Wannabe Saints

Dying to Self: Mortification, Lent, and Growing Closer to God

In this episode, we discuss lent and the virtue of mortification—what it truly means to “put to death” our desires, both the bad and the good ones that may hinder our spiritual growth. Mortification isn’t just about denying ourselves harmful habits, but about surrendering everything, even good things, in order to grow closer to God. By embracing this discipline, we learn to pick up our daily cross and follow Christ more fully. We discuss how mortification can be used as a form of prayer to create grace and by uniting it with Christ, suffering leads us to greater intimacy, with God. Tune in to learn how the practice of mortification relates to lent, can transform your life and deepen your relationship with God.Have a question, comment, or topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @Wannabe_Saints. Find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/WannabeSaints
Links to things we discussed: 
The Catholic Company Lenten Suggestions.
The Great Adventure Bible
My Daily Bread
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition

Valentine’s Day: A Love That Sacrifices

Valentine’s Day is more than chocolates, flowers, and romance—it’s about a love that gives. In this short reflection, we dive into the true meaning behind Valentine's Day, exploring the sacrificial love of St. Valentine and how he followed the ultimate example of love: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. As Catholics, we know Valentine’s Day is so much more than what the world tells us. It’s about loving others beyond words—through actions, selflessness, and sacrifice. Let’s rediscover what this day is really about and embrace the deeper, truer love it calls us to. Happy Saint Valentine's Day!
Have a question, comment, or topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @Wannabe_Saints. Find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/WannabeSaints

Gentleness & Meekness

In this episode, we discuss the connection between meekness and gentleness, two virtues often used interchangeably. We address the misconception that meekness means weakness and explain how gentleness is much more than just a soft touch—it’s a mindset and your disposition. We also dive into how meekness and gentleness are linked by a kind of sensitivity—not emotional sensitivity, but a sensitivity to the needs of others and how we anticipate those needs. We look at how these virtues show up in our words, actions, and relationships, and discuss their impact on both ourselves and those around us. 
Have a question, comment, or topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @Wannabe_Saints. Find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/WannabeSaints

Vigilance: The Forgotten Virtue

In this episode, we talk about the forgotten virtue of vigilance and why it’s so important in our lives—whether in our words, actions, thoughts, prayers, or the media we consume. Vigilance means being spiritually alert and aware, especially since the devil loves to deceive us, even through things that seem good. He often hides lies behind things that look harmless.
The big question is, "If Jesus were to come today, am I ready?" Our answer should be "yes," and that means staying alert and prepared at all times.
We use the example of a garden, where weeds naturally grow alongside the good plants. Just like a gardener must remove weeds to protect the garden, we must vigilantly remove the "weeds" in our lives. Vigilance means having custody of our hearts and minds, staying focused on our faith, and being ready for Christ’s return.
Links:
Metanoia Journal
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Spiritual Survival in the Modern World.
If you have a question, comment or topic you would like us to cover reach out to us at: wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or our instagram at Wannabe_Saints.

Forgiving Ourselves and Others: Finding Healing with Christ

In this episode, we talk about the power of forgiveness. We discuss how forgiving ourselves and others isn’t easy, but it’s made possible through Christ’s love and grace. Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or reconciling with everyone—it’s about letting go of our pain and inviting Jesus into it to bring peace and healing.
 
We talk about why we’re called to forgive, how Christ transforms our pain, and how forgiveness sets us free. If you’re struggling with letting go of past or current hurts and grudges, this episode will help and encourage you to trust in Christ’s power to heal and help you move forward.Have a question, comment, or topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @Wannabe_Saints. Find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/WannabeSaintsLinks to things we talked about:
The Liber Cristo Method
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Hidden Power of Kindness
Metanoia Journal

Cultivating Joy

In this episode, we reflect on the virtue of joy and how Mary, lived it out in her life. Mary’s example shows us that true joy comes from trusting in God’s plan, even in challenging times. We explore how joy connects to other important virtues like generosity, charity, hope, gratitude, friendship, and our identity in Christ.
Song link: https://youtu.be/x9f97OMlnis?si=OwVEvjpjhTFQEJsc
Litany of Joy: https://drinkofthespirit.wordpress.com/2017/12/20/litany-of-joy/
 
Have a question, comment, or topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @Wannabe_Saints.
 

Generosity and Magnanimity – Living a Life of Excellence for God

In this episode, we dive into the powerful connection between generosity and gratitude, and how living both virtues leads to magnanimity—a spirit of greatness that empowers us to live lives of excellence for God and grow His Kingdom. Generosity flows naturally from a heart of gratitude, where we recognize the abundance we've been given and are moved to give freely in return. 
We also discuss how the restlessness within us—our deep longing for more—points us toward eternal fulfillment, one that can't be satisfied in this life but finds its completion in the promises of God. This restlessness isn’t something to be suppressed, but rather, embraced as a divine nudge that drives us to live generously. It reminds us that our ultimate home and purpose lie beyond this world, compelling us to serve others and seek excellence in all we do. By living generously and gratefully, we participate in God's Kingdom, reflecting His eternal goodness and love through our actions and attitudes.
Have a question, comment, or topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @Wannabe_Saints.

Living Gratitude: More Than Just Words

In this episode, we dive into the true meaning of gratitude and explore how to live it out beyond just saying "thank you." We discuss what the Catechism teaches about gratitude, its deep connection to the Eucharist, and how the practice of gratitude is not just an attitude but an active way of living—especially in our relationships with others, and more specifically, with our parents.
Tune in to hear how embracing gratitude can transform our daily lives, inspire acts of love and service, and deepen our faith along the way. 
 
Have a question, comment, or topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @Wannabe_Saints.

True Friendship: 7 Key Steps

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we dive into the topic of friendship. What does it really mean to be a true friend, and how can we cultivate deep, lasting friendships? We explore the essence of friendship and share seven key steps we believe are essential for building authentic connections. Whether you're seeking to strengthen your current friendships or build new ones, this episode is for you. We hope you enjoy the conversation!
Have a question, comment, or topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @Wannabe_Saints.
Mentioned in this episode:
Metanoia Catholic Journal
3,000 Questions About Me: Activity Journal

Why Pilgrimage? Feat. Fr. Chris DiTomo & Katie Baynai

Super excited we got some free time during our pilgrimage to Ireland! We had the privilege of having Fr. Chris DiTomo joining us again, and Rachael’s sister Katie Baynai, the founder of For His Glory Tours, to record with us for an episode on 'Pilgrimage'. We cover the “why?” to pilgrimage, how it helps to build virtue, and the history of pilgrimaging. We also talk about how EASY we have it these days and how to help make each day a pilgrimage on our journey to heaven! 
 
 Links to all the things we brought up:
Katie's Pilgrimage company: https://www.forhisglorytours.com/
The Monks from Silverstream Priory: https://cenacleosb.org/
Justin Fatica with Hard As Nails Ministry: https://www.amazingnation.org/
Fr. Mike Schmitz Eulogy Virtues: https://bulldogcatholic.org/series-eulogy-virtues/
Hotel and town we were in while recording: https://www.gouganebarrahotel.com/  
 
If you have a question, comment or topic you would like us to cover reach out to us at: wannabesaintspodcast@gmail.com or our instagram at Wannabe_Saints.