20 episodes

You're listening to Holy Rebels, where ancient wisdom meets modern spirituality to help you connect with your soul so you can become who you were born to be.
Each week, we take a fresh look at the wisdom of the mystics—You’ll discover luminaries such as Mary Magdalene, Francis of Assisi and Teresa of Avila, and find inspiration in the practical spirituality of trailblazers like Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. Along the way, we journey to the world’s sacred sites (think Chartres Cathedral, the Isle of Iona, and the Camino de Santiago), and unearth the secrets of cultural treasures like the Book of Kells and the Song of Songs.
Your host Nina Hirlaender is a Franciscan Sister, expert on mystical theology, and founder of Dancing Spirit Tours. If you feel curious about life’s most profound questions, this vibrant audio tapestry will leave you spellbound. Join our global community of listeners in 50+ countries and find out why Holy Rebels has become an irresistible sensation!
www.HolyRebelsPodcast.com

Holy Rebels Nina Hirlaender OFS

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 5.0 • 21 Ratings

You're listening to Holy Rebels, where ancient wisdom meets modern spirituality to help you connect with your soul so you can become who you were born to be.
Each week, we take a fresh look at the wisdom of the mystics—You’ll discover luminaries such as Mary Magdalene, Francis of Assisi and Teresa of Avila, and find inspiration in the practical spirituality of trailblazers like Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. Along the way, we journey to the world’s sacred sites (think Chartres Cathedral, the Isle of Iona, and the Camino de Santiago), and unearth the secrets of cultural treasures like the Book of Kells and the Song of Songs.
Your host Nina Hirlaender is a Franciscan Sister, expert on mystical theology, and founder of Dancing Spirit Tours. If you feel curious about life’s most profound questions, this vibrant audio tapestry will leave you spellbound. Join our global community of listeners in 50+ countries and find out why Holy Rebels has become an irresistible sensation!
www.HolyRebelsPodcast.com

    Spiritual Desolation: 3 Reasons You Feel Distant From God

    Spiritual Desolation: 3 Reasons You Feel Distant From God

    What should you do when you feel distant from God? In this episode, we dive deep into the concepts of Spiritual Desolation and the Discernment of Spirits as taught by Ignatius of Loyola.  We explore the three main reasons why desolation might be showing up in your life: neglecting your spiritual life, learning to love the Divine for its own sake, and being reminded of your ultimate dependence on God. We also discuss how to prevent, endure, and conquer Spiritual Desolation, and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in every situation. 
    Key Takeaways:
    * Ignatius of Loyola: Explore the revolutionary insights of Ignatius, whose spiritual exercises have profoundly impacted the way we understand our inner lives.
    * Spiritual Desolation: Delve into the nature of Spiritual Desolation, understanding its reasons and how it serves as a catalyst for profound spiritual growth.
    * Discernment of Spirits: Unpack guidelines for Spiritual Desolation from Discernment of Spirits that Ignatius proposed for recognizing and acting upon the movements within one's soul.
    * Practical Application: Learn about actionable, practical strategies derived from the 500-year-old wisdom of Ignatius for facing fears and making wise, clear decisions.
    Whether you're wrestling with Spiritual Desolation or simply seeking to deepen your relationship with yourself and the divine, this episode offers valuable insights and practical guidance rooted in the age-old wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola. Join us as we explore how to trust the mystic within and find peace amidst the fog of uncertainty.
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    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com
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    • 32 min
    Discernment of Spirits: The Wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola

    Discernment of Spirits: The Wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola

    The mystical teachings of Ignatius of Loyola guide us through the complexities of our spiritual journey. Applying the principles of Discernment of Spirits will help you navigate the highs and lows of your spiritual life.


    Discover the essence of Spiritual Consolation—those moments when you feel an unshakable connection to your deeper self and the divine, bringing clarity and joy to your spiritual journey. Contrastingly, we'll tackle the challenging phases of Spiritual Desolation  in a future episode. This is where feelings of isolation and confusion might overwhelm, yet also serve as critical periods for growth and introspection. 


    This episode isn’t merely theoretical; it's crafted to be your experiential guide towards recognizing these spiritual states in yourself. We'll explore ways to stay grounded during spiritual desolation and how to genuinely connect with your inner wisdom amidst life's chaos. Expect practical insights into: 


    Identifying moments of Spiritual Consolation and what they mean for your personal growth. Strategies to find God and peace within even when life feels challenging. The reality behind "manifesting your dreams" and discerning genuine spiritual desires.Differentiating between mere emotional highs and profound spiritual experiences. How to stay calm, regardless of your external circumstances. An introduction to The Examen, St. Ignatius' powerful practice for daily reflection and discernment

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    Rate, Review & Follow

    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please rate and review my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to practise their spirituality and nurture their inner wisdom. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a review.” Nina reads every single review and it always brings a smile to her face.
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    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com
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    • 30 min
    Do you dream of walking the Camino?

    Do you dream of walking the Camino?

    If you've ever felt called to walk the Camino, this is for you! Imagine packing your bags and taking a break to connect with yourself on a deeply personal level.. The Camino offers a unique opportunity to do so. This mini-episode is your invitation to a potentially life-changing adventure.

    Sign up for The Camino Experience Live Class. This 90-minute PACKED info session will give you everything you want to know about what it takes to walk the Camino. 


