Russell T. Davies and 10th Doctor Retrospective – The Secrets of Doctor Who

Russell T. Davies resurrected Doctor Who in 2005 and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look back at his era and his impact on the show for the future. They also discuss the 10th Doctor’s character and stories and the best and worst episodes from the RTD era.

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Emanations (Voyager) – The Secrets of Star Trek

What if the afterlife was just another dimension? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this Voyager story tackles questions about life, death, assisted suicide, and euthanasia with surprising sensitivity and openness.

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Mysterious Celebration! (100th Episode Anniversary!) – Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World

We’re celebrating our first 100 episodes with updates on the some of the mysterious topics we’ve discussed, as well as hearing your feedback on the podcast and what it means to you. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli want to thank the listeners for their support in our first 2 years and look forward to many more shows.

Help us continue to offer Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?

Links for this episode:
Episode 1: Ghosts

Episode 3: Bigfoot
Astonishing Legends Patterson-Gimlin Series

Episode 4: Area 51

Episode 6: Pyramids

(See video description for links to raw footage of the robotic expedition)

Videos exploring hidden chambers below the pyramid:

Episode 22: Bob Lazar

Episode 23: Astrology

Episode 24: Dyatlov Pass

Episode 26: Jimmy Hoffa

Episode 36: Skinwalker Ranch

Episode 38: Golden State Killer

Episodes 40 and 70: Navy UFO Studies (AATIP)

Episode 45: Voynich Manuscript

Episode 53: Betz Sphere

Episode 67: Numbers Stations

Episode 73: Somerton Man

Episode 83: Dark Matter, Dark Energy

Videos explaining why Dark Energy might not exist:

Episode 87: Nephilim

Episode 91: Government Acid Conspiracy

Episode 96: David Koresh

Direct Link to the Episode.

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The Weekly Francis – 20 May 2020

This version of The Weekly Francis covers material released in the last week from 8 April 2020 to 20 May 2020.

Daily Homilies (fervorinos)

General Audiences

Letters

Messages

Regina Coeli

Papal Tweets

  • “All of us – brothers and sisters of every religious tradition – unite today for the day of prayer, fasting, and penance called by the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity. #HumanFraternity #PrayTogether #HomilySantaMarta Santa Marta mass@Pontifex 14 May 2020
  • “May God have mercy on us and put an end to this tragedy, this pandemic, as well as the pandemics of hunger, war, and children without an education. This we ask as brothers and sisters, everyone together. #HumanFraternity #PrayTogether” @Pontifex 14 May 2020
  • “Today is the #InternationalDayOfFamilies: Let us pray for all families, so that the Spirit of the Lord – the spirit of love, respect, and freedom – might grow in families. #PrayTogether” @Pontifex 15 May 2020
  • “The perfect path to follow Jesus is not rigidity, which brings turmoil, but the spirit of evangelical freedom, which always brings joy. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 15 May 2020
  • “In light of the tragic events that have marked 2020, I dedicate my Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees – on internally displaced persons – to all those experiencing situations of precariousness and marginalization as a result of Covid–19. Message@Pontifex 15 May 2020
  • “Today, let us #PrayTogether for those persons who are burying the dead during this pandemic, risking being infected as well. To bury the dead is one of the works of mercy.” @Pontifex 16 May 2020
  • “What is the spirit of the world that Jesus talks about (Jn 15:18–21)? It is a way of life, a culture of the temporary that doesn’t know how to be faithful. Let us ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to discern between what is worldliness and what is evangelical. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 16 May 2020
  • “Let us care for all of creation, which is a gift of the good God, our Creator. Let us celebrate Laudato si’ Week. #LaudatoSi5
    YouTube laudatosiweek.org@Pontifex 16 May 2020
  • “Let us #PrayTogether today for those who clean hospitals, streets, who empty dumpsters, who go to each house to remove trash. It’s a job that no one sees, but one that is necessary for our survival. May the Lord bless them.” @Pontifex 17 May 2020
  • “Our society has a sense of being orphaned that touches our sense of belonging and fraternity, because the Father is missing. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to rediscover the Father, who gives us a sense of meaning in life. May He make us one family. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 17 May 2020
  • “I urgently appeal for renewed dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all. #LaudatoSi5” @Pontifex 17 May 2020
  • “Tomorrow marks the centenary of the birth of Saint John Paul II. Let us remember him with great affection and gratitude. At 7:00 AM, I will celebrate Holy Mass, which will be broadcast all over the world, at the altar where his mortal remains rest. Vatican News Live@Pontifex 17 May 2020
  • “100 years ago the Lord visited His people. He sent a pastor. #JohnPaulII was our shepherd in prayer, in closeness to the people, in love for justice that always goes together with mercy.” @Pontifex 18 May 2020
  • “Today we remember the great faith and example of #JohnPaulII. Let us hear the echo of his appeal to open wide the doors to Christ, to not be afraid. Let us walk joyfully along the paths of the world, following the footsteps of the giant who has preceded us. We are never alone! Image@Pontifex 18 May 2020
  • “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents. #LaudatoSi5” @Pontifex 18 May 2020
  • “If we are transparent before the Lord like a crystal, His light – the light of mercy – will shine in us and, through us, in the world.” @Pontifex 19 May 2020
  • “When we can see God reflected in all that exists, our hearts are moved to praise the Lord for all his creatures and to worship him in union with them. #LaudatoSi5” @Pontifex 19 May 2020
  • “If the events of life – with all its bitterness – risk suffocating the gift of #Prayer within us, it is enough to contemplate a starry sky, a sunset, or a flower, to reignite the spark of thanksgiving. #GeneralAudience” @Pontifex 20 May 2020
  • “The human person grows more, matures more and is sanctified more to the extent that he or she enters into relationships, going out from themselves to live in communion with God, with others and with all creatures. #LaudatoSi5” @Pontifex 20 May 2020

