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A meditation about heaven, preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai during a retreat at Cedarcrest Conference Centre in Belfountain, Ontario, on February 15, 2025. Pope Benedict XVI emphasized that heaven is not an abstract concept or imaginary place, but the true reality of God&#39;s presence. He said heaven is not a departure from the world but a &quot;new mode of presence to the world. Its not a physical location in the cosmos.Music: &#39;Moonlight&#39; by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.comThumbnail: The oculus of the Pantheon, Rome.

Go Forth Christian Soul: Our Hope of Heaven

As we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph the Worker on May 1, we are pleased to share “Go to Joseph”: A Spiritual Retreat, a collection of meditations that invites us to contemplate the life of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus Christ and model of virtue and leadership, and to understand more deeply: Why is the life of St. Joseph so important? Why did God choose St. Joseph to be his foster father on earth? What does St. Joseph’s life teach us about our own identities: where we come from and why God has also chosen us? As we turn to the example of St. Joseph, we learn how his life of virtue was fostered through his docility to the Will of God and perseverance in the tasks and struggles of daily life. This time of prayer on retreat is an opportunity to look inward and assess how we respond to the grace of Christ in our daily life. By imitating the life of St. Joseph, we too can overcome obstacles and sanctify the ordinary moments of daily life. Listen to the full retreat for free online: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/product/a-spiritual-retreat-go-to-joseph/'>download today!</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 Just Man | Part One | "Go to Joseph": A Spiritual Retreat

Many young people work and study hard, are happy and sociable, but lack knowledge of decent manners in public — it either hasn't been passed on through the generations, or its importance hasn't been emphasized. And yet small details in social life have a big impact on relationships and first impressions. From learning basic table manners to public speaking; from manners relating to dating, hygiene, and technology, to appropriate clothing choices: the author illustrates these details in a straight-forward and often amusing way. As the author aptly states, "many doors and hearts are opened by good manners." Manners make strong impressions, lead to effective relationships, and shape one's character and reputation. Most importantly of all, this book teaches how to discover the good in others and how to live with more grace and style.

Living With Good Manners: A Handbook for Young People with Class

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> ] <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

In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina reflects on the family as a school of love where we learn to use our freedom, and where we learn the meaning and value of life, sexuality, friendship, weakness, forgiveness and love. “Love is a powerful word,” says Fr. Leo, “and this is our legacy as Catholics… It is a treasure that we have received from Jesus Christ. Love is ultimately what brings people back to the truth.” Drawing upon the parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15:11-13), Fr. Leo reminds us that “we don’t love our families because they are perfect, we love our families precisely because they are imperfect… Family is the place where you’re welcome no matter what. And this is something that we need to convey to the world.” If we want to build solid families and relationships, we must learn to love everyone as sons and daughters of God by fostering trust, freedom, and understanding in our homes.As St. Josemaria explains: “What a son or daughter looks for in a father or mother is not only a certain amount of knowledge or some more or less effective advice, but primarily something more important: a proof of the value and meaning of life…” (Christ is Passing By, no. 28).<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/The-Family-A-School-of-Love-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>Visit Show Page</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 Family: A School of Love

Are you single and hoping to get married? Are you unsure whether you should marry the person you are dating? Elizabeth Busby, LMFT joins Doug to discuss the importance of discernment before marriage. They also unpack the Theology of the Body and share how to overcome past mistakes related to chastity.   Resources:   Discerning Marriage <a href="https://www.discerningmarriage.com/">https://www.discerningmarriage.com/</a>   Theology of the Body <a href="https://tobinstitute.org/">https://tobinstitute.org/</a>

Marriage Discernment and the Theology of the Body

In this week's episode we spoke with Lisa Canning, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://lisacanning.ca/">The Possibility Mom</a>, to talk about how to dream again after seasons of defeat.Lisa shares her journey as a mother of eleven and entrepreneur, offering honest wisdom on surrender, control, and finding beauty amid chaos. She gives practical tools for overcoming decision fatigue, strengthening your prayer life, and leaning on community when life feels overwhelming.This conversation will inspire parents to slow down, reconnect, and dare to dream again together !Curious what life with 11 kids looks like? Follow Lisa on Instagram (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/lisacanning/">@lisacanning</a>) and be sure to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://lisacanning.ca/">check out her website</a> for her coaching, podcast, and other offerings.

