Dive into a heart-stirring Christmas Eve episode that will reignite your spirit and challenge your soul!

Join Fr. Andre YS Mahanna, the passionate Maronite priest and opera singer behind the Mission of Hope and Mercy, as he hosts an unforgettable conversation with fiery truth-teller Fr. James Altman and the inspiring convert Mother Miriam (from Jewish roots to Benedictine prioress). ‘IRREVOCABLE' from Romans 11:29 symbolizes God's unbreakable covenant and resilience against spiritual attacks. The episode is a live discussion blending Christmas reflections, personal testimonies, church critiques, and calls to action, lasting about 1.5 hours despite initial plans for one hour.

Opening and Mission Appeal

• Fr. Mahana opens with praise for Jesus and introduces the Mission of Hope and Mercy, a nonprofit aiding vulnerable families in Lebanon with food, medicine, education, housing, and protection amid economic hardship, bombings, and war.
• He highlights 2025 achievements: providing cancer treatments, medications (e.g., for sisters Angie and Krista), tons of food via partners like Caritas and Maryam Kitchen, school tuition, toys for children, and shelter for widows/orphans.
• Urgent appeal: Raise $62,000 by December 31 to sustain operations. Donate at missionofhopeandmercy.org/donate or mail to 2459 South Chase Lane, Lakewood, CO 80227.
• Emphasizes the Gospel call to mercy: "Whatever you did for the least... you did for me."

Christmas Hymns and Theological Reflections

• Fr. Mahana shares ancient Syriac hymns from St. Ephraim (e.g., "Glory to the Word who became a man") and discusses the Christmas novena, focusing on paradoxes like God in a virgin's womb and choosing poverty to identify with the broken.
• He sings part of "Joy to the World" and a self-composed hymn: "When we give even water to one who thirsts, Christmas comes again," emphasizing acts of mercy as re-enacting Christ's birth.
• Liturgical ties: Advent as preparation (announcements from angels), extending Christmas to February 2 (Presentation of the Lord). Urges blessing homes/trees and global light-switching on Christmas Eve to symbolize the Messiah's arrival.

Personal Testimonies and Conversions

• Mother Miriam: Raised Jewish in Brooklyn, she avoided Christmas due to its existential reminders (fleeing to the Virgin Islands annually). Converted in 1976; her first Christmas hearing "Joy to the World" in a supermarket transformed her. Urges living faith authentically: no shopping/Sundays, modest dress, witness to neighbors. Message: Return to God, stop sin, seek truth in Catholic churches (e.g., kneel before the tabernacle).
• Fr. Mahana: Childhood memories from Lebanon during civil war (e.g., 1979 Damour massacre), where forgiveness and Eucharistic adoration amid peril inspired his mission. Shares 2025 pain from church persecution but finds hope in supportive figures like Mother Miriam and Fr. Altman.
• Fr. Altman: Joins amid tech issues. Shares family traditions (e.g., mother's cranberries at festive tables). Recounts filming her recipes before her health decline (father passed in September). Emphasizes divine intervention via statues like Infant of Prague (miraculous survival, symbolizing being Christ's hands) and Our Lady of Fatima.

2025 Reflections

• Podcast Name: ‘IRREVOCABLE' from Romans 11—God's promises/covenant are unbreakable; resist sin, injustice, devil. Family as key battleground; devil attacks it to destroy the Church.
• Positive Outlook: Despite "PTSD" from turmoil and personal persecutions, hope in Christ's promise (gates of hell won't prevail). Best 2025 memory: Solidarity among faithful, turning evil to good. Urge clergy: Speak truth fearlessly (wear cassocks, live vows); laity: Be witnesses.

Closing

• Nazi-era story: Christians' fidelity converts soldiers, illustrating unwavering faith.
• Prayer: Angelus led by Fr. Altman, with bells rung by Fr. Mahana.
• Final Appeal: Renewed call for Mission donations; blessings for peace and mercy.