The Cyndi Peterson Show - Inspiring Your Catholic Faith — Podcast

#172 - Fr. Jason Lewis - Medjugorje 2026 19.06.2026 1h 3min

While leading a pilgrimage in Medjugorje, our group had the privilege of hearing a beautiful and thought-provoking talk by Fr. Jason Lewis, MIC, the Chaplain for English-speaking pilgrims in Medjugorje. Fr. Jason is a priest of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, a religious community known throughout the world for its promotion of the message of Divine Mercy and deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Those two pillars of Catholic spirituality make him uniquely suited to minister to the thousands of English-speaking pilgrims who come to Medjugorje seeking a deeper encounter with Christ through the guidance of Our Lady. In this episode, I share Fr. Jason's inspiring message exactly as our pilgrimage group heard it. His reflections offer practical wisdom, a deeper understanding of God's mercy, and a renewed appreciation for Our Lady's role in leading us ever closer to her Son.

#171 - Could Your Answered Prayer Cost You Your Soul? 19.06.2026 12min

On the final day of a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Cyndi reflects on a simple question asked by a young boy on Apparition Hill: Why are there so many rocks here? The answer leads to a profound lesson about the spiritual life, the condition of our hearts, and the trust God asks of each of us. Drawing on a beloved story shared by Father Jozo, the words of the prophet Ezekiel, and the striking image of tiny flowers growing among the rocks of Apparition Hill, Cyndi explores one of the most difficult questions of faith: What if God does not answer our prayers the way we want because He sees something we cannot? We often come to God asking for healing, solutions, and relief from our burdens. Yet God's greatest desire is not simply to solve our problems—it is to save our souls and bring us safely home to Him. This episode is a reflection on surrender, trust, unanswered prayers, and learning to become like little children in the hands of a loving Father. If you are carrying a burden, waiting for an answer, or struggling to understand God's plan, this message is for you. Ezekiel 36:26 — "I Will Remove Your Heart of Stone" Matthew 18:3 — Becoming Like Little Children For information on pilgrimages to Medjugorje or Poland with Cyndi visit: www.trinitypilgrimage.com Cyndi's Website: www.cyndipeterson.com

#170 - His Heart Grew Three Sizes: The Story of St. Philip Neri 15.06.2026 8min

What if the most remarkable thing about St. Philip Neri's enlarged heart wasn't that it became physically larger—but that it became more capable of love? In this episode, we explore one of the most extraordinary events in the lives of the saints. While praying in the Catacombs of Rome on the vigil of Pentecost, St. Philip Neri experienced what he described as a globe of fire entering his chest, filling him with such overwhelming joy and love of God that it transformed the rest of his life. After his death, examinations reportedly revealed that his heart had enlarged and two ribs had arched outward to accommodate it. But the real miracle was not the physical phenomenon. The real miracle was divine charity. Together, we'll explore the connection between St. Philip's experience and Pentecost, the biblical meaning of the heart, and how the Holy Spirit continues to pour the love of God into human souls today. We'll discover why the Holy Spirit does not simply comfort or inspire us, but enlarges our capacity to love God and our neighbor with a love that goes beyond our natural abilities. In a world where hearts can easily become small, fearful, wounded, and turned inward, St. Philip Neri reminds us that the Holy Spirit desires to transform us from the inside out. The same Spirit who descended upon the Apostles. The same Spirit who filled St. Philip Neri with divine charity. The same Spirit who desires to enlarge our hearts today. Join me as we reflect on joy, divine love, Pentecost, and the beautiful invitation to pray: "Holy Spirit, enlarge my heart."

#169 - What Really Happens in Medjugorje: Reflections from my May Pilgrimage. 01.06.2026 15min

What is it about Medjugorje that changes people forever? In this episode, Cyndi shares the miracles, conversions, and moments of grace she witnessed on her latest pilgrimage. Hear inspiring stories of conversion, healing, renewed marriages, the gift of tears in prayer, and one woman's return to Confession and the Eucharist after more than ten years away from the Church. Cyndi also shares the surprising story of how an unplanned testimony in Medjugorje has reached more than 100,000 people around the world and the messages she has received from those whose lives were touched by it. Click Here to Listen to View Cyndi's Testimony on YouTube To Learn More About Cyndi's Next Pilgirmage to Medjugorje, November 30 - December 9, 2026: Click Here to be brought to Trinity Pilgrimages. Cyndi's Testimony in 2025 on Mary TV Cyndi's Website - CyndiPeterson.com

#168 - Do You Really Want Heaven… or Just Your Version of It? 04.05.2026 8min

We all say we want heaven. But what if we've quietly redefined it? In this episode, inspired by The Hell There Is, we look at a striking moment that reveals something uncomfortable: we don't always want the real heaven—only a version of it that fits us. What if heaven isn't built around our preferences… but around truth, transformation, and complete union with God? This episode explores why clarity about heaven—and hell—matters more than ever, why our choices carry eternal weight, and why we need to be formed by Christ, the Church, and the sacraments… not just our own ideas. This isn't about fear. It's about waking up to what's real—and choosing it. Tan Books The Hell There Is - Author Interview: Msgr. Charles Pope Amazon Link for purchase -The Hell There Is by Msgr Charles Pope

#167 - What Is the Leper in Your Life? | St. Francis, Surrender & Real Change 21.04.2026 16min

What if the reason your life hasn't changed… isn't because God isn't working—but because there's something you don't want to surrender? In this powerful episode, Cyndi explores the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the moment that changed everything: his encounter with the leper. Why did Francis run toward what he once feared? Why did he walk away from wealth, status, and security? How did one man's yes still impact the Church more than 800 years later? Through the lens of "Ecce Homo" — Behold the Man — Cyndi reflects on Christ crucified, total trust in the Father, and the invitation each of us faces today: What is the leper in your life? The very thing you resist may be the place where grace is waiting. A powerful reflection on surrender, healing, holiness, and what becomes possible when Christ is truly King of the heart.

#166 - It Was Never Locked: A Good Friday Story of Mercy 28.03.2026 12min

On this Good Friday episode of The Cyndi Peterson Show, we reflect on one of the most powerful and hope-filled moments in the Gospel—the encounter between Jesus and the good thief, known as Dismas. A man with no time left… no way to make amends… no chance to fix his past… simply turns to Jesus and says, "Remember me." And in response, Jesus offers him everything: "Today you will be with me in Paradise." What does this moment reveal about God's mercy? And why do we so often struggle to believe that this same mercy is available to us? Through Scripture, the wisdom of the Saints, and a moving allegory of a man standing before a door he believes is closed, this episode invites you to reflect on what may be holding you back—hurt, shame, fear, or the feeling of unworthiness. Because the truth is simple, even if it's hard to accept: The door has never been locked. God's mercy is not something we earn—it's something we are invited to receive. This Good Friday, take a moment to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: What is keeping me from trusting in His mercy? And maybe, like Dismas, all you need to say is: "Jesus… remember me."

#165 - Who Is Like God? The Weapon That Defeats Satan 03.03.2026 10min

How does God defeat Satan? Not through spectacle or force — but through humility. In this episode of The Cyndi Peterson Show, we examine the fall of Lucifer, the pride that shattered heaven, and the surprising role of St. Michael — an Archangel, a servant — as the one who confronts rebellion with a single cry: "Who is like God?" Drawing from Scripture, the Church Fathers, St. Augustine, the Catechism (CCC 409), and the Church's teaching on the nine choirs of angels, we uncover a powerful pattern: spiritual warfare is not won by brilliance or dominance, but by obedience, surrender, and fidelity. From David and Goliath… to Mary's fiat… to Christ's obedience on the Cross… humility defeats pride every time. We also explore: • The real battlefield of spiritual combat — the human heart • How Satan tempts through autonomy and self-definition • Why Confession, Eucharist, prayer, fasting, and devotion to Our Lady are the Church's weapons • What the Prayer to St. Michael teaches us about dependence on God Spiritual warfare is not dramatic. It is daily. It looks like forgiveness. Confession. Trust. "Thy will be done." Lucifer fell because he would not serve. Michael stands because he serves. And every time you choose humility over pride, you stand with heaven.

#164 - Mary, Our Lighthouse: Finding Direction in the Storm 12.02.2026 7min

What does a lighthouse in Haifa, Israel have to do with the Blessed Virgin Mary? In this episode, I share how visiting Elijah's Cave on Mount Carmel — and seeing the Stella Maris lighthouse overlooking the Mediterranean — gave me a deeper understanding of Mary's title, Star of the Sea. We explore the biblical story of Elijah, the Carmelite connection, and how Mary, like the North Star or a lighthouse, guides us safely to Christ. Mary is not the harbor. Christ is. But she helps us find Him.

#163 - A Father's Words, A Son's Soul: Why Love Must Speak the Truth 03.02.2026 11min

What do fathers owe their children beyond providing and protecting? In this episode, I reflect on discovering old letters my husband once wrote to our sons—letters that revealed how he understood his role as a father: forming virtue, fostering prayer, and always keeping heaven as the goal. That moment leads into the powerful letter written by St. Louis IX to his son, where a king speaks not about success or power, but about holiness, prayer, and the courage to tell the truth in love. Drawing on the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the teachings of St. John Paul II in Familiaris Consortio and Letter to Families, this episode explores fatherhood as a sacred vocation—one that requires clarity, courage, and a willingness to lead souls toward God. A direct challenge to fathers, grandfathers, and spiritual fathers to love enough to instruct, direct, and point their children toward salvation. Letter of St. Louis IX to his son - full text: http://www.christendomrestoration.org/uploads/9/0/2/6/9026344/letter-of-st-louis-ix-to-his-son.pdf

#162 -The House That Moved Itself: The Mystery of Loreto 16.01.2026 20min

What if the house you lived in—your ordinary, everyday space—was actually sacred ground? In this episode of The Cyndi Peterson Show, Cyndi shares the miraculous story of the Holy House of Loreto—believed to be the very home where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, where the Incarnation took place, and where the Holy Family lived. You'll hear the incredible history behind how this simple stone structure mysteriously left Nazareth and appeared in Italy, and why the Church has preserved it for centuries. But more importantly, you'll be challenged to see your own home in a new way. God entered history through the simplicity of a family home—and He still does. If Mary's yes changed the world in her kitchen, your yes can too.

#161 -2026: Seek Him, Find Him, Worship Him 02.01.2026 6min

As a new year begins, we often make resolutions to improve ourselves—but what if the most important resolution is to seek God? In this episode of The Cyndi Peterson Show, we reflect on Matthew 2:1–12, the story of the Magi who followed the star in search of the newborn King. Their journey invites us to seek Christ with perseverance, to be guided by Sacred Scripture, the Saints, and the Church. Like the Magi, we are called to fall down in worship and offer our gifts: our gold (talents), frankincense (prayer), and myrrh (work and sacrifice), and above all, the gift of our will. As you begin this new year, ask yourself: Will I seek Him? And what will I offer Him?

#160 - Kendrick Castillo – A Young Man Who Laid Down His Life 03.11.2025 13min

In this re-released episode of The Cyndi Peterson Show, we revisit the inspiring story of Kendrick Castillo, the Colorado high school senior who courageously gave his life to save his classmates during a school shooting in 2019. Kendrick's extraordinary sacrifice flowed from a deep Catholic faith — a faith he lived daily with joy, service, and love. Since this episode first aired, the Diocese of Colorado Springs has received a petition to open his cause for canonization, beginning the formal process of discernment toward possible sainthood. His community continues to honor him through lasting memorials: • The Kendrick Castillo Memorial Fund and monument at Civic Green Park • "Kendrick Castillo Way," a street named in his honor • A robotics scholarship and lab bearing his name • Annual tributes from classmates and the students he saved Those who knew Kendrick — including the very students whose lives he protected — describe him as kind, humble, and prayerful, living every day with quiet heroism. As the Church begins to study his life and witness, we remember his example as a living echo of Christ's own words: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." — John 15:13

#159 - Barren, Broken, and Without God: The Miraculous Story of St. Bartolo Longo and Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii 27.10.2025 15min

St. Bartolo Longo was once a priest of Satan, a man consumed by despair and spiritual darkness. Yet through the mercy of God and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, his soul was not only restored but transformed — and the barren valley of Pompeii was reborn with him. In this episode, we trace how a broken man, a forgotten chapel, and a damaged painting became instruments of grace that led to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii — a sanctuary that still draws millions of pilgrims. From a priest of Satan to a saint of the Rosary, from ruin to resurrection — discover how God through the intercession of Mary and the power of the Rosary can make all things new.

