What if heaven isn't just our destination, and happiness isn't something we wait for, but realities we can begin to live now? This is the question Fr. Edward Maristany asks in his new book Heave Can't Wait.

Heaven Can't Wait

The Forge is the third collection of St. Josemaría's refreshingly brief but profoundly weighty reflections and meditations on how to live the Christian life to its absolute fullest. 
 Like The Way and Furrow, it gives you practical and pointed material for meditation that will help you take your spiritual responsibilities more seriously and move ever closer to the all-consuming forge of God's love. 
 St. Josemaría wrote these 1,055 aphorisms, observations, and exhortations in order to enkindle within you a desire for holiness and apostolate.

The Forge (Mini Edition)

Jonathan Marcotte joins Doug discussing the impact of childhood attachment wounds in marriage. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>John - I have an anxiety disorder that upsets my wife and it causes tension in our marriage. What advice do you have that can help us? (24:09)</li> <li>Maria - Sometimes my husband makes comments that can be demeaning and I tend to shut down. What should I do? (36:55)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> &nbsp; Sacred Ground Psychotherapy <a href="https://www.sgpsych.com/">https://www.sgpsych.com/</a>

Attachment Wounds

Fr. Paul Donlan's meditation centers on the theme of work as a path to holiness, rooted in scripture, the life of Christ, the Holy Family, and the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva. It begins by praising God’s works in Psalm 111 and explores how Jesus dignified human labor through His hidden years as a carpenter and later by sanctifying ordinary realities through His presence. Our daily work, whether manual or professional, is not merely a burden but can be redemptive when united with God’s love, becoming the “raw material of holiness.” Drawing examples from the Holy Family, practical stories (like that of a dentist guided through prayer), and references to Christian virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance), Fr. Paul underscores that work is service to God and others, challenging everyone to see their labor as a witness to faith, a stimulus for prayer, and a way of sanctifying themselves and those around them. Ultimately, everything points to the Cross and Resurrection as the greatest “works” that give all human activity its redemptive meaning, inviting believers to imitate Christ by sanctifying their own daily efforts with love and faith.

Work As A Path To Holiness

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to discuss parenting and family relationship. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Ron - It&rsquo;s my job as a man to lead my wife regardless of how we feal at the time. This is something the younger generation does not understand. My son does not understand. I had to cut him off. (6:07)</li> <li>Maryann - My daughter's friends say she has a personality disorder. She doesn't want to listen to me. How do I help her? (13:08)</li> <li>Maria - Thank you for the show and welcome back Monica! (22:20)</li> <li>Therese - One of my daughters is "married" to a woman and we didn&rsquo;t go to the wedding. Now they won&rsquo;t talk to us. What do we do? (22:57)</li> <li>Reba - I am a mother of 4 and the oldest is 14. She is the only daughter and she and I have really hit a brick wall and I don&rsquo;t want to ruin it. What should I do? (28:52)</li> </ul>

When Children Shut Down

In this episode, Ashton Ellis talks about becoming a great dad by being a great husband first.

Please support The Dad Project here: www.dadproject.net


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

Episode 2: The First Priority

Are you in a relationship and wondering if you are compatible? Doug discusses what couples should know before they tie the knot. He identifies red flags couples ignore that could lead to a difficult marriage or even divorce. PLUS: The Friday Rant! Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Mark - If you're going to marry someone and you're a Catholic, you should marry another Catholic. You would think that other religions are similar, but they're not, especially when it comes to contraception. It&rsquo;s a big red flag. (17:59)</li> <li>Miriam - A friend is pregnant and she's marrying the father of their baby. She has two other children from a previous relationship. How should they set up their finances? (21:01)</li> <li>Tom - I do marriage preparation. I'm blown away by the fact that the preparation programs are not even mentioned. (24:58)</li> <li>Michael - My wife and I are separated. I am a recovering sex addict and 10 months sober. I am struggling to communicate with my wife because she just walks away when we are not getting anywhere. What should I do? (33:28)</li> </ul> Resources: Relevant Radio Dad&rsquo;s Pack <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/merch/products/dads-pack">https://relevantradio.store/collections/merch/products/dads-pack</a> Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Red flags couples ignore <ol> <li>Differences in core values</li> <li>Unresolved family trauma</li> <li>Both partners handle conflict in different ways</li> </ol>

