‚ÄúWhere your treasure is, there your heart will be also.‚Äù

Prayer is one of the sublime treasures of the Christian tradition, since it places us directly in contact with our Creator. It brings us into an intimacy with the one who transforms us from the inside and directs our life toward the good and the beautiful.

Made up of brief chapters informed and nourished by the long Christian tradition, this book will help you discover the different facets of prayer and all the means that the Church gives us to cultivate it, persevere in it, and make this treasure bear fruit.

Treasure of Prayer

As we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, marking the halfway point of the Advent season, we are prompted to approach the manger scene in haste as we seek to discover the good news of our Savior’s birth. In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo draws upon the birth of our Lord in a lowly manger to illustrate our brokenness and need of a Redeemer. He explains the three kinds of concupiscence – lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life – and looks at how we can overcome these temptations with the virtues of purity and humility. Challenged by the gospel message, we can continue in our path to holiness as we join the shepherds and magi in preparing to welcome the Lord with purity of heart and joyful praise. Download the 2020 Advent Devotional: <a href='https://www.stjosemaria.org/advent-2020-come-let-us-adore/'>Come, Let Us Adore</a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Awake From Your Slumber | The Third Week of Advent

In this episode of the Fairest Love Podcast, we discuss ten practical ways to build a devotion to Mary during the month of October. We emphasize the importance of Mary in our faith and provide actionable steps for families to grow closer to her through prayer, reflection, and celebration of Marian feasts.October is the Month of the Rosary! How will you grow in your devotion to Mary this month?<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.fairestlovefamilyproject.org/about/prayer-of-mother-of-fairest-love/">Pray to Mary, Mother of Fairest Love</a> and listen to more podcast episodes <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.fairestlovefamilyproject.org/fairest-love-podcast/">HERE</a>.

S5 Ep. 38 - 10 Ways to Build Devotion to Mary in October

In this episode of the Fairest Love Podcast, licensed marriage and family therapist Doug Hinderer shares insights on building a strong, enduring marriage through intentionality, prayer, and forgiveness.He highlights the importance of daily investment in the relationship, practicing gratitude, and understanding the spiritual aspects of suffering within marriage.Doug also introduces his book, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/preorder-rekindled-hearts-a-spiritual-journey-to-marital-healing">Rekindled Hearts: A Spiritual Journey to Marital Healing</a>, which offers a faith-based approach to marital healing, blending spiritual growth with practical guidance.Doug’s book will be available everywhere on February 14, but you can preorder it on Scepter Publishers’ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/preorder-rekindled-hearts-a-spiritual-journey-to-marital-healing">website</a>! Be sure to catch Doug on his Relevant Radio Show, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/our-shows/marriage-unhindered/">Marriage Unhindered</a>, Monday through Friday from 5-6pm cst.

S5 Ep. 5 - Strengthening Marriages Through Faith and Suffering with Doug Hinderer

!10-Day Devotion to the Holy Spirit - Day 1 | Pentecost: The day when the Holy Spirit came down upon the Lord’s disciples For the complete text of today’s reflection and for additional spiritual resources visit: <a href='http://stjosemaria.org/ten-day-devotion-holy-spirit/'>http://stjosemaria.org/ten-day-devotion-holy-spirit/</a> The prayers and reflections for this devotion are taken from the “Handbook of Prayers,” published by Midwest Theological Forum. This long standing custom of the Church in preparation for Pentecost is an opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen our hearts and make firm resolutions for our interior lives. Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

10-Day Devotion to the Holy Spirit | Day 1

The Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday at the conclusion of the Easter Octave during which we are reminded to “be merciful, just as [our] Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the mercy of God by sharing a deeper understanding of the Eucharist. He explains that Christ is the incarnation of mercy itself which is revealed to us through the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As we receive the Eucharist and allow Christ to dwell within us, we also receive the grace of the Holy Spirit which empowers us to show mercy toward those we encounter each day and inspires us to love with the heart of Christ. St. Josemaria explains: “Mercy is more than simply being compassionate. Mercy is the overflow of charity, which brings with it also an overflow of justice. Mercy means keeping one’s heart totally alive, throbbing in a way that is both human and divine, with a love that is strong, self-sacrificing and generous” (Friends of God, no. 232). [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-Incarnation-of-Mercy-Transcript.pdf'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Incarnation of Mercy

Continuing our mini-series, “Passionately Loving the World”:  In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai shares a reflection on the dangers of keeping our faith solely within the confines of our personal life rather than allowing it to permeate every aspect of our life–from the church, to the office, and among friends. Fr. Eric encourages us to cultivate authentic friendships through which we can carry out the work of evangelization, seeking to bring the light of Christ into every corner of our world.St. Josemaria explains: “We cannot lead a double life. We cannot be like schizophrenics, if we want to be Christians. There is only one life, made of flesh and spirit. And it is that life which has to become, in both body and soul, holy and filled with God: we discover the invisible God in the most visible and material things. There is no other way, my daughters and sons: either we learn to find Our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or we shall never find him” (Conversations, no. 114).As you pause and reflect today, in what area of your life do you need to more intentionally share and reflect the light of Christ?<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Transcript-The-Dangers-of-a-Double-Life.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>Visit Show Page</a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Dangers of a Double Life

The end of Fr. Jacques Philippe's book, Searching for and Maintaining Peace, includes several quotes from the Saints with advice for how we can remain at peace at all times.

