Eastern Catholicism w/ Sr. Natalia

[@Chahta_hattak]

I’m a Latin Rite Catholic. But I deeply love the East and their traditions. We are so blessed to have such a diverse and truly universal church. West and East are the two lungs of the church.

[@DaleDixieMafia]

Why not both? It worked out for the venerable Bishop Futon Sheen

[@DominicMazoch]

​@@DaleDixieMafia I checked. You are correct. Why have we not been told about this about him. Then again, it goes against the Mass of Trent is the only Mass!

[@diegoavellanedamatteo9090]

I was baptized in the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, which is under the Byzantine rite. I really want to start going to the Devine Liturgy more often

[@Karl_I]

I've always been a latin rite catholic, but when I graduate and move out I'm gonna start going to byzantine mass

[@cosmicnomad8575]

I’m also a Latin Rite Catholic and I’m very happy where I’m at, but I also love the Eastern Liturgy and when I get the chance I will attend it frequently

[@st.friendship]

It's so relieving to experience humor that doesn't scandalize, laughter that doesn't cut. This has been my favorite Pints episode.

[@blackhairedrubio]

32:28 "Its dangerous to look at our own sin without first putting ourselves in the presence of God" Soooo profound! Love it

[@FM-dm8xj]

From the lens of the bible?

[@francesbernard2445]

Good thing most of us humans learn how to walk by around age 2 or so. Like to the church building doors too instead of staying home or in the car.

[@lilplantation232]

explain it to me i dont get it

[@SwartzGunther]

The greatest proof of the existence of God, when a beautiful young woman gives her life to our Lord, Jesus. God bless you both

[@SwartzGunther]

@@ReverendDr.Thomas Your concern is noted, sir

[@caroleelagrone9729]

Where did she find that beautiful reading from Climacus??? I also want to copy it and have it hang where I can read it often!

[@crystaldeshaies2313]

A

[@nathanphillips3104]

How many debates have you won with this argument

[@eduardosolante4510]

Splendid observation brother. She must have found the treasure that this world cannot give!

[@baoduong2203]

Sr. Natalia is probably my favorite guest on Pints With Aquinas. I really admired all of her thoughts and advices, as it resonated with me as a seminarian who is discerning the priesthood.

[@ifhollick]

Be a saintly priest! And in the meantime a saintly seminarian.

[@markv1974]

Well as per their discussion, habit color should be considered… imagining having domincan white and eating pasta.. just kidding.. 🥶

[@sydneybrooks4445]

​@@markv1974nbblbnnhl❤

[@edwinkubena9944]

We need priests praying for you

[@matthewjamesb.234]

Excellent discussion. I love my catholic brothers and sisters. - from an Orthodox ♥️

[@alpoole2057]

Lovely to hear that.

[@DaltonPyron]

And we love you too! ❤

[@alessandrovolta8354]

We love you, too!

[@ThreeHailMarys777]

@@alessandrovolta8354 Thanks, and back. We need to hold onto Hope so that she can pull us forward together. Bless you.

[@drunkensquirrel7545]

​@@ThreeHailMarys777My husband is Orthodox & I'm Roman Catholic. Believe me when I say that we love you too! ☦️✝️❤

[@speroconstantine9957]

She was such a calm presence and full of Grace. She handled tough questions with grace and humility.

[@samaskye]

Agreed

[@gordanadrmic752]

Dear God, take care of sincere people who loves You at every brunches of the Christianity. It is rude that Orthodox Churches don't allow the Holy Comunion for nonorthodox Christians. Must say it is the absurdity. The traditions with many complications maintain the leadersips of both sides. It is so wierd, if not something worse, in the sight of our Lord who made everything for us. Did they realy understand to whom they must be more submited, to man's traditions or to the Lord?! This nun said well about their status as Byzantin Catholics (children of divorced parents), but Jesus said and showed who our father and our famillie is. The orthodox Churches are immersed in some kind of mysticisam ( " May you be saved in angelick ranks!" Why that prayer for young nun from her community? Is it in the harmony with the New Testament? Who saved us? Where is the role of the Holy Spirit, the One of the Holy Trinity? O, my God, is here today eny Christian's Church or community that is as Lord Jesus and apostles were teached? And if we can be satisfied with the phrase that God also writes by wrong lines, why every side is so stiff necked in their rules and has hope to drow others in its camp?

[@Mikemanify]

This nun is spot on about Muslim wear. The prostrations, the architecture etc of Eastern Catholicism/Orthodoxy were actually adopted by Islam.

