Homilies, Episode 01- Homilist: Fr. Connor Penn Finding Peace in the Pit

April 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Episode 01- Homilist: Fr. Connor Penn Finding Peace in the PitEpisode 01- Homilist: Fr. Connor Penn

In this moving homily, Fr. Connor Penn explores the profound life of Joseph from the Book of Genesis, drawing a powerful map for finding divine peace in the midst of betrayal, injustice, and personal tragedy. Whether you are facing family resentment or circumstances beyond your control, this episode is a reminder that the “cross” is never the end of your story—the Resurrection is.

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Key Takeaways

 The “Joseph Lesson”: Joseph had every right to seek vengeance against the brothers who sold him into slavery. Instead, he chose to see God’s hand in his suffering, famously stating, “It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you.”

The Story Behind “It Is Well”: Fr. Connor shares the heartbreaking origins of the famous hymn written by Horatio Spafford in 1873 following the loss of his five children and his fortune.

Renouncing the Lies: We often believe the lie that peace is unavailable to us because our lives are “a mess.” Fr. Connor leads a powerful exercise in renouncing these lies and claiming the truth of God’s providence.

The Resurrection Mindset: Peace doesn’t come from the absence of trouble, but from the confidence that God works all things for good—a truth anchored in the Victory of the Cross.

 

Scripture References

Genesis 37-45: The Saga of Joseph and his brothers.

Matthew 10: Jesus sending out the Apostles to proclaim the Kingdom and bestow peace.

Romans 8:28: All things work together for good for those who love God.

 

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Magnificat Presents Some Women The Power of Praying Women

March 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment

In this episode of Some Women, the hosts explore the transformative power of prayer and the profound impact praying women can have on families, communities, and the world. Through personal stories, Scripture reflections, and faith-filled encouragement, the conversation highlights how prayer—both personal and communal—deepens our relationship with God and opens the door to spiritual breakthrough.Some Women Podcast

The Power of Praying Women

In this episode of Some Women, the hosts explore the transformative power of prayer and the profound impact praying women can have on families, communities, and the world. Through personal stories, Scripture reflections, and faith-filled encouragement, the conversation highlights how prayer—both personal and communal—deepens our relationship with God and opens the door to spiritual breakthrough.

Hosted by Angela Rizzo of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in Long Island, New York, this episode features regular panelists Pat Higginbotham of West Virginia and Jackie France of Ohio, along with special guest Maria Luque Raucio of Miami, Florida, coordinator of the Jesus Is Lord Magnificat chapter.

Together they share powerful insights on perseverance in prayer, trusting God’s will, and the role of faith-filled communities in strengthening our spiritual lives.

Opening Prayer

Pat Higginbotham opens the conversation with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion and teach listeners how to pray with gratitude, faith, repentance, and trust in God’s will.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Prayer Is a Relationship

The hosts discuss how prayer goes beyond traditional forms such as novenas and the rosary. While these are beautiful expressions of faith, prayer is ultimately a relationship with God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Praying Through Breakthroughs

Maria shares a personal experience of a spiritual breakthrough through persistent prayer and fasting. Sometimes prayer requires perseverance and deep trust in God’s timing and purpose.

The Power of Perseverance in Prayer

Pat reflects on the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18) and how God sometimes delays answers—not out of indifference, but out of patience and love as He shapes our hearts.

Faith and God’s Perfect Timing

The panel discusses how prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will. While we may ask for what seems good, God always desires what is best for us.

Personal Prayer and Listening to God

Jackie shares how prayer has always been an ongoing conversation with the Lord and how God sometimes challenges our expectations—especially when praying for loved ones.

The Role of Community in Prayer

Praying with other believers strengthens faith and helps us persevere. The women share how prayer communities provide encouragement, support, and spiritual strength.

The Gift of Prayer in the Spirit

The discussion includes reflections on praying in the Spirit and the gift of tongues, highlighting how this form of prayer allows the Holy Spirit to intercede when words fall short.

Praise as Powerful Prayer

Even when answers seem delayed, praising God and trusting His plan shifts our focus from our problems to His faithfulness.

