Catholic Classics
Catholic Classics is a podcast from Ascension that guides listeners through great Catholic spiritual writings, offering insightful commentary and practical guidance. Each season focuses on a different work, such as Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, read and explained by hosts Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris. Episodes are 20-30 minutes long and aim to help listeners learn from revered saints and teachers to cultivate their spiritual life.
Episodes
Day 20: The Whole Task of Life
What do you want your life to be about when it's all said and done? As we reach the final episode of The Practice of the Presence of God, Fr. Gregory and Rebecca highlight Brother Lawrence's final days and discover the remarkable simplicity that defined both his life and his death. Facing eternity, he was not consumed by fear, regret, or uncertainty. Instead, his heart remained fixed on o
Day 19: The Solid Soul
As Brother Lawrence approaches the end of his life, we encounter one of the most striking marks of authentic holiness: stability. Fr. Gregory Pine and Rebecca Dougherty explore how God's grace anchors us and gives us the strength to navigate life confidently. Today, we are reading Part 4: The Ways of Brother Lawrence, pages 130-132.
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Day 18: Forgetting Ourselves
Do you think about yourself too much? Brother Lawrence emphasizes that the closer we draw to God, the less preoccupied we become with ourselves. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca challenge us to let go of our tendency to constantly self-analyze so that we can focus on God's presence and action in our lives. Today, we are reading Part 4: The Ways of Brother Lawrence, pages 127-130.
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Day 17: Beyond the Checklist
Jesus is a person to be loved, not a box to be checked off on a list. Fr. Gregory Pine and Rebecca remind us that while discipline, practices, and spiritual "checklists" are important, they are meant to lead us into a simple, loving friendship with God. Today, we are reading Part 4: The Ways of Brother Lawrence, pages 125-127.
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Day 16: Joyful Freedom
Brother Lawrence's holiness was marked not by severity, but by a joyful freedom rooted in faith. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca explore how the practice of God's presence frees us from anxiety, self-importance, and the temptation to overcomplicate the spiritual life. Today, we are reading Part 4: The Ways of Brother Lawrence, pages 123-125.
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Day 15: Living Towards Heaven
Heaven is more than a future destination—it is a reality that begins to shape our lives today. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca offer practical wisdom for navigating discouragement, suffering, and those moments when life feels anything but heavenly. Through friendship, gratitude, rest, and a renewed awareness of God's presence, we can learn to see beyond the valley and keep our eyes fixed on heave
Day 14: The Eternal Perspective
In light of eternity, what really matters in our lives? Fr. Gregory and Rebecca discuss how keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord helps us see our struggles, failures, and daily concerns in their proper light. As God's presence becomes more real to us, our problems lose their power to overwhelm. Today, we are reading Part 4: In Praise of Brother Lawrence, pages 115-119.
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Day 13: Holding On To Hope
When our spiritual life feels dry, uncertain, or stripped of the consolations we expect, God may be doing some of His deepest work. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca discuss Brother Lawrence’s life and witness through the lens of hope and detachment, reminding us that in trials God doesn't invite us to be tough but rather to trust him more deeply. Today, we are reading Part 4: In Praise of Brother
Day 12: How to Make Space for God
Growing in God’s presence requires both fidelity and surrender. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca reflect on mortification, creating space for God in our daily lives, and letting go of whatever keeps us from deep union with Him. Today, we are reading Part 3: Means to Acquire the Presence of God and The Benefits of the Presence of God.
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Day 11: The Secret to Union with God
Brother Lawrence describes the practice of God’s presence as a simple attentiveness to the Lord that soon becomes the soul’s place of rest. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca reflect on union with God, holy habits, and learning to live in quiet conversation with Him. Today, we are reading Part 3: On the Union of the Soul with God and On the Presence of God.
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Day 10: Identity Begins with God
What does it mean to know who we are in light of who God is? Fr. Gregory and Rebecca begin our entry into the Spiritual Maxims by exploring identity, baptism, adoration, and the spiritual battle at the heart of the Christian life. Today, we read Part 3: Intro to Spiritual Maxims, Necessary Practices for Acquiring the Spiritual Life, and How We Must Adore God in Spirit and in Truth.
