[powerpress]Msgr. Esseff shares a poignant reflection on rejection, loss, suffering, and aloneness.  We experience various forms of suffering, but as it is said “success has a hundred mothers, failure is an orphanâ€.  Why is the cross so important to those who are united with Him?  Its in the cross that we experience His presence.  He shares a very compelling story he was given permission to share, which concerns a Sister,
Mother Teresa, anger, forgiveness and love…it’s a heartbreaking tale…one where ultimately love prevails.  â€You’ll always have the gift and you’ll always have the cross.†– Bl. Mother Teresa
To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book byvisiting here
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of  Love”
Tags: blessed mother teresa, catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, forgiveness, John Esseff, missionaries of charity, mother teresa, suffering, the cross
This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 10th, 2012 at 8:26 am
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[powerpress] I had the opportunity to speak with Msgr. Esseff, who  is conducting a spiritual retreat for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity in Sydney, Australia.  He shares with us the teachings from the first day, which is on the principal and foundation of prayer as taught by St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Msgr. Esseff begins by reflecting on the Awe of God and the difference between “being” and “becoming”. Â He shares a special memory of an experience that helped him to understand this which occurred when he was a young boy on his grandfather’s farm. Â Many years later, he would learn this was a basic teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas on the nature of God and creation. Â God is being and creation (including man) is becoming.
With that foundation, Msgr. Esseff proceeds to teach us that all of our are becoming therefore because mankind has a soul and has the capacity for reflection, we have the power to glorify God. Â That is the first call we have, to glorify God. Â To often we focus on our selves and what serves our needs. Â St. Ignatius would say, that instead when faced with a decision or direction, each human being is called to discern, to ask whether if this is what God wants or is this is what I want. Â The key is to take ask the Father “What do you want us to do?” Â This is discernment at its basic level.
To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book byvisiting here
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of  Love”
Tags: catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, Esseff, John Esseff, the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity
This entry was posted on Sunday, July 8th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
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Show 10 ” Building a Kingdom of Love” – Who is a true leader?  What does sloth really look like?
[powerpress]
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the major area that separates us from God…it’s sloth.  What is the truth about sloth? What does laziness really look like? To depend on oneself more than on God….”that I can do anything”, “I can do it”….the man of faith says “God can do it”.  Jesus said without the Father, he could do nothing.  That He does only what the Father tells him.  The solution to sloth is obedience…the obedience to the will of the Father.
Msgr. Esseff takes a strong look at King David and his actions after he becomes king…a leader who became consumed with himself.  Then he looks at a true leader…Jesus.  Msgr. has a strong message and challenge for families, our country, the world and our Church.
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to Blessed Mother Teresa.   He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world,  serving  in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Bl. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to  serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world. Â
To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book byvisiting here
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of  Love”
Tags: catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, Good News, leadership, retreat, Roman Catholic, sloth, zeal
This entry was posted on Sunday, July 1st, 2012 at 9:23 am
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Show 9 ” Building a Kingdom of Love” – True Happiness and Joy
[powerpress]
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the true meanings of happiness and joy.  What does it really look like?  How can we live a life of happiness and joy?  Msgr. Esseff discusses the beatitudes and forgiveness and the keys to a proper understanding.  What is true humility?  How much the Father loves you!
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to Blessed Mother Teresa.   He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world,  serving  in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Bl. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to  serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world. Â
To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book byvisiting here
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of  Love”
Tags: beatitudes, blessed mother teresa, catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, confessor, forgiveness, Good News, happiness, joy, mercy, retreat
This entry was posted on Sunday, June 24th, 2012 at 9:14 am
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Show 6 ” Building a Kingdom of Love” – Pentecost, Renewal, and the Nature of True Repentance
[powerpress]
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the first Pentecost and its meaning for us today. Â The continuing call to conversion in our lives and the nature of true repentance are topics he explores in this discussion.