Red flags couples ignore

Abridged Version
Simon Peter drew the special attention of Jesus from the first moment the Lord laid eyes on him and called him to be the first of the twelve apostles. In unpacking the meaning behind the Gospel passages dealing with St. Peter, the famed French spiritual writer, Georges Chevrot, details the deeper meanings implied in the relationship of these two men. 
This book on the life of Simon Peter by Georges Chevrot examines the many occasions where Peter's actions could be interpreted as proof of his love and loyalty, but which also showed a lack of fortitude in his rash behavior: walking on the water, striking out with the sword in the garden, and finally, unnecessarily risking his life inside the high priest's palace which led to his three denials of Jesus. This culmination of his failures at self-restraint followed by remorse at his betrayal of Jesus finally cured his impulsiveness when he weighs and confirms the evidence of the Lord's resurrection.

Simon Peter

The virtue of purity? Who talks about that nowadays? 
This short book presents the topic to today's youth as a challenge to grow and mature into responsible and caring adults, capable of leading and helping others. The authors begin from the vantage of Jesus, who ministered to both young and old, and whose lessons are a call to holiness for us all. 
Learn why the virtue of chastity is so pivotal to healthy relationships, how to live and acquire the virtue in a natural way, and what virtues, attitudes, and practices will be key to your achieving a chaste heart, mind, and body. These include prayer, sacrifice, service to others, control over internet use, talking about one's struggles, and obtaining help in confession and spiritual direction. 
This book includes references to websites and further reading and is great as both a personal guide for young people and a teaching tool for adults.

Why Purity: Navigating the Confusing Cultural Messages

Doug goes to the mailbag and shares advice for a woman who is struggling because her husband is not sexually attracted to her. Doug details the destructive nature of pornography. Another email presents a husband who wants to take a break to pursue his meaning in life. Doug speaks to the importance of selfless love and how the power of prayer can bring through through this difficult time. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Mark - Is it wrong for a man to want to be with a skinnier woman?</li> <li>Suzie - If a husband wants a woman to be an object, there are serious implications if that occurs. For example, breast implants can cause cancer.</li> <li>Mark - Does EROS love have a selfish act in marriage? As a married couple, can we really ever reach the highest form of love, like AGAPE?</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a>

Loving selflessly for life

In this meditation for the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, Fr Javier del Castillo reflects on the profound meaning of this passage from St Paul - “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). “We ought to rejoice. This is something really important, absolutely necessary, to rejoice in the Lord always because the Lord is near.&quot; &quot;This presence of the Lord is the cause of our joy because it makes us joyful and makes us happy… not only when things are going well… always, no matter what… and then we can radiate our cheerfulness to others… doesn’t matter what’s happening on the outside… what matters is that we be close to our Lord. And only insofar as we let our Lord be close to us can we be truly joyful, cheerful, and can we radiate cheerfulness to others.” To have this joy and cheerfulness starting this Advent and Christmas we can follow three steps: 1. Prayer 2. Forgiveness 3. Service (Jesus, others and then yourself) THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give 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>

Gaudete Sunday

Doug unpacks 10 ways you know you have found the one. Doug also shares common misconceptions and practical steps to understand if the person you are dating is the right person to spend the rest of your life with. PLUS: The Friday rant! &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a> &nbsp; Reasons you know you have found the one <ol> <li>You enjoy spending time together.</li> <li>You have open and honest communication with vulnerability.</li> <li>Your core virtues and values align.</li> <li>Mutual trust and respect are firm foundations in the relationship.</li> <li>You can navigate conflicts constructively.</li> <li>You support each other&rsquo;s personal growth.</li> <li>They bring out the best version of you.</li> <li>Your friends and family notice your happiness.</li> <li>Moments apart strengthen your relationship.</li> <li>Your relationship is balanced, healthy and secure.</li> </ol> &nbsp; Common misconceptions <ol> <li>It must be love at first sight.</li> <li>Having doubts doesn&rsquo;t mean they are not the one.</li> </ol> &nbsp; Practical steps to understand if this is the one <ol> <li>Reflect on your relationship dynamic.</li> <li>Seek feedback and insight.</li> <li>Consider professional relationship counseling.</li> <li>Recognize healthy relationship patterns and red flags.</li> <li>Know how and when to trust your instincts.</li> </ol>

Is this the one?