How to Dream After a Season of Defeat with Lisa Canning

"I would like these pages to assist our prayer and lead us closer to Christ," writes Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz in the introduction to his book. Through 120 short texts, it aims at helping the reader to meditate on the Gospel with an attentive and contemplative attitude. The author takes the perspective of a person who prays as a child of God. In such prayer, the sense of divine filiation becomes a strong impulse in daily life. By reflecting on these gospel mediations frequently, we identify ourselves ever more closely with Jesus, Son of the Father.  This leads to a truer relationship with God our Father, and in turn, a greater love for all others.

In the Light of the Gospel: Short Meditations

Luke 9, 57: ..they met a man on the road who said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.This expression of willingness, this desire to follow the Lord, no matter what he asks, no matter where the Lord takes our life, no matter the pain I experience, no matter what city you want me to go, is a deeply felt disposition that the Lord blesses. We see it particularly with Therese of Lisieux, and today with the beginnings of St. Josemaria’s call, on October 2, 1928, the feast of the Guardina Angels.A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on October 2, 2025 in Lyncroft centre 2025.

I will follow you wherever you go: The Founding of Opus Dei

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-1st-sunday-of-lent'>Transcript</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>

Into the Wilderness | iPray with the Gospel (1st Sunday of Lent)

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Tim Reckart, the talented director of the heartwarming animated film The Star. Released in 2017, this film offers a unique retelling of the Nativity story through the eyes of the animals who witnessed it. Tim takes us behind the scenes of this unforgettable journey, sharing insights into his creative process, the beauty of storytelling through different characters, and the message he hopes viewers carry with them long after the credits roll. Visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.sycamorestudios.com">www.sycamorestudios.com</a> to see more projects that Tim is working on in hopes of bringing truth, goodness, and beauty to culture!

S4 Ep. 52 - Behind the Scenes of The Star with Director Tim Reckart

On the Way to Damascus: The Journey of Our Vocation (Acts 9:1-3) St Josemaria Escriva pointed out that all of the apostles somehow were called to follow Jesus in and through their work, including Saint Paul. Don&apos;t be surprised, therefore, to discover that God is also calling you in and through your work. In this meditation, we will reflect on these questions: What is your Damascus? What have you chosen as that activity through which you serve society and that gives you meaning in how you live your life? We all have a mission and it is most likely right where we are already. During this time of meditation and prayer, we will ask God to help us to keep doing what we are doing, but with a new light and with new meaning. To listen to and download the eight meditations of &quot;A Spiritual Retreat in the Footsteps of St. Paul&quot; go to: https://stjosemaria.org/st-paul-retreat/ <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>

On the Way to Damascus: The Journey of Our Vocation (Rebroadcast)

Fr. Giesler's Junia trilogy vividly recounted the lives of the early Christians and their struggle to be faithful to their newfound faith in Jesus Christ.
In Family Grace, Fr. Giesler tells a similar story, but within the context of a contemporary American family that discovers the Catholic Faith in gradual and unexpected ways. He vividly narrates their temptations, failures, and victories in a setting very similar to what the early Christians faced: a society often hostile to the truth and goodness of the Gospel. 
As he did in his previous novels, Giesler uses the message of St. Josemaría Escrivá as his inspiration---with his call to become saints and apostles in the middle of the world, a calling very similar to that of the early followers of Christ.

