SOLACE: Soul + Grief

Send us Fan Mail As we traverse the silent deserts of Lent, our souls often stumble upon the rough terrain of grief.  Together, we confront mortality and seek the solace that faith provides, sharing a prayer that interweaves our need for comfort with the cyclical nature of life reflected in Ecclesiastes. Embarking on this spiritual expedition requires stillness, an open heart, and a listening ear...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we’ll walk through the echoes of Isaiah 12, finding reassurance in the Lord's triumphant love that remains our beacon, even in the darkest moments of despair. As we wander the labyrinth of bereavement,  we will consider the importance of looking not just ahead, but also turning our gaze backwards, where a tapestry woven from memories with our departed, the touchsto...

Send us Fan Mail When the unimaginable happens and a life is snatched away before its time, the wake of grief is deep and wide.  This special episode touches on the tender subject of loss, particularly the profound sorrow that comes with the passing of the young.   It's a journey through the ache of unfulfilled dreams and the silent echoes of milestones that will never be reached, seeking com...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we address the heart-rending loss of a spouse, providing solace through prayers, reflections, and the calming words of Psalm 23. We encourage you to trust in God's plan, and to hold onto the hope of reuniting. This is much more than a podcast; it's a sanctuary for your soul in times of sorrow. As we honor our losses, cherish the memories of our loved one...

Send us Fan Mail Do you often find yourself yearning for a deeper connection with the Divine, especially in periods of grief? This episode takes you to the silent void of your mind, where a spiritual listening awaits, a place not anticipating a specific message, but a space open to receiving the transformative word of God. In the midst of our grief, we often find comfort and solace in the dark, pa...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever been caught in the throes of grief, only to find that love and spirituality seem to be missing from the conversation? That's a gap we intend to bridge in this episode, as I, Candi Lucas, reflect on a podcast that left me yearning for a deeper exploration of the role of love in healing from grief. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus on love, we'll delve into...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we're taking a deep and reflective journey down a river to explore this profound comparison, as we examine the ebbs and flows of sorrow. This episode contains  prayer from Peter Mayer, offering a comforting perspective on grief and God's omnipresence during such times. Embark on this spiritual journey with us, Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcast...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling the ache of a lost Father or Grandfather? Want to find solace and connection in the midst of your grief? This episode provides an exploration into the comforting power of religious prayers from around the globe. We've unearthed the profound strength, hope, and peace that prayers from religious traditions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism can...

Send us Fan Mail I n today's episode we finish our exploration this year of what it means to experience grief in a time of anticipation of joy.  With thanks to the writers who gave us the Psalms and the letters of St. Paul.    As the holiday season unfolds, do you find your heart torn between joy and grief?  Drawing from the poignant tale of Mary's joy and loss of Jesus, we're remin...

Send us Fan Mail I n today's episode we continue to explore what it means to experience grief in a time of anticipation of joy.  With thanks to the Prophet Isaiah.   In the midst of the holiday season, we explore this unique intermingling of sorrow and anticipation, enlightening our journey from darkness to light.   We delve into the significance of the Advent wreath as a symbol of our journe...

Send us Fan Mail Advent is a time marked by anticipation and hope, but for those in the grip of grief, it can be a season of sorrow. So, allow yourself the space to grieve, to lament, and trust in the healing presence of God. In this season of waiting and anticipation, let's find hope in the promise of restoration God offers. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Ama...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode we explore what it means to experience grief in a time of anticipation of joy.  With thanks for an article by Hayley Wachdorf. Did you ever feel a profound sense of loneliness and sorrow amid the festive cheer of Advent? You're not alone. Many of us grapple with the paradox of Advent – a time of waiting, filled with both joy and grief. The world around...

Send us Fan Mail What would you do for the one you love?  Would you stand before a stranger, plead for a miracle, and let faith guide your path?  That's the journey we embark on today, through the eyes of Justa. The story of Justa and her daughter Bernice is a testament to perseverance and the immeasurable power of a mother's love. Despite being outsiders, their faith in Jesus's abi...

