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How do you correct your children without criticizing them? Monica Hinderer joins Doug discussing how constant criticism harms your children and how focusing on your child&rsquo;s unique strengths is part of the solution to raising confident children. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Len - You guys do a great job. What made Monica want to go into her dad&rsquo;s profession? (18:16)</li> <li>Bob - On low self-esteem: I think low self-esteem is a virtue. It seems like the best people have had low self-esteem. (20:48)</li> <li>Peter - I'm a parent of four. When my three little girls were young, a lady told me 'don't be too hard on them because if so, they'll jump into another man&rsquo;s arms too early&rsquo;. (25:54)</li> <li>Marie - I have a son who is 49 years old. He's very adamantly opposed to me and is angry with me. I'm not sure why. (36:44)</li> <li>Sharon - My father was very critical and he was an alcoholic, even though he was very well-achieved. (43:06)</li> <li>Deedee - What if that child grew up to be an overachiever, after growing up in an overly critical home? (48:25)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: 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> &nbsp; Negative outcomes of criticism &nbsp; <ol> <li>Low self esteem</li> <li>Perfectionism</li> <li>Negative self-talk</li> <li>Difficulty accepting compliments</li> <li>Tendency towards being hypercritical</li> <li>Becoming hyper defensive</li> <li>Becoming people pleasers</li> <li>Becoming too self-reliant</li> <li>Social anxiety</li> <li>Comparing&nbsp;</li> <li>Constant apology</li> </ol>

Your child’s unique strengths

Doug is joined by Monica Hinderer to talk about the damage criticism does to children: They discuss the many factors that can lead to criticism and share how parents can help children develop positive self-esteem. Doug and Monica tackle listener questions and comments on the following: ·         My adult daughter says we nitpick too much. I am just trying to correct or help her but she won't listen. ·         My mom was super critical and both my sister and I have made it a point to treat our daughters differently. ·         My son has really low self-esteem and I don't know how to help him. ·         My mother nags a lot but I don't see it as nagging and I love that she tells me these things. I think it's only through prayer that I am able to take it so well. ·         My son is an adult but I think I was critical his whole life and now everything seems like a criticism to him.

Criticism Harms Children

Doug goes to the mailbag and tackles topics such as premarital relations for seniors, narcissistic sisters-in-laws, and emotional affairs. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Healthy Relationships and Responding to Abuse

Peter and Theresa Martin join Doug to discuss The Wojtyla Community and Institute. Plus: Day 9 of the novena to Mary, Mother of Fairest Love. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Denise - I'm dating my boyfriend and we're both Catholic. But he's following his ex on Instagram. It makes me uncomfortable, but he said they are just friends.&nbsp; What do you think? (38:26)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Fairest Love Family Project <a href="https://www.fairestlovefamilyproject.org/">https://www.fairestlovefamilyproject.org/</a> &nbsp; Wojtyla Community &amp; Institute <a href="https://www.wojtylaci.com/">https://www.wojtylaci.com/</a>

Families Striving for Holiness

Doug is joined by Monica Hinderer to continue their discussion about the damage criticism does to children: They share how damaging negative self-talk can be in raising children and the value of positive affirmation to combat the negativity. Doug and Monica tackle listener questions and comments on the following: &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doug goes to the mailbag and gives advice to a listener struggling with enmeshment and the impact it has during the holidays. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My kindergartner talked about kissing a girl in his class. We thought it wasn't serious but the day he tried to kiss me; it was really weird. What should I do? &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Struggling in disciplining stepdaughters. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I wish my daughter in law would behave a certain way. How should I approach her directly? Resources: Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp;

The value of positive affirmation

What is my Achilles’ heel — the one weakness that keeps me from fully turning toward God? In this Lenten meditation, Fr. Paul Donlan reflects on St. Josemaría’s call to continual conversion, emphasizing that the Christian life is not a one-time commitment but an ongoing, demanding transformation that requires identifying and confronting our most persistent fault, often rooted in one of the seven capital vices. Using the image of Achilles’ vulnerable heel, he challenges listeners to examine their conscience, cooperate actively with God’s grace, and strive to become true “salt of the earth” and “light of the world,” shining through concrete effort and daily struggle. Lent, Fr. Paul urges, is a powerful season to make a decisive step forward into acknowledging our weaknesses, desiring change, and courageously partnering with God to pursue deeper holiness.

Conquering Our Achilles’ Heel: The Call to Ongoing Conversion

#10MinuteswithJesus

** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him.
** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end.
** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance.

10-Minute audio to help you pray.
Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God.
Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

17-01-26 Follow Me (NS)

What does it truly mean to “take up your cross daily” and follow Christ? In this meditation, Fr. Luke Mata explores Jesus’ most difficult teaching—the mystery of suffering and self-denial. He explains that daily mortification, or dying to oneself in small ways, transforms ordinary sacrifices into acts of love that participate in Christ’s redemptive work. Drawing from Scripture, the lives of saints, and personal anecdotes, Fr. Luke emphasizes that suffering, when united with love, becomes meaningful and salvific. Through perseverance, humility, and trust—especially in moments of struggle — believers grow in fortitude, self-control, and love, learning to see the cross not as punishment but as a path to holiness.

Daily Self-Denial and Redemptive Love

27-03-26 Plugged into Christ (JE)

Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on December 8th, 2025 at Lyncroft Centrre in Toronto. It has been worthwhile to prepare this solemnity because it tells us something hopeful about God’s plan of salvation, his desire for our redemption. He could count on this woman, not as a mere instrument, but as a free and active cooperator that was beautifully prepared and primed for the great work of salvation.We say she is immaculate, because she is without macula, without stain. The fathers of the Church teased out the Eve-Mary parallel: Mary was the new Eve.Music: relaxing-piano-music-248868Thumbnail: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, The Immaculate Conception of Los Venerables (Soult Madonna), 1660–65, oil on canvas, (Museo Nacional del Prado)

The Immaculate Conception was part of Mary's Vocation

A meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai preached at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, June 7 2025. There is this incredible line in St. Paul in which he speaks of having the same sentiments that Christ Jesus had (cf. Phil 2:5). “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.”To empty ourselves like Christ, we must step down from our throne of self-importance.Music: Original track by Michael Lee of Toronto.

The Sentiments of Christ: Abdicate from your Throne

Luke 10:25-37: ‘A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said “and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have.” Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands‘ hands?’ ‘The one who took pity on him’ he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Go, and do the same yourself.’
Who or what are the other robbers in our life?
One might be our sheer busyness.
Busy is not your friend. It makes you feel overwhelmed, tired, and inadequate. If busy were a person, would you spend all day with that person today, and then all day with that person again tomorrow? I don’t think so.
A meditation by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre, October 5, 2022.
Music: Carlos Gardel, Soledad, arranged for guitar by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Rembrandt, The Good Samaritan 1630. Ink drawing, Rijiksmuseum, Public Domain.

The Good Samaritan and His Friend

Doug reads a letter by Alice Von Hildebrand from her book By Love Refined. In this letter, Alice gives advice on deepening friendships. Doug also unpacks things you should know if you decide to go to marriage therapy. He discusses the importance of gratitude and how it helps keep the focus on the positive.   Resources:   By Love Refined <a href="https://sophiainstitute.com/product/by-love-refined/?srsltid=AfmBOor69zErlUqf6RP4-3ZxPfKt8rMqVKFZpPQcjXBuSZBKh6q0taWX">https://sophiainstitute.com/product/by-love-refined/?srsltid=AfmBOor69zErlUqf6RP4-3ZxPfKt8rMqVKFZpPQcjXBuSZBKh6q0taWX</a>   Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a>   Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a>   Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a>

Having an attitude of gratitude

Should I marry my baby's father? My husband won't show me his bank account. What should I do when marriage advice doesn't work? Doug goes to the mailbag. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Vera - My boyfriend and I had a baby and we did break up. Then after 6 months we started dating, and now have been married for 44 years. We went to Confirmation classes together and got married in the Church. (14:47)</li> <li>Jean - How is the girl with the baby ever going to get her boyfriend out of the house. I don't think he'll leave. (22:29)</li> <li>Maria - My husband suggested that I open my own account. We've been married for 37 years. (38:38)</li> </ul> Resources: Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> Relevant Radio Dad&rsquo;s Pack <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/merch/products/dads-pack">https://relevantradio.store/collections/merch/products/dads-pack</a> Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a>

Should I marry my child's father?

Live from the National Eucharistic Congress from Indianapolis with Amanda Smith.

Natural Family Planning

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai on a day of recollection in Ernescliff College on May 11, 2025.I saw photos of Pope Leo XIV visiting Santa Maria Maggiore, praying in front of the Icon of Our Lady, Mother of God. She is showing us the child. She is showing us her son during the month of May when we have recourse to her.We can ask him to stir up the fire of our faith. Put little twigs and branches into the fire. The best twigs to get that faith raging is the devotion to our mother, as mother.It may be small now, but little aspirations, glances at images of our Lady are there to awaken something within us. Josemaria would as to “Stir up that fire of faith. Christ is not a figure that has passed. He is not a memory that is lost in history.” Mary seems to stir up devotion in us. She awakens our faith and makes us strong. Music: Michael Lee of Toronto.Thumbnail: Icon of Mary in Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.

Mary Protects us from Being Gloomy Saints

20-03-26 Help me to Save One More (GB)

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai, December 21, 2022 at Lyncroft Centre, Toronto.
Phil 4, 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always”. Joy is at the heart of Christian experience. Pope Benedict XVI said that one of the great attraction of WYD was the joy that people saw. It is seen in young people, in the smiles of Pope Francis.
Pope Benedict XVI said “In a world of sorrow and anxiety, joy is an important witness to the beauty and reliability of the Christian faith.”
In a school you learn stuff. What are we going to learn today?
Music: Bert Alink, Mossy Garden, arranged on guitar.
Thumbnail: Raphael, &nbsp;Sistine Madonna 1513 Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister Dresden.

The School of Joy

16-12-25 Something Has to Stop the Flow (JPM)

Listen to the first chapter of our newest Scepter Title, Rekindled Hearts: A Spiritual Journey to Martial Healing by Doug Hinderer.

Heaven is Forever - Rekindled Hearts

18-01-26 Look at Him! (GJ)

One of the most inspiring, and hopeful passages in St. Paul is in his letter to Timothy, where he gives him pastoral instruction in dealing with the people of God.
1 Tim 2, 4: God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
It is our dream. To be illuminated by the truth itself.
St. Josemaria Escriva said in Furrow 221: Be sure of this: you need to be fully formed to face the rush of people that is going to press upon us with a specific and urgent question: “Well then, what’s to be done?”
What does it mean to be fully formed? Fr. Eric Nicolai peaches at Chipnee Camp in Fort Burwell, Ontario, July 2, 2022.
Music: Handel’s Rinaldo opera, aria, “Lascia ch’io pianga”, arranged for guitar by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Fra Angelico St Peter Preaching in the Presence of St Mark 1433, museum of San Marco, Florence. Wiki Commons.
For more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos

The Urgency of Being Fully Formed

In today’s podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on seeking the presence of God amidst the challenging reality we face today. Throughout Lent we have been journeying alongside Christ in the desert, looking inward to assess what we need to change to become a Christ-like image in the world today. During this period of social distancing, we are reminded to seek consolation in the Gospel message and to seek opportunities for spiritual growth. St. Josemaria explains: “I am happy…for I see that the Lord is seeking me again, that the Lord is still my Father. We are loved by God, and we will let the Holy Spirit act in us and purify us, so that we can embrace the Son of God on the cross, and rise with him, because the resurrection is rooted in the cross” (Christ is Passing By, no. 66). <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>

