Catholic Moms in the Middle Jennie Guinn

In the bustling heart of Mexico City, amid the chaos and clamor of urban life, lies a sacred haven – the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This iconic pilgrimage site draws countless Catholics yearning for healing, connection and an encounter with the Blessed Mother and her Son. In today's show, we embark on a journey through the eyes and experiences of Gia, a devoted Catholic midlife mom whose recent pilgrimage to Mexico City left an indelible mark on her faith and motherhood journey.

Gia's connection to Mexico runs deep, rooted in a year of mission work she undertook in an orphanage just outside of Mexico City after college. The opportunity to immerse herself in serving abandoned children infused her with a profound sense of purpose and ignited a lifelong passion for combining faith with compassionate action. Her return to Mexico City, decades later, was a poignant homecoming, marked by anticipation and emotional resonance.

Led by Catholic influencer, Katie McGrady, and Dominican friar Father Patrick Henry, Gia's pilgrimage group embarked on a soul-stirring exploration of Mexico City's rich Catholic heritage. Amid visits to historic churches and shrines, the highlight was undoubtedly the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. For Gia, witnessing her fellow pilgrims' first encounters with Our Lady's presence knowing her devotion to the Blessed Mother was a profound experience.

As Gia reflects on her pilgrimage experience, she connects with the common theme weaving through each pilgrim's journey – an openness to allowing the Blessed Mother lead them closer to her Son and a heart ready to act on their faith. Drawing parallels between her faith journey and her professional life, Gia emphasizes the importance of listening and obedience, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in aligning one's actions with God's will.

Delving into the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Gia shares the story of St. Juan Diego, a humble indigenous man chosen by the Blessed Mother as her messenger. Amidst the miraculous encounters and divine interventions, Gia finds moments of profound resonance, particularly in the iconic phrase inscribed on the Basilica – "Am I not here, your mother?" – a timeless reminder of Mary's eternal love and guidance.

As the show comes to a close, Gia shares a poignant message inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe – a message of love, acceptance, and empowerment. Encouraging midlife women to embrace their worthiness and trust in God's plan and purpose for their lives. Gia implores them to magnify Christ in their daily lives and spread love and faith in their communities, especially within their homes.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

 

In this week's show I talk with Hayley Robinson Shovlin about her sister Rosie. Hayley has written a book, The Little Flower of Nashville, about Rosie's courageous and faithfilled battle with cancer. At a young age, Rosie had spiritual wisdom that surpasses understanding. Her family and friends watched as she continued to trust in Jesus even when things didn't make sense and her health continued to decline.

In the book, Hayley shares snipets from Rosie's journal. Rosie's writing is so profound and heartfelt. Her journal entries contain the same wisdom and insight that we often read from great saints in our church. Rosie fought the good fight until the very end of her time on earth. She lived her life in such a way that even now she continues to inspire and encourage others on their faith journey. Her witness and love of God even in the midst of pain and suffering offers hope and peace for anyone facing a difficult situation. 

If you need hope and to know that God works even in the midst of the storm...Rosie's story will inspire you to trust that Jesus is in control and to rely on him for his strength!

Click here to learn more about The Little Flower of Nashville and to order a copy of the book. 

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

 

Did you know that you are the source of so much of your mental and emotional suffering?
In this week's show I share the history of the devotion to the shoulder of Jesus. Jesus revealed in a vision to St. Bernard of Clarivaux that his most painful wound was his shoulder wound. The wound where the heavy wooden cross ripped his tender skin down to the bone. This hidden wound inflicted excruciating pain on Jesus with every step he took towards Calvary. I will share the special prayer that St. Bernard wrote to honor Jesus' shoulder wound and the promise from Jesus for all of those who keep a devotion to it.

Similar to Jesus, you also have hidden wounds. In this show, I share how your thoughts and beliefs create mental and emotional pain and suffering in your life. You don't have any control over events, situations or other people's words and actions. You do have control how you respond to them. You are in the driver's seat and get to choose what to think and believe about each one. It is your choice that allows you to release hidden and unnecessary suffering. Pain is inevitable because you live in a broken world, but you can choose how to respond. It is in your response that you can find more joy and freedom in your life. 

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

In this week's show, I talk with Anne Trufant, founder of Mission on the Mountain, about how God speaks to each of us. Anne share's a powerful encounter with Christ that she had at an early age and how that encounter changed the trajectory of her life.

From that one encounter God gave her the gift of Scripture. Anne shares that so many Catholics believe the lie Scripture is hard or that Catholics just don't know the Bible. In ministry and retreats, Anne teaches that the Bible is "our book." She says it is how you and I get to know what Jesus said, the actions he took with others and it is how you get to know him on a deep and intimate level. 

So many times, women worry about the past or what will happen in the future. Women often overthink and overanalyze in order to control the outcome of different situations. Anne shares wise advice given to her by a spiritual director to "be where your feet are planted." If you are always looking for more, you're going to miss the now, which is where all of the grace can be found. The Lord has plenty of grace for this moment in your life. When you are present in the moment, this allows you to be open to where God wants to lead you. When you stop striving and resisting, you are able to hear the voice of God. Sometimes it will be a whisper in your ear, a message placed on your heart through Scripture, an image in your mind or just a deep knowing of God. Each one of us hears God voice in different ways during our faith journey. Knowing the Lord and being willing to listen will allow him to use you in ways to build up and encourage others, especially those you are most familiar with in your family, friend groups and those you encounter on a daily basis. 

Click here to learn more about Anne's ministry, Mission on the Mountain.

Click here to learn about Anne's upcoming retreat, Deep Dive into the Extravagant Love of God

If you are in the Nashville area, click here to register to hear Anne speak at the next Magnificat Meal on June 1st. 

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.