#158 - The Kingdom of Heaven Taken by Force: The Holy Determination That Wins Heaven 22.10.2025 6min

This episode unpacks the meaning of the verse: "The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force." (Mattthew 11:12). Cyndi provides insights from St. Gregory the Great and St. John Chrysostom - showing that "holy violence" isn't about agression, but about determination. It's the inner strength that pushes through discouragement, forgives when its difficult and keeps showing up for God when it would be easier to quit. Perseverance is what it means to "take heaven by force."

#157 - Even the Gaze of a Child: St. Therese, Two Devils, and the Power of Grace 13.10.2025 6min

Even the Gaze of a Child: St. Therese, Two Devils, and the Power of Grace. In this episode, Cyndi shares a remarkable story from The Story of a Soul — the childhood dream of St. Thérèse of Lisieux that reveals a profound truth: When we live in the grace of God, we have nothing to fear from the devil. Through Therese's simple yet powerful vision of two frightened little devils, we discover what it really means to live in sanctifying grace — to have the very life of God within us — and why the devil is powerless before a soul united to Christ. Cyndi reflects on the nature of sanctifying grace, the real but limited power of evil, and the courage that comes from holiness.

#156 - The Ike Brown Story - Impossible Mercy and The Law of The Gift 06.10.2025 14min

In this episode of The Cyndi Peterson Show, Cyndi shares the extraordinary true story of Florida police officer Ike Brown, whose 21-year-old son was murdered—and who, by the grace of God, did the unimaginable. Instead of hatred, Ike was filled with divine love. He not only forgave his son's killer but reached out to him, prayed for him, and saw him as his own son. Through Ike's story, Cyndi explores Pope St. John Paul II's teaching on "The Law of the Gift"—that we find our true selves only by giving ourselves away in love, as expressed in Gaudium et Spes 24. This episode also reflects on the courageous forgiveness of Erika Kirk and the transforming power of mercy that heals not only the forgiven but the forgiver too. Forgiveness breaks the back of hell and floods the world with grace. Discover how mercy, freely given, can turn tragedy into redemption—and how you, too, can live the Law of the Gift. Listen now to deepen and inspire your Catholic faith.

#155 - St Francis and The Wolf of Gubbio 03.09.2025 12min

St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio A savage wolf terrorized a city—until St. Francis met it with the power of peace and the sign of the Cross. In this episode, Cyndi Peterson shares the legendary encounter and what it reveals about sin, reconciliation, and the transforming love of Christ. A call to mercy, conversion, and courage in the face of fear.

#154 - James the Greater and James the Lesser Who Was Who - And How Did They Change the World? 18.08.2025 17min

In this episode of The Cyndi Peterson Show, we explore the lives and martyrdoms of James the Greater and James the Lesser (the Just)—two of Jesus' twelve apostles who shared not just a name, but a legacy of faith, sacrifice, and transformation. Join me as I unravel the powerful journey of James the Greater: from preaching at the literal "ends of the earth" in Spain, to being the first apostle martyred. Then discover the quiet strength of James the Just, appointed by Peter, John, and James himself as the first bishop of Jerusalem. His holy leadership, fierce prayer life, and martyrdom from the pinnacle of the Temple changed the early Church forever. What can we learn from their different paths? What lasting impact did they leave behind? And what do their lives teach us about trusting God's plan—even when we don't see immediate results?

#153 - God The Refiner of Souls - Spiritual Lessons Behind The Process of Refining Silver 11.08.2025 8min

What does it really mean when Scripture says God is a "refiner of silver"? In this episode, Cyndi Peterson explores the ancient process of refining silver and reveals the powerful spiritual truth behind it. God is not distant from your trials—He is personally present in them, lovingly refining your soul with care and precision. Drawing from Malachi 3:3 and Church teaching, this episode will inspire you to see your suffering not as punishment, but as a path to holiness—where God's image is slowly being revealed in you.