What the Saints Teach Us - Searching for and Maintaining Peace

Dr. Aaron Kheriaty joins Doug discussing the Christian meaning of human suffering, especially in marriage. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Susan - I have an update on my husband who left me for his mistress. (21:42)</li> <li>Laurel - I lost my husband to divorce. What should I do with the pain and frustration when I should have helped him years before. (29:58)</li> <li>Chris - My wife and I experienced turbulence in our engagement and ever since, we struggle with forgiveness. (36:59)</li> <li>Teresa - I have been working with Fr. Allen in Southern California and there aren't a ton of counselors. Where should I go? (43:08)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Doce Me Passionem Tuam <a href="https://www.passionemtuam.org/">https://www.passionemtuam.org/</a> &nbsp; Aaron Kheriaty, MD <a href="https://www.aaronkheriaty.com/">https://www.aaronkheriaty.com/</a> &nbsp; The Forgiveness Institute <a href="https://internationalforgiveness.com/">https://internationalforgiveness.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://catholictherapists.com/">https://catholictherapists.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Psychotherapy <a href="https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/">https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/</a> &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a>

The Mystery of Suffering

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the mystery of Christ’s suffering as we approach the Sacred Triduum and look forward to celebrating the joy of the Resurrection. As we look at the final hours before his Crucifixion, we see Christ contemplate the sins of humanity and willingly embrace the Cross. He takes on our suffering and bears the weight of our sins so that we too may dwell with him in heaven. St. Josemaria explains: “Let us meditate on our Lord, wounded from head to foot out of love for us. At the sight of Christ bruised and broken – just a lifeless body taken down from the cross and given to his Mother – at the sight of Jesus destroyed in this way, we might have thought he had failed utterly. But this is victory, not defeat. We are nearer the resurrection than every before; we are going to see the triumph which he has won with his obedience” (Christ is Passing By, no. 95). Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Sentiments of the Suffering Christ

As we wrap up the month of new beginnings, we’re excited to share the advice and wisdom of Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira, founders of <a href="http://WalletWin.It">WalletWin.It</a> is never too late to create financial goals as a family, and they will bring you much peace! Jonathan and Amanda share their suggestions for starting a budget and how to help your children grow in financial literacy so that everyone can be good stewards of their <a href="http://money.You">money.You</a> can explore their products at <a href="https://walletwin.com/">https://walletwin.com/</a> as well as download a free budget guide at <a href="https://catholicbudgetguide.comSubscribe">https://catholicbudgetguide.comSubscribe</a> to the Fairest Love newsletter for more podcasts, insightful blog posts, and updates!

S4 Ep. 4 Working Through Finances in Marriage with Jonathan & Amanda Teixeira

Doug shares highlights from his Pilgrimage to Rome. He also goes to the mailbag. How can you pass the faith on without coming on too strong? How can you help a married son whose marriage is in trouble but he doesn&rsquo;t want help? How do you fix communication problems? Doug answers these questions and more. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Gina - My daughter left the Church and she is going to therapy but she is getting worse. What can I do to help her? (44:45)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://catholictherapists.com/">https://catholictherapists.com/</a> &nbsp; Fight Right <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fight-Right-Successful-Conflict-Connection/dp/0593579658">https://www.amazon.com/Fight-Right-Successful-Conflict-Connection/dp/0593579658</a> &nbsp; Seven Principals to make marriage work <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718">https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718</a> &nbsp; Marriage Rules: A Manual for the Married and the Coupled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Rules-Manual-Married-Coupled/dp/1592407455">https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Rules-Manual-Married-Coupled/dp/1592407455</a> &nbsp; 5 Steps to overcoming pride <ol> <li>Awareness</li> <li>Obedience</li> <li>Embracing constructive criticism</li> <li>Service</li> <li>Prayer</li> </ol>

Steps to overcoming the sin of pride

If you could time travel and start life all over again, how would you live it? We all have past regrets, but also lessons learned. Unless we develop good habits, we fall into either excesses or defects. Whether it's about work, food, relationship, health, sex, or business, we need to make right choices. 
Classical Greek philosophy and Christian Ethics point to us the tools we need to live a good and righteous life: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These are called cardinal virtues (Latin cardo-hinge) for they serve as the foundation of a good moral life. 
At a time when moral relativism is the order of the day, when the sense of sin is somehow lost, we need to go back to the basics. The book you hold in your hands takes up this task. Deep and engaging,¬†it illustrates the moral principles with down-to-earth examples, showing the perennial relevance of the cardinal virtues. Beyond that, the¬†author invites the reader to take a moral stand in life.

Cardinal Virtues in Focus: Why It Matters to Think and Act Well

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the challenging question: Where do we find the Lord in the midst of the uncertainty? Drawing inspiration from the parable of the vine and the branches (John 15:1-17), Fr. Peter offers encouragement as we continue through this challenging time. He reminds us that Christ not only meets us in our joys and triumphs, but accompanies us through our trials and sorrows. Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Maintaining a Spiritual Outlook in Challenging Times

In our meditation of the week: as we celebrate the month of the Holy Rosary, Fr. Leo Austin shares a reflection on deepening our devotion to Our Lady through the Rosary, in which we discover our role in God’s plan of salvation. Reflecting on the Annunciation, Fr. Leo reminds us that Mary’s fiat, her openness to the will of God, is a pivotal moment for humankind. As she freely accepts the will of God, Mary embraces her role as our spiritual mother and demonstrates for us the power in redeeming the ordinary moments of everyday life. St. Josemaria wrote: “Develop a lively devotion for Our Mother. She knows how to respond in a most sensitive way to the present we give her. What is more, if you say the Holy Rosary every day, with a spirit of faith and love, Our Lady will make sure she leads you very far along her Son’s path” (Furrow, no. 691). <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/The-Holy-Rosary-A-Doorway-to-Redemption-1.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/the-holy-rosary-a-doorway-to-redemption/'>Visit Show Page</a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Holy Rosary: A Doorway to Redemption

