Based upon saint feast days, historical anniversaries, and liturgical seasons, this upbeat, weekday series enters into timely stories and traditions surrounding the life of the Church.
163 sessions
1Apr 24: GladnessToday is the feast day of St. Mary Euphrasia, a woman who was born on Tridi, 13 Thermidor year four, which means her life was shaped by the turmoil of the French Revolution.
St. Mary Euphrasia9 min
2Apr 23: The Dragon SlayerToday is the feast day of St. George, the Dragon Slayer. His story, which reads like a fairytale, has captivated the imagination of children for centuries, but what do we really know of this saint who is honored in both Christianity and Islam?
St. George8 min
3Apr 22: Was The Bard Catholic?Today is the eve of the death anniversary of William Shakespeare. For centuries, scholars have debated whether or not England's beloved playwright was a Catholic. Today's session explores the pro side of the debate.
William Shakespeare8 min
4Apr 21: Magnificent DoctorToday is the feast day of St. Anselm. Anselm is remembered for his intellectual brilliance and for standing up to William the Conquers' son and grandson. Start the St. Joseph the Worker Novena: https://hallow.com/collections/207/
St. Anselm8 min
5Apr 20: Faith and ReasonOn this day in 1862, devout Catholic scientist, Louis Pasteur completed his first successful test on what is now known as pasteurization. This session explores the meeting of faith and reason in the life of Pasteur.
Louis Pasteur8 min
6Apr 17: Lily of the MohawksToday is the feast day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Indigenous North American to be canonized a saint. Listen to the Lily of the Mohawks lofi: https://hallow.com/collections/1537/
St. Kateri Tekakwitha8 min
7Apr 16: German ShepherdToday is the birthday of Pope Benedict XVI. Today's session explores four extraordinary facts about our 265th pope. Listen to the Pope Benedict XIV challenge: https://hallow.com/collections/836/
Pope Benedict XVI9 min
8Apr 15: Sacrament SeasonEaster Season is a traditional time for the celebration of Sacraments. In today's session, Lisa gives ideas for Sacrament presents. Obtain a Papal blessing: https://www.elemosineria.va/
Sacrament Gifts7 min
9Apr 14: Father, Teacher, MartyrToday is the feast day of Bl. Lucien Botovasoa, a husband, father, teacher, and martyr from Madagascar.
Bl. Lucien Botovasoa8 min
10Apr 13: Easter DutyThe Easter Octave is over, but the Easter Season continues for 42 more days. Today's session explores what is liturgically unique about this season, and how to fulfill your "Easter Duty." Pray the Regina Caeli: https://hallow.com/prayers/1079085/
Easter Weekday8 min
11Apr 10: Banned for 20 YearsThis Sunday, the 2nd Sunday of Easter, is Divine Mercy Sunday. Pray the Divine Mercy Novena: https://hallow.com/pages/99/
Divine Mercy Sunday7 min
12Apr 9: Two EastersFor some Eastern Rite Catholics, today is Great and Holy Thursday. In the Christian world, 70% of the time, there are two dates for Easter, and today's session explores why this is the case.
Great and Holy Thursday10 min
13Apr 8: Two DedicationsThe month of April is dedicated to the Holy Spirit or the Blessed Sacrament. Learn more about the Holy Spirit: https://hallow.com/pages/98/ Learn more about the Eucharist: https://hallow.com/pages/58/
Month of the Holy Spirit or the Blessed Sacrament9 min
14Apr 7: The Season of the GardenToday is Easter Tuesday. After 40 days of fasting, the Church enters into 50 days of feasting. In this session, Lisa dives into why she likes to call these 50 days "The Season of the Garden."
Easter Tuesday7 min
15Apr 6: OctaveToday is Easter Monday. As we celebrate the 8-day Easter Octave, in this session, Lisa explores the history of octaves and how we can enter into this joyful season. Listen to the Easter Praylist: https://hallow.com/collections/203/ Listen here about how the Alleluia is buried in Lent. https://hallow.com/prayers/11095613/
Easter Monday7 min
16Apr 3: The Day With No MassToday is the Friday of the Passion of the Lord, more commonly known as Good Friday. In this session, Lisa explores the traditions of hot cross buns, the veneration of the cross, and more.
Good Friday7 min
17Apr 2: 7 ChurchesToday is Holy Thursday. On this day, we celebrate the Institution of the Eucharist and the ordained Priesthood.
Holy Thursday8 min
18Apr 1: 30 Coins and 15 CandlesToday is Holy Wednesday. In this session, Lisa explores modern "Spy Wendesday" traditions and the ancient tradition of Tenebrae.
