Mourning Glory Grief Podcast

Mourning Glory
  • 5.0 (6)
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A podcast to help navigate grief from a Catholic/Christian perspective. Hosts Andrea Bear and Jennifer Thomas share their grief and life journeys while drawing on faith. Combined with mental health tools and heavenly wisdom this podcast hopes to help listeners know they are not alone. Revelations 21:4

  1. S6 E6 Permission to Grieve with Andrea and Jennifer

    6H AGO

    S6 E6 Permission to Grieve with Andrea and Jennifer

    Show Notes  In some of our earlier episodes, Andrea and Jennifer stressed the importance of giving ourselves permission to grieve, even encouraging you, our dear listeners, that we give you permission to grieve. But we all know that doing something like that is easier said than done. Sometimes, we don’t even realize we haven’t taken the time to grieve a loss until years, even decades after a loss. In this episode, Andrea and Jennifer explore how difficult that truly can be for all of us. Links Sutter’s Fort Steel Magnolias MGP S5 E5 New Grief, New) Community with Lindsay Machnik Delayed Grief (Sondermind Prayer for the souls of Diana Irene O'Connell and Jennifer’s grandmother, Helen Gregory. Journaling Questions Why do you think it takes some people to grieve later than others?   How can this remind us that grief has no timeline?  Jennifer shared the experiences of delayed grief with the loss of her parents. Have you found her experience relatable?  How can triggered moments (unexpected/unplanned moments of grief) be a gift but also a struggle? How can God work in these unplanned moments?  What is your mourning glory?

    1h 16m
  2. S6 E5 Grief and Joy with Dr. Peter Kreeft

    FEB 13

    S6 E5 Grief and Joy with Dr. Peter Kreeft

    Show Notes  As we prepare to enter into the season of Lent, we can often become bogged down by the penitential nature of it. And while we talk a lot about grief, suffering, and loss on the show, we thought we’d take a different approach in this episode and focus on joy. Can joy and sorrow coexist? Is it possible to experience joy while we’re in the midst of sorrow? Join us as we explore The Mystery of Joy with Dr. Peter Kreeft in this week’s episode.  Our Guest Dr. Peter Kreeft is a professor of philosophy at Boston College and is one of the most respected and prolific Christian authors of our time. His books cover a vast array of topics in spirituality, theology, and philosophy. They include Doors in the Walls of the World, The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived, How to be Holy, Because God is Real, You can Understand the Bible, and Summa of the Summa. His most recent book, The Mystery of Joy, draws from the wisdom of C. S. Lewis and Saint Thomas Aquinas and is sure to become an instant classic by self-proclaimed curmudgeon Peter Kreeft as he walks readers through the long, beautiful task of surrendering to deep joy, the chief work of any life worth living. Scripture ​Matthew 5:3-11 (The Beatitudes)​“‘Behold, I make all things new’”. Revelation 21:5  Links ​The Mystery of Joy by Peter Kreeft​Love is Stronger than Death by Peter Kreeft​Book review: Love is Stronger than Death​“Jesus, I trust in you” (from the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska, 1319)​Cognitive dissonance​Surrender Novena​www.peterkreeft.com Prayer for Mary Kreeft, Dr. Kreeft’s wife.   Journaling Questions ​Dr. Kreeft pointed out that most impoverished countries experience more joy than developed countries. What does this tell us about where true joy comes from? ​Why have modern societies fed us a lie about what produces joy? ​Dr. Kreeft shares how joy and suffering can exist. In what ways can we find joy despite the trials?​What have been some roadblocks in your life to joy? How are you blocking joy from being a part of your life?​How can Mary be your “cause of joy”?  We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God bless!

    1h 1m
  3. S6 E4 Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette with Dan and Lauren Johnson

    FEB 6

    S6 E4 Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette with Dan and Lauren Johnson

