Radio Maria England

A pleasure to have Fr Brendan Seery with us again on Questions of Faith tackling original sin, praying to Mary and encouraging non-Catholics to come into full communion with the Church in order to receive Christ in the Eucharist

In Episode 16 Antonia and special guest Theodore Shack take ‘The Rolling English Road’ (by GK Chesterton) as they ramble through discussions of belonging and nationalism, John 6:1-15 and a place close to both of their feet – Arthur’s seat. Music: Fern Hill by William Fairhead, and if you want to hear an excellent rendition of Chesterton’s ‘The Rolling English Road’ set to music listen to Maddy Prior’s version. Florilegium is a programme on Radio Maria which seeks to weave together liturgy, literature and  gardening in rambling, hopefully fruitful ways. It is written and presented by Kate Banks and Antonia Shack. About the Creators Antonia leads a patchwork life with jobs including but not limited to mother, book designer, editor, actor and teacher. She and Kate began discussing poetry, liturgy and gardening at the Willibrord Fellowship reading group in London and are delighted to be continuing these conversations on Radio Maria.  Kate (currently on leave from Florilegium) is a teacher of Literature, Philosophy and Theology, with a particularly keen regard for the poet and artist David Jones around whom many of her studies and her teaching-subjects have been based. She also briefly worked as a gardener in London, though she now lives with her little boy on the river Exe in Devon. If you enjoyed this programme, please consider making a once off or monthly donation to Radio Maria England by visiting www.RadioMariaEngland.uk or calling 0300 302 1251 during office hours. It is only through the ongoing support of our listeners that we continue to be a Christian voice by your side.

In our first Bardcast C Side of the Summer we hear from an Australian listener in Brisbane and also sit by the Dalmatian coast as a pirate ship slides by. We consider the nature of the liturgical voice in life and poetry and commence a summer project - anthologising to help prepare you for sharing tales around the fire pit at night. THE BARDCAST airs live and can be listened to on www.RadioMariaEngland.uk or digital radio in London, Bristol, South Birmingham and Cambridge at 3:15pm after the Divine Mercy Chaplet on Sundays and 8pm on Fridays. Each week Sarah de Nordwall reflects on poems that have been sent in, shares a poem of her own, leaves us with a theme and a writing prompt and sends us off to write something ourselves. Please send your submissions to sarah@sarahdenordwall.com and the rest of the podcasts can be found on Radio Maria Englan’s website.

In this episode of Culture Tuesday, host Helena Judd is joined by journalist and author Simon Caldwell, along with 10-year-old reading and writing enthusiast Beth Carroll. Together, they share a diverse selection of books perfect for readers of all ages.The episode highlights recommendations for adults, young readers, and even younger children, ensuring there's something for everyone. From bedtime stories to beach reads, the guests provide a variety of options to suit different moods and settings. They also delve into books that offer deeper insights into the truth of this world, exploring the complexities of characters portrayed through the lens of a Catholic perspective.Whether you're looking for something light and entertaining or thought-provoking and profound, this episode has you covered. Tune in for a delightful discussion and get inspired to expand your summer reading list with these fantastic suggestions.Guest BiosSimon CaldwellSimon Caldwell is a journalist and the author of The Beast of Bethulia Park. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Simon has captivated readers with his intriguing narratives and compelling characters.Madeleine CarrollMadeleine Carroll is the founder of Isaiah Books and the mother of Beth Carroll. She loves writing, walking, and reading to her children. Madeleine's enjoyment in creating interesting characters and storylines began when she was very young and has been greatly influenced by her Catholic faith. Her passion for storytelling shines through in her work, inspiring readers of all ages.

This week, Helena Judd has the privilege of hosting Karolina Stolarska, an inspiring voice in the realm of faith and creativity. Karolina will delve into the profound connection between the creation of art and the practice of prayer, a topic that promises to resonate with many. In her conversation, Karolina highlights a poignant reality: the modern-day neglect of diverse prayer practices, particularly those involving our imaginations. She points out that while there are Catholic Bible/art journaling groups and numerous creative Catholic women online, these communities often appear niche. Art and prayer can sometimes be seen as separate hobbies or professional pursuits, rather than integrated methods of reflecting on and expressing our faith. Karolina shares her experiences of organizing events like the “Creative Spirit” exhibition in Northampton, where professional and amateur artists showcased their works as testimonies of faith. This event, featuring workshops open to all, was a testament to how art can engage and deepen one’s faith journey. A significant barrier Karolina addresses is the common misconception that art workshops are only for the artistically talented. Many adults shy away from participating, fearing they lack the necessary skills or experience. However, as Karolina astutely notes, everyone sings during Mass, despite varying levels of musical ability. Singing is often referred to as praying twice, so why not extend this concept to visual expression? She advocates for spontaneous visual expression as a natural and enriching form of prayer, akin to written spiritual journals or verbal sharing in prayer groups. Her message is clear: art is for everyone, and it can be a powerful medium for spiritual reflection and expression. ABOUT KAROLINA STOLARSKA Karolina Stolarska’s journey is a testament to the harmonious blend of art, philosophy, and faith. With a BA in Philosophy and Theology and an MA in Philosophy of Religion, her academic background is complemented by a deep passion for visual art, formally studied up to GCSE level. Her extensive visits to exhibitions in London and abroad have further enriched her artistic perspective. Her pursuit of art’s expressive and therapeutic potential led her to obtain a Foundation Certificate in Art Therapy. However, Karolina felt a crucial element was missing: the spiritual dimension. Inspired by Sarah de Nordwall, who led a group for Catholic creatives, and Sr Sheila Gosney, a nun who integrated art into days of reflection, Karolina embarked on a mission to fuse art with spiritual healing, guided by Catholic teachings. Karolina’s personal journey of integrating faith with her life and emotional experiences found its key through creating art in response to Scripture and spiritual readings. Her workshops aim to offer this transformative practice to others, making it simple and accessible. To learn more about Karolina Stolarska and her upcoming workshops, visit her website: https://karolinastolarska.wordpress.com/ Don’t miss this insightful episode of Culture Tuesday on 16th July at 9 PM. Tune in to explore how art and prayer can come together in a beautiful and meaningful way. The podcast will be available below once published.

Fr Euan Marley OP continues his commentary through the book of Job. AS I WAS SAYING airs live on Radio Maria on Thursdays at 11:15am and is rebroadcast at 11:15pm. Each week Fr Euan Marley OP makes his way, chapter by chapter, through a book of Holy Scripture providing in-depth commentary.  If you enjoyed this programme, please consider making a once off or monthly donation to Radio Maria England by visiting www.RadioMariaEngland.uk or calling 0300 302 1251 during office hours. It is only through the ongoing support of our listeners that we continue to be a Christian voice by your side.

Part 6 of Fr Simon Tugwell's Prayer in Practice. THE FRIARSIDE airs live on Radio Maria on Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:15am and is rebroadcast at 11:15pm on the same days. Our Priest Director Fr Toby reads through a spiritual book, pausing and providing commentary as he goes. If you enjoyed this programme, please consider making a once off or monthly donation to Radio Maria England by visiting www.RadioMariaEngland.uk or calling 0300 302 1251 during office hours. It is only through the ongoing support of our listeners that we continue to be a Christian voice by your side.

Fr Toby on how today’s confrontation results in an assertion by Jesus of His divinity

James Hinchcliffe, a parishioner of St Mary's in Manchester, speaks about the history of this "hidden Gem of Manchester", why the church is considered a “hidden gem” and the good work they are doing in the community. https://hiddengem.me.uk/

Theresa Alessandro who hosts the weekly episodes. A new conversation with a different Catholic guest will be released on Wednesdays. The dialogue focuses on how each person is living their faith in the world today - with all the hopes, joys and disappointments that any of us might experience. Fresh from working at two different Catholic organisations and with her own lifelong experience of being a Catholic, Theresa felt called to develop this project in which she is joined by Catholic people who are often not in the public eye. The All Kinds of Catholic podcast is timely during the current synodal process when we are asked to listen deeply to one another. ALL KINDS OF CATHOLICS: https://kindsofcatholic.buzzsprout.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/KindsofCatholic Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/KindsofCatholic