Saint In Progress
A Catholic show about how to be a saint. Your source for inspiration, information, and directions home to the Father's house. catholictreehouse.substack.com
Lepanto, Longo, and Our Lady of the Rosary — Saint in Progress Episode #72
This week Mike retells the story of the Battle of Lepanto, from where we get the Month of the Rosary as well as the Marian titles “Our Lady of the Rosary” and “Our Lady of Victory”. He also explores the life of St. Bartolo Longo and how he lost his faith in college, became a satanic priest, returned to the Church, and became a champion for the Rosary as well as a canonized saint.
Also this episode, an urgent message from Bishop Burbidge from Arlington, Virginia, asking Catholics to fast and pray the Rosary this month for the defe...
My will, Lord, not thine be done — Saint in Progress Episode #71
This week, Mike talks a little philosophy as a backdrop for how some “armchair theologians” are leading people to sin… and why it makes him cranky. It ends upbeat, though, with a simple reframe that can re-orient a wayward heart.
Resources
* Mike “Gomer” Gormley on the Catching Foxes podcast episode “Rethinking How We Apply the Church’s Teaching on Birth Control”
* Modesty isn’t about you - the Substack post that dared to present Church teaching
Our work on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to ma...
Five Things Necessary for a Successful Marriage — Saint in Progress Episode #70
This first regular episode back from the break, Mike briefly chats about on a few summer visits to shrines with saints’ relics before reflecting on five things necessary to have a successful marriage.
References:
* Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony
* Gaudium et spes, Paragraph 48
* Familiaris consortio, Paragraph 56
* Casti connubii, Paragraph 11
Our work on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the tr...
Devils Across the Aisle: A 9/11 Retrospective
Before returning to the normal Saint in Progress material next week, Mike takes a few minutes to talk about the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and reflect on where our hearts are today.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.
Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at c...
Planting the Seeds of Christendom — Saint in Progress Episode #68
In this last podcast before summer hiatus, Mike touches on a very important issue: the impending collapse of Christendom as the dominant force in our society. We’re on the brink right now. How do we reverse course? How do we re-claim our society, our neighborhoods, and even ourselves?
Show Notes & Extra Info
* Mike’s show notes for St. Gabriel Radio, AM820 in Columbus Ohio (available May 25, 2026)
* Tune in live: St. Gabriel Radio or listen later on the Café podcast page
* Are you loving your neighbor? Or are you their near occas...
Sharing the Beautiful: Hobo Evangelism Part 4 — Saint in Progress Episode #67
This episode wraps up the 4-part series on “hobo evangelism.”
Previous episodes (here, here, and here) covered the concept of and how to share the true and the good. Which begs the question: If you’re not in a beautiful church and you’re not walking the cobblestone streets of Italy… how are you going to share the beauty of the Catholic Church?
Spoiler: It’s not about art… it’s about you.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your genero...
Sharing the Good: Hobo Evangelism Part 3 — Saint in Progress Episode #66
People are drawn to the Catholic Church because of the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. After explaining the concept of “Hobo Evangelism” in Episode 64 and how to share the True in Episode 65, this week Mike talks about how we “hobos” on the road home to the Father’s House can share the Good. (He also finds a “God wink” moment with the episode number, the topic, and one of the greatest hockey players to ever play the game.)
Fair warning: This might be a challenging episode for some listeners, as tough self-reflective questions are asked.
Additional E...
Sharing the Truth: Hobo Evangelism Part 2 — Saint in Progress Episode #65
Last week, Mike talked about “Hobo Evangelism” and “Hobo Code” and how it relates to us helping out our fellow travelers on the road home to the Father’s house, in particular the new converts to the Church.
This week, Mike takes a look at how Hobo Evangelists should share the True, with upcoming episodes covering sharing the Good and the Beautiful.
Also a reminder that all subscribers get a free PDF download of an examination of conscience based on the virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude. After this episode… you’ll definitely...
Hobo Evangelism and the Explosion of Catholic Converts — Saint in Progress Episode #64
It’s springtime in the northern hemisphere, and with over 100,000 new converts to the Catholic Church this past Easter vigil, it’s also springtime in the Father’s vineyard.
