Viva Cristo Rey!
More than a rallying cry, it echoes through history as the final words of a martyr, a witness of faith, and the heartbeat of this week’s episode.
Father Dave returns from a pilgrimage to Mexico, where he visited the tomb of Blessed Miguel Pro and stood in the very place where the young priest was executed for celebrating Mass in secret. With deep reverence, he shares the powerful story of Miguel’s final words, “Viva Cristo Rey”, and invites listeners to consider the courage of living and dying for Christ. Meanwhile, Deacon Bob celebrates a different kind of sacramental moment: the baptism of his grandson, a joyful reminder that every life in Christ begins with water and grace.
Of course, there’s plenty of humor, sports updates, and spiritual tangents along the way; from NFL heartbreaks to papal baptisms in the Sistine Chapel, from dry-fit habits to the not-so-ordinary season of Ordinary Time.
Highlighted Sections
(00:00) NFL Disappointments and Grandson Joy
The episode opens with mixed emotions: Deacon Bob’s Tampa Bay Bucs and Father Dave’s Denver Broncos are out of the playoffs, but there’s great joy as Deacon Bob baptizes his grandson, Oliver Augustine. It’s a beautiful blend of sorrow and celebration—and a reminder that grace is found even in the midst of letdowns.
(06:48) Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Football as Family
With Notre Dame heading to the national championship, Father Dave reflects on what this moment means to him personally. The game brings back memories of his father, his childhood, and the deeper connection sports can create across generations.
(17:28) Pilgrimage to Guadalupe and the Witness of Blessed Miguel Pro
Father Dave shares deeply moving stories from his recent pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe, highlighting the martyrdom of Blessed Miguel Pro. From disguises and hidden Masses to the ultimate sacrifice, Miguel’s fearless cry—“Viva Cristo Rey!”—offers a timeless witness of faith under fire.
(21:19) Baptism: Grace, Sacrament, and the Heart of the Church
The hosts dive into a rich theological reflection on baptism, emphasizing its foundational role in the Christian life. They share personal stories—from Deacon Bob’s family to Father Dave’s hospital ministry—revealing how baptism is a sacrament of both life and eternal hope.
(26:10) Ordinary Time: Living the Gospel Daily
Ordinary Time isn’t ordinary at all. Father Dave and Deacon Bob unpack how this liturgical season, rooted in the public ministry of Jesus, calls us to deeper discipleship and attentiveness to the holiness of daily life.
(33:30) Signs of Hope: From Martyrs to Athletes
To kick off the Year of Hope, the hosts share uplifting stories of faith—like young athletes openly praising God, a community praying amid wildfire devastation, and the unexpected rise in Bible sales among young adults. It’s a reminder that in a chaotic world, hope is alive and visible in big and small ways.
Resources & Mentions
- FaithandReason.com – Watch Father Dave’s interview with Bishop Frank Caggiano on mission and ministry.
- Blessed Miguel Pro – Learn more about this courageous martyr and his legacy in the Church.
- Spirit and the Bride Conference – A women’s event launching Pentecost weekend at Franciscan University.
- CatholicPrayingCards.com – Explore Deacon Bob’s prayer tools and devotional resources.
Listen to more They That Hope episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.