    Shownotes The Blessed Mother, is known to have appeared to people throughout history for various reasons and, as a result, is known under many different titles that commemorate life events, like Our Lady of Sorrows, which we’ve previously discussed. But in today’s episode we are going to be discussing another one of Mary's titles that is related to where she appeared as an apparition, Lourdes France. For more than 150 years, pilgrims have flocked to Lourdes. In fact, it is considered one of the most visited Christian pilgrimage sites in the world, drawing approximately six million visitors annually. But why? Why do so many make the journey to this small town in the Pyrenees? We hope you enjoy Jennifer’s interview with Dan and Lauren Johnson, a faithful couple who have a devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes as they about her and Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the focus of an upcoming movie from 10th Hour Productions. Our Guests Dan and Lauren met at Franciscan University of Steubenville and both graduated with Theology degrees in 2007. They were married a few weeks after graduation and moved to Alabama. They now have 7 children. Dan began his career serving Catholic youth as a high school campus minister and later as director of the Family Life and Respect Life Office for the Archdiocese of Mobile, where he launched Alabama’s first Archdiocesan Family Conference. Following his passion for storytelling, Dan co-founded 4PM Media in 2014 with Lauren’s parents, Jack and Jamie McAleer, producing five feature documentaries and eight film series that have reached millions worldwide. He also built the streaming platform Wild Goose TV, now with over 60,000 members. In 2022, he became President and CEO of 10th Hour Productions, a nonprofit film company founded to create original feature films and series for streaming and theatrical release. 10th Hour’s first narrative film, Bernadette and the Lady of Lourdes, is set to start production this Spring. Lauren, in addition to being at home with their  seven children, has worked beside Dan in various capacities in ministry and now in film as an executive producer for Bernadette and the Lady of Lourdes.  Links ​www.bernadettemovie.com​10th Hour Productions​Bernadette Giving Tuesday Video​The Song of Bernadette ​Bernadette Soubirous​Bernadette Speaks (book)​Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Live Feed​Lourdes SanctuairePrayer for the repose of the soul of Lauren’s grandmother, Bernadette  Journaling Questions ​What struck you most about today’s episode?​Do you have any special devotions to Mary under a specific title? What is it about Mary and that title that resonates with you?​Dan and Lauren spoke about how their relationship with the blessed mother evolved and how much Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette have influenced their lives. What is your relationship like with Mary? Have you found any of her titles to be especially meaningful or influential to you?​Have you ever visited a Marian shrine? If so, what was it like? And if not, is there one that you hope to visit one day?​Dan and Lauren described some pretty impactful experiences throughout the episode. What has been a life-changing experience that you are able to look back on and see how the Blessed Mother was present?​What is your mourning glory?  We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com.  ~God Bless!

    58 min
  4. S6 E3 The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted with Kate LeFaivre

    JAN 30

    S6 E3 The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted with Kate LeFaivre

    Show Notes  When we lose someone, it can be easy to fall into the comparison trap, as we’ve mentioned in previous episodes. From the timelines of going through the emotions associated with grief to even how we seek help and who we seek help from. Yet even with the belief and acceptance of God’s goodness and perfect plan for us and for our departed loved ones, we may find it difficult ourselves to recognize the depths of our own suffering, preventing us from beginning the process of healing. Where can we turn when we find ourselves in situations in which we recognize we need healing? And how can our own journey towards healing lead us to help others heal?  Guest Bio Kate LeFaivre is a certified CatholicPsych mentor partner and the founder of Mosaic Mentorship. Widowed with eight children after twenty-one years of marriage, Kate walks with other widows and those who have experienced loss as a faith-rooted companion offering the hope that healing is possible. Kate is now married with four additional step-sons. Scripture ​“The Lord Is Near To The Broken-Hearted, And Saves The Crushed In Spirit.” -Psalm 34:18​Matthew 5:12 ​Sirach 35:18 Inspirational Quote “Your tears were collected by the angels and were placed in a golden chalice, and you will find them when you present yourself before God.” - St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina Links ​KateLeFaivre.com​CatholicPsych.com/kate-lefaivre, ​LinkedIn Kate LeFaivre​FB Kate LeFaivre​Substack Kate LeFaivre  ​IG @kate.h.lefaivre​Kintsugi Prayer for Mary, Tom, Turin, Jim LeFaivre, Jim Tierney Journaling Questions ​Kate mentioned her husband talked about death a lot and she spoke about the fact that she wondered if he knew the end of his earthly life was coming soon. Have you had an experience like that? What was it that led you to believe your loved one knew?​Jennifer spoke about the concept of a “last hurrah”, the idea that someone has a burst of energy just before death as a blessing for those who will be left behind. Looking back on your own experience, do you feel like you experienced this? What was that like?​How does our faith give us hope for second chances? ​Are there situations holding you back from trusting God's plan for you? What’s holding you back from trusting God? ​Kate spoke about a time when she was unexpectedly triggered. Have you experienced that before? How did you cope with it?​How do you respond when someone asks you to share your story of loss? Are you hesitant to share? ​How has your faith been impacted by your loss?​Kate shared a verse from the bible that has been comforting to her, Psalm 34:18. What are some scripture verses that have brought you comfort? If you don’t have one, take some time to sit with Psalm 34:18 to see if it resonates with you and, perhaps, journal about it. If you are new to the podcast, to sure to follow us on instagram or facebook @mourningglorypodcast or check out our website, www.mourningglorypodcast.com where you’ll find links to all of our episodes with shownotes, links to resources like books and articles, even prayers. We’d also love for you to check out our private online community, which you’ll find linked on our website.

