In Conversation... Archives

Mary of Nazareth – “The Visitation” – Special

Discerning Hearts is a part of the MARY of NAZARETH Blog Tour/Rosary Crawl, of which we are delighted to be a part of, along with many other inspiring bloggers. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Here is a clip from the movie which features the “mystery” surrounding the events of the “VISITATION” –

How extraordinary this moment is, especially as seen in this film! So often in movie depictions of the “Visitation”, we see only the two women coming together in a private encounter. But in “Mary of Nazareth”, not only does Mary and Elizabeth share a heavenly revelation with each other, but they joyfully share this “good news” with everyone around them. Elizabeth freely “expresses” what the Holy Spirit has revealed, Mary joyfully “proclaims” the glory of the Lord to the seeking hearts caught witnessing the moment! This is “Evangelization” at its finest! This “communication” really becomes a time of “communion” for those who have ears to hear, and eyes to see. Hope, Faith, and Love, all are captured so beautifully in this scene. Mary’s “Magnificat” becomes a glorious expression of faith which touches the hearts that surround her. Oh, and that lovely touch which gives us Elizabeth and her unborn child as the first in that “communion” line to embrace Christ in the womb of the Mother is truly priceless.

Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation

“In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”‘ (Lk 1:39-42).

“Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth thus became a visit from God to his people” (CCC, 717).

Our Father, 10 Hail Marys (contemplating the mystery), Glory be to the Father.

Alissa Jung shared with us her experience of portraying the Blessed Virgin Mary in this film:

Download (right click & choose “Save Link As”)

Andreas Pietschmann, who portrays Jesus in the film, took time to share with us he experience filming “Mary of Nazareth”:

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Stunning in it’s beauty, breathtaking in it’s scope! “Mary of Nazareth” is simply a joy for the heart. This is the film Catholics in particular have been waiting for. This is the Blessed Mother we have come to know in our hearts and the depiction that we want not only our families and friends to see, but all the whole world as well. A joy-filled expression of faith, hope and love. The Mary of this film is no “pouty teenager” or “hapless victim of circumstance” as she is too often portrayed in film and television today. No, this is our Mary, who says with trust a glorious “Fiat” to the will of the Father. This work, with it’s gorgeous cinematic qualities and touching performances, is worthy to honor the one who would say “I am the Handmaid of the Lord”.

Kris McGregor, of Discerning Hearts

We at Discerning Hearts encourage you to check out tomorrow’s clip at “Stuart’s Study” Stuart Dunn will bring us the “Presentation”.

St. Dominic – still setting “the earth on fire” 800 years later…In conversation with Bert Ghezzi

Our conversation about St. Dominic with Bert Ghezzi.

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Spain gives us yet another incredible saint…St. Dominic. He is the founder of the Order of Preachers (so when you see an “O.P.” behind the name, that’s what’s going on). Most of us call them the Dominicans. Born in 1170, he died on this date in 1221. A lot of traveling took place between those years. There is an interesting story that is told that before his birth his mother dreamed that a dog leapt from her womb carrying a torch in its mouth, and “seemed to set the earth on fire.” His name in latin is Dominicanus, which is essentially the “Lord’s Hound”….fascinating. (Parents out there, take note: names matter.) St. Dominic and his order have been responsible for setting the earth ablaze with the Gospel for over 800 years.

Also, St. Dominic and the Order have contributed considerably to the spread of the devotion to Our Lady, and inparticular, to the Holy Rosary. Another good reason to celebrate his life and legacy today!

Also check out the
Discerning Hearts St. Dominic Page

“Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette”…In Conversation with Sydney Penny

The best movie on the life of St. Bernadette is actually a pair of films starring Sydney Penny and distributed by Ignatius Press: “Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette”. Sydney does an extraordinary job capturing the feverent love, joy and enthusiasm that encapsulates the heart of St. Bernadette. They are a joy to watch…our little saint is no sad victim, but instead a tremendous witness to the virtuous life and the grace of God.

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St. Bernadette, A Holy Life…In Conversation with Patricia McEachern – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

One of the finest translations of St. Bernadette’s writings (her diary, etc) has been done by Patricia McEachern. The book is called “A Holy Life: The Writings of St. Bernadette of Lourdes”. It’s just beautiful. It reveals so much about this holy soul, St. Bernadette! Her “little way” was much like another holy soul, St. Therese…who knew these daughters of France would have so much in common. But then again, should we really be surprised?

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You can find the book here

On Edith Stein, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross – the brilliant radiance…In Conversation with Sr. Renee Mirkes

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We are joined by the incredible Sr. Renee Mirkes, a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity,

who is director of the Center for NaProEthics, the ethics division of the Pope Paul VI Institute. So many have already said so much about St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross’ life, but to really honor her is to explore (the best we can)

her incredible work. Sr. Renee is someone who has. Sr. Renee offers to us just the tip of the iceberg of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross’ tremendous legacy. Edith…brilliant. Sr. Renee…brilliant.

Pope Paul VI – Christian Values and Virtues….In Conversation with Karl Schultz

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Bruce and I had a conversation with Karl Schultz, editor of “Christian Values and Virtues” comprised of Pope Paul VI’s teachings on peace, hope, humility, faith, suffering, love, and joy as comprised through his public audiences and his writings. Karl also shares little known things about Pope Paul VI. This book is a must read for those interested in understanding the impact of Pope Paul VI’s papacy on the modern Catholic Church.

You can find the book here

Pope-Paul-VI-1 — Ora pro nobis, Paulus Sextus. + August 6, 1978

“St. John Vianney – The Grace of Ars” … In conversation with Fr. Fredrick Miller

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St. John Vianney is the subject of the a book by Fr. Frederick L. Miller, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ, is

the Chairman of the Department of Systematic Theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. We had a chance to speak to him about the life and times and this holy priest.

You can find the book here

The Seven Secrets of the Eucharist – In Conversation with Vinny Flynn

Our conversation with Vinny Flynn, on the “Seven Secrets of the Eucharist”, is one of the most popular interviews we have had on the Morning Show. Vinny’s love for the Eucharist pours out in his descriptions of just some of the beautiful “secrets” found in this great mystery and gift to us all. Find out also the great connection between the Divine Mercy and the Eucharist (it really isn’t a secret…thank you St. Faustina!).

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Other reviews of this book:

If you are looking for new ways to increase your devotion to Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, this is the book for you, and I suggest you buy several copies for your friends. — Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.

This book will change your understanding and experience of the Holy Eucharist in an amazing way. Each of the 7 Secrets of the Eucharist will lead you into the fire of ‘Eucharistic amazement’ called for by Pope john Paul II (Ecclesia de Eucharistia). Fr. George W. Kosicki, C.S.B.

This little book is a real gem. A `must read’ for any Catholic. In fact, I would recommend this book to anyone. –George Cardinal Pell, Archbishop of Sydney

Holy Spirit, Make Your Home In Me – In Conversation with Fr. George Montague

Fr. George Montague is an exceptional biblical scholar, as well as a humble pastor. His experience with the gifts given by the Holy Spirit are extraordinary and he shares those with us, but he also encourages us to seek the deepening of our own prayer lives so that we too may discover what the Father desires to give his beloved children. Through Scripture and the practice of prayer, Fr. Montague helps to encounter the Holy Spirit who is eager for our response. Bruce and I loved our conversation with him. Highly recommended!!

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You can buy this book here

The Biblical Basis for the Papacy … In Conversation with John Salza

This is such an interesting conversation Bruce and I had with author John Salza! We discussed this time around, “The Biblical Basis for the Papacy”. Fascinating.

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You can purchase the book here

From the book description:

The Roman Catholic Papacy is the longest-living institution in the Western World – and at times one of the most controversial due to the basic doctrines of: Papal Authority, Papal Infallibility and Apostolic Succession. Drawing upon Old and New Testament Scripture, Tradition, and the words of the Early Church Fathers, author and noted Catholic apologist John Salza presents a comprehensive and compelling story of the office of the papacy from a biblical perspective. Arguments against the papacy are weighed and refuted in a charitable but convincing manner, making this a valuable resource for everyone intrigued or confused by the nearly 2,000 year old papal office – regardless of your faith background. Whether you are defending, questioning or exploring the Catholic Faith, this book provides the most concise and clear examination of the Catholic Church’s supreme teaching office as instituted by Christ, Our Lord and Savior.