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Become the leader you were made to be with the&nbsp;Leading Citizen Lecture Series&nbsp;from <a href="https://thomasmorestudies.org/">The Center for Thomas More Studies</a>

Leading Citizen Lecture Series

Welcome to this transformative spiritual retreat led by renowned author and spiritual director Fr. Jacques Philippe. In a world filled with noise, distraction, and anxiety, this collection of conferences offers a sanctuary of profound stillness, grounded in the deep well of Catholic spiritual tradition.
The eight videos in this series:
1. Be At Peace With God 2. Find Peace With Ourselves 3. Maintain Peace Over Time 4. God's Presence in Nature &amp; Creation 5. God's Presence In Holy Scripture 6. God's Presence In the Eucharist 7. God's Presence In the Humanity of Christ 8. God's Presence in Our Hearts
Throughout this series, Fr. Jacques guides us on a step-by-step journey to discover where God truly dwells and how we can cultivate an unshakeable interior peace across all seasons of life.&nbsp;
🌿 What You Will Discover in This Series: &bull; The Dimensions of God&rsquo;s Presence: Learn how to recognize and encounter the divine in Holy Scripture, the Holy Eucharist, the concrete humanity of Jesus Christ, and the hidden "little palace" of your own heart. &bull; The Foundations of Interior Peace: Receive practical, gentle guidance on how to be at peace with God, how to be at peace with yourself, and how to maintain that peace over time despite daily struggles and psychological wounds. &bull; The Source of True Freedom: Discover how small, two-second moments of silent recollection during a busy workday and simple acts of charity toward your neighbor unlock a life lived in constant communion with the Trinity.
📖 About Fr. Jacques Philippe Fr. Jacques Philippe is a member of the Community of the Beatitudes and the author of modern spiritual classics, including "Searching for and Maintaining Peace," "Interior Freedom," and "Time for God." His reassuring and accessible insights have helped millions of believers worldwide deepen their prayer lives and rest securely in God&rsquo;s love.
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📚 Brought to you by Scepter Publishers. Explore more books and resources to transform your spiritual journey.

Spiritual Retreat: Finding Peace & God's Presence

Enroll in the&nbsp;EXCLUSIVE SCEPTER PARTNERSHIP OFFER here: <a title="https://alexhavard.com/scepter-offer/" href="https://alexhavard.com/scepter-offer/">https://alexhavard.com/scepter-offer/</a>.&nbsp;
Temperament is biological&mdash;your natural style of reacting. Character is spiritual, forged over time through the practice of virtue. This course lays the foundation for everything that follows in the Virtuous Leadership&reg; journey.
From discovering your temperament to educating your heart, this program follows a clear anthropological architecture: Understand who you are, build your character through the practice of virtues, integrate heart, mind, and will, formulate your personal mission, and achieve emotional maturity.
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From Temperament to Character

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

Hosted by evangelist Matthew Leonard at <a href="https://www.scienceofsainthood.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Science of Sainthood</a>, in a special partnership with Scepter Publishers, Introduction to Real Prayer&nbsp;introduces viewers to the basics of prayer, its necessity, and how to make it a part of their daily lives.
But it does a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;more.
Matthew guides viewers through the ins and outs of vocal, meditative, and contemplative prayer, showing&nbsp;not just what they are, but how to do them.
He also covers the three stages of the spiritual life (which many Catholics have never heard of), as well as the practical steps to make actual progress in the spiritual life in the easy-to-understand, conversational style for which he is known.
It's time to get real about prayer . . . and watch people's lives be radically transformed.&nbsp;
Purchase now for a year's access to Introduction to Real Prayer (includes entry into Science of Sainthood's email accompaniment sequence for this course)
View more courses like this at <a href="https://www.scienceofsainthood.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Science of Sainthood</a>.&nbsp;
Number of Lessons - 9 | Lesson Length - 20 Minutes&nbsp;

Introduction to Real Prayer

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Free Ebooks

Sanctity is not improvised. St. Josemar&iacute;a Escriv&aacute; believed that the soul, like any serious endeavor, requires structure &mdash; a daily rhythm of prayer, work, and sacrifice that keeps God at the center of everything. In this booklet he lays out the practical framework of a plan of life: not a rigid schedule, but a set of anchoring habits that give each day its supernatural direction. Clear, demanding, and deeply encouraging, it is essential reading for anyone who wants their ordinary hours to count for eternity.

A Plan of Life

What are some ways you would like to strengthen your marriage? Today on Marriage Unhindered, Doug shares how to stay focused on God&rsquo;s love in your marriage. He discusses the importance of growing in virtue as a couple. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Maria - I am struggling because I don&rsquo;t receive the love and gratitude for all that I do for my family. (19:14)</li> <li>Hugh - My thought on the quote from St. Francis De Sales: it's a call for married people to take every problem in their marriage and offer it up to God. (23:56)</li> <li>Tom - I once told my wife that I was her cross. It didn't go over well. She divorced me and we received a declaration of nullity. (26:04)</li> <li>Michelle - My marriage has been struggling since we got married. I started listening to your show just when I thought it was over.&nbsp; I utilized what you're talking about.&nbsp; I started seeing a Catholic therapist. I want my marriage to be holy and I want my husband to be more engaged in the Catholic faith. (40:08)</li> <li>John - I have been married for 5 years. In terms of finding a fault, I'm bad at time management and my spouse tells me to work on it. (45:58)</li> </ul>

Growing in Virtue as a Couple

Written in the weeks following St. Josemar&iacute;a's death in 1975, this moving tribute by Cardinal Sergio Pignedoli captures the spiritual genius of Opus Dei's founder with the intimacy of a friend and the precision of a theologian. Here is the man behind the movement: rooted in divine filiation, consumed by love for the Church, and utterly convinced that sanctity is the vocation of every Christian &mdash; in the office, the kitchen, the workshop, wherever life is lived.

