In a recent episode of the Your Radical Truth podcast, hosted by Margaret Mary O’Connor, the remarkable Reverend Maura Bernard revealed her multifaceted journey — a unique fusion of a rock DJ career and a profound calling to priesthood.
Listen to the FULL Episode on Apple Podcast CLICK HERE
This rich narrative traces back to her roots in Washington, DC, where she made waves as an Air Personality of the Year at WBAB, an accolade bestowed upon her by Billboard magazine.
A Dual Identity Unveiled: From Rock DJ to Reverend
Reverend Maura’s enthralling career in radio was filled with her interviewing rock stars, covering Grammy Awards, and reporting on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions. However, beneath the glamorous exterior of her rock DJ persona, a deeper calling resonated within her. A spiritual tug-of-war unfolded, eventually leading her to pursue a master’s degree in theological studies at Washington Theological Union in DC.
A Spiritual Calling Strengthened by Life’s Transitions
The passing of Reverend Maura’s parents became a poignant turning point in her spiritual journey. During her mother’s final days, a profound moment strengthened her connection to spirituality, solidifying her resolve to follow the divine calling she felt persistently.
Ordained in the Celtic Catholic Church: A Spiritual Home Found
Ordained in the Celtic Catholic Church by Bishop Joe Grenier, Reverend Maura found a spiritual home that resonated with her soul. Bishop Joe’s
unwavering belief in her ability to reach unconventional places set the stage for Reverend Maura’s inclusive ministry, challenging conventional norms.
Academic Pursuits: Blending Ancient Traditions with Modern Perspectives
Reverend Maura’s academic pursuits continued with a doctorate in theology, focusing on contemporary spirituality, from Calamus International University in London. Her dissertation, “Celtic Prayer and Liturgy for the 21st Century,” stands as a testament to her commitment to bridge the gap between ancient traditions and the contemporary world.
Beyond Conventional Roles: A Diverse Ministry Unfolds
Reverend Maura’s impact extends beyond traditional priestly roles. As a professor at her alma mater, Liu Post, she shared her broadcasting expertise. Co-founding the Holy Wisdom Community in Florida with her sister, Reverend Maura established a vibrant spiritual presence, embracing diverse ceremonies that include weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
Advocating for Inclusive Love: Breaking Down Barriers
Reverend Maura’s commitment to social justice and inclusive love shines through her diverse ministry. The podcast highlights her involvement in advocacy, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Her unconventional approach, including officiating weddings in bars and public spaces, fosters honest conversations about faith, love, and acceptance.
Unconventional Wedding Officiant: Blending Traditions with Love
In addition to her role as a priest, Reverend Maura serves as a wedding officiant, often conducting ceremonies outside traditional church settings. She shares memorable experiences with listeners, including weddings with dogs as ring bearers and interfaith ceremonies that beautifully blend diverse cultural practices.
A Tapestry of Love, Understanding, and Connection
Reverend Maura Bernard’s journey weaves a tapestry of love, understanding, and meaningful connections. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the evolving landscape of spirituality, where a rock DJ seamlessly transforms into a priest, bridging diverse worlds in the pursuit of love and inclusive truth.
About Reverend Maura Bernard
Reverend Maura Bernard, an ordained priest in the Celtic Christian Church, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for celebrating love in all its forms. With a seminary degree, extensive experience, and a rich archive of ceremonies and vows, Reverend Maura is dedicated to officiating a variety of meaningful events.
Driven by a love for creating unique and moving experiences, Reverend Maura has officiated at numerous celebrations, each with its distinct flavor. From a Jewish/Greek wedding to a beach vow exchange, a military deployment ceremony to a blend of gospel and rock music nuptials, she firmly believes that love is the most important thing of all.
Her officiating services extend to weddings, commitment ceremonies, hand-fasting, vow renewals, and elopements. She has worked closely with diverse couples, ensuring that their ceremonies are tailored to their individual preferences and traditions.
With a background that includes a B.A. in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Theology, and a Doctorate of Theology in Contemporary Spirituality, Reverend Maura brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and spiritual insight to her work. She served as the assistant pastor of the Prince of Peace Independent Catholic Community on Long Island for years before relocating to Florida. Additionally, she boasts 11 years of experience as a professor at Long Island University/C.W. Post Campus.
Reverend Maura’s journey into officiating began after a career as a rock DJ and music reporter in the New York Metro and Washington D.C. areas. Following a deeply spiritual experience surrounding the death of her mother and caring for a co-worker with AIDS, she decided to follow the calling that had been tugging at her for decades. As a straight ally for more than 20 years, she is committed to breaking down prejudices surrounding the GLBTQ community and AIDS.
Having worked with couples of all genders, faiths, and cultures, Reverend Maura remains open and inclusive in her approach. She recently officiated at a wedding for a disabled Vietnam Vet and his intended, seamlessly blending Jewish and Greek traditions to create a ceremony that brought joy to the family.
Whether through in-person, email, phone, or Skype consultations, Reverend Maura collaborates closely with couples to understand their desires, guiding them in crafting meaningful vows and selecting appropriate readings. Her advice for potential clients is to allow some time for planning and organizing, but she is also ready to accommodate ceremonies on short notice.
For those seeking an interfaith wedding officiant in Cutler Bay, FL, Reverend Maura Bernard stands as a compassionate and experienced professional, dedicated to making each ceremony a unique celebration of love.
More information: www.weddingsbyrevmaura.com/
About Margaret Mary O’Connor
About Margaret Mary O’Connor
Margaret Mary O’Connor, as a member of the Catholic Laity, thought she knew everything about the Catholic Church, at least until she came upon a centuries-old Scandal of lies and cover-up by the Hierarchy of that Church. Frankly, she was fed up being lied to by her own Church, about its own past Church’s History on Women priests. With that realization, she truly felt in that moment, the monumental feeling of betrayal by her own Church.
Follow Margaret, as she travels down this Highway of Radical Truth where lies and outright coverup will be disclosed. Millions of Catholics are unaware of that past presence of Women Bishop’s, Women Deacons, as well as Women Priests, all there hiding in plain sight, in Early Church History.
As the complicity of this centuries-old Scandal continues, Margaret wants her fellow Catholics to learn the actual truth of this matter for themselves. She strongly
believes, at minimal, any Catholic deserves the actual truth of this matter. To say that change is needed is hardly an understatement. She doesn’t let the Church’s betrayal stop her from uncovering some very fascinating Church Skeleton’s – one which very well might help solve our current priest shortage issue today.
Margaret Mary O’Connor has been called, “The Modern Day David” on many occasions. On a mission to reveal carefully guarded secrets of the Catholic Church, she unveils the truth through her well-researched writings. Get her book on Amazon… CLICK HERE
Follow Margaret Mary on the following social media platforms.
Twitter: @yrradicaltruth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yourradicaltruth/