Holy Wednesday8 min
19Mar 31: Easter TraditionsToday is Holy Tuesday. In this session, Lisa explores Easter traditions such as eggs, baskets, and Easter foods to help you prepare for the Feast of Feasts.
Holy Tuesday7 min
20Mar 30: Shake Out The RugsToday is Holy Monday. In this session, Lisa explores traditions such as spring cleaning and Pabasa ng Pasyon. Listen to the Gospel of Matthew read by Jonathan Roumie: https://hallow.com/collections/233/
Holy Monday7 min
21Mar 27: Palm, Olive, or WillowThis Sunday marks the start of Holy Week. This most sacred week of the Church year begins with Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday6 min
22Mar 26: NazarenosToday is the eve of the Friday before Palm Sunday, a day traditionally known as the Friday of Sorrows. Listen to the Sabat Mater: https://hallow.com/prayers/1076188/ Pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary: https://hallow.com/collections/172/
Friday of Sorrows8 min
23Mar 25: FiatToday is the Solemnity of the Annunciation. This feast day celebrates Mary's "yes" to becoming the Mother of God. Pray the Angelus: https://hallow.com/prayers/9300/ Hear more about J.R.R. Tolkien: https://hallow.com/prayers/10927754/
The Annunciation8 min
24Mar 24: The Bliss of ParadiseOn this day in 1944, all nine members of the Ulma family were martyred during World War II. In 2023, they became the first family to be beatified.
The Blessed Ulma Family7 min
25Mar 23: 18,000 Square MilesToday is the feast day of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, a law professor turned Archbishop. Learn more about St. Martin de Porres, whom he confirmed: https://hallow.com/collections/665/ And learn more about the Battle of Lepanto in this episode: https://hallow.com/prayers/10926774/
St. Turibius of Mogrovejo8 min
26Mar 20: Veiled in PurpleMarking a shift in the focus of Lent, this Sunday begins a traditional period known as Passiontide.
Passiontide7 min
27Mar 19: Saved by Fava BeansToday is the Solemnity of St. Joseph. From fava beans to three tiered altars and wearing red, this day is filled with traditions that honor the foster father of Jesus. Learn more about St. Joseph: https://hallow.com/sections/2291
Solemnity of St. Joseph8 min
28Mar 18: Catechetical LecturesToday is the feast day of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, a Bishop and Doctor of the Church who spent almost as many years in exile as he did in his home diocese. See where he taught in Day 5 of Holy Week in the Holy Land. https://hallow.com/prayers/1077273
St. Cyril of Jerusalem7 min
29Mar 17: Shamrocks and SnakesToday is the feast day of St. Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland. Learn more about St. Patrick: https://hallow.com/sections/2292/
St. Patrick9 min
30Mar 16: Run to the FatherIn today's session, Lisa dives into why Lent is the perfect time to go to Confession. Use Hallow's Confession Guide to help you prepare: https://hallow.com/collections/2109/
Confession8 min
31Mar 13: RejoiceThis Sunday is Laetare Sunday, which is also known as Rose Sunday, Mothering Sunday, Refreshment Sunday, and Mid-Lent Sunday. In this session, Lisa explains the meaning of these five titles.
Laetare Sunday7 min
32Mar 12: Mi-CarêmaIn today's session, Lisa talks about the mid-way point of Lent, which is either celebrated today, Sunday, or next Wednesday.
Mid-Lent8 min
33Mar 11: Windows to HeavenOn this day, in 843, the Triumph of Orthodoxy was celebrated in the Byzantine Empire, marking the official restoration of icon veneration after a period of iconoclasm.
The Iconoclastic Controversy9 min
34Mar 10: Tossing RosariesToday is the feast day of St. John Ogilvie, the only official post-Reformation martyr of Scotland.
St. John Ogilvie9 min
35Mar 9: NightlightsToday is the feast day of St. Frances of Rome. This saint, who was a mother, is an amazing example of embracing your vocation right where you are.
St. Frances of Rome9 min
36Mar 6: Mothers-in-ChristToday is the feast day of Sts. Felicity and Perpetua. These mothers were Early Church martyrs whose stories are unusually well documented. Learn more about the Early Church: https://hallow.com/prayers/1040836/
Sts. Felicity and Perpetua8 min
37Mar 5: Rhyming Saints?Today is the feast day of St. Piran of Cornwall and St. Ciaran of Saigir. These two Celtic saints have rhyming names and rhyming stories. Are they the same person?