    1h 11m
  5. S6 E2 The Grace in Grief with Lisa M. Hendey

    JAN 23

    S6 E2 The Grace in Grief with Lisa M. Hendey

    Shownotes Sometimes the death of a loved one can bring feelings of loss and force us to face the reality of our own mortality. Where can we turn to for comfort while we ponder these intense emotions? Who can help us and accompany us along our journeys of grief? How can Jesus, himself, help us to embrace a trusting and grateful perspective, even as we mourn our loss? And being open to God’s graces that he pours into us in those moments of trial?  Our Guest Lisa M. Hendey is a bestselling author, speaker, and the founder of CatholicMom.com. A lifelong advocate for faith-filled living, she encourages readers to deepen their relationship with Jesus through storytelling, Scripture reflection, and practical application. A regular media guest and host, her work has been featured in numerous Catholic and Christian publications. Lisa speaks internationally on the intersection of faith and daily life. You can connect with her at www.lisahendey.com or @lisahendey on Substack and social media. Scripture John 11:35-36 Links Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way: A Weekly Devotional by Lisa M. Hendeywww.lisahendey.com https://lisahendey.substack.com/  Instagram, Facebook, Youtube  Prayer for the repose of the souls of Lisa’s parents, Anne and Pat; Women everywhere who are feeling isolated and alone in their journey, that Jesus is there for them.  Journaling Questions Lisa discussed how sharing her grief in writing and interviews helped her process some of her grief. Have you found that sharing your own story has helped in your healing? What has helped the most?  In the interview, the ladies discussed how God reveals hidden graces during the grieving process. What hidden graces have you started to see looking back on your grief journey?  How has God used a hard situation as a grace in your life? What did you learn about yourself in the process? Lisa discussed her weekly devotional and how this has helped her in her grief. Do you have a scripture or a gospel reflection that has helped carry you through your loss? If not, how can the daily mass readings provide some consolation? Lisa quotes her family motto, “always err on the side of generosity.”  How can generosity be helpful in grief and loss?  Be sure to subscribe to our podcast and share it with others who are on their own journeys of loss. We'd also appreciate any feedback from you, our listeners, including rating us on your favorite podcast platform. God bless! ~Andrea and Jennifer

    1h 3m
  6. S6 E1 Pursuing Peace with Andrea and Jennifer

    JAN 16

    S6 E1 Pursuing Peace with Andrea and Jennifer

    Show Notes  In the premier episode of Season 6, Jennifer and Andrea provide an update on how they did with their respective words of the year from last year before sharing their words for 2026.  Quotes ​“The origins of true courage are always found in humility and surrender.” Alexandria DeSanctis (Evangelization Culture, issue #22) ​“Courage, courage, my daughters. Remember that God does not give anyone more trials than can be suffered and that his majesty is with the afflicted. For this is certain; there is no reason to fear but to hope in his mercy. He will reveal the whole truth; and some machinations, which the devil kept hidden so as to create a disturbance, will be made known.” St. Teresa of Avila​“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.” Mark Twain Prayer ​Unity Prayer  - Elizabeth KindlemanMy adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together. May our hands gather in unity, may our hearts be in unison, may our souls be in harmony. May our thoughts be as one. May our ears listen to the silence together. May our glances profoundly penetrate each other. May our lips speak to pray to the eternal father. Scripture ​Luke 21:19​Romans 5:3-4​1 Corinthians 13:1-13​John 15:4​Luke 10:38-42 (Martha and Mary)​Book of Songs (Song of Songs)​1 John 4:7 Links ​Flame of Love​Sarah Kroger, Belovedness​Deacon Joe book ​Diary of St. FaustinaPrayer for all of our listeners and the souls who have gone before us. Journaling Questions ​If you had a word of the year last year, how did it go? And if not, what is a word that you feel sums up how God formed 2025 for you?​Have you discerned a word for 2026? If you are still discerning, where do you feel God is guiding you? ​How do you see your word stretching you and helping you become all that God wants you to be? What's exciting about this? What's scary? ​Think of some bible references that may help you in 2026. How can your word of the year apply to these verses?​In what way has your grief helped shape your word of the year? ​If you have followed along with a word of the year in the past, how has this built off of previous years? What can you see taking shape in the path that God has laid out for you?