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to Blessed Mother Teresa.   He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world,  serving  in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Bl. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to  serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world. Â
To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book byvisiting here
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of  Love”
Tags: blessed mother teresa, catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, Good News, PA, pentecost, repentance, retreat
This entry was posted on Friday, June 1st, 2012 at 1:32 pm
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[powerpress]Msgr. Esseff reflects on the “hellos” and the “good-byes” of life.  I can’t really be where I am if I don’t say good-bye to where I’ve been, especially if I leave it jagged.  What do you do if you don’t want to leave a place?  You are not ready to let go?  He shares the pain of having to leave Lebanon and how his mother helped him to detach and allow God’s will move him to acceptance. How do you deal with the anger that can arise?  Letting go of not only a place, but also of things and people may be asked of us in order to respond to the Father’s will.  The joy comes ultimately in heaven where there are no more good-byes.
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website  Building a Kingdom of Love
Tags: catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, detachment
This entry was posted on Sunday, May 13th, 2012 at 10:34 am
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Show 5 ” Building a Kingdom of Love” – The Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love – An example of how we can minister the Divine Love
[powerpress]
Msgr. Esseff discusses his retreat with The Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love community which meets the needs of the children brought to the St. Charles Children’s Home located in New Hampshire. Â He speaks of their work and the need to step out in courage to share the Divine Love which is needed to heal the deepest wounds of the heart. Â He talks about Mother Paul Marie, foundress of this new community, as well as Servant of God Fr. Flannagan, and Bl. Mother Teresa. Â Msgr. Esseff talks about the importance of the both the male and female healthy role models in the lives children.
The mission of The Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love:
We founded the Daughters of Mary Mother of Healing Love to bring the healing love of Jesus to those who are suffering, and in a special way to families. Our primary apostolate at the present time is the St.Charles Children’s Home, where we care for children from troubled families.
For more on the work of the Sisters click here
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to Blessed Mother Teresa.   He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world,  serving  in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Bl. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to  serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world. Â
To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book byvisiting here
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of  Love”
Tags: blessed mother teresa, catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, children, daughters of mary mother of healing love, divine love, father flannagan, Jesus, retreat
This entry was posted on Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
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Show 4 ” Building a Kingdom of Love” – The Power of Baptism: a story of Bl. Mother Teresa, a princess, and a baby named Cecilia
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the power of Christ given to us in our baptism. Â He tells two poignant stories about Bl. Mother Teresa, a princess and a baby named Cecilia. Â Do we appreciate the gift? Msgr. Esseff also addresses the fears and concerns grandparents have when their children fail to have their own children baptized. Â Be not afraid…call on the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary.
[powerpress]
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to Blessed Mother Teresa.   He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world,  serving  in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Bl. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to  serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world. Â
To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book byvisiting here
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of  Love”
Tags: baptism, blessed mother teresa of calcutta, catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, Good News, John A. Esseff, John Esseff, mother teresa, retreat, Roman Catholic
This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 9:09 pm
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Show 2 ” Building a Kingdom of Love” – “The Good Shepherd“
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings from the 4th Sunday of Easter, and in particular, Our Lord’s teachings on role of the Good Shepherd. Â Also, at the end of this episode, Msgr. Esseff offers a prayer with St. Padre Pio for healing.
[powerpress]
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to Blessed Mother Teresa.   He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world,  serving  in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Bl. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to  serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world. Â
To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book byvisiting here
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of  Love”
Tags: blessed mother teresa, catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, Good News, PA, padre pio, retreat, the good shepherd
This entry was posted on Sunday, April 29th, 2012 at 3:47 am
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Show 1 ” Building a Kingdom of Love” – “Easter and the Paschal Mystery:  What have we been initiated into“
[powerpress]
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings of the  3rd Sunday of Easter.  By virtue of our baptism, confirmation and reception of the Eucharist, who are we?  We learn what Peter and the community are capable of becoming because of the Pentecost experience.  During this period of Easter, the Church is preparing us to appreciate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church in Pentecost then…and now!  What does that mean for us today?  How are we called to be evangelizers and witnesses of the Truth and authentic Hope?
