Awaken the Giant

For a church explosively alive

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Christianity
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“I love the Church. I call it the ‘sleeping giant’. Once we begin to rediscover what it means to evangelize and to undertake a large-scale revival of this ministry, I see the Church waking up and coming explosively alive.” Fr. Bob Bedard pgiguere.substack.com

Jan 27

Healing the Broken DNA of Theology

Jean Khoury proposes a shift toward an integral theological formation that bridges the gap between academic study and the interior life. He argues that traditional theology often focuses on external doctrines, leaving the spiritual experience of the believer underdeveloped and secondary. To remedy this, the text outlines a project for a Faculty of Mysticism, which would provide a scientific and structured study of spiritual theology as a primary discipline. This new framework uses the "Schema of the Key" to align five core branches of theology—such as Dogma and Scripture—with their internal, mystical counterparts. Ultimately, the author calls for a synthesis of knowledge and experience, positioning personal holiness and the encounter with the Risen Christ at the heart of all religious education. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pgiguere.substack.com/subscribe

33 min
10/09/2025

Dilexi Te

This podcast produced through NotebookLM from “Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te of the Holy Father Leo XIV on Love for the Poor,” dated 4 October 2025, which continues the theological teaching of the preceding Pope Francis. This document serves as a foundational call to all Christians, emphasizing the inseparable connection between Christ’s love and the Church’s mission to care for the poor. The Pope asserts that genuine faith necessitates an active preferential option for the poor, drawing heavily on Scriptural references, the lives of saints like Francis of Assisi and Teresa of Calcutta, and two millennia of Church tradition to solidify this mandate. Furthermore, it addresses modern socioeconomic inequalities and “structures of sin,” stressing that spiritual and material attention to the vulnerable is vital for both individual Christian holiness and the renewal of society. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pgiguere.substack.com/subscribe

11 min
10/08/2025

Redemptoris Missio

The provided text is an extensive excerpt from Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Redemptoris Missio, which affirms the permanent validity and urgency of the Catholic Church’s missionary mandate to proclaim Christ to all peoples. The document emphasizes that the mission, or missio ad gentes, remains an essential and primary task of the Church, despite advancements in communications and the growth of Christian communities in various regions. It articulates that Jesus Christ is the sole Redeemer and mediator of salvation, and thus the Church, as the universal sacrament of salvation, is indissolubly linked to both Christ and the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, the encyclical discusses the practical paths of mission, including witness, the initial proclamation of Christ, fostering conversion and Baptism, establishing local churches, promoting inculturation and inter-religious dialogue, and ensuring the cooperation of the entire People of God, including the laity and religious institutes, all while being guided by the Holy Spirit. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pgiguere.substack.com/subscribe

17 min
03/17/2025

Christ Our Hope in the Church

From the March 2025 Men’s retreat at Villa Madonna Retreat House in Saint John, NB This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pgiguere.substack.com/subscribe

51 min
12/27/2024

Modernism 101: Postmodernism, and Orthodox Christianity

This podcast discusses the relationship between Christianity and modernism, defining both terms and exploring their manifestations in various Christian groups. The speakers analyze how modernism's emphasis on the individual and egalitarianism has reshaped Christian practices and beliefs, contrasting this with postmodernism's focus on subjectivity and the rejection of universal truths. They examine how these movements affect interpretations of scripture, worship styles, and ethical frameworks, ultimately arguing that some forms of modern and postmodern Christianity deviate significantly from traditional understanding. The podcast also features listener calls, addressing questions about angels, esoteric interpretations of scripture, and the process of choosing a church. Finally, the hosts offer a path forward, emphasizing the importance of grounding oneself in a living tradition and seeking a personal encounter with Christ. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pgiguere.substack.com/subscribe

18 min
12/04/2024

Mere Christianity

C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity is a compilation of radio talks, later published in book form, that explores the common ground of Christian belief. The book is divided into four sections: one outlining the existence of a moral law, another explaining core Christian doctrines, a third focusing on Christian behaviour, and a final part examining the Trinity. Lewis aims to present a simplified, accessible understanding of Christianity, avoiding divisive theological debates and emphasizing practical application. He argues that understanding the moral law and our failure to uphold it leads to a recognition of our need for redemption. The text also explores related concepts like free will, repentance, and the nature of God. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pgiguere.substack.com/subscribe

23 min
12/04/2024

The Four Loves

This excerpt from C.S. Lewis's The Four Loves explores the nature of human love, categorizing it into four types: Need-love, Gift-love, Affection, and Friendship. Lewis examines the characteristics of each, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and cautions against the dangers of idolatry when natural loves are elevated to a divine status. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limitations of each love and the need for a higher, Christian love to guide and temper them. The text also explores the complexities of patriotism and the potential for both good and evil within human relationships. Finally, Lewis argues that only through humility and a surrender to divine love can these natural loves be properly understood and utilized. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pgiguere.substack.com/subscribe

15 min
12/04/2024

Surprised by Joy

C.S. Lewis's Surprised by Joy is an autobiographical account of his spiritual journey, focusing specifically on his conversion to Christianity. The text provides excerpts from the book, detailing his childhood experiences, including his early fears, his time at various schools, and the significant people who influenced him. His difficult school years, particularly at a harsh boarding school, are vividly recounted, alongside his evolving relationship with his father and brother. The narrative traces Lewis's intellectual and spiritual development, highlighting his exploration of mythology, literature, and philosophy, and culminating in his conversion. The book's structure follows a chronological narrative, with chapters exploring different phases of his early life, reflecting his subjective experiences and interior life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pgiguere.substack.com/subscribe

27 min

“I love the Church. I call it the ‘sleeping giant’. Once we begin to rediscover what it means to evangelize and to undertake a large-scale revival of this ministry, I see the Church waking up and coming explosively alive.” Fr. Bob Bedard pgiguere.substack.com

Creator

For a church explosively alive
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

37
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Patrick Giguere
Show Website

Awaken the Giant