Key Scriptures Mentioned

  • Matthew 21:22 – “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”

  • Luke 18 – The Parable of the Persistent Widow

  • 2 Peter 3:9 – God’s patience and desire for repentance

  • John 10:10 – “I came so that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

  • Daniel 10 – Spiritual warfare surrounding prayer

Encouragement for Listeners

The hosts invite listeners to grow deeper in their prayer lives by:

  • Spending time in praise and worship

  • Joining a prayer group or community

  • Trusting God’s will even when answers seem delayed

  • Persevering in faith and hope

Prayer is powerful—and when women come together in faith, miracles, healing, and transformation can occur.

[Read more…]

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Magnificat Presents Some Women – Holiness through Prayer and Sacrament

December 26, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Holiness through Prayer and Sacrament | Engage with our panel as we uncover the sacrament through the stories of women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples.In this episode, Angela, Jackie, and Pat share testimonies concerning their personal prayer lives and how they have developed over years and the importance of the sacraments in our growth in holiness.

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples? Why and how do we follow and serve Him today?  

In this SOME WOMEN  podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples,  Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today.    Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church.  Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him!

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting.

The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women.  Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

 

 

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Magnificat Proclaims, Ep 11, Bishop David L. Toups, All things work for good for those who love God

December 5, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Magnificat Proclaims, Ep 11, Bishop David L. Toups, All things work for good for those who love GodFor Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

 Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 11, Bishop David L. Toups – All things work for good for those who love God

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Bishop David L. Toups shares his inspiring testimony and how the Lord led him to become a priest, then Bishop, as well as some valuable faith-filled life lessons. Bishop Toups obtained a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree and Licentiate of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.  Later, Bishop received a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also in Rome. He was appointed to the faculty at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida, and later named dean of students.

 

In 2007, Bishop Toups left St. Vincent de Paul to become associate director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations at the USCCB in Washington D.C. In 2020, Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Beaumont where he continues to serve today. Bishop Toups, author of many articles, is also author of the book, Reclaiming Our Priestly Character.

 

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. The Podcast is a platform for inspiring testimonies that showcase God’s goodness, greatness, and grace in our lives. These testimonies not only inform and educate but also encourage and inspire us to develop, deepen, and cultivate our relationship with the Triune God. The show hosts are Monique Moussot and Maryann Ridini Spencer.

Find out more about Bishop Toup’s Broadcast “For The Good”:

https://omomchurchbmt.com/videos

 

“For The Good” on YouTube:

 

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS on The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and other channels: Magnificat® Proclaims: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry/

**

About Magnificat® Ministry

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

 

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

 

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Magnificat Presents Some Women – What is Holiness?

November 28, 2025 by Leave a Comment

In this episode, Angela, Jackie , and Pat will share their personal calls to holiness, acknowledging it as a journey that we choose when we want to be like Jesus. Listen as they describe times in their lives when they felt a conviction to grow in holiness, getting serious about growing in holiness, and their experiences along the journey to holiness.

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples?  Why and how do we follow and serve Him today?

In this SOME WOMEN  podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples,  Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today.

Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church.  Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him!

In this episode, Angela, Jackie , and Pat will share their personal calls to holiness, acknowledging it as a journey that we choose when we want to be like Jesus. Listen as they describe times in their lives when they felt a conviction to grow in holiness, getting serious about growing in holiness, and their experiences along the journey to holiness.

In This Episode of SOME WOMEN

In this episode, Angela, Jackie , and Pat will share their personal calls to holiness, acknowledging it as a journey that we choose when we want to be like Jesus. Listen as they describe times in their lives when they felt a conviction to grow in holiness, getting serious about growing in holiness, and their experiences along the journey to holiness.

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry.

Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women.  Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

 

 

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Magnificat Proclaims, Ep, 10, Father Tom Sparacino, A Faith Journey Leading to the Priesthood

November 7, 2025 by Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Father Tom SparacinoMagnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 10, Fr. Tom Sparacino, A Faith Journey Leading to the Priesthood

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

In this episode, Fr. Tom Sparacino, a priest of Jesus Christ for the diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, since June 6, 1998, shares his faith journey and path to becoming a priest.

His devout Catholic upbringing in a small hamlet of West Pittsburg instilled in him Christian values and the importance of faith-filled community from an early age. At fourteen, a powerful Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) weekend left a profound impact on Fr. Tom, leading him to hear God’s call to the priesthood. However, the path to ecclesiastic life was not immediately clear, as he also harbored dreams of becoming a chef, getting married, and having a large family. It took Fr. Tom some time and overcoming various challenges before he fully embraced his calling.