    🚀 what to pack
    🚀 how to train physically
    🚀 best and worst gear—shoes, backpack, clothing
    🚀 hidden gems on the trail
    🚀 what to expect spiritually—get a reading list to jump start your experience!
    🚀 Q&A—bring aaaalllllll your questions

    Absolutely free! Sign up at WWW.THECAMINOEXPERIENCE.LIVE


    Support the show

    Rate, Review & Follow

    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please rate and review my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to practise their spirituality and nurture their inner wisdom. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a review.” Nina reads every single review and it always brings a smile to her face.
    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com
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    • 2 min
    The Cosmic Christ and Teilhard de Chardin: Shaping the Future of Spirituality

    The Cosmic Christ and Teilhard de Chardin: Shaping the Future of Spirituality

    In this deeply enriching episode, we explore the concepts of the Cosmic Christ, Teilhard de Chardin, and the Mystical Body of Christ, guiding listeners through a transcendent yet practical understanding of how these ideas can inspire and impact our daily lives.


    Cosmic Christ: Discover how the Cosmic Christ concept offers a unique perspective on spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries, inviting us into a deeper, more inclusive relationship with the divine and the universe.

    Teilhard de Chardin: Delve into the life and groundbreaking ideas of Teilhard de Chardin, a visionary Jesuit priest, scientist, and philosopher whose thoughts on evolution, technology, and spirituality were far ahead of his time. Learn how his vision of ongoing evolution and human's role in it connects with today's debates on ecology, climate change, and the rapid development of AI.

    Mystical Body of Christ: Understand how the Mystical Body of Christ invites us to realize our interconnectedness with all beings and the divine, encouraging us toward unity, compassion, and the collective endeavor of building a more loving and harmonious world.

    Additionally, we announce our exciting, free live online class, The Camino Experience, which ties into these themes by teaching the spiritual meaning of The Camino and offering practical tools for navigating life's challenges with wisdom and grace.

    SAVE YOUR SPOT 👉  THE CAMINO EXPERIENCE LIVE ONLINE CLASS
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    Rate, Review & Follow

    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please rate and review my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to practise their spirituality and nurture their inner wisdom. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a review.” Nina reads every single review and it always brings a smile to her face.
    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com
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    • 41 min
    Rising Above Adversity: The Eighth Beatitude

    Rising Above Adversity: The Eighth Beatitude

    There's extraordinary power in sacrifice— the enduring light of hope that can emerge from the depths of darkness. In today's episode, we explore the heroic life of Maximilian Kolbe. A man who, in the face of indescribable evil, chose to embody the purest act of love—laying down his life for another.

    We will journey through his inspiring story, reflecting on what it means to truly live for others and how, even in the darkest times, the human spirit can shine with an unquenchable light.

    This episode invites us to ponder deeply on our own beliefs, the nature of sacrifice, and the enduring strength of love over despair. Join us as we grapple with these eternal questions, inspired by the legacy of a saint who showed us that, indeed, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”

    👉 WALK THE CAMINO get your free Trip Guide here 
    Support the show

    Rate, Review & Follow

    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please rate and review my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to practise their spirituality and nurture their inner wisdom. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a review.” Nina reads every single review and it always brings a smile to her face.
    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com
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    • 39 min
    Finding Peace in a Polarized World: The Seventh Beatitude

    Finding Peace in a Polarized World: The Seventh Beatitude

    How can the pursuit of peace become not just a noble idea, but a radical act of courage? In this episode, we dive into the heart of peacemaking, inspired by the beautiful paradox of the seventh beatitude: 

    "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."

    Explore what it truly means to make peace — not just to avoid conflict, but to actively create harmony in every sphere of our lives. We take you on a journey from the bystander’s chair to the frontline of reconciliation, with powerful insights from one of the most impactful voices of the modern peacemaking movement, Martin Luther King Jr
    This episode invites you not only to "believe in peace", but to actively pursue it. This might just be what we need to take that monumental step toward peace — and in doing so, perhaps find that we are the ones most profoundly transformed.



    Support the show

    Rate, Review & Follow

    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please rate and review my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to practise their spirituality and nurture their inner wisdom. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a review.” Nina reads every single review and it always brings a smile to her face.
    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com
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    • 29 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
21 Ratings

21 Ratings

StephanieDSA ,

Beatitudes

What a beautiful perspective and application of the Beatitudes! A true guide to peaceful living that Nina translates into a practical and spiritual connection.
I’ve noticed that after listening to Nina’s podcasts, and also studying her course on St Francis…. that ( challenging) journey to self love has become so clear. It is in loving others…the heart connection to spiritual unity. Nina has such a kind and intelligent manner and true generosity of Spirit.

81Morey ,

Speaking from the Heart!

Thanks for the blessing! Moreland

Idpots ,

Thank you

I’ve listened to a few of the podcasts now, and the way you addressed God and the pronoun issue caused me to write this review. I’m 73 and have been around the block with Christianity, Eastern traditions, New Age, & Goddess spirituality. I spent a fair amount of time with the mystics in the 90’s as I tried to find a way I could raise my son within a Christian tradition. It worked for a while, but ultimately it became too cumbersome constantly changing pronouns & other words to reflect my connection to the divine. Words matter.

You are providing me with a way to honor my roots and bring agency to my readings and understandings. I look forward to traveling the mystic path with you and others.

Oh, and I also appreciate your acknowledgement of the psychological lens as congruent with mysticism.

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