Chris Stefanick Catholic Show

Grief can destroy everything—your marriage, your faith, your identity. But what if God can use the worst thing that ever happened to you to build something beautiful? In this powerful episode, Chris sits down with Mark Tripodi, who lost his 3-year-old son Bobby to bacterial meningitis 25 years ago. Mark shares the raw, real story of how that tragedy shattered his life—and how an encounter with God at his son's grave at midnight changed everything. Mark and his wife Christy went from "checking the box" Catholics to founding Cornerstone of Hope, a grief support ministry that has served over 60,000 people. In this conversation, Mark shares the roadmap through grief, why the sacraments sustained him, and what God whispered to him in his darkest moment. If you're walking through grief, loving someone who is, or wondering how God could allow suffering—this conversation is for you. Check out Mark's ministry Cornerstone of Hope: www.cornerstoneofhope.org Highlights:0:00 Intro2:47 The sudden loss of their 3-year-old son8:59 Walking out of the hospital empty-handed12:30 When everything shattered16:45 The night at the cemetery23:10 “My Son died too.”25:40 Do not waste this pain28:00 Starting Cornerstone of Hope33:20 Why faith is essential in grief36:30 Feeling his son’s presence at Mass39:00 God is not safe. God is trust.44:30 A message to anyone grieving ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the RISE study series that features Mark Tripodi's story: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages

On the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Jesus reminds us: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” He was speaking of his Body—and by baptism, you are joined to that Body. That means the Church is a living temple right now: the Church Triumphant (in heaven), the Church Suffering (in purgatory), and the Church Militant (us!). As a member of the Body of Christ, you are consecrated for holiness. And you've got some work to do! Namely, building up the kingdom of God on earth in your everyday life. And you know who did that really well? The saints! In this on-the-road reflection, I'm joined by Fr. Jonathan Meyer, a priest in Bright, Indiana where I recently hosted a REBOOT event, to talk about making the invisible visible—icons, sacramentals, and relics—and how surrounding yourself with the saints can inspire you in your personal pursuit of holiness. Fr. Meyer shows us his incredible saintly relic collection (including St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, St. John Paul II, St. Padre Pio, St. Mother Teresa, and even a reliquary with the Twelve Apostles and fragments of the True Cross!). We also peek at his St. John Vianney–inspired bedroom setup (epic!) that reminds him how he is supposed to live when he wakes up in the morning. And we visit Ars Café, the parish's no-distraction coffee shop space to actually listen and build real relationships. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro with Fr. Meyer & the Feast of St. John Lateran 0:46 – “Destroy this temple…” What Jesus meant 0:49 – Church Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant (Lightning round!) 1:45 – Why Catholics use tangible reminders (icons, sacramentals) 2:35 – Fr. Meyer's relics collection 6:15 – St. John Vianney’s room… in Indiana?! 8:07 – You are consecrated for holiness 8:45 – “Go to Mass” (yes, even the license plate!) 9:01 – Ars Café: listen, slow down, evangelize through friendship Together—saints and fellow sinners—we are all part of the living temple of the Church! Heaven is closer than you think. The saints are praying for you. And Jesus is building his temple in you. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. How does seeing the Church as the Body of Christ—rather than just a building—change the way you think about your faith life? 2. What helps you keep your heart fixed on heaven in the middle of ordinary life? 3. What visible signs in your home or parish help you remember that you belong to something eternal? 4. Where is God calling you to “build the Church” in your daily life—home, work, friendships, community? 5. What could you change in your environment—music, images, schedule—to draw your heart closer to God? ----- Sign up for the Daily Anchor for free daily reflections from Chris Stefanick in your inbox: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ----- Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://moj.reallifecatholic.com ----- Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to Poland and Prague: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/12693/