This Whole Life
How does our mental health relate to our faith? How can we become whole while living in a broken world? Every day, we all strive to encounter God amidst the challenges of balancing faith and family, work and leisure, our sense of self and complicated relationships. Pat & Kenna Millea bring joy, hope, and wisdom to those who believe there *is* a connection between holiness and happiness. Kenna is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist; Pat served for 15 years as a youth minister; together they have 7 children and a perfectly imperfect marriage. From their education and experience, they share tools, resources, interviews, and stories that point the way to sanity and sanctity. (Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.)
This Whole Life
Ep95 He Leadeth Me, Part 2
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“We were subjected to conditions that were deplorable, even subhuman, and yet I was delighted simply to be with people once again.”
~ Fr. Walter Ciszek
Why do we long so deeply for human connection?
What does suffering reveal about our humanity?
How can community become a source of grace?
In episode 95 of This Whole Life, Kenna, Pat, and Fr. Nathan continue their Lenten book study on He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek. In part 2, they explore chapters 8 through 14 and reflect on Ciszek’s experiences after leaving solitary confinement and being sent to a Siberian labor camp. The conversation touches on the human need for connection, the dignity of the body, and how even the most difficult work can become a path to holiness when united to God’s will.
Together they unpack powerful themes from the book including gratitude for the human body, finding meaning in suffering, the dignity of work, and the hidden beauty of priestly ministry in the midst of hardship. They also reflect on the extraordinary lengths priests went to celebrate the Mass in secret and how Ciszek’s faith transformed even the harsh realities of the labor camp into opportunities for grace. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about discovering God’s presence in the ordinary and difficult moments of life.
Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
8:45: From isolation to community in the labor camps
18:10: Seeing the humanity in others, even enemies
24:20: The dignity and resilience of the human body
34:05: Finding meaning in work, even in suffering
43:18: The priesthood and serving others in hidden ways
50:32: Celebrating the Mass in secret
58:58: Challenge By Choice
Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!
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Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration
Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.
