Suffering & The Love of God

Why would an all-powerful, all-loving God allow suffering and evil in the world? As Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. explains, unsatisfying answers to this important question are the #1 reason for atheism today. But by answering this question with logic and love (as well as with scientific, peer-reviewed evidence for the existence of life after death), we can not only answer this question truthfully and satisfactorily, but also teach our fellow Christians how to suffer well, in preparation for the limitless love of God that awaits us in eternity.

This talk was recorded by FOCUS, at SEEK 2013. focus.org

13 Reasons Why You Matter

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth and young adults. Yet despite the many TV shows, movies, and articles on this topic, suicide, depression, self-harm, and loneliness remain difficult subjects for adults of any age to discuss. Speaking with honesty, humor, and personal experience, Noelle Garcia tackles these issues head-on, encouraging those who are struggling (or know someone who is) that God's mercy and love are waiting for them; that you, and your life, truly matter.

The Life of Padre Pio: Pray, Hope and Don't Worry

Matthew Arnold recounts the life story of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a twentieth century saint and mystic who is known around the world as Padre Pio.
This presentation includes fascinating details about St. Pio’s ministry of hearing confessions, his ability to read souls, the multitude of miracles attributed to his intercession, and how he bore the stigmata, that is, the wounds of Christ. All are wise to learn from the advice of this holy man to “pray, hope, and don’t worry.”

Spanish - Santa Filomena: Poderosa intercesora ante Dios

Español:
Aunque Santa Filomena vivió hace aproximadamente 1,700 años y apenas fue descubierta en las catacumbas de Roma a principios del siglo XIX, su fiel testimonio como joven virgen que fue martirizada por su pureza y su fidelidad a Cristo habla poderosamente a nuestra cultura, y especialmente a los jóvenes. Conocida comúnmente como una "trabajadora de maravillas", ella tiene la distinción de ser la única santa canonizada solamente sobre la base de los milagros profundos atribuidos a su intercesión. Santa Filomena es una poderosa defensora e intercesora que tenemos ante el trono de Dios Todopoderoso.

English:
Though St. Philomena lived approximately 1700 years ago and was only discovered in the catacombs of Rome in the early 1800's, her faithful witness as a young virgin who was martyred for her purity and for her fidelity to Christ speaks powerfully to our culture, and especially to young people. Commonly referred to as a "wonder worker", she has the distinction of being the only saint canonized solely on the basis of the profound miracles attributed to her intercession. Learn more about St. Philomena and what a powerful advocate we have before the throne of Almighty God.

Spanish - Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe es venerada con gran devoción en el Continente Americano. En esta plática, el orador y catequista Luis Soto (nacido y criado en México) nos ayuda a profundizar en esta gran historia y a entender por qué es llamada “Emperatriz de América” ó “Reina del Continente Americano” por millones de personas incluyendo el Papa San Juan Pablo II. Es a ella a quien recurren millones de personas pidiendo por su intercesión, recordando esta bellísima frase que le dijo al indígena de nombre Juan Diego: “No se entristezca tu corazón….¿Acaso no estoy yo aquí que soy tu madre?

Know Your Story: The Love of God in the Narrative of Your Life

People love stories. But when we lose sight of where the story of our life is going, the “narrative” and meaning of our lives becomes confusing to us, and we can lose hope. In this dynamic talk, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, renews our sense of hope and wonder (and humor), revealing that the reason we love stories is that we are part of a good story; one that answers the deepest desires and longings of our hearts. Whatever chapter our lives are in, God can transform our story, so that we can know and experience the beauty, adventure, and love for which we were created.

Letter to the Elderly

Narrated by Christopher O. Blum

In 1978, Pope John Paul II became one of the youngest popes ever elected. At the time of his death in 2005, he was also one of the longest serving popes, having lived into his early 80s. From his own experience of growing old, and only five and a half years before his death, John Paul wrote and shared this moving letter, addressed “To my elderly brothers and sisters.” His letter shares and cherishes the experiences, beauty, agony, and dignity of growing old and drawing closer to God. “The years pass quickly,” he writes, “and the gift of life, for all the effort and pain it involves, is too beautiful and precious for us to ever grow tired of it.”

Spanish - Quinceañera: Su origen y verdadero significado

Marcela García López, nos presenta la tradición del Quinceaños, su origen, significado e importancia que tiene en nuestros días. Una bella tradición que ha estado en nuestra cultura por más de 500 años y se sigue manteniendo, pero que necesitamos transmitir a las generaciones futuras el verdadero significado de la celebración.

Esta plática además nos brinda una oportunidad para renovar nuestros esfuerzos hacia la santidad, ante el reto de vivir fiel a nuestra identidad verdadera.

English Translation:

Marcela García López, presents to us the tradition of the Quinceaños, its origin, meaning and the relevance it has in our day and time. This beautiful custom has been a part of our culture for over 500 years and continues today, so we must transmit the true significance of this celebration to our future generations.

This talk also offers us an opportunity to renew our efforts towards holiness, by the challenge of living faithfully our true identity.