Wannabe Saints

Interview with Cecilia Brennan: A Life Lived with Fortitude

In this episode of, Wannabe Saints, we switched things up for the virtue of fortitude. We interviewed Jordyn’s friend, Cecilia Brennan. Her life is a living example of the gift and virtue of fortidue, always persevering in faith and overcoming all obstacles, growing stronger and stronger each time. From growing up without her mom, to her husband being deployed to Japan two moths after they got married and starting her own company at the same time, to having to raise their daughter alone for the first 6 months. Despite all the trials she has been able to see Gods hand and the blessings in it all. “The purpose of life isn’t to find happiness, it is to find peace.” 
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 Cecilia's Instagram and Podcast:
Cecilia's Instagram
What In The Dang Heck
What In The Dang Heck Instagram 

Mercy & Compassion

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we dive deep into the powerful connection between compassion and mercy. We explore how true mercy can’t exist without compassion—and how compassion naturally moves us to acts of mercy. From the corporal and spiritual works of mercy to the challenge of bearing wrongs patiently, we reflect on how these virtues call us to love others even when it's hard. We also talk about what it means to forgive from the heart, and how real forgiveness isn’t something we can do on our own—it’s only possible through the grace and help of the Holy Spirit.
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

Living With Integrity

Integrity is more than just being honest and trustworthy—it’s about living in a way that takes your values and turns them into virtues. In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we talk about what it really means to be a person of integrity, the virtues that it requires, and why it’s not just about doing the right thing when people are watching, but who you are at your core.
Listen in as we break down what it takes to be a person of integrity and challenge ourselves to live more authentically.
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

Forgiveness & Confession with Fr. Ditomo

In this episode—Forgiveness & Confession—of Wannabe Saints, we welcome special guest Father Ditomo to dive into forgiveness and confession. We talk about the difference between mercy and forgiveness, why confession is key to spiritual growth, and where it’s found in Scripture. Plus, we discuss how confession can be a powerful source of psychological healing. Don’t forget to check out our show notes for timestamps on all the key topics in this insightful 2.5-hour conversation!
 
Listen to Father’s Podcast here:
The Grace Filled Life
 
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
 
Episode Time Stamps:
0:04:51 – Mercy vs. Compassion
20:22 – If someone confessed murder, can the priest tell them to turn themselves in?
22:20 – Confession: The Genius Sacrament
24:38 – Difference Between Grace and Mercy
27:52 – Where Is Confession in the Bible?
33:12 – Why Confess Sins to a Priest?
39:33 – Causing an Offense Against Someone and Going to Them Before Confession
40:52 – Mortal vs. Venial
43:33 – Free Will in Mortal Sin?
46:39 – Is Suicide Grave Matter?
49:49 – Sexual Sin
55:53 – Why Does It Feel Like You Fall Harder into Sin After Going to Confession?
1:02:47 – When You Forget Sins in Confession but Remember After, Have They Been Forgiven?
1:04:07 – How Specific Do You Need to Be in Confession?
1:06:00 – Is the Number of Times Just for Mortal Sin?
1:13:44 – Why Is Frequent Confession a Good Practice Even If It Isn’t a Mortal Sin?
1:16:37 – Praying While in Mortal Sin
1:21:20 – Do You Need to Confess Past Sins as You Further Develop Your Conscience?
1:24:41 – Examination of Life/General Confession
1:27:42 – Should You Write Things Down for Confession?
1:32:47 – Should Everyone Have a Spiritual Director, and How Do You Get One?
1:38:57 – Withholding Forgiveness and Holding Grudges
1:46:21 – Scrupulosity
1:54:27 – Psalm and Prayer to Help With Scrupulosity
1:57:26 – Confessing Behaviors That Are More Weakness Than Sin
1:59:49 – Why Do Priests Give Small Penances?
2:11:11 – Communion Covers Venial Sins—Should You Still Go to Confession Regularly?
2:13:37 – Bad Advice From a Priest or Not in Line With Church Teaching
2:17:00 – If the Priest Messes Up the Prayer of Absolution

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

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.