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://www.stjosemaria.org/ipray-holy-thursday'>Transcript</a> ] Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

iPray with the Gospel | Holy Thursday

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

40 Years With a Saint: Blessed Alvaro del Portillo

Jim and Maureen Otremba join Doug to discuss their Banquet of Love Program, a 12-part course that helps you make practical connections between the Eucharist and your marriage. They discuss the 8 intimacies of the Eucharist and how they relate to marriage.   Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a>   The Center for Family Counseling <a href="https://www.thecenterforfamilycounseling.com">https://www.thecenterforfamilycounseling.com</a>   Banquet of Love program <a href="https://banquetoflove.org/">https://banquetoflove.org/</a> Use code 30 OFF for discount

The 8 Intimacies of the Eucharist

Are you having trouble making a decision or knowing what God's will is? This passage from Jacques Philippe's Searching for and Maintaining Peace will give you some helpful tips on making decisions when you feel restless.

Unrest in Decisions - Searching for and Maintaining Peace

Do you feel like you and your spouse are just roommates? Is your spouse emotionally unavailable? Today, Doug discusses loneliness&nbsp;in marriage. He shares the signs and science of loneliness, and offers concrete solutions for overcoming loneliness. PLUS: The Friday rant! Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Mirna - I can relate to loneliness in marriage. I think my husband might be asexual and my kids have special needs. (19:58)</li> <li>Christina - I have a friend whose husband just cheated. His reason for cheating was he felt lonely. (31:20)</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; Catholic Therapists <a href="https://catholictherapists.com/">https://catholictherapists.com/</a> &nbsp; The Gottman Institute <a href="https://www.gottman.com/">https://www.gottman.com/</a> &nbsp; Emotionally Focused Therapy <a href="https://iceeft.com/">https://iceeft.com/</a> &nbsp; Signs of loneliness in marriage <ol> <li>You feel like roommates.</li> <li>Your emotional bids go unnoticed.</li> <li>You stop sharing intimate thoughts and feelings.</li> </ol>

Overcoming loneliness in marriage

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> Subscribe to our NEW Devotions channel where we share audio recordings of our popular novenas and devotions available at www.stjosemaria.org to accompany you in your time of prayer, whether at home or on the go. Click here to subscribe on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotions-on-the-st-josemaria-institute-podcast/id1895870885'>Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/1rpuXHM94Y06ouU37iIMHH?si=6508be06971e4324'>Spotify.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://stjosemaria.org/give/">Support the show</a>THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Let us know that our podcast is important to you:<ul><li>Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review.</li><li>Stay connected with us on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/stjosemariainst/'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/stjosemariainst/'>Instagram</a>. </li><li>Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'>www.stjosemaria.org</a></li></ul>Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/give/'>Give today!</a> <a href='https://stjosemaria.org/subscribe/'> </a>

A War of Love and Peace

Doug Hinderer, licensed marriage and family therapist, shares insights into God’s plan for marriage. In this episode, we look at CS Lewis’ Four Loves, and then dive into Agape love and what that is meant to look like for married couples today. You’ll learn about the four characteristics of Agape love: permanent, exclusive, public, and fruitful. And lastly, Doug shares insights into what marriage truly IS.Resources mentioned:CS Lewis: The Four Loves <a href="https://www.cslewis.com/four-types-of-love/">https://www.cslewis.com/four-types-of-love/</a>Doug can be found at: <a href="https://www.happymarriageforlife.com">https://www.happymarriageforlife.com</a>