Divine Ways on Earth

#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.

29-05-26 Lord, My Soul is Like a Den of Thieves (EN)

No one would have guessed when Rome was founded that it would become anything important. But it became the capital of a vast empire and earthly center of the universal Church. It is the destination of the Acts of the Apostles — a place consecrated by martyrs' blood, a city to which the Fathers ventured as pilgrims, a city whose Church and bishop spoke with a singular authority. LINKS Mike Aquilina, Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins: Twelve Ancient Cities and How They Were Evangelized <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Rabbles-Riots-Ruins-Ancient-Evangelized/dp/1621646785/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/Rabbles-Riots-Ruins-Ancient-Evangelized/dp/1621646785/&source=gmail&ust=1718136033724000&usg=AOvVaw25LyGT81CtJosJqAKbXAm-">https://www.amazon.com/Rabbles-Riots-Ruins-Ancient-Evangelized/dp/1621646785/</a> Margherita Guarducci, The Primacy of the Church of Rome <a href= "https://ignatius.com/the-primacy-of-the-church-of-rome-pcrp/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://ignatius.com/the-primacy-of-the-church-of-rome-pcrp/</a> Rod Bennett, Four Witnesses: The Early Church in Her Own Words <a href="https://ignatius.com/four-witnesses-fwecp/" target= "_blank" rel= "noopener">https://ignatius.com/four-witnesses-fwecp/</a> Mike Aquilina's website <a href="https://fathersofthechurch.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://fathersofthechurch.com</a> Mike Aquilina's books <a href= "https://catholicbooksdirect.com/writer/mike-aquilina/" target= "_blank" rel= "noopener">https://catholicbooksdirect.com/writer/mike-aquilina/</a> Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed <a href="http://www.ccwatershed.org" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">http://www.ccwatershed.org</a> Please donate to this podcast! <a href= "http://www.CatholicCulture.org/donate/audio/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">http://www.CatholicCulture.org/donate/audio/</a>

3.4 Cities of God: Rome between Time and Eternity

She was seventeen years old, a student from Barcelona with a quick smile, a guitar, and a love of mountain hikes &mdash; and she is now a candidate for beatification. Montserrat Grases lived nothing that looked extraordinary from the outside: school, friends, family, the small daily struggle to be kinder and more generous. Then came a terminal cancer diagnosis at sixteen, and the world saw what that hidden interior life had built. Written with warmth and precision by Mercedes Eguibar, this booklet follows Montse from her first encounter with Opus Dei to her death on Holy Thursday 1959 &mdash; a death as serene, joyful, and unhurried as her life. A quietly electrifying portrait of what it actually looks like to become a saint.

Montserrat Grases

** 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.

12-03-26 Titivillus (EA)

Statesman, scholar, husband, father, martyr &mdash; Thomas More remains one of history's most compelling witnesses to the primacy of conscience. Thomas J. McGovern traces the spiritual formation of a man who rose to the heights of power in Tudor England without ever losing sight of what mattered most. A portrait of integrity, courage, and the quiet heroism of a life lived entirely for God.

Sir Thomas More: the Making of a Saint

Opening Credits

Foreword by Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke

Introduction

Chapter 1: Called Out

Chapter 2: First Steps Into the Light

Chapter 3: No Way Out

Chapter 4: Know Yourself

Chapter 5: A Most Vehement Flame

Chapter 6: Counting the Stars

Chapter 7: The Night Will Be My Light

Chapter 8: The Glory to Be Revealed

Chapter 9: Upon a Watchtower I Stand

Chapter 10: Songs in the Night

Closing Credits

Foreword by Cardinal Raymond Burke
Do I have dark places in my life?
Why are these dark places present, and will they overcome me?
How can Christ&rsquo;s love and grace dissipate this darkness?
In his newest spiritual life book, Fr. John Henry Hanson helps us to understand the alienation that comes from sin and the redeeming power of Christ.&nbsp;He shows us how, through the beauty of the Liturgy, the dark corners of our hearts encounter and embrace the light of Christ, perhaps for the first time.
&ldquo;The light of Christ is cleansing grace for the soul,&rdquo; says Fr. John Henry. With light comes hope, &ldquo;and that hope is the light that will guide our walk from darkness to light, from this side of the veil to the place where Christ dwells in glory.&rdquo;

Scatter My Darkness (audiobook)

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Ernescliff College, Toronto, on July 14, 2026. Sitting in front of the Saint Lawrence River, seeing all that water pass by, sometimes calm, other times more agitated. All that water is going to a hydroelectric dam, where it will go through turbines to generate much energy.  That daily flow looks peaceful, even tranquil, yet carries with it great energy. All our activities in our life, our work, our stress- they are like that river, flowing, but they must all go through turbines to serve as sources of good supernatural energy. It is an image of what we see in the account of Martha and Mary, in Luke.Music: pulsebox-piano-music-cinematic-552722Thumbnail: Hydroelectric Power Dam

