If God is good and loving, why does temptation exist? And does He send it? In this episode, Stina and Padre unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Christian life—temptation. Together, they explore the difference between God’s will and what He permits, the true sources of temptation, and how freedom, weakness, and grace all play a role in our spiritual growth. This episode brings clarity to the tension between suffering, sin, and redemption, helping listeners understand how God works even through our struggles to draw us closer to Him.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:04:25 - Understanding Temptation: Divine Will vs. Human Freedom

00:04:26 - 00:10:03 - Trials vs. Temptations: The Divine Perspective

00:10:04 - 00:12:51 - The Ripple Effect of Sin: Individual vs. Community

00:12:52 - 00:15:58 - Navigating Temptation: Learning from Our Struggles

00:15:59 - 00:26:48 - Mindfulness and Awareness of Feelings

00:26:49 - 00:29:29 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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As the Church enters the most sacred days of the liturgical year, Stina and Padre reflect on the meaning of the Triduum and how Christians can approach it with intentional hearts. Beginning with Holy Thursday and moving through Good Friday to Holy Saturday, they explore three spiritual postures that help us walk closely with Christ: receptivity, compassion, and waiting. This episode invites listeners to enter the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection not as distant observers, but as participants united with Him.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:01:29 - Introduction to the Paschal Triduum

00:01:30 - 00:03:54 - The Significance of Holy Week

00:03:55 - 00:09:44 - Holy Thursday: The Posture of Receiving

00:09:45 - 00:20:33 - Good Friday: Embracing Compassion

00:20:34 - 00:22:53 - The Essence of Waiting on Holy Saturday

00:22:54 - 00:25:13 - Grief and Hope in Christian Faith

00:25:14 - 00:32:09 - The Challenge of Engaging in Stillness

00:32:10 - 00:36:26 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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In the first episode of the new season, Stina and Padre reflect on one of the most powerful moments in salvation history: Mary’s “yes” at the Annunciation. After catching up on what’s been happening during the break—from parish missions to formation programs—they explore what makes Mary’s response so extraordinary. Was she truly free to say no? What does her response teach us about grace, freedom, and trusting God’s call in our own lives? This episode invites listeners to rediscover the beauty of Mary’s fiat and the courage it takes to say “yes” to God.

00:00:00 - 00:01:02 - Introduction and Welcoming Season 9

00:01:03 - 00:04:19 - Reflections on Rome and Personal Experiences

00:04:20 - 00:09:04 - Understanding Annunciation

00:09:05 - 00:11:41 - Mary’s Role in Redemption

00:11:42 - 00:16:02 - The Nature of Mary’s Freedom

00:16:03 - 00:17:40 - Theological Perspectives on Freedom and Cooperation

00:17:41 - 00:18:33 - Reflection of Friendship

00:18:34 - 00:22:11 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

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00:00:00 - 00:01:45 - Introduction

00:01:46 - 00:04:50 - The Significance of Christmas Carols

00:04:51 - 00:10:51 - Understanding the Date of Christmas

00:10:52 - 00:16:53 - The Anticipation of Christmas vs the Day itself

00:16:54 - 00:22:48 - Managing of Christmas Stress and Expectations

00:22:49 - 00:27:50 - Christian Traditions and Their Evolution

00:27:51 - 00:32:22 - Prayer and Episode Conclusion

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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Padre and Stina sit down to talk about their annual word of the year and how this transpired throughout 2025. They discuss how each word benefitted/affected their lives and how they see the world through the lens of this particular word through surprises, set backs and challenges.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:02:49 - Introduction

00:02:50 - 00:04:53 - Personal Reflections on Rejoice

00:04:54 - 00:08:10 - The Challenges of Embracing Joy

00:08:11 - 00:11:08 - Understanding Sacrifice

00:11:09 - 00:14:06 - The Intersection of Obligation and Choice

00:14:07 - 00:17:12 - Padre’s Journey with Sacrifice

00:17:13 - 00:19:58 - The Meaning of Sacrifice in Ministry

00:19:59 - 00:28:40 - Finding Joy in Sacrifice

00:28:41 - 00:33:51 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness / Episode Conclusion

Virtue and Grace Human Formation Program 2026: https://www.virtueministry.org.au/product/virtue-ministry-formation-program/

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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Reverend Deacon Saxon Onions from Vianney College in the Wagga Wagga Diocese speaks with Fr Sean Byrnes and Stina on his journey to the seminary and his search for his vocation and happiness.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:01:42 - Introduction

00:01:43 - 00:06:51 - Saxon’s Background & Early Life

00:06:52 - 00:09:02 - Move to Wagga and exposure to seminary life

00:09:03 - 00:19:49 - Youth involvement and influence of peers

00:19:50 - 00:25:33 - Gradual pull towards seminary and discernment process

00:25:34 - 00:34:00 - Fear of unworthiness and struggles with vocation

00:34:01 - 00:38:04 - Saxon’s advice on vocation discernment

00:38:05 - 00:41:31 - Challenges towards the end of seminary and anticipation for priesthood

00:41:32 - 00:47:27 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness / Episode Conclusion/

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

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In this episode, Stina and Padre tackle one of the hardest questions in relationships: when do you stay and when do you leave? Whether in friendships, dating, or marriage, they explore the tension between fear of abandonment and the call to perseverance. They unpack what genuine loyalty looks like, when staying becomes enabling harm, and why walking away can sometimes be the most loving choice. Grounded in virtue and guided by Church teaching, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and compassion for those discerning difficult relational decisions.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:02:33 - Introduction

00:02:34 - 00:05:25 - The Dilemma of Abandonment and Fear

00:05:26 - 00:08:19 - Red Flags and Relationship Dynamics

00:08:20 - 00:11:25 - Cultural Reactions to Relationship Tensions

00:11:26 - 00:19:01 - When Staying Becoming Enabling

00:19:02 - 00:22:30 - The Sanctity of Marriage and Leaving Relationships

00:22:31 - 00:26:14 - Setting Boundaries in Relationships

00:26:15 - 00:28:59 - The Nature of Genuine Friendship

00:29:00 - 00:33:57 - The Dangers of Manipulative Relationships

00:33:58 - 00:39:26 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness / Episode Conclusion

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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In this final part of the Priestly Fatherhood series, Stina and Padre explore how fatherhood becomes a tangible reality in the life and ministry of a priest. Drawing on Fr Jacques Philippe’s insights, they reflect on the heart of priestly intercession, the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist, the power of adoration, and the ministry of spiritual accompaniment. They discuss how true fatherhood is expressed not only through sacramental action but also through listening, tenderness, and authentic authority that frees and uplifts others.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - 00:00:48 - Introduction

00:00:49 - 00:02:56 - Exploring Intercession in Priesthood

00:02:57 - 00:10:13 - Fatherhood in the Celebration of the Eucharist

00:10:14 - 00:15:35 - Eucharistic Adoration as a Means of Knowing the Father's Heart

00:15:36 - 00:23:49 - The Importance of Eucharistic Adoration in Priesthood

00:23:50 - 00:29:28 - Navigating the Challenges of Spiritual Guidance

00:29:29 - 00:37:49 - Qualities of a Good Spiritual Director

00:37:50 - 00:39:42 - The Call for Genuine Authority and Unity

00:39:43 - 00:40:17 - Protecting the Vulnerable in Leadership

00:40:18 - 00:44:59 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness / Episode Conclusion

- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -

Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:

https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/

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