Catholics must speak out on moral issues. Silence can be mistaken for consent. Christian nationalism distorts Catholic teachings. Catholic social teaching emphasizes human dignity. Political engagement is a moral duty for Catholics. Matthew 25 calls for action towards the marginalized. Economies should serve people, not the other way around. Faith without action is incomplete. Future generations will judge us by our actions. We must reflect on our values in political choices. Produced, Edited an...
Jun 03, 2025•31 min•Ep. 61
Easter matters beyond the Sunday celebration. Franciscan spirituality invites us to breathe hope into ordinary moments. Living as Easter people means seeing the world differently. Francis's journey teaches us about gradual transformation. Our spiritual walks often involve slow movements toward love. The heart of Franciscan living is found in community and family. Anxiety can disrupt our peace and connection with others. Franciscan wisdom offers pathways to reclaim peace. Easter hope is found in ...
Apr 21, 2025•15 min•Ep. 60
Our walk together begins now as we walk our way through Lent. Francis showed us something different, meeting God in quiet moments. What if Lent became less about giving up and more about opening up? Your kitchen might become holy ground through these simple choices. Can we learn from his quiet heart? Even five minutes of holy quiet bears fruit. Our homes sing with Franciscan music when we listen closely. While our phones ping and screens glow, his simple wisdom lights our path. Each moment holds...
Mar 13, 2025•20 min•Ep. 59
The Franciscan way invites us to return to what matters most. Living simply allows us to hold things lightly and focus on what truly matters. Sharing our lives creates islands of hope in our communities. Franciscan poverty is about freedom from excess, not having nothing. Listening is key to healing divisions and fostering understanding. Small steps can lead to significant changes in our lives. Community flourishes when we treat each other as family. Honest conversation opens sacred spaces betwe...
Mar 01, 2025•21 min•Ep. 58
The Beatitudes outline a way of life focused on humility and compassion. They provide a refreshing perspective on finding hope and joy. The teachings challenge traditional ideals of power and success. Each Beatitude follows a pattern of condition and promise. Mourning connects us to others and opens the door to healing. Meekness is a strength rooted in restraint and kindness. Hunger for righteousness aligns us with God's vision for humanity. Living the Beatitudes requires intentional action in d...
Feb 10, 2025•22 min•Ep. 57
Brother Francisco OSB is a solemnly professed monk at St. Vincent Arch Abbey. Benedictines follow the Rule of St. Benedict, emphasizing community and prayer. The vows of obedience, stability, and conversion of life are central to Benedictine life. St. Vincent Arch Abbey is known for its active ministry and community involvement. Brother Francisco's journey to monastic life began with a strong sense of community at St. Vincent College. Prayer must include specific time and place for it to be effe...
Jan 15, 2025•41 min•Ep. 57
New Year is a time for reflection and intention setting. Resolutions should reflect deeper purposes beyond mere aspirations. Service to others is a core value of Secular Franciscans. Prayer and reflection help maintain a commitment to resolutions. Humility and simplicity guide the resolution process. SMART goals provide a framework for actionable resolutions. Reflection on past experiences informs future goals. Celebrating small victories fosters motivation and gratitude. Adjusting resolutions s...
Jan 01, 2025•31 min•Ep. 56
I appreciate you listening to this Podcast, however I would suggest that you also view the Video version. Available On the Our Walk Together Channel on YouTube The first nativity scene was created by St. Francis in 1223. St. Francis's vision transformed how Christians celebrate Christmas. The nativity scene embodies a profound understanding of love. St. Francis connected poverty and humility as inseparable twins. The first nativity scene was a community effort in Greccio. St. Francis aimed to ma...
Dec 18, 2024•15 min•Ep. 55
The Franciscan tradition offers a unique perspective on Advent preparation. Simplicity and joy are central to the Franciscan approach. Nature can be a profound source of spiritual experience during Advent. Community service is essential in recognizing Christ in others. Joy is rooted in our relationship with God, not external circumstances. The Advent wreath prayers provide a structured spiritual focus. Transforming waiting moments into sacred encounters enhances mindfulness. Franciscan values gu...
Nov 30, 2024•22 min•Ep. 54
Embracing gratitude transforms our perspective on life. Franciscan spirituality emphasizes simplicity and community. Living simply allows us to appreciate the small joys. Gratitude multiplies when shared with others. Nature serves as a reminder of life's beauty and wonder. Prayer nurtures a grateful heart and fosters reflection. Acts of service express gratitude and strengthen community bonds. Gratitude can promote healing and forgiveness. Practicing mindfulness helps us recognize moments of gra...
