Living Fullness

Scripture tells us both to stand firm and to flee from temptation—but how do we know which to do and when? In this episode, Stina and Padre unpack one of the most practical questions in the spiritual life: how to respond to temptation, especially in areas of doubt and purity. They explore why fleeing is often the wisest response, how to discern the movements of the heart, and how self-knowledge and grace shape our ability to stand and fight.
 
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:04:27 - Understanding Doubt and Purity
00:04:28 - 00:11:59 - Discernment in Spiritual Life
00:12:00 - 00:17:41 - Goals vs. Boundaries in Relationships
00:17:42 - 00:20:08 - Understanding Shame and Vulnerability
00:20:09 - 00:23:09 - Healing Through Connection and Love
00:23:10 - 00:29:32 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
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If God is good and loving, why does temptation exist? And does He send it? In this episode, Stina and Padre unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Christian life—temptation. Together, they explore the difference between God’s will and what He permits, the true sources of temptation, and how freedom, weakness, and grace all play a role in our spiritual growth. This episode brings clarity to the tension between suffering, sin, and redemption, helping listeners understand how God works even through our struggles to draw us closer to Him.
 
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:04:25 - Understanding Temptation: Divine Will vs. Human Freedom
00:04:26 - 00:10:03 - Trials vs. Temptations: The Divine Perspective
00:10:04 - 00:12:51 - The Ripple Effect of Sin: Individual vs. Community
00:12:52 - 00:15:58 - Navigating Temptation: Learning from Our Struggles
00:15:59 - 00:26:48 - Mindfulness and Awareness of Feelings
00:26:49 - 00:29:29 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness
 
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
Subscribe or Follow the Podcast and help us share our mission. Join our Community on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/LivingFullness) for exclusive content, behind the scenes, merch and MORE, and watch our guest interviews on our YouTube Channel. 
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As the Church enters the most sacred days of the liturgical year, Stina and Padre reflect on the meaning of the Triduum and how Christians can approach it with intentional hearts. Beginning with Holy Thursday and moving through Good Friday to Holy Saturday, they explore three spiritual postures that help us walk closely with Christ: receptivity, compassion, and waiting. This episode invites listeners to enter the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection not as distant observers, but as participants united with Him.
 
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:01:29 - Introduction to the Paschal Triduum
00:01:30 - 00:03:54 - The Significance of Holy Week
00:03:55 - 00:09:44 - Holy Thursday: The Posture of Receiving
00:09:45 - 00:20:33 - Good Friday: Embracing Compassion
00:20:34 - 00:22:53 - The Essence of Waiting on Holy Saturday
00:22:54 - 00:25:13 - Grief and Hope in Christian Faith
00:25:14 - 00:32:09 - The Challenge of Engaging in Stillness
00:32:10 - 00:36:26 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
Subscribe or Follow the Podcast and help us share our mission. Join our Community on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/LivingFullness) for exclusive content, behind the scenes, merch and MORE, and watch our guest interviews on our YouTube Channel. 
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In the first episode of the new season, Stina and Padre reflect on one of the most powerful moments in salvation history: Mary’s “yes” at the Annunciation. After catching up on what’s been happening during the break—from parish missions to formation programs—they explore what makes Mary’s response so extraordinary. Was she truly free to say no? What does her response teach us about grace, freedom, and trusting God’s call in our own lives? This episode invites listeners to rediscover the beauty of Mary’s fiat and the courage it takes to say “yes” to God.
 
