19 Jun 2026
The Science of Heaven
Hi, this is Bill Young from the Prayer and Lunch Podcast. I hope everyone is doing well. It’s Father’s Day weekend 2026, and after nearly two years away from podcasting, I felt it was time to share some experiences and reflections that have deeply impacted my faith.
Two years ago, I traveled to Sicily and visited Mount Etna, the only active volcano in Europe. While there, I witnessed unusual shapes in the steam rising from the volcano. At first, it appeared like a giant bird with its wings spread open, and later like birds flying upward. That experience stayed with me and eventually led me to read A New Science of Heaven by Robert Temple.
Temple’s book explores plasma science and the idea that plasma makes up most of the universe. Although the book itself is not religious, it raised spiritual questions for me about heaven, the afterlife, and the nature of reality.
What especially caught my attention were the mysterious smoke rings observed at Mount Etna in April 2024. These rings appeared from April 2nd through April 9th — the period from Holy Thursday through Easter Monday. Reports spread worldwide as thousands of rings were seen rising from the volcano.
As a Catholic, I reflected on these events spiritually. I began wondering whether these rising rings could symbolize souls ascending from purgatory to heaven. Since volcanoes contain fire, smoke, and heat, the imagery reminded me of the Catholic understanding of purgatory as a temporary place of purification before entering heaven.
I understand science may explain these events differently. Some say people naturally see patterns or faces in clouds and light. Even my son suggested that some of the images in my photos may have been reflections from the bus windows. That may be true. Still, I cannot deny what I personally experienced and felt.
Over the years, I’ve also had other moments that strengthened my faith. I attended the canonization Mass of Mother Teresa in Rome and witnessed unusual cloud formations that reminded me of rings and crosses. Later, while serving as a Eucharistic minister, I experienced what felt like a wing brushing across my back — a peaceful moment that reminded me of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
These experiences do not scientifically prove anything, and I understand many people may disagree with my interpretations. But for me, they serve as reminders that faith, prayer, and the spiritual world are real.
I encourage anyone interested in science and spirituality to explore Temple’s book and reflect on the relationship between faith and the universe. Whether you agree or not, asking questions and searching for meaning matters.
Thank you to everyone who still listens to the Prayer and Lunch Podcast after all these years. Your support means a great deal to me. God bless you all, and have a wonderful day.