Nov 13, 2024•23 min•Ep. 53
The Rosary is a journey, offering peace and introspection. It serves as a tapestry of faith woven through centuries. St. Dominic played a pivotal role in shaping the Rosary's place in Christian life. The Franciscan crown rosary emphasizes the joys of Mary. Praying the Rosary integrates into daily life for Franciscans. The Rosary acts as a spiritual compass for Franciscans. Meditating on the mysteries deepens the dialogue with God. Creating the right environment enhances the prayer experience. Si...
Oct 19, 2024•20 min•Ep. 52
Remember when you first stepped into a grand cathedral, and your gaze was pulled upward by the towering arches and intricate stained glass? That feeling of awe, once a cornerstone of Catholic worship, seems to be fading. In a time when ancient rituals meet modern interpretations, many wonder if we've lost touch with the sacred wonder that once drew people in. As we explore this shift, we'll shed light on why this change is happening and what it means for the faithful today. Discovering the reaso...
Oct 05, 2024•19 min•Ep. 51
This episode is dedicated to the St Patrick Fraternity in Buffalo, NY Fraternity is the bedrock of the secular Franciscan order, emphasizing community, love, and unity. Fraternity is lived out through simplicity, humility, and service to others. Technology can be used to enhance fraternity by connecting members and providing support. Embracing fraternity enriches individual experiences and contributes positively to the lives of others. Introduction: The Bedrock of the Secular Franciscan Order Fr...
Sep 03, 2024•20 min•Ep. 50
The Franciscan vocation is rooted in the teachings of St. Francis and focuses on living a life of simplicity, humility, and service. There are different types of Franciscan vocations, including the friars, the Poor Clares, and the secular Franciscans, each offering unique ways of living out Franciscan principles. The discernment process and formation stages are crucial for those considering a Franciscan vocation, providing a clear path and deepening commitment and understanding. Community life, ...
Aug 04, 2024•25 min•Ep. 49
This episode provides an introduction to the Secular Franciscan Order, emphasizing that its members are everyday people inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. Unlike monks or nuns, Secular Franciscans blend spiritual commitments with their busy lives, focusing on values like simplicity, peace, and compassion. The script discusses daily practices such as prayer, meditation, and scripture reading, as well as community involvement through local fraternities. It highlights the Franciscan principles of h...
Jun 21, 2024•33 min•Ep. 48
In this episode, I talk about Franciscan prayer. What it's all about, how it happens. What? What do we talk about when we talk about Franciscan prayer? Sometimes people think this is just for those of us who are Franciscans, but it's not really. It's for everybody. And maybe by listening today or watching today. You'll get a. Better understanding of what Franciscan prayer is. This is also meant to kind of remind my brothers and Sister Franciscans. Produced, Edited and mixed by Paul R. Long, OFS ...
May 19, 2024•19 min•Ep. 47
Profession as a secular Franciscan involves a conscious choice to shape one's life around the core ideals of poverty, humility, and simplicity. The profession signifies a commitment to living in harmony with all of creation and making a positive impact on the world. The process of formation and discernment prepares individuals for their profession and deepens their understanding of the Franciscan way of life. Professed secular Franciscans have responsibilities to live a life of poverty, humility...
Apr 05, 2024•9 min•Ep. 46
This Is the Audio of the Rite of Profession at St Patrick Fraternity on 2/18/24.Produced, Edited and mixed by Paul R. Long, OFS For further Information visit our Website OurWalkTogether.com or contact: PaulLongOFS@gmail.com
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Summary In this conversation, Paul emphasizes the importance of educating ourselves before engaging in conversations. He highlights the dangers of speaking without knowledge and the need to seek reliable sources of information. Paul also discusses the benefits of being well-informed, such as increased credibility and a broader perspective. He explores the Franciscan tradition on education and the role of critical thinking in evaluating information. Additionally, Paul emphasizes the importance of...
Jan 31, 2024•20 min•Ep. 45
Embracing change and seeking out newness in life can lead to personal growth, fulfillment, and transformation. By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown, we open ourselves up to new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities. Embracing newness requires a mindset shift, letting go of fear and resistance to change, and viewing it as an opportunity for growth. Surrounding ourselves with diverse perspectives and practicing gratitude and mindfulness can help us break free from ...
