<![CDATA[Matthew Handley -- The Purple Catholic]]>https://purplecatholic.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!znD3!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8f0f4d57-02e2-480f-99dd-03fd107e1f5b_500x500.pngMatthew Handley -- The Purple Catholichttps://purplecatholic.comSubstackWed, 08 Apr 2026 04:57:53 GMT<![CDATA[Tuesday, 7 April 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/tuesday-7-april-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/tuesday-7-april-2026Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:31:42 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Tuesday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Ep. 20 - Something strange is happening]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/ep-20-something-strange-is-happeninghttps://purplecatholic.com/p/ep-20-something-strange-is-happeningSat, 04 Apr 2026 23:00:41 GMT

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Matthew discusses Exodus 14 and shares an ancient homily from Holy Saturday. Then, Matthew discusses the future of Catholic radio in the Marquette area.

UP North Catholic airs weekly on Northern Apostle Radio in Marquette, Michigan. Listen on 103.9FM or stream at ClavesRegniMinistries.com at 7pm every Saturday.

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]]><![CDATA[Enormously improbable]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/enormously-improbablehttps://purplecatholic.com/p/enormously-improbableSat, 04 Apr 2026 10:31:12 GMTGood morning and happy Saturday,

Our Lenten journey has again come to an end and I want to share again an ancient homily about what Jesus was doing on Holy Saturday. You can read it here:

But this week I want to reflect on something else. On Wednesday, four astronauts blasted off from Earth on the Artemis II mission; its the first mission to send humans around the moon since the 1970s.

Astronomical discoveries, like those that could be made on Artemis II and subsequent missions, fascinate me because they demonstrate our human desire for knowledge, knowledge of both the universe and of its creator.

The more we discover about our world and the universe around it, the more it points to a creator.

The philosopher and Jesuit priest Fr. Robert Spitzer identifies three particularly scientific issues that point to a creator:

  1. Space-Time Geometric Proof for Creation

  2. The Law of Entropy

  3. The Anthropic Coincidences in Creation

These have to do with the fact that things cannot happen because of themselves; there must be something to start things in motion or create them. Additionally, there is a very low level of disorder in the universe and the possibility of that happen by chance is also very low.

In a 2023 talk, Fr. Spitzer said our universe is “enormously improbable.” We live in an “incredibly difficult to explain, perfectly-designed-for-life universe.”

I hope that this Artemis II mission inspires people to dig deeper in to the intersections of science and faith.

Bishop Robert Barron (Winona-Rochester, Minnesota) said also in 2023, “a perceived incompatibility between faith and science has led to a rise in the number of religiously unaffiliated. This perception runs counter to the experience of the Catholic tradition, which conveys the beautiful harmony between faith and science.”

Space missions can change that, even if it is not explicitly mentioned in any subsequents reports. The images and descriptions themselves can spark wonder and ping the part of the mind that wants to know more. Learning more, as we see from Fr. Spitzer and other Catholic scientists, points us to God.

For further viewing:

Jonathan Lunine, chief scientist at NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and the founding vice president of the Society of Catholic Scientists, joins “EWTN News Nightly:”

Live Artemis II stream from NASA:

blue and purple galaxy digital wallpaper
Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash

This week on UP North Catholic:

Matthew shares some Easter reflections and discusses the future of the program.

You can also find the show on Sundays here on PurpleCatholic.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thanks for reading The Purple Catholic! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Travelling for Easter? Book with Expedia using this link and support the Purple Catholic.

Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord

Depending on when you go to Mass this Sunday, your readings will be different. I have linked them below for ease of access:

You can watch the Easter Vigil with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican at 2:45p eastern on the Vatican News YouTube channel.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.

Psalm 118:1

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In the news:

The United States

USCCB president asks Catholics to ‘pray ardently’ for an end to war with Iran - Angelus News

Why Catholicism is drawing on Gen Z men - The Washington Post

Final gargoyle returned to its perch atop rehabbed Kentucky cathedral modeled after Notre Dame - Crux

Supreme Court hears case on birthright citizenship executive order with Trump in attendance - Angelus News

Trump administration orders investigation into Noelia Castillo’s euthanasia - Crux

Via Crucis, 2026 - George Weigel in Denver Catholic

The Vatican

Pope Leo’s Triduum plans: What’s new? - The Pillar

Is Archbishop Peña Parra’s new job an exile, or probation? - Ed. Condon in the Pillar

Pope Leo XIV to receive with French president Emmanuel Macron on April 10 at the Vatican - Vatican News

The World

Holy Week in a Time of War - The editors of the National Catholic Register

Jerusalem churches reach temporary deal with Israeli authorities over Holy Week access - EWTN News

‘The best decision I’ve ever made’ - Australia sees surge in adults entering Church - The Pillar

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Have a good weekend,

Matthew

]]><![CDATA[Thursday, 2 April 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/thursday-2-april-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/thursday-2-april-2026Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:31:45 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Thursday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Wednesday, 1 April 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/wednesday-1-april-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/wednesday-1-april-2026Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:32:32 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Wednesday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Tuesday, 31 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/tuesday-31-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/tuesday-31-march-2026Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:32:43 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Tuesday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Monday, 30 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/monday-30-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/monday-30-march-2026Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:30:54 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Monday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Ep. 19 - What Nostra Aetate says]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/ep-19-what-nostra-aetate-sayshttps://purplecatholic.com/p/ep-19-what-nostra-aetate-saysSun, 29 Mar 2026 10:30:52 GMT

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Matthew reads and discusses Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council declaration on the Church’s relationship to other non-Christian religions, and then explores the different processions for Passion Sunday.

UP North Catholic airs weekly on Northern Apostle Radio in Marquette, Michigan. Listen on 103.9FM or stream at ClavesRegniMinistries.com at 7pm every Saturday.

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Resources mentioned in this program:

Nostra Aetate

]]><![CDATA[Friday, 27 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/friday-27-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/friday-27-march-2026Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:30:45 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Friday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Thursday, 26 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/thursday-26-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/thursday-26-march-2026Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:32:22 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Thursday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Wednesday, 25 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/wednesday-25-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/wednesday-25-march-2026Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:31:40 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Wednesday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Tuesday, 24 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/tuesday-24-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/tuesday-24-march-2026Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:31 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Tuesday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Monday, 23 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/monday-23-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/monday-23-march-2026Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:30:44 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Monday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Ep. 18 - Movies and preaching (w/ Brandy Holt)]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/ep-18-movies-and-preaching-w-brandyhttps://purplecatholic.com/p/ep-18-movies-and-preaching-w-brandySun, 22 Mar 2026 10:31:02 GMT

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Pope Leo XIV urges world leaders to go to confession. Then Matthew talks to Brandy Holt about using movies to preach the Gospel after this year’s Oscars.

UP North Catholic airs weekly on Northern Apostle Radio in Marquette, Michigan. Listen on 103.9FM or stream at ClavesRegniMinistries.com at 7pm every Saturday.

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Resources mentioned in this program:

The Problem with ‘Sinners’ - Bishop Robert Barron in the Free Press 🔒

‘One Battle After Another’ Is Irredeemable - Liel Leibovitz in the Free Press 🔒

]]><![CDATA[Friday, 20 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/friday-20-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/friday-20-march-2026Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:31:14 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Friday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Thursday, 19 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/thursday-19-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/thursday-19-march-2026Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:31:08 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Thursday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Wednesday, 18 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/wednesday-18-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/wednesday-18-march-2026Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:31:30 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Wednesday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Tuesday, 17 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/tuesday-17-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/tuesday-17-march-2026Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:31:47 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Tuesday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Monday, 16 March 2026]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/monday-16-march-2026https://purplecatholic.com/p/monday-16-march-2026Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:30:43 GMT

Good morning. This is the news for Monday.

This newscast originally aired during the 8am hour of Morning Offering on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio.

Click here to listen live!

Listen to whole episodes of Morning Offering and subscribe on their Substack here:

Morning Offering
The Morning Offering program on Annunciation Radio and Ave Maria Radio is a lively and engaging show featuring Ron, Dave, and Pat (who joins at 8 AM).
By Billy Kangas

Listen to Ave Maria Radio News on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Audible.

]]><![CDATA[Ep. 17 - Our roles in the Church / ICYMI]]>https://purplecatholic.com/p/ep-17-our-roles-in-the-church-icymihttps://purplecatholic.com/p/ep-17-our-roles-in-the-church-icymiSun, 15 Mar 2026 10:30:47 GMT

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This week, Matthew comments on Ephesians 4 and we look back on news stories you may have missed.

UP North Catholic airs weekly on Northern Apostle Radio in Marquette, Michigan. Listen on 103.9FM or stream at ClavesRegniMinistries.com at 7pm every Saturday.

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Resources mentioned in this program:

St. John Chrysostom’s homily on Ephesians 4:4-16

SS.Q183.A2 - Whether there should be different duties or states in the Church? - St. Thomas Aquinas

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