Posts tagged Mamas in Spirit
My French Ministry with Anne Gabanelle, Owner of “French Memories Bakery”

At only 21, Anne Gabanelle and her new husband each packed a suitcase, took the little money they had, and left France.

Over the years, Anne wondered why God led her away from her family and friends to America. 

Anne now has grown children and owns a French bakery in Cohasset, Massachusetts, with her husband. Looking back, Anne can clearly see how God’s will has unfolded in her and her husband’s life together. 

“French Memories Bakery” is their ministry.

In this week’s “mini retreat in a podcast,” hear how Anne and her husband minister to their employees and customers. Lindy—host of Mamas in Spirit—met Anne when she was the recipient of this God-centered hospitality.

Listen and discover how you, too, can dwell in the presence of Christ and share His love in your little corner of the world.

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Step Forward in Faith with Cecilia Stevenson, Producer of Triumph of the Heart

Saint Maximilian Kolbe stepped forward to die in place of another Auschwitz prisoner. It is at this moment that the film Triumph of the Heart begins.

This week’s “mini retreat in a podcast” features Cecilia Stevenson, the producer of this Catholic film. 

Hear how Cecilia’s "yes" to making this film has changed her.

Cecilia shares the challenges she faced during the production of the film, how she has developed a relationship with Our Blessed Mother, and how Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s life inspires her to live her faith more fully. 

Listen and learn how you can also step forward in faith and live an abundant life for our Lord.

Watch Triumph of the Heart in a theater near you on September 12th, 2025. Learn more at www.triumphoftheheart.com.

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Placing God in the Center with Michele Sagarino of Cross Catholic Outreach

Michele Sagarino, President of Cross Catholic Outreach, had a clear plan for her life. She was determined to make it happen.

Yet, when it was time for Michele to have children, she wasn’t getting pregnant.

God began opening Michele’s heart to His will for her life. Michele and her husband were blessed to start a family through the gift of adoption.

Soon after, Michele went on a mission trip with Cross Catholic Outreach.

Michele knew where God wanted her—to work in developing countries. She now works with the best people, transforming—by the grace of God—the worst circumstances.

Listen to this “mini retreat in a podcast” and be inspired to put God in the center of your life. Experience the Lord’s abundant will for you!

Learn more about Cross Catholic Outreach at www.crosscatholic.org.

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25th Anniversary: Anchored in Heaven with Lindy and Brian Wynne

Host Lindy Wynne and her husband, Brian, said “yes” to the Sacrament of Marriage 25 years ago. They have said a million tiny yes’s to each other ever since.

By God’s grace, Brian and Lindy have been blessed with the gifts of loyalty and steadfast love.

In this “mini retreat in a podcast,” listen to Brian and Lindy share what they have learned through both the joyful and challenging seasons of their marriage. Discover how God has helped them open their hearts to each other again and again. 

Hear personal stories and insights to support your marriage or other relationships in your life.

Learn more at mamasinspirit.com

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How A Mess Becomes A Message with Katy Lane

Katy Lane was raised Catholic, but her passion for God was sparked when she was baptized in the Holy Spirit.

At that very moment, Katy was healed of the deep trauma she had suffered from abuse as a girl. Miraculously, she was able to forgive.

It was then that Katy truly began to live her faith.  

Before this, Katy was hesitant to share her faith. In this “Women of Wisdom” series, Katy shares how she learned, “Your mess is your message.”

Listen and discover how, “Your test is your testimony.”

Katy shares her message of healing and hope in small groups and her ministerial work. She teaches Bible Study and art classes at Room in the Inn, a Day Shelter in Nashville, TN.

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Coping with Change with Mary Dolan

“So many times transitions involve pain and tears.”

Mary Dolan has remained deeply engaged in her relationship with Christ throughout times of change in her life.

Recently, Mary faced retirement and wondered, “Does one truly retire from loving and serving the Lord?

In this series, “Women of Wisdom,” Mary explores the vulnerability of change. She shares how she has learned to sit in silence, listen to God, and respond to Him calling her into new seasons of love and service.

Listen and learn how to navigate difficult times of transition. Discover how to embrace change, trust Christ completely, and live every season of your life on fire with the love of God!

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God Illuminates the Conscience with Joelle Maryn of "Become the Fire"

“My whole life burned down to the ground.”

When she was six, Joelle Maryn narrowly escaped a house fire. That day, she lost her beloved sister.

Adding to her sorrow, Joelle also felt as though she had lost her parents to the heartbreak of losing their child. 

Joelle became an actress and model, attempting to rebuild her life with worldly pursuits. What appeared to be a peak of success—her image displayed on a billboard in Times Square—highlighted her achievements. 

Yet, as Joelle became more recognizable to the public, she felt increasingly lost and less recognizable to herself.