Jan 15, 2024•13 min•Ep. 44
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a time to reflect on the love and hope he brought into the world. The Franciscan Order has a rich tradition of embracing the simplicity and joy of Christmas, particularly through the portrayal of the Nativity scene. Christmas traditions vary around the world, but they all highlight the common themes of love, joy, and giving. The Christmas tree symbolizes eternal life and hope, and decorating it together as a family creates lasting memor...
Dec 15, 2023•25 min•Ep. 43
The season of Advent is a time of real significant time in the church. This time marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. It's a time of preparation. It's a time of anticipation as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The word advent comes from the Latin word "adventus", which means coming or arrival. During this sacred time, we reflect on the coming of Christ, his presence in our lives today, and also his promise to return. Produced, Edited and mixed by Paul R. Long, OFS For fur...
Nov 29, 2023•18 min•Ep. 42
In this episode we talk a little bit about being grateful and being thankful and what are their significance and how to add thankfulness to our every single day. Expressing gratitude is one way to bond with a higher power also. It's an acknowledgement that the blessings received, the blessings that we receive, are from a divine source and not something that we deserve. When we're thankful, we recognize that there is something beyond. Expressing gratefulness is more than just being courteous. It'...
Nov 17, 2023•13 min•Ep. 41
In this episode I talk about the "Dark Night of the Soul" . I explore the meaning of Darkness and what St John of the Cross had to say about it. Advent will soon be here, the season of celebrating the Dark with the anticipation of the Light at Christmas. It is also a reflection on how we all find ourselves in darkness and the hope of Light Produced, Edited and mixed by Paul R. Long, OFS For further Information visit our Website OurWalkTogether.com or contact: PaulLongOFS@gmail.com...
Nov 01, 2023•15 min•Ep. 40
This episode consists of two parts: First is a brief summary of new things for the podcast and Second is a story to reflect on. Produced, Edited and mixed by Paul R. Long, OFS For further Information visit our Website OurWalkTogether.com or contact: PaulLongOFS@gmail.com
Oct 13, 2023•8 min•Ep. 39
Ruth Ann Angus is currently the Director of Yes, We Can Peacebuilders. On September 11, 2018, Yes We Can Peacebuilders accepted a proclamation of peace and nonviolence from the Mayor and city council of Moro Bay, California establishing Moro Bay as a Nonviolent City. In September 2022 a second peace proclamation from the current mayor and city council was accepted by Peacebuilders strengthening the City of Moro Bay's dedication to peace and nonviolence through the Nonviolent Cities Project. Yes ...
May 18, 2023•53 min•Ep. 38
Roger Sessions is one of the founders, developers, Directors, and current President of meditationchapel.org , a nonprofit corporation offering online chapels to meditation groups from around the world to meet virtually and share the gift of silence and stillness. Today there are more than 150 groups meeting on the platform, and more than 8,000 registered users. Perhaps this speaks to you. There is no cost, and it is a truly loving community. Roger is a graduate of the FinD program, a three year ...
Apr 26, 2023•45 min•Ep. 37
The title of this episode gives most of the information about its content. Don shares with the listeners his life. He starts with recounting a childhood of abuse, his encounters with the legal system, his incarceration for many years, and how he found God while in prison and afterward. Don found his way to the Secular Franciscan order, where he is a professed member. He has served in several different ministries and continues to be of service to the Church. Don is the author of "From Felon to Se...
Apr 20, 2023•44 min•Ep. 36
Amos has spent much of his life studying and practicing Contemplatice and Centering Prayer. In his own words: "In my late teens and twenties I was a backpacker and mountain climber. Often times on mountain vistas I had an unmistakable intense feeling that I was part of something sacred and mysterious that was much larger than myself. This led me to explore meditation and Quaker Silent Meetings for Worship. In 1999 I met the founder of Contemplative Outreach, Thomas Keating. Keating told me, " If...
Mar 07, 2023•48 min•Ep. 35
Darryl says: My oldest of two boys, Chase, attended college on a football scholarship. He dropped out in the second semester of his freshman year after developing a drug addiction. When I first learned of Chase's drug habit, I didn't know anything about substance use disorders, and I panicked. I made a lot of parenting mistakes. Through an intervention, we were able to get Chase into treatment, but I didn't realize the proper role of the family in the recovery process. In some ways I was enablin...
Feb 03, 2023•46 min•Ep. 34