Send us Fan Mail Today we talk about the Holy Spirit and how the early church described the Holy Spirit as breath, as wind, using both the Hebrew and the Greek words for breath. So we can calm as we grieve and know that this is the Holy Spirit accompanying us, is with us, is noticing us, breathe in and breathe out. The journey through grief can often feel like a lonely one, but you're not alo...

Send us Fan Mail  Drawing strength from the teachings of Jean-Pierre Caussade, SJ, a French Catholic Jesuit writer. His wisdom on the sacrament of the present moment, a state of self-abandonment to the needs of the current moment, can provide a profound sense of peace during challenging times. The journey through grief can often feel like a lonely one, but you're not alone. Whether you'r...

Send us Fan Mail SPOILER ALERT!  If you haven't seen it or finished it--some subplots are revealed and discussed.  This week's episode is inspired by the popular series 'Ted Lasso', and shines a light on unaddressed grief and the profound implications it can have on a person's life. We explore how silence can breed more solitude, why sharing our stories is so crucial, and...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how to navigate the treacherous waters of grief with grace and faith?   Today, we acknowledge our anger and seek solace in the protective shield of God's love.   As we walk through this valley of shadows, we remind ourselves that divine love heals and reassures us of His presence in our pain.   And amidst all this darkness, we echo a gentle reminder - b...

Send us Fan Mail Today we honor those who've tragically lost their lives to hate and violence, expressing our heartfelt solidarity with a centuries-old Jewish ritual of comfort, Kaddish. This episode is a tribute to the resilience and fortitude of the Jewish community worldwide and a profound reflection on our collective yearning for peace.  Join us on this journey of healing, fueled by faith...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we walk you through a journey of grief, prayer, and self-reflection, guided by the practice of Examen - a powerful method of prayer crafted by San Ignatius of Loyola. This episode is all about finding ways to be present - truly present - in the midst of grief, from creating a sacred space with candles, music, or religious objects, to the simple, grounding practice of fo...

Send us Fan Mail As we journey through life, the loss of a loved one often brings our own mortality into sharp focus. It's a difficult concept to grapple with - the idea of our own passing. Yet, it's a topic that's seldom talked about.   Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven Cemeter...

Send us Fan Mail When we lose a loved one, the world can turn upside down.   Wander through the labyrinth of grief and a divine convergence - the fusion of human love and God's love. It's a comforting beacon in the bleak landscape, the embodiment of eternal love that defies human mortality. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow u...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever held onto the seeds of nature, as a memento of your travels, only to forget about them and find them much later? Today,  we compare these forgotten seeds to our personal memories, dreams, hopes, and emotions that we often carry around. In our journey of grief, we might grapple with complex feelings of anger towards our departed loved ones. This week, we invite you to...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we delve into beautiful Psalm 63, interpreting our longing for God in times of sorrow.  Drawing wisdom from Genesis and teachings from the Prophet Hosea, we explore God’s unending love and sense of forever. In "ordinary time", while we grapple with our grief, amidst our daily lives, we realize how grief is an ordinary part of our existence.   Be it the loss of a s...

Send us Fan Mail We take a closer look at the story of the road to Emmaus and how it parallels our own grief journey, reminding us that the love of those we have lost, and the love of Jesus, is always with us, even when they are physically absent. Navigating the road of grief is never a solitary journey.  Remember, you are not alone. Your loved ones' love and God's love is ever-present,...

Send us Fan Mail Today we revisit our parish grief group. Our 3 friends, Dolores, Kathy and Trinie share sacred insights, dissecting the process of grief, and identifying the significance of time in healing. Moreover, listen to our friends as they share their beautiful stories of faith and resilience.  They share the beauty of this group, a sanctuary for those dealing with fresh wounds and those n...