Divine Filiation: A Joyful Truth

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on how Jesus’ example and teachings on humility are key to knowing ourselves and to knowing God. Reflecting on Scripture, specifically the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, Fr. Peter highlights how we can only know God, and give ourselves to Him, when we own ourselves and are not held back by our pride, resentments, self-absorption, or sinfulness. St. Josemaria Escriva said that Jesus’ greatest act of humility is to be a “prisoner behind the appearance of bread” in order to have an intimate relationship with each one of us and to serve us. Jesus remains in the Blessed Sacrament so that we may have him “all to ourselves; no lines, no tickets, no waiting rooms.” Fr. Peter reminds us to learn from Jesus’ example of self-emptying humility and self-giving love. “Though he was in the form of God, [he] did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave” (Philippians 2:6-7).So, the more we empty ourselves, the more we experience Christ and allow him to live in us and take over our lives. And the more we allow this happen, the more all those around us will be able to see the compassionate and merciful face of Our Lord.In this podcast, you will also hear how:<ul><li>The Pharisee’s prayer “doesn’t work” but the prayer of the Publican is effective because he humbled himself.</li><li>We can’t be self-satisfied with what we have and try not to give it away - that’s pride.</li><li>Holiness is more about being a good repenter than being a good performer.</li><li>Humility is enhanced when we’re honest with ourselves, and making a good confession is a great antidote to pride.</li></ul><a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Encountering-Christ-Through-Humility.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>

Encountering Christ Through Humility (Rebroadcast)

Last time Sterling joined us, she talked about overcoming overwhelm. This time she's back to discuss how to identify the various stress responses we have, and what to do with these feelings when they occur.Sterling can be found at Made for Greatness: <a href="https://www.madeforgreatness.co">https://www.madeforgreatness.co</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/madeforgreatnesscoaching/">https://www.instagram.com/madeforgreatnesscoaching/</a>

Ep. 4 Identifying and Dealing with our Stress Responses with Sterling Jaquith

In this meditation for October 2, a special anniversary in the life of St Josemaria, Fr Javier del Castillo explains how God showed St Josemaria his vocation to be the founder of Opus Dei and the prayers and circumstances that led up to that moment. Inspired by this anniversary, Fr Javier explains how we too are lead to ask ourselves: &quot;What does God want of me?&quot; &quot;What does He want me to do?&quot; And he offers practical ways in which we can answer those questions through our daily life and work. <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>

Opus Dei and the Sanctification of Work

Guest host&nbsp;Monica Hinderer is joined by Julie Larkin to discuss inner child work and how to deal with emotional wounds. They share the value of true affirmation and forgiveness, pointing to God&rsquo;s unconditional love. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Jose - I have been angry at my mother and I find it difficult. She used to treat me with violence. I still live at home at 32. (23:51)</li> <li>Gloria - I am a speech therapist and I have seen that some of my students have a hard time with picking up on social cues and discerning emotions in others. Do you think therapy could help them? (28:35)</li> <li>Mary - I started healing through the JPII center and I have found that my pain is from my absent father. (38:00)</li> <li>Jackie - I found great comfort after leaning into my faith after trauma from childhood. (43:51)</li> <li>Eli - What program for mental health coaching is reliable? (47:49)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Vita Optimum Counseling and Consulting <a href="https://www.vitaoptimumcounseling.com/">https://www.vitaoptimumcounseling.com/</a> &nbsp; Girl Talk <a href="https://www.girltalk.org/team">https://www.girltalk.org</a> &nbsp; Born Only Once, Third Edition: The Miracle of Affirmation <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Born-Only-Once-Third-Affirmation/dp/1498288154">https://www.amazon.com/Born-Only-Once-Third-Affirmation/dp/1498288154</a>

To Love & Be Loved

05-02-26 Equipping the Called (NS)

Beginning the New Year with resolutions and goals can be daunting, but Dr. Amber Curtis provides several practical tips and science-backed methods to encourage making schedules and keeping them! You can see more of the work Amber does to help women create solutions for the overwhelm by visiting her website <a href="http://solutionsforsimplicity.com">solutionsforsimplicity.com</a> or downloading her priorities playbook at <a href="http://bit.ly/pinpointyourpriorities">bit.ly/pinpointyourpriorities</a> .

