So, if you missed this episode of The Drew Mariani Show, you have to hear what Fr. Rocky, CEO of Relevant Radio, had to say about what it’s like as a priest and how the Lenten Lessons got started!
Lenten Lessons on the Mass Origin Story 💻📖
Back in 2010, Father Rocky got peer pressured into joining Facebook. Two years later, he started writing daily Lenten reflections about the Mass, complete with pics.
From Texts to Videos 🎥
Eventually, those posts became massively popular... (like, millions-of-views popular.) With the help of Damien, “the Duke of Digital” (best title ever?), they turned into videos with great graphics and even sneak peeks into the sacristy and special prayers.
The Sacraments Series 💦✝️
The sequel has become Lenten Lessons on the Sacraments. It’s been more work, more theology, and lots more editing. People loved them. Most popular this year was the episode titled “What Is the Life of a Priest Like?”, and whoa, it hit home.
🙏 Priesthood: Joyful, Tiring, and Totally Worth It
When did he know he was called?
-Honestly, not until six months after ordination. He’d just finished a weekend of back-to-back sacraments: weddings, funerals, confessions, counseling a grieving family, and he went to bed exhausted but full of joy. That’s when it clicked.
Hardest Part of Being a Priest
-Just being available, even when you’re tired.
-Also, he intentionally wears his Roman collar as a “please disturb me” sign. “People need priests,” he says. “I want to be there for them.”
✝️ Holy Week Traditions + Tips
Happening multiple times during Holy Week, including live from the Shrine of Christ’s Passion.
Holy Thursday:
Go to the Chrism Mass in the morning (if your diocese has it), and Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the evening:
-Washing of the feet
-Procession with the Eucharist
-Adoration until midnight in a candle-lit side altar called the “monument”
-Visiting Seven Churches 🚗🕯️
A throwback Roman tradition still alive and well! After Holy Thursday Mass, visit seven churches to pray at their altars.
🌟 Reaching Fallen-Away Catholics
Drew asked: “How do we draw people back to the Church, especially during Holy Week?”
Father Rocky: “Beauty draws the heart.”
When liturgies are well-prepared, with beautiful music, solid preaching, and reverence… people notice.
Take Mass seriously, and others will too.
💬 Bonus: Cutest Call Ever 📞
Bridget, age 6 from Texas called in just to say:
-Thank you to all the priests
-Happy Palm Sunday 🌿
-And she wanted to invite every priest in the country to her house.
🥹🙏
In Summary:
👉 If you’re feeling spiritually sluggish, or you’ve got a “Christmas and Easter Catholic” friend, Holy Week is the moment to plug back in. No judgment, just grace.
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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