God's Playbook

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico continues the week on prayer and thanksgiving by sharing a powerful “God’s Will Prayer” written by St. John Paul II. He reflects on how this prayer helps us open our hearts to God’s plan, find real peace, and gain the courage to follow His will—especially when life feels confusing or uncertain. Listeners are invited to slow down, pray...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico celebrates the feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria—one of his favourite saints and the patron of his home diocese. He shares her incredible story as a young, brilliant Christian who bravely defended her faith, inspired conversions, and gave her life for Christ with unwavering courage. Fr. Rico also reflects on his visit to her relics...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Fr. Rico discusses honestly and gently a topic we all face sooner or later: the death of a loved one. He breaks down why Catholic funerals matter—not just for the person who has passed, but for the family and community who gather to grieve, remember, and pray. With clarity and compassion, he guides listeners through what the Church offers during those difficult...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Fr. Rico wraps up the series on the five senses by diving into the gift of hearing—yes, even those moments of selective hearing! He explores how hearing and truly listening shape our relationships, our prayer, and the way we respond to God in everyday life. From music and laughter to the voice of someone we love, this episode reminds listeners how sound can cal...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Fr. Rico reflects on the gift of sight and how it shapes the way we experience God, others, and the world around us. From the beauty of creation to the moments when we struggle to “see” clearly, he reminds listeners that sight is both a physical sense and a spiritual one. This episode invites everyone to look at life a little differently—through the eyes of gra...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Revisiting: The Gift of Senses — Smell, Fr. Rico dives into how scents shape our memories, moods, and everyday experiences. From the smell of fresh bread to the perfumes or flowers that remind us of home, he reflects on how God uses even simple scents to get our attention. It’s a laid-back reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and appreciate smell as one of God’...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Revisiting: The Gift of Senses — Touch, Fr. Rico reflects on how touch shapes our humanity and deepens our relationships, especially after the long stretch of distancing during the pandemic. He explores the many ways touch brings comfort, connection, and meaning—from a hug in grief to a simple handshake or high-five. With his voice still recovering, he invites...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Revisiting: The Gift of Senses — Taste , Fr. Rico dives into the joy of flavours and the simple pleasure of really tasting the food we love. As his voice continues to recover, he reflects on how taste turns an ordinary meal into an experience—one that brings gratitude, connection, and a deeper appreciation for God’s gifts. From fresh summer fruit to a perfectly...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Revisiting: The Gift of Senses — Speech, Fr. Rico reflects on the simple yet powerful gift of having a voice—especially on a day when his own is barely hanging on. He invites listeners to think about how often we take speech for granted and how essential it is for expressing joy, needs, frustrations, and praise. Through a light, personal story and a look back a...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Psalm 138, Fr. Rico unpacks a beautiful prayer of gratitude, trust, and God’s unwavering love. As the psalmist praises God for answered prayers, strength of soul, and divine protection, listeners are invited to reflect on how God’s steadfast love shows up in their own lives. With its reminder that God lifts up the lowly and walks with us through every trouble,...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Psalm 130, Fr. Rico reflects on one of Scripture’s most comforting prayers—a cry from the depths that reminds us God always listens. With its powerful message of mercy, hope, and God’s unfailing love, this psalm becomes a mid-week boost for anyone feeling weighed down or in need of reassurance. Join the conversation as Fr. Rico unpacks how God hears our cries,...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Lest We Forget, Fr. Rico reflects on the meaning of Remembrance Day—a time to honour those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. With gratitude and reverence, he reminds listeners that true bravery and love are rooted in Christ’s own sacrifice for humanity. As we remember the fallen and pray for peace, today's episode calls us to live with compassion...

Send us Fan Mail  In today’s episode, Respecting God’s House – John 2:13-25 , Fr. Rico dives into the story of Jesus cleansing the temple—a moment often misunderstood as simple anger. He explains that Jesus wasn’t losing his temper, but rather standing up for the holiness of God’s house. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on how we treat sacred spaces and reminds us that church isn’t jus...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Fr. Rico breaks down the meaning behind the priest’s signature outfit. He explains how the black clothing serves as a symbol of penance, humility, and focus on heaven, while the white collar represents the call to holiness. Beyond symbolism, it’s also a practical “uniform” that helps priests be ready to serve wherever they go. Tune in as Fr. Rico reminds us tha...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Why Women Can’t Be Priests, Fr. Rico explores one of the most frequently asked — and often misunderstood — questions about the Catholic Church. He unpacks why Jesus chose men to serve as priests, how this tradition continues today, and why it doesn’t make men more important than women. With honesty and heart, Fr. Rico highlights the equal dignity and unique rol...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Why Can’t Priests Get Married?, Fr. Rico tackles a question he often gets asked — why does the Catholic Church require priests to remain celibate? With honesty, humour, and heartfelt reflection, he explains how celibacy allows priests to love and serve God with an undivided heart, fully dedicated to their calling and their people. It’s a look into the beauty an...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Strength in Life, Fr. Rico invites listeners to reflect on the incredible gift of receiving Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and how the Holy Spirit gives us the strength we need each day. From the excitement of our First Holy Communion to the quiet moments of our most recent one, we’re reminded that the Eucharist is not just routine—it’s a personal encounter with t...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Fr. Rico invites listeners to take a heartfelt look at the sacraments of vocation — marriage, holy orders, and religious life — and the presence of the Holy Spirit in those sacred moments. Whether you’re newly married, celebrating decades together, living your priestly or religious vows, or cherishing the memory of a beloved spouse, this reflection is a reminde...

Send us Fan Mail Today, the Church celebrates the Feast Day of St. Martin de Porres, a humble servant of God known for his compassion, healing, and deep love for the poor and forgotten. Born of mixed race and often ridiculed, St. Martin responded not with bitterness but with kindness, humility, and faith. His life reminds us to see every person as a child of God and to serve others with a generous...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on All Souls Day, a time of prayer, remembrance, and hope. While yesterday’s All Saints Day was filled with celebration, today invites us into a quieter moment of love—lifting up all our departed loved ones to God’s mercy. Fr. Rico reminds us that our prayers can help those in purgatory draw closer to heaven, where they too w...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, the Church celebrates All Saints Day—or as Fr. Rico calls it, Team Jesus Day! November 1st is all about joy and gratitude as we honour the countless men and women who lived holy lives, striving to follow God through their words and actions. These saints weren’t perfect, but their perseverance and love for God made them true champions of faith....

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook , Fr. Rico talks about the true meaning behind All Hallow’s Eve, better known today as Halloween. He explores how this once sacred night of preparation for All Saints Day and All Souls Day has taken on a more secular tone over time—but reminds listeners that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the fun and festivities, as long as our hearts stay...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico dives into John 8: 1–11, the story of the woman caught in adultery. As the crowd rushes to condemn her, Jesus responds with mercy and truth—reminding us that none of us are without sin and all are called to conversion. Through this powerful passage, Fr. Rico challenges us to reflect on our own faults, extend compassion to others, and...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico dives into Psalm 140, a heartfelt prayer for deliverance from evil and protection from those who wish us harm. This powerful psalm reminds us that God is our defender in times of trial—when we feel misunderstood, judged, or under attack. Whether it’s conflict at work, school, or home, we’re invited to let go, trust in God’s justice, a...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico celebrates the Feast Day of Saints Simon and Jude—two apostles who, though lesser known in Scripture, left a lasting legacy of faith and devotion. Saint Simon reminds us of the quiet strength of steadfast discipleship, while Saint Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, offers hope to those facing difficult or uncertain times. Together...