Various scandals have rocked the Catholic Church over the last 20 years, and the dismay of many faithful has led to a crisis in faith and lack of participation in the life of the Church. 
Despite the Catholic Church being founded by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, holiness and spotless virtue are never guaranteed in its members. Bonagura shows us how the Church is a perfect body consisting of many imperfect members. He addresses Church scandals from a theological standpoint and presents the Church as the source of grace through its seven sacraments. 
Staying with the Catholic Church Book by David G. Bonagura Jr. is a reassurance for readers that the Church's ultimate mission remains to aid sinners in the achievement of salvation, in spite of, and despite, the frailty of its members and leaders alike.
 ¬† 
 The parable of the wheat and the weeds‚ÄîChrist's warning in Matthew 13:24‚Äì30 that his Church will always be home to both great saints and great sinners‚Äîis an especially apt one for this Catholic moment. David Bonagura makes a powerful case for listening to the Lord, remaining within the Body of Christ, working for the Church's purification,¬† and getting on with the New Evangelization.¬†¬†~¬†George Weigel | Distinguished Senior¬†Fellow and William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies Ethics and Public Policy Center
 At a time when the Catholic Church is suffering from declining membership, parishes and schools closing, and the revelation of clerical sexual abuse and cover-ups by Church authorities, many people want to know why they should remain faithful to the Church. David Bonagura has given us a well-written, easy to read guide with this simple and life-changing answer: The Church is where we meet Christ. Faithfulness to Him in His Church is what Christ asks of every one of his followers.¬†~¬†Father Gerald E. Murray, J.C.D. | Pastor, Holy Family Church, New York City
 One of the major challenges for Catholics today is maintaining their commitment to the objective tr

Staying with the Catholic Church

Luke 16:19-31: One of the most striking parts of today’s parable of poor Lazarus and the Rich man, the dives, is the way the rich man, even in the afterlife, still speaks of the poor man as a servant who is supposed to do his bidding: “Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue.” He needs help, he has never really helped himself or helped overs. But when we step back, we see that both men are quite overwhelmed by life. Lazarus struggles to survive with his poverty and sores, the rich man goes on hardened among all that luxury piling over in his face. Both are overwhelmed in different ways, and we too get overwhelmed. What to do with this feeling? A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai, on September 25, the 26th week of Ordinary Time. Preached in Lyncroft Centre in Toronto.
Music: Carlos Gardel (1890-1935), Soledad, arranged for guitar by Bert Alink
Thumbnail: Lazarus and Dives,” fol. 78r from the Codex Aureus of Echternach, ca. 1035–40. German National Museum, Nuremberg.

When We Are Overwhelmed by Life: Lazarus and the Rich Man

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai in a parish in Fort Alexander, Manitoba on August 7 2023.
There are traces of subtle humour in the Gospel. There is a touching moment when the Lord heals the blind man, somewhat gradually, testing him like a doctor might.
Matt 8, 22-36 Do you see anything? Looking up, the man replied, “I see people looking like trees and walking”.
Trees walking? What did he actually see?
Music: Bert Alink, guitar arrangement, Mossy Garden.
Thumbnail: Rembrandt, &quot;Jesus Heals Blind Man&quot;, ink drawing, 1655. Rotterdam, Museum Boymans van Beuningen.

The Humour in Jesus Healing a Blind Man

Today in the podcast….. &quot;Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear...&quot; (1 Peter 3:14-16). This is the courage that the Apostles of Jesus Christ are calling us to embrace when approaching the ever approachable Godhead in His Divine Infancy.  Jesus Christ wants us to be free from all anxiety as we build our relationship with Him. Just as one would feel free to interact with a newborn baby, unafraid of what others think while lavishing a Baby with affection. This meditation will enlighten the faithful in how to, as St. Josemaria Escriva has stated many times, evangelize with great charity as one improves their pious relationship with the Lord. Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Good News of Great Joy

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='http://www.stjosemaria.org/ipray-10th-sunday-in-ordinary-time'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

iPray with the Gospel - 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dann Aungst joins Doug to discuss the problem with couples who view pornography together. They unpack statistics that point to the increase of women who view pornography and the high divorce rate associated with couples who view pornography together. Doug and Dann also share what can be done to help someone who does not want to quit looking at pornography. They examine the emotional psychological chemical and spiritual elements of porn addiction. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Joe &ndash; Who is the priest who helped these people out and what was the website? I haven't found a priest who fought for marriage like that.</li> <li>Patrick &ndash; Are 12 step programs helpful for pornography addiction?</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Road to Purity <a href="https://roadtopurity.com/">https://roadtopurity.com/</a>

Healing from an addiction to pornography

After episode 25 looked at how parents can encourage their children to consider a life of celibacy for the kingdom, Fr. Jeff offers words of wisdom for parents who are struggling with the religious vocation their child feels called to.

Ep. 26 Q&A I'm Struggling with My Child's Vocation to Celibacy

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='http://stjosemaria.org/ipray-conversion-of-st-paul'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Conversion of St. Paul | iPray with the Gospel

In today’s podcast we ask the Lord to help us to not be satisfied with being a bystander, that we allow his words to enter deep into our hearts and change us. In the words of St. Josemaria Escriva: “We only love what we know well.”  Therefore, let us look to the lives of the saints and the life of Jesus himself in an effort to come to know God well; imitating daily, through our actions, a genuine love of neighbor. Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Sacred Humanity of Jesus

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on St. John the Baptist to show how, like the saint, we can become active listeners of the Word in our hearts. In particular, this talk aims to persuade you to embrace a lifestyle where there is room for meditation on Sacred Scripture and spiritual reading, such as the lives of the saints and spiritual classics, that can help us grow in our interior lives. Among the recommendations in this talk are three steps to get started on your spiritual reading plan: 1. Make Time: Each day set aside time for spiritual reading (10-15 minutes) and Biblical reading (5-10 minutes). 2. Take Notes: As you are reading or when you finish, write down what strikes you and what moves you. Also, start writing a list of passages from the Bible that you can frequently take to your prayer - make a top 100 list! 3. Practice: What are you going to put into practice— a resolution, a goal, or a small sacrifice— that day (or the next) from your reading? Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Spiritual Reading for Your Interior Life (Rebroadcast)

Today on the podcast… We are asked to evaluate our appreciation for the precious gift that God gives to us so generously; our freedom. Msgr. Frederick Dolan helps us to understand which actions of ours make us free and which ones will hold us back from being free. And as we consider our actions to remember that we are not self-created; that we are creatures of a loving God. He ends with encouraging us to call on our Mother Mary to obtain many graces for our country. Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

"Freedom: God's Gift to His Children"

