Father Fessio in Five

139: What Vatican II Actually Said About Using Latin at Mass

Since Vatican II, the use of Latin in Mass has radically decline. . . . But in this episode, Fr. Fessio reviews what Vatican II said about using Latin at Mass.

138: Why the Priest Says “The Lord be with you”

In the not-so-distant past, the Church began saying “and with your spirit” instead of “and with you.” In this episode Fr. Fessio explains these opening words of the Mass.

137: Explaining the Sign of the Cross

Have you ever reflected on why we begin the Mass with the sign of the Cross? Fr. Fessio explains the deep significance behind this often overlooked opening.

136: Why Does the Priest Kiss the Altar?

Father Fessio begins to unpack the beginning of the Mass by reflecting the priest’s first action in the Mass—he kisses the altar.

135: The Meaning Behind the Priestly Vestments

Ever wonder what is the significance of the priest’s vestments? In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains what these vestments are and symbolism behind them.

134: Fr. Fessio Explains Why We Call the Mass, “The Mass”

We all call the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the “Mass” but many of us don’t know why. . . . So Fr. Fessio explains this term and the other terms used to identify this sacrament.

133: The Mass in the Road to Emmaus

Fr. Fessio explains the third dimension of the Mass—the personal dimension—using the events on the road to Emmaus.

132. The Cosmic Dimension of the Mass

Fr. Fessio describes the second dimension of the Mass—the cosmic dimension. Fr. Fessio explains how Christ is the center of this dimension.

131. The Historical Dimension of the Mass

There are three dimensions to the Mass: the historical, the cosmic, and the personal. And in this episode, Fr. Fessio outlines the historical dimension of the Mass by examining the Old Testament and the life of Christ.
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130. Explaining the Mass of Vatican II

Fr. Fessio is beginning a series on the Mass, and today he explains the difference between “old” vs the “new” Mass and which he will follow going forward in this series.
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129: Fr. Fessio Starts A Series on The Mass

Today’s episode marks the beginning of Fr. Fessio’s series on the Mass. In this episode, he explains how the Mass is central in the sacramental order.

128: Three Latin Phrases You Should Use

Fr. Fessio explains what “oremus invicem,” “ad majorem dei gloriam,” and “amor meus pondus meum” mean and why you should use the often.

127: Would You Recognize the Holy Family?

Fr. Fessio points out how many holy people are like the Holy Family both in their life of grace and often in their obscurity.  

126: A Small Lesson in Hebrew

Fr. Fessio examines the original Hebrew for two passages in Scripture. In each case, the original language reveals more than our English translation.

125: What Does Faith Require?

Fr. Fessio points out that in Hebrew the word “faith” means something a bit different than it does in English.

124: Why You Should Say "Pax huic domui" When Entering a House

Fr. Fessio explains the Latin phrase Pax huic domui and its response Et omnibus habitantibus in ea.

123: The Greatest in the Kingdom of God

We will be measured not by our human achievements, but by our love. Fr. Fessio explains how we can be great in the kingdom of God.

122 Special Episode: Why Catholics Should Kneel

In today's special episode, Fr. Fessio is joined by Archbishop Cordileone to discuss the importance of kneeling at Mass and when receiving communion. They draw upon Pope Benedict XVI's book "The Spirit of the Liturgy" which is celebrating 25 years of publication.
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121: Is the Our Father the Best Prayer?

Fr. Fessio returns to the Our Father and argues for its primacy as a prayer of petition. But he also points out that there are more types of prayer than those of petition . . .

120: Do You Know What “Deo Gratias” Means?

Fr. Fessio explains another common Latin phrase—Deo Gratias. He believes that this phrase is so important that everyone should use it.

119: You Should Use This Latin Phrase

Fr. Fessio explains what “Deo Volente” means, and why we should use it in our daily life.

118: Atheists and Christians See Sunsets Differently

Fr. Fessio recalls a conversation he had with an atheist student where he explained the difference between how an atheist sees the world and how a Christian views creation.

117: The First and Last Words of the Psalms

Fr. Fessio reflects on the significance of very first and last words of the Psalms, which begin with happiness and end with thanksgiving.

116: Should You Trust A.I.?

Recently, Fr. Fessio was deceived by A.I. and warns people about trusting these programs.

115: Finding God in the Mystery

We can often go through out day not noticing the presence of God in our lives. But in today’s episode Fr. Fessio teaches us how to notice God in the mysteries of the universe.

114: Explaining the Simplicity of God

Fr. Fessio explains one of the fruits of his morning reflection on the simplicity of God. Father’s analogies are very helpful for understanding how an omniscient and omnipotent God can also be simple.

113: Why is John the Baptist the Greatest Man Born of Woman?

Jesus said that no person of woman born is greater than John the Baptist. In today’s episode, Fr. Fessio explains this statement and provides a beautiful insight into spiritual excellence.

112: The Wisdom of St. Gregory of Nyssa

Fr. Fessio comments on a simple yet profound reading from St. Gregory of Nyssa presented in the Divine Office.

111: Understand the Symbols of the Holy Spirit

Fr. Fessio explains why it is often difficult to pray to the Holy Spirit and then provides an analogy to help us grow in our love and appreciation for the Holy Spirit.

110: Fr. Fessio’s Favorite Bible Verses

We all have our favorite Bible verses and in this episode Fr. Fessio elaborates on two verses that resonate with him.