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Day 9: Take Courage and Persevere
How do we remain faithful when prayer feels repetitive, life feels exhausting, or suffering lingers longer than we expected? Fr. Gregory and Rebecca explore how steadfast conversation with God gives us the courage to persevere in the spiritual life. Today, we read Part 2: Thirteenth Letter, Fourteenth Letter, Fifteenth Letter, and Sixteenth Letter.
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Day 8: God Is Near in Our Suffering
The Christian life is not about escaping suffering but discovering God within it. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca reflect on the powerful reality that God is near to us even in our sufferings. They encourage us to continue trusting God through illness, distraction, and uncertainty while learning to desire Him above every consolation. Today, we read Part 2: Tenth Letter, Eleventh Letter, and Twelf
Day 7: Staying Faithful in the Waiting
We should not rush the work of grace, but rather trust in God's care of our souls. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca reflect on the virtues of patience and perseverance, and teach us how to wait on the Lord with confidence and peace. Today, we are reading Part 2: Seventh Letter, Eighth Letter, and Ninth Letter.
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Day 6: Peace Through Holy Conversation
Brother Lawrence reminds us that holiness is not found in extraordinary experiences, but in simple and consistent attentiveness to God's presence. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca reflect on the gift of holy conversation, the role of Christian friendship in the spiritual life, and the peace that comes from surrendering ourselves completely to God. Today, we read Part 2: Fifth Letter and Sixth Lett
Day 5: The Goal of Devotions
Devotions are meant to lead us into loving communion with God. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca explain how practices like the Rosary, novenas, and spiritual reading can help lead us into God’s presence. They also encourage us not to lose sight of the One those practices are meant to draw us toward. Today, we are reading Part 2: Third Letter and Fourth Letter.
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Day 4: A Gentle Gaze Toward God
Prayer is less about having extraordinary experiences and more about faithfully turning our hearts toward God throughout the day. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca unpack what they call Brother Lawrence’s “Little Way” — a life of gentle attentiveness to God in every moment. Today, we are reading Part 2: First Letter and Second Letter.
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Day 3: Practicing the Presence of God
How do we actually practice the presence of God in our lives? Fr. Gregory and Rebecca explore how prayer is not meant to be confined to just the chapel or a quiet hour in the morning, but woven into cooking meals, opening laptops, caring for children, working, studying, and everyday responsibilities. Today, we are reading Part 1: Third Conversation and Fourth Conversation.
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Day 2: The Way of Love
Holiness is not about completing a checklist—it’s about love. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca explain what it means to act “purely for the love of God" and how we can foster the interior confidence that God is always present to us, loving us in and through all the moments of our lives. Today, we are reading Part 1: Second Conversation.
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Day 1: Pure Abandonment to God
Do you actually trust God with your life? In this first conversation, Brother Lawrence invites us to begin the spiritual life by trusting in God’s providence rather than relying on techniques or various devotions. Through a simple reflection on a winter tree, he shows us how God is already at work, patiently bringing about growth in our lives. Today, we are reading Part 1: First Conversat
Introducing Season 5: The Practice of the Presence of God
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence is known to be Pope Leo XIV's favorite spiritual book—what makes this text so special? In this pre-launch episode, Fr. Gregory Pine and Rebecca Dougherty introduce season 5 of Catholic Classics. Together, they explain the significance of the book, unpack the life of Brother Lawrence, and provide an overview of the book's structure an
Introducing Season 4: The Imitation of Christ (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Fr. Mike Schmitz joins Fr. Gregory Pine for a special conversation about Season 4 of Catholic Classics! Beginning October 22, 2025, Fr. Mike will guide listeners through The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. Together, he and Fr. Gregory explore this spiritual classic's structure and central themes, highlighting why it has been of enduring value for Catholics throughout the centuries
BONUS: All About Saints of the First Monasteries (with Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Boniface Hicks)
A new "Catholic Classics" season with Fr. Mike Schmitz is coming this fall! In the meantime, Ascension has released a new book in the Catholic Classics series titled "Saints of the First Monasteries." Fr. Boniface Hicks, a contributor to the book, joins Fr. Gregory Pine to explore the key patristic texts featured in the book and the lives of early saints, including St. Anthony, St. Benedi
Bonus Episode: Epilogue (Story of a Soul)
As a conclusion to this season of Catholic Classics and to the life of St. Thérèse, Fr. Michael-Joseph provides an introduction to the epilogue of Story of a Soul. His introduction is followed by the reading of the epilogue. In the epilogue, we are given an account of the final months of St. Thérèse’s life.