Sts. Piran of Cornwall & Ciaran of Saigir6 min
38Mar 4: Grounding a PrinceToday is the feast day of St. Casimir, a Polish prince who at 13 was grounded for failing to take over a country.
St. Casimir8 min
39Mar 3: Socialite Turned MissionaryToday is the feast day of St. Katharine Drexel, a multimillionaire heiress who gave up everything to serve those in need.
St. Katharine Drexel8 min
40Mar 2: A Just ManMarch is the Month of St. Joseph. In today's session, Lisa explores five times St. Joseph helped fulfill Old Testament prophecies surrounding Jesus. Grow in your relationship with St. Joseph: https://hallow.com/sections/2291
Month of St. Joseph8 min
41Feb 27: ViaToday is the 2nd Friday in Lent. Fridays in Lent are a traditional day to pray the Stations of the Cross. Pray the stations on Hallow: https://hallow.com/pages/41/
The Stations of the Cross7 min
42Feb 26: A Lone Tower MillToday is the feast day of St. Isabelle of France, the lesser-known sister of the well-known St. Louis, King of France.
St. Isabelle of France8 min
43Feb 25: Dream TeamOn this day in 1973, the 40th International Eucharistic Congress wrapped up in Melbourne, Australia. At this congress, Pope St. John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta met for the first time.
The Meeting of JP II & Mother Teresa8 min
44Feb 24: ReplacementToday is the traditional Feast of St. Matthias the Apostle. This apostle was chosen to replace Judas.
St. Matthias the Apostle8 min
45Feb 23: Fastest Nun in the WestToday is the death anniversary of Servant of God Blandina Segale. This religious sister served in the Wild West and even encountered the famous outlaw, Billy the Kid.
Servant of God Blandina Segale8 min
46Feb 20: Muskrats for DinnerToday is the first of seven Fridays in Lent, making today a day of abstinence from meat. Today's session covers the history of Friday Abstinence and some unconventional fish alternatives.
Abstinence8 min
47Feb 19: Pretzels and PysankyToday is the Thursday after Ash Wednesday. As we begin Lent, today's session looks at four Lenten traditions: pretzels, pysanky, sacrifice beans, and Lenten wreaths.
Lenten Traditions7 min
48Feb 18: AshtagToday marks the beginning of 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we enter the season of Lent. Join Pray40: https://hallow.com/collections/2845/
Ash Wednesday7 min
49Feb 17: King Cake or Pancakes?Today is Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day. For centuries, this Eve of Lent had been celebrated as a day of indulgence because tomorrow begins the penitential season of Lent. Join Pray40: https://hallow.com/collections/2845/
Mardi Gras6 min
50Feb 16: 46 DaysThis Wednesday begins the liturgical season of Lent. In today's session, Lisa takes a deep dive into the history and layout of our upcoming 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Lent7 min
51Feb 13: Your ValentineToday is Valentine's Day Eve. Today's session looks at the origins of this Catholic and secular holiday. Listen to the Saints Alive episode on St. Valentine: https://hallow.com/prayers/1010137/
Valentine’s Day8 min
52Feb 12: Game PlanToday marks one week until the start of Lent. In today's session, Lisa gives practical tips for making Lenten resolutions.
One Week Until Lent8 min
53Feb 11: The LadyOn this day in 1858, Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France, making today the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of Prayer for the Sick. Dive into more Lourdes content: https://hallow.com/pages/912
Our Lady of Lourdes8 min
54Feb 10: Viva Christo Rey!Today is the feast day of St. Jose Sanchez del Rio. This flag bearer and martyr of the Cristero War was only 14 years old when he was executed.
St. Jose Sanchez del Rio8 min
55Feb 9: Chart-ToppingToday is the feast day of St. Scholastica. This twin of St. Benedict founded a religious order that still exists today. Listen to the Benedictines of Mary: https://hallow.com/pages/911
St. Scholastica7 min
56Feb 6: 250 YearsToday is the feast day of St. Paul Miki and Companions. On this day, we honor 26 Jesuits, Franciscans, and laymen who were martyred in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1597. Listen to Takashi and Midori Nagai's story: https://hallow.com/collections/2289/
St. Paul Miki & Companions7 min
57Feb 5: Saved by the VeilWARNING: St. Agatha's story contains mature themes that may not be suitable for younger and maturing youth.
Today is the feast day of St. Agatha. This Early Church virgin and martyr is the patron saint of breast cancer and is celebrated annually with a grand festival in Catania, Sicily.