[@hmul3399]

Well, as far as the prostrations are concerned, this has always been the way of the Prophets. Hence, the Qur'an says: {And mention in the Book, the story of˺ Ishmael. He was truly a man of his word, and was a messenger and a prophet. He used to urge his people to pray and to give alms. And his Lord was well pleased with him. And mention in the Book, the story of˺ Enoch. He was surely a man of truth and a prophet. And We elevated him to an honourable status. Those were ˹some of˺ the prophets who Allah has blessed from among the descendants of Adam, and of those We carried with Noah ˹in the Ark˺, and of the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and of those We rightly guided and chose. Whenever the revelations of the Most Compassionate were recited to them, they fell down, prostrating and weeping.} Mary: 54-58.

[@claptrapper2302]

@@hmul3399 Nah. Islam just ripped off stuff from all religions in the area. Their circling the pagan rock of Mecca was a pagan ritual, adopted by Islam too. Their God is also adopted. He is Al-Lah, the Qureshi Moon God which was taken from the Egyptian Moon God called "Lah" who the Qureshis believed had three daughters. Al-Lat, Al-Manat and Al-Uzza. That's why the Shahada is the way it is. Most people don't know this, but Islam is as pagan as it gets.

[@hmul3399]

@@claptrapper2302 Your name suits you

[@claptrapper2302]

@@hmul3399 If you have any logical rebuttals, bring it forth. Going into personal insults will only mean I'll insult your prophet in return. Because I hit where it hurts those who try to hurt me :)

[@Tj-vf3ll]

@@REPENTandTurnz 100% true if you have no inclination to truth. ...The bible has been corrupted this the Quran states which is the final revelation revealed to prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him. May Allah bestow peace and blessing on Jesus and Mary.

[@Iamguyo4404]

I love episodes with Sr Natalia. She cracks me up. What great lady. Listening to her expressions of faith has helped me with my own. Immense love to you all.

[@annas7350]

I LOVE Sr. Natalia. I don't often listen to the entire show all at once but I have for both of your interviews with her. She is just so honest and open and that really helps me.

[@annette4660]

Wow this was so enjoyable and inspirational. I am an old lady who is just starting RCIA, and Sister (now Mother!) Natalia presents a sort of example for me, since I just want to devote the rest of my life to God, and to being the bride of Christ. I'm at a time of life when many desires of youth have faded, and my time as a Catholic will be extremely meaningful to me. Thank you, Mother, for your beautiful example!

[@etcwhatever]

Congratulations Annette. I was also not born in the church...got baptized 10yrs ago. It was the best decision Ive ever made. Your baptism will feel very special. The weight lifted out of your shoulders is immense (as it forgives all the sins done before the sacrament). Best wishes

[@annette4660]

@@etcwhatever Thank you 🙏

[@robindthompson]

Nerdy fact-I ran the numbers. If they say the Jesus prayer for 2x15 minutes daily, and she gets through the prayer 200 times per day, she’ll pray it 3,650,000 times in a 50 year career as a Nun

[@svilenkondakov4997]

Hi brother, A Jesus Prayer said profoundly once, has the same value as many said thoughtlessly. As Saint Joseph the Hesychast wrote: "A victorious life lasting only one day with trophies and crowns is better than a negligent life lasting many years." From: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foHRlaifhMuAnqM

[@blessingsfromthecrone3261]

And I’m sure, well before she reaches that number, she’s probably also saying it in her sleep 😂❤

[@JMJ.516]

@@blessingsfromthecrone3261 this is 100% true. She was on a ventilator for two weeks because of a respiratory illness that almost killed her, and as they were waking up, she was saying that Jesus prayer prayer.

[@bigrigJim]

And it will make about as much difference as a duck fart in a wind storm.

[@JohnSimmonsification]

I absolutely loved this! Sister Natalia is great, I want to meet someone like her. Clearly full of grace, but very good sense of humor. Beautiful soul!

[@jeffreyallan4525]

Sr. Natalia speaking about a profound bow instead of kneeling reminds me of the Carthusian order in the west. Sister is definitely one of my favorite guests. Have her back as often as possible, Matt.

[@eleanorbertuch135]

Love this conversation💐🙏

[@flearhcp]

hello Jeffery, could you give the time index for this?

[@jeffreyallan4525]

@@flearhcp it's just slightly after the 1:01:00 mark.

[@flearhcp]

@@jeffreyallan4525 thanks Jeffrey! man i feel like my life starting changing even more after i discovered this video. Been binging a lil on their podcast to great spiritual effect.

[@WanderingManProd]

benedictine monks do that as well !

[@ladyj3474]

Sr. Natalia: Spiritually, socially and morally effervescent. A seeker of emotional wisdom. A very beautiful person. Thank you.

[@ritaaraujo5697]

Can I like this interview 1000 times? Thank you so much for this Matt. Truly one of the best interviews. It got me thinking about monasticism in my state of life. I bought 3 books Mother Natalia recommended. I uploaded the rule of her monastery and will be reading/meditating on it. We can all strive to be holy no matter what our state of life is. I need humility and detachment and hope these resources will help me on this journey. Thank you 🙏❤️

[@sweetlorre]

Thank you Pints with Aquinas for introducing Sr. Natalia. She is soooo beautiful ❤

[@TrumpeterOnFire]

I absolutely love sister Natalia. I love every time you've had her on. Her testimony is just so powerful. She's an absolute gift.

[@karenmariesmith3395]

I am not Catholic but Mennonite and DEFINITELY can relate to the "what are you question". I veil my head and wear a long cape dress. I understand...praise the Lord for modest women who love the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior!

[@moonrhea7196]

I must say that I love Sister Natalia's biting sense of humor. I thought briefly of becoming a nun after my conversion and figured they would never tolerate my humor.

[@markv1974]

You should talk to sr. Miriam moss.

[@AjRobinsonUg]

God has made people in many different ways to draw others through us in each of our gifts and personalities. To quote Mother Angelica, "Try to laugh a lot because life is funny, everybody today is too serious. The only tragedy in the world, my friend, is sin."

[@Nfoshoa]

You should read up on st. Teresa of Avila! She had an awesome sense of humor

[@gordanadrmic752]

@@AjRobinsonUg Seek first the kingdom of heaven...wich is righteousness, joy and peace in The Holy Spirit.

[@DianneElizabeth64]

My aunt was a nun for mother teresa. She was a character and Mother would pick her to drive with. Go for it if you get the calling

[@gracejones3784]

The Litany of Humility is a powerful resource towards attaining humility. I was repulsed by it initially but now find myself praying it often.

[@etcwhatever]

I am afraid of praying it in case bad happens to me honestly. Through thw years i gained a better control of my temper but some situations can potentially become too much and cause me to fall in the sin of anger.

[@etcwhatever]

Did you get humiliations in life to test you with that prayer? And did you become more patient by praying it? Thank you

[@olympiahendrix4392]

I needed that and voila. Here you are with it. Thank you. And people don't see signs! Bless you. 😊

[@erwinputhoormanoj2965]

This is so funny. There are so many times Matt acts childish and Mother Natalia gets annoyed and gives him a little stern reaction, which is like, Motherhood 101.

[@SaltedHope]

This is precisely how women are supposed to guide men. Men are meant to lead but women are a gentle guide, like a mother, and not a feminist trying to control.

[@return2rome]

​@@SaltedHope💯 well said.

[@wilmakowski7761]

also, beautiful explanation for roles of men and women in the church. Thank you Sister! Thank you Matt for your amazing work. If you are able to see this, I am currently a seminarian, and your show was instrumental in my vocation. Thank you so very much.

[@tomlabooks3263]

Yes, I agree that point resonated strongly. Maybe because it’s so rare to hear someone talk about this topic with the same clarity and honesty.

[@wilmakowski7761]

@@tomlabooks3263 I agree. I was mostly admiring the way that she delivered the explanation. Very concise and very strong. Thank God for religious sisters.

[@ifhollick]

Dude, David, do it up, be a good priest. Be a saint.

[@wilmakowski7761]

@@ifhollick thank you so much brother.

[@andoylanggid]

David, God bless. And as we say to our military, same thing we say to our religious, thanks for the service.

[@ashleeoneil2114]

I realize I'm watching this 2 years later but this interview is profound to say the least. Thank you to both of you for this beautiful conversation! ❤

[@raymondfranklin348]

I was taught, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” I find the length of this prayer to match my inhalation and exhalation and bring me peace of mind and spirit.

[@tamanoner]

Hvala!

[@davidgutierrez294]

True humility and faith in this Sister I'm glad she told the priest that what he was preaching was wrong

[@kjaye2766]

It would be cool to have your each of your guests list out their top 5-10 books that us listeners could check out, could be a transition point during the discussion or a sound off bit! God bless!

[@samaskye]

Agreed! So many books mentioned. Matt could you list them in the video description?

[@CMDR-Cody]

It really is incredible how similar the Eastern rite Catholics are to us Orthodox. Honestly, it is refreshing. My wife is Roman Catholic and I am Orthodox and she often remarks on things I say or do in my prayers, or she just thinks that my church is weird. I always have to tell her that we have a lot of the same traditions and beliefs she just doesn't see them regularly. As an outsider, it's so strange to me why the western Catholics moved away from or repressed many of the beautiful practices of the church.

