Best Fr Rico Passero Podcasts (2025)

1
Season 5 Episode 151 - The Sacred Heart of Jesus Revisited 5:43

14h ago5:43

5:43

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we revisit the beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as we near the end of June. Father Rico reflects on the powerful truth that Jesus's heart beats with a deep, passionate love for each one of us—a love that never fades, no matter how often we fall. This isn't just a feel-good message—…

1
Season 5 Episode 150 - Psalm 55 9:06

1d ago9:06

9:06

Send us a text Today, we’re diving into Psalm 55—an incredibly raw and honest prayer that speaks to the pain of betrayal, fear, and heartbreak. Father Rico unpacks how this Psalm hits home for anyone who's ever been hurt by someone they trusted, especially by a close friend. But amidst the sorrow, the Psalm reminds us that we can bring every hurt t…

1
Season 5 Episode 149 - Psalm 51 10:41

2d ago10:41

10:41

Send us a text In today’s episode, we turn our hearts to the powerful words of Psalm 51—a prayer for cleansing, mercy, and a fresh start. Father Rico walks us through this heartfelt psalm, reminding us that God doesn’t just forgive in small doses, but pours out abundant mercy on those who come to Him with honesty and humility. Whether you're carryi…

1
Season 5 Episode 148 - Feast day of Nativity of St. John the Baptist 9:21

4d ago9:21

9:21

Send us a text Happy feast day, friends! Today on God’s Playbook, we’re celebrating the Nativity of St. John the Baptist — one of only three birthdays the Church marks in the liturgical year! We’ll reflect on why this day is so meaningful, especially for our French-Canadian listeners who know it as la fête de Saint-Jean-Baptiste. From the miracle o…

1
Season 5 Episode 147 - Special Guest: Fr. Michael Basque - The Joys of Priesthood 31:48

4d ago31:48

31:48

Send us a text In today’s episode, Father Michael Basque returns to share heartfelt reflections on the joys, challenges, and surprises of his priesthood over the past 35 years. From his first overwhelming assignment at St. Alfred’s Parish to serving rural communities and university campuses, Father Michael highlights the powerful relationships, une…

1
Season 5 Episode 146 - Corpus Christi - The Body and Blood of Christ 9:33

6d ago9:33

9:33

Send us a text Today is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi! In today’s episode, we reflect on the incredible gift of the Eucharist—Jesus’ true body, blood, soul, and divinity given to us in Holy Communion. This isn’t just a symbol; it’s God Himself, nourishing us with heavenly food for the journey of life. Join Father Rico as he explores how we can gr…

1
Season 5 Episode 145 - Special Guest: Fr. Michael Basque 37:38

7d ago37:38

37:38

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we welcome a special guest—Fr. Michael Basque, a diocesan priest from the Diocese of St. Catharines. Fr. Michael shares his inspiring journey to the priesthood, from his early days growing up in Oshawa to his time wrestling with faith, doubt, and discernment. Through personal stories and honest r…

1
Season 5 Episode 144 - Mercy not Sacrifice 6:18

7d ago6:18

6:18

Send us a text Welcome back to God’s Playbook! In today’s episode, we dive into the Gospel of Matthew and reflect on Jesus’ powerful words: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Why did Jesus choose someone like Matthew? And what does that teach us about God’s mercy and our call to be compassionate toward others? Join Fr. Rico as he unpacks what it real…

1
Season 5 Episode 143 - Thanking God for Work 6:39

8d ago6:39

6:39

Send us a text Today, we're reflecting on the gift of work—how God blesses us with the ability to earn a living, develop our talents, and care for ourselves and others. Whether you're employed, underemployed, or seeking meaningful work, this episode reminds us that our jobs are not just about income—they're opportunities to serve, grow, and give th…

1
Season 5 Episode 142 - Offering up our Suffering 10:13

9d ago10:13

10:13

Send us a text Welcome back to God’s Playbook. Today we reflect on one of Jesus’ most powerful prayers from the Cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Suffering is something we often try to avoid, yet Jesus invites us to embrace it, offering our pain as a gift of grace. In this episode, Fr. Rico explores how uniting our suff…

1
Season 5 Episode 141 - The Teacher vs Students 5:54

10d ago5:54

5:54

Send us a text In today’s episode, we step into the spiritual classroom to reflect on Christ as our one true Teacher and ourselves as His students. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, Fr. Rico explores the significance of allowing Jesus—not ourselves or others—to set the standard, offer instruction, and guide our growth in faith. With the imagery o…

1
Season 5 Episode 140 - The Common Good 8:52

12d ago8:52

8:52

Send us a text Today on God’s Playbook, we’re diving into the idea of the common good—a teaching at the heart of our Catholic faith. What does it mean to truly live for the good of all, not just ourselves? We'll look at how the Catechism breaks it down and how everyday actions—from driving safely to how we shop—can reflect God’s call to care for on…