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to Blessed Mother Teresa.   He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world,  serving  in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Bl. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to  serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world. Â
To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book byvisiting here
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of  Love”
Tags: catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, Good News, John Esseff, PA, retreat
This entry was posted on Sunday, April 22nd, 2012 at 10:25 am
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[powerpress]Msgr. Esseff begins a series of reflections on Divine Mercy and it’s importance in the life of the Church today. Â He exhorts us to remember that it is not about something that occurs outside of ourselves, but that the spirit of the Divine Mercy lives in us by virtue of our baptism and through our participation in the sacraments. Â And we are called to assist Jesus to reaching out to our brothers and sisters, in Him, with Him, and through Him.
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website: Â “Building A Kingdom Of Love“
Tags: catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, divine mercy, Esseff
This entry was posted on Sunday, April 15th, 2012 at 6:58 am
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[powerpress] Msgr. Esseff discusses the freedom that comes from forgiveness. It can be very difficult to for us to forgive, but not for God. Â How can we forgive those who have really hurt us…emotionally and physically. Â How is this forgiveness a matter of justice…we forgive for we have been forgiven. Â What is an unjust wound? Â How does this all connect to the Divine Mercy?
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website: Â “Building a Kingdom of Love“
Tags: catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, divine mercy, Esseff, forgiveness
This entry was posted on Saturday, April 14th, 2012 at 6:38 am
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[powerpress] Msgr. Esseff discusses to be truly alive in joy and happiness we have to forgive. Forgiveness is always a choice and in that is joy. We shouldn’t put conditions on our forgiveness…that can be a challenge for some, but it is necessary. We need to take the person where they are…we don’t love them because they have changed, but we love them where they are at. We can become slaves to our resentments. Resentments, hatred, bitterness, retaliations harden our hearts and destroy us. Allowing the love of Jesus to penetrate our hearts we are freed. We can not perfectly forgive, it is grace from the Father that allows to enter into that forgiveness.
The transformation of resentments is a key:
For ourselves
- To name them, the painful moment or event
- To look inside as to why and to what it touched so deeply within me
- To allow yourself to feel fully the depth of impact of the pain
- Talk to yourself about the experience and then begin to journal or share it with another
- Choose what will bring peace, joy, relief and tranquility
- To cling to continuation of pain brings anxiety, anger, turmoil and desolation
For another
- Listen to the painful experience
- Don’t talk to them out of their pain, don’t try to fix the situation for them
- Offer them a choice to continue in the pain or begin to move out of the pain; to continue in the pain gives the power over to the one they resent and diminishes your own power
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website: Â “Building a Kingdom of Love“
Tags: catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, divine mercy, forgiveness, resentment
This entry was posted on Friday, April 13th, 2012 at 6:42 am
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[powerpress]Msgr. Esseff reflects on the true meanings of happiness and joy. Â What does it really look like? Â How can we live a life of happiness and joy? Â Msgr. Esseff discusses the beatitudes and forgiveness and the keys to a proper understanding.
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website: Â “Building A Kingdom Of Love“
Tags: catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, Esseff, forgiveness, happiness, joy, true meanings
This entry was posted on Thursday, April 12th, 2012 at 6:51 am
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[powerpress] Â Msgr. Esseff reflects on Pope Benedict XVI’s Easter message. Â The more we aware of our death, the more we are aware of the resurrection! Â In a time were the darkness seems to be spreading, Christ is the brightest
light of Truth shining shining in our times! Â We are called to be bearers of the light to the world. Â How do we do that? Â It is not “I” who will do it…but Christ who will accomplish the will of the Father through our surrender to Him.
Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website: Â “Building A Kingdom of Love“
Tags: catholic, catholic podcast, catholic prayer, cathollc spirituality, Christ, Easter message, John Esseff, pope benedict xvi
This entry was posted on Sunday, April 8th, 2012 at 11:40 am
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