Episodes

In this episode of Real Living, Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek delve into the significance of the Holy Spirit in the Christian faith, particularly highlighting the themes of Pentecost. They discuss the role of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity, a source of power and love binding the Father and the Son, and how the Holy Spirit should be a living part of every Christian's life. They share historical insights about the increased awareness of the Holy Spirit in the 20th centur...

In this episode, Levinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek dive into the legacy and impact of the newly appointed Pope Leo the 14th, drawing connections to his predecessor, Leo the 13th. They explore his roots in the Augustinian Order, a mendicant order that champions the service of the poor and suffering. Spirito provides an extensive historical background on the Rule of St. Augustine and its influence on the Western Church. Discussion also touches on Pope Leo XIV’s expected contributions towards so...

In this episode of Real Living, hosts Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek discuss the newly elected Pope Leo the 14th, including his unexpected American heritage and the significance of his chosen name. They draw parallels to Pope Leo the 13th, who addressed modernism and industrial challenges in the 20th century while devoting the century to the Holy Spirit. The conversation covers the historical impact of the Holy Spirit on the Pentecostal movement, Pope Leo the 13th's encyclical on social ju...

This episode delves into significant periods of Church reform, key historical events, and influential figures that shaped the spiritual and administrative framework of the Church. It begins with the conversion of Scandinavia in the 11th century and the reform efforts of St. Leo IX in 1049 to combat church corruption. It discusses the urban legend of Pope Joan as a narrative used to undermine papal authority post-Reformation. Lavinia Spirito elaborates on the Crusades, the rise of military orders...

This episode takes listeners on an expansive journey from 250 AD to the gates of the Renaissance in 1512, covering significant events and themes in early Christian history. Lavinia Spirito starts with the persecution of Christians, highlighting their veneration of martyrs and early burial sites, such as the necropolis under St. Peter's Basilica. The script discusses various heresies, including Arianism and Nestorianism, and the Church's response through councils like Nicaea and Ephesus. The rise...

This episode dives deep into the history of the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of understanding its roots to better grasp its present and future. Lavinia Spirito discusses the misconceptions about the church, their personal revelation about its importance, and how historical and theological perspectives help illuminate its development. Key topics include the initial misunderstandings about the church, the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem, the persecutions faced by early Christian...

In this episode of Real Living, Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek provide insights and reflections on the intricacies of the Conclave, the process by which a new Pope is elected. They discuss the recent events following the death of Pope Francis, historical Conclave practices, personal anecdotes from past Conclaves, and the details of how the Sistine Chapel is prepared for this significant event. They also touch on the role of the Holy Spirit in the election process, the human aspects of the ...

In this episode of Real Living, Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek delve into the significance of the Lord's Prayer, also known as the 'Our Father.' They explore its comprehensive nature, given by Jesus himself, addressing every human need and fostering a deeper relationship with God. The conversation includes insights from Pope Benedict XVI, discussions on forgiveness and justice, the virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude, and the universal call to live out these principles daily. By und...

In this episode of Real Living, hosts Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek discuss the timely topic of what procedures follow after a Pope dies, coinciding with the recent passing of Pope Francis. They explore traditional and modern rituals, including the verification of death, destruction of the Pope's ring, sealing of his apartments, and notification procedures. The episode delves into historical practices such as smashing the Pope's ring, sealing apartments, and the role of the Papal Chamberl...

In this episode of Real Living, hosts Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek delve into the depth and significance of the Our Father prayer. They discuss its origins in scripture, its comprehensive nature as the perfect prayer, and its role as a blueprint for life in the Kingdom of God. The conversation explores the prayer's structure, the theological virtues it embodies, and its call for forgiveness and daily reliance on God. The hosts emphasize the holistic nature of the prayer, touching on its ...

In this episode, Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek discuss the importance and methods of prayer. Emphasizing that prayer is about communication with God, they review the significance of viewing God as a loving Father and the idea of nuptial union as a metaphor for our relationship with God. They advocate for using the 'Our Father' as a model prayer, focusing on its depth and inclusivity. Additionally, they explore themes of trust, obedience, forgiveness, and how prayer aligns with God’s will....

In this episode of Real Living, hosts Lavinia Spirito and Maryann Nemecek discuss the significance of prayer as a natural, unforced conversation with God. They delve into insights from Father Wayne Sadler on understanding who we are addressing in prayer, emphasizing the importance of a genuine awareness of God's presence. Through references to biblical figures like St. Theresa of Avila and St. Ignatius, as well as examples like C.S. Lewis, they highlight the transformative power of prayer. The c...

