How a modern-day shepherd found God on his Irish family farm

On this week’s episode of “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley interview
bestselling Irish author John Connell on how embracing the farm
life preserved by his family for generations brought him closer to
God and greater inner peace. John’s new book, The Lambing Season,
explores the rhythms and realities of raising livestock, as well as
the profound spiritual guidance John gleaned from a simple flock of
sheep.  Zac, Ashley and John discuss:  - How John’s
spiritual awakening on a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain led
to his transformation from journalist and world traveler to
shepherd on his family’s farm  - John’s discovery of the
spiritual and therapeutic power of lambing season in Ireland - The
contrast and balance between rural and urban life, and the need for
citydwellers to “make appointments with nature” In Signs of the
Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral
in Paris after a fire in 2019, Pope Francis’ latest consistory that
created 21 new cardinals on Saturday, Dec. 7, and how the Loyola
Chicago Ramblers recovered after (seemingly) snubbing their very
own Sister Jean from a celebratory fist bump after their win
against Eastern Michigan.  Links for further reading: 
The Lambing Season: Stories of Life on an Irish Family Farm The Cow
Book: A Story of Life on an Irish Family Farm Pomp and presidents
at the reopening of Notre Dame in Paris Podcast: Pope Francis
creates 21 cardinals, calls for an end to U.S. death penalty Read:
Pope Francis’ homily and message to new cardinals A busy weekend
for Pope Francis: The Immaculate Conception, a consistory and
prayers for death row inmates in the United States You can follow
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