Fr. Larry Richards: Loving Like Christ: The Path to Encouragement

Encouragement Conquers All

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of loving others unconditionally, and feeling like it's impossible to make a difference, then you are not alone!

About the guest, Fr. Larry Richards:

A gifted and captivating speaker, preacher, retreat master, and author, Fr. Larry Richards holds the answer to some of life’s most profound questions. He speaks from experience as a pastor of an inner city parish, a high school chaplain, a counselor, and an evangelist. Fr. Larry Richards has directed hundreds of retreats, parish missions, and conferences for young and old alike. His inspirational talks, presentations, and books, always authentic and enthusiastic, have changed the hearts, minds, and lives of millions of listeners, and readers worldwide. Fr. Larry was instrumental in Justin Fatica’s conversion and has been a long-time mentor and friend to Justin.

Father Larry Richards was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After high school, he attended the college seminary at Gannon University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Health in 1983. Father Larry Richards continued his studies at the major seminary at St. Vincent in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and received his Master of Divinity degree in 1987.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1989 for the Diocese of Erie, Fr. Larry Richards serves as pastor of St. Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community in Erie. He is also the Founder of the DME (Divine Mercy Encounter) Retreat Program for the Diocese of Erie.

In this episode, Justin and Fr. Larry Richards discuss how to:

• Learn the importance of unconditional love and its impact on personal growth and relationships.
• Embrace the value of focusing on others, not ourselves, as a pathway to experiencing true love.
• Explore encouragement as a powerful form of love that nurtures and uplifts those around you.
• Embody love and encouragement to create a positive impact and deepen your connections with others.

Key Takeaways:

• Uncovering the Transformative Power of Suffering

The discussion with Fr. Larry Richards highlights that suffering can teach us empathy and love. Instead of focusing on one's personal discomfort, suffering can be redirected towards others, leading to growth and redemptive outcomes.

• Shifting Focus to Others, Not Ourselves

The importance of caring for others more than ourselves forms the crux of Fr. Larry Richards' message. From a Christian perspective, this is likened to the selflessness Jesus displayed on the cross.

“The purpose of all this is that, since God is love, we’ve got to be the incarnation of love to the world, that we’ve got to be His Presence.”

-Fr. Larry Richards

Connect with Fr. Larry Richards:

Website: https://www.thereasonforourhope.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwPHxMWSU0k3oTJ_1raglQ

X (Twitter):

https://twitter.com/FrLarryRichards?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Connect with Justin Fatica:

Email: [e-mail]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinFatica

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinFatica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinfatica/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustinFatica

Justin’s Books:

Hard As Nails: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Nails-Mission-Awaken-Youth/dp/0385527179/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1696950768&sr=8-5

You're Amazing: https://amazingnation.shop/collections/books/products/youre-amazing-a-message-of-hope-that-will-change-your-life-forever

Win It All: https://amazingnation.shop/collections/books/products/win-it-all-the-way-to-heaven-for-catholic-teens

40-Day Prayer Workout: https://amazingnation.shop/collections/books/products/prayer-workout-devotional-book-40-days-of-biblical-reflections

Children's Book: https://amazingnation.shop/collections/books/products/youre-amazing-childrens-book

Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.