Have we become used to, or even indifferent, to Jesus on the Cross? Where’s the Cross in our lives?In this podcast, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha shares a meditation in honor of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14) and the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15), which are “a great opportunity for us to deepen once more in the wisdom of the Cross and to ask the Holy Spirit to open our souls to this profound wisdom which is expressed in the phrase the Triumph of the Cross”. We contemplate Christ in the fullness of his humanity as he embraces his pain and suffering, allowing it to become a selfless, compassionate gift of love through which he redeems humanity. And, in this, we find the meaning of our suffering, trials, heartaches, and disappointments.Fr. Donncha then encourages us to turn to Our Lady who quietly accompanies Christ to Golgotha and remains with him at the foot of the Cross. Our Lady, therefore, teaches us how to unite our pain and suffering with Our Lord and gives witness to steadfast faith and hope found in the triumph of the Cross. [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Triumph-of-the-Cross-Transcript.pdf'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Triumph of the Cross

A meditation was preached at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto on March 30, 2025. The story of the Prodigal Son is a story of conversion, an account of the role that bonds have in our life, and how we must be more aware of them, and strengthen them.Music: Regi Stone &quot;How Can I tell You&quot;, Experience Music 2002, released 2015.Thumbnail: Pompeo Batoni prodigal son (Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien) Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.

Awareness of our Bonds: The Prodigal Son

Welcome to this week's special episode where we sit down with author and professor James L. Papandrea to discuss his new book, The Original Church: What it Meant and Still Means to be a Christian.

Interview with James L. Papandrea, author of The Original Church

"If we truly want to serve mankind and the world, and thereby fulfill our Lord's command, we must love God first. For only in this love and through this love will our service to others‚Äîlove shown in deeds‚Äîbe able to imitate the incomparable grandeur of Christ's heart." These words by Fr. Oc√°riz, sum up the wisdom of this assemblage of his thoughts on God's love for mankind and our love for God‚Äîof ¬†which we cannot have too much. Indeed, he states, "to sin by having too much charity, or too much faith and hope, is strictly speaking impossible." As he juxtaposes secularization and the worship of Man with virtue, justice, and Christian fraternity, Fr. Oc√°riz pulls together a complete and sustaining testimonial of true human greatness found only through the ardent desire and fervent action of loving God and Neighbor, as Christ's heart desires of us all.

Love In Action: Loving God and Neighbor, A Twofold Commandment

With anxiety in teens up 25% in recent years, we’ve brought Monica Hinderer, LPC, back for a second episode. Here she talks about two of the major factors that have contributed to this rise - COVID and Social Media - as well as what parents can do to combat this trend.Monica can be found: <a href="https://www.vitaoptimumcounseling.com">https://www.vitaoptimumcounseling.com</a>

Ep. 11 What’s Caused the Increase in Anxiety and What Can We Do?

Have you felt the desire to make a spiritual retreat but overwhelmed at how to begin? In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo offers practical tips and suggestions to make the most of a spiritual retreat by eliminating distractions to avail ourself to the voice of Christ. He examines three purposes for a retreat: to re-kindle our love for God, to examine ourself in light of God’s love and truth, and to consider the life of our Lord by placing ourself within the Gospel. By making an annual spiritual retreat, we can find solitude with Christ and return to daily life with a renewed love and energy to share the grace of Christ with others. Listen and download our <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/audio-retreats/'>spiritual audio retreat collections online</a>. Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Spiritual Retreats & the Interior Life

Doug discusses 15 Clear signs your spouse loves you unconditionally. He speaks of the agape love in marriage and how it ties into how your spouse prioritizes your needs ahead of their needs. He shares that external pressures should not impact your bond in marriage and that forgiveness is the key to unconditional love in marriage. &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a>

Clear signs your spouse loves you unconditionally

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio leads us to listen and reflect on the Gospel and the meaning of the Transfiguration of the Lord, and how it continues to transform us today. The Transfiguration of Jesus encourages us in our commitment to discipleship. When we commit to protracted prayer—deep, silent, concentrated prayer—we can see God through the eyes of our soul and heart. The Transfiguration helped the apostles to trust in the Cross—the raw materials that make up our crosses—and to believe that there is no such thing as failure when we follow Christ. Contemplating this scene and Jesus’ words (Mt 17:1-8), we begin to see Him, to take on His capacity for self-giving love, and we become more empowered to give of ourselves with the heart of Jesus. Tune in to this podcast as we celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Listen-to-Him-The-Transfiguration-.pdf'>View Transcript</a> | <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/listen-to-him/'>Visit Show Page</a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

“Listen to Him”: The Transfiguration of the Lord

BONUS EPISODE OF THE WEEK - In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the commemoration of the canonization of St. Josemaria Escriva (October 6, 2002).  The commemoration of feasts and anniversaries are designed for conversion and inspiration from the Holy Spirit to connect with Jesus Christ in a closer way. As Fr. Peter says, &quot;although we may feel like a zero or insignificant, if Christ is dwelling in us, Christ is unstoppable.&quot; He will use us as that divine pathway to spread the Gospel &quot;to every corner of the earth,” as he did with St. Josemaria. A canonization is an infallible declaration of the Church, which means there is no possibility of error in this determination or judgment of the Church that this person is a saint. This person has lived the Gospel to a heroic degree, which does not mean that the person didn&apos;t have defects or weaknesses or sins. Cooperating with the work of the Holy Spirit, he or she has allowed Christ to reach a culmination in their life that they could say, &quot;It is no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me&quot; (Gal 2:20). Fr. Peter helps us to pray and remember that holiness is not about me, it&apos;s not about my devotions, or my interior life. We have as much responsibility in evangelizing and spreading the Gospel as anyone else in the Church. And, we are called to have the same level of heroic love for God as any saint. St. Josemaria, the saint of the ordinary, is a great example for each one of us! <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Christ-is-Unstoppable-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/christ-is-unstoppable/'>Visit Show Page</a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Christ is Unstoppable: Commemorating the Canonization of St. Josemaria Escriva

DISCLAIMER - This episode contains discussion of sensitive content. Please be advised. As we continue to discuss freedom, Steve Pokorny, founder of Freedom Coaching, joins us on the show to talk about finding freedom from pornography and maintaining it.Steve’s insights are powerful and help us to understand the difference between addiction and compulsion. His coaching-based program highlights the importance of strengthening the understanding of human sexuality in order to work against a compulsion to pornography. You can learn more about Steve’s program by visiting his <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://freedom-coaching.net">website</a> or by reading his book, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Redeemed-Vision-Setting-Pornified-Culture/dp/0999670506">Redeemed Vision</a>.