The St. Josemaria Institute is pleased to present a new seven-part podcast series by Fr. Peter Armenio on the road to Emmaus as a complement to your time of prayer as we celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord this Easter season. In this week’s podcast, the first of the series, Fr. Peter introduces us to the circumstances surrounding the disciples’ journey to Emmaus – what events are they leaving behind and what are they seeking as they walk ahead? The events that occur on the road to Emmaus serve as an allegory to the circumstances of our personal discipleship with Christ, illustrating that we can overcome our defeats with interior strength and spiritual victory. As we reflect with Fr. Peter on this spiritual journey over the next seven weeks, we are challenged to look inward and place ourselves within the experiences of the disciples and apply these events to our daily lives. In doing so, we will come away with a renewed desire to walk with and imitate Christ through the joys and sorrows of everyday life. [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Part-One-Walking-with-Christ.pdf'>Transcript</a> ] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give 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>

Walking with Christ | Part One

In our meditation of the week, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the gospel of St. Luke, particularly the scene of Jesus’ visit to Bethany. At Bethany, Our Lord was able to find refuge in his friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Fr. Leo reminds us that similar to Bethany, Christ longs to take refuge in our heart, to find a place where he can rest as our friend. In this way, we are called to make our hearts a place of warmth and sincerity, inviting Our Lord into our lives as a dear friend. St. Josemaria reminds us, “For me the tabernacle has always been a Bethany, a quiet and pleasant place where Christ resides. A place where we can tell him about our worries, our sufferings, our desires, our joys, with the same sort of simplicity and naturalness as Martha, Mary and Lazarus” (Christ is Passing By, no. 154).<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>VISIT SHOW PAGE</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jesus-as-a-Guest-Transcript.pdf'>VIEW TRANSCRIPT</a> THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give 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>

Jesus as a Guest

Ernesto Cofiño, a Guatemalan pediatrician, was in his mid-fifties when he joined Opus Dei. Ernesto worked tirelessly to remedy the problems of Guatamala’s marginalized  indigenous population. He carried out a wide ranging personal apostolate with people from all walks of life and played a key role in founding and developing several apostolic activities of Opus Dei.
Resources to learn more about Ernesto Cofiño:
<ul>
 <li>⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://opusdei.org/en-us/ernesto-cofino/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Website for His Cause of Canonization⁠⁠⁠</a>.</li>
 <li>McDonough, Thomas A. No Small Goals: The Life of Dr. Ernesto Cofiño—Guatemalan Physician, Humanitarian, Pioneer in Pediatric Medicine and Servant of God. New York: Scepter, 2019. (<a href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/no-small-goals-the-life-of-dr-ernesto-cofino" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Scepter Publishers</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-Small-Goals-Ernesto-Cofi%C3%B1o-ebook/dp/B0892WQ53P" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">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/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠www.opusdei.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.
You can buy the book "Encounters: Finding God in All Walks of Life" from ⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/encounters" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Scepter Publishers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> or on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/159417511X" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.

Ernesto Cofiño: Pediatrician

Doug shares the inspiring story of a couple who got back together after their annulment. He unpacks the importance of seeking a deep encounter with God, finding a good therapist. Reconciling takes courage, faith and trust in God that He will make all things new. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Theresa - My husband was running around with other women. Is that grounds for annulment? (19:02)</li> <li>Kelly - What should you do when you&rsquo;re not happy in your marriage. My husband changed and doesn&rsquo;t go to church. He put us in debt and we are political opposites. (34:00)</li> <li>Adam - I am a Lutheran and I went to Mass this week. I really liked it and I just want to offer encouragement to people to go to church. It was great to see so many people there. (46:00)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://catholictherapists.com/">https://catholictherapists.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Psychotherapy <a href="https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/">https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/</a> &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a> &nbsp; Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a>