Martha and Mary: The Present and Future Life

04-12-24 The Sacrament the Best Diet of All (JE)

We begin the month of February looking at how we can overcome the sense of loneliness felt in relationships by developing a stronger emotional intimacy with those we are close to.Regina Boyd, licensed mental health and family therapist, discusses how our emotional connections are a core need within our relationships. She shares ideas on how to develop this emotional intimacy with our spouses and children.Regina’s book,&nbsp;Leaving Loneliness Behind, can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avemariapress.com/products/leaving-loneliness-behind">Ave Maria Press</a>, and you can explore her services at&nbsp;<a href="http://reginaboyd.com">reginaboyd.com</a> IG: @boydcounselingservices <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. 5 Emotional Intimacy & Fighting Against Loneliness with Regina Boyd

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/social-doctrine-daily/voicemail" target="_blank">Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.</a>Social Doctrine Daily is a daily podcast reading the social encyclicals of the Catholic Church.This podcast exists for people who want to work their way through catholic social teaching, but struggle to find the time. Each episode offers about ten minutes of a simple, uninterrupted audio reading from the documents themselves.You can listen on the Scepter Publishers app or wherever you get your podcasts.Download the free Scepter Spiritual Reading app here:Apple App Store:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scepter-publishers/id6755748736">https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scepter-publishers/id6755748736</a>Google Play Store:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scepterpublishers.app&amp;hl=en_US">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scepterpublishers.app&amp;hl=en_US</a>You can read more about Scepter here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.scepterpublishers.org">www.scepterpublishers.org</a>These encyclicals—from popes such as Pope Leo XIII, Pope Pius XI, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis—form the heart of what is known as Catholic social teaching, a tradition that seeks to guide society toward what many have called a civilization of love.Core Documents of Catholic Social TeachingRerum Novarum — Pope Leo XIII (1891)Quadragesimo Anno — Pope Pius XI (1931)Mater et Magistra — Pope John XXIII (1961)Pacem in Terris — Pope John XXIII (1963)Gaudium et Spes — Second Vatican Council (1965)Populorum Progressio — Pope Paul VI (1967)Octogesima Adveniens — Pope Paul VI (1971)Justice in the World — Synod of Bishops (1971)Evangelii Nuntiandi — Pope Paul VI (1975)Redemptor Hominis — Pope John Paul II (1979)Laborem Exercens — Pope John Paul II (1981)Sollicitudo Rei Socialis — Pope John Paul II (1987)Centesimus Annus — Pope John Paul II (1991)Evangelium Vitae — Pope John Paul II (1995)Deus Caritas Est — Pope Benedict XVI (2005)Caritas in Veritate — Pope Benedict XVI (2009)Evangelii Gaudium — Pope Francis (2013)Laudato Si’ — Pope Francis (2015)Fratelli Tutti — Pope Francis (2020)Querida Amazonia — Pope Francis (2020)Laudate Deum — Pope Francis (2023)Magnifica Humanitas - Pope Leo XIV (2026)If you’d like to follow along with the text, all documents are available online through the Vatican website.

Magnifica Humanitas (Part 16)

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)

In this podcast for the Fourth Week of Advent, Fr. Peter Armenio helps us continue our preparation to &quot;be ready&quot; for Christmas—the celebration of our transcendent God breaking into our own world in the fullness of time—by contemplating Jesus Christ as the true source of peace and joy.St. Paul preached not that Jesus is peaceful but that He is peace; Isaiah calls Him the Prince of Peace; and Jesus tells us: &quot;Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you&quot; (John 14:27). God wants everyone to be recipients of this description of Jesus. This great joy is for all people and it fills all people with hope.Fr. Peter directs us, therefore, to ask God’s help to penetrate this definition of peace so that we can &quot;always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope&quot; (1 Peter 3:15).<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Fourth-Week-of-Advent-Always-Be-Ready.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>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>

Fourth Week of Advent: "Always Be Ready"

Part 1: Forgiving Amid a Climate of Hatred

Part 2: Forgiveness in Times of War

Part 3: Forgiveness in Peacetime

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Forgiving is no easy task: in fact, it may be the most difficult endeavor one can undertake. St. Josemar&iacute;a Escriv&aacute;, the founder of Opus Dei, said, &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t need to learn how to forgive, because God has taught me how to love.&rdquo; Still, even this saint struggled with the trying task of forgiving. This collection of anecdotes from his life explores his experiences in offering and accepting forgiveness.
Life as a priest in the midst of the violent Spanish Civil War offered St. Josemar&iacute;a countless opportunities to practice forgiveness. Owing to an attitude of prayer, mortification, and total confidence in God, he was as immediate and resolute in forgiving in dramatic situations as he was in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life. He knew when a situation necessitated silence, and was always prompt in offering an apology when he found himself in the wrong. Readers will find themselves equally amazed and humbled by the gentle charity that contributed to Josemar&iacute;a&rsquo;s sainthood.
In addition to anecdotes from St. Josemar&iacute;a Escriv&aacute;'s life, this powerful introduction to forgiveness includes a biography of St. Josemar&iacute;a, an explanation of the message of Opus Dei, excerpts from Pope John Paul II at the canonization of St. Josemar&iacute;a and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) at the beatification of Josemar&iacute;a Escriv&aacute;, as well as resources for further information in print and online.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A Man Who Knew How to Forgive (audiobook)