 

Fr. Tom’s journey has been marked by diverse roles in the church, each contributing to his rich and varied experience. He has served as a parochial vicar, pastor, high school chaplain, and co-vocation director, each role shaping his understanding of faith and service. Currently, he serves as the rector of St. Paul Seminary and is the director of pre-ordination formation for the diocese. His role as Spiritual Advisor to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chapter of Magnificat, since 2010, further connects him to the community.

 

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. The Podcast is a platform for inspiring testimonies that showcase God’s goodness, greatness, and grace in our lives. These testimonies not only inform and educate but also encourage and inspire us to develop, deepen, and cultivate our relationship with the Triune God. The show hosts are Monique Moussot and Maryann Ridini Spencer.

 

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

 

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

 

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

 

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS on The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and other channels: Magnificat® Proclaims: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry/

 

 

About Magnificat® Ministry

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

 

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

 

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Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 9, Patti Mansfield

October 3, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Discover the powerful testimony of Patti Mansfield in Episode 9 of Magnificat® Proclaims! From her life-changing baptism in the Holy Spirit at the Duquesne Weekend to sharing faith across the globe, Patti’s story is a beautiful reminder of God’s grace and the transforming power of saying “yes” to His will. Perfect inspiration for Catholic women seeking to deepen their faith and grow closer to the Holy Spirit.

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 9, Patti Mansfield

Introduction to Magnificat® Proclaims

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Patti Mansfield, a wife, mother, grandmother, speaker, writer, and teacher, shares her inspiring testimony of how she transformed her life by developing a personal relationship with the Lord and giving her fiat to do his will.

Patti Mansfield’s Journey and Testimony

Patti, who has been a part of Magnificat Ministry from its inception, was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1967 at the famous Duquesne Weekend, which marked the beginning of the Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church. Since that time, Patti has traveled the world witnessing to the New Pentecost. She has authored several books and has over fifty teaching CDs.

Service to the Church and Global Ministry

Patti and her husband, Al, also an author and teacher, received the Papal Medal, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, for outstanding service to the Catholic Church. In 2006, spoke before 400,000 people in St. Peter’s Square when she was chosen to thank the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on behalf of ecclesial movements and new communities. In June 2014, she was acknowledged by name by Pope Francis as being “one of the first to experience the Spirit in an intense way.”

 

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

The Podcast is a platform for inspiring testimonies that showcase God’s goodness, greatness, and grace in our lives. These testimonies not only inform and educate but also encourage and inspire us to develop, deepen, and cultivate our relationship with the Triune God. The show hosts are Monique Moussot and Maryann Ridini Spencer.

 

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

How to Listen and Watch

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

 

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS on The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and other channels:

Magnificat® Proclaims: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry/

 

 

About Magnificat® Ministry

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

 

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

 

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Testimony of Lillian Rambacher

May 7, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Testimony of Lillian Rambacher, Magnificat Ministry TestimoniesTestimony of Lillian Rambacher

Lillian resides in Canton, OH. She is a wife, mother of four, and grandmother of five. She and her husband, John, have been parishioners of North Canton St. Paul’s Church for 36 years and their children attended elementary school at St. Paul’s.

Her vocation as a Mercy Hospital cardiac nurse for nearly 40 years also became her ministry. In 2017, Lillian and her husband experienced a miraculous, lifesaving healing of their daughter, Leah and first grandchild, Jackson. The night before their daughter, Leah, was induced to deliver her child, Lillian gave her a rosary that became a lifeline to our Mother Mary.

Lillian shares how God and our Blessed Mother Mary mercifully interceded for Leah and her son, Jackson. At her most desperate, broken point, Lillian promised God and our Blessed Mother that she would bring Him followers one person at a time. If it had not

been for Jesus powerful healing, our Blessed Mothers intercession as they prayed the Rosary with their extended family and St. Charbel’s intercession, whom they prayed to due to their Lebanese heritage, they would not have seen the visible signs associated with trust, mercy and hope.

‘Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.’ Romans 12:12

The above verse shows us how we are to respond in various situations that we

face in life. Our hearts should be full of joy because we have hope in Christ.”

The testimony of Lillian Rambacher was given to the Stark County, OH Chapter in March 2024.

The recording is 42 min. 30 sec. in length.

 

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org

Magnificat Store

Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit    https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

 

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