    1h 9m
  7. S5 E15 Pilgrims of Hope with Andrea and Jennifer

    12/20/2025

    S5 E15 Pilgrims of Hope with Andrea and Jennifer

    Shownotes In the Finale episode of Season 5, Andrea and Jennifer share their own journeys of hope. Through personal pilgrimages and reflecting on the jubilee year, the ladies share new hopes for Christmas, lessons from grief and ways they’re moving into 2026.  Watch the video of this episode on WCAT TV presents the Mourning Glory S5 E15 Pilgrims of Hope with Andrea Bear and Jennifer Thomas Prayer from St. Teresa of Calcutta “The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace.” Scripture The Prophecy of Simeon, Luke 2:25-35 Jesus Presented in the Temple, Luke 2:22-38  John 15:4-5  Links 5 Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath by Lisa M. Hendey The Christmas Star From Afar The Giving Manger (mentioned by Andrea) Word of the Year Episodes S4 E19 While We Wait S4 E1 Picking Up the Pieces S2 E20 Where Do We Go From Here? WCAT Radio Jubilee Year of Hope St. Thérèse of Lisieux Relics Tour 2025Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of LisieuxMeđugorje The Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary S4 E15 A Near-Death Encounter with Joelle Maryn St. Simeon’s Church, Zadar, Croatia Journaling Questions What “pilgrimages” have you been on this year, or in other words, what journeys have you taken where you have grown closer to God? Why do you think God has us travel to seek him? What is he trying to show us in the journey? Jennifer talked about several destinations where she could find St. Therese. Has there been a Saint that has been showing themselves to you? What can we learn from their example that we can apply to our life? How can grief also be a pilgrimage of hope? What is God trying to show us in our journey through grief?  As you prepare for Our Lord’s coming and the closing of this jubilee year of hope, what ways has God shown you not to give up hope?  If you are new to the podcast, to be sure to follow us on Instagram or Facebook @mourningglorypodcast or check out our website, www.mourningglorypodcast.com where you’ll find links to all of our episodes with shownotes, links to resources like books and articles, even prayers. We’d also love for you to check out our private online community, which you’ll find linked on our website.

    1h 17m
  8. S5 E14 Joy Overcame Sorrow with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge

    12/13/2025

    S5 E14 Joy Overcame Sorrow with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge

    Shownotes When we lose a loved one, we can often feel like we’ve lost a piece of ourselves. We might even feel like we’ve lost our identity because so much of who we were was tied to our loved one, whether it was as a wife, a mother, son, or daughter. How can we begin to figure out who we are without that person in our lives and, more importantly, who we are in God’s eyes?  Our Guest Dr. Jerry Woodbridge is a Christian author, grief advocate, and educator with over 40 years of classroom experience. After losing her husband unexpectedly, she began writing faith-based books to help children and families navigate grief—including Joy Overcame Sorrow, a touching children’s story told from a 10-year-old’s perspective, and Joy’s Journal, a companion guide for emotional healing. Jerry blends personal insight, educational expertise, and deep faith to support grieving families in rediscovering joy. Dr. Woodbridge’s Social Media Links ​Website: drjerrylwoodbridge.com ​Blog: https://jerrylwoodbridge.blog/ ​Amazon Author Page​LinkedIn: Dr. Jerry Woodbridge​Facebook: facebook.com/jerry.woodbridge.7​Instagram: @jerrywoodbridge7​YouTube: @jerrywoodbridge1749 Links ​Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World: "Navigating Teen Grief When Parents Grieve" with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge​Widowed 2 Soon; Advice on Faith, Mental Health, and Dating Again: 183-Caring for Widows and Children: With Dr. Jerry Woodbridge on Grief Resources​Saved & Strong Podcast: Joy Overcame Sorrow with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge​God Attachment Healing: Finding Joy Amid Loss: A Christian Perspective on Grief w/ Dr. Jerri Woodbridge​Joy Overcame Sorrow Book Trailer  Scripture ​Psalm 10:14 (Scripture about the fatherless)​Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death forever. The sovereign Lord will wipe away tears from all faces…​Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away.Prayer for the soul of Jerry’s husband , David Woodbridge Journaling Questions ​What struck you most about Jerry’s story? ​If you have lost a loved one, whether it is a parent, son, sibling, or someone else, how do you think the book, Joy Overcame Sorrow can help on your journey of healing?​Is there someone in your life who you think could benefit from sharing this book? What is it that compels you to share it?​At the end of the interview, Jerry shares the last part of the book, Joy Overcame Sorrow. How did her words make you feel? Take some time to think about it and perhaps journal about it. ​What is your mourning glory?If you are new to the podcast, to be sure to follow us on Instagram or Facebook @mourningglorypodcast or check out our website, www.mourningglorypodcast.com where you’ll find links to all of our episodes with shownotes, links to resources like books and articles, even prayers. We’d also love for you to check out our private online community, which you’ll find linked on our website.

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A podcast to help navigate grief from a Catholic/Christian perspective. Hosts Andrea Bear and Jennifer Thomas share their grief and life journeys while drawing on faith. Combined with mental health tools and heavenly wisdom this podcast hopes to help listeners know they are not alone. Revelations 21:4

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