St. Agatha7 min
58Feb 4: The GesimasSeptuagesima time is a traditional, pre-Lent period that, 50 years ago, would have begun last Sunday. Today's session explores this tradition that dates back to the 6th century.
Septuagesima Time10 min
59Feb 3: FishboneToday is the feast day of St. Blaise. This bishop and martyr is the go-to saint for throat ailments, which is why today, churches around the world offer throat blessings at Mass.
St. Blaise7 min
60Feb 2: CandlemasToday is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. This day is a traditional day for blessing candles and holds a surprising tie to Groundhog Day.
The Presentation7 min
61Jan 30: Juggling for JesusToday is the feast day of St. John Bosco. This founder of the Salesians learned how to juggle, walk a tightrope, and do magic tricks to catch the attention of underserved youth. For more on St. John Bosco: https://hallow.com/sections/2222
St. John Bosco8 min
62Jan 29: Out-of-UniformThis week, Catholic schools across the United States celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Check out Hallow's Catholic schools' content: https://hallow.com/pages/54/
Catholic Schools Week9 min
63Jan 28: The Dumb OxToday is the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor. Learn more about today's saint: https://hallow.com/pages/913
St. Thomas Aquinas7 min
64Jan 27: Founder in Her SixtiesToday is the feast day of St. Angela Merici, the founder of the Company of St. Ursula.
St. Angela Merici8 min
65Jan 26: Spiritual SonsToday is the feast day of Sts. Timothy and Titus. These recipients of New Testament epistles share a feast day on the day after the feast of the conversion of their spiritual father, St. Paul.
Sts. Timothy and Titus8 min
66Jan 23: There will always be MusicToday is the feast day of St. Marianne Cope, a saint who picked up where St. Damien of Molokai left off. Listen to a sleep story on St. Damien: https://hallow.com/prayers/1039313/
St. Marianne Cope7 min
67Jan 22: RavensToday is the feast day of St. Vincent of Saragossa, a deacon and martyr who was protected by ravens after his death. Hallow's Pro-Life category can be found at: https://hallow.com/pages/61/
St. Vincent of Saragossa7 min
68Jan 21: Two LambsToday is the feast day of St. Agnes, whose feast day includes a quaint tradition involving two baby lambs. Listen to Hallie the Sheep here: https://hallow.com/pages/514/
St. Agnes7 min
69Jan 20: Martyred TwiceToday is the feast day of St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes. Listen to his Saints in Seven Days here: https://hallow.com/collections/1767/
St. Sebastian8 min
70Jan 19: Handling a HammerToday is the death anniversary of Esther Pariseau, also known as Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. The life of this incredible woman earned her a statue in the United States Capitol.
Esther Pariseau7 min
71Jan 16: The Father of MonasticismToday is the feast day of St. Anthony Abbot, the Father of Monasticism.
St. Anthony Abbot6 min
72Jan 15: BearbackToday is the feast day of St. Romedio. This 4th-century saint is famous for his pet bear.
St. Romedio7 min
73Jan 14: Whom God HelpsToday is the feast day of St. Devasahayam. This 18th-century saint from India broke down social barriers, and it cost him his life.
St. Devasahayam9 min
74Jan 13: Hammer of the AriansToday is the feast day of St. Hilary of Poitiers, the "Hammer of the Arians." After becoming a bishop in an unconventional way, this future Doctor of the Church spent his life defending Arianism.
St. Hilary of Poitiers7 min
75Jan 12: Running around CrazilyAfter weeks of living in the liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas, today we return to Ordinary Time. Historically, this short season before Lent is known as Carnival.
Carnival9 min
76Jan 9: This is my Beloved SonToday is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In today's session, we explore history, theology, and traditions surrounding today's feast, and look at two Holy Water hacks that you will not want to forget.
Baptism of the Lord8 min
77Jan 8: A 30-Minute BattleToday is the feast day of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, who is the patroness of Louisiana because of her intercession at the Battle of New Orleans.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor8 min
78Jan 7: Cloak SailingToday is the feast day of St. Raymond of Penyafort. This 13th-century saint helped rescue captives, sailed on his cloat, and shaped Church law for over 700 years.
St. Raymond of Penyafort8 min
79Jan 6: Miracle Man of MontrealToday is the feast day of St. Andre Bessette. Known as the Miracle Man of Montreal, this Canadian saint saved up his nickels to build an oratory in honor of St. Joseph.
