Franciscan Fridays

Why the Rosary Is Hard (But Worth It) | Spiritual Struggles & Graces | Ep. 24

In this episode of Franciscan Fridays, Brother Pius and Father Luke dive deep into the beauty and challenge of praying the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From personal struggles with ADHD and distractions to the miraculous power of the Rosary for personal peace and global transformation, this heartfelt conversation is a powerful encouragement for anyone trying to stay faithful to this devotion.
Learn about the feast days of October, insights from Fatima, the spirituality of the Blue Army, and how saints like St. Thérèse of Lisieux and Padre Pio approached the Rosary—even when it wasn’t easy.
🕊️ Topics covered:
Struggling to pray the Rosary? You're not alone.
How the Rosary brings personal peace and transformation
Why Our Lady of Fatima emphasized this devotion
Spiritual benefits of repetition and habit in prayer
The Rosary as a tool for healing, focus, and grace
Feast days of September and October in Catholic tradition
✝️ Whether you're a lifelong devotee or a beginner wondering “Is the Rosary even working?”, this episode will inspire you to keep going—bead by bead.
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📍 Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Warren County, NJ🎙️ Hosted by Brother Pius Gagné and Father Luke Fletcher
 
Support the podcast:  https://tinyurl.com/franciscanfridays
 
Fr. Luke’s “ Daily Homilies” Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jhj0ryoBG5vRl0ySGcRLk?si=c244d430b23a4057
 
Join Our Lady of Fatima's Blue Army:
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Visit Our Shop:
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Blue Army Jubilee Prayer Card:
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Invite the Pilgrim Virgin to your parish:
https://fatimatourforpeace.com/
 
Fatima Today Podcast:
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When God's Will Doesn't Make Sense: Faith Amidst Hardship | Franciscan Fridays ep. 23

In this vulnerable and heartfelt episode of Franciscan Fridays, Brother Pius and Fr. Luke dive into the hard question: What do we do when God's will doesn’t match our expectations?
From personal stories of suffering and illness to insights into the Fatima apparitions, they explore our desire for control, certainty, and spiritual security — and how God invites us instead to radical trust.
They reflect on common spiritual traps (like treating prophecy or apparitions as fortune-telling), the temptation of conspiracy theories, and how true faith means living the Gospel through the ordinary.
Whether you're wrestling with unanswered prayers, frustrated by church controversies, or simply longing for deeper faith — this episode will encourage you to surrender, trust, and walk the little way of love.
Support the podcast:  https://tinyurl.com/franciscanfridays
Fr. Luke’s “ Daily Homilies” Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jhj0ryoBG5vRl0ySGcRLk?si=c244d430b23a4057
Join Our Lady of Fatima's Blue Army:
https://www.bluearmy.com/join/
Support Our Mission:
https://www.bluearmy.com
Visit Our Shop:
https://www.shopfatima.com/
Blue Army Jubilee Prayer Card:
https://www.shopfatima.com/blue-army-press/
Invite the Pilgrim Virgin to your parish:
https://fatimatourforpeace.com/
Fatima Today Podcast:
https://listen.bluearmy.com/

Feeling Spiritually Lost | Finding Jesus in the Temple (5th Joyful Mystery Explained)

In this episode of Franciscan Fridays, Brother Pius Gagné and Father Luke Mary Fletcher reflect on the 5th Joyful Mystery of the Rosary — the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple — and how it speaks deeply to the experience of spiritual desolation, dryness in prayer, and the feeling that Jesus is missing.
Support the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/franciscanfridays
Have you ever felt like your prayers were going nowhere, or that God was distant? You're not alone. Drawing on Ignatian spirituality, Carmelite mystics, and personal stories, our friars explore:
Why God sometimes feels far away
The value of perseverance in prayer during difficult times
How to offer even your spiritual "nothing" to God
The wisdom of the saints on detachment and faith in darkness
What the Holy Family teaches us about trust, searching, and surrender
📍 Filmed at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Warren County, NJ — a little piece of Portugal in America.
🙏 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!🌹 Support our mission: https://bluearmyshrine.com
The World Apostolate of Fatima is the Vatican’s official voice in proclaiming the authentic message of Our Lady of Fatima.The Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is the National Headquarters of Our Lady's Blue Army.
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Fr. Luke’s “ Daily Homilies” Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jhj0ryoBG5vRl0ySGcRLk?si=c244d430b23a4057
Join Our Lady of Fatima's Blue Army:https://www.bluearmy.com/join/
Support Our Mission:https://www.bluearmy.com
Visit Our Shop:https://www.shopfatima.com/
Blue Army Jubilee Prayer Card:https://www.shopfatima.com/blue-army-press/
Invite the Pilgrim Virgin to your parish:https://fatimatourforpeace.com/
Fatima Today Podcast:https://listen.bluearmy.com/
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Saint Carlo Acutis' Hidden Fatima Vision Revealed - The Power of the First Saturday Devotion