In this episode Mike takes a look at what we need to do for these new Catholics by introducing the concept of “hobo evangelism.” What do hobos have in common with saints in progress? Listen and find out!
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in t...
At the intersection of Faith and Politics — Saint in Progress Episode #63
Trump said this… Pope Leo said that… Vice President Vance said…
If you’re looking for a hot take, this isn’t it.
There is zero discussion about AI generated images, what current politician or figure in the Church said what, or what anyone posted on social media.
Instead, Mike talks a little Thomas Jefferson, a little JFK, and quotes a whole lot of saints.
So if you’re wondering what’s the right road to take for saints in progress—as well as a look at how we got into this me...
Unapologetic Apologetics—Saint in Progress Episode #62
He is risen! Indeed, he is risen!
This week, Mike gets into the topic of apologetics, in particular when someone comes to you with an honest question… or an attack. He addresses how to handle the situation if:
* You are well-informed
* You aren’t well-informed
* You get the answer wrong
* Your response normally starts with, “Well, actually…”
Covering the importance of humility and docility to the Holy Spirit, he also includes tips on how to keep the conversation going, as well as the most important apologetic tool you can us...
To Jesus, through Our Sorrowful Mother— Saint in Progress Episode #61
Fully understanding the Passion of our Lord can be daunting, and we also run the risk of allowing it to become less-than-special. However, if we meditate on Our Sorrowful Mother, she will constantly invite us to understand the effects of our sins in a new and powerful light. In this episode, meditate on the image above while listening to a meditation by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer OFM.
The image above is by French painter, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, and can be downloaded in high-resolution from Wikimedia Commons.
The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows as given to St...
St. Patrick, awe, wonder, and hearing God’s voice — Saint in Progress Episode #60
This week, Mike goes on a purposeful ramble. Join him as he talks about:
* The Pearson Integrated Humanities Program at the University of Kansas
* St. Patrick
* Listening for God’s voice (and why most of us aren’t)
For fun, he even throws in a snippet from this comedy bit by Fr. Guido Sarducci. (Yes, Mike is that old.)
Note: Just after recording this episode, the power went out in the Treehouse. You’ll realize how appropriate that is after you listen to the episode.
Our work h...
Is Baptism necessary for salvation? — Saint in Progress Episode #59
A conversation over a lunch of cheese coneys turned to the topic of Baptism, and—believe it or not—Mike didn’t know that many mainline Protestant denominations teach that Baptism is not necessary for salvation.
By Divine Providence, Joe Heschmeyer’s recent Shameless Popery podcast provided some starting points for this episode’s discussion on the Sacrament of Baptism, who does the “work” of the sacraments, and the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
For Further Information
* Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery Episode #254 “No, Catholics Aren't Pharisees”
* On Baptism by Tertullian (Church...
Almsgiving, prayer, and St. Basil on the goodness of fasting (originally released 2/28/2025)
* Almsgiving: where to give, and where to avoid
* Prayer: lifetime devotions often start during Lent
* Fasting: St. Basil the Great returns to give us encouragement for the benefits of a good fast
Resources
The Lepanto Institute charity reports
Find out why Fr. John Riccardo says, “Please read this and give it to every married man you know!” Get your copy of Honor Thy Wife today!
Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe
Rend your hearts — Saint in Progress Episode #58
Fr. Anthony Gerber had a beautiful post on Substack entitled, “Why Your Kids Don’t Go to Confession,” and it is definitely worth the read.
Mike read it, read it again, then made the mistake of wading into the comments where someone with a rather anonymous account name said a few things that Mike found… rather offensive. Trying not to be like St. Jerome (a.k.a. “The Great Name Caller”) Mike restrained his reply, took some time to cool off, then recorded this episode.
He then put together an examination of conscience based on the Theologi...
Know when to call a professional — Saint in Progress Episode #57
A backed up drain leads to some thoughts about the American DIY mindset, and why it’s largely incompatible with growth in the spiritual life. Whether it’s plumbing or weighty spiritual topics, sometimes you need to call in an expert.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription.
<...Spiritual Winters and Bountiful Harvests — Saint in Progress Episode #56
Despite the unpredictable day-to-day nature of the weather, the cycle of the seasons has never stopped. Our spiritual lives go through seasons as well, and in this first episode of 2026, Mike discusses the nature of these spiritual seasons, and why it’s necessary—and good—when we have a spiritual winter, and why the harshest winters produce the most fruit-filled harvests.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver ou...
