Radio Maria England

In this heartfelt discussion, Margherita Corbo, a Catholic convert and testimony speaker, shares her inspiring journey from trauma to transformation. She dives into her experience of struggling with marriage and divorce within the Catholic faith, showcasing the power of forgiveness and community support. Margherita also reveals her battle with autoimmune illness, detailing her journey toward health through a strict carnivore diet. Throughout, she emphasizes the importance of prayer and spiritual resilience in overcoming life's challenges.

Fr Alvan Ibeh, a Catholic priest in East Anglia, delivers an uplifting New Year message centered on hope and forgiveness. He uses a flight metaphor to emphasize gratitude and God's mercy as we navigate the upcoming year. Fr Alvan highlights the importance of letting go of past burdens and resentments, detailing how forgiveness can liberate us and restore peace. He assures listeners that trusting in God leads to emotional healing and encourages them to release fears about the future, reassuring them that divine grace is always available.

Fr Toby explores the tension between certainty and humility, urging listeners to embrace a middle path. He reflects on the feeding of the Five Thousand, illustrating Jesus' harmonious nature as both human and divine. Citing C.S. Lewis, he emphasizes the virtue of changing one's mind and promotes a balance of compassion and truth in the Gospel. The discussion also highlights how repentance serves as an act of mercy. Ultimately, he calls for belief in the Eucharist to inspire actionable charity towards others.

The hosts dive into their New Year reflections, emphasizing the importance of God's presence during Christmas. They introduce a word-of-the-year tradition, focusing on themes of love and presence from 2025. Looking ahead, Chiara chooses 'rejoice,' linking joy to the Magnificat, while Mimi opts for 'rest,' aiming for spiritual replenishment. Their discussions are filled with warmth and insights tailored for Gen Z Catholic women, making it a delightful listen for anyone seeking inspiration in their faith journey.

Fr Toby reflects, not on the band's greatest hits, but the direction given to our lives, like the Magi, by the encounter with the Christ-child.WORD FOR TODAY is broadcast live on Radio Maria on weekdays at 1:15pm and is rebroadcast at 12:15am and 5:45am the following day. In it our Priest Director Fr Toby offers a reflection, usually drawing from the Mass readings of the day. If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Fr Toby reflects on the theological mic-drop of 'The Word became Flesh and dwelt amongst us'.WORD FOR TODAY is broadcast live on Radio Maria on weekdays at 1:15pm and is rebroadcast at 12:15am and 5:45am the following day. In it our Priest Director Fr Toby offers a reflection, usually drawing from the Mass readings of the day. If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Fr Toby delves into the significance of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, exploring its roots in the first letter of St. John. He highlights the historical context of the Holy Name Feast and the early Church's devotion to Jesus' name. The discussion includes fascinating insights into medieval enthusiasm and disputes surrounding the name, along with its essential meaning in Scripture. Ultimately, he emphasizes how the name Jesus embodies God's saving nature and the profound implications of the incarnation.

Fr Toby explores the profound silence that preceded the birth of the Word, highlighting Mary as a model of contemplation. He shares his personal experiences with silence and its impact on spiritual awareness. The discussion touches on the modern distractions that prevent us from embracing silence, while philosophical insights reveal silence as a powerful presence that reveals God's existence. Fr Toby emphasizes the importance of pausing in speech and prayer, suggesting that silence can transform and deepen our faith.

Fr Joseph Hamilton, Rector of Domus Australia and specialist in Patristics, shares profound insights on St. Gregory of Nazianzus's Festal Orations. He discusses the concept of anamnesis in liturgy, contrasting it with mere nostalgia, and emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation for Christmas. The duo reflects on Gregory's critique of secular holiday excess and highlights the true luxury found in scripture. They also explore young people's attraction to faith amidst cultural despair, addressing heresy and the profound hope found in Christ's birth.

Benedict Freely, a seminarian with a finance background, and Fr Matthew Jarvis, a Dominican friar and prior, delve into the intersection of faith and culture. They discuss the nuances of bilingual identities and cultural Catholicism, contrasting experiences from various countries. The duo explores urban versus rural parish vitality, emphasizing the role of creative apostolates in France. Topics like public preaching and the use of social media for evangelization are highlighted, along with strategies for fostering spiritual conversations.