In this 'Women of Wisdom' series, hear how Joelle experienced an Illumination of Conscience that led to her conversion. Listen to Joelle share how she grew to “Become the Fire,” the title of her book.

Discover how you can shine brightly with God's love, too!

Learn more about Joelle Maryn, an award-winning actress, international TV host, and author at joellemaryn.com.

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God Heals Stress with Maria Morera Johnson

The year Maria Morera Johnson turned 49 almost did her in.

Maria faced intense stress in every aspect of her life. The lowest point was when she had a stroke. 

“I was an absolute physical, emotional, and spiritual mess.”

Maria survived and went home carrying a lot in her heart to reflect on. She decided to attend a spiritual retreat at The Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

It was there that the Lord calmed her spirit. 

While Maria walked around the abbey grounds, she prayed the Rosary and sensed Our Blessed Mother holding her hand. Maria also experienced the Lord’s presence as she sat in the chapel. 

Maria’s time at the abbey transformed her spiritual life and affected her in every way. She started journaling her conversations with Jesus and continued for many years. It felt like her salvation. 

Be encouraged to deepen your spiritual life as you listen to this mini-retreat in a podcast from the “Women of Wisdom" series!  

Learn more about Maria and her work at mariamjohnson.com.

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From Picture-Perfect to Authentic with Jonna Schuster of Catholic Revival Ministries

Jonna Schuster aimed for picture-perfect faith.

Until everything started to fall apart.

Jonna’s perfectionist tendencies left her drained and unhappy—she even started having health problems. 

When Jonna attended a silent retreat with Passionist Nuns in Kentucky, everything changed.

While a blizzard raged outside the chapel, Jonna knelt alone inside. She felt the indescribable touch of God—like she was being held in His hand. 

Over time, Jonna learned to let go of her habits of self-sufficiency and people-pleasing. She experienced the newfound freedom of being her authentic self with God and others. 

Listen to Jonna in this series, “Women of Wisdom,” and be blessed with the kind of internal freedom that only comes from God.

Learn more about Jonna and her book, “Hearing God’s Voice: A Catholic Guide to Listening Prayer,” at www.catholicrevivalministries.com.

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Rejected Then Healed by Jill Simons of Many Parts Ministries

Jill Simons lay on her bedroom floor, surrounded by nine rejection letters from top MFA programs.

After a childhood marked by remarkable achievements, Jill realized she could no longer rely on her accomplishments as the source of her identity.

Jill needed some healing.

Over six months, Jill regularly attended Adoration, during which Christ patiently awaited her to surrender the burden of self-imposed pressure and her desire to succeed. 

After Jill embraced her identity as a beloved daughter of God, she felt called to learn more about her charisms and share them with the Church.

In this “mini retreat in a podcast,” begin to discover your charisms, too!

Jill is the founder of Many Parts Ministries. Learn more at www.manypartsministries.com.

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God is Calling You with Allison Gingras of Reconciled to You

In her 30s, Allison Gingras was invited to her first Bible study by a friend. Initially, she attended primarily for the snacks. 

But then, Allison fell in love with the Word of God. 

As Holy Scripture touched her heart, Allison began to live her faith. 

Allison has embraced God's call to follow Christ, even when it has been difficult. Her journey has included writing and speaking about her Catholic faith. Additionally, she and her husband, Deacon Kevin, adopted a toddler girl from China.  

In the series “Women of Wisdom,” Allison inspires listeners to trust that God has a purpose for their lives. God’s call is eternal; as long as we are alive, we continue to be called. 

Learn more about Allison Gingras at https://reconciledtoyou.com.

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God Prepared Us For The War with Valeriia Cherednychenko of Catholic Charities

On a February morning about three years ago, Valeriia Cherednychenko and her family woke up to explosions outside their home in Ukraine. When Valeriia looked out, she saw missiles exploding. 

Valeriia and her husband immediately hid with their four daughters in an interior room of their home. Once there was a break in the missile attacks, they fled the country.

Listen to this Easter podcast to hear Valeriia’s moving story about how strangers helped meet her family’s basic needs and get them to safety during the most threatening time of their lives.

Learn to reflect on your life and recognize how God was at work even when you didn’t realize it, too.

Once in Nashville, Tennessee, Valeriia and her family received assistance from Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, through their “New Americans” program. Following Christ’s example, Catholic Charities recognizes the dignity of all people and serves our neighbors. Learn more at: https://cctenn.org.

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Run to God with Maddie de Aquino

While praying, Maddie de Aquino heard God speak to her heart as a young girl:

"You are mine, and I am yours."

Maddie thought she was being called to religious life.

However, everything shifted when Maddie was 15 and her beloved mother passed away from a stroke. Consumed by anger, Maddie distanced herself from God.

She could not have imagined how God would pursue her and transform her heart.

