
PETERSBOAT
On one occasion, the crowd on land was so great that Jesus could teach only those very near to him. So, “getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he taught the people from the boat.” Lk 5:3
Latest episodes

Mar 31, 2022 • 20min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 15 | The Fear of Death
Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit priest with a harrowing 23-year history in Soviet prisons, shares profound insights on faith and mortality. He recounts a chilling brush with execution, highlighting the human instinct to fear death despite an initial acceptance. Through examining death in a communist society, Ciszek emphasizes the importance of memory and community amidst loss. He contrasts superficial beliefs with genuine convictions about eternal life, depicting death as a joyful homecoming with God, providing comfort against existential dread.

Mar 29, 2022 • 20min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 14 | Retreats
Join Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit priest who survived 23 years in Soviet prisons, as he shares his profound journey in faith and resilience. He recounts the brutal realities of prison life, emphasizing how spiritual sustenance became his anchor amid adversity. Discover how he found meaning through daily sacrifices, transforming his struggles into acts of devotion. His experiences not only illuminate the power of hope but also reflect on the deep connection between suffering and spiritual growth.

Mar 27, 2022 • 23min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 13 | The Meaning of the Mass
Father Walter J. Ciszek, an American Jesuit priest who endured 23 years in Soviet prisons, shares profound insights from his book, He Leadeth Me. He explores the deep significance of the Mass for imprisoned priests, emphasizing the lengths they went to celebrate the Eucharist despite extreme deprivation. Ciszek illustrates the transformative power of faith during persecution, contrasting his prior access to the sacrament with the desperate search for spiritual nourishment. His reflections offer a poignant reminder of prayer's sustaining nature amidst suffering.

Mar 25, 2022 • 18min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 12 | The Apostolate
Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit priest, spent 23 years enduring life in Soviet prisons and labor camps. In this chapter, he discusses his motivations for serving in Russia amid such adversity. He explores the redemptive power of suffering, demonstrating how faith and surrender can lead to spiritual joy. Ciszek reflects on the profound connection between human trials and divine will, offering insights into his resilient spirit and the essence of his prayer life that sustained him during his harrowing experiences.

Mar 25, 2022 • 19min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 11 | The Priesthood
Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit priest, shares his extraordinary experiences of resilience from his 23 years in Soviet prisons. He reveals how he secretly performed sacred duties, providing hope in oppressive conditions. Ciszek discusses the transformative role of a priest, emphasizing authentic faith and the bonds formed through shared suffering. He reflects on the dual nature of priesthood, where daily struggles turn into acts of divine grace and community service, offering profound insights on the strength of prayer and connection during dark times.

14 snips
Mar 20, 2022 • 19min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 10 | Work
Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit priest who endured 23 years in Soviet prisons, shares profound reflections on labor from his book, "He Leadeth Me." He explores the stark contrasts between the sacred view of work and the brutal realities of slave labor camps. Ciszek discusses how prisoners found dignity and purpose in their toil despite dehumanizing conditions, viewing work as a potential path to personal salvation. His insights reveal the divine significance in every act of labor, emphasizing its power to reflect God's creative spirit and contribute to a greater purpose.

12 snips
Mar 18, 2022 • 17min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 9 | The Body
In this thought-provoking discussion, Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit who endured 23 years in Soviet prisons, reflects on his harrowing experiences during World War II. He shares insights on the struggles between the body and spirit, particularly in oppressive labor camps. Father Ciszek emphasizes the necessity of prayer for spiritual survival amidst brutal conditions, revealing how the resilience of the human spirit can triumph over physical hardship. His reflections offer a poignant lens on suffering and faith.

9 snips
Mar 16, 2022 • 18min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 8 | In Transit
Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit priest and survivor of 23 years in Soviet prisons, shares his profound reflections from his book, He Leadeth Me. He recounts his harrowing journey from solitary confinement to a Siberian labor camp, exploring the camaraderie formed amidst brutality. Ciszek delves into the moral struggles faced by political prisoners and emphasizes the essential role of faith in overcoming fear and confusion post-imprisonment. His insights illuminate the power of spiritual growth and the importance of embracing each day as a divine gift.

13 snips
Mar 14, 2022 • 24min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 7 | Four Years of Purgatory
Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit priest and author, shares his extraordinary journey of faith after spending 23 years in Soviet prisons. In this discussion, he delves into his harrowing experiences of interrogation and despair, revealing how these trials forged a deep divine trust within him. His reflections highlight the power of relinquishing control and embracing faith amid hardship, offering profound insights into the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Ciszek's resilience and reliance on prayer showcase the strength found in vulnerability.

7 snips
Mar 13, 2022 • 26min
He Leadeth Me | Chapter 6 | The Interrogations
Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit priest and author, spent 23 years in Soviet prisons, falsely accused of espionage. In this discussion, he reveals the harrowing emotional toll of coercive interrogations and the psychological warfare employed by the NKVD. Ciszek shares his profound internal struggle between seeking self-reliance and submitting to divine will during crises. His reflections emphasize humility and the sustaining power of prayer, showcasing how faith can shine even in the darkest times.