S4 Ep. 29 - Pursuing & Maintaining Freedom from Addiction with Steve Pokorny

We’ve pulled together a compilation episode featuring the best snippets from Motherhood Coach Janet Quinlan’s three-part series on how our thoughts make us who we are. On the various episodes, she talked about how our thoughts make us who we are as a person, a spouse, and a parent. Tune in to hear some of the best bits from these episodes. If you'd like to listen to all of these episodes individually, you can find them this season on episodes 27, 15 and 10.Janet can be found at: <a href="https://janetquinlan.com">https://janetquinlan.com</a>

Ep. 33 Your Thoughts Make Who You Are as a Person, Spouse and Parent

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to priests of the priests of the Archdiocese of Toronto, in the parish of St. Edward the Confessor.Today the church celebrates the 15th-century Saint Juan Diego from Mexico, with an unpronounceable last name. He was surnamed Cuauhtlatoatzin. The account of her appearance transformed Mexico. She can transform us, too.Music: Bert Alink, Adeste fideles, guitar, by John Francis Wade. Played 2017.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Protects us from Being Lukewarm

<ul> <li> (5:58) Agape Love and characteristics of saints</li> <li>Sandra - Taking care of 2-1/2-year-old grandson with special needs. Wants to make sure that she navigates things correctly with her husband throughout this time.</li> <li>(15:58) Doug talks about how saint Rita can help with our relationships.</li> </ul> (18:12) Break 1 <ul> <li>Diana - Would like to comment on how marriage has helped her grow in virtue.</li> <li>Cathy - Wants to know about counselors and help for her marriage –</li> <li>Doug recommends a Great site for people who are needing a good Catholic theorist <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a></li> </ul> (24:12) Monica, a licensed therapist, comes on the show to talk about addiction in relationships and how to handle them. <ul> <li>Reach Monica Hinderer at Monicahinderer.com</li> <li>Here are some books recommended by Monica to help you with addiction in your relationship.</li> <li>Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and Threatening:</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Get-Your-Loved-One-Sober/dp/1592850812/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K77J4QRW03VW&amp;keywords=Get+your+loved+ones+sober%3A+by+Myers+Wolfe&amp;qid=1708192182&amp;sprefix=get+your+loved+ones+sober+by+myers+wolfe%2Caps%2C95&amp;sr=8-1">Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and Threatening: Robert J. Meyers, Brenda L. Wolfe: 9781592850815: Amazon.com: Books</a> </li> <li>Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=beyond+addiction+book&amp;hvadid=598656395485&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9021457&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=7906991427249521320&amp;hvtargid=kwd-155250718116&amp;hydadcr=15521_13558544&amp;tag=googhydr-20&amp;ref=pd_sl_5d8ebkjq3r_e">Amazon.com : beyond addiction book</a> </li> </ul> (34:04) Break 2 <ul> <li>Doug helps a young listener about how to navigate “affection” in a relationship.</li> <li>“Knowing the Love of God” by Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange.</li> <li>(43:46) Doug talks about a three-part formula on how to talk with your spouse in a gentle way.</li> </ul>

Marriage Unhindered – February 17, 2024 – Addiction in Relationships

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on January 15, 2025 in Kintore College, Toronto.
The Gospel today from Mark 1:29-39, tells us about some of the sick that Jesus healed, and the demons that he expelled.
We see this at the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Redemption. It is a year of hope, as described by the Bull of Indiction, Spes non confudit, established by Pope Francis.
 
Music: Regi Stone, Regi Stone, All Heaven Declares, 2003 Straight Arrow Records. Released in 2003.
Thumbnail: Pope Francis opening the Holy Doors.

The Priestly Part of Your Soul

In this meditation for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Fr. Leo Austin invites us to contemplate the final gospel of the liturgical year, a gospel in which Christ’s kingship is revealed through the cross in suffering, silence, and mercy.  We are invited to recognize that the kingdom Christ brings is present in the heart of every Christian who asks for grace and opens themselves to his reign. Listen now to reflect on: <ul><li>Why the Cross is the true throne of Christ the King. </li><li>How the “good thief” reveals a path to conversion. </li><li>What it means for Christ to reign first in our soul. </li><li>The difference between suffering like Christ and suffering with Christ. </li><li>The interior kingdom Christ offers: joy, mercy, and friendship with God.</li></ul><a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Christ-the-King-Kingdom-of-Mercy-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/christ-the-king-kingdom-of-mercy/'>Visit Show Page</a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Christ the King: A Kingdom of Mercy

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. On today’s podcast, a reflection on the significance of this holiday and how it is a reminder that we ought to thank God always by habitually making frequent acts of thanksgiving– acts of gratitude. “We were never asked by God to come into existence. Everything we have— our talents, our virtues, even our defects— all have been been foreseen by God, allowed by God, given to us by God so that we can fulfill the single mission that we have received from before the foundation of the world, as St Paul would say, in giving glory to God: ‘Thank you Lord for everything because everything is good.’” As we strive to maintain a constant spirit of gratitude in our lives we will come to realize that “thanksgiving enlarges our hearts to receive even greater gifts from God.” “Give thanks often to Jesus, for through him, with him and in him you are able to call yourself a son of God” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Forge, no. 265). Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Thanksgiving Day and Acts of Gratitude - REBROADCAST

The director of the Navarre Bible project at the University of Navarre in Spain brings together his thoughts on one of the most intriguing Gospel writers, St. John. 
 St. John has been called "the theologian" because of the theological depth of his writing. He is often symbolically represented as an eagle because his writings soar to the heights of the divinity just as the eagle soars upward to the sun. If the Gospels are "the heart of all of Scripture," and therefore the object of special veneration and study, then the Gospel of St. John deserves special attention as the summit of the four.