1
Season 5 Episode 139 - The Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 8:23

13d ago8:23

8:23

Send us a text Happy Solemnity of the Holy Trinity! Today on God’s Playbook, we’re diving into one of the most beautiful and mysterious parts of our faith—how three persons are one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rather than unpacking the deep theology, Fr. Rico reflects on the practical ways we experience the Trinity in our daily lives and pray…

1
Season 5 Episode 138 - Moral Law 5:21

14d ago5:21

5:21

Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re diving into an important question: What is moral law? Moral law, or natural law, comes directly from God and always takes priority over human laws, no matter where we live. Whether it's topics like abortion, euthanasia, or capital punishment, God’s law guides us to protect life and uphold human dignity at ev…

1
Season 5 Episode 137 - Feast Day of St. Anthony of Padua 6:10

15d ago6:10

6:10

Send us a text Today on God’s Playbook, we’re celebrating the feast of one of the most beloved saints in the Church—St. Anthony of Padua! While many know him as the go-to saint when something’s lost (yes, even your car keys!), he was much more than that. A powerful preacher, a Franciscan priest, and a doctor of the Church, St. Anthony had a deep lo…

1
Season 5 Episode 136 - Precepts of the Church 7:39

16d ago7:39

7:39

Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re answering the question: What are the precepts of the Church? These five core teachings help guide us in how we’re meant to live as faithful Catholics—from attending Mass every Sunday to making time for confession, fasting, and supporting the Church. We’ll break down each one and see how they challenge and sh…

1
Season 5 Episode 135 - Anniversary Blessings 11:33

16d ago11:33

11:33

Send us a text Today is a special day on God’s Playbook—we’re celebrating Fr. Rico’s 14th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood! June 11, 2011, marked the beginning of a beautiful vocation rooted in service, love, and faith. In today’s episode, Fr. Rico reflects on the blessings of the priesthood, the gift of serving God’s people, and the joy…

1
Season 5 Episode 134 - Passing the Law 4:50

18d ago4:50

4:50

Send us a text Today’s episode takes us back to Mount Sinai as we hear God give Moses the Ten Commandments—rules not meant to restrict us, but to guide us. Just like a good coach gives a game plan for success, God gives us these commandments as a framework for holiness. They help us grow in our relationship with Him and with each other. Let’s revis…

1
Season 5 Episode 133 - Encountering God at Sinai 6:41

19d ago6:41

6:41

Send us a text In today’s episode, we journey with Moses to Mount Sinai, where thunder shook the mountain and fire revealed God’s powerful presence. The Church invites us to reflect on this awe-filled encounter and how it mirrors what happens at every Mass—where the priest, like Moses, stands as a bridge between God and His people. Whether it’s a g…

1
Season 5 Episode 132 - Happy Birthday- Pentecost Sunday 6:01

20d ago6:01

6:01

Send us a text Happy Birthday, Church! Today we celebrate Pentecost—the day the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and the apostles, and the day the Church was born. Just like the apostles in the upper room, we may feel fear or hesitation, but the Holy Spirit meets us there, ready to renew and send us out with joy and courage. So let’s celebrate with grati…

1
Season 5 Episode 131 - Holy Ground 5:52

21d ago5:52

5:52

Send us a text Today’s episode is all about sacred space—because when Moses met God in the burning bush, he was standing on holy ground… and so are we every time we walk into church. Just like Moses, we’re called to recognize the presence of God and respond with reverence and awe. Church isn’t just a place to gather—it’s God’s house, where heaven t…

1
Season 5 Episode 130 - For who has known the mind of the Lord 7:47

22d ago7:47

7:47

Send us a text Have you ever caught yourself thinking you know exactly what God should do next? In today’s episode, we’re diving into St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, where we’re reminded just how deep, rich, and beyond us God’s wisdom truly is. We explore what it means to trust in God’s bigger picture—even when we don’t fully understand it—and how…

1
Season 5 Episode 129 - What's Heaven worth to Ya 7:13

23d ago7:13

7:13

Send us a text Today, we're asking a big question—what’s heaven worth to ya? In the Gospel, Jesus uses powerful images to show us just how precious the kingdom of heaven really is—like treasure in a field or a pearl of great price. It’s not about giving up everything just for the sake of sacrifice, but recognizing that heaven is worth everything we…

1
Season 5 Episode 128 - Passing the Law 4:50

24d ago4:50

4:50

Send us a text Today, we’re diving into the Ten Commandments as we go through the book of Exodus. These aren’t just rules meant to restrict us—they’re God’s way of guiding us, shaping our hearts, and helping us stay on the right path. Think of them like a spiritual game plan, giving us clarity on how to live well with God and with others. So let’s …

1
Season 5 Episode 127 - The Focus of Our Prayer 4:36

25d ago4:36

4:36

Send us a text Today we're taking a closer look at something we often do without thinking—prayer. In the daily readings, Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer, and it's the perfect chance to reflect: Am I actually paying attention to what I’m saying when I pray? We're diving into how being truly present in our prayer—not just going through the motions—c…

1
Season 5 Episode 126 - Ascension: Canada vs USA 4:35

25d ago4:35

4:35

Send us a text Yesterday was the Feast of the Ascension, and today we’re talking about how it’s celebrated a bit differently in Canada and the U.S. While American Catholics go to Mass on Ascension Thursday, Canadian Catholics celebrate it on the following Sunday. It’s not about winning gold medals—just a difference in how our bishops guide us throu…

1
Season 5 Episode 125 - What do Religious Brothers do 7:04

27d ago7:04

7:04

Send us a text Following yesterday’s reflection on religious sisters, today’s episode of God’s Playbook focuses on the often unsung heroes of the Church—religious brothers. These men are not priests, but they dedicate their lives to prayer, community, and service through a vocation to religious life. Whether teaching, working in retreat ministries,…

1
Season 5 Episode 124 - What do Religious Sisters Do 7:24

28d ago7:24

7:24

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we delve into the distinctive and profound role of religious sisters within the Church. Building on our recent conversation about monasteries, convents, and cloisters, we now turn to the everyday mission and vocation of religious women. From founding schools and hospitals to teaching the faith, p…

1
Season 5 Episode 123 - What is a Convent 11:06

29d ago11:06

11:06

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico follows up on yesterday’s discussion of monasteries by exploring the rich meaning and purpose of a convent. Often associated with religious sisters or nuns, convents are sacred spaces where women live in community, united by a shared spirituality and a deep commitment to prayer, chari…

1
Season 5 Episode 122 - What is a Monastery 8:42

30d ago8:42

8:42

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico explores the meaning and purpose of a monastery—a sacred space where monks or nuns dedicate their lives to prayer, work, and community. Drawing from the example of Saint Bonaventure and others, we learn how monasteries are built to foster deep spiritual devotion while remaining largel…

1
Season 5 Episode 121 - What is a Diocese? 13:44

1M ago13:44

13:44

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we dive into the question: What is a diocese? We explore how the Catholic Church is structured around the world, with each acre of land falling under a specific diocese led by a bishop. Father Rico explains the vital role dioceses play in caring for the spiritual needs of both Catholics and the w…

1
Season 5 Episode 120 - Service with a Smile 6:36

1M ago6:36

6:36

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr Rico reflects on John 13:12–20 and the powerful moment when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. This act of humble service is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a model for how we are called to serve others with joy, not reluctance. Jesus reminds us that true leadership is rooted in humilit…

1
Season 5 Episode 119 - The Anima Christi Prayer 6:54

1M ago6:54

6:54

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico introduces us to a deeply moving and ancient prayer of the Church—the Anima Christi Prayer. Prayed after receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, this 14th-century prayer invites us to reflect on the presence of Christ within us—body, blood, soul, and divinity. Fr. Rico shares how this prayer …

1
Season 5 Episode 118 - Asking in the Name of Jesus 7:13

1M ago7:13

7:13

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we reflect on Jesus’ words in John 16:23-28, where he tells us, “If you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” But what does it really mean to ask in Jesus’ name? Father Rico helps us unpack this powerful promise, reminding us that prayer isn’t about getting everything we…

1
Season 5 Episode 117 - Appearing with Wounds 6:50

1M ago6:50

6:50

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we explore the powerful question: Why does the resurrected Jesus still bear his wounds? Reflecting on the encounter with Thomas and the eyewitnesses at the foot of the cross, Father Rico helps us understand how these wounds serve as Christ’s divine signature—proof of both his identity and his lov…

1
Season 5 Episode 116 - Serve One Another 8:47

1M ago8:47

8:47

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we reflect on the powerful moment in John 13 when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. More than just a symbolic gesture, this act reveals the heart of servant leadership and calls us to love in concrete, often humbling ways. Father Rico unpacks how Jesus' willingness to take on the role of a …

1
Season 5 Episode 115 - Why is the Old Testament Important? 8:31

1M ago8:31

8:31

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we tackle a question many Christians have asked: if it’s called the Old Testament, does it still matter? Father Rico shares how the Old Testament lays the foundation for our understanding of God’s saving work, long before the birth of Jesus. Through stories, laws, prophets, psalms, and promises, …

