I am not Catholic but I just read and watched the entire process, congratulations Mother Natalia and Mother Petra...it was so beautiful when they were wearing the whole armour of God (I was crying) so beautiful yet so bare and vulnerable... congratulations again

My relationship with my wife has been stormy since we got married. It was great before the wedding, afterwards, not so much. Anyways I was a real piece of work today. My wife cried and I got mad and stormed off. And the Lord brought to me the verse about husbands loving your wife and it cut me to the heart. It's been 8 years and I still haven't learned how to love like the Saviour. Mother forgive me. I'd write this anywhere else but I can't.

Beautiful Mother Natalia. I was so inspired and touched by your interview on Pints with Aquinas. I am a wife and mother of 9. My vocation is marriage however, still drawn to the religious life. I gave my wedding gown to a local Carmelite convent when I learned that the young ladies wear them on the day of profession. I thought to myself, "they stand in my stead... And in a way... I renew my vows to Christ each time it is worn..." My call to sanctity is through the primordial means of marriage. And I humbly ask for prayers for myself and all mothers striving for holiness. Much love. Ceci

I'm coming up to 39 weeks with my first-born (4th pregnancy) and this touched me in a way I didn't expect it to 😭 how good it is to be a part of the body of Christ where we can all bear our crosses in our different states of life for the glory of God 🙏🙏🙏 thank you to Mother Natalia for her total self gift and thank you Matt Fradd for sharing this, may God bless you and your wife and family abundantly!

You got me on your story about your confession. I'm a husband too. I needed to hear that. Thanks.

Beautiful! Also, I remember my husband (then fiancé) telling me on several occasions that he would die for me and I solemnly said “that’s great, I believe you would… but will you live for me? Will you man up when things are hard and I’m not as rosey, perfect, or appealing as I once was? Can you live for the Lord and sacrifice for your family? Dying for me is easy and noble but living and loving through all the little things is harder…” But there is nobility in that as well and we talked at length about it. Years later, it’s safe to say that our marriage hasn’t looked quite the way either of us imagined (starting with the wedding itself which wasn’t this lovely day full of family and friends and flowers or a long white dress and veil) that doesn’t make it wrong. We firmly believe not only in the contract we made with one another and God, but we believe that God chose us for one another. We both fail at times but we’ve also lifted each other up and held on tight when life was at its worst. I’ve confessed when I know I’ve been slack in my duties as wife and mother and when I’ve wrestled with the world’s view of the home vs God’s or even His plan for our lives. But I’m learning to find joy in the daily sacrifices of housework and child rearing and striving to do more not only for my husband but for God. Mindfully. Prayerfully. Like you said, at the center of every sacrament is the cross. It’s not always easy and I don’t think it’s meant to be. How else would we offer up our suffering and unite it with Christ’s? There is often beauty hidden within the struggle and sometimes we may not see it until we’re on the the side but this is a beautiful reminder that every day is an opportunity to love your spouse the way Christ loves the Church… sacrificially and unconditionally. Rather than thinking about how my husband can love me more, I should be focused on how I can love him more… how can I help him, pray for him, encourage him? How can I be Jesus to him? How can I love my family more in the daily “mundane”? Because the day to day is what makes up the bulk of our lives. It’s what we offer up to God, what we and our children will look back and remember. Anyway, thank you for the reminder and for sharing bits of Mother Natalia’s beautiful ceremony! My husband and his family are Byzantine and I find it all so beautiful! God bless you and your family! Praying for healing and comfort for your wife and the entire household. 🙏🏼❤️

I am so incredibly touched by this and also greatful that Mother Natalia was OK with you sharing this with us all. What a priviledge. It is such an intimate thing that it almost feels inappropriate to watch; but that is the gift of women religious to the body of Christ. Their marriage to the Lord signifies in such a deep, profound way the intimacy that we will all experience with Him in eternity. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all.

