&nbsp;
"Is the devil playing tricks on me?"
&nbsp;
These are all questions that can be taken into Ignatian discernment, and you'll learn a little about it in this podcast of The Inner Life with Patrick Conley.
&nbsp;
Patrick Conley has a great conversation with Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., exploring the spiritually electrifying realm of consolation and desolation. It's all guided by none other than St. Ignatius of Loyola's profound insights.
&nbsp;
🙏 Consolation: When God Gives You That Heavenly Hug 🙏
&nbsp;
Imagine, if you will, a moment of prayer so powerful, it feels like a divine embrace. That's consolation for you! It's not about the fleeting thrill of worldly pleasures but a deep, abiding peace that whispers, "You're loved beyond measure." Fr. Kubicki explains that it's God's way of drawing us closer, igniting our hearts with faith, hope, and charity. Ever cried tears of joy in prayer? That's consolation playing its heavenly chords.
&nbsp;
Desolation: The Spiritual Slump&nbsp;
&nbsp;
But wait, the spiritual life isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Enter desolation: that dry spell where heaven seems silent, and your spiritual life feels like it's on a hiatus. But don't be fooled; this isn't just about feeling spiritually "meh." It's a battleground where discernment is key. Is this a test, or is the enemy playing tricks? Fr. Kubicki shares that desolation can lead us away from God, tempting us with earthly consolations. Yet, it's also a call to deeper trust and purification.
&nbsp;
🔍 Discernment: Heavenly Detective Work 🔍
&nbsp;
So, how do we tell if it's God's voice or just spiritual junk mail? Fr. Kubicki lays down some Ignatian wisdom to help us discern the source of our spiritual experiences. True consolation leads to an outpouring of love for God and neighbor, while desolation pulls us into a self-centered spiral. The key? Look at the fruits: love, joy, peace, and charity are divine hallmarks.
&nbsp;
🎢 The Spiritual Journey: Not a Feel-Good Festival 🎢
&nbsp;
God isn't in the business of keeping us spiritually consoled 24/7. Why? Because our faith journey isn't about chasing divine "feel-goods" but seeking the God of consolation itself. It's about love, sacrifice, and sometimes, walking through spiritual deserts to truly find the oasis of God's presence.
&nbsp;
💡 Takeaway: Seek the Giver, Not Just the Gifts 💡
&nbsp;
Fr. Kubicki and Patrick Conley remind us that our spiritual life is a rich tapestry woven with moments of joy and trials. It's a divine adventure that teaches us to cherish the consolations but not to idolize them. Instead, we're called to seek the God who offers these gifts, growing in faith, hope, and love, regardless of our spiritual "weather."
&nbsp;
Catch<a href="https://relevantradio.com/2024/02/consolations-in-prayer-february-1-2024/"> the whole episode here!</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

The Art of Spiritual Navigation (Top Episode of 2024 for The Inner Life with Patrick Conley)

Listen to the Entire Three-Hour Story in One Seamless Episode!



Experience Charles Dickens’ timeless classic like never before with this uninterrupted full-length version of A Christmas Carol. Perfect for cozy evenings, long car rides, or family gatherings, this special edition brings you Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption in a single, captivating production.

 

Listen to the Entire Three-Hour Story in One Seamless Episode!
 Experience Charles Dickens&rsquo; timeless classic like never before with this uninterrupted&nbsp;full-length version&nbsp;of&nbsp;A Christmas Carol. Perfect for cozy evenings, long car rides, or family gatherings, this special edition brings you Ebenezer Scrooge&rsquo;s journey of redemption in a single, captivating production.
&nbsp;

Is Halloween a Pagan Holiday? (The Patrick Madrid Show)

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