Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts

In this homily for the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fr. Riccardo offers a personal testimony describing how he developed a strong devotion to Mary and ultimately consecrated his life to her using Fr. Michael E. Gaitley's book 33 Days to Morning Glory.

Fr. Riccardo discusses three recent experiences, shares three words from scripture, and offers three suggestions for the week ahead in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

In this homily from the Easter Vigil Mass, Fr. Riccardo considers the last words of Jesus in relation to one parish family and in relation to the mission of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish. Fr. John reminds the congregants that when the world has nothing to offer, He has everything. Fr. John encourages all parishioners to strive to live their lives so that others will encounter Jesus and come to know Him.

“I thirst for you” is the theme of our Lady of Good Counsel Parish. This message reflects the convergence of two thirsts - our thirst for Jesus that can only be quenched by knowing Him, and His thirst for each and every one of us at every single moment. The beautiful “I thirst for you” prayer written by Blessed Mother Teresa best describes this undying love, always there standing at the door of our hearts. Fr. Riccardo leads a Good Friday meditation with this prayer before the service at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Fr. John leads a reflection on the upcoming gospel reading during a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. Deacon Vince Small leads this session.

While reflecting on the Passion narrative from St. Mark (MK 14:1-15:47), Fr. Riccardo tells the congregation that this is not a tragedy, but a story of Jesus entering into glorious combat for us. It is the means by which He brings us home.

On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Fr. John leads a reflection on an upcoming Sunday reading during a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. 

Fr. Riccardo discusses suffering in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. While reflecting on the suffering endured by his own mother, Fr. John points out that our suffering allows us to share in Christ's passion. By uniting our suffering to His cross, we too can participate in the salvation of the human race.

On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Fr. John leads a reflection on the upcoming gospel reading during a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. Deacon Jonathan Fasnacht leads this session.

Fr. Riccardo concludes the Alpha 201 series with this discussion of love. Fr. John looks at how we love as individuals and how we love as catholic disciples of Jesus. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel. 

In this seventh talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo talks about the acts of praise and worship in the life of intentional disciples. What is it? Why do we do it? Does one have to be charismatic to praise God? The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel.

In this sixth talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo talks about the theme of surrender in Scripture and in the life of somebody who lives a life of discipleship. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel.

In this fifth talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo discusses the topic of greed. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel.

In this fourth talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo talks about the nature of human suffering and how we are to understand it and live it when suffering comes. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel.

In this third talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. Riccardo leads the community in an immersion into the Word of God to encounter Jesus as we think about what gives us fear and anxiety as pilgrims on the sea of life. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel.

In January of 2014, Fr. Riccardo began an eight part series titled Alpha 201. In this second talk of the Alpha 201 series, Fr. John discusses why and how forgiveness sets men and women free from bondage and slavery. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel.

In January of 2014, Fr. Riccardo began an eight part series titled Alpha 201. In the first week of Alpha 201, Fr. John discusses the goal & purpose of life. The Alpha 201 series was videotaped, and may be viewed on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube Channel.

Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation what they feel when they see Jesus on the cross. Fr. John encourages the congregants to contemplate a true friendship with Him and then reflect once again on the crucifix.

On Wednesday's during Lent, Fr. Riccardo is leading a scripture study to help participants experience the Word of God in a whole new way. Fr. John leads a reflection on the upcoming gospel reading during a Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on the gospel reading from St. John (JN 2:13-25) in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John remarks that judgment is real and asks the congregation to consider what must be done right now to be reconciled with God and one another.