By Daniel Imwalle
Become Fire
Listen on Apple Podcasts or SoundCloud
ministry, as they discuss how parents can connect with their kids in meaningful ways without the use of screens and technological devices. They suggest putting cell phones in a basket while parents and children bond over board games or puzzles. What’s wonderful about this particular episode is how the friars draw parallels from their experiences living in community with the dynamics of family life. Though the two living situations aren’t exactly carbon copies of each other, there are many similarities when it comes to the need for face-to-face human interaction and the distractions that smartphones and social media bring. The Franciscans involved in Become Fire are lighthearted and approachable, even when talking about serious topics. They’re quick to identify with many of the same struggles that the people in the pews face, and they follow up with practical solutions that engage the spirit. To listen to the friars’ podcast, visit SoundCloud.com/BecomeFire or find them on Apple Podcasts. The friars also regularly post about the podcast on their Twitter handle, @BecomeFire.
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he Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit— based in Laveen, Arizona—have been ministering to the poor and preaching the Gospel in the Phoenix area since establishing their ministry in 1987. Their presence has since expanded to St. Mary of Redford Parish in Detroit, Michigan, where the friars have a House of Studies for those in formation who are discerning the call to religious life. Along with outreach to Native Americans and an inner-city ministry, the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit— “grey friars,” who follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular—aim to evangelize in the spirit of their founder, St. Francis of Assisi. Among other initiatives, their evangelization efforts include a weekly podcast, called Become Fire. What began in 2018 as recordings of Sunday homilies has morphed into weekly conversations among friars—typically, Brother Elijah DeLello and Father Antony Tinker—about a wide range of topics and issues facing Catholics today. From discussing the moral implications of body modification (tattoos, piercings, etc.) to the pro-life ramifications of the 2018 horror film A Quiet Place, the friars don’t shy away from 21st-century subject matter. In another episode, they break down New Age culture and some of its potential positive aspects and pitfalls for Catholics. Apart from analyzing some of the inspirations and challenges Catholics encounter in secular culture, the friars delve into myriad other topics, including devotion to Mary, lessons from Mother Teresa, and ways to improve daily prayer practices. In episode #34, “Family Night,” Father Antony and Brother Elijah engage in a bit of family
COURTESY OF FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
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