Franciscan Fridays

Franciscan Fridays is a weekly podcast from the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, featuring conversations with CFR Franciscan friars on faith, culture, and living the Gospel today. Join us each Friday for thoughtful reflections, spiritual insights, and engaging discussions rooted in Catholic truth and devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Franciscan Fridays is a weekly podcast from the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, featuring conversations with CFR Franciscan friars on faith, culture, and living the Gospel today. Join us each Friday for thoughtful reflections, spiritual insights, and engaging discussions rooted in Catholic truth and devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Episodes
Episodes



Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
*Pope Leo XIV, AI & the Catholic Soul* Episode 4 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZquHQb74-dt_Bs4_aWc3Xq6IzMnUIg8Y&si=y3cQsz9wO8Mt2UKo
Support the podcast and the Blue Army! http://weblink.donorperfect.com/VideoCFR
Welcome to another episode of Franciscan Fridays! Join Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR and John Paul Gutschke, filmmaker and project manager at the Blue Army Shrine, for a timely and engaging conversation that blends Catholic tradition, modern tech, and the eternal truths of the Gospel.
🎙️ Topics include: The significance of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate and his connection to Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum Our Lady of Fatima and the mission of the Blue Army Shrine The spiritual and social dangers of AI and digital overexposure The need to recover human dignity, real-world presence, and the sacramental imagination St. Padre Pio’s prophetic voice on media The Catholic symbolism in The Lord of the Rings — and why shrines can be like Rivendell Lessons from Blessed Carlo Acutis on digital evangelization rooted in real presence
📍 Filmed at the beautiful Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, this episode is both a wake-up call and a call to wonder.
🙏 Like, share, and subscribe to help us reach more hearts hungry for the truth.
💙 Support our mission: https://www.bluearmy.com
#FranciscanFridays #PopeLeoXIV #CatholicPodcast #CatholicChurch #BlueArmyShrine #OurLadyOfFatima #ArtificialIntelligence #StPadrePio #CarloAcutis #LordOfTheRings #CatholicFaith #CatholicYouth #DigitalDiscipleship #SpiritualWarfare #CatholicShrine #NewEvangelization #FaithAndTech #CatholicCreatives
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 Headquarters of The World Apostolate of Fatima USA. Here’s the link to Fr. Luke’s “ Daily Homilies” Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jhj0ryoBG5vRl0ySGcRLk?si=c244d430b23a4057
To Learn More About The Jubilee you might consider getting the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope prayer card, a cherished keepsake for pilgrims visiting the National Blue Army Shrine and seeking the grace of a plenary indulgence. https://www.shopfatima.com/blue-army-press/
Please consider joining Our Lady of Fatima's Blue Army: https://www.bluearmy.com/join/
Support Our Mission: Help us serve others and keep the faith alive in these challenging times by donating here: https://www.bluearmy.com
Visit Our Shop: Every sale supports the work of the Apostolate and shrine to spread the authentic message of Fatima: https://www.shopfatima.com/
Watch Free Videos: Explore a vast library of videos about Our Lady of Fatima https://watch.bluearmy.com/
Listen to the Podcast of Fatima Today: Stay informed and inspired with our podcast https://listen.bluearmy.com/
📢 Please Like, Share, and Subscribe!
🔔 Turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content.



Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
🎙️ Franciscan Fridays at the Shrine – Episode 3 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZquHQb74-dt_Bs4_aWc3Xq6IzMnUIg8Y&feature=shared
Support the podcast and the Blue Army! https://weblink.donorperfect.com/VideoCFR
📍 From the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR welcomes John Paul Gutschke for a deep and timely conversation on:
👉* How should Catholics view and respond to the papacy during uncertain times?*
🕊️ As the Church awaits the white smoke of a new pontiff, this episode offers a faithful, humble, and theologically grounded look at the papacy, Church authority, and the real heart of Catholic obedience.
💬 Topics Include:
✔️ The limits and authority of the Pope
✔️ Vatican I and II on papal teaching
✔️ Padre Pio’s example of loyalty
✔️ The problem with online debates and confusion
✔️ Why obedience and charity matter more than opinion
✔️ Why trust in God’s providence is essential
📽️ Whether you're struggling with Church controversies, social media debates, or simply want clarity on papal authority—this episode is for you.
🛐 “The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church.” (Matthew 16:18)
💬 “Were you humble, obedient, and loving?” – That’s what God will ask us, not “Were you right about every opinion.”
✝️ Watch, share, and subscribe for more episodes of Franciscan Fridays as we journey deeper into the heart of the Church.
🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes!
🙏 Support the Apostolate: https://bluearmy.com/donate
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📌 CONNECT WITH US 📍 Shrine Website: https://bluearmy.com 📸 Instagram: @bluearmyshrine 📘 Facebook: Blue Army Shrine 🐦 Twitter/X: @BlueArmyShrine ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
#CatholicChurch #PopeFrancis #PapalAuthority #FranciscanFridays #FrLukeMaryFletcher #BlueArmyShrine #FatimaMessage #ObedienceAndFaith #Pope #CatholicPodcast #YoungCatholics #Vatican #CatholicTheology #TrustInGod #CatholicPerspective #Conclave2025 #SpiritualDiscernment #ChurchUnity #PadrePio #SensusFidei #RespectThePope #HumilityAndCharity #PrivateRevelation #Vatican1 #OurLadyOfFatima #catholicfaith
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 Headquarters of The World Apostolate of Fatima USA.
Here’s the link to Fr. Luke’s “ Daily Homilies” Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jhj0ryoBG5vRl0ySGcRLk?si=c244d430b23a4057
To Learn More About The Jubilee you might consider getting the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope prayer card, a cherished keepsake for pilgrims visiting the National Blue Army Shrine and seeking the grace of a plenary indulgence.
https://www.shopfatima.com/blue-army-press/
Please consider joining Our Lady of Fatima's Blue Army: https://www.bluearmy.com/join/
Support Our Mission: Help us serve others and keep the faith alive in these challenging times by donating here: https://www.bluearmy.com
Visit Our Shop: Every sale supports the work of the apostolate and shrine to spread the authentic message of Fatima: https://www.shopfatima.com/
Watch Free Videos: Explore a vast library of videos about Our Lady of Fatima https://watch.bluearmy.com/
Listen to the Podcast of Fatima Today: Stay informed and inspired with our podcast https://listen.bluearmy.com/
📢 Please Like, Share, and Subscribe!
🔔 Turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content.



Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
🎙️ Welcome to a historic episode of Franciscan Fridays at the Shrine!Recorded at the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Asbury, NJ 🇺🇸
In this special episode, Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR, John Paul Gutschke, and David Carollo reflect on a landmark moment in Church history — the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope.
🔥 In This Episode, We Discuss:
David Carollo’s personal connection to the new pope
Why the name Leo is so meaningful, recalling Popes Leo I & XIII
The role of patriotism, loyalty to the Church, and the American spirit in evangelization
The significance of the installation date: May 13, Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
Wisdom from St. Augustine and the mission of the Church today
This powerful conversation bridges faith, history, and hope for the future of the Church.
Join us in praying for Pope Leo XIV.“To Jesus through Mary.”
Learn more about the World Apostolate of Fatima USA:https://www.bluearmy.com
Plan a visit to the Shrine in Asbury, NJ — a place of peace and prayer.
Shop, support, and stay connected:
Join the Blue Army: https://www.bluearmy.com/join/
Donate: https://www.bluearmy.com
Shop: https://www.shopfatima.com
Get your Jubilee Year of Hope prayer card: https://www.shopfatima.com/blue-army-press/
Like, Comment, Subscribe, and Share this episode!



Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Franciscan Fridays Ep. 2 | What You Should Know if You Watch The Film "Conclave" https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZquHQb74-dt_Bs4_aWc3Xq6IzMnUIg8Y&feature=shared
Support the podcast and the Blue Army! https://weblink.donorperfect.com/VideoCFR
🌿 Welcome to Franciscan Fridays! Join Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR and Br. Pius Marie Gange, CFR — chaplains at the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima — as they dive deep into faith, culture, and Catholic truth in this brand new weekly podcast.
🎙️ Episode 2: A Catholic Response to the film "Conclave" In this first episode, the friars offer their honest reflections on the controversial new film Conclave.
🎬 Is it subtle propaganda?
🤔 What does it say about the papacy?
💥 Are the spiritual undertones dangerous?
🧠 With humor, insight, and Franciscan clarity, they examine the artistic value of the film versus its problematic messaging — and unpack the dangers of attractive media laced with theological distortion.
💬 Have YOU seen the film? What did you think? Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
🔔 Subscribe for weekly Catholic commentary from a Franciscan lens.
🙏 Support the mission of the Shrine: https://weblink.donorperfect.com/VideoCFR
📍Filmed at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
📍Location: Asbury, New Jersey 📅 New Episodes Every Friday •
Learn more about the Blue Army Shrine: https://www.bluearmy.com/
#bluearmy #FranciscanFridays #FrLukeMary #BrPiusMarie #BlueArmyShrine #ConclaveReview #CatholicPodcast #CFR #CatholicTruth #PopeFrancis #CatholicMedia #FatimaMessage #CatholicYouTube #FaithAndCulture #AntiCatholicMedia #CatholicResponse #conclave #conclave2024 #CatholicYouTube #catholicchurch
Support the podcast and the Blue Army! https://weblink.donorperfect.com/VideoCFR
Welcome to Franciscan Fridays! This is our second episode in which Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR, and Br. Pius Marie Gagne, CFR—chaplains at the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima—discuss the portrayal of the Catholic Church in mainstream media, from the movie Conclave to the Da Vinci Code. Follow this deep dive into the features and flaws of this film, is it propaganda? And what should we take away from this about the upcoming papal election? Watch today to find out.
📍 Filmed on-site at the beautiful National Blue Army Shrine in Asbury, NJ.
🙏 Join us weekly as we discuss faith, Church life, and spiritual wisdom grounded in Catholic tradition.
🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay connected with us every Friday!
📿 Learn more about the World Apostolate of Fatima: https://www.bluearmy.com/
📍 Visit the Shrine: https://bluearmyshrine.com/
📌 Key Topics: #FranciscanFridays #PopeFrancis #CatholicChurch #BlueArmyShrine #Fatima #CFR #CatholicPodcast #PrayForThePope #FranciscanSpirituality #CatholicFaith #CatholicYouTube
📢 Please Like, Share, and Subscribe!
🔔 Turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content. The Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is the Headquarters of The World Apostolate of Fatima USA. The World Apostolate of Fatima is the Vatican’s official voice in proclaiming the authentic message of Our Lady of Fatima.



Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Welcome to Franciscan Fridays! In this first episode, Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR, and Br. Pius Marie Gagne, CFR—chaplains at the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima—reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis and the enduring meaning of the papacy in the life of the Church. Today our chaplains Father Luke and Brother Pius inaugurate a new weekly podcast by discussing the passing of Pope Francis, his complex legacy, and what we as Catholic can do in this period of prayer and deliberation. What can we learn from the history of the Church, recent events, and what is the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding our response today? Join us for the first episode of Franciscan Fridays, here at the National Blue Army Shrine! From the spirituality of the Fatima children to the historical humanity of past popes, this heartfelt and honest conversation touches on prayer, leadership, confusion, grace, and gratitude. Drawing from their Franciscan spirituality and mental health insights, they offer encouragement and hope in a time of transition for the Church.
📍 Filmed on-site at the beautiful National Blue Army Shrine in Asbury, NJ.
🙏 Join us weekly as we discuss faith, Church life, and spiritual wisdom grounded in Catholic tradition.
🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay connected with us every Friday!