St. Andre Bessette9 min
80Jan 5: Every Knee Shall BowJanuary is the Month of the Holy Name of Jesus. In today's session, Lisa explores this monthly devotion with ideas to help incorporate this tradition into your routine. Pray the Litany to the Holy Name of Jesus: https://hallow.com/prayers/8102/
Month of the Holy Name of Jesus6 min
81Jan 2: 20+C+M+B+26On this coming Sunday, January 4th, or on Tuesday, January 6th, Christians celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. This feast commemorates the visit of the Magi and includes traditions such as king cake.
Epiphany8 min
82Jan 1: TheotokosToday is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, the final day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, the day Jesus was circumcised and given his name, World Day of Peace, and, if you are an Eastern Rite Catholic, the feast of St. Basil!
Mary, the Holy Mother of God9 min
83Dec 31: Who’s in Charge?Today is New Year's Eve, and the feast day of St. Sylvester. Today's saint served as pope in the years directly after the Edict of Milan, which legalized Christianity.
St. Sylvester8 min
84Dec 30: Holiness Inspires HolinessToday is the feast day of St. John Francis Regis. This Jesuit tended to victims of the Bubonic Plague and waded through snow to preach in remote mountain villages in France.
St. John Francis Regis9 min
85Dec 29: Not “a Becket”Today is the feast day of St. Thomas Becket. This 12th-century saint went from being King Henry II's best friend to his worst enemy.
St. Thomas Becket8 min
86Dec 26: On the Feast of StephenToday is the feast day of St. Stephen, the protomartyr, or first martyr, of the Church.
St. Stephen9 min
87Dec 25: To Be With YouMerry Christmas! In today's session, we remember the story of all stories and why this day exists.
Christmas5 min
88Dec 24: Paradise PlaysToday is Christmas Eve and the traditional day to commemorate Sts. Adam and Eve. Don't forget to enjoy Hallow's Christmas Praylist this season: https://hallow.com/collections/289/
Christmas Eve7 min
89Dec 23: 7 Fish & RollerbladesToday is the eve of Christmas Eve. In this session, Lisa covers six Christmas Eve traditions from around the world.
Christmas Eve Traditions6 min
90Dec 22: 12 Days of Christmas?Today's session explores the history of the liturgical season of Christmas and why the length of the Christmas Season changes each year.
Christmastide8 min
91Dec 19: Model of Christian FamiliesToday is the traditional day to begin the Novena to the Holy Family. Pray the Novena here: https://hallow.com/collections/352/
The Holy Family8 min
92Dec 18: Thunder OakToday's session takes a deep dive into the Catholic history of nativity scenes and Christmas trees.
Nativity Scenes & Christmas Trees8 min
93Dec 17: Rejoice, RejoiceToday marks the start of the 8th-century tradition of the O Antiphons. The O Antiphons are a series of seven refrains that are recited during Evening Prayer from December 17th to 23rd. Pray the O Antiphons here: https://hallow.com/collections/127/
O Antiphons6 min
94Dec 16: Pinatas and PanatasToday, Catholics around the world will begin to celebrate Christmas Novena traditions, including Las Posadas, Simbang Gabi, Novena de Aguinaldos, and Novena di Natale.
Christmas Novenas9 min
95Dec 15: For the ProcrastinatorsIt's time to get serious about Christmas shopping. In today's session, Lisa offers last-minute Catholic Christmas gift ideas. Check out the Hallow Gift Guide here: https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/
Catholic Christmas Gifts6 min
96Dec 12: In a Single MomentToday is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In today's session we explore the miraculous aspects of St. Juan Diego's tilma, which bears the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe8 min
97Dec 11: Wreath of FireSaturday is the feast day of St. Lucy. The feast day of this saint of light is celebrated with rich traditions in Sweden. Enjoy the Saints Alive episode on St. Lucy: https://hallow.com/prayers/1016492/
St. Lucy8 min
98Dec 10: A Flying HouseToday is the feast day of Our Lady of Loretto. Today’s feast day commemorates the relocation of Mary's childhood home from Nazareth to Loretto, Italy.
Our Lady of Loretto7 min
99Dec 9: Roses in WinterToday is the feast day of St. Juan Diego. In 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to today's saint and imparted her image onto his tilma. Listen to the one-hour session on Our Lady of Guadalupe: https://hallow.com/collections/1525/
St. Juan Diego10 min
100Dec 8: From the ChairToday is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a day celebrating Mary’s sinlessness from the moment of her conception. For more apologetics on today's solemnity, listen to this Catholic Answers session: https://app.hallow.com/prayers/1003910/