Hope & Reconciling

This Guidebook for Confessors was written to help Catholic priests appreciate better the beauty and power of Confession and to administer it more effectively to the faithful. Beginning with the Gospel call to holiness for all souls, it points out ways for confessors to serve the faithful by helping them to acknowledge their sins and to confess them sincerely. 
 Among other features, the book includes: 

• Leading insights of classical moral theology on the nature of the human person, including knowledge, free will, and responsibility. 
• Practical ideas on how to catechize and motivate people to use the sacrament of God's mercy more frequently. 
• Effective experience in giving advice to many different kinds of people: old and young, married and single, penitents with special needs such as recidivists, those with addictions or mental disorders, and the scrupulous or lax. 
• Suggestions on helping penitents to make complete and sincere confessions, especially in the area of personal and marital chastity. 
• Specific approaches to guide and support persons to live faith, hope, charity, and justice, based on real contemporary situations. 
• Three informative appendices which include leading quotes from the Magisterium on the Sacrament of Penance, a description of censured sins from the Code of Canon Law, and excerpts from the Holy See's Vademecum for Confessors. 

 Rev. Michael E. Giesler's Guidebook for Confessors draws ideas from the long and proven tradition of holy and effective confessors in the Catholic Church, along with spiritual insights of saints such as John of the Cross, Philip Neri, John Vianney, and Josemaría Escrivá. In addition, insightful quotations from the recent writings of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI are offered.

Guidebook for Confessors

Greg Shutte joins Doug to discuss the blame game. How does the blame game affect your marriage? How can mercy and forgiveness fix the problem and what are practical ways to practice these virtues? Plus: Stump a therapist!

Stump the Therapist

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the Gospel passage of the Passion of Christ (Luke 22:14-23:56) which is read on Palm Sunday. During this holiest time of the year, the Church invites her people to focus directly on the suffering of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The longer Gospel readings help us to honor Christ’s request to “keep watch and pray” with him as he asked the Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane. In this scene, we prayerfully rediscover God’s love for us expressed through his humanity and sacrifice on the cross. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we see his love poured out for us and discover the meaning in the crosses that he invites us to bear each day.  <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Holy-Week-Keep-Watch-Pray-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/holy-week-keep-watch-and-pray/'>Visit Show Page</a>  THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give 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>

Holy Week: Keep Watch & Pray

The path to deep faith isn't complicated: it's clear, powerful, and already within reach.
In this world of endless noise, shifting values, and spiritual confusion, The Four First Things calls us back to the beginning&mdash;to the foundational truths that can shape our lives, heal our hearts, and lead us into a profound relationship with God.
Joseph S. Reel presents four essential principles as the "first things" every soul must return to again and again. These are accessible anchors for anyone seeking to grow in their faith, whether just beginning the journey or longing to go deeper within it.&nbsp;
This book:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Shows why, without God, even our highest ideals fall apart</li>
<li>Describes God&rsquo;s invitation to create freely with him</li>
<li>Explains how suffering and evil fit within a God-given world</li>
<li>Gives practical tools for developing unwavering trust in God&rsquo;s Will</li>
<li>Reminds us that no detail is too small for God's love and help</li>
</ul>
Written for young adults exploring their faith, spiritual seekers, lapsed believers, and the already devoted who need fresh inspiration, this powerful book is a short read with a lasting impact. Above all, it aims to awaken a burning desire to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength&mdash;and to love others not just as ourselves, but as God loves us.

The Four First Things

The value of a true friend seems a unanimous declaration: a friend is "someone who knows all about you and still loves you" (Elbert Hubbard) and "the most precious of all possessions" (La Rochefoucauld); friendship is "a single soul dwelling in two bodies" (Aristotle), "the only cement that will ever hold the world together" (Woodrow Wilson). 
 And yet, the statement that gets at the heart of Ugarte's book Deep Friendship belongs to Plutarch, who says: "A constant friend is a thing rare and hard to find." This is especially true in today's world, in which we are constantly surrounded by people, but seldom experience deep friendship. The concept and value of friendship has become, more than ever, a rare treasure. What seems a simple task—that of finding a true friend who cares, respects, and deeply appreciates you—can be harder than expected. 
 In his book, Deep Friendship, Ugarte shares not only how to find a good friend, but how to be one. These attributes of true friendship lead to great benefits, including a more genuine happiness and a greater union with God.