00:00:00 - 00:01:02 - Introduction and Welcoming Season 9
00:01:03 - 00:04:19 - Reflections on Rome and Personal Experiences
00:04:20 - 00:09:04 - Understanding Annunciation
00:09:05 - 00:11:41 - Mary’s Role in Redemption
00:11:42 - 00:16:02 - The Nature of Mary’s Freedom
00:16:03 - 00:17:40 - Theological Perspectives on Freedom and Cooperation
00:17:41 - 00:18:33 - Reflection of Friendship
00:18:34 - 00:22:11 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness
 
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
Subscribe or Follow the Podcast and help us share our mission. Join our Community on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/LivingFullness) for exclusive content, behind the scenes, merch and MORE, and watch our guest interviews on our YouTube Channel. 
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AND Facebook: Virtue Ministry

 
In this final and special Christmas episode, Fr Sean Byrnes and Stina speak about all things Christmas, including when carols should be sung, the significance of the date of Christmas - whether it is pagan or Christian feast - plus managing Christmas stress and their Christmas traditions
 
00:00:00 - 00:01:45 - Introduction
00:01:46 - 00:04:50 - The Significance of Christmas Carols
00:04:51 - 00:10:51 - Understanding the Date of Christmas
00:10:52 - 00:16:53 - The Anticipation of Christmas vs the Day itself
00:16:54 - 00:22:48 - Managing of Christmas Stress and Expectations
00:22:49 - 00:27:50 - Christian Traditions and Their Evolution
00:27:51 - 00:32:22 - Prayer and Episode Conclusion
 
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
Subscribe or Follow the Podcast and help us share our mission. Join our Community on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/LivingFullness) for exclusive content, behind the scenes, merch and MORE, and watch our guest interviews on our YouTube Channel. 
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Padre and Stina sit down to talk about their annual word of the year and how this transpired throughout 2025. They discuss how each word benefitted/affected their lives and how they see the world through the lens of this particular word through surprises, set backs and challenges.
 
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:02:49 - Introduction
00:02:50 - 00:04:53 - Personal Reflections on Rejoice
00:04:54 - 00:08:10 - The Challenges of Embracing Joy
00:08:11 - 00:11:08 - Understanding Sacrifice
00:11:09 - 00:14:06 - The Intersection of Obligation and Choice
00:14:07 - 00:17:12 - Padre’s Journey with Sacrifice
00:17:13 - 00:19:58 - The Meaning of Sacrifice in Ministry
00:19:59 - 00:28:40 - Finding Joy in Sacrifice
00:28:41 - 00:33:51 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness / Episode Conclusion
 
Virtue and Grace Human Formation Program 2026: https://www.virtueministry.org.au/product/virtue-ministry-formation-program/
 
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
Subscribe or Follow the Podcast and help us share our mission. Join our Community on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/LivingFullness) for exclusive content, behind the scenes, merch and MORE, and watch our guest interviews on our YouTube Channel. 
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Reverend Deacon Saxon Onions from Vianney College in the Wagga Wagga Diocese speaks with Fr Sean Byrnes and Stina on his journey to the seminary and his search for his vocation and happiness.
 
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:01:42 - Introduction
00:01:43 - 00:06:51 - Saxon’s Background & Early Life
00:06:52 - 00:09:02 - Move to Wagga and exposure to seminary life
00:09:03 - 00:19:49 - Youth involvement and influence of peers
00:19:50 - 00:25:33 - Gradual pull towards seminary and discernment process
00:25:34 - 00:34:00 - Fear of unworthiness and struggles with vocation
00:34:01 - 00:38:04 - Saxon’s advice on vocation discernment
00:38:05 - 00:41:31 - Challenges towards the end of seminary and anticipation for priesthood
00:41:32 - 00:47:27 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness / Episode Conclusion/
 
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
Subscribe or Follow the Podcast and help us share our mission. Join our Community on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/LivingFullness) for exclusive content, behind the scenes, merch and MORE, and watch our guest interviews on our YouTube Channel. 
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In this episode, Stina and Padre tackle one of the hardest questions in relationships: when do you stay and when do you leave? Whether in friendships, dating, or marriage, they explore the tension between fear of abandonment and the call to perseverance. They unpack what genuine loyalty looks like, when staying becomes enabling harm, and why walking away can sometimes be the most loving choice. Grounded in virtue and guided by Church teaching, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and compassion for those discerning difficult relational decisions.
 
