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

Go Forth Christian Soul: Our Hope of Heaven

As we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph the Worker on May 1, we are pleased to share “Go to Joseph”: A Spiritual Retreat, a collection of meditations that invites us to contemplate the life of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus Christ and model of virtue and leadership, and to understand more deeply: Why is the life of St. Joseph so important? Why did God choose St. Joseph to be his foster father on earth? What does St. Joseph’s life teach us about our own identities: where we come from and why God has also chosen us? As we turn to the example of St. Joseph, we learn how his life of virtue was fostered through his docility to the Will of God and perseverance in the tasks and struggles of daily life. This time of prayer on retreat is an opportunity to look inward and assess how we respond to the grace of Christ in our daily life. By imitating the life of St. Joseph, we too can overcome obstacles and sanctify the ordinary moments of daily life. Listen to the full retreat for free online: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/product/a-spiritual-retreat-go-to-joseph/'>download today!</a><a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Just Man | Part One | "Go to Joseph": A Spiritual Retreat

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

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

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with the Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. iPray with the Gospel is helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/ipray-fifth-sunday-of-lent/'>Transcript</a> ] <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

iPray with the Gospel | Fifth Sunday of Lent

In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina reflects on the family as a school of love where we learn to use our freedom, and where we learn the meaning and value of life, sexuality, friendship, weakness, forgiveness and love. “Love is a powerful word,” says Fr. Leo, “and this is our legacy as Catholics… It is a treasure that we have received from Jesus Christ. Love is ultimately what brings people back to the truth.” Drawing upon the parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15:11-13), Fr. Leo reminds us that “we don’t love our families because they are perfect, we love our families precisely because they are imperfect… Family is the place where you’re welcome no matter what. And this is something that we need to convey to the world.” If we want to build solid families and relationships, we must learn to love everyone as sons and daughters of God by fostering trust, freedom, and understanding in our homes.As St. Josemaria explains: “What a son or daughter looks for in a father or mother is not only a certain amount of knowledge or some more or less effective advice, but primarily something more important: a proof of the value and meaning of life…” (Christ is Passing By, no. 28).<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/The-Family-A-School-of-Love-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>Visit Show Page</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Family: A School of Love

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

Marriage Discernment and the Theology of the Body

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

How to Dream After a Season of Defeat with Lisa Canning

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

In the Light of the Gospel: Short Meditations

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

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

The St. Josemaria Institute has partnered with iPray with Gospel to bring the popular daily Gospel reflections to life on our podcast. Now you can read and/or listen to the daily reflections during your time of prayer! iPray with the Gospel is especially helpful for those who want to use the Gospel for their daily conversation with Jesus Christ. [ <a href='http://stjosemaria.org/ipray-1st-sunday-of-lent'>Transcript</a> ] <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

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

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

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

On the Way to Damascus: The Journey of Our Vocation (Acts 9:1-3) St Josemaria Escriva pointed out that all of the apostles somehow were called to follow Jesus in and through their work, including Saint Paul. Don&apos;t be surprised, therefore, to discover that God is also calling you in and through your work. In this meditation, we will reflect on these questions: What is your Damascus? What have you chosen as that activity through which you serve society and that gives you meaning in how you live your life? We all have a mission and it is most likely right where we are already. During this time of meditation and prayer, we will ask God to help us to keep doing what we are doing, but with a new light and with new meaning. To listen to and download the eight meditations of &quot;A Spiritual Retreat in the Footsteps of St. Paul&quot; go to: https://stjosemaria.org/st-paul-retreat/ <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

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

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

Family Grace: A Story of Conversion Through Friendship

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

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

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the immeasurable love of Christ as we prepare for and celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Christ became incarnate and took on a human heart to model for us the ability to love with our own heart of flesh if we are receptive to the grace of God. As Christians, we must allow for the love of Christ to permeate our daily actions so that others may see and encounter the heart of Christ. St. Josemaria explains: “The source of all grace is God’s love for us, and he has revealed this not just in words but also in deeds. It was divine love which led the second Person of the holy Trinity, the Word, the Son of God the Father, to take on our flesh, our human condition, everything except sin. And the Word, the Word of God, is the Word from which Love proceeds” (Christ is Passing By, no. 162). <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Rebroadcast)

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

Tomás and Paquita Alvira: Early Married Members of the Work

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

Theology of the Body for Children

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

The Mission Of The Family

On June 1 the Church celebrates the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. Traditionally the Church is also called Mother, through which we are nourished, consoled, washed, embraced, and reborn. We run to it in times of difficulty. The Church is an extension of Christ, and in the background is the icon of the Church—Mary, Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church. In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on this mystery; how we can bring the mystery to our daily lives; and, how Mary wants us to treat her as Mother in every sense of the word. St. Josemaria explains: “Find out for yourself by personal experience the meaning of Mary’s maternal love. It is not enough just to know she is our Mother and to think and to talk about her as such. She is your Mother and you are her son. She loves you as if you were her only child in this world. Treat her accordingly: tell her about everything that happens to you, honor her and love her” (Friends of God, no. 293). <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Mary, Mother of the Church

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

The God of Joy and the Problem of Pain

In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan looks to the example of the Holy Family as a model of living out authentic virtue in every area of our lives. He reflects on the importance of being a witness to the love of Christ and shares practical examples of how we can create an environment at home that strengthens children in the fundamental areas of virtue: authentic piety, the use of technology, the need for silence, holy purity, and generosity. St. Josemaria explains: “If a man fosters and cultivates the seeds of virtue within him, God will smooth out his path, and such a person will be able to become holy because he has known how to live as a man of good will” (Friends of God, no. 75). Listen to the Day of Recollection for December 2020 <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/day-of-recollection-december-2020/'>online</a>. <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

Family Life: The School of Virtue | Meditation One

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