Wow! I'm a Catholic from India, married with 4 kids. As a family we've attended several diaconal and presbyteral ordinations. I attended my sister's final profession when she joined the convent. But I've never witnessed something like this. Too beautiful. Plus your sharing....just too awesome. The beauty of the Church, the gifts, etc. immeasurable.

they cut a piece of our hair off when we get baptised into the Orthodox church (im sure its the same in the eastern catholic church). I asked why this was and was told that if we should become saints the church would have relics of us. I dont know is this is the only reason. But its encouraging. Also, the church teaches (i think the west teaches this too) that marriage is a type of martyrdom. You/we are dying to ourselves all the time to our spouse and to our children. I always remember this when things start to go "bad". And it really helps set me straight, or at least soften up.

I went to an Eastern orthodox liturgy some years back and a lovely black clad man guided us through the very looooong service. Right near the actual end he came over pointed us to the correct part of the English translation and with a smile whispered 'Don't worry, the end is nigh' 🙂 and by the way this was a deeply episode - the monastic commitment and your sharing at the end. God bless you.

I was raised and still am Byzantine Catholic. My mother and I watched the live feed of the professions. I cried. And cried again seeing this clip! It was so beautiful. And yes, Byzantine liturgies are NOT short lol!

This was very emotional to watch! I like your commentary on your marriage as well. I get married in January so I want to keep those words in mind

I so love your enthusiasm for your faith. I am a widow. I have a picture somewhere of my husband, working a night shift, on break, with his head on the desk, resting. He died on the way to work, with parts for our youngest son's car in the trunk, so he could go spend hours in the shop afterwards. Agape.

God bless Mother Natalia! The beauty of our Byzantine Devine Liturgy always makes my heart flutter. Glory forever, indeed. Slava Isusu Christu! Slava Na V'iki!

Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable Matt!

Thanks for this, Matt. I relate SO MUCH to your sentiments on the struggles of my selfishness in marriage. I find we have a lot in common on that front.

the three times with the scissors reminds of Christ making Peter say Yes I love You 3 times.

Thank you Matt for sharing this beautiful ceremony!!! ❤️

Such a beautiful analogy on married life... We need this reminder daily. Thank you for sharing ❤️

As a Slovak, though Romam Catholic it is wonderful to see Vladyka Milan Lach, from Slovakia. I am greatful to have served once at the archijerej divine liturgy. It was magnificent. God bless.

All of this podcast was so easy to love. By this secular humanist, even. Your best work, and probably in no small measure due to the always radiant, never cloying Mother Natalia. She's a good influence on you, Matt.

Beautiful offering to God! Thank you to now MOTHER Natalia and thank you Matt for sharing this tremendous moment with all of us.

Amazing! Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience. Congratulations Mother Natalia! Mnohaya Blahaya lita! I also love the Byzantine Catholic church and the Divine liturgy. My family and I went to the church near us, St. Michael's, for fourteen years now.

This was so beautiful! The profession and your reflections- thank you!

I converted to Orthodoxy from Lutheranism. I went over to the Eparchy channel to watch the whole thing because I have never seen a life profession. I assume the service is pretty much the same as Orthodox, as is Divine Liturgy. Very beautiful! Mother Natalia is about the age of my daughter so thinking of her as Mother now will be an adjustment!

Matt - To you and your whole team: Thank you so much for your work and sincerity! I am Catholic and learn so much intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. God bless you! Greetings from a Croatian from Switzerland 😊

Been thinking a lot about this with my wife and marriage. Thank you for the reminder.

This is now the third time I've come back to watch this video. It's just so moving. Please have Mother Natalia back on the pod! 🙏🏻🙌🏻

Thank you so much for this Matt. I follow Mother Natalia's work because of your show

I'm so happy for her! I became acquainted with her and several sisters/Mothers at one of the TOB courses and being originally from Cleveland, I knew of their order through mutual friends. They are such beautiful souls and I hope to make a retreat there myself at the monastery someday soon, being a bride of Christ myself. So happy you got to witness this amazing event Matt!