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Day 28: Union with God (Story of a Soul)
What does one reflect on in the days leading up to death? In these last pages of Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse is also very near to the day of her death. She reflects on prayer being the source of all good. She writes about intercessory prayer and how the people entrusted to us can be our treasures. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph offer their final insights into the text and the
Day 27: Loving in Little Ways (Story of a Soul)
It can be challenging to let the small things go. For St. Thérèse, it was the small things that she saw as the greatest opportunities for love. She recounts in these pages several instances where she struggled with the behavior of fellow sisters in the convent. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain how St. Thérèse’s perception of herself was not necessarily scrupulosity, but a
Day 26: The Simplicity of Prayer (Story of a Soul)
Not many people would describe prayer as something simple. However, the way in which St. Thérèse describes it conveys the possibility of simplicity in prayer. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflect on prayer as friendship with God and how prayer may not be easy, but it can be simple.
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Day 25: The Depths of Charity (Story of a Soul)
Love is not always easy. In fact, love can be very hard. In this final chapter of Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse is drawing near to the end of her life. As she does, she contemplates the mysterious depths of charity. She ponders what it means to love and how Christ loves through us. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss how each of us is called to live charity. They remind us th
Day 24: Not Me, But Christ (Story of a Soul)
Are there people in your life that you struggle to get along with or even be around? St. Thérèse admits in her writings to there being sisters within the convent that she struggled to show charity towards. She uses these examples to reflect on Christ’s love acting within her.
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Day 23: Temptation of Doubt (Story of a Soul)
A common temptation is the temptation to doubt. St. Thérèse was faced with this temptation in a significant way and she explains it within her writings. She also shares insight on fraternal charity. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph ponder some of the triggers that may have contributed to St. Thérèse’s trial of faith.
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Day 22: Suffering with Joy (Story of a Soul)
Are relationships ever easy? In her third manuscript, St. Thérèse focuses on her life in Carmel. She shares about the new prioress and how she gets along with the other sisters in the convent. St. Thérèse also begins to describe her trial of faith. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph use St. Thérèse’s writings to draw the distinction between the virtue of humility and the virtue of
Day 21: The Vocation of Love (Story of a Soul)
What is my vocation? This is a question St. Thérèse pondered even after entering Carmel. As she continues to convey her Little Way, St. Thérèse contemplates the vocation of love. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss how the vocation of love is for all and that this vocation does not require a felt love, but is, instead, an act of the will.
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Day 20: A Worthy Ambition (Story of a Soul)
What is the Little Way? Today’s reading brings us to the second manuscript of Story of a Soul. This manuscript is also known as the charter for the Little Way. Within her writings, St. Thérèse expresses to her sister Marie some of what God has revealed to her as well as her intense desire to love. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph also discuss the dream that St. Thérèse has of Ven
Day 19: Doubts of Heaven (Story of a Soul)
For some, doubtful thinking can be very distressing. As St. St. Thérèse continues to experience dryness in her spiritual life, she is also plagued with doubts, including doubts about Heaven. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph encourage us that even in times of struggle, we can persevere with faith and hope just like St. Thérèse.
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Day 18: Experiences of Death (Story of a Soul)
St. Thérèse recounts a trying time within Carmel during which almost the entire monastery was overcome with influenza. During this trial, St. Thérèse experienced death very closely as a number of nuns who fell ill did pass away. St. Thérèse recounts the tasks that fell to her as she was one of the few that was not bedridden. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss St. Thérèse’s
Day 17: Learning Poverty (Story of a Soul)
Change almost always brings challenges with it. This is true for St. Thérèse as she begins her life in Carmel. She expresses some of the challenges she faced in this drastically different way of life. However, she also shares how she sought growth in virtue through all of it. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain the typical stages of religious formation.
