My Stogie Mystagogy Podcast

Theology of the Rosary

A brief Joe Catholic talk in which we discuss the Christo-centric nature of the Rosary.

Does the Holy Spirit Really Select the Pope

This episode explores the papacies from John XXIII to Leo XIV, analyzing their historical context, metaphysical themes, and spiritual guidance. It emphasizes the providential guidance of the Holy Spirit in selecting popes and the importance of living out faith authentically.

Sacrament and Participation

"Have we forgotten the true wonder of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist?" ✨ Drop a 🙏 if you agree it’s time we see this gift with childlike wonder again.We often approach Communion casually, forgetting it’s not just symbolic — it’s an ontological encounter with Christ himself. When you receive the Eucharist, you're actually taking in Jesus, becoming more like Him each time. This isn’t routine, it’s radical — a moment to be joyful, to rejoice like a child who just met their best friend. Yet, so often we let forgetfulness or routine dull that sense of awe.Imagine if we treated each Holy Communion as if it’s the first and last — with reverence, joy, and gratitude. What would change in your spirit? How would it deepen your connection with Jesus and the Father?Let’s recover that childlike wonder and approach the Eucharist with fresh eyes 💫. Does this inspire you to reframe your mindset next time you receive?

Living the Mysteries and Trusting His Mercy

This episode of My Stogie Mystagogy opens with the familiar pairing of cigars and spirits (see below for links for reviews) before moving into a thoughtful and candid conversation on two central themes of the Easter season: Mystagogy and Divine Mercy. Don and Mark explore Mystagogy as more than a brief post-Easter program; they present it as a lifelong process of “living the mysteries,” reflecting on how newly initiated Catholics often lack the guidance, mentorship, and formation needed to truly understand the transformation brought about by the sacraments. Drawing from early Church practices and modern parish experiences, they challenge the idea of treating sacramental initiation as a completion point, arguing instead that it is the beginning of a deeper journey of faith and identity . The discussion then turns to Divine Mercy, unpacking its theological depth and practical implications. The hosts emphasize that mercy is not opposed to justice but fulfills it; it is God’s love in action, offered freely yet requiring a human response of repentance, participation, and transformation. Through reflections on Scripture, the sacraments, and real-life experiences, they contrast the dangers of presumption and despair, highlighting the call to both receive and extend mercy in daily life. The episode closes with a renewed focus on reconciliation as the “sacrament of mercy” and a practical invitation to trust in God’s mercy, return to Him often, and live out the grace received. Cigar: Fuente 8-5-8 [https://www.cubanhouseofcigars.com/arturo-fuente-858-a-brief-history-of-the-brand-cigar-review/] Spirits: * Johnnie Walker Double Black [https://whiskyadvocate.com/Johnnie-Walker-Double-Black-40] * Knob Creek Bourbon 9 year [https://bourbonobsessed.com/knob-creek-9-year-bourbon-review/]

Pipes, Mead and Vocations

This past Sunday's Gospel reading is often used to discuss vocations. In this archived episode, Mark is joined by Patrick Norton, a pipe smoker and mead maker. During their Holy Smoke, they discuss the meaning of vocation and how it applies to the laity.