Morning Air

What's your favorite sacred Christmas song? Does it stir your soul and move you to love our Lord more? There's something about beauty that captures the heart in a powerful way.  John Morales spoke with the Very Rev. Fr. Joshua Caswell, pastor of St. John Cantius in Chicago, about the power of sacred Christmas music. Fr. Caswell highlighted how sacred music, especially during Christmas, elevates our souls and connects us deeply to the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Recalling St. Augustine's profound emotional response to church hymns, he emphasized how sacred music touches our hearts and aids in spiritual transformation. It's not just about intellectual faith, but a heartfelt experience, manifesting especially in sacred music's ability to reach out to everyone, including atheists and those estranged from the Church. St. John Cantius, renowned for its sacred music, art, and liturgies, stands as a channel of hope in Chicago, drawing people closer to God through beauty. Fr. Caswell shared fascinating stories, including one about Prince Vladimir’s emissaries, who were mesmerized by the divine atmosphere at Hagia Sophia, leading to Christianity's spread in Russia. Discussing the Church’s 2000-year-old tradition of sacred music, from Gregorian chants to classic carols, Fr. Caswell revealed how these traditions continue to convert and inspire people today. He also shared the enchanting experience of Christmas Mass at St. John Cantius, where music and liturgy blend to create a heavenly atmosphere, with an hour of carols leading up to Midnight Mass. Fr. Caswell’s favorite carol, “What Child is This,” beautifully captures the mystery of Christ’s birth and sacrifice. He also mentioned the annual festival of nine lessons and carols at St. John Cantius, a non-liturgical service combining scripture readings with choir performances, attracting a diverse audience and often leading to spiritual awakenings.

12/22/23 6am CT Hour - Fr. John Clote/ Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg Fr. John shares the power of the confessional to heal us both physically and spiritually. Bishop Mueggenborg reflects on the Sunday gospel for the 4th Sunday in Advent.

12/22/23 7am CT Hour - Mary Hallan Fiorito/ Fr. Joshua Caswell John and Sarah chatted about Christmas traditions and mass times. Mary shares a reflection on fatherhood based on St. Joseph and Christmas. Fr. Joshua shares why Sacred Christmas music can lead to conversion and touches the soul.

12/21/23 6am CT Hour - Dr. Jim Schroeder/ Bishop Donald Hying John, Sarah and Brooke Taylor chat about holiday travel, favorite Christmas movies and play What's That Sound? "The Sounds of Christmas". Dr. Schroeder explains the life lessons that he and his family learned while on an adventure in the Ohio River. Bishop Hying breaks down the midnight mass Nativity Proclamation and how i t reveals God's plan throughout history.

12/21/23 7am CT Hour - Kate Wicker/ Fr. James Kubicki John, Sarah and Brooke Taylor chat about favorite Christmas movies and play What's That Sound "Sounds of Christmas". Kate shares how many feel like Advent was a failure, but give yourself grace and finish strong with calls to loved ones or any small way you can grow closer to Christ. Fr. Kubicki explains what the symbols and words in the Nativity story reveal Jesus' kingship and mission.

12/20/23 6am CT Hour - Ashley Noronha/ Jeff Cavins John and Sarah chat about Trump being taken off the ballot in Colorado and favorite Christmas songs. Ashley reports on the Pope's Weekly General Audience, Pope's birthday, largest Christ\mas tree and Assisi creche. Jeff shares why taking a dive into scripture during Christmas will help you prepare for the holiday and the upcoming year.

12/20/23 7am CT Hour - Fr. Marcel Taillon/ Dave Durand John and Sarah chat about Trump not being allowed on Colorado ballot and favorite Christmas songs Fr. Marcel shares what each of the O Antiphons mean and why we pray them this last  week of Advent. Dave explains how each of our personalities has a tendency to lend into particular vice and virtues.

12/19/23 6am CT Hour - Mark Mastroianni/ Doug Hinderer John, Glen and Sarah chat about the O Antiphons, Texas border law, clarify what Pope Francis' blessing document is really all about and talk hard candy. Mark explains how far AI has come and here it is going when it comes to AI using predictive measures to program other software. Doug shares some tips on how to forgive your spouse and how looking at things for their perspective an be key.

12/19/23 7am CT Hour - Martha Fernandez-Sardina/ William Albrecht John, Glen and Sarah chat about O Antiphons, Texas bill to control the border, Pope Francis document on blessings and candy canes. Martha asks us to prepare for Christ who is coming spoon with some tips on how to prepare. William breaks down some of the many prophecies in the Bible and how Jesus fulfills each and every one.

12/18/23 6am CT Hour - Dr. Hector Marquez/ Bishop Brendan Cahill John and Sarah chat about getting ready for Christmas with only days left and the Relevant Radio Christmas party with engineer Matt Beardsley. Dr. Marquez shares what Advent/Christmas traditions Latino Catholics are celebrating and the history behind these wonderful traditions. Bishop Cahill shares why confession is considered a must this Christmas season and why it's not too late.