S4 Ep. 1 Creating a Schedule & Sticking to It with Dr. Amber Curtis

Dr. Smith first reviews the great challenges of More&rsquo;s public career: the arrival of Reformation controversies in England and the crisis of Henry VIII&rsquo;s divorce. He then presents the highlights of Thomas More&rsquo;s great Socratic dialogues showing mentorship in action:&nbsp;The Dialogue of Sir Thomas More, Knight&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation.
&nbsp;
Questions:&nbsp;What kind of education and preparation does a leading citizen really need to be ready and capable of governing self and others before the storms and stress and sufferings come? How does one prepare a young and talented person for the experience of leading and suffering in times of tribulation and danger? How does one gain authentic self-knowledge and a clear, sober, yet hopeful view of human nature, such that he or she can govern well in a real storm &ndash; and avoid destroying self and others?
&nbsp;
Texts Referenced in this Course Video:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://essentialmore.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Essential Works of Thomas More</a>, especially&nbsp;The Dialogue of Sir Thomas More, Knight&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation</li>
<li>Or see the online CTMS editions&nbsp;<a href="https://thomasmorestudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DialogueConcerningHeresies2015-etext.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://thomasmorestudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/DialogueComfort-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Additional study materials are available&nbsp;<a href="https://essentialmore.org/studymaterials/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.
See the map of More&rsquo;s London&nbsp;<a href="https://essentialmore.org/map/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

LECTURE 4 — Leading Citizens: Mentoring Before the Storm

And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3, 16)
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on May 2, 2024 at Kintore College in Toronto about divine filiation.
Music: Adrift among the infinite stars by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com
Thumbnail: The Baptism of Christ, by Piero della Francesca 1439-1460, National Gallery, London.

This is my Beloved Son, Listen to Him

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai in Kintore College on December 31, 2022 to inaugurate the New Year.
Today's first reading is from the book of Numbers 6, when Moses is told exactly how the priests are to bless.
The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
“‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you 
 &nbsp;and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you 
 &nbsp;and give you peace.”’
“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
This is one of the earliest blessing formulas conserved to us. In the biblical tradition, the contemplation of the face of God is associated with intimacy. How can we feel the face of God gazing upon us this year with all the hardships and challenges and joys that await?
Music: Nascosta Rosa, sung by the Roman College of Holy Mary in Rome.
Thumbnail: The Volto Santo di Manoppello, the Holy Face of Manoppello, Italy.

Lord, Let Me See Your Face in 2023

Doug discusses the example of St. Rita and how to handle being married to a difficult person <ul> <li>(4:58) Dynamic Catholic - Surrender our will to God</li> <li>(8:30) Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence</li> <li>(14:46) CALLER – Michael - I was struggling in my marriage for a long time but what helped me out was a book Lila Miller has called impossible marriages redeemed.</li> </ul> (16:34) Break 1 <ul> <li>(18:04) CALLER – Dave - I think that Satan is working on me. My wife is amazing, but I get nervous when things are too good. What should I do?</li> <li>(23:21) CALLER – Robin - We have been married many years but there are many troubles in our marriage. He struggles with addictions and goes from one addiction to another. I feel terrible because it is affecting our adult children. What should I do?</li> <li>(31:30) – St. Rita of Untiring Patience</li> </ul> (35:43) BREAK 2 <ul> <li>(36:34) Emails – Adrian. Wife has anger issues.</li> <li>(40:34) Email – Hannah – Husband moved out. Husband not interested. Hannah wants to move on</li> <li>(44:29) St. Rita of Untiring Patience (pt. 2)</li> <li>(46:03) St. Rita, mirror for Christian spouses</li> </ul>

Marriage Unhindered – May 25, 2024 – How To Live With A Difficult Spouse

Anastasia Northrop joins Doug to discuss the importance of preparing for marriage while you are single. They share the importance of prayer and living in the present moment while being open to the vocation of marriage. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Cathy - After on and off online dating, I finally found the one. (36:46)</li> <li>Andrew - My wife and I met on online. I was very broken but God worked on me and led me to the woman who became my wife. (44:02)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: National Conference for single Catholics <a href="https://nationalcatholicsingles.com/">https://nationalcatholicsingles.com/</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> &nbsp; The trouble with dating Apps <ol> <li>Endless swiping creates decision fatigue.</li> <li>Algorithms favor looks over compatibility.</li> <li>Ghosting has become socially acceptable.</li> <li>Too much focus on instant gratification.</li> <li>Profiles are curated to impress but not connect.</li> <li>Misleading photos set unrealistic expectations.</li> </ol>

Preparing for marriage when you are single and waiting

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-ashwednesday/'>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 | Ash Wednesday

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Cedarcrest Conference Centre in Belfountain, Ontario on August 3, 2024.
Matt 14, 1: Herod made a rash decision under the pressure of his passions and his human respect. We must be contemplatives. What does it mean to be a contemplative in the middle of the world?
Music: Recordações do passado (Souvenirs from the Past) a Valsa for piano (1885) by Ernesto Nazareth arranged Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: detail of the face of Christ by Rembrandt, 17th century.

The Oxygen of Contemplation

A meditation preached in the Madawaska Valley at Camp Caribou for Boys, August 20, 2024.
Jesus invited the young rich man to follow him, but he turned around and left, sad. Here&#39;s Jesus&#39; response.
Matthew 19:23-30: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you solemnly, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yes, I tell you again, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’ When the disciples heard this they were astonished. ‘Who can be saved, then?’ they said. Jesus gazed at them. ‘For men’ he told them ‘this is impossible; for God everything is possible.’
Music: FALL - Adrian Berenguer (Album Singularity)
Thumbnail: Halfway Lake, Camp Caribou.

What Happened to the Young Rich Man?

Doug shares a story of a single lady looking for a match (4:00)&nbsp; Doug talks about a love depression (11:00)&nbsp; Websites and apps have become mirrors (14:00)&nbsp; &nbsp;What to do while in dating world&nbsp; (20:00)&nbsp; Doug's rant about dating from a listener email (44:00)&nbsp; Listener Comments:&nbsp; Claudia- I didnt get married until 36 and thought I would be single forever. I would always pray. was ok with my singleness. I'm married now for 16 years and I didn't settle for less than I deserve. (28:00) Mary-I have been there with dating. Figured I would be old maid. but found my husband. I tell my girls and boys that it is like the perfect set of gloves. (30:49) Jose-I found some candidates for dating on Catholic Match but we have differences when it came to contraception. It's hard to find matches even among Catholics. Any advice? (35:00) Luis-I've been married 10 years and met through Catholic Match. We agreed on most important things. Catholic faith. (39:35) Richard-I have been married 38 years. took me through 2 marriages to get to the right one. (43:00)&nbsp; Link to story Doug shared about a single lady's quest on dating and also using a matchmaker: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/matchmaker-dates-finding-love-40s-therapy-self-work_n_67abb760e4b0b904f1e2ad49">I Paid A Matchmaker $4,000. Here&rsquo;s What I Learned. | HuffPost HuffPost Personal</a>

Dating Tips For Those Who Have Discerned a Vocation to Marriage

Fr. Paul Donlan reflects on the Parable of the Sower from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus illustrates how people receive the Word of God differently, much like seeds falling on various types of soil, and explains the four cases: seeds that fall on the path (rejected outright), on rocky ground (received with initial enthusiasm but lacking depth), among thorns (choked by materialism, pleasure-seeking, and worldly concerns), and on rich soil (those who receive the Word with openness and bear fruit). The reflection emphasizes the dangers of modern superficiality, consumerism, rationalism, and rejection of faith, comparing cultural trends like the Enlightenment and today’s obsession with trivial entertainment to obstacles that prevent spiritual growth. At the same time, it calls for deeper engagement with faith through prayer, study, meaningful conversations, and perseverance in trials. Ultimately, Fr. Paul urges everyone to become “good soil” like Mary at the Annunciation—open, humble, and willing to let God’s word take root and transform their lives.

The Parable Of The Sower

Do you ever feel anxious? Do you have trouble making decisions? Dr. Johann D’Souza joins Doug to discuss anxiety and its effect on marriage. Dr. D’Souza shares insight into what can help a person who struggles with anxiety.     Resource mentioned: Values First Therapy <a href="https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/">https://www.valuesfirsttherapy.com/</a>

Effects of Anxiety on Marriage

First published in English in 1996 as Immersed in God, this 20th anniversary edition serves an anecdotal account of the life of St. Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975). Blessed Alvaro (1914-1994) was at the saint's side for almost 40 years as his confessor, and from 1976 to his death as the Prelate of Opus Dei, was the successor to St. Josemaria. Blessed Alvaro relates dozens of accounts of Saint Josemaria's apostolate, his service to the Church, and his personality. Many of these stories only came to light after his death, when letters and tributes poured into Rome from around the world.
These lively anecdotes are gathered in 13 chapters which form a mosaic of the life of St. Josemaria and provided thousands of readers around the world with a picture of the saint, just before publication of an official three volume biography, The Founder of Opus Dei, by Andres Vazquez de Prada.

40 Years With a Saint: Blessed Alvaro del Portillo

17-03-26 Water and Life (RS)

Feeling disconnected from your spouse is a common problem many experience after years of marriage. Today, Doug unpacks ways to reconnect with your spouse. Doug shares the importance of investing one percent of the day with your spouse and taking the time to actively listen to your spouse. PLUS: The Friday Rant. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Mary &ndash; How to I practice reflective listening with my husband when he's having work problems, and I'm having work problems?</li> <li>Lalo &ndash; The problems in my marriage seemed to relate to being away from the Church. I am now back in the Church and I fell back in love with my wife.</li> <li>Maria &ndash; I was so blessed by Retrouvaille. A very dear priest passed away and he brought so much joy to Retrouvaille.</li> <li>Rob &ndash; How can I bring life back into my marriage?</li> </ul> Resources: Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a>

Ways to reconnect with your spouse

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin invites us to rediscover the transformative power of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Drawing upon the life of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and the gospel story of the paralyzed man, Fr. Leo reflects on how faith, joy, and mission naturally flow from meeting Christ. This meditation challenges us to move beyond fear and place our heart fully on the path God sets before us. Listen now to reflect on: <ul><li>The power of encountering Christ through prayer </li><li>How faith often acts through friendship and shared courage </li><li>Cultivating joy and mission in everyday life </li><li>Pier Giorgio Frassati’s call to live “verso l’alto”—toward the heights </li><li>Allowing God to transform the world through you </li></ul><a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/To-The-Heights-A-Path-to-Sainthood-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/to-the-heights-path-to-sainthood/ '>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>

To The Heights: The Path to Sainthood

Doug answers listener emails and discusses unconditional love and if it&rsquo;s achievable, checked out husbands, dealing with grief, and how to get help when you need it. Plus, the Friday rant.

What’s more important to you?

<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/product/a-spiritual-retreat-on-the-temptations-of-christ/'>A Spiritual Retreat on the Temptations of Christ</a> invites you to journey with Christ through six key moments in which he encountered and resisted temptation. This retreat prompts us to look inward and assess the temptations we face in our daily life – in our profession, in our spiritual life, with family, among friends. As we look at the example of Christ, we come to understand the necessary virtues we need to overcome temptation and persevere in our journey toward heaven. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/product/a-spiritual-retreat-on-the-temptations-of-christ/'>A Spiritual Retreat on the Temptations of Christ</a> is ideal for anyone seeking to take 1 - 2 days from daily life to spend quiet time in prayer and reflection. This retreat is a collection of seven meditations preached by Fr. Javier del Castillo, priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei and Vice President of the St. Josemaria Institute.  Originally given to a group of educators in February 2020, the themes addressed in this retreat are applicable for those in any profession. Included with this retreat is a guide to help you reflect upon the temptations you encounter each day and identify how you can overcome them with the grace of God.<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>

Part One: Temptation & Divine Filiation

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the meaning of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ and why “to be a follower of Christ, we have to love the Church.” In the Letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul writes about the Church being “without stain or wrinkle.” Fr. Peter points out that, in today’s media, we often read about and see things that make this seem impossible. Yet the Church is lovable because it was founded by “God himself, God made man,” and Christ defines the Church as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world. We don’t judge the Church by the misbehavior but by the “salt and light of the world”—men and women who accept and live by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church, and who make good use of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. The Church, as Fr. Peter explains, “brings the very best out of the human person. The more that human person embraces the teachings of Christ, the greater that person is.”In this podcast you will also hear how:<ul><li>The Church is a sacrament, a sign, and not just a symbol.</li><li>The Church is a sign of unity, life, conversion, and salvation.</li><li>Wherever we are—among our family, in our workplace, in all social relations—we are members of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.</li><li>Scripture, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Church are an extension of Christ.</li></ul><a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Love-for-the-Church-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>

Love for the Church

In this meditation for Christmas Day: Fr. Leo Austin helps us to contemplate the first nativity scene. Entering into Bethlehem and the stable, he invites us to look first of all to Mary and Joseph and to learn from them. All they had were each other (unity), poverty and happiness. In their simplicity, Mary and Joseph are telling us that we don&apos;t need anything but each other. We don’t need anything else but to look at the baby Jesus and focus on him. Look at Jesus-- this is what all the saints have done throughout history. He will clean our eyes and our hearts. He will make us simple in a good way. This also makes it possible for us to just stop and look at each other as human beings. Bethlehem, the city of bread. Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born. The Eucharist is Jesus coming to us, the person of Jesus Christ taking possession of our hearts and the Blessed Trinity dwelling in our souls. And then, after realizing the love that we have received, looking at each other and at every single human being throughout history, with different eyes, with the eyes that are cleansed and purified by contemplating Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. In Jesus, we have a brother. In the Holy Family, we have a family. In Bethlehem, we have a home and we are always welcome. As Fr. Leo says, &quot;Mary, Joseph, Jesus, I want to be always with the three of you. I don&apos;t want to leave Bethlehem. I don&apos;t want to get complicated. I don&apos;t want to grow up in a bad way. I want to just take advantage of my family, of my home in Bethlehem, to be more simple, to be more poor, in order to bring the simplicity of a heart made clean to the rest of the world.&quot; <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/They-Had-Each-Other-Christmas-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/christmas-they-had-each-other/'>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>

“They Had Each Other”: A Meditation on Christmas

On May 1st, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. To help us get to know St. Joseph better, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, reflects on the holiness of St. Joseph as the role model for the whole Church, especially the laity. St. Joseph is the template for the Christian vocation— the “all-star” of holiness. “We need devotion to St. Joseph,” Fr. Peter explains, “because my vocation is his vocation. He loved God with his whole mind, whole heart, and whole strength as a carpenter. He tried his very best. He made his carpentry the best. His carpentry was a medium to serve people. His work was a medium of prayer and sacrifice. And, his work was a medium of charity towards others.” <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>