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Day 16: Entering Carmel (Story of a Soul)
The day has finally come! Today’s episode brings us to a pivotal moment in St. Thérèse’s life: her entrance into Carmel. St. Thérèse describes her final moments with her family and the emotions she felt as she bid them farewell. She also describes what her reception was like at Carmel. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflect on these moments as well as their own experiences of e
Day 15: Patience in Following God’s Will (Story of a Soul)
Even a young person can offer great wisdom. In these pages, we walk with St. Thérèse through the aftermath of her encounter with Pope Leo XIII. She reveals her patience with the will of God and her refusal to be discouraged. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss how there is never a good reason to delay a pursuit of holiness.
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Day 14: Holy Boldness (Story of a Soul)
Seeing the city of Rome through the eyes of a saint is a delight. St. Thérèse provides the details of her visit to Rome and some of the sites she visited. She writes of the most significant part of her time in Rome: meeting Pope Leo XII. She describes the visit itself but also her feelings through the whole process. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflects on how St. Thérèse mus
Day 13: Being in the World (Story of a Soul)
The world holds so much beauty and wonder. In today’s reading, we go with St. Thérèse as she begins her pilgrimage to Rome. She outlines what it is like for her to be out in the world and seeing some of nature’s beauties for the first time. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain the significance of what St. Thérèse shares in these pages, especially, praying for priests, Our Lad
Day 12: Overcoming Timidity (Story of a Soul)
The growth of an individual can happen very gradually, and therefore, be unnoticeable. In the case of St. Thérèse, her growth is quite tangible. It is clear in her writing that she is making conscious efforts to overcome her timidity. This is clear in her visit to the bishop as she requests his special permission for entrance into Carmel. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss
Day 11: Humility & Perseverance (Story of a Soul)
Revealing our greatest desires can be a very vulnerable experience. St. Thérèse describes the circumstances of sharing her desire for Carmel to both her father and uncle. As she faces the initial denial of her uncle and the rector of Carmel, we begin to see the perseverance St. Thérèse possessed when it came to her vocation, and ultimately, her path towards holiness. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand an
Day 10: A Christmas Conversion (Story of a Soul)
Many of us are able to look back on our lives and point to significant moments of change or growth. St. Thérèse is no different. In today’s readings, St. Thérèse reflects on one of the more significant moments in her life: her Christmas conversion. She outlines what happened exactly and how it impacted her. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss the changes that St. Thérèse str
Day 9: Loss & Loneliness (Story of a Soul)
There is great heartache that can come with the experience of loneliness. St. Thérèse continues to struggle in developing friendships and writes of the loneliness she feels. She also shares her reaction to learning that her sister Marie will be entering Carmel. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph share the testimony of one of St. Thérèse’s sisters and what this sister saw in St. Thé
Day 8: Dealing with Scrupulosity (Story of a Soul)
It is a good thing to be concerned about doing what is right. However, fear of not doing the right thing can become excessive and turn into something called “scrupulosity.” St. Thérèse struggled with scrupulosity and details how her sister Marie helped her in this struggle. She also outlines the challenges she faced in making friends. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explore the
Day 7: The Source & Summit (Story of a Soul)
How good is it when great joy follows great suffering? In today’s reading, St. Thérèse describes a number of significant moments of joy in her life. She shares about the reception of her future religious name, her growth in prayer, and the reception of her First Holy Communion. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflect on their own experiences of preparation and reception of their
Day 6: The Strange Sickness (Story of a Soul)
It can be very difficult to say “good-bye” to someone. For St. Thérèse, the departure of her sister Pauline to Carmel was almost unbearable. This experience leads to a significant sickness for St. Thérèse. She describes her experience in the sickness and the miraculous healing she received. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflect on St. Thérèse’s sickness and what God was able t
Day 5: The Most Difficult Years (Story of a Soul)
The experience of loneliness is one that many people can relate to. What St. Thérèse describes as her “saddest” years are marked with loneliness. Her years at school found St. Thérèse without many friends and even bullied. Another element of her suffering in these years was the entrance of Pauline into Carmel. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph ponder the hardships that St. Thérès
Day 4: Liturgical Living in the Family (Story of a Soul)
Each family is unique and may come with their own traditions or day to day practices. St. Thérèse describes some of the practices held in her own family that were majoritively centered around liturgical living. She also shares a vision she had of her father and her experience of visiting the ocean for the first time. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph ponder the ways in which the M
Day 3: The Love of a Mother and Father (Story of a Soul)
The presence of a mother and father is important for every child. St. Thérèse was no different. However, as described in today’s reading, she lost her mother at a very young age. Out of this experience, St. Thérèse describes how her sister Pauline stepped into the role of mother and how her father’s love was the greatest witness of God the Father’s love for her. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr.