A Spiritual Retreat on St. Joseph, Father and Protector&nbsp;guides us on a prayerful reflection on St. Joseph as our father and protector, and his role in our salvation.
On this retreat, we are guided to contemplate the life of St. Joseph, his virtues and zeal, and take a contemplative look at our own lives. St. Joseph teaches us&ndash; despite our weaknesses, doubts, frailty, and sinfulness&ndash; how to see all the things of our lives as having a higher purpose and he helps us to desire and grow in virtue in all the circumstances of our lives. With St. Joseph as our father and protector, we are able to see our lives as being a part of a larger guided providence and not as a random series of events.
&ldquo;St. Joseph really is a father and lord. He protects those who revere him and accompanies them on their journey through this life &mdash; just as he protected and accompanied Jesus when he was growing up. As you get to know him, you discover that the holy patriarch is also a master of the interior life &mdash; for he teaches us to know Jesus and share our life with him, and to realize that we are part of God&rsquo;s family. St. Joseph can teach us these lessons, because he is an ordinary man, a family man, a worker who earned his living by manual labor &mdash; all of which has great significance and is a source of happiness for us&rdquo; (St. Josemaria Escriva;&nbsp;Christ is Passing By, no. 39).
A Spiritual Retreat on St. Joseph, Father and Protector is a collection of five meditations preached by Rev. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem., a Norbertine priest of St Michael&rsquo;s Abbey in Silverado, California and contributor to the St. Josemaria Institute.

Part Five | Self-Gift

In our meditation of the week, Fr. Peter Armenio explores the profound significance of the Blessed Virgin Mary&apos;s role in bringing Christ to others. Fr. Peter emphasizes how Mary, our mother and queen, is the shortcut to Jesus Christ. She&apos;s not just for comfort, but also a force against evil and for evangelization. In Scripture, she&apos;s our hope, revealed from Genesis to Revelation as the one who crushes evil. Just as she appeared to humble shepherds at Fatima, she calls us to spread her son&apos;s kingdom, no matter our size or influence. Fr. Peter reflects on how our apostolate is a war of love and peace, fought with prayer as our primary weapon. Mary&apos;s intercession has led to victories over communism and countless conversions. With faith and humility, let&apos;s join her in changing the world through prayer and action. <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/a-war-of-love-and-peace/'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcast/'>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>

A War of Love and Peace

In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on Our Lady, the Woman of Sorrows, and how contemplating her during the Passion of her Son and at the foot of the Cross helps all of our worries and sufferings to pass away. 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. As we celebrate the feasts of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14) and Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15), Fr. Fred invites you to also place yourself at the foot of the Cross:<ul><li>Ask yourself: How do I handle difficulties? Do I dig deeper to find its deeper meaning?</li><li>Contemplate the great miracles of Jesus and see how most of them were messy.</li><li>Consider: If we don&apos;t have the Cross, what are we left with?</li><li>Ask for the grace of great serenity, joy, and efficacy in your mission to co-redeem with Christ.</li></ul><a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/At-the-Foot-of-the-Cross-with-Mary-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/foot-of-the-cross-with-mary/'>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>

At the Foot of the Cross with Mary (Rebroadcast)

27-09-26 Choose Your Way (JG)

Jesus tells us about two sons.  One does his father&apos;s will after saying he wouldn&apos;t.  The other says yes to his father but promptly disobeys him.  Jesus, our model, does both: he says yes to the Father&apos;s plan and then carries it out.  Loving God&apos;s will is essential to our Christian life.  It is Jesus&apos;s sole motive and he is our sole model.  St. Josemaria also greatly emphasized this key aspect of holiness.

[Rebroadcast] "I come to do your will": St. Josemaria and loving the will of God

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/social-doctrine-daily/voicemail" target="_blank">Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.</a>In a rapidly changing technological, economic, and social landscape, Pope John XXIII took pen to paper and wrote Pacem in Terris from the heart of the Church as its father and prince, the representative of Christ on earth.Social Doctrine Daily is a daily podcast reading the social encyclicals of the Catholic Church.This podcast exists for people who want to work their way through catholic social teaching, but struggle to find the time. Each episode offers about ten minutes of a simple, uninterrupted audio reading from the documents themselves.These encyclicals—from popes such as Pope Leo XIII, Pope Pius XI, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis—form the heart of what is known as Catholic social teaching, a tradition that seeks to guide society toward what many have called a civilization of love.Core Documents of Catholic Social TeachingRerum Novarum — Pope Leo XIII (1891)Quadragesimo Anno — Pope Pius XI (1931)Mater et Magistra — Pope John XXIII (1961)Pacem in Terris — Pope John XXIII (1963)Gaudium et Spes — Second Vatican Council (1965)Populorum Progressio — Pope Paul VI (1967)Octogesima Adveniens — Pope Paul VI (1971)Justice in the World — Synod of Bishops (1971)Evangelii Nuntiandi — Pope Paul VI (1975)Redemptor Hominis — Pope John Paul II (1979)Laborem Exercens — Pope John Paul II (1981)Sollicitudo Rei Socialis — Pope John Paul II (1987)Centesimus Annus — Pope John Paul II (1991)Evangelium Vitae — Pope John Paul II (1995)Deus Caritas Est — Pope Benedict XVI (2005)Caritas in Veritate — Pope Benedict XVI (2009)Evangelii Gaudium — Pope Francis (2013)Laudato Si’ — Pope Francis (2015)Fratelli Tutti — Pope Francis (2020)Querida Amazonia — Pope Francis (2020)Laudate Deum — Pope Francis (2023)Magnifica Humanitas - Pope Leo XIV (2026)If you’d like to follow along with the text, all documents are available online through the Vatican website.You can listen on the Scepter Publishers app or wherever you get your podcasts.Download the free Scepter Spiritual Reading app here:Apple App Store:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scepter-publishers/id6755748736">https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scepter-publishers/id6755748736</a>Google Play Store:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scepterpublishers.app&amp;hl=en_US">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scepterpublishers.app&amp;hl=en_US</a>You can read more about Scepter here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.scepterpublishers.org">www.scepterpublishers.org</a>