1
Season 5 Episode 114 - Why do we Crown Mary? 6:07

1M ago6:07

6:07

Send us a text Today’s episode explores the beautiful Catholic tradition of crowning the Blessed Virgin Mary. As we continue through the Easter season and the month of May—a month devoted to Mary—we reflect on how this act of crowning honours her as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Rooted in early Church tradition and tied to the fifth glorious mystery o…

1
Season 5 Episode 113 - What is the Immaculate Conception? 4:43

1M ago4:43

4:43

Send us a text As we continue our Easter journey in the month of May—a time especially dedicated to Our Blessed Mother—we take time today to explore the Church’s teaching on the Immaculate Conception. Many confuse it with the conception of Jesus, but it actually refers to Mary’s own conception in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne, where she was pr…

1
Season 5 Episode 112 - Mary - Mother of Good Counsel 6:51

1M ago6:51

6:51

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we continue our journey through the many titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary by focusing on Our Lady of Good Counsel. As the patroness of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, this title reminds us of Mary’s deep connection to the will of God and her desire to guide us in making wise, righteous de…

1
Season 5 Episode 111 - The Many Names of Mother Mary 6:02

1M ago6:02

6:02

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we explore the many beautiful names and titles given to the Blessed Virgin Mary. From Our Lady of Fatima to Our Lady of Guadalupe, each title reflects a unique way Mary has appeared to the faithful, drawing us closer to her Son through her powerful intercession. These names aren't separate identi…

1
Season 2 Episode 110- The Blessed Virgin Mary 10:09

1M ago10:09

10:09

Send us a text On this Saturday in the month of May, a time especially devoted to Our Blessed Mother, we reflect on the deep significance of Mary's virginity. In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we explore why the Church teaches that Mary remained ever-virgin and what that means for our understanding of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine.…

1
Season 5 Episode 109 - Mary Queen of Peace 4:39

1M ago4:39

4:39

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we continue our journey through the month of May by reflecting on Mary as the Queen of Peace. Inspired by Sunday’s Gospel—“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me”—we look to Mary as the perfect model of trust and calm in the face of life’s storms. Whether enduring …

1
Season 5 Episode 108 - La Pieta 7:03

1M ago7:03

7:03

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we reflect on the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother through the moving image of La Pietà—Michelangelo’s breathtaking sculpture of Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus. This image speaks to the sixth sorrow of Mary’s heart: the death of her Son. For anyone who has experienced grief, …

1
Season 5 Episode 107 - How do we Pray to Mama Mary 10:01

1M ago10:01

10:01

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we dive into one of the most common questions Catholics get asked: Why do we pray to Mary? As we enter the beautiful month of May, dedicated to our Blessed Mother, we take time to explain the difference between worship and intercession—and why Mary, chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus, holds …

1
Season 5 Episode 106 - Praying for Peace 5:44

2M ago5:44

5:44

Send us a text Today on God’s Playbook, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima and reflect on the timeless call of Mama Mary to pray for peace—peace in our hearts, our families, our nations, and our world. As we recall her powerful apparitions to the three shepherd children in Fatima, we’re reminded that this message remains as urgent today a…

1
Season 5 Episode 105 - the Peace of Jesus 9:36

2M ago9:36

9:36

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we reflect on the true peace that only Jesus can offer—a peace not as the world gives, but as only the Risen Christ can provide. Throughout the Easter season, Jesus greets his followers with “Peace be with you,” calming their fears and restoring their hearts. We, too, need that same peace in the …

1
Season 5 Episode 104 - The Joy of Motherhood 8:52

2M ago8:52

8:52

Send us a text In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we reflect on the beautiful vocation of motherhood as we prepare to celebrate Mother's Day. From biological moms to spiritual mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all women who lovingly nurture others, we honor their selfless sacrifices and deep love. We also turn to our Heavenly Mother, Mama M…

1
Season 5 Episode 103 - Labour Pains 9:15

2M ago9:15

9:15

Send us a text Welcome back to God’s Playbook! In today’s episode, we reflect on the powerful image Jesus uses in Scripture—a mother enduring labour pains for the joy of new life. As we approach Mother's Day, we explore the beauty of sacrificial love, not only in childbirth but in all the "labour pains" we experience in life. Whether you're carryin…

1
Season 5 Episode 102 - Habemus Papam - We Have a Pope 10:00

2M ago10:00

10:00

Send us a text Welcome back to God’s Playbook! In this historic episode, we joyfully celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor of Saint Peter. Born in Chicago and rooted in Augustinian spirituality, Cardinal Robert Prevost now takes up the mantle as our new Holy Father—chosen by God to lead the Church in humility, service, and lov…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Fr Rico Passero Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide