Ever wondered whether the Bible actually supports asking saints to pray for us? In this presentation, Dr. Karlo Broussard opens Revelation and steps into the throne room, where twenty‑four elders present golden bowls of incense—“the prayers of the saints”—to the Lamb. From that scene he builds a clear case that heaven’s citizens intercede for believers on earth, not as rivals to Christ, but as members of his Body participating in his one, saving mediation.

He then takes on the hardest objections head‑on. Does “one mediator” in 1 Timothy 2:5 rule out all secondary intercessors? Not if you accept asking a friend to pray for you. The same principle carries across the veil, because death does not sever us from Christ’s love (Romans 8). Are the dead unaware, as Ecclesiastes 9 claims? That’s the Old Covenant horizon before the beatific vision. In the New Covenant, the blessed are “spirits of the righteous made perfect” (Hebrews 12), and Revelation 5:8 presumes their awareness of petitions on earth. What about Deuteronomy 18’s ban? Scripture condemns necromancy—occult consultation of spirits for control and secret knowledge—while Christian invocation asks fellow members of the Mystical Body to pray to God. And on the language of “praying to” saints, we clarify the older sense of prayer as making a request, distinct from the adoration due to God alone.

If this conversation helps you, share it with a friend and subscribe for more Catholic content.

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

Keynote presentation from Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, from the 2025 Discipleship Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Dave was ordained to the priesthood in 1996.

From 2012-2019, Father Dave served as the director of Franciscan Pathways, an evangelistic outreach of his Franciscan, TOR, community.  In that role, in association with 4PM Media, he hosted and produced The Wild Goose video series on developing a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, a documentary on St. Francis of Assisi titled Sign of Contradiction, and Metanoia, a 2019 video series on conversion. He hosted and produced Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls (2020) with Dr. John Bergsma. He also hosted and produced the 10th Hour Productions documentary series My father’s Father, released in 2024.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, was elected president of Franciscan University of Steubenville by a unanimous decision of the Board of Trustees on May 21, 2019.

The first Franciscan University alumnus to assume the school’s top pastoral leadership role, he graduated with his BA in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv and MA in theology from the Washington Theological Union in 1996, writing his MA thesis on the indissolubility of Christian marriage. He earned a doctorate in education from the Graduate Theological Foundation in 2005, with a doctoral project focused on Catholic education in a post-modern world. He also earned an executive juris doctorate from Concord University School of Law of Purdue University Global in 2011. 

At Franciscan University, Father Dave held a number of pastoral, leadership, and administrative positions from 1996-2008. He also served on the faculty as an adjunct professor of theology (1996-1998) and as vice president for Mission and Planning (2003-2005), serving on the President’s Cabinet, leading a team of faculty, staff, and students in strategic plan development, and building mission awareness on and off campus. In addition, Father Dave served as director of Household Support (1996-1998), assistant to the president under Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, (1998-1999), director of Youth Outreach Conferences (1999-2003), and director of the Study Abroad Program in Austria (2005-2008).

From 2008-2012, Father Dave directed Post-Novitiate Formation for the Franciscans, TOR, in Washington, D.C., forming student friars in their spiritual, educational, and psychological development.

Father Dave preaches at approximately 50 events annually, including retreats, workshops, pilgrimages, parish missions, and Franciscan University’s youth and adult conferences.

He has written eight books, including his newest, Joyful Sons and Daughters, Embracing The Father’s Love, hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN, and cohosts the popular podcast, They That Hope.

Since 2008, he has served on the board of Renewal Ministries; since 2020, on the board of Damascus Catholic Mission Campus; and since 2016, as the spiritual advisor to Walking With Purpose. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees for Saint Francis University (2000-2012) and a past board member for the National Service Committee.

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

A bold claim sits at the center of this talk from Dr. Karlo Broussard: the beauty of the Catholic faith is that it’s anchored in truth and life—and Christ made that anchoring visible and dependable. We start where every good story does, with a loss. Original holiness and justice once gave humanity clear minds and hearts at peace with God. Sin fractured both. From that wound flows confusion about truth and distance from grace. Scripture then becomes a rescue map: covenants, prophets, and promises that point toward a full restoration.

Enter Jesus not merely as teacher, but as Truth and Life in person. He forms the apostles, promises the Spirit, and sends them to teach all nations. Then he does something startlingly concrete: he names Simon “Rock,” promises to build his Church on that rock, hands him the keys, and links heaven to his binding and loosing. This isn’t wordplay; it’s architecture. A wise builder puts a house on rock so storms can’t topple it. By locating Peter at the foundation, Jesus signals how doctrine and grace remain secure when winds of error hit. Paul’s line that the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth deepens the logic—what the Church holds up cannot be steadier than the foundation beneath it. And if the Church will not be overcome by the “gates of Hades,” neither will its foundation.

But what about now? If an essential feature of the Church must endure as long as the Church exists, Peter’s ministry must endure through successors. The early witness to Peter’s martyrdom in Rome and the continuity of the Roman bishopric reveal how the Petrine office carries forward: the papacy serves the unity and stability Christ promised. Luke 22 adds a pastoral charge: while Satan sifts all, Jesus prays specifically for Peter so he can strengthen his brothers. The implication for us is practical and hopeful—stay close to Peter to stay steady in truth and alive in grace.

************

Karlo Broussard, DPhil., a native of Southern Louisiana, left a promising musical career to devote himself full-time to the work of Catholic apologetics. As a staff apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers, and a member of the chancery evangelization team at the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, he travels the country and the diocese giving talks on apologetics, biblical studies, theology, and philosophy. Karlo is a regular guest on Catholic Answers Live and frequent contributor to Catholic Answers Magazine Online.

Karlo holds a doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical University St. Patrick’s in Maynooth, Ireland, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology from Catholic Distance University and the Augustine Institute, and a master’s in philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary.

A dynamic and gifted Catholic speaker and author, Karlo is known for communicating with precision of thought, a genuine love for God, and an enthusiasm that inspires.

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

A parent’s cry opens the door to a deeper question: how do you keep loving when your child walks away from the faith you built your life around? We trace that ache to its roots and then move, step by step, toward hope that holds under real pressure—hope shaped by prayer, honest boundaries, and a resilient kind of hospitality we call “preparing the table.”

Roxane shares her story as a mother, writer, and advocate, drawing strength from Saint Monica, Elizabeth Leseur, and the wisdom of Dr. David Anders. We unpack why estrangement is accelerating—pandemic fallout, ideological capture, and a social media economy that rewards grievance—and how families can respond without surrendering truth. Instead of chasing one more debate, we practice presence: making home a sanctuary where joy, beauty, and quiet fidelity speak louder than arguments. We talk about setting clear boundaries with toxic dynamics, inverting conflict with love, and collecting “breadcrumbs” of grace that signal an unseen return path forming beneath the surface.

Along the way, we contrast foundational hope with fragile quick fixes, and we remember that waiting is not passive—it’s work backed by heaven. From thanking God in advance to small acts of mercy that steady a household, we explore ways to keep doors open and hearts soft. If you’ve ever felt “zero for five” and still dared to light the porch lamp, this conversation is a companion for the long road back. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a review with the one breadcrumb of hope you’re watching for right now.

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

Keynote presentation from Heather Khym from the 2025 Discipleship Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

Presentation from Hilary Draftz at the 2024 Discipleship Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City on Aug. 10, 2024. 

Hilary Draftz became a full-time FOCUS missionary in 2005 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies and English Literature from the University of Colorado in Boulder. She has served FOCUS on various levels of campus and regional leadership and as director of Quality, Growth, & Innovation. Hilary is currently serving as director of the West Area, leading a team of 6 regional directors who work directly with over 200 missionaries on over 40 college campuses from California to North Dakota. She earned a Master of Arts in Theology from the Augustine Institute in 2021. 

Learn more about the Oklahoma City Discipleship Conference at OKDisciple.org.

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

"Community" session from the 2024 Discipleship Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

Keynote presentation from André Regnier from the 2024 Discipleship Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

Keynote from Dr. Edward Sri from the 2024 Discipleship Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

Breakout presentation by Father Ernesto María Caro at the 2024 Discipleship Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

Patrick Raglow, director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, spoke on love of neighbor at the 2023 Discipleship Conference in Oklahoma City. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

Jim Beckman spoke on prayer during one breakout session of the 2023 Discipleship Conference in Oklahoma City on August 19, 2023.

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

This talk is one of the breakout sessions that took place during the 2022 Catechetical Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. To learn more about the Blessed Stanley Rother Institute, visit archokc.org/institute. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

This talk is one of the breakout sessions that took place during the 2022 Catechetical Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. To learn more about the Blessed Stanley Rother Institute, visit archokc.org/institute. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

This talk is one of the breakout sessions that took place during the 2022 Catechetical Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. To learn more about the Blessed Stanley Rother Institute, visit archokc.org/institute. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

This talk is one of the breakout sessions that took place during the 2022 Catechetical Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. To learn more about the Blessed Stanley Rother Institute, visit archokc.org/institute. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

This talk is one of the breakout sessions that took place during the 2022 Catechetical Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. To learn more about the Blessed Stanley Rother Institute, visit archokc.org/institute. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

This talk is one of the breakout sessions that took place during the 2022 Catechetical Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. To learn more about the Blessed Stanley Rother Institute, visit archokc.org/institute. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."

This talk is one of the breakout sessions that took place during the 2022 Catechetical Conference for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. To learn more about the Blessed Stanley Rother Institute, visit archokc.org/institute. 

************

Learn more about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City online at archokc.org, and follow us on social media by searching "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City."