Deep Friendship: Moving beyond the Superficial

Doug shares what to do when your spouse has become just a roommate, and what a wife should do when there is an incident of physical abuse. Doug also gives advice to a man who has discovered his fianc&eacute; is using contraception. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Vicki - There's a single mom who's been asking for me to help take care of her children at our house. I'm starting to get uncomfortable about it. My husband wants to continue helping, but I don&rsquo;t. What should I do?</li> <li>Teri - I was thinking why would lady be checking her cycle before she is married?</li> <li>Debbie - I know a couple who are expecting a baby. They want to get married for the baby, and also college would be cheaper. Should they get married by the Church or Justice of the Peace?</li> <li>Dean - I disagree with Doug and his concern about sexual activity.</li> <li>Mary - We've been married for four years. There are times when my husband is in the mood for relations, but I'm not. I've gone through hormonal changes, especially with having babies. What does the Church say about this?</li> <li>Dee - Are non-Catholic weddings at the courthouse or justice of the peace recognized by the Church, or are those invalid marriages?</li> </ul>

What makes a good marriage?

Should people who have been divorced twice consider a third marriage? What should you do in an unhappy marriage? Doug answers these listener questions and shares an email from a listener who gives her testimony of how Retrouvaille healed her marriage when it was on the brink of divorce.

Working hard for your marriage

Experience the warmth, humor, and profound spiritual insights of the founder of <span class="" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="c" data-sfc-cb="" data-complete="true" data-processed="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);"><a class="H23r4e" href="https://scepterpublishers.org/collections/st-josemaria-and-opus-dei" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-hveid="CAAIBxAB" data-processed="true" aria-label="Opus Dei. Link preview. Site: Scepter Publishers. Title: St. Josemar&iacute;a Escriv&aacute; &amp; Opus Dei Books | Scepter Publishers. URL: https://scepterpublishers.org/collections/st-josemaria-and-opus-dei." data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; margin: 0px; text-decoration: underline 1px rgb(153, 195, 255); border-bottom: 0px rgb(153, 195, 255);">Opus Dei</a> through these four recordings of <span class="" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="c" data-sfc-cb="" data-complete="true" data-processed="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);"><a class="H23r4e" href="https://scepterpublishers.org/collections/st-josemaria-escriva" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-hveid="CAAIBxAC" data-processed="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; margin: 0px; text-decoration: underline 1px rgb(153, 195, 255); border-bottom: 0px rgb(153, 195, 255);"><span class="T286Pc" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="c" data-sfc-cb="" data-complete="true" data-processed="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(153, 195, 255);"><span class="" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="c" data-sfc-cb="" data-ved="2ahUKEwjwk8ShmN-UAxWw4ckDHdUsGcQQ0fERegYIAAgHEAM" data-complete="true" data-processed="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(153, 195, 255);">St. Josemar&iacute;a Escriv&aacute;. </a>This collection captures the lively, historical "tertulias" (family get-togethers)&nbsp;conducted entirely in Spanish during his pastoral journeys.

Get-togethers with St. Josemaria in Spanish | Barcelona, Lima, Buenos Aires, y Sao Paolo

Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation to a group of young men at Ernescliff College in Toronto, on December 9, 2023. The Gospel of Mark 10, 17-31 tells the account of the young man who presented himself to Jesus and asked what he must do to obtain eternal life. A challenging exchange ensued. To dig into this, we must have a deep understanding of what a vocation is. Here&#39;s one definition: &quot;The vocation is the providential thought of the Creator for each creature, it is his idea-plan, like a dream found in God&#39;s heart, because the creature is found in his heart. God the Father wants this to be different and specific for each living person.&quot;
Music: Komm, süsser Tod, BWV 478, Guitar arrangement by Bert Alink.
Thumbnail: Cyprien Tanguay (1819-1902) portrait by Antoine Plamondon, painted c. 1832, Quebec, Canada.

