Manage Account

Request Account Deletion

Manage Purchases

In her book "Maybe You Should talk to someone" (2019), Lori Gottlieb explores the inner chambers of her patients’ lives. &nbsp;We too are like patients, with all these inner chambers. These are chambers that we must prepare to open up, so that we can be helped to see how all the machinery is working. Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre on July 6, 2022.
Music: Andrian Berenguer, Fall (Album Multiplicity, 2017)
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

Being Sincere in Spiritual Direction

In September the Church celebrates the feasts of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (14th) and Our Lady of Sorrows (15th). On today&apos;s podcast we prepare ourselves for the celebration of these feasts with the help of Our Lady by observing her example during the Passion of her Son and contemplating her at the foot of the Cross. Our Lady of Sorrows places us at her side, before Jesus on the Cross, to help us mature in our share in the mission of her Son. Bringing us to the Cross means helping us to face up to the difficulties of life, since learning how to deal with suffering is a major step in our personal growth. And, it means sharing in the mission of the redemption of Christ, which gives great depth to the purpose of our lives. Therefore, at the foot of the Cross: Ask yourself: How do I handle difficulties? Do I dig deeper to find its deeper meaning? Contemplate the great miracles of Jesus and see how most of them were messy.Consider: If we don&apos;t have the Cross, what are we left with?Ask for the grace of great serenity, joy, and efficacy in your mission to co-redeem with 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>

Our Lady of Sorrows

Motherhood Coach Janet Quinlan joins us this season to talk about how our thoughts create our reality. In this first episode of a 3-part series we'll be sharing over the next couple months, Janet helps us re-think the thoughts we have about our marriages and spouses to better set us up for success.You can find Janet online at <a href="https://janetquinlan.com">https://janetquinlan.com</a>And her podcast, Finding Joy in Motherhood: <a href="https://janetquinlan.com/podcast/">https://janetquinlan.com/podcast/</a>

Ep. 10 Your Thoughts Create Your Marriage with Janet Quinlan

In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan brings our attention to the days between the Ascension and Pentecost where we join Mary, the holy women, and the Apostles in the Upper Room as they eagerly await the coming of the Holy Spirit. As he explains, “Thinking of those in the Upper Room, there was nothing static about their daily life during those days between Easter and the Ascension. After all, they had spent three long years being constantly nourished by the Master. And so, during that time in the Upper Room, each of them had to dig deep into their interior life in order to grapple with their new situation, in order to seek strength.”As we continue to contemplate the events surrounding Christ’s death and Resurrection, Msgr. Dolan reminds us that Christ is not merely a distant figure of the past but that he is truly alive and present among us! So we also can find strength today in the same charisms that strengthened the Apostles during this pivotal time: contemplation, the Eucharist, and Our Lady’s maternal love.  <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/With-Mary-Praying-as-a-Single-Family-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>

With Mary, Praying as a Single Family

Doug shares reasons why people fall out of love. He stresses the importance of staying connected through regular prayer, date nights and communicating about your hopes and dreams. &nbsp; Listener Questions and comments: <ul> <li>Maria - I have been married about 40 years and have had a good friend for 15 years. I sacrificed my friendship for my marriage. How can I save both?</li> <li>Rick - I'm in the process of a divorce. We just concluded mediation. Is there any hope for my marriage?</li> <li>Jim &ndash; How do you help a friend who says that her boyfriend is controlling and they're getting married soon?</li> <li>Tom - I've been separated for the last 7 years, but we're still married. I read a book on boundaries, and a lot of trouble we've had, and we haven't communicated boundaries. What do you think about boundaries?</li> <li>Rana - Marriage in the military could be stressful too, especially if the spouse is higher in rank. As long as he outranked me, he was happy.&nbsp; When we were the same rank, it was okay.&nbsp; When I outranked him, it was a blow, and that started the resentment. I made more money.&nbsp; We are now divorced.</li> <li>Mary - What do you think about the silent treatment?</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a>

Reasons why couples fall out of love

#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.

06-03-26 When we beat, stone, and kill the prophets (JB)

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, January 18, 2026. Today’s Gospel presents the account of Jesus&#39; baptism seen through the lens of John the Evangelist. Its the Evangelist’s take. The Baptist appears in the description. (John 1:29-34). But John the Evangelist here interprets the baptism not simply as an event, but as a revelation of identity and mission. Jesus&#39; mission is to be the Lamb that will take away the sin of the world. We need humility to recognize our sins, and embrace God&#39;s forgiveness. Have I really done that?Thumbnail : Francisco de Zurbarán, The Lamb of God, 1635, Prado Museum in Madrid.Music: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Angelic, with license.

Behold the Lamb of God

In Love with the Church brings together four homilies of Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei. These homilies contain magnificent reflections on the Church and on the layperson's role in the Church, written in Saint Josemaría's attractive and compelling style. This book offers the reader and opportunity to grow in love for the Church and to learn how to serve her more faithfully, guided by a saint whose own love for the Church was truly remarkable.

In Love with the Church

In this reflection, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us to take time during the Easter season to ask God in our prayer: “What is it that you want me to contemplate in light of the Resurrection?” Fr. Peter explains that we will see that we are called to bring Jesus Christ into the world in a &quot;new way&quot;, especially through our joy— the joy that comes from making “Jesus Christ the center of our work, sufferings, and recreation.” “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. ‘I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you’” (Jn 15:10-12). As we contemplate the “cloak of joy surrounding the mystery of the Resurrection,” we can ask God for a “conversion of interior life.” And, the joy that overflows from our interior lives will help to draw those around us to 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>

The Resurrection: Icon of Joy

Matthew 22:1-14: The King who sought to invite people to the wedding feast of his son, but nobody would come. What is to be done? There is nothing for it but to send out into the streets and lanes of the city, the highways and hedges of the countryside, and bring in the poor, the lame, the halt, and the blind, and fill up the vacant seats with guests less favoured, guests who cannot afford to refuse such generosity. Those people are us, and we have been invited, despite our poverty.
Fr. Eric Nicolai peached this meditation at Kintroe college in Toronto on October 15, 2023.
Music: Bert Alink, Mossy Garden.
Thumbnail: Abraham van Beyeren, Banquet Still Life, 1667

Enter The Great Banquet with the King

31-03-26 At The Last Supper (NS)

As we begin the Advent Season, Fr. Luke Mata offers some thoughts on how we can use this time to prepare well for the birth of the Christ Child. Today, we can resolve to run forth to meet Christ.