Family Grace: A Story of Conversion Through Friendship

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

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the immeasurable love of Christ as we prepare for and celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Christ became incarnate and took on a human heart to model for us the ability to love with our own heart of flesh if we are receptive to the grace of God. As Christians, we must allow for the love of Christ to permeate our daily actions so that others may see and encounter the heart of Christ. St. Josemaria explains: “The source of all grace is God’s love for us, and he has revealed this not just in words but also in deeds. It was divine love which led the second Person of the holy Trinity, the Word, the Son of God the Father, to take on our flesh, our human condition, everything except sin. And the Word, the Word of God, is the Word from which Love proceeds” (Christ is Passing By, no. 162). <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 Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Rebroadcast)

Tomás and Paquita were among the earliest married members of Opus Dei. Tomas taught high school, ran a boarding school for orphans, was a college professor of pedagogy, and helped found a network of parent-sponsored primary and secondary schools. Paquita was also a high school teacher and principal as well as an artist, but decided to dedicate herself to her family. She helped organize the early activities of Opus Dei for married women and schoolgirls.
Resources to learn more about Tomás and Paquita Alvira:
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://opusdei.org/en-us/tomas-and-paquita-alvira/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Website for Their Canonization Cause</a>.</li>
 <li>Marlin, Olga Emily. Our Lives in His Hands: An Ordinary Couple’s Path to Holiness. New York: Scepter, 2018. (<a href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/our-lives-in-his-hands-an-ordinary-couples-path-to-holiness" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Scepter Publishers</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1594173117" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Amazon</a>)</li>
</ul>
For more information about Opus Dei or to inquire about Opus Dei activities in your area, visit <a href="https://opusdei.org/">⁠www.opusdei.org⁠</a>.
You can buy the book &quot;Encounters: Finding God in All Walks of Life&quot; from <a href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/encounters">⁠Scepter Publishers⁠</a> or on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/159417511X">⁠Amazon⁠</a>.

Tomás and Paquita Alvira: Early Married Members of the Work

How do we share the Theology of the Body with our children? Executive Director of the Ruah Woods Institute, Courtney Brown joins Doug to discuss this and what the TOB message is for married couples.   Ruah Woods Institute <a href="https://www.ruahwoodsinstitute.org/">https://www.ruahwoodsinstitute.org/</a>

Theology of the Body for Children

What does it truly mean to be “sent” by God in your marriage, family, and daily work? In this reflection, Fr. Paul Donlan explains that every Christian life—especially family life—is a divinely given mission rooted in the “double hearth” of the home and the Church, modeled on the Holy Family and sustained by Christ in the Eucharist. He emphasizes that marriage, parenthood, work, and even personal struggles are all mission fields where believers are called to bring Christ to the world, not by extraordinary actions but by living with a missionary mindset shaped by prayer, the sacraments, and ongoing conversion. Drawing on Scripture and the meaning of the Mass’s dismissal, Fr. Paul urges each person to echo Isaiah’s response—“Here I am, send me”—and to recognize themselves as instruments of renewal in a world that is in spiritual collapse.

The Mission Of The Family

On June 1 the Church celebrates the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. Traditionally the Church is also called Mother, through which we are nourished, consoled, washed, embraced, and reborn. We run to it in times of difficulty. The Church is an extension of Christ, and in the background is the icon of the Church—Mary, Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church. In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on this mystery; how we can bring the mystery to our daily lives; and, how Mary wants us to treat her as Mother in every sense of the word. St. Josemaria explains: “Find out for yourself by personal experience the meaning of Mary’s maternal love. It is not enough just to know she is our Mother and to think and to talk about her as such. She is your Mother and you are her son. She loves you as if you were her only child in this world. Treat her accordingly: tell her about everything that happens to you, honor her and love her” (Friends of God, no. 293). <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>

Mary, Mother of the Church

Why would a good God allow so much suffering?
Why doesn't God take away our pain?
Some say he allows it. Others call it punishment. Still others dare to name it a gift. But what is the truth—and how do we live under the weight of suffering that seems senseless, tragic, or cruel?
In a world marked by natural disasters, devastating illness, war, abuse, and untimely death, many wonder why an all-powerful, loving God wouldn't simply make a better world. Couldn't he have prevented it all?
With clarity, compassion, and the depth of Catholic tradition, the author invites readers into the heart of the Church's wisdom on human suffering, an age-old mystery that touches every life.
This book explores:
 

•The nature of evil and why God permits it
•Whether suffering has meaning—and if so, what might that be
•How Jesus transforms pain from within
•What it means to believe in a God of joy in a world of sorrow

Whether you are struggling personally or seeking to understand the suffering of others, this book offers a faithful, honest, and hope-filled perspective for those who dare to ask: Why?

The God of Joy and the Problem of Pain

In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan looks to the example of the Holy Family as a model of living out authentic virtue in every area of our lives. He reflects on the importance of being a witness to the love of Christ and shares practical examples of how we can create an environment at home that strengthens children in the fundamental areas of virtue: authentic piety, the use of technology, the need for silence, holy purity, and generosity. St. Josemaria explains: “If a man fosters and cultivates the seeds of virtue within him, God will smooth out his path, and such a person will be able to become holy because he has known how to live as a man of good will” (Friends of God, no. 75). Listen to the Day of Recollection for December 2020 <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/day-of-recollection-december-2020/'>online</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>

Family Life: The School of Virtue | Meditation One

John 14: Jesus said to his disciples: "If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our home with him. Those who do not love me do not keep my words."
Yes, you are a living house, a home for God. But you should allow Him to do what He pleases to shape you into the person you need to be. This is applied to how faithfully we live our vocation.
A meditation preached on Sunday May 22, 2022 in Lyncroft Centre, Toronto.
Music: Andrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Multiplicity, 2017)
Thumbnail: Gian Lorenzo Bernini St. Peter's Baldachino in Rome, the Holy Spirit, dated 1623-1634.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

The Holy Spirit Dwells in my Soul as in a Home

As adults, finding the time to read can be a challenge and oftentimes not a priority… but Marcie Stockman helps illuminate the importance of creating that time to read especially in community with others. Founder of the Well-Read Mom, Marcie shares with us how choosing quality literature and sharing conversations and questions with others helps in the growth of virtue and knowledge of <a href="http://truth.You">truth.You</a> can learn more about the Well-Read Mom and join the community by going to <a href="http://www.wellreadmom.com">www.wellreadmom.com</a>

S4 Ep. 2 Importance of Good Books & Reading as a Habit with Marcie Stockman

Life in society means more than just living together with others; it also means relating with others, giving oneself to others, and contributing to the good of all. In Beyond Good Intentions, author Juan Lorda shows that Christian morality is more than a list of do's and don'ts but can in fact be summarized as "the art of living." It guides Christians to live so that their actions are consistent with their inner convictions. 
 Juan Luis Lorda's Beyond Good Intentions shows today's readers the beauty and reasonableness of Christian living. We are led to see that the essence of Christian morality is not an assemblage of abstract principles, but is a call to a sincere relationship with a real historical person: Jesus of Nazareth, the God–man who shares our life with us.

Beyond Good Intentions: The Art of Christian Living

In this special podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the feast of Mary, Mother of Fairest Love (February 14th), and the significance of this Marian title in the life of the Church and the history of Opus Dei.Rooted in the Old Testament, Fr. Javier explains how “fair” in this title of Our Lady refers to “beauty” and “fairest love” means “the most beautiful love.” He also explains how St. Josemaria Escriva helped to revive the devotion to this title applying it to Mary as “the guardian of the beauty of chastity” and “as a way of praying for holy purity, for the sanctity of marriage, for the sanctity of the family, and for vocations to celibacy.&quot; The virtue of holy purity is not just about control, as Fr. Javier explains, but it is primarily about love. Holy purity is a gift from God that helps us safeguard the image of God we have in our soul and in our heart, which is “where we are able to love God and make a covenant with God. The heart is the place of truth… So many things happen in the heart. And this interior world has to be protected.” Mary brings us the hope we need to struggle, to tell the truth in our hearts, to repent, and to have the holy purity “to make room in our hearts for God, for true love, for the fairest and most beautiful love… which is her Son.” _____St. Josemaria’s desire to build a shrine to Mary, Mother of Fairest Love in the United States is underway! The shrine will be “a place where people come and ask Mary for many favors for their marriage, for their families, for their vocation, and also for holy purity.” Learn about the “Mary, Mother of Fairest Love Family Shrine” at: <a href='https://fairestloveshrine.org/'>https://fairestloveshrine.org/.</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Mary-Mother-of-Fairest-Love.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>Visit Show Page</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>

Mary, Mother of Fairest Love

Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto on th Solemnity of All Saints, November 1, 2024.
St. John the Apostle tells about his tremendous vision: After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Rev 9, 9-10)
The uncountable throng represents the spiritual offspring of Abraham, i.e., those who imitated his faith (Rom 4:11-17).  The Lord had promised to make Abraham the father of many nations (Gen 17:5) and to give him progeny too numerous to count (Gen 15:5). He made him look up to the sky, and look at the stars. These same stars still lok down upon us, and invite us to look up.
Music: Carlos Gardel (1890 – 1935), Soledad, arranged for guitar by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Vincent Van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889, Museum of Modern Art.

Look Up to the Stars: The Solemnity of All Saints

Have you thought about the impact your motherhood has had on you and your children? Have you ever looked at the parallels between you and the Blessed Mother? Doug unpacks the beauty of motherhood as the Church celebrates the Queenship of Mary. PLUS: A praise of mothers. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Sebastian - My wife and I were married for 67 years and the thing that kept us together was respect for each other. (16:12)</li> <li>Teresa - My mother was left a widow with 8 children at the age of 42. She got up every day, crossed the border and picked all day in the field to make sure we all had something to eat. (18:25)</li> <li>Chris - My wife is a mother of 10 children (two miscarriages) and she expresses her love by sacrifice. (26:55)</li> <li>Bob - My mom was a mother of 8 and she stayed home with us. She ended up getting dementia and when my dad passed she said 'Don&rsquo;t be mad at God'. It was such a powerful message from a woman who had every right to be mad at God. It was very faith affirming. (32:06)</li> <li>Warren - This is the 4th anniversary of the death of my mother. Given the time for reflection, I was amazed at what an incredible woman she was. (35:46)</li> <li>Brian - My mom is a mother of 10 and was one of 20 children. She really did a good job of passing on her faith to us. (42:53)</li> <li>Suzette - I lost my mother in April and she made it to 100. She was such a blessing and passed on the beautiful Catholic Faith to me. (44:46)</li> <li>Rose - My mother and grandmother were involved in the foster system and they were amazing. (46:39)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Treating your wife like a queen <ol> <li>Speak words of gratitude.</li> <li>Leave notes telling your wife you love her.</li> <li>Give her a break.</li> <li>Take her for a walk.</li> <li>Get the kids involved in making dinner.</li> <li>Bring home flowers.</li> <li>Help with the bedtime routine.</li> <li>Lead the children in showing gratitude.</li> <li>Pray with her and for her.</li> <li>Bless her with the Sign of the Cross.</li> </ol>

The Beauty of Motherhood

How might we better serve our families and children in a nurturing and holistic way? Jackie Mulligan, founder of Reform Wellness, discusses how having a Christ-centered approach to health and wellness creates a greater capacity for us to love and serve others. She shares how families can grow both physically and spiritually through building virtue and how to intentionally live for family members. For more information about the wellness apostolate that Jackie founded, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://reformwellness.co">reformwellness.co</a>&nbsp;or Instagram at @reform_wellness <a href="https://www.fairestloveshrine.org/contact-us">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to the Fairest Love newsletter for more podcasts, insightful blog posts, and updates!&nbsp;

S4 Ep. 6 Love of Self Through Wellness in Order to Serve Others with Jackie Mulligan

In honor of St. Joseph's feast day on March 19th, we're sharing a portion of the first chapter of Federico Suarez's book Joseph of Nazareth

The Figure of Joseph - Joseph of Nazareth

Note: This meditation was recorded in front of a live audience. In our meditation for the Fourth Week of Lent, Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to renew our commitment to the three pillars of Lent: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. As we reach the midpoint of this penitential seson, he reminds us that Lent centers on Christ’s self-giving sacrifice on the Cross—the greatest expression of love. To follow Christ is to embrace the Cross and come to know him through our own acts of self-emptying. Fr. Armenio emphasizes that almsgiving is the animating force behind prayer and fasting. Without charity, the other two lose their vitality. He encourages us to begin with love for our families and extend it outward—living the works of mercy and witnessing to Christ’s love in our daily interactions. Prayer and fasting, too, are essential. Fr. Armenio encourages us to carve out moments of silence in our days to encounter the Lord. In this quiet, we receive his love and are strengthened to share it with others. Through fasting, we learn to deny ourselves, resist temptation, and redirect our hearts toward Christ. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fourth-Sunday-Week-of-Lent-Sharing-in-the-Self-Emptying-of-Christ-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a>  <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/fourth-sunday-of-lent-sharing-in-the-self-emptying-of-christ/'>Visit Show Page</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>

Fourth Sunday & Week of Lent: Sharing in the Self-Emptying of Christ

Fr. Paul Donlan reflects on Mary as Mother of God and our Mother, beginning with the Annunciation, where her total surrender to God allowed the Word to become flesh, explaining the theological basis for calling her “Mother of God,” affirmed at the Council of Ephesus, and explores her unique relationship with the Trinity as daughter of the Father, mother of the Son, and spouse of the Holy Spirit. The meditation draws connections between Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, the biblical roots of the Hail Mary, and her role as a model of holiness, and clarifies Catholic teaching— that Mary is venerated with “hyperdulia,” not worshiped—and emphasizes her closeness to God, her intercession for us, and her maternal care, entrusted by Jesus from the Cross.

Mary, Mother of God and our Mother

Foreword by Mike Aquilina 
 Helping young people to form their character is an exciting endeavor that God has entrusted first of all to parents. It requires delicacy and strength, patience and joy, and is not lacking in challenges. It means helping children develop a concern for others, teaching them to form relationships that are truly human, and overcoming the fear of commitment. Educating children involves preparing them for the future—a future that will always involve difficulties, but also joys. In the end, it means preparing each child to respond fully to God's plan for his or her life. 
 The twenty-one essays contained in the Family Virtues guide will help parents in this great task. Whether dealing with adolescent development issues, discipline, modesty, passing on the faith, or other parenting matters, this effective parenting book covers it all with supernatural outlook and common sense. Written in an open-ended style that empowers parents to find their own solutions, it can be read straight through from beginning to end, or by skipping to specific chapters, according to one's interests and needs. Both young parents and those with more experience will benefit from the insights found here.

Family Virtues: A Guide to Effective Parenting

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-feast-of-st-catherine'>Transcript</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 - Feast of St. Catherine of Siena

As the Christmas season comes to a close, we're sharing a few more pages from the chapter Mary, Motherhood and the Home from Fulton Sheen's book Three to Get Married.

Mary, Motherhood, and the Home (Christmastime) - Three to Get Married

On August 15, the Church celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Mother. She is the woman clothed with the sun, the moon is beneath her feet, and is crowned with twelve stars. We love her tenderly and through her actions she shows us what a life of faith looks like. What it means to become filled with trust and a joy that unable to be disturbed by difficulties.How does this life of Faith begin? Follow Mother Mary’s example: - When the Blessed Virgin Mary was in contemplative prayer she listened and received the Angel Gabriel’s message from God. - She was open to the Holy Spirit allowing herself to be totally abandoned to the truth of the word of the living God. - She listened to the word of God and responded with complete trust, giving God her life to do with as He pleased. We ask our dear Mother Mary to help us to become souls of faith as we nourish our faith through daily prayer and meditating on the Gospels. <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 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

We are pleased to share with you today an excerpt from the audio edition of the book Praying 15 Days with St. Josemaria Escriva by Fr. Guillaume Derville. To get instant access to all 15 chapters of the audiobook, and to buy the book and 2-Disc CD set, please <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/product/praying-15-days-st-josemaria-escriva-audio-book/'>visit us online</a>. Praying 15 Days with St. Josemaria Escriva invites us, under his guidance, to follow various characters in the gospels, placing ourselves in each scene as one more among the rest, as they live out their personal encounters with Jesus Christ. <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>

Introduction | As Another Person in the Scene | Praying 15 Days with St Josemaria

