SFTH-3 – A Grandmother’s Love, a Family’s Strength – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

Episode Three – A Grandmother’s Love, a Family’s Strength – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the often overlooked yet deeply influential role of his grandmothers in shaping his family’s legacy. He shares how his paternal grandmother, Cecilia Oland, immigrated from Lebanon and never fully learned English, communicating primarily in Arabic with her grandchildren. Despite this, she expressed deep affection for Msgr. Esseff, even using a humorous Arabic endearment, which he later discovered translated to “my little garlic fart.” This affectionate, if unconventional, nickname highlighted the depth of love that transcends language barriers. He also recalls how his maternal grandmother endured significant hardships, including a harrowing multi-year return to Lebanon during World War I, illustrating the resilience and strength of these women in holding their families together through cultural displacement and adversity.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the vital role of grandparents in family life, contrasting the rich, intergenerational bonds of his upbringing with the isolation often seen in modern nuclear families. He fondly recounts the close-knit dynamics of his family, where his grandmother’s nurturing presence extended beyond her immediate children to include her grandchildren, creating a deep sense of belonging and spiritual connection. This reflection leads him to appreciate the theological importance of grandparents in the broader context of family and faith, noting how this generational link provides a spiritual anchor that nourishes both personal and communal identity.

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Reflection Questions

1. How have the stories of your grandparents shaped your understanding of family and faith?
2. In what ways can you cultivate deeper relationships with older family members as sources of wisdom and tradition?
3. How might the resilience of immigrant ancestors inspire your own faith journey?
4. What small, affectionate memories have you inherited that remind you of the importance of family love?
5. How can you honor the spiritual legacy of your grandparents in your daily life?
6. What role do you believe grandparents play in building a strong family foundation?
7. How can reflecting on your family history deepen your appreciation for the Communion of Saints?
8. In what ways can you be a spiritual anchor for future generations in your family?
9. How might the experiences of past generations influence your understanding of sacrifice and perseverance?
10. What lessons from your family’s past can you apply to your present faith life?

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About the Series

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

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