Real Living

Sober Intoxication Of The Spirit

fter a hiatus, Real Living returns to discuss Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa’s book The Sober Intoxication of the Spirit, which inspired a Lexington, Kentucky Pentecost novena program at the Cathedral of Christ the King called Nine Days of Power. The hosts explain the original Pentecost novena, emphasize that the Holy Spirit comes whenever welcomed, and highlight the book’s theme—drawn from St. Ambrose and echoed in Acts 2—that Spirit-filled believers can appear “intoxicated” while being rooted in Christ. They outline the program’s nightly chapter topics (including humility, baptism in the Spirit, charisms, anointing, healing, conversion, repentance, and unity) and contrast experiential, heart-level knowledge of God with mere “head knowledge,” stressing sacraments as channels of the Spirit. They critique “cessationism,” connect Vatican II to renewed emphasis on charisms and laity, and argue the early Church’s growth depended on the Holy Spirit’s gifts and power.

Who Are We To Judge?

In this episode of Real Living, hosts Lavenia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek delve into the complex topic of judgment and non-judgmentalism within society and Christianity. They discuss the often misconstrued statements of past popes, the balance between calling out sin and practicing love, and the scriptural guidance on making moral judgments. The conversation also touches on the cultural shift towards moral relativism, the importance of personal testimony, and the central Christian duty of lovingly guiding others while introspectively addressing one's own faults. The hosts emphasize that love and prudence should form the basis of any discernment or judgment.

Halloween 2

In this episode of Real Living, Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek delve into the historical, pagan, and modern secular aspects of Halloween. They discuss the Protestant skepticism around the holiday, its Celtic roots, and the Catholic traditions surrounding All Hallows' Eve, All Saints, and All Souls' Day. The episode also touches on the evolution of Halloween customs, from ancient practices to contemporary commercial influences, emphasizing the importance of retaining the spiritual significance of the holiday in the Christian context. Time Topic 00:00 Introduction to Halloween Discussion 00:31 Historical and Religious Context of Halloween 03:00 Customs and Traditions of Halloween 04:21 Modern Interpretations and Commercialization 05:39 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections 08:00 Cultural Variations and Historical Evolution 11:43 The Spiritual Significance of Halloween 17:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Halloween 1

In this episode of Real Living, hosts Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek  dive into the history and significance of Halloween by examining it from three perspectives: Christian, Pagan, and secular. They discuss Halloween's origins, from its roots in the Christian tradition as All Hallows' Eve to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The hosts also touch on modern secular traditions and compare cultural observances across regions. Additionally, they explore the concept of purgatory and how it ties into All Saints' and All Souls' Days. Time Topic 00:00 Introduction to Halloween Discussion 00:32 Christian Perspective on Halloween 01:55 Pagan Origins and Traditions 02:19 Secular Celebrations and Modern Fun 03:30 Historical Evolution of Halloween 06:14 Praying for the Souls in Purgatory 11:35 Cultural Differences in Halloween Celebrations 15:12 Celtic Traditions and Samhain 17:55 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

Guardian Angels Part 2

In this episode of Real Living, hosts Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek delve into the fascinating world of angels and archangels. They share lesser-known facts and stories about St. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, exploring their roles in religious texts and their divine interventions. The conversation touches on the theological perspectives about the nature of angels, including insights from Vatican II and writings of theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas. Listeners are encouraged to call upon their guardian angels for guidance and protection, and are reminded of the enduring presence and impact of these celestial beings in our lives. Time Topic 00:00 Introduction to Angels and Archangels 00:23 Exploring the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael 05:25 The Nature and Abilities of Angels 11:52 Personal Stories and Testimonies of Angelic Encounters 16:59 The Role of Angels in Our Lives 18:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts