This past Easter Sunday, my father called to wish me a happy Easter. It was such a gift to hear his voice and to catch up with him. I remember thinking throughout the phone call how happy he sounded. And even though my father is the most optimistic, joyful person I know, there was something so deeply rich in his voice. Something different. It wasn’t until the end of our conversation that I found out why.
A Life-Giving Conversation
Before saying goodbye, my father told me that he was watching a series about the Holy Spirit on Formed with Father Dave Pivonka called The Wild Goose. Hearing the name made me smile. Father Dave was stationed at Franciscan University’s campus in Austria when I studied abroad during college. He is a priest who, through his witness of faith and love of God, makes you want to run to Christ and give your life completely to Him. My father ended the conversation with, “Claire, the series is changing my life, you should really watch it.”
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
That evening my husband Mike made an account with Formed and we began watching The Wild Goose. My life truly has not been the same since. I’ve been raised Catholic, went to a Catholic college, and studied theology there. Yet I have never been touched so deeply by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The joy and peace that I experienced watching each episode in the series was healing and profound.
You are a Light to this World
Matthew 6:22 proclaims that, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.”
Sisters, what we choose to watch, what we choose to look at, what we choose to fill our minds, souls, and hearts with, is of momentous importance. Later in the New Testament, St. Paul tells us to think about, “whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent, and worthy of praise" (Philippians 4:8).
The movies we watch, the pictures we look at, and the television shows we view affect our innermost being. We are created to be lights; to be a light we must fill ourselves with His light.
A Catholic Media Option
The Wild Goose series is one of the many powerful shows you can watch on Formed. Formed is an online platform that offers incredible Catholic content including movies, podcasts, video series (like The Wild Goose), books, audiobooks, and study programs. From personal study to children’s catechesis (my son Peter loves watching the Brother Francis series!) to sacramental preparation, Formed offers something for everyone.
Most parishes offer a code to access all the materials on Formed. If you aren’t sure, ask your parish priest. And if your parish doesn’t offer access, you can sign up on your own.
In a world where Netflix reigns, it’s so beautiful to support an evangelization ministry like this in the media. My heart is uplifted and my soul is set ablaze with His love every time I choose to watch something on Formed. On the contrary, when I choose to watch more secular shows, I am often left drained, unfulfilled, and even lonely.
Top Three Formed Picks
Here are my top three picks to watch on Formed!
- St. Giuseppe Moscati: Doctor to the Poor
- All or Nothing: Sister Clare Crockett
- The Wild Goose: Discovering A Deeper Relationship With the Holy Spirit
What are your favorite shows or movies on Formed? Be sure to share with the Blessed is She community in the comments!
What to Watch on Formed #BISblog //Click to tweet
Claire Couche is a wife, etiquette instructor, blogger, homeschooling mother, and registered nurse. She is passionate about sharing content that helps her community live a beautiful and virtuous life. Using her degrees in theology and history, Claire shares about the Catholic faith often on her IG account @findingphilothea and her website, Finding Philothea. You can often find her reading a good book in a beautiful dress! Learn more about Claire and all things etiquette here.
Walk with Us this Advent
Get Your Prayerful Planner