Pacem in Terris (Part 9)

God calls each of us by name &mdash; but do we know how to listen? Rev. Federico Suarez explores the nature of divine vocation with clarity and warmth, showing that God's call is not reserved for priests and religious but reaches every soul in the ordinary circumstances of daily life. A practical and encouraging guide for anyone seeking to discern God's will and respond with generous, wholehearted love.

When God Calls

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-st-stephen-martyr'>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>

Feast of St. Stephen Martyr | iPray with the Gospel

Isidoro Zorzano was an industrial engineer. He worked for a Spanish railroad and was one of the earliest members of Opus Dei. During the Spanish Civil War he was undaunted by the many dangers he faced in supporting the founder of Opus Dei and its members in war-torn Madrid. In 2016 Pope Francis declared him Venerable.
Resources to learn more about Venerable Isidoro Zorzano:
<ul>
 <li>⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://opusdei.org/en-us/isidoro-zorzano/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Website for His Cause of Canonization⁠⁠</a>.</li>
 <li>McDonough, Thomas A. Ordinary Life, Extraordinary Living: Isidoro Zorzano. New Rochelle, NY: Scepter, 2009. (<a href="https://scepterpublishers.org/products/ordinary-life-extraordinary-living" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Scepter⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Life-Extraordinary-Living-Isidoro/dp/1594175152" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Amazon⁠</a>)</li>
 <li>Pero-Sanz, José Miguel. Isidoro Zorzano Ledesma. 2nd ed. Madrid: Palabra, 1996. (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Jos%C3%A9-Miguel-Pero-Sanz-Elorz/dp/8498403995" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Amazon⁠</a>, in Spanish)</li>
</ul>
For more information about Opus Dei or to inquire about Opus Dei activities in your area, visit <a href="https://opusdei.org/" 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>.

Isidoro Zorzano: Engineer

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to consider how God’s grace and our freedom work together in the pursuit of holiness. Drawing from the parable of the talents, Fr. Peter reminds us that God believes in our capacity to grow. God does not ask for perfection, but for willingness, an openness to begin again, to try, and to trust that grace multiplies what we offer. Listen now to reflect on: <ul><li>Why God asks us to act, not remain passive </li><li>The relationship between freedom and responsibility </li><li>How hope challenges fear and discouragement </li><li>The call to “outdo ourselves” with God’s help </li><li>Letting grace transform ordinary efforts </li></ul> This meditation was originally recorded on October 22, 2025.<a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Talents-for-Holiness-Transcript.pdf'>View Transcript</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/talents-for-holiness/'>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>

Talents For Holiness

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

Our Formation and the Parable of the Sower

Los caminantes de Emaús estaban entristecidos y sus ojos retenidos para que no reconocieran a su misterioso acompañante. La tristeza ante las cosas de Dios, acedia o pereza espiritual, impide ver a Jesús. Es el triste letargo del que no ama. Resulta muy distinto hacer algo por amor que sin amor. Y distinta es la recompensa en la eternidad. La diferencia está en el amor.

2026-09-27 La diferencia está en el amor

Foreword by Cardinal Raymond Burke
Do I have dark places in my life?
Why are these dark places present, and will they overcome me? 
How can Christ's love and grace dissipate this darkness? 
In his newest spiritual life book, Fr. John Henry Hanson helps us to understand the alienation that comes from sin and the redeeming power of Christ. He shows us how, through the beauty of the Liturgy, the dark corners of our hearts encounter and embrace the light of Christ, perhaps for the first time. 
"The light of Christ is cleansing grace for the soul," says Fr. John Henry. With light comes hope, "and that hope is the light that will guide our walk from darkness to light, from this side of the veil to the place where Christ dwells in glory."

Scatter My Darkness

Opening

Reviews

Chapter 1: The Inspiration of Sacred Scripture and Catholic Interpretation of Scripture from the Heart of the Church

Chapter 2: The Historical Context of the Old and New Testaments

Chapter 3: The Pentateuch

Chapter 4: The Historical Books of the Old Testament

Chapter 5: The Old Testament Wisdom Books

Chapter 6: The Old Testament Prophets

Chapter 7: The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 8: The Letters of St. Paul

Chapter 9: The Catholic Epistles and the Book of Revelation

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

Bibliography

Closing

The Bible is God's love letter, written to draw us into his life and his plan for our salvation. Theologian Jeffrey L. Morrow offers a clear, engaging, and faithful introduction to Sacred Scripture for Catholics hoping to understand the Bible more confidently and prayerfully. Drawing from the Church's teaching, the wisdom of the Fathers, and the best of contemporary scholarship, Morrow guides readers through: - What biblical inspiration really means&mdash;and why Scripture is wholly true, trustworthy, and divinely authored. - How to interpret the Bible "from the heart of the Church," through the literal and spiritual senses. - How archaeology and history powerfully support Scripture's remarkable reliability. - A tour of each major section of the Bible, illuminating its themes, contexts, and place within salvation history. - How every book of the Bible fits into the story of salvation. More than an overview, this book invites readers to encounter the living God in the pages of the Bible&mdash;to understand not only what Scripture says, but why it was written: ". . . that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Tm 3:17). Whether you are opening the Bible for the first time or seeking a renewed, richer understanding, this book will help you read Scripture as the Church has always read it: faithfully, intelligently, and as a path to holiness.

The Word of God Inspired for Our Salvation (audiobook)

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

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

In this bonus episode you'll hear from author Angela Fortunato on what inspired her book Wholeheartedly: God's Mystery of Love in the Call to Celibacy.

Interview with Angela Fortunato, author of Wholeheartedly

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares a meditation inspired by the phrase, “an hour of study, for a modern apostle, is an hour of prayer” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Way, no. 335). Approaching academic learning as a form of prayer is not a way of life designed solely for students. Rather, it is a way of life that all Christians should adopt as it helps us develop a stronger worldview. Fr. Javier discusses how to approach Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the writings of the Church Fathers as a form of prayer. He also explains how to overcome three common obstacles – lust, curiosity, and falsehood – that inhibit our desire to study. [ <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Study-Prayer-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>

Study & Prayer (Rebroadcast)

Marriage Unhindered is a sincere exploration of the joys and challenges within the realm of marriage. Hosted by the seasoned Doug Hinderer, this one-hour, caller-based show will offer listeners an authentic journey into the complexities of marital relationships.&nbsp;

Marriage Unhindered

Fr. Eric Nicolai preaches in Kintore College from today&#39;s Gospel: 
Luke 14, 25-33: ‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.”  We are building a tower in this life. It must be well-built to resist the storms. We have begun on the foundations of discipline, order, and human virtues. But we must keep going up, and persevere. We count on our will and God&#39;s grace.
Music: Waltz No 1 from Op 121 by Ferdinando Carulli Played by Cristian Garcia.
Thumbnail: Gallica BnF of the Eiffel Tour building process. gallica.bnf.fr

Build the Tower of your Sanctity

Chapter 1: Who is the Original Church?

Chapter 2: We Live as a Family

Chapter 3: We Receive These Things

Chapter 4: We Share Our Food, but Not Our Wives

Chapter 5: We Work for Your Benefit

Chapter 6: We Are Laughed At

A Rule for a Household

Other Books by James L. Papandrea

What if the Church was never meant to stay frozen in time&mdash;nor blown around by it?&nbsp;
The Original Church cuts through the noise of tradition versus trend to rediscover what Jesus actually intended when he said, "On this rock I will build my Church." The earliest Christians weren't stuck in the past, nor were they chasing relevance&mdash;they were rooted, growing, and guided by a clear purpose.&nbsp;
This book explores how the Church can develop without drifting, grow without losing its core, and how every believer can live with conviction in a world that keeps shifting.&nbsp;
The Christian faith is a compass, not a weathervane.

The Original Church (audiobook)

How can a person live his faith seriously in our time? Bishop Javier Echevarria takes up key questions of faith, God's existence, and the many ways people find their path to God. While focusing on the most important aspects of faith life, he also addresses the causes of the loneliness and isolation that afflict so many people today. Particularly insightful are his reflections on suffering. 
 Bishop Echevarria was born in Madrid, Spain in 1932. He worked closely with St. Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, from 1953 until his death in 1975. Following the death of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo in 1994, he was elected Prelate of Opus Dei and in the following year ordained bishop by Pope John Paul II. 
 Bishop Echevarria has lived in Rome during the pontificates of six popes as well as during the Second Vatican Council. This experience, along with his many pastoral visits on six continents, gives him a broad knowledge of the situation of present-day believers and the challenges facing the Church throughout the world. He is the author of eight books.

Paths to God: Building a Christian Life in the 21st Century

27-05-25 We Don't Know What's Good For Us (RS)

This inspirational little book shows how to educate your children in one of the most important aspects of life: work. Too often for children (and adults), work is associated with drudgery and boredom. But for many, work is a source of joy. It provides opportunities for livelihood, self-expression, socialization, and character building. 
 Using true-life stories and examples, The Work of Children highlights the universal phenomenon of work, inspires parents to probe its essence, and guides them as they teach their children to love and value the work that they do now and as adults.