[@etcwhatever]

Yes, my coworker is bizantine catholic i learn many interesting things from her. I agree with you its sad that in the latin rite we have a difficult access to the traditional liturgy 😔 it is beautiful that you and your wife are married despite confessional differences. I think it is a way and a grace that will contribute to a union between east and west. But i also know we latins need to return to tradition. Our leadership has not been reflecting this.

[@DominicMazoch]

Catholic first, LR second.

[@emmalineschmidt5913]

My mom is Catholic, my dad Orthodox. I understand.

[@elizabethfenelon7922]

I'm Roman Catholic and my husband is Orthodox and it is definitely an interesting dynamic, to say the least!

[@MarDuBronx]

@@elizabethfenelon7922why not compromise and go to eastern rite church? Is he that against the papacy? And are you that in favor of it? Neither of you will budge? I mean as a Catholic of course I believe he should be in communion of Rome but as the husband he is the spiritual head of the family and you must submit to him in that regard.

[@gracestevens4916]

I listened to this a year ago, and I’m back again. This woman is a role model for so many people. Such a beautiful soul and outlook on life. God bless her

[@johnnyGoosePGH]

Thanks to you and Fr. Olo, Sr. Natalia can share so much of her joy, wisdom, and holiness with us. I’m so grateful for her

[@roseg1333]

I could tell she was RC before. She is so delightfully sassy and full of life lol reminds me a little of Mother Angelica, Mother Miriam, and Sister Claire. And II complete agree I truly feel in my spirit that the East will be reunited with the West very soon. Thank you for this I truly learned a lot about our brothers and sisters in the Eastern Catholic Church. May God be with you all 🙏🏼🕊🤍

[@gordanadrmic752]

Reunited? Very soon? No. It will not happen so soon nor in the near future. For beginning it would be enough that all 3 brunches of Christianity can partake in the Holy Eucharist when they are together as the same children of the same Father, with the same faith in the Holy Trinity and the same New Testament. But we see that even monks must more to obey they headquarter than what make sense according to the Jesus's and apostle's teaching.

[@roseg1333]

@@gordanadrmic752 well it’s attitudes like this that make it not possible at the current moment. We have to work on it if it’s ever going to happen. Break down barriers.

[@olympiahendrix4392]

Are they ready for us? lol Maybe the catholics will find all the goodies they lost on the way hey. Sorry, but the thought makes me smile.😊

[@Margaret-d3r]

I would prefer they remain separate.

[@ChevySpeedAddict]

I've been to Christ the Bridegroom monastery before and met Mother Theodora. What a Godly and awesome woman, as are all the nuns there! May God grant you all many happy and blessed years! ☦️

[@jkellyid]

Absolutely amazed by this interview. Thanks Matt for bringing the monastic orders into the popular consciousness.

[@return2rome]

I've gained SOOO much from this episode! Thank you so much

[@sarahburke8955]

Thank you so much for another incredible interview with Sr. (soon to be Mother!) Natalia. She is indeed a blessing to us all.

[@MALIA74897]

If Natalia is on i'm watching it. All the best episodes are with her!!

[@kathrynmeredith5258]

I recently discovered this wonderful podcast and have been consuming as many as I can. I've been Roman Catholic my whole life. My husband is Byzantine Catholic. There are no Byzantine churches in our are so we are raising our kids Roman Catholic but have always wanted to share Byzantine practices as well.

[@john-paulcanavan2584]

If i get ordained, Matt Fradd please come to my ordination...so i can have Aquinas' commentary, but also because we love you, and you are a legend

[@RosieJ7223]

Matt’s suggestion of a religious order with a sole purpose of providing childcare while the parents go on silent retreat… Yes, please, and thank you!

[@otisdreading]

I love her. She's hilarious. Hearing more about the Eastern rite is really beautiful, reminds me of Orthodoxy. Not that the Western isn't. May the mother churches unite in my lifetime.

[@JoshJimenez_]

I now have a new found love and respect for the East. May God Bless this Sister 🙏

[@SnowbunyinIL]

You nailed it ! When I'm in front of the icons, I'm recognizing the Eastern Spiritually. However, I am Roman Catholic and I still feel like adoration chapel adds to my experience more when I'm actually in front of the monstrance, eyes open🤗

[@davidquinlivan112]

😅

[@DominicMazoch]

You are Catholic first, LR second.

[@tasselhoff]

What an absolute delight Mother Natalia is (She would have taken her vows by now). I would love to see more of her!

[@marya9039]

That’s my BD, too! Our Lady of Mount Carmel ❣️ Love the interview and how special for your family to attend the Blessed Event with soon to be “Mother” Natalia.

[@nataliebishay2540]

she’s such a blessing! also love the shoutouts to the Copts, we love you back! 💗

[@thomashart1208]

i have been waiting for this for so long

[@SootSprite210]

Love how this just turned into a book club for a little bit Amazing chat 💛

[@mimi_j]

Thanks!

[@ariefbudiman1544]

love her personality, very strong but humble in the same time

[@pintswithaquinas]

Please like and share to help spread this video :)

[@GheeandThumper]

What a beautiful interview.

[@nicholaswilson2155]

Such a beautiful human being, She's truly stunning to listen to, and even though she's nearly fully covered, she's a very attractive woman. A gift of God as gorgeous as her heart. Excellent episode.

[@mvwil]

Sr. Natalia's points on vocation were very well taken and quite profound. The idea that we can go to heaven without being in the right vocation is particularly profound. It's easy to forget that a vocation must be a free response of love to God. And the idea that the supernatural call to celibacy transcends but does not replace that of marriage is also so profound. Sometimes I feel like I have not tasted this higher calling, though I think that I have asked for it with some sincerity.

[@olympiahendrix4392]

"Man proposes, God disposes" I have learned to ask God to put me on HIS path, gently, without shocks, pretty please. There is one thing that I am certain of: God has you on the path HE wants. Unless you have been ignoring the big kick in the you know what. He will get you there. Are you missing the signs because you are stubborn? finicky?

[@angelagilmartin2109]

I believe I saw you tear-up in this segment (Song of Solomon inscription?) - my heart breaks tenderly when I think upon the sacrifice of our Lord and how others are moved into actions of profession as Sr. Natalya 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@iceminer3699]

Slava Isusu Christu!

[@davidgutierrez294]

One of your best videos I fell in love with the words of this Nun God bless her and all the Nuns around the world

[@blessingsfromthecrone3261]

I love, Love, LOVED this interview! Thank you, Sister Natalia 🙏♥️

[@MPFXT]

The Rule of the Theotokos is the Eastern (Russian) rosary written by St. Seraphim of Sarov.

[@innocentmbey6444]

For me this is the best interview you've had. Plus that catena app mentioned is so magnificent. I love it.

[@JJ-fp6ro]

I just love her and her story of her ordination? Is that the word? was so beautiful

[@donian4928]

I first learned the Jesus prayer from a secular Jewish college communications professor of mine way back in the mid ‘80s. He was particularly fascinated with Christian mysticism. Take that anti-secularists!

[@R6FTW59]

You are a great inspiration sister and you too Matt thank you 🙏☘️

[@mariobaratti2985]

On the point read from the Ladder of Divine Ascent at 01:58:30, you also have Micah 6, 7-8 "7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God."

[@danceillusions13]

From an Orthodox Jew, I love this sister. We have so much in common

[@kimfleury]

3 Hail Marys for each of you 🌹🌹🌹🙏🏻🌹🌹🌹🙏🏻📿

[@jamespribble8785]

Matt, I saw you at the wedding yesterday, but I was too shy to say hi. But, if I had been brave enough, I would have told you that I appreciate your videos and your witness. I also really appreciated seeing you clean up the hors d'oeuvres table and have that spirit of serving. I consider you a role model. Thank you for your prayer life and the work that you do.

[@levernis5753]

Whoa I would've jumped to say Hi quickly in an opportunity like this😂

[@frankpugliese3380]

Sr. Natalia is an amazing woman. She's fascinating in her own way but some some reason she reminds me very much of Fr. Gregory Pine ... in a good way.

[@esmvp400]

God Bless this woman. Great interview!!

[@johnchildofgod6329]

such a wonderful lady she makes me proud to call myself Catholic

[@barbararey4337]

I learned the word Theotokos in Art History class :) the only other word I know in Greek is Baklava :) Thank you so much for this wonderful, enlightening interview. I started taking notes and haven't finished watching the podcast and have already decided to hear it once more, carefully taking notes. May God bless Catholics of both Rites always.

[@gigig2190]

As an Eastern Christian Orthodox I recognize the Jesus Prayer🙏. I see so many similarities b/w Eastern Catholic and Orthidox faith. I love the fact this conversation puts monasticism on the map. The love for Christ and desire to become holy unite us.

[@michaelr.8273]

*"The love for Christ and desire to become holy unite us."* That can be said of all true believing Christians.

[@mercy2453]

@JesusLordofAllCreation I believe Gigi's words about "recognizing" the Jesus prayer is because it's roots are in the spirituality of ancient Eastern Christianity, from the ancient monks of Egypt. Hence, it is a core prayer of the Orthodox Church just as the Hail Mary is to Roman Catholicism. It is not primarily a "Roman Catholic" prayer. Hence why the Byzantine Catholics and Orthodox Christians both pray it.

[@samaskye]

The only two churches who can intermarry without conversion. Love our Orthodox brothers & sisters ♥️

[@michaelr.8273]

@@samaskye How is that? Why isn't it possible for a Catholic to marry a Protestant? Just to be clear, I'm not asking this out of pure ignorance, but I'd like to know why you believe this.

[@michaelr.8273]

@JesusLordofAllCreation Amen!

[@natalyaestrada]

I want to hear more from Mother Natalia! She's so cool

[@chelseabertucci9040]

I wish I had people my speed to correspond with. To deeper my relationship with God. Sr. And Matt are definitely my kind of people. Anyone need a new friend. I wish I had a peer group, there are none in my area. :(

[@sarahhoward4288]

I love it..."It's more like the Muslims look like us..." cue lip curl...

[@timfronimos459]

Absolutely. true no one want sto say it.

[@louisdeniau8571]

@@timfronimos459 christians stole their religions from othets

[@weallhaveanopinion]

A bit over a year ago I left the Roman Rite and started going to the Maronite Mass. Still under the Pope, still inline with the Catholic Church. The Sacraments are still valid. Best thing I ever did. It would take a whole lot to get me to ever go to an Ordinary Mass ever again.

[@samaskye]

Not sure what city you’re in but also explore the Chaldean rite. Also in line with Rome, and the only church fully done in the language of Jesus, Aramaic.

[@julienalonso22]

I’ve always hear the maronites were the more latinized of the eastern rites

[@weallhaveanopinion]

@@julienalonso22 yes I have heard that too although I've never gone to any of the other Masses from the East before so I don't know. There are definitely similarities in our Mass at our church. A lot of people that would have gone to the Latin Mass if there was one available to them go to our Mass. Some Maronite churches are trying to get away from the connection to the Latin Mass. They feel a lot of the Latin Mass was forced on them (which it was) and want to get rid of any connection. Our church is pretty laid back about it, we do a few things that you can see the Latin influence, such as praying the rosary before Mass. A lot of the congregation kneels during the consecration. But everyone seems very gentle and loving about it and there isn't any divide about it.

[@weallhaveanopinion]

@David Phillips thank you for this information! I will read up on it and talk to some more traditional Maronites about it.

[@civrn368]

It's so upsetting that all this exists but is never talked about by the priest in our area. I literally got the Barron Catholicism DVD set to watch for my Catechism that was put off for 4 years because there was only me for RCIA class so I waited. I watched videos had two in person classes which was more video of prayers and rest of classes cancelled until Easter. I did not realize then I should not be attending the full Mass. I knew I shouldn't take the Eucharist but even that was never explained. I was expecting a class where I could interact and ask questions, share the joy of the Good news but as I grow in my faith I am saddened that everything I have learned has been online or video. Sometimes I do not know how to grow. The parish I attend is the only one I can get too as I am in a quite rural area, but the biggest concern in my parish is socialization and coffee and treats afterwards. I hate to complain but I crave some tradition and guidance. Even before the covid the lights would be shut off and doors ready to be locked before you can finish prayers or rosary. There are no confessionals and adoration only once a year. I thought there would be more. I'm starving.

[@impasse0124]

This breaks my heart because I’m sure you’re not the only one experiencing this. I will offer a prayer for you that the Lord will provide the guidance that you need ☦️

[@wilmakowski7761]

I agree @impasse0124 I will be praying for you as well. I am so sorry to hear about your situation. Maybe ask the priest for a key to the church!! Then you could be able to visit our Lord whenever!

[@margokupelian344]

Most of us feel starved and dissatisfied with certain situations in the church. As we grow spiritually we aspire to get more spiritual food from the church but we don’t find it so we feel sad and disappointed. I don’t want to go into details but for example I love to see incense during Sunday mass and more solemnity on the part of the priest. I follow the mass very seriously. But for a person who is not deep in his/her faith I don’t think he/she will be impressed by the way mass is being celebrated... Another thing that I’m praying for is to have a good confessor...

[@faithbreathes9598]

Maybe try getting in touch with a religious community in your area? (Priests, brothers, nuns). My faith really found its spark after meeting the Verbum Dei nuns in my area, and later a different community. It’s really a blessing to meet holy men and women that often open their convent for people to come in and pray, or often offer some kind of formation. Praying for you ☺️

[@imnottheone5538]

Ter Sanctus this breaks my heart but know you are not alone. You will be in my prayers that you remain strong and persevere in faith and love of our Lord and that you may find solace in your current circumstance and fellowship & communion to help you along the way. May God’s will be done. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@joshuavalencia5515]

I love the eastern spirituality through our western lense

[@civrn368]

This was wonderful. Sadly I have come to think nuns did not exist in Ontario Canada. I have never encountered any in Church and I thought we would. We could use spiritual mothers in the parish to help guide the lay woman overstepping their roles in the Church.

[@progidy7]

Gettin all uppity, huh?

[@CedanyTheAlaskan]

@@progidy7 No, just traditional.

[@sampharos7090]

I believe the order called the Queenship of Mary is located in Ontario Canada. I know one of the nuns there :)

[@progidy7]

@@CedanyTheAlaskan Tradition is not infallible. Secularly, not in Catholicism.

[@rinzler9171]

Neither is the "athiest tradition."

[@nickzieglmeier5955]

Poustinia! I’m Roman Catholic and the Poustinia is such a blessing. I’ve done two and plan to do one every year.

[@rockabllyrebl]

I was raised buddist, then became Lutheran, and sought out a way to pray continually. It led me to the Jesus prayer, and I bought a decade rosary to pray it throughout the day. I was in combat in Iraq in 2007. I never counted the number of times I prayed it. I know for certain that I was going to die in Iraq, it was my second time. God has continually saved me so many times in so many ways for decades. The Jesus prayer is so effective that I am now in OCIA and I am closer to Jesus than I have ever been in my life. It is a complete prayer and total prayer.

[@jmjaquinas7298]

Such a beautiful conversation. Thanks for helping the Church “breathe with both lungs!” St Jehoshaphat, pray for us, and pray that the Eastern Orthodox would become, like Sister Natalia, Eastern Catholic

[@markv1974]

Or else, there would be no catholic and orthodox church. Just a bunch of those 30000+ non apostolic “churches”. And sacred tradition would be gone

[@jmjaquinas7298]

@JesusLordofAllCreation By definition, Eastern Orthodox are outside of the Church; they are not in full communion with Christ’s Church. Therefore, they do not breathe with the Church. Eastern Catholics are fully Catholic, and breathe with Rome and the Latin Church

[@danasmith3288]

@JMJ Aquinas There are reasons why Orthodox are not Catholics. I won't go into the details, since there plenty of material attesting to the those reasons. I am Orthodox. I love Orthodoxy, but I read many of the Western Fathers. I also read Etienne Gilson, Jaques Maritain, Hilaire Belloc, Josef Pieper and James Schall SJ. I can disagree with them, but still appreciate all the good Truths they bring to the table. They are better Christians than I, as I am sure is Sister Natalie.

[@jmjaquinas7298]

@@danasmith3288 And you are almost certainly a better Christian than I, as are a great many Orthodox. I have learned much from Orthodox teachers as well, and am very grateful for them. That doesn’t make them fully United to the One True Church however

[@emmadumais2337]

1:53:48 As a Western Catholic, I get what Mother Natalia is trying to say. At Adoration, I too find greater prayer in closing my eyes, reposingin the Prescene Of the Lord, then staring at The Eucharist.

[@6reynoldsgajsjk]

When she was talking about being in the presence at Adoration and closing her eyes to pray, I thought about a friend who is legally blind. She loves going to Adoration when Christ is exposed in the Monstrance but she literally can not see and adore. But it is still something about “being there”-so close to his true flesh and blood. I think it is ok to be in the true presence yet not continuously eyes on the host. It’s not an inattentiveness to His True Presence. It’s more like staying at the bedside, often with eyes closed to pray. It’s about being there, being aware, being engaged though not necessarily staring on.

[@olympiahendrix4392]

there is no blindness on the other side! She is using the other eyes.....😊

[@arthurdanzi404]

When Sr. Natalia said that she prefers to do adoration with her eyes closed without looking at the host it startled me, but then I realized it makes sense. Even though Our Lord is really and fully present in the Most Blessed Sacrament, what we see when we look at it is not Christ. We can only see "accidents", i.e., bread and wine, not the "substance", which in this case is Christ Himself. And since it's by faith that we know He is truly there, there's no problem in adoring him with our eyes closed, ignoring the accidents and going straight to the substance which is insivible to our eyes anyway. Does that make sense?

[@claymcdermott718]

I prefer to do the same. I will look a little, long enough to say a short prayer, but mostly I won’t look.

[@gordanadrmic752]

Jesus said: "If you love me, my Father will love you and the Father and I will come and abide at you." And The Holy Spirit is in you. So, where is The Holy Trinity? In God we live, we move and we are and He is in us. Jesus said: " This is my body...take it and eat! ...This is my blood...take it and drink!...when you gether together." He didn't say adore My body in such way that we look at Holy Sacrament before our phisical eyes. It is addition that cannot be the obligation ( I think that isn't). Jesus said: " God is the Spirit and the Truth..." Can we see The Spirit and the Truth with our phisical eyes? So, The Holy Trinity is always with and in everyone who believes Him. Lissen to Him and obey Him is the point. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Guider in that. Everything else isn't our duty to receive as a matter of fact. It is sad that the bealievers have this kind of troubles (with open eyes or with close eyes). It is obedience to the church's teaching - which one under the same pope as main autority? If we look better, we can know and do better and be without unnecessery confusion.

[@sleepystar1638]

The parable of the Pharisee and the publican

[@rafal_88]

Today for me - first, Dr. Andrew Swafford says the word środowisko (environment). Now I listen this , and here is "pustynia" everywhere. Greetings to all Polish speakers! ;)

[@sleeplesshead602]

Her voice is so charming. I can listen to her talking all day 😆

[@marshallsayre58]

Hi Str Natalie, my son attnds Franciscan(Theology)and often my wife and he discuss the similarities and differences of the Byzantine, which he attends, and my wife and I Roman Catholic. Its gets interstng. May he bless you too.

[@MPFXT]

Glory to Jesus Christ!!! Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos! Sr. Natalia will always be a little sister to me.

[@angrypotato_fz]

That was a beautiful interview! Thank you for this. Congratulations on the lifelong confession! I appreciate all the kind words about relations between "West" and "East". The final words about staying true to Church' teaching and differences between men and women were also very valuable for me. On a side note, Matt, I see you both drinking "Liquid Death" water (like in some other videos made by you recently). I know the brand name is kind of a joke about killing thirst, but I got curious and read some more about the company producing it. Their "sell your soul eternally for merchandise" campaign got me quite concerned (similarly for "skateboards with Tony Hawk's blood") and I was surprised that you promote this brand on screen (or even buy it, as we consumers show our support by paying for products). I don't mean to attack you for that nor jump too quickly to conclusions, but is there some good reasoning behind that, that I don't see? It's weird for me, because I find such brands to be against our belief and not deserving screen time nor money.

[@mvwil]

He probably just thought it was funny without more critical reflection. Definitely not coming from a good spirit

[@gordanadrmic752]

You have had a good sense...and thank you for observation. And whisky is not for this kind of interview.

[@olympiahendrix4392]

I was wondering too. Brave to bring it up. Jesus drank wine. So occasional drinkers should not be excluded from Catholicism. Sinners are forgiven. All of them. Let us not put on the soul crushing face of judgement.

[@alouie001]

I have loved his homilies. Pray for him.

[@thewhimsicalorthodoxoriental]

As a Byzantine widow, I am always looking for ways to express my love of the Lord. I wish there was some way to connect with Sr. Natalia. Knowing this is public venue, how could I reach the author/broadcaster of pints with aquinas?

[@VaticusChadicus]

East and west unite!

[@Tripp_stricler]

I love this interview. Her, and Trent Horn should have a discussion. That would be a great talk.

[@ariston5433]

The average Roman Catholic in the U.S. doesn’t even know that there is the Eastern ( Byzantine) rite to the Catholic Church. It is the best kept “ secret” since sliced bread. I am a Latin rite Catholic who is now attending the Eastern Rite Divine Liturgy the reason being the loss of the respect I now see as far as people being inside the church … kids running amok all over the altar area, people using the altar area as a photo op. I love the fact of the icon screen which separates the altar from the rest of the church , this is a profound sign to show this is a special place where only the clergy are allowed it brings home the awesome reality of the consecration and what this is. The western rite has turned the altar area into “ common” ground and when you do this there is a disconnect from the understanding of what is sacred and the secular . Much like being in a non denominational church where you feel like you are in nothing more then a conference room or auditorium. I remember getting a brochure in the mail from one of these “ churches” and the quote in the brochure stated “ This is church for people who do not like church. We have bouncy games for kids a great coffee shop” On the front of the brochure was a picture of Elvis Presley…,, Really no kidding!!!! I was so shocked and was very saddened by the reality that it had sunk to this level of the vulgar. So it wasn’t about Christian self sacrifice it was about the person getting their feel goods rather then a real conversation and repentance.

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

There is no altar in the New Testament because there is no more sacrifice; there is no more priesthood because there is no more sacrifice. The book of Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus is the final sacrifice “once for all”. All believers are callled priests in the New Testament and we are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice.

[@thepilgrim8336]

Such a great interview!!!

[@GheeandThumper]

I want to meet her for guidance.

[@brendenporterfield327]

I love how out of left field the Muslim question was. Chatting about birthdays, them all serious "why do you look like a muslim woman?"

[@jacklauder8226]

I just got that book thanks to this episode

[@markcahill1146]

It probably would be more meritorious for me to pray the rosary or scripture than listening to this, however, when you read from the book. That was edifying.