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:02:33 - Introduction
00:02:34 - 00:05:25 - The Dilemma of Abandonment and Fear
00:05:26 - 00:08:19 - Red Flags and Relationship Dynamics
00:08:20 - 00:11:25 - Cultural Reactions to Relationship Tensions
00:11:26 - 00:19:01 - When Staying Becoming Enabling
00:19:02 - 00:22:30 - The Sanctity of Marriage and Leaving Relationships
00:22:31 - 00:26:14 - Setting Boundaries in Relationships
00:26:15 - 00:28:59 - The Nature of Genuine Friendship
00:29:00 - 00:33:57 - The Dangers of Manipulative Relationships
00:33:58 - 00:39:26 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness / Episode Conclusion
 
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
Subscribe or Follow the Podcast and help us share our mission. Join our Community on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/LivingFullness) for exclusive content, behind the scenes, merch and MORE, and watch our guest interviews on our YouTube Channel. 
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In this final part of the Priestly Fatherhood series, Stina and Padre explore how fatherhood becomes a tangible reality in the life and ministry of a priest. Drawing on Fr Jacques Philippe’s insights, they reflect on the heart of priestly intercession, the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist, the power of adoration, and the ministry of spiritual accompaniment. They discuss how true fatherhood is expressed not only through sacramental action but also through listening, tenderness, and authentic authority that frees and uplifts others.
 
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:00:48 - Introduction
00:00:49 - 00:02:56 - Exploring Intercession in Priesthood
00:02:57 - 00:10:13 - Fatherhood in the Celebration of the Eucharist
00:10:14 - 00:15:35 - Eucharistic Adoration as a Means of Knowing the Father's Heart
00:15:36 - 00:23:49 - The Importance of Eucharistic Adoration in Priesthood
00:23:50 - 00:29:28 - Navigating the Challenges of Spiritual Guidance
00:29:29 - 00:37:49 - Qualities of a Good Spiritual Director
00:37:50 - 00:39:42 - The Call for Genuine Authority and Unity
00:39:43 - 00:40:17 - Protecting the Vulnerable in Leadership
00:40:18 - 00:44:59 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness / Episode Conclusion
 
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
Subscribe or Follow the Podcast and help us share our mission. Join our Community on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/LivingFullness) for exclusive content, behind the scenes, merch and MORE, and watch our guest interviews on our YouTube Channel. 
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Continuing our study of Fr Jacques Philippe’s Priestly Fatherhood: Treasure in Earthen Vessels, we dive into the heart of priestly fatherhood and what transforms a man into a true spiritual father. We discuss the profound reality that no one can be a father without first being a son, the essential role of prayer, and the way fatherhood flows through brotherhood, humility, and mercy. This conversation also explores the Beatitudes as the blueprint for authentic fatherhood, the Church’s role in shaping priests as sons and grooms, and how the ministerial priesthood exists to ignite the baptismal priesthood of all believers.
 
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - 00:00:30 - Introduction
00:00:31 - 00:06:05 - The Role of Sonship in Fatherhood
00:06:06 - 00:10:52 - Prayer and Presence in Spiritual Leadership
00:10:53 - 00:15:17 - The Church and Its Leadership Dynamics
00:15:18 - 00:20:14 - The Nature of the Church: Theocracy vs. Democracy
00:20:15 - 00:22:38 - Heart Posture Towards the Church
00:22:39 - 00:26:12 - Brotherhood and Accountability in the Priesthood
00:26:13 - 00:33:10 - Seasons of Ministry: Sowing vs. Reaping
00:33:11 - 00:36:35 - The Beatitudes and Spiritual Poverty
00:36:36 - 00:39:35 - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness / Episode Conclusion
 
- A Virtue Ministry Podcast -
Please find all the information of todays episode in the show notes below:
https://www.virtueministry.org.au/podcast/podcast-notes/ 
Subscribe or Follow the Podcast and help us share our mission. Join our Community on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/LivingFullness) for exclusive content, behind the scenes, merch and MORE, and watch our guest interviews on our YouTube Channel. 
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Instagram: @virtue.ministry and @livingfullness_
AND Facebook: Virtue Ministry