Join Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher and John Paul Gutschke for a powerful episode of Franciscan Fridays at the Shrine as they reveal a little-known mystical vision experienced by Saint Carlo Acutis during his visit to Fatima. Discover how Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati and Saint Carlo are deeply connected to Our Lady and the First Saturday Devotion — and why this devotion may hold the key to the future of the world. Plus, exciting updates on the new young adult movement and a virtual Fatima pilgrimage launching this December!
Support the Blue Army!
The World Apostolate of Fatima is the Vatican’s official voice in proclaiming the authentic message of Our Lady of Fatima. The Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is the National Headquarters of Our Lady's Blue Army.
Fr. Luke’s “ Daily Homilies” Podcast on Spotify 
Join Our Lady of Fatima's Blue Army
Support Our Mission
Visit Our Shop
Blue Army Jubilee Prayer Card
Invite the Pilgrim Virgin to your parish
Fatima Today Podcast
 

The 3 Hidden Secrets of Mother Teresa 🔥 | Fatima, Blue Army & Mystical Visions Revealed

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On this special Franciscan Friday, join Brother Pius and Father Luke at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima as they reveal three never-before-discussed mystical secrets of Saint Mother Teresa—visions she received in 1947, coinciding with the founding of the Blue Army.
These visions connect deeply to the Message of Fatima, devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Rosary, offering powerful insight into the interior life and spiritual mission of Mother Teresa.
🌟 You'll also hear rare personal stories of encounters with Mother Teresa, reflections on her dark night of the soul, and why she is lovingly called the "Holy Auntie" of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.
🕊 Whether you're devoted to Fatima, drawn to Catholic mysticism, or simply seeking inspiration from the saints, this episode offers a profound invitation to follow Christ by serving “the least of these.”
0:00 - Intro & Mother Teresa at the Shrine1:13 - Mother Teresa’s Hidden Visions3:00 - Personal Stories Meeting Mother Teresa5:00 - Her Interior Suffering & “Come Be My Light”7:20 - Connection to Fatima & Blue Army9:30 - Jesus’ Words to Mother Teresa13:00 - Poverty of the West & Interior Suffering17:00 - The Gospel in Action & Matthew 2519:08 - Final Reflections & Challenge to Serve
The World Apostolate of Fatima is the Vatican’s official voice in proclaiming the authentic message of Our Lady of Fatima.The Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is the National Headquarters of Our Lady's Blue Army.
Fr. Luke’s “ Daily Homilies” Podcast on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jhj0ryoBG5vRl0ySGcRLk?si=c244d430b23a4057
Join Our Lady of Fatima's Blue Army:https://www.bluearmy.com/join/
Support Our Mission:https://www.bluearmy.com
Visit Our Shop:https://www.shopfatima.com/
Blue Army Jubilee Prayer Card:https://www.shopfatima.com/blue-army-press/
Invite the Pilgrim Virgin to your parish:https://fatimatourforpeace.com/
Fatima Today Podcast:https://listen.bluearmy.com/

Prophets, Fatima & the End Times? | The Passion of John the Baptist & Catholic Prophecy Explained

Franciscan Fridays at the Shrine – Episode 19
Join Brother Pius and Fr. Luke Mary as they dive deep into the Passion of St. John the Baptist, his powerful role as the final prophet of the Old Testament, and how Catholic prophecy relates to the message of Our Lady of Fatima. What does true prophecy mean in the life of the Church? Should Catholics worry about "secret messages" and online conspiracy theories?
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The Power of Prayer & Spiritual Bouquets | Fatima, the Pope & You | Franciscan Fridays Ep. 18

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Welcome back to Franciscan Fridays at the Shrine! In this week’s episode, Brother Pius and Father Luke dive into the mystery and power of prayer, the inspiring tradition of the spiritual bouquet, and how this ties directly into the message of Our Lady of Fatima. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or just beginning to explore your faith, this episode reminds us of the supernatural strength of intercession, especially through the Rosary, Divine Mercy, and Holy Hours — and how we can offer these prayers as a gift to Pope Leo for his birthday on September 14th.

The Presentation: A Sign of Hope and God's Love | Franciscan Fridays Episode 17

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