The Maine Catholic

We all struggle to fill our lives with meaning. Some search for satisfaction from success, comfort, or independence, though these things often fail to fill our "existential vacuum."

Bishop James Ruggieri invites listeners to consider a deeper question: Why do we feel so empty? What are we really living for?

This episode explores how the Catholic Church—through its sacraments, community, and tradition—offers not just belief...

Bishop James Ruggieri reflects on the deeply biblical and profoundly human call to accompany others in faith. Drawing from the lives of Moses, St. Paul, and most fully Jesus, he explores how walking with, listening to, teaching, and breaking bread with others is central to Christian discipleship. Rich in Scripture and practical wisdom, this episode invites listeners to consider how they can be present to others—just as God is prese...

In this Episode, Bishop Ruggieri discusses how conversion is a continuous process. Jesus tells us to "repent and believe in the Gospel." Repentance is not just about being sorry or regretful, but about continuously changing the way we live.

Bishop Ruggieri breaks down several obstacles we all face in our daily conversions and offers practical advice to help us continue.

A full transcript can be found on our website at http...

This past April, Bishop Emeritus Robert Deeley travelled to the Diocese of Kumbo in Cameroon to ordain two priests and celebrate the Catholic faith with the people of Kumbo.

For over eight years, the Diocese of Kumbo, in Cameroon, has sent many of their priests to help us here in Maine. We currently have twelve priests from Kumbo serving in our parishes and we are very thankful for everything they do for us.

Bishop Deeley recently s...

In this Episode, Bishop Ruggieri discusses the power of personal encounter with Jesus. Using examples from the gospel and our daily lives, he explains how Jesus reaches out to us personally.

"Conversion does not begin with a concept or a rulebook. It begins when someone experiences a relationship with the living Jesus Christ, a relationship that brings healing, fulfilment, and the promise of eternal life."

If you enjoy this...

In this episode, Bishop Ruggieri discusses the how the Holy Spirit guides us in evangelization. He examines how the Holy Spirit inspired boldness in the Apostles during Pentecost and provides examples of how we can let the Spirit guide us in our lives today.

A full transcript can be found on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/podcast-auspice-maria-ep-5-role-holy-spirit-evangelization

If this podcast resonates wi...

Bishop Ruggieri talks about how the church must proclaim the Gospel as Christ does, with love and truth together.

He cites the differences between the beatitudes in Matthew and Luke's Gospels. In Matthew, Jesus goes up a mountain to teach. In Luke, he comes down to a plain. These are not just geographical differences. They represent two essential modes of proclaiming the gospel: from above with clarity and authority and from al...

Bishop Ruggieri discusses the Kerygma, the core proclamation that Jesus is Lord. He explains why it's so important to us as Christians and teaches us practical ways to live and proclaim the gospel in our daily lives.

Remember that Jesus loves you and wants you to return to him. You are lovable.

A full Transcription of this episode can be found on our website, at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/podcast-auspice-maria-ep-2...

In this episode, Bishop James Ruggieri introduces his new podcast, Auspice Maria, (which means, "Under the Protection of Mary") and discusses the mission of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Ruggieri breaks it down into three areas of focus:

1. Proclaim the Gospel.
2. Bring people to Christ.
3. Build the Kingdom of God.

Are your ministries truly missionary?

A full Transcription of this episode can be found on our website, at h...