The Work of Children

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

Doug discusses codependency in Marriage. He defines codependency and shares the importance of healing yourself before you can heal your marriage, and that finding the right therapist is key in the healing process. &nbsp; Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Lupe - I was in this situation and I got out...That girl needs to run! (22:41)</li> <li>Sharon - Your advice frightens me. I wonder what the husband has to for them yo leave? (34:31)</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources:&nbsp; &nbsp; Co-Dependents Anonymous <a href="https://coda.org/">https://coda.org/</a> &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; The Forgiveness Institute <a href="https://internationalforgiveness.com/">https://internationalforgiveness.com/</a>

Navigating Codependency in Marriage

07-09-25 What Jesus Means When He Tells us to Hate (JPM)

Who wants to be a therapist? Doug unpacks two cases and asks listeners what advice they would give. Case 1: A young wife who complains constantly. Case 2: A husband who does not contribute financially to the household. Callers weigh in and Doug shares his advice. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Michael &ndash; I have a similar approach to both studies. I would start by having both take assessment inventory and see how they line up.</li> <li>Elva &ndash; I have been married for 30 years and found myself in the same spot. I was patient, prayed and communicated my concerns. Some years went by and my husband now makes as much as or more than me.</li> <li>Mary &ndash; Case 1: I am in this situation. I hang out with good friends and family members who can help, but family can make it difficult.</li> <li>John &ndash; My former spouse was an extreme perfectionist. She was unfaithful and we divorced. I couldn&rsquo;t do anything to fix this.</li> <li>Sam &ndash; For case 1, write 3 things you and your spouse did well and share each day. For case 2, my husband and I have been married for 6 years, and Dave Ramsey&rsquo;s advice helped us with finances.</li> <li>Alex &ndash; What are your thoughts about discerning marriage with someone who has kids?</li> </ul> &nbsp; Resources: Happy Marriage for Life <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/</a>

You be the therapist

Luke 16:19-31: Dives and Lazarus.Jesus tells this account of the rich man who feasted and seemed to enjoy life, but was oblivious to the poverty and the suffering of Lazarus, the poor man. It is an account that is full of details that fills us with revulsion, with shock and the callousness of the rich man. We are particularly grieved by his lack of empathy. He seems so unconcerned to help, to alleviate the poverty of Lazarus. He seems to be living in a bubble. He is unaware and unconcerned by the state of the poor man.The problem was not his wealth but his lack of sensitivity. The poor man was not at all on his radar. He was not even aware of this guy. He would not have even remembered him. We must have others on our radar. Aware of them. Connect with them. Care about them and especially have the ability to listen carefully.Pope Francis spoke of listening on January 26, 2022.Music: Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraThumbnail. Jean Pichore Workshop, The Rich Man at Table, Lazarus Barred at the Door. From a Book of Hours. French (Paris), c. 1500, Paris, Bibliotheque nationale de France.

The Rich Man did not Listen to Lazarus

09-05-26 Lower Standards, Less Love (RS)

The glory of the Cross, victory of death, and the reminder of our own death and new life through Christ's own, are themes running through this powerful Easter meditation book by Georges Chevrot. He walks us through all the joy of the young apostle John, all of Mary Magdalen's love for her Master, all the fire that burned in the hearts of the disciples at Emmaus, and all the faith of the unbelieving Thomas. We recall and allow ourselves to be caught up in the excitement of the apostles during those thrilling forty days. 
We find ourselves saying: If only I had been there!... only to realize that we are there, with Christ, all the time, in his presence. 
To help us relive that period of joy after the Resurrection, Chevrot gives us many considerations on the liturgy of Eastertime, from Easter Sunday to Pentecost, providing a revitalization to our spiritual lives and valuable lessons applicable to our daily lives.

The Easter Impact: How the Resurrection Restores and Strengthens Our Faith

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at the new Ellerton Centre in Toronto, on Avenue Road on May 2, 2026.In this very moving passage in St. Paul&#39;s letter to the Romans, God helps us see the divine interlacing of the three theological virtues which form the backing upon which the true life of every Christian man or woman has to be woven.Romans 5, 1-5:   Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.These virtues are alive in us. They are not dead or dormant, or like dead batteries. Lots of power to them, it drives us to energy. This is the battery that makes us grow in the life of grace.

What happens when Grace is poured into your Soul

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo shares a meditation inspired by the phrase, “an hour of study, for a modern apostle, is an hour of prayer” (St. Josemaria Escriva; The Way, no. 335). Approaching academic learning as a form of prayer is not a way of life designed solely for students. Rather, it is a way of life that all Christians should adopt as it helps us develop a stronger worldview. Fr. Javier discusses how to approach Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the writings of the Church Fathers as a form of prayer. He also explains how to overcome three common obstacles –– lust, curiosity, and falsehood –– that inhibit our desire to study. 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>

Catholic therapist Greg Schutte joins Doug to discuss the link between the sacraments of matrimony, and the Eucharist &ndash; the source and summit of our Faith. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Eucharistic Marriage: <a href="https://www.eucharisticmarriage.org/">https://www.eucharisticmarriage.org/</a>

Building a Eucharistic Marriage Ready

01-12-25 He's coming! Get ready. Get worthy (JB)

Prayer changes our lives. Through fruitful prayer, God freely graces us with the gifts of joy, peace, courage, and determination.
We can often find, however, that, despite our good intentions, prayer doesn't come easily. We often have obstacles in our path—distractions from the outside or our own internal weaknesses—that keep us from praying or being faithful to our Christian commitment to Love.
 Allow your heart to be guided gently by Fr. Jacques Philippe's Nine Days to Rediscover the Joy of Prayer toward a joyous prayer life that feeds your soul and revitalizes your relationship with the Lord.

