Popular devotions help us get in touch with the deeper realities of our Catholic faith. So praying the rosary and learning about the saints bring us closer to Christ and his saving life, death and Resurrection. The rosary connects us with Mary, the ideal disciple. Its repetitive prayer and meditation on the mysteries of faith allow God to work in us. The “communion of saints,” one of Christianity’s oldest truths, means that we are connected to all who have believed in Christ. It follows, then, that their life stories can inspire us. Our ACR programs help deepen your listeners’ Catholic identity!

Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.

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Highlights from this episode include:

Father Patrick Peyton
The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults honors the man who popularized the phrase, “The family that prays together, stays together.” Did you know the phrase is now a registered trademark? From the 1940s, Father Patrick Peyton was internationally known as "the rosary priest." His Family Theater Productions and international rosary crusades helped the rosary and family prayer became common practices in Catholic households all over the world.

Canadian actor Chris Kramer talks about his love for the rosary and keeping his faith strong through prayer. Chris, a familiar name in Canada, has been making a name for himself in the United States as well.

Franciscan Father Greg Friedman answers questions:
• How does the Church understand the “unforgivable sin”?
• Does it go against St. Paul's teaching to have women in authority in the Church?
• Why isn't John the Baptist acknowledged as the first martyr?
• Do angels help only those who are already saved?

In observance of the Year of St. Paul, we bring you another “Portrait of Paul” from Father Norman Langenbrunner. One of the great mysteries surrounding St. Paul concerns what was the famous “thorn in the flesh” mentioned in his Second Letter to the Corinthians. Father Norm offers us some possible explanations to this New Testament question.

Archbishop Donald Wuerl continues his explanation of the world Synod of Bishops on sacred Scripture taking place in Rome October 5-26.

Highlights from this episode include:

The Communion of Saints
ACR host Father Greg Friedman and “Saint of the Day” producer Judy Ball each choose three of their favorite saints to introduce in this celebration of the “communion of saints.”

Artist J. Michael Walker took eight years to compile a book about the 103 roads named after Catholic saints in Los Angeles. He connected the saints’ lives to contemporary people now living on those streets. The result is more than 100 paintings and dozens of stories, poems and songs in tribute to the “city of angels.”

Franciscan Father Hilarion Kistner responds to questions:
• May we ask the Old Testament prophets to intercede for us as the saints do?
• Can salvation be earned or is it a gift?

In observance of the Year of St. Paul, we bring you another “Portrait of Paul” from Father Norman Langenbrunner. A big feature of Catholic worship are the hymns we sing at liturgy. The early Christians were no different. Today, Father Norm talks about some of the early Christian hymns that St. Paul worked into his letters.

Amy Heyd, author of Saints at the Dinner Table, discusses how the lives of the saints can offer life recipes that help us grow in our faith.