Father Fessio in Five
Religion & Spirituality Podcasts
Join Father Fessio every Friday for his profound insights on a wide variety of interesting subjects and be inspired by the thoughts of a great Jesuit. These episodes provide a rare glimpse into the mind of our beloved founder and are an easy and...
Location:
United States
Description:
Join Father Fessio every Friday for his profound insights on a wide variety of interesting subjects and be inspired by the thoughts of a great Jesuit. These episodes provide a rare glimpse into the mind of our beloved founder and are an easy and meaningful way to deepen your spiritual and intellectual life!
Twitter:
@IgnatiusPress
Language:
English
Website:
https://fessio.podbean.com/
Email:
tom@ignatius.com
Episodes
153: What Happened to the Sequences?
4/24/2026
The Easter sequence was recently sung at the Easter liturgies, but what are these “sequences” and what happened to the rest of them? In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains. . . .
Duration:00:05:38
152: The History of the Responsorial Psalm
4/17/2026
Fr. Fessio explains the development of the modern-day responsorial psalm from the psalms, gradual, and Schola Cantorum.
Duration:00:06:51
151: “Deo Gratias” Means More Than “Thanks be to God”
4/10/2026
One of the common responses in the liturgy is “Deo Gratias.” And in this episode, Fr. Fessio reveals the lesser-known meaning of this phrase.
Duration:00:04:23
150: Vatican II Positively Changed the Readings
4/3/2026
Did you know that there is a three-year cycle to the readings and that the first reading is always connected to the Gospel? In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains why.
Duration:00:05:12
149: Why Do Catholics Have an Ambo?
3/27/2026
Fr. Fessio provides a detailed explanation of the development of the ambo and the Liturgy of the Word.
Duration:00:08:20
148: The Liturgy of the Word and Jewish Worship
3/20/2026
Today, Fr. Fessio begins his discussion of the Liturgy of the Word by outlining the development of the Liturgy of the Word. He explains how this part of the Mass has its roots in Jewish ceremonies and then how it developed over time from the earlier part of the Church until now.
Duration:00:08:38
147: The Conclusion of the Introductory Rites
3/13/2026
The collect has not only changed since Vatican II, but it has changed throughout the history of the Church. In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains what the development of the Collect from the very beginning of the Church.
Duration:00:05:36
146: Vatican II Changed the Collect
3/6/2026
Fr. Fessio explains the opening "Collect" prayer and how it has changed over the years.
Duration:00:05:19
145: What Are We Singing about in of the “Gloria”?
2/27/2026
Fr. Fessio reveals the dynamic movement that takes place in the second half of the Gloria that we sing at Mass.
Duration:00:04:35
144: The Origins of the Gloria
2/20/2026
Fr. Fessio explains the historical and Scriptural origin and meaning of the Gloria.
Duration:00:06:43
143: The Only Greek Spoken at Mass
2/13/2026
Fr. Fessio explains the only Greek phrase we say at Mass.
Duration:00:06:55
142: Why God Forgives Us at Mass
2/6/2026
In this episode, Fr. Fessio discusses the forgiveness we receive at every Mass.
Duration:00:06:05
141: The Divine Office Connects to the Mass
1/30/2026
Fr. Fessio explains the lesser known connection between the Mass and the Divine Office or the Liturgy of the Hours, which traditionally lead to the Mass being celebrated at a specific time.
Duration:00:06:06
140: What We Confess at Mass
1/23/2026
Fr. Fessio explains the Confiteor at the beginning of the Mass.
Duration:00:06:26
139: What Vatican II Actually Said About Using Latin at Mass
1/16/2026
Since Vatican II, the use of Latin in Mass has radically decline. . . . But in this episode, Fr. Fessio reviews what Vatican II said about using Latin at Mass.
Duration:00:08:57
138: Why the Priest Says “The Lord be with you”
1/9/2026
In the not-so-distant past, the Church began saying “and with your spirit” instead of “and with you.” In this episode Fr. Fessio explains these opening words of the Mass.
Duration:00:04:42
137: Explaining the Sign of the Cross
1/2/2026
Have you ever reflected on why we begin the Mass with the sign of the Cross? Fr. Fessio explains the deep significance behind this often overlooked opening.
Duration:00:05:09
136: Why Does the Priest Kiss the Altar?
12/26/2025
Father Fessio begins to unpack the beginning of the Mass by reflecting the priest’s first action in the Mass—he kisses the altar.
Duration:00:03:41
135: The Meaning Behind the Priestly Vestments
12/19/2025
Ever wonder what is the significance of the priest’s vestments? In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains what these vestments are and symbolism behind them.
Duration:00:06:05
134: Fr. Fessio Explains Why We Call the Mass, “The Mass”
12/12/2025
We all call the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the “Mass” but many of us don’t know why. . . . So Fr. Fessio explains this term and the other terms used to identify this sacrament.
Duration:00:06:38