Nine Days to Rediscover the Joy of Prayer

Newly translated from Spanish, The Man of Villa Tevere paints a remarkably vivid portrait of the day-to-day life of St. Josemaría Escrivá, "the saint of the ordinary." Set in the world headquarters of Opus Dei and rich with anecdotes culled from the Founder's contemporaries, this acclaimed biography chronicles the construction of the Roman center through Monsignor Escrivá's death there in 1975. 
 When St. Josemaría arrived in Rome, nearly twenty years after founding Opus Dei, there was still much to be done and little was to come easily. Escrivá maintained that full canonical confirmation from the Catholic Church was imperative to the mission of Opus Dei, but he would not live to see that proclamation delivered. As a relatively young institution, Opus Dei was constantly challenged by limited funds, persecution, and St. Josemaría's physical tribulations—including fifteen minutes during which he was clinically dead. 
 Yet because he considered himself simply "a poor sinner, who loves Jesus Christ madly," no suffering was too great to be embraced with cheerfulness and sanctified for love of the Lord. And so it was from this place, from this man, that Opus Dei spread throughout the world. 
 Pilar Urbano's celebrated biography of St. Josemaría is now available for the first time in English, coinciding with the release of There Be Dragons, the much-anticipated film by Roland Joffe, featuring the life of St. Josemaría Escrivá. Like Escrivá himself, The Man of Villa Tevere overflows with vibrant energy and gentle wisdom, manifesting the spirit of Opus Dei and inspiring multitudes to lead truly Christian lives. 
 Contains four pages of photos.

The Man of Villa Tevere

Doug talks with his daughter Emily about seeing the beatification of Bishop Sheen in person. Doug also covers a few listener emails before getting into dating advice, including conversion to Catholicism within a marriage, jealousy in relationships, and navigating purity while dating. Listener Questions and Comments: <ul> <li>Matt -&nbsp;Should I pursue conversion to Catholicism at the expense of my marriage? He has been married for seven years but is being drawn to Catholicism, and his wife is not very happy about it. (11:51)</li> <li>Mark -&nbsp;Words of encouragement for Matt. As a CCD teacher married to a Jewish woman, Mark shares how his wife eventually converted after 30 years and how they have had a beautiful marriage. (29:01)</li> <li>Ray: How should you approach jealousy? He suggests having Doug and Timmerie together on a show to offer both the male and female perspectives on dating and marriage. (31:07)</li> <li>Samantha -&nbsp;How do you maintain purity while dating when you and your partner are not on the same page? She asks when it is time to walk away while also wanting to get engaged and married sooner rather than later because living purity is becoming difficult. (34:48)</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>

Conversion, Jealousy, and Purity in Dating

We've all been exhorted to cultivate self-esteem and nurture a positive self-image. That sounds appealing. But we also know that God calls us to humility. And many well-intentioned Christians have it in the back of their minds that being humble means living their lives in a haze of discouragement, anxiety, and preoccupation with their own sinfulness. After all, the only alternative our culture seems to offer is a vacuous "I'm OK, you're OK" relativism: the false peace that this world gives. We know that can't be right.  
 So how can we attain the peace God wants for us if we're mired in self-contempt? How can we spread Christian joy if we don't have any ourselves? 
In Self-Esteem Without Selfishness, Fr. Michel Esparza leads the way out of this conundrum. A lively sense of a Father who looks on us with delight and unconditional love, together with a fearless acceptance of our own wretchedness, is the key. Fr. Esparza teaches us how to cultivate that "humble self-esteem" which neither strays from the truth about the person nor fosters discouragement at our failures. Bringing together the best of classic spiritual wisdom and the insights of contemporary psychology, he distinguishes between self-esteem in the shallow, pop-psychology sense and the rightly ordered self-love that is anything but self-centered.

Self-Esteem Without Selfishness: Increasing Our Capacity for Love

Every moment is an opportunity to begin again. Rev. Walter Macken offers a message of profound hope for anyone who feels the weight of past failures, old habits, or spiritual discouragement. Drawing on the inexhaustible mercy of God, this booklet is a gentle but bracing invitation to conversion &mdash; not someday, but today. Perfect for Lent, Advent, or any moment when the soul is ready for a fresh start.

A New Beginning

To live in God's presence is not a mystical achievement reserved for monks and contemplatives &mdash; it is the birthright of every baptized soul. Francis Luna offers a practical and deeply human guide to cultivating an awareness of God throughout the ordinary moments of the day: at work, at home, in joy and in struggle. For anyone who longs to make their whole life a prayer.

Living in God's Presence

In the Gospel for the Mass of the Second Sunday of Lent (Mark 9:2-10) we contemplate the Transfiguration of Jesus. &quot;Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.And he was transfigured before them…&quot; (Mark 9:2). He takes them up Mount Tabor, as Fr Javier del Castillo explains in today&apos;s meditation, &quot;to show them the full truth about himself, about his divinity, so that they can have hope in eternal life and they remember this experience of divinity, of bliss, of eternity, when it comes time to suffer through the passion.&quot;&quot;In considering this scene at Tabor, we try to go to Jesus, to look at him, so that we may be enlightened. So that whether we are ill, suffering or dying-- or sick and tired-- we actually try to discover the Tabors behind the Calvaries.&quot; 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>