The Vocation to Opus Dei

In this episode, Jim Tierney discusses ways that dads can help their children understand the true meaning of loyalty.


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

Episode 19: Loyalty

Beloved by millions, The Way is St. Josemaría's spiritually rich collection of points for meditation and prayer. Genial but pointed, The Way is born out of deep Christian experience and aims at encouraging people to love God and live for Him. Says St. Josemaría: The 999 points which make up The Way were written with yearnings to see Christ, the light of the world. Anyone who reads it with the same yearnings will not have opened this book in vain. This mini edition fits easily into the most jammed purse or pocket.

The Way (Mini Edition)

Are you married to a selfish person and unsure what to do? Doug unpacks characteristics of selfishness which include: self-centered behavior, lack of empathy, and an unwillingness to compromise. Doug discusses the Christian perspective of selfishness, and offers practical tips for those who are married to a selfish person.   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>

Selfishness in Marriage

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to tackle the difficult issue of gender confusion. They share what parents can do to protect their children and what to do if you have a child who is struggling with gender confusion.

Gender Confusion (Part 3)

Doug shares the single most important habit for a strong marriage and discusses how to build an emotional connection with your spouse; Plus: The Friday Rant! Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Marissa - Prayer as a couple and doing things as a couple will save your marriage. (8:43)</li> <li>Marci - Advice for marriage: If you're wrong admit it, and if you're right, shut up. (10:41)</li> <li>Sylvia - Doug and his wife are fulfilling scripture by going to Eucharistic Adoration together. (23:06)</li> <li>Joe - What do you think about background checks while dating? (27:57)</li> <li>Brian - I called in March about an emotional affair and shared that my wife caught me. My wife and I are back together, but are having a hard time processing that I was with this other person. (35:58)</li> </ul> Resources: Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a> &nbsp; Building an emotional connection with your spouse <ol> <li>Identify and name your feelings.</li> <li>Share your feelings with your partner.</li> <li>Share and listen for understanding.</li> <li>Spend quality time together.</li> <li>Make your spouse know they are your top priority.</li> <li>Protect your relationship from other people.</li> </ol>

Building an emotional connection

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai to High School students in Beamsville, Ontario ,on February 2, 2025.
Today is the feast of the presentation. It is a feast of pour Lady, but really focused on Our Lord who is being presented by his parents in the temple. It was the law of Israel that each first born should be presented to the Lord, 40 days after his birth. They are complying with the Mosaic Law. It is his mission. He is presented, offered, given over, and his parents do so with faith, knowing his purpose more than anyone.
Music: Original track by Michael Lee, of Toronto.
Thumbnail, Peter Paul Rubens, Presentation in the Temple, sketch, 1632, Naala Nura, ground level, Grand Courts.

Let Your Servant Go in Peace

Prayer is the breath of the soul &mdash; and yet so many Christians feel they don't quite know how. Rev. Francis Luna cuts through confusion and discouragement with straightforward, encouraging guidance rooted in the Church's rich tradition. Whether you are just beginning or have been praying for years, this booklet will deepen your conversation with God and renew your desire to seek his face.

How to Pray

To conclude our Advent series:  In this week’s podcast, Fr. Javier reflects on the last of the cardinal virtues: temperance. The holiday season, in particular, is a good time to reflect on this virtue as we battle the temptations of partaking in so many pleasurable things and activities all around us! Temperance, the “virtue which allows us to regulate those things that give us pleasure here and now”, helps us “to use them, but not abuse them—to use them temperately insofar as they lead us to our ultimate end.” From his humble birth to later in life, Jesus Christ lived a spirit of temperance which allowed him to use the created world in order to save souls and bring them closer to God. As Fr. Javier explains: “For Jesus, the world is good— we have to know that. In fact, everything is created in the Word, everything is created in Him, and unto Him, and for Him. And so, there are no bad things that exist. But all those good things that exist need to be thought about very carefully, because the way we use those things in the world that are good, could lead us closer to God or could lead us away from God.“ This last week of Advent, as we prepare to welcome Jesus, we ask ourselves: What am I looking for? Am I looking for safety and security in material things? How can I let go of those things that pass away? Download the companion to our Advent series and go deeper to enrich your prayer throughout the week: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/advent-2021/'>Be Ready!</a> [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Transcript-The-Virtue-of-Temperance.pdf'>Transcript </a>] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give 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>

