Podcast Summary: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast — "Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 1"

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of the "Novena for the Papal Conclave," released on April 30, 2025, Fr. Mike Schmitz, hosted by Ascension, invites listeners to join a collective prayer journey aimed at guiding the College of Cardinals in their crucial task of electing the next pope. This episode sets the tone for the nine-day novena, blending faith, devotional practice, and reflections pertinent to the Catholic community during a significant ecclesiastical event.

Setting the Stage for the Novena

Fr. Mike begins the episode by outlining the purpose and structure of the novena. He emphasizes the importance of unity in prayer, not just among the faithful but across the global Church, during the conclave—a period marked by anticipation and spiritual significance.

"For the next nine days, we are going to be praying a novena for the College of Cardinals, for the Holy Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals in the election and selection of the next Holy Father, next pope." (00:00)

This invitation underscores the communal aspect of Catholic prayer, highlighting that the entire Church is called to intercede for divine guidance in selecting a new pope.

Scriptural Foundation: Gospel Reflection

Central to the episode is a reflective reading from the Gospel of John, chapter 17, verse 21. Fr. Mike reads:

"Jesus said, My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of it. Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. For their sake, I sanctify myself that they too may be sanctified by my truth." (00:00)

This passage serves as a theological anchor for the novena, emphasizing the protection and sanctification of the Church's leaders through divine truth. Fr. Mike explicates the scripture's relevance, linking it to the current conclave and the spiritual safeguarding needed during the election process.

Invocation of the Holy Spirit

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a heartfelt prayer invoking the Holy Spirit's guidance over the College of Cardinals. Fr. Mike's prayer seeks wisdom, courage, hope, and charity for the cardinals, urging them to attentively listen and discern God's will.

"Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope and charity. We pray that the cardinals may listen attentively to you and ask you to grant them the faith to discern your holy will." (00:00)

This invocation highlights the belief in the Holy Spirit's active role in leadership and decision-making within the Church, reflecting Catholic teachings on divine guidance.

Petition for a Faithful Shepherd

Fr. Mike beseeches Heavenly Father to protect and guide the Church during the conclave, praying for a pope who will lead with profound faith and hope. He envisions a shepherd who will nurture the Church's faithfulness and draw it closer to God.

"Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great love, a pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your church ever closer to you." (00:00)

This petition reflects the community's aspiration for spiritual leadership that aligns with divine will, ensuring continuity in the Church's mission and growth.

Unity with the Universal Church

Fr. Mike emphasizes praying in union with the entire Church, reinforcing the concept of the "communion of saints." He acknowledges the collective intercession of Mary and all saints in reinforcing the prayers for the conclave.

"We pray in Jesus' name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the saints. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit, and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth." (00:00)

This segment underscores the interconnectedness of all believers, living and departed, in seeking God's will and favor upon the conclave's proceedings.

Conclusion of the Novena Prayer

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the Trinitarian invocation, encapsulating the prayer's essence within the holy names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

"In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." (00:00)

This final benediction serves as a spiritual seal on the prayers offered, reiterating the foundational Christian belief in the Trinity as the source of guidance and sanctification.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz weaves theological insights with practical prayers, providing listeners not only with the means to participate in the novena but also with a deeper understanding of its significance. He touches upon themes such as:

• Divine Guidance in Leadership: Emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit's intervention in selecting a leader who embodies the Church's values and mission.

• Community and Solidarity: Highlighting the role of the global Catholic community in interceding together, reinforcing the sense of unity and shared purpose.

• Scriptural Anchoring: Utilizing scripture to ground the prayers in the teachings of Jesus, ensuring that the novena remains rooted in biblical truth.

By integrating these elements, Fr. Mike ensures that the episode is both a devotional guide and an enlightening discourse on the spiritual dimensions of the papal conclave.

Conclusion

"Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 1" serves as a profound invitation to Catholics worldwide to engage in a collective spiritual endeavor during a pivotal time for the Church. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully combines prayer, scripture, and theological reflection to create an engaging and meaningful experience for his audience. For those unable to listen, this summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, conveying its purpose and the heartfelt intentions behind the novena.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Invitation to the Novena:
  "For the next nine days, we are going to be praying a novena for the College of Cardinals..." (00:00)

• Scriptural Reading:
  "Jesus said, My prayer is not that you take them out of the world..." (00:00)

• Invocation to the Holy Spirit:
  "Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the cardinals through the conclave..." (00:00)

• Petition for the Church's Guidance:
  "Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your church during this conclave." (00:00)

• Call for Unity and Intercession:
  "We pray in Jesus' name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the saints." (00:00)

• Final Benediction:
  "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." (00:00)

This comprehensive summary captures the key elements, discussions, and spiritual insights of the "Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 1" episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for both regular listeners and those new to Fr. Mike Schmitz's devotional guidance.