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A Reason for Hope

A Reason for Hope

By: Array of Hope
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About this listen

 The A Reason for Hope Podcast is to help decipher the truths of our faith in these challenging times. We address topics of interest and confusion in our culture through interviews with prominent Catholic speakers, candid conversations from the Array of Hope team, and catechetical discussions with our Director of Theology, Dr. David Hajduk.© 2025 Array of Hope, Inc. Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • Exorcist Explains Spiritual Warfare and Catholic Mental Health | Fr Chad Ripperger

    Exorcist Explains Spiritual Warfare and Catholic Mental Health | Fr Chad Ripperger
    Dec 15 2025

    How can Catholics discern whether interior suffering is the result of demonic oppression or struggles like anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma? In this episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, Mario Costabile sits down with Catholic priest, exorcist, and Thomistic philosopher Fr. Chad Ripperger, who explains how the Church approaches spiritual warfare, using the rich intellectual tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas to distinguish between spiritual and psychological afflictions.


    We explore how demons interact with the intellect, will, and passions, and how Catholics can recognize signs of spiritual attack, while understanding that not all mental or emotional challenges are demonic in origin. Fr. Ripperger shares practical guidance on discernment of spirits, the role of grace, virtue, and the sacraments, and how Catholic mental health perspectives can complement spiritual care.


    This conversation is essential for anyone seeking clarity in the modern world, especially for those facing inner struggles and trying to navigate the overlap between psychological challenges and spiritual realities. Learn how to protect your soul, strengthen your spiritual life, and approach suffering with a clear and faithful Catholic framework.


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    ⏰Timecode⏰

    00:00 Introduction

    01:58 Start of Interview

    02:37 The Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas

    04:41 Distinguishing Spiritual and Psychological Suffering

    06:09 Patterns of Possession and Obsession

    12:33 The Rise of Demonic Activity in Modern Culture

    14:16 Father Ripperger's Journey as an Exorcist

    20:14 The Role of Saints in Exorcism

    28:07 The Role of Grace and Sacraments in Exorcism

    36:08 Integrating Thomistic Psychology in Mental Health

    39:26 Dangers of Over or Under Spiritualizing Attacks

    41:33 The Nature of Free Will and Moral Responsibility

    44:48 The Impact of Sin and Trauma on Vulnerability

    47:52 Initial Steps for Those Feeling Oppressed

    50:16 Why God Allows Demonic Affliction

    52:45 Final Remarks
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    55 mins
  • Are All Sins Created Equal?

    Are All Sins Created Equal?
    Dec 8 2025

    What is sin? Are all sins created equal? In this episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, Jack Garno and Dr. David Hajduk dive deep into the Catholic Church’s teaching on sin—original sin, mortal sin, venial sin, and the consequences of sin in Christian theology. We explore what the Bible says about sin, how moral theology helps us understand grave sin, and why the sacrament of reconciliation is essential to healing.


    You’ll hear insights on faith, penance, and the Church’s role in helping souls return to God. We also address the modern resistance to the idea of sin, especially regarding sexual morality, and whether the Church is "too obsessed" with sin. Can you receive communion if you're in a state of sin? Do you need a priest to be forgiven?


    This conversation unpacks timeless spiritual truths and sheds light on how Christianity, religion, and Catholic Church teaching still matter deeply in today's world.


    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Catholic conversations that inspire hope and deepen your faith.


    -Support our Sponsors-

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    Scapulars.com - Divine protection in life and death with the most durable, comfortable scapulars ever made.


    -Support Our Mission-

    Donate Here

    Book an Event


    -Follow Us On Social Media-

    Facebook: https://facebook.com/r4hpodcast

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/r4hpodcast

    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@R4HPodcast


    ⏰Timecode⏰

    00:00 Introduction

    02:13 Start of Interview

    03:09 Different Types of Sin

    16:06 Original Sin

    20:03 Reordering Disordered Desires

    27:09 Does it take formation to know what Sin is?

    32:39 What Sin Will Send Me to Hell?

    37:36 The Eucharist and Sin

    45:52 More differences between Mortal + Venial Sin

    47:47 Partial vs. Plenory Indulgences

    51:19 The Need for Confession


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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Matt Maher on Faith, Songwriting, and Staying Humble in the Spotlight

    Matt Maher on Faith, Songwriting, and Staying Humble in the Spotlight
    Dec 1 2025
    Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt episode of A Reason for Hope Podcast as host Mario Costabile sits down with world-renowned Catholic musician, worship leader, and storyteller Matt Maher. In this deep and personal conversation, Matt opens up about his childhood faith, early love for music, journey through ministry, songwriting, encounters with multiple popes, and the powerful spiritual experiences that have shaped his life and vocation.From the story behind “Lord, I Need You,” to reflections on humility, prayer, evangelization, parish life, and the importance of storytelling in worship, Matt offers wisdom, humor, and beautiful insights that speak to Catholics and Christians everywhere. He also discusses how God led him through the deserts of life—literally and spiritually—and how that formed his ministry and songwriting.You'll also hear about Matt’s Cathedral Tour with Sarah Kroger—an Advent worship experience designed to draw the faithful into beauty, reverence, and a deeper encounter with God inside some of the most historic and sacred spaces in America.Topics covered in this episode:Matt Maher’s upbringing, faith foundation, and first encounters with God through musicHis move from Canada to the U.S. and the spiritual awakening that followedHow parish life, Life Teen, and mentors shaped his ministryThe real story behind writing “Your Grace Is Enough” and “Lord, I Need You”His extraordinary experiences singing before Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis, and LeoWhy storytelling matters in worship and evangelizationThe spiritual discipline and prayer life that keeps him groundedThe vision and beauty behind his Advent Cathedral TourWhether you’re a musician, a worship leader, a fan of Matt’s music, or simply someone seeking hope and encouragement in your spiritual journey, this episode will uplift and inspire you.👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more faith-filled episodes.🔔 Get tickets for Matt Maher & Sarah Kroger’s Cathedral Tour: https://mattmahermusic.com/tour-Support our Sponsors-Mother of Divine Grace School - Founded by Laura Berquist in 1995, it offers a Catholic, classical approach to distance learningScapulars.com - Divine protection in life and death with the most durable, comfortable scapulars ever made.-Support Our Mission-Donate HereBook an Event-Follow Us On Social Media-Facebook: https://facebook.com/r4hpodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/r4hpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@R4HPodcast-Follow Matt on Social Media-Instagram: https://instagram.com/mattmahermusicFacebook: https://facebook.com/mattmahermusicX: https://x.com/mattmahermusicTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmahermusicYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattmahermusicWebsite: https://mattmahermusic.com⏰Timecode⏰00:00 Introduction02:08 Start of Interview 02:46 Array of Hope's Background with Matt Maher04:07 Did God or Music come first? 05:34 Matt's Catholic Upbringing through Adulthood 08:31 Matt's Time in Arizona 13:26 How Matt recorded his first project22:07 World Youth Day 201929:34 Experience with the Papacy 35:10 The Power of Storytelling 45:51 Staying Humble In the Spotlight53:43 The Upcoming Cathedral Tour 63:40 Final Remarks
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    1 hr and 5 mins
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