Now, Maddie is a consecrated virgin. She has made a vow of perpetual virginity and offers her spiritual motherhood in service to the Church.

In this Easter podcast, learn how to run to God, even amidst great sorrow.

Maddie is a digital missionary and works under Monsignor Lucio Ruiz, Secretary of the Dicastery for Communications of the Holy See.

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God, Please Tell Me What to Do with Patty Magid

At 47, Patty Magid discovered two things: she was pregnant and she had a lump in her breast. 

Overcome with concern for her husband, her children and the baby she carried, Patty prayed to God to tell her what to do.

As she drove by her church in Jersey, God revealed the answer. 

Patty faithfully obeyed and for 9 months did not know if her baby would survive—or if cancer would take her from her older daughters and husband.

Learn the miracle Patty discovered when she delivered her youngest daughter on December 22, 1999. 

And discover how to make Easter decisions--choices that are made in tiny moments but have an eternal impact. 

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Saints are Working for Us with Christine Rich

Christine Rich has learned the Saints are working for her in a very real way. 

A number of years ago, Christine didn't understand why she felt drawn to choose Saint Valentine as her Saint of the Year.

Months later, God caught her attention when she realized that the morning she signed papers to leave the large, Catholic company she co-founded was Valentine’s Day.

After signing the papers, Christine went to pray at a local convent where Venerable Patrick Peyton had spent his final years. Christine even sat and prayed in his chair.

Years later, Christine's daughter and son-in-law would name their first child Peyton. Peyton was born on Valentine’s Day. 

Listen to this Easter podcast and learn how the Saints are working for you, too!

Christine Rich is a contributor to Clouds of Witnesses: 25 Stories of Saintly Inspiration and Intercession. 

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Faith First with Alicia Bell of GraceWorks Ministries

Alicia Bell’s word for this year: Surrender.

When Alicia was promoted to her dream job of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at GraceWorks Ministries, she was shocked to have a cancer scare at the same time. Uncomfortable ambiguity was amplified when Alicia was faced with unexpected challenges in her family.

While Alicia was blessed to have Jesus in her heart since she was young, this time required even greater trust. Alicia began to let go of her expectations, plans and very self in order to live the will of God and allow the Holy Spirit to do miraculous work.

Alicia experienced how God’s grace reaches to the innermost details of her heart and life.

In this Easter podcast, learn how God’s grace really does work.

GraceWorks’ mission is to share God’s grace, through food, shelter and support. It does this by neighbor serving neighbor. Learn more at: https://www.graceworkstn.org.

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Live Loved with Jared Geesey of Angel Studios and the King of Kings Film

When Jared Geesey was a boy, he remembers his Sunday School teacher telling him that faith wouldn’t just happen because he was the son of a pastor. Jared needed to have a personal relationship with Christ. 

Jared discovered the meaning of her words when he became a missionary and was forever changed. He now shares about the light of Christ as the Chief Distribution Officer and Executive Producer of King of Kings at Angel Studios. 

Most important to Jared, is that his sons know "the greatest story ever told." Jared and his wife have prayed their sons would know the profound love of God and "live loved" since they were small. 

In this Easter podcast, embrace the life of Christ in a new way and discover how you, too, can share the greatest story ever told. 

See the film The King of Kings in a movie theatre near you now! In The King of Kings "a father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice. The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child."

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Surrendering My Wife to God with Kevin Wells

Kevin Wells had a failed brain surgery. Then his wife, Krista secretly started binge drinking red wine to cover her hidden shame. 

This began years of a long, dark night in Kevin and Krista’s home and marriage.

At first Kevin’s spiritual practices left him frustrated-until Kevin learned to grip onto Christ in a way he had never before and completely surrender his wife, marriage and family to God.

Hear this profound story of redemption and how one man--by the grace of God--goes to the ends of the earth for his wife and children. Be blessed with a sacred blueprint of how to let God save when everything seems lost. 

Kevin Wells is the author of “The Hermit: The Priest Who Saved a Soul, a Marriage, and a Family.”

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Honestly Healing with Brya Hanan of Hanan Hope and Healing

Honesty leads us to deeper healing—and ultimately to a greater ability to love and be loved.

In this Lenten Podcast with Brya Hanan, LMFT, discover how Lent is the perfect time to experience the healing touch of God.

Brya experienced trauma as a child that left her feeling that there was something wrong with her--she just wasn't enough.

When Brya's mom and stepfather started exploring Catholicism, God’s grace simultaneously began pouring in.

A single moment in Adoration changed Brya's life. Jesus invited Brya into a personal relationship.

Hear how Brya continued to experience the healing touch of the Divine Physician through therapy and her Catholic faith.

Like Brya, sit in Christ's presence and know you are His beloved daughter.

Brya is the author of Befriending your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness.

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