Ep58 What's Your Story? w/ Fr. Angelus Montgomery, CFR

“Return home and recount what God has done for you.”
~ Luke 8:39

Where has the Lord been most clearly present in the story of your life?
Is my story really worth telling?
What good would it do to share my story with someone else?
 
In this heartfelt and enriching episode of "This Whole Life," hosts Kenna and Pat Millea engage in a profound conversation with Fr. Angelus Montgomery, the vocations director for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. In the framework of "telling your story," they delve into themes of personal brokenness, healing, and the unique callings that reveal aspects of Jesus. Fr. Angelus shares his "second conversion" and the transformation it sparked, and he highlights the role of vulnerability, storytelling, and the Christian call to love others as Jesus did. Together, they explore how great storytelling in literature mirrors The Story, the beauty of being chosen by God, and the significance of stepping back to see life's bigger picture. Join them for a heartening dialogue - your story is worth it.

Fr. Angelus Montgomery, CFR, a Nebraska native, is a priest with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, currently serving as the community’s Vocation Director at Joseph Friary in Harlem, New York. Along with his duties in helping young men in their discernment, he is involved with the Community’s outreach to the poor and vulnerable, and also is co-host of the Poco a Poco Podcast, produced by the CFR’s. Fr. Angelus’s heart is filled with gratitude to God for the gift of being a Franciscan priest and spiritual Father.

Episode 58 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:33: Getting into story telling & story work
22:11: Walking with others & Father's second conversion
34:51: Finding healing through telling my story
41:46: The power of saying it out loud
57:19: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. When have you shared your story with someone else? How did they receive it?
3. How has telling your story helped you receive healing and the love of God?
4. What is difficult about telling your story? What is difficult about receiving the story of someone else?
5. What is your reaction to the statement that we don't have to "fix" poverty, homelessness, etc.; we just have the love the person in front of us?

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Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.