Be Ready! The Virtue of Temperance

Description: Millikin University Basketball Coach Kramer Soderberg joins us on this episode to talk about how it's hard to be great, but the pursuit is worthwhile. He shares practical wisdom and tips for pursuing greatness in every area of your life and how to encourage your children to do the same.Kramer can be found at: <a href="https://kramersoderberg.com">https://kramersoderberg.com</a>On Instagram @acatholiccoach

Ep. 11 The Hard Pursuit of Greatness with Kramer Soderberg

Are you worried about your child’s mental health? Are you worried about the mental health of your child’s friends? Do you know the warning signs of those struggling with mental issues? Monica Hinderer joins Doug to discuss the mental health and emotional well-being of children.

Understanding Your Child’s Emotions

Doug discusses the importance of setting boundaries in marriage. He shares how boundaries are like property lines and help to protect your values, energy, time and let your spouse learn how he or she can love you more and bring more joy into your life. Doug unpacks the types of boundaries: emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual and shares where God set boundaries in the Bible. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Mary - I have a 22-year-old son who graduated from college, and he wants to spend a week with his girlfriend's family. He knows what we think about premarital sex, but my husband and I are not sure about it. What should we do? (18:55)</li> <li>David - When my wife doesn't accept the boundary, what should I do? (35:47)</li> <li>Mary - My daughter's stepdaughter is 20 years old and going to community college. She doesn't do anything to help around the house. How does a stepmother properly set boundaries? (38:33)</li> </ul> Resources: Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle <a href="https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle">https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle</a>

How to set boundaries in marriage

Continuing our Easter series, To and From Emmaus: In this podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the disciples’ desire for Jesus to remain with them as evening falls along their journey. As we compare the journey to Emmaus with our personal journey toward eternal life with Christ, Fr. Peter reminds us that our time on Earth is short and therefore we should set out with urgency to fill our life with deeds of love.In this time of reflection and prayer, we are challenged to ask ourselves: “How much can I do for Jesus in a given day?” When our time on Earth comes to a close, can we look back confidently and know that we have taken full advantage of our time as we pursue the path of holiness toward Heaven? [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Part-Four-Brief-Indeed-Is-Our-Time-Transcript.pdf'>Transcript</a> ] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give 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>

Brief Indeed Is Our Time | Part Four

How do you heal a broken heart? How do you deal with unresolved childhood trauma? Doug answers these questions and more. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Christine - I am reading a story of a woman in the Nazi camps who forgave the Nazis for what they did to her. it was so inspiring and reminded me of what you&rsquo;re saying about forgiveness. (23:17)</li> <li>Jimmy - I was sexually abused by an older sibling and had forgotten about it until he apologized. I think that made it worse because it made me more aware. (26:19)</li> <li>Anthony - My wife was abused by her uncle. We were married in 1980 and she didn&rsquo;t tell me until 1990. She lied in front of a priest too. I don&rsquo;t know how to get over this. (36:02)</li> <li>Pete - I tried committing suicide. The thing you think is you want to stop this pain not that you want to die. (44:30)</li> </ul> &nbsp; &nbsp; Resources: A Blessing, Not a Burden: My Parents&rsquo; Remarkable Holocaust Story and My Fight to Keep Their Legacy Alive <a href="https://bit.ly/4soLN0k">https://bit.ly/4soLN0k</a> &nbsp; The Forgiveness Institute <a href="https://internationalforgiveness.com/">https://internationalforgiveness.com/</a>

Healing from Trauma and a Broken Heart

In this podcast, Fr. Justin Gillespie reflects on true friendship as a rare and precious gift. While it is a gift, friendship is also something that we need. Jesus provides it, and by praying about what true friendship is, we can rediscover the vital importance of friendship with Christ. St. Josemaria explains: “God never abandons us. It is not a proper Christian attitude to look upon friendship with God only as a last resort. Do we think it normal to ignore or neglect the people we love? Obviously not! Those we love figure constantly in our conversations, desires and thoughts. We hold them ever present. So it should be with God” (Friends of God, no. 247). THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give 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>

Friendship & Jesus

Doug takes calls and listeners share stories of how they were affected by infidelity in their marriage. Doug discusses the importance prayer and forgiveness and how affection and intimacy in marriage should be freely given as an act of love in virtue of the marriage vows. &nbsp; listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Bonnie - I went through Retrouvaille couples counseling. I didn't care how many women my husband had been with. However, I did ask for a divorce.</li> <li>Mary - I am divorced. Can you explore the idea of a women being done with men. I've had some counseling and some ideas. We're not intended to be alone.&nbsp; I need help.</li> <li>Jane - Women who are married to sex addicts need support.</li> <li>Martha - I was the other woman. The conscience ate at me and I struggle to this day, but my husband and I did go through counseling and it helped immensely.</li> <li>Richard - I was told in counseling that being denied affection could be a form of infidelity. What do you think?&nbsp; I've been with same woman for 40 years and there has been no intimacy or affection for the last 20 years.</li> </ul> Resources: Sexaholics Anonymous <a href="https://www.sa.org/">https://www.sa.org/</a> &nbsp; Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a>

The trouble with infidelity

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their discussion on being raised in a highly critical home. In this episode, they unpack how overly critical parents can lead children to become people pleasers. They share how people pleasers tend to suppress their own emotions and have lower self-esteem and offer solutions to help those who struggle with people pleasing. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Andrew - My friend is being raised in a household where they don&rsquo;t really practice their faith, and now he's being influenced by the LGBTQ lifestyle. How can I help my friend?</li> <li>Jenna - I really struggle with people pleasing as an adult. I'm 28, and I don't really know who I am as a person.</li> <li>Charlie - My son became a people pleaser because he wanted to be accepted.</li> <li>Sally - How do I know when to be firm so I don&rsquo;t create a people pleasing child.</li> <li>Louise - People pleasing vs. pleasing God.</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: &nbsp; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://www.catholictherapists.com/">https://www.catholictherapists.com/</a> &nbsp; Catholic Psychotherapy <a href="https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/">https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/</a> &nbsp; Emotionally Focused Therapy <a href="https://iceeft.com/">https://iceeft.com/</a> &nbsp; The Disease To Please: Curing the People-Pleasing Syndrome <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Disease-Please-Curing-People-Pleasing-Syndrome/dp/0071385649">https://www.amazon.com/Disease-Please-Curing-People-Pleasing-Syndrome/dp/0071385649</a>

Criticism and people pleasing

Doug unpacks marriage as a school of love &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Allison - I have two children under three and I stay at home. I am wondering what is fair to ask of my husband when he gets home? (19:49)</li> <li>Gabriela - My husband and I went to a therapist and have started spending 10 minutes together and it has really helped. (37:32)</li> <li>Deedee - Why are narcissists unable to show affection? (41:10)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a>

Growing in marriage together

In this sixth meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on Jesus’ words: “It is finished.” In this final act of obedience, Christ completes the saving work entrusted to him by the Father and reveals the fullness of his love poured out on the Cross.  Fr. Nicolai invites us to consider how our own lives are part of this work of redemption and to live each day with purpose, offering our actions and sacrifices to God. PAUSE &amp; REFLECT <ul><li>Do I set apart moments of prayer consistently throughout my day to consider the greatness of God’s love for me?   </li><li>Do I console Our Lord with prayer and penance as an act of reparation for offenses against God?   </li></ul> LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL Download our free PDF devotional, <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/product/seven-last-words-of-christ/'>The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections &amp; Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva,</a> available in our online shop. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Sixth-Word-Transcript-2.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/the-sixth-word/'>Visit Show Page</a> THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoy our weekly meditations, please consider helping us keep the St. Josemaria Institute Podcast ad-free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give 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>