Why John Is Different: Unique Insights in the Gospel and Writings of St. John

What if the Church was never meant to stay frozen in time‚Äînor blown around by it? The Original Church cuts through the noise of tradition versus trend to rediscover what Jesus actually intended when he said, "On this rock I will build my Church." The earliest Christians weren't stuck in the past, nor were they chasing relevance‚Äîthey were rooted, growing, and guided by a clear purpose. This book explores how the Church can develop without drifting, grow without losing its core, and how every believer can live with conviction in a world that keeps shifting. The Christian faith is a compass, not a weathervane.

The Original Church: What it Meant‚Äîand Still Means‚Äîto Be a Christian

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='http://www.stjosemaria.org/ipray-most-holy-trinity'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

iPray with the Gospel | Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Three of the seven &ldquo;prophets&rdquo; presented in this book&mdash;Descartes,Rousseau, and Nietzsche&mdash;provoked or facilitated, through their intellectual activity, great upheavals.
The others&mdash;Pascal, Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, and Soloviev&mdash; predicted these very upheavals but showed us the way to overcome them.
If we study all seven of these philosophers in depth, we will have an easier time grasping the essence and origin of the universal drama now unfolding before our eyes and we will make wise and courageous choices for a better future.
Alex Havard walks us through the hills and valleys of recent history: the philosophical pitfalls embraced by the world, and the transcendent values and virtues that will help us overcome them.
This book is our way forward, as a collective community&mdash;a way to understand where the intellectual confusion began, so that we may find our way out of it.

Seven Prophets and the Culture War (audiobook)

He is a man of many titles. Head of the Holy Family. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. Guardian of Our Lord. Terror of Demons.¬†
Though he is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, and never once has a quote attributed to him. St. Joseph is likely the best-known "silent" character in all of history, but theologians have spent centuries contemplating him.
In St. Joseph and His World, author Mike Aquilina skillfully paints a portrait of St. Joseph by contrasting him with someone who affected his life in many ways‚ÄîKing Herod the Great.
Aquilina invites readers into the life of St. Joseph‚Äîan heir of David with quiet beginnings, anticipating the promised Messiah. Conversely, he reveals Herod for who he was‚Äìa sociopathic warlord, prone to wicked jealousy and paranoia.
Drawing on modern and archaeological texts, Aquilina sheds light on a remarkable number of mysteries in the life of this revered saint. Was Joseph the decrepit old man he is often depicted as in art? Did the residents of Nazareth expect the Messiah to be one of their own? What did Joseph's education and job training entail? Why would he contemplate divorcing Mary after the angel Gabriel's visit? Was the flight to Egypt meticulously executed, or hastily carried out? What did the Holy Family do during the memorable trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was found in the Temple?
Josephologists across the centuries have contemplated the life and character of the Angelic Man. In this definitive work, Mike Aquilina takes the brilliantly uncomplicated approach that, by familiarizing ourselves with St. Joseph's world: his hometown, his trade, and his faith, we can draw closer to him and ultimately, draw closer to Christ.

St. Joseph and His World

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='http://stjosemaria.org/ipray-do-not-swear-at-all'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

"Do Not Swear At All" | iPray with the Gospel (6th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Today we’re launching our new Q&amp;A style episodes which you will hear sporadically throughout the third season. Fr. Jeff Langan provides an answer to this listener-submitted question: My college-aged children have stopped going to Mass. How can I help them return to the beauty of this sacrament?

Ep. 3 Q&A: Encouraging Your Child to Attend Mass in College

Doug explains what the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are in a relationship, and how damaging these behaviors can be. He also discusses how to resolve the conflict that arises from these behaviors.

The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='http://stjosemaria.org/ipray-i-came-to-cast-fire-upon-the-earth'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

I Came to Cast Fire Upon the Earth | iPray with the Gospel - 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's reading is from Scepter's newest title - The Original Church: What it Meant and Still Means to be a Christian by James L. Papandrea. Stay tuned for Friday's extra episode in which we talk with the author about his book

The Original Church - What it meant and still means to be a Christian

How can you create a family environment in which each person can thrive?In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan concludes our series, Marriage: A Christian Vocation, by reflecting on the virtues and ideals necessary to build up a strong, Christian family. Looking to the Holy Family as our example, Msgr. Dolan encourages all men and women to go about parenting in a thoughtful way, ready to invest the time and effort necessary to foster the following virtues in the home: faith, trust, patience, resilience, and joy.As St. Josemaria explains: “Every Christian home should be a place of peace and serenity. In spite of the small frustrations of daily life, an atmosphere of profound and sincere affection should reign there together with a deep-rooted calm, which is the result of authentic faith that is put into practice” (Christ is Passing By, no. 22). [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/The-Peace-and-Joy-of-Christian-Families-Transcript.pdf'>Transcript</a> ] [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>Visit Show Page</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Peace and Joy of Christian Families

This week, we are joined by Dr. Johann D'Souza to explore how couples can navigate the hidden ways anxiety and stress impact a marriage. We discuss how anxiety manifests differently in men and women and why treating love as a deliberate choice is the key to overcoming fear and avoidance behaviors. Dr. D'Souza offers practical mindfulness techniques and insights on managing digital stress to help you better support your spouse during seasons of emotional struggle. You can find Dr. D'Souza's work at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/">Values First Therapy</a> or dive deeper into his resources on his <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://drjohanndsouza.substack.com/p/the-7-day-screen-detox-challenge">Substack</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VEa7xpVnTl7ACAnAsd7YwW2Yq9-phZV">YouTube series</a>.

How to Manage Anxiety and Stress in Your Marriage with Dr. Johann D'Souza

In this podcast, part of our <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/recollection-february-year-a/'>Day of Recollection</a> resources for the month of February, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on the importance of the Holy Mass in our daily life. He explains that in every Mass the healing work of Christ becomes present and effective in our world. Fr. Donncha offers encouragement for those times when we may not feel like going to Mass, for it is then when we absolutely need the Mass as it is an encounter with God’s love and a catalyst for our work of evangelization. [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/The-Holy-Mass-as-the-Center-of-Our-Life-Transcript.pdf'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Holy Mass as the Center of Our Life

In the first half the 1940s, the number of people in Opus Dei started really increasing, and there were great pastoral needs. This is an account of the first priests of Opus Dei and how they came to be ordained. They were Alvaro del Portillo, Josemaria Hernandez de Garnica, and Jose Luis Muzquiz, ordained by Msgr. Leopoldo Eijo y Garay, the Archbishop of Madrid, in 1944. In this meditation preached on June 25, 2023, Fr. Eric Nicolai takes us through the history of these moments in Spain in the 40s. It was preached in Lyncroft Centre, Toronto.
Music: The Meeting of the Waters Arranged and played by Bert Alink

The Story of the First Priests of Opus Dei

From the Gospel of Sunday 20th Week in Ordinary Time: Ignem veni mittere in terra, et quid volo nisi ut accendatur? I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! (Lk 12:49.)
Like Moses standing before the bringing bush, let us now take off our shoes, our sandals, because we are on holy ground, we are close to the love of God. In this oratory, we are used to coming in here, and we may forget that it is a truly holy place.
In the Bible, fire is often used to describe God’s burning love for men. St. Maximilian Kolbe is an example of a saint whose heart was on fire with the Love of God. How can my love of God spread like a wildfire?
 
Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre, Toronto, Sunday, August 14, 2022.
Music: Calos Gabriel (1890 – 1935), Soledad, arranged by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Sébastien Bourdon Moses and Burning Bush 17th century Hermitage Museum.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.opusdei.ca

The Burning Fire of the Love of God

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='http://stjosemaria.org/ipray-baptism'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Baptism of Our Lord | iPray with the Gospel

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with the Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. iPray with the Gospel is helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/ipray-fifth-sunday-of-lent/'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

iPray with the Gospel | Fifth Sunday of Lent

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='http://stjosemaria.org/ipray-holy-innocents'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Feast of the Holy Innocents | iPray with the Gospel

In our meditation of the week: On the 50th anniversary of St. Josemaria Escriva’s entrance into heaven (June 26, 1975), we reflect on the enduring legacy of his life and message. Msgr. Dolan explores the central theme of divine filiation - the foundation of Opus Dei’s spirit, and how it empowers ordinary Christians to become contemplatives in the middle of the world. Listen now to reflect on: • The moment in 1931 when St. Josemaria grasped his identity as a beloved child of God • How divine filiation filled his heart with joy and shaped the spirituality of Opus Dei • The meaning behind “Omnia in bonum” and “Ad maiora natus sum” • Why a personalized “plan of life” helps us turn each day into a symphony of prayer • St. Josemaria’s impact on those around him - from young students to scientists and engineers <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Born-for-Greater-Things-Celebrating-the-Feast-of-St.-Josemaria-Escriva-Transcript-1.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/born-for-greater-things/'>Visit Show Page</a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

“Born for Greater Things”: Celebrating the Feast of St. Josemaria Escriva

In our meditation for the Second Week of Advent, Fr. Peter Armenio directs our attention to the metaphors of conversion found in the Gospel description of St. John the Baptist: “A voice of one crying in the desert, ‘prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.&apos;” We, too, want to be imitators of John the Baptist, “albeit in a flawed and imperfect way.” As Fr. Peter explains, “It’s not about my talents, my gifts, my skills; but it is about letting that Christ who lives in me through Baptism, to let him grow so he reveals himself […] through myself, being an imperfect vessel, but a vessel of Jesus Christ, nevertheless.” During these days of Advent, our calling is to “put on Jesus Christ” more intentionally so as to let his life and his love be revealed through us. Only in this way can we make Christ “real” to those who earnestly seek him. And, as St. Josemaria wrote, we have two points of entry available to us: “the Bread and the Word.” By constantly nourishing ourselves with Scripture and the Eucharist, we will be better equipped to abide in Him amid the busyness of our daily lives. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Prepare-the-Way-of-the-Lord-Transcript-1.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/second-week-of-advent-prepare-the-way-of-the-lord/'>Visit Show Page</a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Second Week of Advent: Prepare the Way of the Lord

Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation in Kintore College, Toronto, on March 27, 2024. What a contrast between the gratitude and generosity of Mary of Bethany and the painful betrayal of Judas, one who was from his inner circle (Matthew 26:14-25). The searing and painful treachery of Judas&#39; infidelity is a danger we must be aware of.
Thumbnail: Kiss of Judas, fresco by Giotto, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, 1304.
Music: VOCES8 &#39;Ave Verum&#39; by William Byrd.

The Possibility of Betrayal and Infidelity

Establishing boundaries with yourself and with others is a common idea today, but also one that leaves people wondering whether they are truly Christian. Coach Lisa Gormley walks us through why healthy boundaries are actually a form of charity.Lisa can be found at @lisarosegormley on Instagram. Resources recommended: Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Ep. 22 Healthy Boundaries - what they are and aren't - with Lisa Gormley

In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the standard of holiness which St. Josemaria characterizes by the following three points: holy intransigence, holy coercion, and holy shamelessness. He explains that we must form our heart and mind according to the gospel message so that we will have a firm foundation when confronted with opposition.We are encouraged to look to the example of the saints who were steadfast in seeking the truth despite facing opposing viewpoints. Inspired by their witness, we too can seek to attain the plane of sanctity through the ordinary moments of everyday life and be a reflection of Christ in the world today.In this podcast Msgr. Dolan shares excerpts from the Letter from the Prelate of Opus Dei dated February 14, 2017. This letter can be read in full online at <a href='https://opusdei.org/en/document/letter-of-the-prelate-14-february-2017/'>opusdei.org</a>. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/The-Standard-of-Holiness-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>Visit Show Page</a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Standard of Holiness (Rebroadcast)

In this podcast, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Javier del Castillo revisits the dogma of the Assumption, discusses St. Josemaria’s devotion to Our Lady, and explains how we too can participate in the mystery of the Assumption. St. Josemaria explains: “As we meditate on these truths, we come to understand better the logic of God. We come to realize that the Supernatural value of our life does not depend on accomplishing great undertakings suggested to us by our overactive imagination. Rather it is to be found in the faithful acceptance of God’s will, in welcoming generously the opportunities for small, daily sacrifice” (Christ is Passing By, no. 172). Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Rebroadcast)

Fr. Eric Nicolai gives this meditation to High School boys that are part of the OneUp program of Ernescliff College. It was preached on September 9, 2023. 
Luke 5:17-26 The account of the paralytic lower down the roof by his friends. The Lord was moved by their faith. They asked him for the healing of another. Not simply for themselves. A group of friends that ask for their friend. Who took the initiative?
My sense is that one loved him especially, and had more faith, and then he led others along with this power request, that he had the initiative to open the roof. How can we help our friends?
Music: Tears Keep Flowing Tarrega lagrima, arranged for guitar by Bert Alink, 2015.
Thumbnail: Christ healing the paralytic at Capernaum, engraving by Bernhard Rode 1780

Like the Friends of the Paralytic

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on Palm Sunday, 2026, to a group of boys at a camp in Port Burwell, Ontario.Palm Sunday is our entry into Holy Week. We are invited to contemplate the Passion. We remember that Pope Francis&#39; last Palm Sunday focused on the figure of Simon of Cyrene.As we look at the faces of the soldiers and the tears of the women in the crowd, our attention is drawn to an unknown person whose name suddenly appears in the Gospel: Simon of Cyrene. He was the man seized by the soldiers who then “laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus” (Lk 23:26). At that moment, he was coming in from the countryside. He happened to be passing by when he unexpectedly found himself caught up in a drama that overwhelmed him, like the heavy wood that was placed on his shoulders.Thumbnail: Sarcophagus of Domitilia, in the Museum Pioneers Clementino, Rome, 4th century.Music: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Simon of Cyrene was Forced to carry the Cross

In our meditation of the week: Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the 100th anniversary of St. Josemaria’s priestly ordination on March 28, 1925. He invites us to consider the extraordinary fruitfulness of St. Josemaria’s life and his desire to be a genuine priest with a genuine and serious concern for souls that led him to love everyone without distinction. Drawing from personal anecdotes and historical accounts, Msgr. Dolan highlights three defining traits of St. Josemaria’s priesthood: his passionate love for the Eucharist, his burning desire for souls, and his constant search for God’s will. He recounts St. Josemaria&apos;s deep humility, his desire to serve without recognition, and his conviction that everything is done by God. Msgr. Dolan reminds us that central to the spirituality of St. Josemaria is the call to place the Holy Mass at the very heart of our lives. For St. Josemaria, the Mass was not a daily obligation, but the center and root of his interior life—something he urged all his spiritual children to imitate. Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of his ordination, St. Josemaria wrote: “Let us renew the resolution that the Holy Mass will be always the center and root of our existence. That is the best celebration of priesthood.” <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Genuine-Priest-On-the-100th-Anniversary-of-St.-Josemarias-Ordination-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a><a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/a-genuine-priest-1925-2025'>Visit Show Page </a> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

A Genuine Priest: On the 100th Anniversary of St. Josemaria's Ordination

Homily at the funeral of Fr. Joe Escribano who was among the original pillars of Opus Dei in Canada from 1959. It was preached in French and English by Fr. André Blais at St. George Parish in Ottawa.
<a href="https://opusdei.org/en-ca/article/father-joseph-escribano-1933-2023-a-pillar-for-the-beginnings-of-opus-dei-in-canada/">https://opusdei.org/en-ca/article/father-joseph-escribano-1933-2023-a-pillar-for-the-beginnings-of-opus-dei-in-canada/</a>

Funeral Homily for Fr. Joe Escribano (1933-2023)

In this episode of the Fairest Love Podcast, we sit down with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://alexhavard.com/">Alexandre Havard</a>, founder of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://hvli.org/">Virtuous Leadership Institute</a>, to explore the heart of authentic leadership and its foundation in virtue. Havard explains why magnanimity and humility are essential for anyone seeking to lead well—especially within the context of family life. The conversation dives into how different temperaments influence leadership styles, the importance of overcoming past wounds or negative leadership experiences, and the role of personal planning in growing in virtue.We also discuss how parents can inspire their children to take ownership of their own leadership journeys, beginning right at home.Learn more about Alexandre Havard and Virtuous Leadership by visiting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://hvli.org/">https://hvli.org/</a>

S5 Ep. 21 - Forming Leaders in the Family and Beyond with Alexandre Havard

In this episode of the Fairest Love podcast, we explored the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence with Katie Hinderer of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.rosebudsocial.com/">Rosebud Social Strategies</a>. The conversation examines the promises and pitfalls of AI—how it’s changing education, shaping relationships, and influencing family routines. Katie offers thoughtful insights into how parents can approach AI with discernment, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and protecting real-life connection. We also discussed how families can foster creativity, virtue, and intentional time together in an increasingly tech-driven world.

S5 Ep. 31 - Managing AI and Protecting Family Time in a Digital World with Katie Hinderer

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai early in the morning in the woods at Camp Caribou for Boys, on August 23, 2023. The camp is located near Barry&#39;s Bay in Ontario.
You can see the filmed version here:
https://youtu.be/aUJSaYEuSdM?si=WoTHCscs5wlq9zMV

What it Takes to be a Humble Worker in the Vineyard of the Lord

As the Easter season continues, we encounter another great feast, Divine Mercy Sunday. We invite you to take some time to reflect on the Gospel for this Sunday (John 20:19-31) with Fr. Javier del Castillo on the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast. In this meditation, we will see how Christ forgives us, just as He forgave Thomas and the Apostles for running from the Cross and not having believed on Good Friday. St. Josemaria recognized that God’s forgiveness is even more impressive than His ability to create something out of nothing, and that &quot;His absolute power is best shown in His power to forgive.”  On our part, we ultimately have to accept God’s gift of Divine Mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation that He established. After this encounter with the resurrected Christ, we must be sure of God&apos;s forgiveness, and move on to forgiving others. “Go out and tell people what God has done in your soul. If Christ has risen, and He has forgiven us, then the only logical thing is that we also forgive one another.” Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>