Holy Family Radio Podcasts (AM 720 - WHYF)

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.

 

SHOW TITLE: A Journey Home: Dori and Dale Ludwig's Conversion    

SHOW DESCRIPTION: Faith is a journey, and for Dori and Dale Ludwig, that journey to Catholicism lasted over 30 years! Listen as they share their experiences with Catholic education, the Catholic faith, and the home they found at Holy Spirit Parish in Palmyra.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:17-20

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Augustine of Hippo

 

Featuring Volunteer Tricia Anthony

Featuring Volunteer Mike Creavey

Featuring Volunteer Judy Dezagottis

Featuring Volunteer Joan Dunkelberger

Featuring Jim Gontis

Featuring Bishop Emeritus Ronald Gainer, of the Diocese of Harrisburg

Featuring Donna Giberti

Featuring Deacon Scott Root

Featuring Volunteer Dave Raculia

Featuring Volunteer Crystal Carmen-Stevens

In this episode of Rooted and Rising, co-host Julie Shore sits down with Father Michael Pray—parochial vicar at St. Francis Xavier and chaplain at Gettysburg College—to explore an EWTN article on ten lesser-known facts about Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a decade after her canonization.

You probably picture Mother Teresa in the streets of India, but her story begins far from there. Born in 1910 in Skopje (then part of the Ottoman Empire, now the capital of North Macedonia), the youngest of five siblings felt an early call to religious life. She left home at 18 and followed a winding path of discernment that took her across continents and communities—proof that God often invites us beyond our comfort zones.

Father Pray and Julie unpack what that looks like in real life: how free will, “God’s laughter” at our neat plans, and the truth that He wastes nothing shape every detour. They connect Mother Teresa’s chosen name (after St. Thérèse of Lisieux) to the Little Way and her radical service among the poorest of the poor—while reminding us that not every saint’s charism is meant to be copied exactly.

Later, the conversation turns to one of the most striking facts: Mother Teresa endured roughly 30 years of profound spiritual darkness. Far from a sign of failure, Father Pray offers a compelling take on why God may have “pulled the shade down,” the power of persevering in dry prayer, and how ordinary Catholics can recognize invitations to something new or deeper in their own lives—whether in parenting, career shifts, or everyday faithfulness.

With practical wisdom, honest storytelling (including Julie’s own major career pivot), and an encouraging close on prayer and forgiveness that doesn’t always come with warm feelings, this episode meets listeners wherever they are on the journey. It’s a conversation that both honors a modern saint and speaks directly to anyone who’s ever wondered if God is still near when the consolations fade.

Tune in for prayer, insight, and a fresh look at a familiar saint.

James Good and Eric Tereo discuss Peace Promise in this week's episode.

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.

 

SHOW TITLE: The Unexpected Ways Fashion Can Enhance Your Spiritual Journey

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, Mary Harper shares how faith and fashion intertwine through the lens of liturgical style, the significance of textiles and colors in scripture, and how saints' clothing reveals their virtues. Discover practical tips for intentional dressing and how to see everyday fashion as a form of prayer and encounter with God.

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:12

SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Carlo Acutis

RESOURCES:

Website - https://www.liturgicalstyle.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/liturgicalstyle

 

Simple Yes is a 30-minute show hosted by Melanie Rossi and Jess Wolfe. Join them as they explore the many ways God calls us into a deeper relationship with him, whether it be at home or in your community. No matter the ask, we are all called to open the ears of our hearts so that we can respond “yes” to whatever God asks of us. 

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/