Day 2: First Memories (Story of a Soul)
It is not common to have first hand accounts of the early lives of saints. However, St. Thérèse gives a thorough account of some of her earliest memories. She shares about each of her sisters and her relationships with them. In these pages, we also read through the story surrounding St. Thérèse’s prophetic statement “I choose all!” Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss how St.
Day 1: The Mercies of God (Story of a Soul)
St. Thérèse begins her autobiography explaining why she is writing it. She describes her reluctance to write, but also her sense of obedience to Mother Agnes. In these first pages, St. Thérèse touches on the importance of her family’s influence as well as the prevalence of God’s mercy throughout her life. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph consider what we can garner from St. Thérè
Bonus Episode: Prologue (Story of a Soul)
To help set the scene for the autobiography of St. Thérèse, Fr. Michael-Joseph provides an introduction to the prologue of Story of a Soul. His introduction is followed by the reading of the prologue. In the prologue, we are given a deeper look at the family of St. Thérèse’s, especially her parents. The prologue also gives insight into the first year of St. Thérèse’s life.
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Novena of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower (Day 9)
O St. Therese, seraphic virgin, beloved spouse of our Crucified Lord, you who on earth did burn with a love so intense toward your God and my God, and now glow with a bright and purer flame in paradise, obtain for me, I beseech you, a spark of that same holy fire which shall help me to put things of the world in their proper place and live my life always conscious of the presence of God.
Novena of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower (Day 8)
O glorious St. Therese, who, burning with the desire of increasing the glory of God, invariably attended to the sanctification of your soul by the constant practice of prayer and charity so that, becoming in the Church a model of holiness, you are now in Heaven the protector of all those who have recourse to you in faith, look down upon me who invokes your powerful patronage and join your
Novena of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower (Day 7)
Therese of the Child Jesus, most loving Saint, in union with you I adore the divine Majesty. My heart is filled with joy at the remembrance of the marvellous favours with which God blessed your life on earth and of the great glory that came to you after death. In union with you, I praise God, and offer him my humble tribute of thanksgiving. I implore you to obtain for me, through your pow
Novena of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower (Day 6)
O Little Flower of Jesus, you have shown yourself so powerful in your intercession, so tender and compassionate toward those who honour you and invoke you in suffering and distress, that I kneel at your feet with perfect confidence and beseech you most humbly and earnestly to take me under your protection in my present necessity and obtain for me the favour I ask in this novena...Vouchsaf
Novena of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower (Day 5)
O Little Flower of Carmel, Almighty God endowed you, consumed by love for him, with wondrous spiritual strength to follow the way of perfection during the days of your short life. Sickness touched you early but you remained firm in faith and prayer was your life. O pray for me that I may benefit by your intercession and be granted the favour I ask in this novena...
St. Therese of the Chil
Novena of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower (Day 4)
O Little Flower of Jesus, who at an early age had your heart set on Carmel and in your brief earthly life did become the mirror of angelic purity, of courageous love and of whole hearted surrender to Almighty God, turn your eyes of mercy upon me who trusts in you. Obtain for me the favour I seek in this novena...and the grace to keep my heart and mind pure and clean. O dear saint, grant m
Novena of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower (Day 3)
O Therese of the Child Jesus, lily of purity, ornament and glory of Carmel, I greet you, great saint, seraph of divine love. I rejoice in the favours our Lord so liberally bestowed on you. I humility and confidence I ask you to help me, for I know God has given you love and pity as well as power. Tell Him, now, I beseech you, of the favour I seek in this novena... Your request will crown
Novena of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower (Day 2)
Almighty God, giver of all good gifts, who did will that Blessed Therese, being watered by the heavenly dew of your guiding grace, should bloom in Carmel with the beauty of virginity and patience in suffering, grant that I your servant may go forward in the order of her sweetness an may be found worthy to become a devoted and loyal follower of Christ. Amen.