In this episode of Real Living, Levina Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek discuss the significance of Lent and how it ties into hope, faith, and personal growth. They explore the challenges and mindset shifts during Lent, emphasizing prayer, personal missions, and maturity. The conversation delves into Pope Francis's views on hope, theological virtues, and scriptural references that highlight the importance of enduring faith and love. Additionally, practical suggestions for observing Lent, such as fas...

In this episode of Real Living, hosts Levia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek explore the significance of Lent in the context of the Jubilee of Hope. They discuss Pope Francis's timely theme, 'Pilgrims of Hope,' and the roots of the Jubilee year in both Leviticus and the New Testament. The conversation covers the spiritual importance of pilgrimage, the deeper meaning of fasting and sacrifices during Lent, and the importance of maintaining hope and joy. They emphasize practical ways to enrich one's fa...

In this episode of Real Living, we conclude our study of the book of Tobit, covering chapters 10 through 14. Hosts Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemnichek discuss the main themes including trust in the Lord, respect for one another, and the deliverance and healing of righteous individuals. The episode delves into how the lessons from Tobit are relevant to dealing with modern issues like anxiety and worry, encouraging listeners to turn to prayer, fasting, and righteous living for peace and healing...

In this episode, we delve into the captivating saga of Tobit, Tobias, and Sarah from the biblical text. Exploring themes of faith, spiritual warfare, and the evolution of Jewish thought, the discussion highlights the significance of Tobias and Sarah's story for Christian marriage. It also emphasizes the broader theological concepts of righteousness and suffering, providing a richer understanding of first-century Jewish perspectives. Additionally, the episode offers an in-depth look at angelology...

In this episode, an in-depth introduction to the Book of Tobit covering chapters 1-4:19 is provided. Entitled 'The True Wisdom for a Jew in a Diaspora,' the discussion explores themes of righteousness, charity, suffering, and the moral lessons that Tobit offers. Included are historical contexts, linguistic origins, and critical analysis of the book's narrative, characters, and theological principles. The speaker highlights the timeless values of faithfulness, moral integrity, and duty to others,...

This episode features the second part of a presentation from Lavinia Spirito titled, 'The Powerful Name Of Jesus'. Join us next week the hear a usual episode from Lavinia and Mary Lou.

This episode features the first part of a presentation from Lavinia Spirito titled, 'The Powerful Name Of Jesus'. Join us next week for the second part of the presentation.

In this episode of Real Living, Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek discuss an article from Bishop Joseph Strickland and Deacon Keith Fournier titled 'Life on the Rock.' They explore how to maintain faith and stay anchored in Christian principles amidst challenging circumstances. Referencing scripture, particularly Matthew 7 and the writings of the early Church fathers, the duo emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation on Jesus Christ. They discuss the necessity of engaging in t...

In this episode of Real Living, Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek discuss an insightful article titled 'Life on the Rock.' They delve into the importance of building a strong spiritual foundation based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in times of cultural and societal turbulence. Through an exploration of biblical passages and the writings of Bishop Joseph Strickland and Pope Benedict XVI, they emphasize the need for Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, prepare for spi...

In this episode of Real Living, the hosts reflect on their enriching pilgrimage to France, recounting profound experiences shared by fellow pilgrims. They highlight heartwarming and spiritually transformative moments from visits to Lourdes, Normandy, Toulouse, and more. Testimonials from participants detail their personal journeys of healing, spiritual growth, and unique connections made during the trip. The episode also previews upcoming pilgrimages and the host's hopes for future faith-filled ...

In Part Two of the course on Miracles led by Lavinia Spirito, we explore miraculous stories including the life of St. Joseph of Cupertino known for levitation, St. Padre Pio’s stigmata and bi-location, and modern-day healings in places like Lourdes. The episode covers Eucharistic miracles, incorruptible saints, and various divine interventions, emphasizing a call to cultivate an expectant faith and understand the power of God's mercy and providence in our lives. Time. Topic 00:00 Introduction ...

Join Lavinia Spirito over the next two weeks as she explores the nature of miracles, as defined by scripture and church tradition, on Real Living. This episode delves into what miracles mean, their purposes, and the different categories as depicted in the Old and New Testaments, showcasing examples such as the miracle of the sun at Fatima and the compelling story behind Our Lady of Guadalupe. Emphasis is placed on the significance of expectant faith, the role of miracles in the mission of salvat...