The big picture and little steps — Saint in Progress Episode #55
All frustrated because you can’t see the big picture and figure out the next steps in your life? In this final episode of 2025, Mike shares some advice his spiritual director gave him a long time ago that is valuable to everyone today.
A podcast of Mike’s radio appearance from this morning can be found at: https://stgabrielradio.com/cafe
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us...
Eyes of Wonder — Saint in Progress Episode #54
What do you do when you kid’s school emails and asks you be the substitute St. Nicholas? Well, what would Mary do? She would say “yes” and so did Mike.
This week, Mike’s experience playing the part of the beloved bishop of Myra has him reflecting on Matthew 18:1-6 and 19:13-14, and asking the question: “How can we enter the kingdom of heaven when we have doubts about the very thing that is the source and summit of our faith?”
* Mike recommends: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
...Embrace the Wait
This time of year as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord, a common Advent theme is one of waiting. This week Mike avoids talking about the Israelites waiting for the messiah, and instead looks at the growing impatience that we all suffer, and why we need to embrace waiting.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Supp...
Re-homing our hearts — Saint in Progress Episode #52
Are you feeling overwhelmed by being always busy, and still feeling like you’re not working hard enough? You’re not alone. You’re living a broken work ethic that dates back to the mid 1500’s. (Gee, what happened around then?)
This week Mike takes a look at:
* The work ethic that the Puritans brought over that drives America today
* The modern secular always-at-work mindset
* The concept of “re-homing”
* Rerum Novarum, an encyclical by Pope Leo XIII
* Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
* The one thing we...
Freeing the Soul in the Stone — Saint in Progress Episode #51
A postcard of Michelangelo’s Pietà and a discussion of sacred art is the jumping off point for this week’s episode. Listen in as he covers:
* Michelangelo’s unfinished “The Prisoners”
* A profound quote from Michelangelo
* The Martyrs of Constantinople (circa 730 AD)
* Exodus, Deuteronomy, the Ten Commandments, and “graven images”
* How God works as the Divine Sculptor
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the tr...
“Mater Populi Fidelis,” Magisterial correction, and understanding Mary’s role in saving souls — Saint in Progress Episode #50
Many devout Catholics who have a strong Marian devotion are up in arms about the latest document Mater Populi Fidelis (“The Mother of the Faithful People of God”) which they claim is de-throning the Mother of God by saying that we are not to use the title “Co-Redemptrix.”
Many Protestants who see Marian devotion as “Mary worship” see the document as the Catholic Church finally realizing the truth and changing its teaching.
In this episode, Mike uses Mater Populi Fidelis to look a litter closer at the nature of Magisterial teachings: what they are and a few of the...
Everything you need to know about Purgatory, an Allhallowtide special episode — Saint in Progress Episode #49
Mike has a devotion to praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, so in this “deep dive” episode, he covers it all:
* What’s a triduum?
* When did the Christian practice of celebrating saints begin?
* Did All Saints’ Day begin with a pagan festival called Samhain?
* How to respond when someone says, “You can’t find the word Purgatory in the Bible! Purgatory is a thing made up by the Catholic Church just to sell indulgences!”
* The scriptural basis that proves Purgatory… that also disproves the “rapture.”
* What are the two kin...
Are you the carpenter of your own cross? — Saint in Progress Episode #48
Following up from last week’s episode about crosses in the spiritual life, this week Mike takes a deeper look at quote from St. Philip Neri and gives you some ways to determine if a cross you’re carrying might be a cross of your own construction.
A challenging episode that’s not to be missed!
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousan...
Rough roads and crosses of the spiritual life — Saint in Progress Episode #47
The spiritual life can be a hot mess sometimes. Maybe it’s just distractions, maybe it’s a period of discouragement, maybe it’s something deeper and more difficult. This week Mike takes a look at:
* Temptations to take a shortcut (or abandon the journey)
* Spiritual desolation and consolation and St. Ignatius of Loyola
* The dark night of the soul and St. John of the Cross
* The three ages of the interior life
* What to do when you’re on a patch of “rough road” in the spiritual life
Episode...