Ep. 39 Annual Advent/Christmas Reflection with Fr. Luke Mata

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the profound role for Our Lady in our lives as Christians and our need “to embrace Our Lady to remind her of how much we love her.” He especially reflects on the meaning and devotion to the Holy Rosary and how it is an expression we can you use to repeat our love for Our Lady “again and again and again.”As St. Josemaria Escriva wrote: “Today as in other times, the rosary must be a powerful weapon, to enable us to win in our interior struggle and to help all souls. Exalt holy Mary with your tongue: God asks you for reparation, and for praise from your lips. May you always want to know how to spread peace and happiness throughout the world, through this beautiful devotion to our Lady, and through your watchful love.” <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/To-Jesus-Through-Mary.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/podcast-to-jesus-through-mary-2'>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 Jesus Through Mary (Rebroadcast)

02-04-26 Friends with Jesus (JPM)

You, therefore, must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matt 5:48). Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, on April 26 2023. The message “Be perfect...” might cause us to wilt. How can I be perfect even as a human being, much less “as the Father is perfect” – the Infinite, Omnipotent God whom I cannot see, whom (it seems) I know only from a distance? This is an impossible vocation! Indeed it is... if I am relying only on my own efforts. This is why a Gospel reduced to mere human moralism is always either oppressive or watered down to a purely human proposal.

Jesus Calls us to be Perfect. How?

As you read through the narrative of how Virtuous Leadership expert Alex Havard came to find his mission through the contemplation of his own story, ask yourself: 
What is my story? What is my talent? What is the cultural or social challenge I am called to respond to with passion and dedication?
 Reflect on your story. Contemplate it. Recognize that your story is your strength. And write it down.  
"In my Virtuous Leadership classes I always call on my students to discover their own essence in order to identify a mission. And to help determine what that is, I ask them to write the story of their lives to that point. I suggest that in the writing they will begin to see themselves for who they are, to develop a concept of self, and, in the process, discern a mission—the thing they were born to do."- Alexandre Havard

Discovering a Mission: My Way to Virtuous Leadership

On this episode of Marriage Unhindered, Matt Young joins Doug to discuss suicide prevention. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Elizabeth - I had postpartum depression and I was feeling suicidal at the time. This was 20 years ago. (22:47)</li> <li>Jim - When I served in Vietnam, a soldier was reading a letter, and then immediately killed himself. It was because his girlfriend was breaking up with him. It's haunted me to his day. (26:38)</li> <li>Diane - My son passed away and there were many times I've thought about taking my life. I'm going to a Christian therapist. Sometimes I still think about doing it. (33:16)</li> <li>Sonya - I attempted suicide when I was 6 years old. My parents were fighting and my dad was beating my mother up. My older brother pushed me into bathroom to lock the door. I was slamming my head against bathtub faucet. I wanted to die, but God stopped me. (39:06)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call or text 988 &nbsp; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention <a href="https://afsp.org/">https://afsp.org/</a>

A Story of Hope

The Lord said: "I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate to dwell with you forever, the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you shall know him because he will dwell with you, and be in you" (Jn 14: 16-17).
Think how great the HS must be for Christ to utter these words:
"It is to your advantage that I go away…" (Jn 16,7)
Picture the invisible Holy Spirit active in your soul now. Are you aware of him acting in your mind? In your will? In guiding your conscience? The first Christians were. It certainly made them move. Gave them deep sense of responsibility. St. Josemaria had a prayer to the Holy Spirit. Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff College.
Music: Handel, Opera Rinaldo, Aria "Lascia ch'io pianga", arranged for guitar by Bert Alink.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

How The Holy Spirit Energizes

As we begin a new season of Lent, Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the importance of connecting with the Lord through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is a season to look inward and assess what the Lord is asking us to deny, offer up, so that we can share in his self-emptying and experience the joy of everlasting life.St. Josemaria Escriva reminds us that “conversion is the task of a moment; sanctification is the work of a lifetime” (Christ is Passing By, no. 58). The Lenten season is an opportunity to begin again, to continue laying the foundation of your spiritual journey, and to grow in holiness in your everyday life. By accompanying Christ in the desert, we can put into practice the spiritual tools needed to become a saint in the world today. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/A-Time-of-Penance-Purification-and-Conversion-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>

A Time of Penance, Purification & Conversion (Rebroadcast)

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto, on April 2, 2026, Holy Thursday. Two Masses today: the Chrism Mass, which commemorates the institution on the Priesthood, and the bishop blesses the Holy oils.  Then the Mass of the Lord’s supper. The day is called In Cena Domini, “At the Lord’s Supper.”The meaning of the oils, the last supper, and the command of charity.Music: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.Thumbnail: Leonardo Da Vinci, Last Supper, 1595, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan.

Holy Thursday: The oils, the Feet, the Eucharist.