Matt, my wife has been seriously ill for over 10 years with a debilitating neurological condition. So, I feel you, brother.

Just by hearing Matt's voice, I automatically responded "Glory Forever" in an Australian accent 😂

She's so small! I didn't expect that 😁 I will pray for mother Natalia!

Very emotional! God bless Mother Natalia!

Hey Matt! Thanks so much for this update on Mother Natalia! I loved her ( and you) in the interview you did with her. Huge fan, now, of you both! I would also like to say that I prefer your " pansy" look to the beard. Very handsome, and not a pansy at all!! 😀 God bless you, your family and Mother Natalia!!! 🙏

Matt thank you for sharing this beautiful video and thank you for sharing your amazing message about the Sacrament of marriage! Myself being married for 24 years is grateful for having a brother in Christ remind me of my duty and promise to my wife, which shamefully is too often forgotten! God bless you!

This is so heartwarming.

Amen. - Recently married and expecting our first child. Starting to see a glimpse of what taking up my daily cross means as well.

Such a beautiful ceremony. God bless you Matt, your wife, family and Mother Natalia.

Ugly crying, watching this beautiful little bit of Mother Natalia's life profession. God bless you Matt and family, and God bless Mother Natalia.

This is wonderful!!!!!

Thank you so much Matt , God bless you and your family bro 🙏

Thankyou so much for sharing!

Glory forever! God bless you & your family!

Thank you for sharing!! I knew Mother Natalia in college back when she was Victoria :) She was fun and spunky then and it looks like she has added marital joy with Christ to the mix and it suits her!!

I recently warched your interviews with Sr Natalia and am late to the party. Now she's a Mother! Such beautiful person. She reflects God's light and strengthens my faith. Looking forward to watching your interviews with Mother Natalia.

I don’t have time to watch now but I will. Sister Natalia on your show was one of the best interviews you’ve had. Top 3.

Thanks this is just an amazing process. Also thanks for opening up, so many of us husband's are in the same boat while our wives know we would die for them what they really need today is for us to take out the trash, help when she asks with with cooking or cleaning, doing that thing on the honey do list that has been there for weeks and put down the phone or the remote control and listen to them...

I cant wait to watch this!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!

A few months ago, I've served (as part of schola) during a life profession of a consecrated virgin, in the old latin rite, in Poland. The whole celebration was also 3,5 h long (2 h for the consecration and 1,5 h for the mass). There was no hair cutting but I see many similarities :D That was beautiful. Thank you Matt for sharing part of this ceremony and your emotions connected to it. God bless Mother Natalia and you, and Cameron!

Beautiful life profession! God bless Mother Natalia! 🙏🏽

Amen that was so great what you said about husband and wife. Praise God!!! From australia 🇦🇺

Thank you 💗🙏🏻

If there was a byzantine church local I would run to it. The western world is in great need of the beauty and tradition the catholic church has, unfortunately some most catholic churches are so dull and plain and worldly.

Your daughter did a fabulous job! You are truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. AMDG

thanks Matt and for your honesty God bless

Peace be with you Matt. GOD bless Mr. Natalia. GOD willing your wife gets better. GOD bless.

This is so beautiful.

thanks Matt so much for sharing the life profession service and also for your thoughts/comments of marriage. ❤

Thank you for this video and beautiful ceremony. Sorry your wife is sick, a caretaker is one of hardest jobs, I will pray for her !

Fantastic insights.

I really enjoyed your interview with then Sr. Natalia :) Thank you very much for sharing this and especially what the priest said about at the heart of every Sacrament is the cross. Powerful words because they are true. I will pray for your wife and for you. Sickness is a special cross, no one wants to volunteer to carry it but when we take everything one step at a time with Christ it can be turned as an instrument for good. May God bless you and your family.

Thanks for reminding us about going through difficult times in marriage.

Beautiful 🤩 ♥️ Glory to God🙏🏻

I loved this 🥺

Profound! GOD bless you always, all of you in the family. GOD Bless Mo. Natalya!

Glory forever! 🙏❤

Thank you for sharing. What a gift. 🤍

Your daughter did a great job👌 beautiful ceremony

Mother Natalia's faith is so powerful and beautiful. What a joyous day.

Beautiful...Glory to God forever!! 😇❤

Well said, Sir. Thank u. Wichita, KS

Glory forever.

So Beautiful, my daughter's name is also Chiara, she is 3 months old. Named after santa Chiara, saint Claire. My father name was Frans(cis) devouted to Francis of Assisi. God bless Greetings Julia from the Netherlands

I'm a Maronite Catholic. I have been told it's similar to the Byzantine Rite. Regular Sunday Mass is an hour and a half and all my Roman rite friends and family roll their eyes when I suggest them come to my Mass. 😂

Off topic, but I just want to say: That bookshelf is beautiful!

Wow what a beautiful moment yet so emotional 🙏 may God shower her with His blessings 🙏

May God bless & keep them both!

God bless you. Greatings from Slovenia Viva Cristo Rey

Best advice I heard on marriage.

Loved the Sister Natalia vid, I still need to watch the 1st one. Also love the beer mug on your vids. I want one because it looks cool, but I still don't know enough about Aquinas. I do know that he drew upon Iamblichus, whose english name looks like lamb..., and who was contemporanious with St. Agnes and Constantine, and who (Iamblichus) wrote on the Word, as John, though the english translation is different

I'll have you know, I had a Chiropractor appointment scheduled a week in advance! The profession was beautiful and I can't say much else or I'll start crying and I have to work.

Living. Living for her. Being sad when your wife isn’t well is real suffering. Be free to live abundantly

What a very raw and honest reflection on marriage. I shared this with Cameron in one of her live chats on her channel, but I think she misunderstood. I'm not sure if it's Croatian or Polish culture, maybe both, but I've heard that at the wedding mass, the couple exchanges crucifixes (perhaps in addition to rings); as they are each other's cross throughout life, a shared purpose to help the other to heaven. Maybe someone more familiar with the practice can comment, clarify, or confirm that. Illness in marriage is hard, for both parties, but I do feel guilty as the ill spouse. May God bless you both with graces to get through it. It's in the hard moments that our own Fiat is sometimes hard to muster up.

Beautiful!!!

Glory forever Thank you Matt.I will pray for your darling wife.

Blessed Be God Forever. We need more Holy brides of Christ. 🙏

A humble, holy soul she is.

Wow her hair is lovely!

I teared up watching this. I’m Roman Catholic so I’ve never seen something like this before, it’s beautiful!

Keep up the good work.

The scissors remind me of Peter’s redemption, lord tho knowest thy love thee x3

WOW.... That was beautiful.

I would love to hear you interview Terry Schappert about the Knights of Malta.

Oh no, I missed it. Hopefully it was filmed & you will post later, please?

Beautiful 🙏

I'm a Big fan of Mother Natalia. Congrats to her 🙏

At the heart of every Sacrament is cross. O Dear Mother of God that deeply touched... Deo gratias ⚘

I am surprised that the people sit in pews, which is not the normal case for Eastern liturgies. And: great video, and wonderful witness for marriage (I am married as well). My wife is an Orthdox Christian and not practicing her faith at all. She never understood my marriage cpmpromise until I told her: it's not just "once and for all", it's not just any sacrament and that we Catholics are stricter than you Orthodox - it's about willing to get crucified for your spouse if necessary. THIS is what I solemnly promised. Then it clicked. I still suck as a husband :-)

I can’t believe I missed Matt in my city… funnily enough I took a motorcycle ride down to Steubenville on Sunday afternoon.. hah! What are the odds. Congratulations to those two. What an amazing ceremony.