16 Candles and the bitter fruit of the Enlightenment — Saint in Progress Episode #46
A story from the trenches of parenthood was the inspiration for this week’s episode, where Mike talks about:
* Re-watching the John Hughes 1984 classic 16 Candles (but only the first half hour)
* The rise of Christendom… and the influence of the Enlightenment in its decline
* The inversion of vice and virtue
* How our moral compasses are “programmed”
* How to begin to re-program your moral compass this Advent
Other Resources
* Calibrating your compass — Saint In Progress Episode 7
* For a deeper look at how the Enlightenment (and other...
Paradise is not made for slackers — Saint in Progress Episode #45
Last week’s episode* inspired a listener to email about the lack of natural family planning (NFP) education, which is a small part of the bigger picture: are you ready to say “yes” to God in the work he’s calling you to do?
This week Mike talks about:
* Feasts and saints of the week
* The listener’s email
* Trusting God’s grace
* Get up, go out, go do
Pray your Rosary!
*Last week in Episode 44, Mike talked about the Catholics who disagree with the Catholic Chu...
Obstacles to truth — Saint in Progress Episode #44
The truth is out there.
And we all have a desire to know it.
But how do we find it?
Understanding the truth and accepting the truth depends on how we receive information, how we process it, and how we form our conclusions. Unfortunately, in our fallen state we are our own worst enemy when it comes to being open to accepting the truth when it’s presented to us. Our tendency to defend our pre-existing beliefs can seriously hurt us on our journey home to the Father’s house.
And when...
Echo Chambers & Battlefields — Saint in Progress Episode #43
Using the ongoing story of Charlie Kirk as a starting point, Mike takes a look at:
* How we get our news (and what the heck is “yellow journalism” anyway?)
* How we react to our news, especially online
* The Epistle of James 3:5-10
* The dangers of uncharitable speech, especially online
He wraps it up with a lengthy list of sins of the tongue, pulled from several different examinations of conscience. (Spoiler alert: you’ll finish the episode probably feeling the urge to go to confession.)
Our work here o...
You know neither the day nor the hour — Saint in Progress Episode #42
It’s been a heavy few weeks of bad news. So with no way to not talk about it, in this fast-paced episode, Mike dives in and covers:
* Matthew 24-25
* Where did the “rapture” theory of the end times come from? Is it valid?
* The role of politics in our lives
* Our role in politics
* St. Peter Claver
* Slavery
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights...
Saint in Progress Episode #41 — When evil people do evil things
The news cycle has moved on from the tragedy in Minneapolis’ Church of the Annunciation, but we shouldn’t be so quick to do the same. This week’s podcast takes a look at what this incident tells us about the bigger picture in the war between good and evil. There are several important lessons that we can learn from this tragedy once we step away from hot takes.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on...
Maps and tour guides (revisited) — Saint In Progress, Episode 40
GELATO FIXES EVERYTHING.
Back in Episode 8 of this podcast, Mike talked about the importance of having an accurate map and a knowledgable tour guide on our trip back home to the Father’s house. The truths of that episode were made painfully clear as Mike recounts a few stories from his family’s pilgrimage to Italy in July.
Though not mentioned in this episode, Mike and his family found an amazing tour guide if you’re traveling to Venice. His name is Leo, and he is a native Venetian who knows and loves his city. You ca...
Solemnity of the Assumption Novena, Day 9 — Saint In Progress, Episode 39
Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on i...
Solemnity of the Assumption Novena, Day 8 — Saint In Progress, Episode 38
Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the...
Solemnity of the Assumption Novena, Day 7 — Saint In Progress, Episode 37
Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the...
Solemnity of the Assumption Novena, Day 6 — Saint In Progress, Episode 36
Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the...
Solemnity of the Assumption Novena, Day 5 — Saint In Progress, Episode 35
Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the...
Solemnity of the Assumption Novena, Day 4 — Saint In Progress, Episode 34
Over a century ago, Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, a Franciscan priest, put together a series of novenas for Marian feasts. They are both catechetical and spiritually moving. Take a few minutes to listen and pray along with the podcast in preparation for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary where we ponder her blessed death, bodily assumption, and glorious crowning as Queen of Heaven.
Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the...