Montserrat Grases died in Barcelona of bone cancer at 17 years of age. Throughout her painful illness, Montse, as she was known to her family and friends, maintained a contagious cheerfulness and a focus on her friends and family rather than on herself. In a 2016 decree, Pope Francis confirmed that Montse had lived a life of heroic virtue and named her as venerable.
Resources to learn more about Venerable Montserrat Grases:
<ul>
 <li>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://opusdei.org/en-us/montse-grases/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Website for Her Cause of Canonization⁠⁠⁠</a>.</li>
 <li>Cejas, José Miguel. Like Any Other: A Girl Named Montse. New York: Scepter, 2016. (<a href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/like-any-other-a-girl-named-montse" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Scepter</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Like-Any-Other-Named-Montse/dp/1594172722" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Amazon</a>)</li>
 <li>Eguibar Galaraza, Mercedes. Montserrat Grases. Una vida sencilla. Madrid: Rialp, 2018. (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Montserrat-Grases-dBolsillo-868-Spanish-ebook/dp/B01FXE1NSU/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Amazon</a>, in Spanish)</li>
</ul>
For more information about Opus Dei or to inquire about Opus Dei activities in your area, visit <a href="https://opusdei.org/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.opusdei.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.
You can buy the book "Encounters: Finding God in All Walks of Life" from <a href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/encounters" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Scepter Publishers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> or on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/159417511X" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.

Montserrat Grases: Teenager

Mt 13:1-9: “A sower went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.  Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
With the different types of soil that the seed falls on, Jesus sums up the various types of people in the world. Different hearts. This is the real meaning of the formation we receive: it is meant to be an ongoing self-cultivation, like the irrigation of a field, or arable land that will lead us out of ourselves, out of the shell of our own selfishness, like a seed that breaks out and brings forth a plant: as we grow and mature, we thus grow in a capacity for sorrow, and for joy.

Our Formation and the Parable of the Sower

Like many Popes before him, Pope Benedict XVI grew up in modest circumstances. His devout family life fostered a piety that never left him, while his intelligence combined with his faith led him to see deeply into the controversies of the 20th century and find God as the ultimate answer. 
 Mariano Fazio brings to light the early influences on Joseph Ratzinger—his strongly Catholic upbringing, the surrounding confusion in pre-war, Nazi-dominated Germany, and his lifelong effort to explain and correct the intellectual errors that still plague the Catholic Church. 
 Here we see a man whose combined faith and reason presents a clear insight and judgement of what was going wrong in the Catholic Church, and what was needed to restore it.

The Legacy of Benedict XVI

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-feast-of-st-luke'>Transcript</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 St. Luke (Oct. 18th) | iPray with the Gospel

Matt 22, 34-40: ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?’ Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also.’
We cannot give the Lord the scraps. Just barely give him what we can conjure up. No, all our might is how we hone into the strengths and qualities and graces we have been given. When you have a heartfelt relationship with God, it moves beyond the simple formalities, niceties, and correctness. For some, the idea of loving God with all their heart seems too challenging. They become too aware of their limitations, their flaws. It's like too much pressure. What is the state of your heart.
Music: Carlos Gardel, Soledad, arranged by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Hans Memling, Christ Giving His Blessing 1478 Norton Simon Art Foundation, Pasedena CA.

How to Love God, Heart, Soul and Mind

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio explains how knowing about Jesus Christ differs from knowing him. And, in order to know Christ, Fr. Peter encourages us to foster a personal relationship with him, with “the knowledge of the heart, the knowledge of a relationship, the knowledge a man and a woman have of each other when they’re courting…”Getting to know him requires intimate conversation, which begins with the “desire to seek Christ.” As St. Josemaria would say, we must seek him “hungrily” and determinedly: “If you act with determination, I am ready to guarantee that you’ve already found him, and have begun to get to know him and to love him, and to hold your conversation in Heaven” (Friends of God, no. 300).In this podcast, you will also hear how:<ul><li>An atheist Jewish writer embraced the Catholic faith after a profound encounter with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.</li><li>Conversion never begins with a guilt trip, or even an examination of conscience, but with an encounter with Christ.</li><li>Getting to know a person doesn’t mean knowing more facts about the person, it means loving that person and having a relationship with that person.</li></ul><a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Jesus-My-Closest-Friend.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>Visit Show Page</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>