They That Hope: A Catholic Podcast Saints of Poland
What happens when you pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet in St. Faustina’s backyard?
This week, Father Dave shares powerful moments from his recent pilgrimage to Poland—visiting sacred sites tied to St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Faustina, and St. John Paul II. From celebrating Mass at Kolbe’s friary to walking through Auschwitz and Birkenau, it’s a glimpse of God’s mercy amid some of history’s darkest places.
While Father Dave walked in the footsteps of saints, Deacon Bob found hopeful witness in the desert. He returns from the Life Teen Catholic Youth Ministry Convention in Arizona, where he gave a talk on “Radiant Hope” and reconnected with longtime friends in ministry. Together, the hosts reflect on the quiet, often unseen ways God raises up saints in every generation—even in the most unexpected places.
And yes, this episode still includes classic They That Hope moments: breakfast with Father Dave’s brother Tom, a temporarily misplaced child on the New York subway, and a burning question: Why does the French Open have two names?
Highlighted Sections
(00:00) Breakfast with Tom, Arizona Adventures, and Youth Ministry in the Desert
Deacon Bob recounts his recent trip to Arizona for the Life Teen Catholic Youth Ministry Convention where he reconnected with ministry leaders and gave a keynote on “Radiant Hope.” He also shares a surprise breakfast meet-up with Father Dave’s brother, Tom (a loyal listener), some humorous travel woes, and the joy of being surrounded by those serving the Church’s youth.
(04:08) Sports Recap: NBA, NHL, Tennis, and... Golf?
From unexpected NBA playoff upsets to a grueling five-set French Open final, Father Dave and Deacon Bob weigh in on recent sports headlines. They touch on the drama of playoff hockey, marvel at JJ Spaun’s 62-foot putt, and clear up (sort of) why the French Open is also called Roland-Garros.
(09:01) Audiobook Adventures
Deacon Bob announces that his book Sharing the Gospel with Our Lives is getting the audiobook treatment—and he’s narrating it himself. He shares the process (including a mysterious home studio in Columbus), while Father Dave recalls the heartbreak of being cut off with just 15 minutes left in a Navy SEAL memoir due to subscription limits.
(16:29) Pilgrimage to Poland: Kolbe, Faustina & Divine Mercy in Dark Places
Father Dave reflects on the deeply moving pilgrimage he led across Poland. Highlights include Mass at St. Maximilian Kolbe’s friary visiting the birthplace of St. Faustina, and praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet in St. Faustina’s backyard with her niece. He shares how the lives of these saints—and the sobering visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau—revealed the light of God even in history’s darkest moments.
(23:02) Saints Amidst Suffering
As conflict rages in places like Gaza and Ukraine, the hosts reflect on how God raises up saints in every era. From the Missionaries of Charity caring for the vulnerable in war zones, to everyday youth ministers and celibate religious, they honor those whose quiet, faithful witness brings hope to the world.
(28:22) Radiant Hope in Service
Expanding on his convention talk, Deacon Bob shares how true Christian hope is made visible through acts of loving service. Drawing from Scripture and the Visitation of Mary, he explains how hope, though unseen, shines clearly in those who serve joyfully and sacrificially.
Resources Mentioned
· Sharing the Gospel with Our Lives: A Relational Approach to Catholic Youth Ministry by Deacon Bob Rice
· LifeTeen Catholic Youth Ministry Convention
· In Person with Bishop Cozzens on Faith&Reason
· Franciscan Catechetical Institute
· Divine Mercy Shrine in Kraków, Poland
· Niepokalanów, St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Friary