On September 12th the Church celebrates the feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.On today’s podcast we reflect on Mary&apos;s role and mission as a mother to give us the very best:  To help us in all of our needs- physical, emotional, and spiritual. To unite us with her Son, Jesus Christ.To win for us the grace to desire to be saints.Mary shows us that we can have confidence in her intercessory prayers when she spoke to the servants at the wedding in Cana, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). And that we can trust that she will see that our prayers are answered as long as they are compatible with God’s plan for our salvation.Our goal, therefore, is to imitate Mary’s holiness. We ask her to be a part of our spiritual life-- helping us to connect with her son, Jesus Christ, and to become instruments of evangelization, serving and attracting others to Him. <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, The Most Sweet Name

Have you or your spouse ever had an emotional affair? Did you experience healing from the affair? Doug shares statistics that 45% of men and 35% of women have cheated on an emotional level. He shares what constitutes and leads to an emotional affair, and how to experience healing. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Brian - I have been caught in an emotional relationship by my wife and would like to share my experience so no one else goes through this. My wife saw me texting the woman asked me to leave.</li> </ul> Resources: 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>

Experiencing healing after an emotional affair

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College, Toronto, on the Feast of the Chair of Peter, February 22, 2204.
Today’s feast is like the result of the prayer of Jesus, or better, the testimony that Jesus gave of his own prayer to the Father for Peter:
“The Lord says to Simon Peter: I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail, and, once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Lk 22, 32)
That prayer was immensely efficacious. How could it not? God the Son, addressing God the Father.
 Peter, St. Peter&#39;s Basilica, Rome.

The Chair of Peter

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

What the Saints Teach Us - Searching for and Maintaining Peace

In a homily given by St. Josemaria Escriva in the 1960’s, he called everyone gathered there to imitate Jesus’ love for humanity. But what does this call invite us to do today?As we begin a new four-part series on Passionately Loving the World, Fr. Peter Armenio enlightens us in this meditation by explaining that the call to passionately love the world invites us to leave our comfort zone, find new compassion for others, and to be present for those who do not know that they hunger for Christ, his consolation, and his peace. In turn, our efforts of imitating Christ will ultimately give our lives meaning and we will have found true love.<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Passionately-Loving-the-World-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>

Passionately Loving the World (Rebroadcast)

There are many instances throughout marriage where couples may grow in resentment and find it hard to forgive each other. Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center, shares with us how we can build the muscle of forgiveness through humility. He explains the powerful example that parents can be to their children by showing charity and patience to each other.The John Paul II Healing Center has a number of events throughout the country that help marriages and individuals heal and grow in love. You can view their events on their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://jpiihealingcenter.org">jpiihealingcenter.org</a>

S4 Ep 10 - Antidotes to Resentment & Solutions for Healing with Dr. Bob Schuchts

Today&#39;s reading is from Luke 18:35-43, about the blind man of Jerico, healed by Jesus.
This passage lends itself to our prayer, because we can easily conjure up the image, the sounds, the atmosphere, the smells, that the blind man was experiencing. We weren’t there, and we too are blind, in a way. And he reacted.
Saint Josemaria has a long commentary on this passage in Friends of God, from a meditation he preached on October 12, 1947.
How do I really read the Word of God, Holy Scripture, to its fullest meaning?
Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College on November 20, 2023.
Music: Handel, Opera Rinaldo, Aria Lascia che io pianga adapted for guitar by Bart Alink.
Thumbnail: Anna and Tobit by Rembrandt, 1630, National Gallery, UK.

The Blind Man: Discover the Layers of Meaning Present

This is the introductory meditation for a retreat at the Manoir de Beaujeu, near Montreal, on January 2, 2023, preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai.&nbsp;
Psalm 127: Nisi Dominus, Unless the Lord build the house: their labour is but lost that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city: the watchman waketh but in vain.
Music: Carlos Gardel, Soledad, arranged for guitar by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Rembrandt, &nbsp;Peter Denying Christ, 1660 Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos

Here's what to do on a Silent Retreat

Recognizing that a lot of challenges from in-laws may be rooted in misunderstanding or even unmet expectations, what better way to maneuver through those relationships than allowing for the benefit-of-the-doubt and a charitable acceptance of who they are? Janet Quinlan, certified life coach for mothers and women, explains how to navigate your relationships with in-laws, establish boundaries (on both sides), and change your thoughts to better understand and love your spouse’s parents. Janet’s podcast Finding Joy in Marriage &amp; Motherhood can be found on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-joy-in-marriage-motherhood-janet-quinlan/id1541224120">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/63BM5H41ttxCkYcTVefvVa?si=a6b008a5603e403c">Spotify</a>, and other platforms. You can visit her website at&nbsp;<a href="http://janetquinlan.com">janetquinlan.com</a><a href="https://www.fairestloveshrine.org/contact-us">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to the Fairest Love newsletter for more podcasts, insightful blog posts, and updates!

S4 Ep. 7 Navigating Your Relationships with Your In-Laws with Janet Quinlan

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

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

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the challenging question: Where do we find the Lord in the midst of the uncertainty? Drawing inspiration from the parable of the vine and the branches (John 15:1-17), Fr. Peter offers encouragement as we continue through this challenging time. He reminds us that Christ not only meets us in our joys and triumphs, but accompanies us through our trials and sorrows. <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Maintaining a Spiritual Outlook in Challenging Times

Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on September 10, 2024, to a group of priests at Saint Aidan&#39;s parish in Toronto. The subject is the figure of Zacchaeus in Luke 19: “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”

Make Haste Lord and Come to my House Today

As the holidays approach, a season that is often characterized by more drinking, we’ve brought on sobriety coach Christie Walker to talk about her journey to sobriety, how faith plays a role and what steps we can take to begin drinking less. Her helpful insights into alcohol and its impact on the body, and her personal testimony is sure to inspire.Christie can be found at: <a href="https://catholicrecoverycoach.com/">https://catholicrecoverycoach.com/</a> (edited)

S3 Ep. 37 Drinking Less or Not At All with Christie Walker

Are you considering a divorce and wondering how it might affect your children? Are you trying to heal from a divorce? Bob Atwell joins Doug to share his experience of the tragedy of divorce as a child and as an adult. Bob talks about how real the pain of divorce is, but also shares how sweet the grace of God is when you turn to His healing love. Resources mentioned: Getting away to heal your marriage https://omny.fm/shows/marriage-unhindered/getting-away-to-heal-your-marriage &nbsp;

Tragedy of Divorce

25-02-26 Sign hunting (GJ)

Are you considering a divorce and wondering how it might affect your children? Are you trying to heal from a divorce? Bob Atwell joins Doug to share his experience of the tragedy of divorce as a child and as an adult. Bob talks about how real the pain of divorce is, but also shares how sweet the grace of God is when you turn to His healing love.   Resources mentioned: Getting away to heal your marriage <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/marriage-unhindered/getting-away-to-heal-your-marriage">https://omny.fm/shows/marriage-unhindered/getting-away-to-heal-your-marriage</a>

On the podcast today, we are joined by Dr. Jonathan Culp, Department Chair and professor of politics at the University of Dallas, to discuss the American political system and how to evaluate a political candidate when it comes to voting. Dr. Culp shares tools for discerning the truth and strengthening your own personal development when it comes to understanding politics. To learn more about American History and our political system, visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://teachingamericanhistory.org">teachingamericanhistory.org</a> and/or read <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text">The Federalist Papers</a> And for teens and middle schoolers, check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1633340910/">The Young Citizen’s Reader</a>

S4 Ep. 45 - How to Evaluate a Political Candidate with Dr. Jonathan Culp

Opening

Introduction

Chapter 1: Family Foundations in the Heart of London

Chapter 2: Vocational Trials in Revolutionary Times

Chapter 3: More's First Handbook on Spiritual Combat

Chapter 4: Husband and Father

Chapter 5: The Laughing Philosopher

Chapter 6: Coming to a Statesman's Understanding of Life

Chapter 7: Achieving Professional Success

Chapter 8: Born for Friendship

Chapter 9: A Reluctant Career Change

Chapter 10: Daring Educator, Artful Parent

Chapter 11: The Four Last Things

Chapter 12: Reformation Over Revolution

Chapter 13: Wearing the Chain of Office

Chapter 14: Chelsea, a Home of International Fame

Chapter 15: The Power of Artful Conversation, Part 1

Chapter 16: Royal Passion Versus Law and Tradition

Chapter 17: Lord Chancellor of England

Chapter 18: Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves

Chapter 19: Imprisonment, Despite the Thickets of the Law

Chapter 20: Between Father and Daughter

Chapter 21: Another David

Chapter 22: The Power of Artful Conversation, Part 2

Chapter 23: The Last Word on Statesmanship

Chapter 24: A Trial to Remember

Chapter 25: Death With Good Humor

Afterword

Closing

&ldquo;Thomas More is more important at this moment than at any moment since his death, even perhaps the great moment of his dying; but he is not quite so important as he will be in about a hundred years&rsquo; time.&rdquo;
In 1929, G. K. Chesterton made this claim with acute perception. One of history&rsquo;s greatest lawyers and statesmen and most admired figures of all time, Thomas More was voted &ldquo;Lawyer of the Millennium&rdquo; by the Law Society of Great Britain and named &ldquo;Patron of Statesmen&rdquo; by John Paul II.
He combined immense humanistic learning with an unequaled command of the legal and political traditions of Christendom, forging a profound philosophy of statesmanship and freedom. He possessed the virtues of an exemplary husband, father, and friend and the detachment and interior peace of a saint. He thus emerged from the first great crisis of modern tyranny&mdash;a crisis that would claim his life&mdash;as the model of a truly free man, whose conscience and character no despot could subvert.
Thomas More was canonized in 1935 as Hitler was rising to power and the world needed an example of courage and skill in the face of the greatest of dangers. This book reveals how More prepared himself for the challenges of his life, and how he rose to the demands placed upon him.

Thomas More: A Portrait of Courage (audiobook)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Parent Coach Jordan Langdon shares her advice on going from a team of one to a family in which everyone is pitching in! Trying to do it all by herself was something this week’s guest struggled with in the early years of raising her family. But her perspective shifted after her 4-year-old made an innocent comment. Listen in as she shares her personal story and how that inspired her to help other parents make that essential shift.Jordan can be found: <a href="https://www.familiesofcharacter.com">https://www.familiesofcharacter.com</a>

Ep. 12 You Don’t Have To Do It All Alone

Do you have the desire and goal to love others well? In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on sharing the love of Christ with those we encounter each day: among our family, friends, and colleagues. He explains that to love others well, we must first deny ourself by embracing our daily struggles and sacrificing for the good of others. As we transform our disposition toward our challenges, we can become more receptive to the grace attained through charity. St. Josemaria explains: “Charity is not something we ourselves build up. It invades us along with God’s grace. We would do well to fill, to saturate ourselves with this most beautiful truth: ‘If we are able to love God, it is because we have been loved by God.’ You and I are able to lavish affection upon those around us, because we have been born to the Faith, through the Father’s love for us” (Friends of God, no. 229). <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>

Charity: A Fruit of Sacrifice

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares the importance and conditions for transmitting our gift of faith, “especially to our loved ones and especially to our children.” Recognizing that faith is a gift that all Christians receive at baptism, the main thing that our children (and everyone around us) must see is whether we are willing to live and die for our faith.Fr. Javier explains that to live by faith means, “I have to give witness, not a counter witness… I have to preach with my life. I have to preach with my deeds, transmitting the faith.” Because “ultimately, it’s going to be our example… it’s going to be whether or not we believe it, whether or not we put it into practice, in how we actually carry out our lives.”We must strive to live and die for our faith if we hope “to teach our children that they have to be men and women of their word, that they have to be men and women who stand up to their commitments… able to take risks for Our Lord, and when the risk goes bad that they stick and they stand up for Our Lord.”<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Transmitting-the-Gift-of-Faith.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>

Transmitting the Gift of Faith

Doug continues his discussion on reasons why couples fall out of love. He shares the importance of putting God first, then your spouse, then your children. Doug speaks to the value of rekindling the love of friendship with your spouse, reconnecting on shared hobbies, and keeping the commitment of time with your spouse by planning regular date nights. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Mary - What do you do next when your spouse asks something that's impossible or unreasonable? We have a few young kids and my car and house need to be cleaned when he comes home.</li> <li>Bella - My husband plans to play golf, but he doesn't plan dates. I tell him we should plan.&nbsp; What should we do?</li> <li>Laura - I've been married for 25 years. I just don't feel like communicating with my husband on my personal needs. What should I do?</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a>

Reasons couples fall out of love (Part 2)

25-03-26 Jesus knew what he was getting himself into (JB)

Doug is joined by Leila Miller, author of the book “Impossible Marriages Redeemed.” They discuss different marriage stories and what they did to save their marriages. They also offer advice on listener’s relationship struggles.    Leila's Website: <a href="https://www.leilamiller.net/">https://www.leilamiller.net/</a>   Leila's Email:  <a href="mailto:lela@leilamiller.net">leila@leilamiller.net</a>

How to Handle the Possibility of Divorce

19-12-25 No delays, no disappointments (KDS)

Jn 13:1: "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." These words of the apostle can rekindle in us a deeper love and awareness of what happened at the Last Supper. Fr. Eric Nicolai goes through the details of this central event: St. John narrates the washing of feet (vv. 4-11) and Jesus’ explanation of why he did it (vv. 12-17). It then mentions the denunciation of the betrayer (vv. 18-32) and ends with the teaching of the new commandment (vv. 33-35) and the prediction of Peter’s denial (vv. 36-38). Preached on April 1, 2022.
Music: Handel, Opera Rinaldo, Aria "Lascia ch'io pianga", arranged for guitar by Bert Alink&nbsp;
Thumbnail: Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament, 1464-1468, by Dieric Bouts, St Peter’s Church, Leuven.
For more meditations, check my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricNicolai/videos
www.ernescliff.ca
www.opusdei.ca

Having loved his own... He loved them to the end

10-02-26 To Pray in Vain (EN)

20-01-26 The Logic of Gift (JPM)

(5:14) – Doug discusses: Feel –&gt; Think -&gt;  Do Which occurs in Marriage (22:20) Break 1 Dug discusses a book called Resilient Relationships and 6 features of a good relationships and how it relates with the four different kinds of love. (28:11) Doug shares his list. 1. Commitment – 2. Empathy – 3.  Humility – 4. Forgiveness. (34:39) Break 2 (35:40) Cindy - my husband and I like to use humor a lot. It tends to soften things even when we are mad, we try to use it (41:06) - Top Complaints husbands and wives have about the other one.

Marriage Unhindered -  May 04, 2024 - How to Think Like a Therapist.

28-02-26 Love Those Who Irritate You (RS)

!10-Day Devotion to the Holy Spirit - Day 1 | Pentecost: The day when the Holy Spirit came down upon the Lord’s disciples For the complete text of today’s reflection and for additional spiritual resources visit: <a href='http://stjosemaria.org/ten-day-devotion-holy-spirit/'>http://stjosemaria.org/ten-day-devotion-holy-spirit/</a> The prayers and reflections for this devotion are taken from the “Handbook of Prayers,” published by Midwest Theological Forum. This long standing custom of the Church in preparation for Pentecost is an opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen our hearts and make firm resolutions for our interior lives. <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

10-Day Devotion to the Holy Spirit | Day 1

Greg Schutte joins Doug to continue their conversation on the Building a Eucharistic marriage course, a 7-part video series, which connects 7 areas for therapeutically strengthening your marriage with 7 areas of deepening your relationship with Christ through the Eucharist. Doug and Greg discuss the importance of listening to the heart of your spouse and how this leads to better communication and better understanding of the spouse&rsquo;s perception of the relationship. &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> &nbsp; Greg&rsquo;s website <a href="https://www.eucharisticmarriage.org/">https://www.eucharisticmarriage.org/</a>

Listening to the heart

In this special broadcast, we sat down with engagement director at Them Before Us, Patience Sunne. She shares with us the importance of being informed so as to protect the rights of children throughout the United States.Them Before Us is an organization that educates on the rights of children, especially towards having a mother and father. They encourage understanding policies and laws that could affect a child’s rights and provide many resources for people interested in protecting children.Sign the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://thembeforeus.com/prochild-politics/">Vote Pro-Child Pledge here</a> and make the commitment to vote in the 2024 elections for the rights of children. You can visit their website at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thembeforeus.com/">https://thembeforeus.com/</a> or follow them on Instagram @them_before_us

S4 Ep. 46 - Representing Children When Exploring Policies with Patience Sunne

Get a sneak peek at the first chapter of Jacques Philippe's newest book, The Treasure of Prayer. This book will help you discover the different facets of prayer and all the means that the Church gives us to cultivate it, persevere in it, and make this treasure bear fruit.

The Treasure of Prayer

Psalm 2, though just 12 verses, reveals a powerful narrative of nations in turmoil and divine authority, culminating in the intimate declaration, "You are my Son. This Day I have Begotten You." The podcast Sons &amp; Kings: The Psalm 2 Show invites ordinary Christians to embrace the confidence and joy found in Christ's kingship. Join us as we explore this explosive psalm and learn to resonate with its timeless battle cry.

Trailer - Sons & Kings: The Psalm 2 Show

A meditation preached at Kintore College by Fr. Eric Nicolai on July 17, 2023.
Matthew 10:34–11:1: Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set/ a man against his father,/a daughter against her mother,/ and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;/ and one’s enemies will be those of his household.
We think of the Lord as the king of peace. Peace on earth and goodwill to men. He heals and brings calm, after the agitation created by the devil.
But then these strange words that seem like there was a typo in the transcription. What does this really mean?
Thumbnail: Joseph John Rosenthal, The raising of the Flag at Iwo Jima, February 19, 1945.
Music: Carlos Gardel, Soledad, arranged for guitar by Bert Alink. Public domain.

I Have Not Come to Bring Peace, But the Sword

Doug unpacks a case study from Impossible Marriage Redeemed by Leila Miller. In this case the husband was unfaithful. Doug discusses how to deal with anger in such a difficult situation and how couples who work through the trauma of an affair can have a stronger marriage than before the affair.  Doug also answers listener emails about dating, suffering, and the power of prayer.   Resources:   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>   Impossible Marriages Redeemed <a href="https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf">https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf</a>   God’s Plan For Your Marriage <a href="https://sophiainstitute.com/product/gods-plan-for-your-marriage/?srsltid=AfmBOoq0r6kBz2iKnt8cuMXT5l9oAzhrQDscZIvvy_Lt-DqReDguYFuQ">https://sophiainstitute.com/product/gods-plan-for-your-marriage/?srsltid=AfmBOoq0r6kBz2iKnt8cuMXT5l9oAzhrQDscZIvvy_Lt-DqReDguYFuQ</a>   Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a>

Reviving marriage after an affair

Doug shares what wives wish their husbands understood. From realizing that romance doesn&rsquo;t have to be expensive to learning that she often wants to be heard not fixed, Doug offers practical advice to help men become the husbands their wives truly need. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Rich: A conversation with his wife of 25 years about intimacy and emotional safety helped open honest communication in their marriage. (24:44)</li> <li>Larry - He explains that sometimes women just want to be heard, referencing the "It's Not About the Nail" clip to show that listening matters more than fixing. (28:58)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: 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; &nbsp;

What she wishes you knew

Fr. Eric Nicolai peached this meditation at Lyncroft centre in Toronto on April 6, 2024. What is God’s will? Before the Lord was arrested, the apostles were with him, ostensibly to protect him, but they couldn’t stop the soldiers from arresting the Lord. Judas came with the chief priests. But the Lord was praying, and abandoned entirely to the Lord. Jesus is kneeling, he is sweating blood of anguish. But he said yes to God&#39;s will. When I work, I must be acting out of love and confidence on God’s will for me.

Always Say Yes to the Lord

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

Author Thomas Joachim invites us to a holy ambition based in the Scriptures and the writings of the Saints: an ambition not for worldly honors, but the glory of God. This is the fourth chapter of his book.

Happy the Ambitious: Welcoming God's Ambition For Us

In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Christ’s last words before his Ascension issuing the commission to his disciples to preach the Gospel to every creature. In fact this commission is a “global apostolic assignment” that will remain until the end of time. It is an assignment, “to make disciples of all nations,” that reaches us today and should encompass every dimension of our lives as Christians. “Out of a hundred souls we are interested in a hundred,” said St. Josemaria Escriva. This means, as Fr. Peter explains, that “we need to reach for the peripheries… those people completely alienated from Christ.” To do this effectively will require that we get out of our comfort zones with God&apos;s help. It also requires that our apostolic spirit and evangelization &quot;come from the heart and from the gut,&quot; says Fr. Peter. &quot;We have to love so much that we will take the risk of being rejected, and being judged, and being labeled.” <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/podcasts-the-ascension-bringing-christ-to-the-periphery'>Visit Show Page</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Ascension-Bringing-Christ-to-the-Periphery_Id.pdf'>View 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>

The Ascension: Bringing Christ to the Periphery (Rebroadcast)

On this episode of the Fairest Love Podcast, we’re diving into advice from the experts we previously interviewed on the show. As we explore the beauty of family life this month, we wanted to share the thoughts and words of several guests who have provided their experience to help us learn how to raise children well. You can find the link to the full episode below.0:20 - Jordan Langdon (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.fairestloveshrine.org/fairest_love_podcast/s2-ep-14-saying-no-when-other-parents-are-saying-yes/">Saying No When Other Parents are Saying Yes</a>)5:33 - Pilar Caranti (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.fairestloveshrine.org/fairest_love_podcast/s2-ep-19-forming-the-will-of-your-children-with-pilar-caranti/">Forming the Will of Your Children</a>)12:46 - Karen Bohlin (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.fairestloveshrine.org/fairest_love_podcast/s3-ep-29-literature-and-its-role-in-a-childs-life/">Literature and its Role in a Child’s Life</a>)18:25 - Amanda &amp; Jonathan Teixeira (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.fairestloveshrine.org/fairest_love_podcast/s4-ep-4-working-through-finances-in-marriage-with-jonathan-amanda-teixeira/">Working Through Finances in Marriage</a>)

S4 Ep. 33 - Advice from the Experts: Raising Children Well

After celebrating the feast of Pentecost this Sunday, dive into this reading about one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit - fortitude.

The Gift of Fortitude - In Conversation with God

Listen along as we read from In Conversation with God Volume 2 for Saturday in the Second Week of Lent. Together we'll look at sin, returning to God, and approaching him as Father!

Each of Us Is the Prodigal Son - In Conversation with God

What happens when a seemingly perfect marriage ends in divorce? Doug shares a case study from Impossible Marriages Redeemed by Leila Miller, discussing the impact of selfishness on a marriage, and how daily prayer can save your marriage. He also continues his commentary on the 5:1 ratio you need to practice to keep love alive.   Impossible Marriages Redeemed <a href="https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf">https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf</a>

Power of Prayer in Marriage

This meditation was preached on June 19, 2024 at Hawthorn School for Girls in Toronto. Josemaria opened his homily saying &quot;we must realize all the richness hidden in the words, “the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” 
Let’s not lose sight of these riches. Like all the feasts and solemnities, there is something here to enrich us. There are many layers we must tap into in order to discover the love of Jesus.
Music: Original soundtrack by Michael Lee of Toronto, with birds from pixabay.com, SSPsurvival.
Thumbnail: Pompeo Batoni, Sacred Heart of Jesus, 1767 in The Iesu church, Rome.

How The Sacred Heart Logs into Our Heart

Following the beatification of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo in 2014, the Church designated May 12th (the anniversary of his First Communion) as his feast day and it was celebrated for the first time in 2015. To mark the occasion, Fr. Javier del Castillo prepared a special meditation for listeners of the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast. Meditating on the nickname given to him by St. Josemaria, “Saxum,” which means “rock” in Latin, we reflect on Blessed Alvaro’s fortitude and how God sends us this gift of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome all obstacles, to become “rocks”— “a better building block for the Church wherever God has placed you.” Blessed Alvaro del Portillo was a close collaborator of St. Josemaria Escriva and his first successor as Prelate of Opus Dei. To learn more about his life and for the prayer through his intercession visit: <a href='https://www.alvarodelportillo.org'>www.alvarodelportillo.org</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 Feast Day Of Blessed Alvaro - May 12, 2015

Fr. Joseph was one of the first three priests of Opus Dei and led its early apostolic efforts in the United States. He was an extraordinarily good listener and easily made friends with people of all sorts. His cause of canonization is open in the Archdiocese of Boston.
Resources to learn more about Fr. Joseph Múzquiz:
<ul>
 <li>⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://opusdei.org/en-us/jose-luis-muzquiz/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Website for His Cause of Canonization⁠</a>.</li>
 <li>Coverdale, John. Putting Down Roots: Father Joseph Múzquiz and the Growth of Opus Dei. New Rochelle, NY: Scepter, 2024. (<a href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/putting-down-roots-fr-joseph-muzquiz-and-the-growth-of-opus-dei?variant=16973831169" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠⁠Scepter Publishers⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Putting-Down-Roots-Joseph-Muzquiz/dp/1594170819" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠⁠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/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠⁠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" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠⁠Scepter Publishers⁠⁠⁠</a> or on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/159417511X" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠</a>.

Fr. Joseph Múzquiz: Engineer and Priest of Opus Dei

This second volume of the three-volume biography of St. Josemaría covers one of the most remarkable periods of his life: from the outbreak of the civil war in 1936 to his departure for Rome in 1946. In Republican Spain fierce anti-Catholic persecution led St. Josemaría to do his priestly work in secret, fully aware that if caught, he would be executed - as were 6000 other priests. This book recounts the saint's dangerous journey across the Pyrenees to the Nationalist zone, where he could exercise his priestly ministry more freely, his tireless labors to counter (with both heroic charity and determination) the slanders that threatened to overwhelm Opus Dei, and more. Here is an unforgettable picture of the saint's activity during the years of crisis that threatened to obliterate his great gift to the church: Opus Dei.

The Founder of Opus Dei, Volume II - God and Daring

In this episode, Ashton Ellis recaps his visit to Western Academy in Houston, TX and shares how the experience illuminated three virtues and ideas that are important for successful dads.


Podcast Production Services by NCC Audio - https://nccaudio.com

Episode 22: Preparation, Inspiration, and Generosity

As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary on August 15, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the role of Mary as the new Eve and how we can obtain the joy of salvation through her intercession. Fr. Eric encourages us to enter into this feast day in a unique way, allowing ourselves the opportunity to be led into a deeper joy guided by the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We are challenged to see ourselves through the prism of God’s love, to abandon the old ways of sin, and to set our eyes on eternal happiness in Heaven. [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Transcript-Mary-Cause-of-Our-Joy.pdf'>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>

Mary, Cause of Our Joy

The new biography of venerable Isidoro Zorzano adds a relatively unknown name to the landscape of exceptionally holy men and women of the Twentieth Century. Like many of his contemporaries, Zorzano left a lasting imprint and solid example of how to uniquely live out the call to holiness in a turbulent modern world. As a young Spanish engineer and good friend of Fr. Josemaría Escrivá, Zorzano became a founding member of Opus Dei in Spain. Despite the fatal diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma at age thirty-eight, he "was content to keep working and offer everything to God," never resting despite his quick deterioration. As a witness of silent devotion to the Lord through a life of simplicity, fidelity, and attentiveness, he became a model of attainable sanctity for both his contemporaries and future generations alike.

Ordinary Life, Extraordinary Living: Isidoro Zorzano

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the mystery of the Resurrection and our mission to proclaim the joy that Christ is alive. He explains that we are not called to announce that Jesus is risen through dramatic gestures or grand proclamations but through the example of our faith and our joy. Christ&apos;s resurrection is not only a past event but a living reality made present to us in the Eucharist and in the Word. Therefore, Fr. Peter reminds us that we can talk to Jesus and love him even though we don&apos;t see him. Through our prayer and conversation with him, we&apos;ll receive the grace to know him who is alive and continues walking with us. Like the disciples along the road to Emmaus, we pray that our hearts will be energized and changed, and our faith and hope restored and increased, in order to announce the Risen Christ with our lives. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Proclaiming-the-Resurrection-in-Daily-Life-Transcript-.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/proclaiming-the-resurrection-in-daily-life /'>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>

Proclaiming the Resurrection in Daily Life

Are you living with the desire to become a saint? In this podcast, part of our <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/day-of-recollection-october-2020/'>Day of Recollection resources for the month of October</a>, Fr. Peter Armenio shares spiritual insights from his experience of attending the canonization Mass of St. Josemaria Escriva in 2002. Reflecting back on this historic moment, Fr. Peter looks at the impact the life of St. Josemaria continues to have upon countless people throughout the world and reminds us to live out the gospel message in the ordinary moments of everyday life. In doing so, we too can follow in St. Josemaria’s footsteps along the path to sainthood. <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>

Meditation One: The Canonization of St. Josemaria

Author of the new book, Awake Not Woke, Noelle Mering joins us for this episode. She shared insights from her research on the woke movement, how to navigate this trend within the family, and more.Her book can be found at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tanbooks.com/">Tan Books</a>. Noelle is also the co-author and contributor of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://theologyofhome.com/">Theology of Home</a>.

S4 Ep. 42 – Navigating the Woke Movement with Noelle Mering (Rebroadcast)

Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation at Lyncroft Centre, Toronto on December 9, 2024, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, her preservation from all sin, meant that not even a tiny shadow of darkness existed in her soul. Knowing this was the product of a process.  First the Christian people realized it, then theologians discussed it, and gradually the Church became more and more aware of what it means to say she was full of grace, the holiness of the mother of God.The realization that she was redeemed in a unique way, right from the moment of her conception. Music: Regi Stone, All Heaven Declares, YouTube music

Mary is the New Eve by her Obedience

In our meditation of the week, in preparation for Father&apos;s Day, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the important and necessary role fathers have within the family unit and in society today. Drawing upon anecdotes and heartfelt memories from his relationship with his own father, Msgr. Dolan shares seven points that can help fathers renew and strengthen their relationship with their spouse and children. Msgr. Dolan explains that children have a need for authentic care, love, and affection in order to develop into responsible, morally and religiously mature, and psychologically stable persons. He encourages fathers to treat their children in the same way that God treats each one of us: with high standards, loving protection, great hopes for the future, affectionate understanding, a readiness to forgive, and never failing love. In doing so, children will be drawn into a deeper relationship and will seek to imitate this love among their friends and family for generations to come. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Responsibility-of-Fatherhood-1.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 Responsibility of Fatherhood (Rebroadcast)

What is the vocation of a priest, and how can we as the lay faithful support them in their path of life? In this podcast, as we celebrate the feast of St. John Vianney, Fr. Javier del Castillo explains why priests need our prayers and reflects on the four characteristics of a priestly soul according to St. Josemaria Escriva. St. Josemaria explains: “The Church needs priests, and always will. Ask the Blessed Trinity for them each day, through Holy Mary. And pray that they may be cheerful, hard-working, effective; that they may be well trained: and that they may sacrifice themselves joyfully for their brothers, without feeling that they are victims” (The Forge, no. 910). <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>

Four Characteristics of a Priestly Soul (Rebroadcast)

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-will-not-god-vindicate-his-elect'>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>

Will Not God Vindicate His Elect, Who Cry to Him Day and Night | iPray with the Gospel

This is the first meditation from a year end retreat at Saint Augustine&#39;s Seminary in Toronto, begun April 13, 2026. We begin with the account of the discouraged disciples of Emmaus.Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai in Saint Augustine Seminary. Thumbnail: MS VisualsMusic: Kevin Macleod, White Lotus.

Retreat for Seminarians: Like the Disciples of Emmaus

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai, June 2, 2023 in Ernescliff College, Toronto.
The account of Jesus cleansing the temple.
Mark 11, 11-26: So they reached Jerusalem and he went into the Temple and began driving out those who were selling and buying there; he upset the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those who were selling pigeons. Nor would he allow anyone to carry anything through the Temple. And he taught them and said, ‘Does not scripture say: My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples? But you have turned it into a robbers’ den.’
He was in the temple, and he is in us, as we are temples of the Holy Spirit. Which is why we make the sign of the cross over our body, in honour of the Blessed
 Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit but in the form of the cross.
Music: Waltz Op 121 No 1 Ferdinando Carulli Played by Cristian Garcia.
Thumbnail: Ippolito Scarsella Jesus Driving merchants from the temple, 1580, Capitoline Museum, Rome

Why Do You Make The Sign of the Cross?

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Doug Hinderer is back again sharing his insights on how to prepare for marriage - before you’re engaged or even seriously dating. He walks us through how to cultivate the virtues that will be needed in married life, things like: friendship, kindness, patience, meekness, and moreDoug can be found: <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com</a>

Ep. 5 How To Prepare for Marriage (before you’re even dating)

This is the first volume of three about the life of Saint Josemaría Escrivá. He has been hailed as a pioneer in helping ordinary Christians find God in their daily lives. Moved as a teenager by footprints of a barefoot Carmelite priest in the snow, Josemaría felt called to greater generosity in the priesthood and in his struggles to build up Opus Dei during the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. 
 This latest biography is the most extensively researched work on his family history, childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. The reader benefits from an enormous wealth of details in extensive notes and appendices. Accompanying them are excerpts from his correspondence, spiritual writings and testimonials from dozens of friends and acquaintances. The remarkable story continues in volumes II and III.

The Founder of Opus Dei, Volume I - The Early Years

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

Thanksgiving Day and Acts of Gratitude - REBROADCAST

01-04-26 The tragedy of Judas (GJ)

In this episode, we spoke with Kendra Tierney Norton, author, mother of ten, and founder of Catholic All Year, about the power of incorporating Catholic traditions into everyday family life.Kendra shares her personal journey of embracing the liturgical calendar at home and how it has strengthened her family’s values, provided resilience during challenges, and fostered unity and joy.Visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://catholicallyear.com/">Catholic All Year's website</a> for more resources and be sure to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Catholic-All-Year-Compendium-Liturgical/dp/1621641597/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21UG9KUAU3O90&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Kij5XV2KNiEIQ5BD9mEWn3hiOJGQa5mHchbJLqAz7Z3YAVSkIj8bBsDMnKJLEHr7XtDWzlHAUCdP0XLf9TaLFSJ0Khx2RlwDiVxxFPskKvAY3_tEiRUiVzKjS5b3f1Mx3myqj7uNe_sV2OLom1yD4NkjB6FYrny5Tv5DP85IE3FVSF-NsgKXOjjSu6ErdEU9-vfQtx8TWPr-iJ5EVL_K-OYhA1BQ9ZYoDonXpDIv12U.CfMwE4ARxxhfnzE4OsephGv8rdzOoHhqp1zsCRXxC7Q&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=catholic+all+year&amp;qid=1756849366&amp;sprefix=cathoilic+all%2Caps%2C129&amp;sr=8-1">check out Kendra's book</a>!

S5 Ep. 34 - Building Traditions That Strengthen Family Values

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Hawthorn School for Girls in Toronto, on December 17, 2025.As we move forward into the countdown to Christmas, the Church presents us with the Gospel of Matthew that transmits to us the most famous genealogical tree in history. The origins of Jesus, the Messiah. It was written in a way that made it easier to remember. There were fourteen from Abraham to David; fourteen from David to the Babylonian deportation; and fourteen from the Babylonian deportation to Christ. It was all made easier to memorize. There are saints, but also sinners.We too advance, even with our falls. Our mistakes, our own limitations. It is a time for hope, that God uses us, and forges something in our vocation. Can I see that God writes straight with crooked human lines? History is not random. God patiently guides it. We must see God’s hand through history. We must see his loving providence through our life. Music: Vienna Symphonic library, choir of angels-384315Thumbnail: The tree of Jesse, Flemish Psalter from the library of the Irish College in Paris, made in Bruges 1500.