Papal Instagram

The Dalek Invasion of Earth – The Secrets of Doctor Who

The Daleks take London! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 1st Doctor story of a post-apocalyptic world ruled by Daleks and includes the first departure of a companion, his granddaughter Susan, from the Tardis.

Direct Link to the Episode.

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Q-Less (DS9) – Secrets of Star Trek

Q was an entertaining thorn in the side for Picard on TNG, but what happens when he shows up on DS9? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Sisko’s different approach to Q and why this Q story, while it has its moments, may not work as well as the TNG ones.

Direct Link to the Episode.

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Mysterious World Fan Art #3

Sam writes via Facebook:

I’m a seminarian from Australia and a longtime fan of your work on Catholic Answers and now your mysterious world podcast.

Something happened this past weekend that I thought was amusing enough to share with you. I went home to visit my family, and the subject of your podcast came up in conversation. One thing led to another, and all of a sudden, as is often the case, my brothers, sister, and I, as well as one of their girlfriends, were embroiled in a competition of who could best draw Jimmy Akin in a 10-minute timeframe. None of us are, or claim to be, artists by any stretch of the imagination, but I would argue that that fact made the results 10x more hilarious.

My point is this. When it came time for my (extremely biased) brother to judge whose was superior, no consensus could be found. So, I humbly submit these images to you for their definitive judgement which will be accepted by all as final. 😂

I will continue to pray for you and your great work.

Regards,

Sam.

P.S. you know you’ve made it when brothers and friends battle it out to draw your likeness.

Here are the pieces that Sam sent. First, the original photo they used.

Now, a piece by Andy, the girlfriend of one of Sam’s brothers.

A piece by Gemma.

A piece by Joe.

A piece by John. And a piece by Sam himself.

I think they’re quite impressive! Especially given that they had to be done in 10 minutes!

Here’s the reply I sent Sam:

Howdy, Sam! First of all, please thank your brothers, sister, and family friend for reaching out and sharing all of your artwork! I’m extremely flattered, and I’ll include your message in an upcoming Mysterious Feedback segment! (It will be in June, since the May episodes are already taped.)

Here is my definitive judgment: All of the images are delightful, and it would be impossible to pick one above the others! Thank you for them all! (Also, I believe in heeding the counsel of Scripture, as illustrated here: https://tinyurl.com/y9lr3yw3).

Thanks again to everyone, thanks to you for being willing to serve God in a priestly capacity, and thank you for your prayers! God bless you all! Stay safe and well!

Sam then replied:

Thanks Jimmy! I appreciate your truly diplomatic response. The proverb made me burst out laughing. I’ll remember that one, as it may come in handy in my future ministry 😂.

I look forward in particular to hearing that podcast in June, but will be listening with interest to everything that comes before and after too. My younger brother Joe will be particularly thrilled to hear our drawing escapades mentioned.

With prayers and good wishes,
Sam.

Our Lady of Akita – Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World

From 1973 to 1982, a Japanese religious sister reported receiving messages from an angel and the Virgin Mary as well as a series of miraculous events. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the mystery of Our Lady of Akita, what happened, whether it was supernatural, and its connection to Fatima.

Links for this episode:

Mysterious Headlines

Direct Link to the Episode.

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The Weekly Francis – 13 May 2020

This version of The Weekly Francis covers material released in the last week from 3 April 2020 to 13 May 2020.

