Father Fessio in Five

Father Fessio in Five

Join Father Fessio every Friday for his profound insights on a wide variety of interesting subjects and be inspired by the thoughts of a great Jesuit. These episodes provide a rare glimpse into the mind of our beloved founder and are an easy and meaningful way to deepen your spiritual and intellectual life!

Episodes

May 1, 2026 5 mins

Fr. Fessio explains how a single woman was the origin of the Corpus Christi Feast and the famous prayer and hymn Tantum Ergo.

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The Easter sequence was recently sung at the Easter liturgies, but what are these “sequences” and what happened to the rest of them? In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains. . . .

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Fr. Fessio explains the development of the modern-day responsorial psalm from the psalms, gradual, and Schola Cantorum.

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One of the common responses in the liturgy is “Deo Gratias.” And in this episode, Fr. Fessio reveals the lesser-known meaning of this phrase.

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Did you know that there is a three-year cycle to the readings and that the first reading is always connected to the Gospel? In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains why.

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March 27, 2026 8 mins

Fr. Fessio provides a detailed explanation of the development of the ambo and the Liturgy of the Word.

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Today, Fr. Fessio begins his discussion of the Liturgy of the Word by outlining the development of the Liturgy of the Word. He explains how this part of the Mass has its roots in Jewish ceremonies and then how it developed over time from the earlier part of the Church until now.

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The collect has not only changed since Vatican II, but it has changed throughout the history of the Church. In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains what the development of the Collect from the very beginning of the Church.

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March 6, 2026 5 mins

Fr. Fessio explains the opening "Collect" prayer and how it has changed over the years.

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Fr. Fessio reveals the dynamic movement that takes place in the second half of the Gloria that we sing at Mass.

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February 20, 2026 6 mins

Fr. Fessio explains the historical and Scriptural origin and meaning of the Gloria.

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February 13, 2026 6 mins

Fr. Fessio explains the only Greek phrase we say at Mass.

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February 6, 2026 6 mins

In this episode, Fr. Fessio discusses the forgiveness we receive at every Mass.

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Fr. Fessio explains the lesser known connection between the Mass and the Divine Office or the Liturgy of the Hours, which traditionally lead to the Mass being celebrated at a specific time.

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January 23, 2026 6 mins

Fr. Fessio explains the Confiteor at the beginning of the Mass.

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Since Vatican II, the use of Latin in Mass has radically decline. . . . But in this episode, Fr. Fessio reviews what Vatican II said about using Latin at Mass.

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In the not-so-distant past, the Church began saying “and with your spirit” instead of “and with you.” In this episode Fr. Fessio explains these opening words of the Mass.

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January 2, 2026 5 mins

Have you ever reflected on why we begin the Mass with the sign of the Cross? Fr. Fessio explains the deep significance behind this often overlooked opening.

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December 26, 2025 3 mins

Father Fessio begins to unpack the beginning of the Mass by reflecting the priest’s first action in the Mass—he kisses the altar.

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Ever wonder what is the significance of the priest’s vestments? In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains what these vestments are and symbolism behind them.

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