Ep. 1 The Christian Foundation for Marriage

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College in Toronto on August 10, 2024. Yesterday was the feast of St. Edith Stein, Theresa Benedicta of the Cross. Beatified in 1987 then canonized in 1998 by Pope John Paul II.  She is one of the 6 patrons of Europe.
Both she and St. Lawrence (today&#39;s feast) were martyrs for the faith.
She was a Jew that converted after reading Theresa of Avila, and studying with Edmund Husserl. Then she went on to become a Carmelite nun. She was killed at Auschwitz. 
In 1941 she wrote to a friend, who was also a member of her order: &quot;One can only gain a &quot;scientia crucis&quot; (knowledge of the cross) if one has thoroughly experienced the cross. I have been convinced of this from the first moment onwards and have said with all my heart: &#39;Ave, Crux, Spes unica&#39; (I welcome you, Cross, our only hope).&quot; Her study on St. John of the Cross is entitled: &quot;Kreuzeswissenschaft&quot; (The Science of the Cross).
How does this fit into our vocation?
Music: FALL - Adrian Berenguer (Album Singularity)

The Science of the Cross

Doug continues to unpack ways to reconnect with your spouse. He shares the importance of gratitude and making a daily effort to let your spouse know how important they are in your life. Listener questions and comments: <ul> <li>Martha - I've been to counseling with my husband. Everything Doug says, I do, and my husband says he'll do, but he doesn't. He says that 15 minutes a day too much time. What should I do?</li> <li>Mary - How do I approach my husband about his mother. We seem to argue about her a lot.</li> <li>Elizabeth - My husband and I are meeting a non-Catholic therapist tomorrow. He's an Atheist.&nbsp; What do you think about what we're doing?&nbsp; Any words of encouragement before we go?</li> </ul> Resources: Marriage Unhindered <a href="https://www.marriageunhindered.com/">https://www.marriageunhindered.com/</a>

Ways to reconnect with your spouse (Part 2)

THE LITANY OF LORETO originates many generations back in Church history and popular devotion continuously added appellations of Mary as an expression of thanksgiving, honor, or petition. Even in modern times, the number of titles given to the Blessed Virgin Mary continues to grow, with approvals of new titles by two of the last three popes.
This book on the Litany summarizes the origin of the present 53 titles. The explanations help deepen one's Marian piety while also learning about the history of the Church and Mary's constant and powerful help in protecting and advancing it. Those who pray the Litany of Loreto after reciting the Rosary will be enriched by learning more about each of these titles of the Blessed Mother.

The Litany of Loreto: How It Came to Be

Do you discuss marital intimacy with your spouse? Doug discusses marital intimacy and the cross; how physical intimacy in marriage leads to God and that marital crosses are good if they are used to grow in holiness.

Marital Intimacy and the Cross

As we live the Unity Octave and prepare for the feast of St. Paul the Apostle on January 25th, here is a portion of Chapter 3 of Fr. Nathan Cromly's book Coached by Paul the Apsotle: Lessons in Leadership.

Hold Your Head High - Coached by Paul the Apostle

St John of Avila, proclaimed a doctor of the Church in October 2012, offers illuminating insights on the Holy Spirit in the collection of homilies first published by Scepter in 1959. Presented as sermons given around the feasts of Ascension and Pentecost, the saint speaks directly and to the point, yet is thoughtful and affectionate in his style. He proceeds in the form of a dialogue to present the Great Unknown. The sermons begin with a short introduction and then come to a particular point supported by Scripture texts, quotations from the Fathers, well-chosen illustrations, and his own original insights. 
 Many believers may find these feasts somewhat puzzling and obscure. St. John shows how they are among the greatest feasts in the Christian calendar and deserve to be better understood.

The Holy Spirit Within

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

Thomas More: A Portrait of Courage (audiobook)

In this week's episode, we speak with Victor Saenz, Executive Director of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://houstoninstitute.org/">Houston Institute</a>, about how philosophical inquiry shapes students’ understanding of human flourishing, marriage, and family. Victor shared how his work introduces college students to moral reasoning and classical thought, helping them reevaluate cultural assumptions and rediscover timeless truths. We explored how perceptions of marriage and family evolve on campus, the challenges of navigating ideological divides, and why young adults benefit from engaging with great thinkers. This conversation offers a hopeful look at how higher education can spark virtue, dialogue, and deeper meaning in the next generation!