Daily Homilies (fervorinos)

General Audiences

Messages

Regina Caeli

Papal Tweets

  • “I would like to ask the Lord to bless artists, who make us understand what beauty is. The Gospel cannot be understood without beauty. Let us #PrayTogether once more for artists.” @Pontifex 7 May 2020
  • “To be Christian is to belong to a people freely chosen by God, and to remember those who have preceded us on the journey to salvation. Let us ask the Lord for the awareness of belonging to the people of God which, in its totality, has the sense of the faith. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 7 May 2020
  • “In the midst of isolation when we are suffering from a lack of tenderness and chances to meet up, and we experience the loss of so many things, let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us: Christ is risen and is living by our side.” @Pontifex 7 May 2020
  • “Today is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. Let us #PrayTogether for those people who work in these noteworthy institutions. May the Lord bless their work which does so much good.” @Pontifex 8 May 2020
  • “How does the Lord console? By drawing near, while speaking little. Through truth: He neither speaks formalities nor deceives. Through hope: ”Do not let your hearts be troubled“. The Lord’s consolation is near, true, and opens to us the doors of hope. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 8 May 2020
  • “Today at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei, the faithful lift up an intense prayer of Supplication to #OurLadyOfTheRosary. Let us #PrayTogether so that, through the intercession of the Holy Virgin, the Lord might grant mercy and peace on the Church and the entire world.” @Pontifex 8 May 2020
  • “Today is the commemoration of Saint Luisa de Marillac. Let us #PrayTogether for the Vincentian sisters who have worked here at Santa Marta for nearly 100 years, while running the clinic.” @Pontifex 9 May 2020
  • “The Church strives forward between the consolation of God and the persecution of the world. The Holy Spirit creates harmony within the Church. The evil spirit destroys. Let us place our trust not in temporal power, but in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 9 May 2020
  • “On the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, I hope that it will continue to inspire those with responsibilities in the European Union. They are called to face the social and economic consequences of the pandemic in a spirit of harmony and cooperation. #EuropeDay2020” @Pontifex 9 May 2020
  • “It takes courage to pray. To pray is to go with Jesus to the Father who will give us everything. The Church progresses with this courageous prayer, because the Holy Spirit teaches us that we do very little, but it is God who ”does things“ in the Church. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 10 May 2020
  • “In the #GospelOfTheDay (John 14:1–12), Jesus indicates two remedies for being troubled in heart. First: to not depend on ourselves but to have faith in Him. Second: to remember that here we are passing through and that Jesus has reserved us a place in Heaven. #ReginaCaeli” @Pontifex 10 May 2020
  • “Today, many countries are celebrating #MothersDay. I wish to remember all mothers with gratitude and affection, entrusting them to the protection of Mary, our heavenly Mother. Let us also remember those mothers who accompany us from Heaven.” @Pontifex 10 May 2020
  • “Many people have recently lost their jobs. Let us #PrayTogether for our brothers and sisters who are suffering for lack of employment.” @Pontifex 11 May 2020
  • “What does the Holy Spirit do in us? He reminds us of everything Jesus said. He teaches us to understand it better,to grow in our understanding of the faith. He accompanies and supports us in discernment. He enlightens us in life’s decisions,both great and small. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 11 May 2020
  • “I would like to remind you that on 14 May, believers of every religion are invited to unite themselves spiritually in a day of prayer, fasting and works of charity, to implore God to help humanity overcome the coronavirus #pandemic. #HumanFraternity #PrayTogether” @Pontifex 11 May 2020
  • “The peace the world gives isolates us from others. It lulls us to sleep, and is temporary and sterile. The peace the Lord gives is lasting, fruitful, contagious. It makes us go out to create community. It is filled with hope because it looks toward Heaven. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 12 May 2020
  • “Today is International Nurses Day. Nursing is more than a profession – it’s a vocation, a dedication. During this pandemic, they have given an example of heroism. Some have even given their lives. Let us #PrayTogether for nurses. Message@Pontifex 12 May 2020
  • ““Remain in me and I in you” (Jn 15:4). This “remaining” is not passive but active. It is a mutual remaining. “I am the vine, you are the branches” (Jn 15:5). We branches need the lymph, and the vine needs the fruit of our witness. #HomilySantaMarta” @Pontifex 13 May 2020
  • “Mother of the Lord, Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary, show us the power of your protective mantle. From your arms come the hope and peace of which we are sorely in need. #OurLadyOfFatima” @Pontifex 13 May 2020
  • “Prayer belongs to everyone: to men and women of every religion, and probably even to those who profess no religion. Prayer is born within the secrecy of our being, in that interior place that spiritual writers often call the “heart”. #GeneralAudience” @Pontifex 13 May 2020

Papal Instagram

Dreamland – The Secrets of Doctor Who

An animated 10th Doctor adventure in Area 51! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this little-known special featuring David Tennant’s Doctor in 1950s America dealing with an alien invasion, a Doctor Strangelove-style military officer, native Americans, and a diner waitress who happens to be his real life wife.

Direct Link to the Episode.

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