St. Therese of the Child Jesus,
Novena of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower (Day 1)
Thérèse of the Child Jesus, well beloved and full of charity, in union with you, I reverently adore the majesty of God, and since I rejoice with exceeding joy in the singular gifts of grace bestowed upon you during your life, and your gifts of glory after death, I give Him deepest thanks for them; I beseech you with all my heart’s devotion to be pleased to obtain for me (...mention reques
An Overview of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and Story of a Soul
Who is St. Thérèse? Why did she write Story of a Soul? The answers to these questions will help you as you prepare to begin Season 3 of Catholic Classics: Story of a Soul. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris offer a broad overview of St. Thérèse’s life and what Story of a Soul covers. Drawing from their own experiences, they also offer advice on how best to approach th
Introducing Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, O.C.D.
We are excited to welcome the guest co-host for Season 3 of Catholic Classics: Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, OCD. In this bonus episode, Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine get to know Fr. Michael-Joseph and learn more about his knowledge of Story of a Soul and his deep appreciation for the writings of St. Thérèse. Fr. Gregory also gives an update on his current assignment and his
Announcing Season 3 of Catholic Classics!
A new season of Catholic Classics is starting this fall. We are so excited to announce that for this season of Catholic Classics, we will be reading Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux. You can download the reading plan and order your copy of the book at ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics.
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Day 60: Rest in Him (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
In this final episode, St. Augustine reflects on the height of creation: humanity. He ponders how men and women are oriented towards God because God has created them in his goodness and they are made to rest in him. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss what this means. They also address how God has healed humanity and why we are worthy of love. Today’s readings are Book
Day 59: Gifts vs. Fruits (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
In this penultimate episode, St. Augustine distinguishes between a gift and a fruit so as to help us understand what it means to receive from God. St. Augustine also refutes the Manichaeans concerning creation and the beginnings of the world. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss how we ought to receive the gifts given to us. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 26-30.
Day 58: The Hierarchy of Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
As we continue walking through the creation story, St. Augustine draws out the spiritual implications of the days of creation. He describes what it means for us to have dominion over the things of the world. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss this authority that humans have been given and the responsibility we have in regards to creation. Today’s readings are Book 13,
Day 57: Creation and the Sacraments (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine continues through Genesis and the story of creation. He shows how creation, the Church and sacraments are connected. In considering Genesis 1:20 and 1:24, St. Augustine reveals how Baptism and the Holy Eucharist are intertwined. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss how it is through grace and conversion that individuals become lights of the world. Today’s
Day 56: Creation of the Heavens (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine explores the creation of the heavens and earthly light. He considers the purpose God intended for them and their role in our daily lives. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss that the heavens were created for man, not God. They explain that God exists perfectly and happily outside of creation. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 15-18.
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Day 55: Finding Rest (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Carrying on through the creation account, St. Augustine focuses on the themes of rest and the Holy Spirit. He reiterates that God is the only place a rational creature will find rest. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the purpose of the Church and its role in creation. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters Chapters 8-14.
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Day 54: God’s Goodness in Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Challenging some of our understandings of the book of Genesis, St. Augustine poses some difficult questions. He focuses on the creation account and the presence of the Trinity throughout creation. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how man is the recipient of God’s overflow of goodness. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 1-7.
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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 13 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
As with the previous books, St. Augustine opens the final Book of Confessions with a prayer of praise to God. He revisits his motivation for writing, to serve God and draw others closer to him. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk highlight God's goodness, a key theme throughout Confessions. They note how Augustine emphasizes that God created humanity not out of need but out of
Day 53: Living God's Word (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Building on his previous examination, St. Augustine dives deeper into the various interpretations of Sacred Scripture. As a divinely authored and inspired book, the Bible captures meaning from God and the inspired author. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss what a life of Scripture means and how we should feel comfortable excluding ways of life incompatible with God's
Day 52: Interpreting Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine acknowledges the many insights and interpretations of Scripture. He distinguishes between the factual truth of biblical events and the deeper truths conveyed through the narratives. As Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain, our human limitations mean we lack perfect understanding when reading God's Word. Because of this, St. Augustine advocates approaching
Day 51: Truth in Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
While Sacred Scripture can be interpreted in different ways, it always conveys the truth. St. Augustine explores the way we find truth in Scripture, acknowledging the different perspectives that arise as we study Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how St. Augustine paves the way for the Church’s ongoing discernment of the various ways God speaks to us thro
Day 50: God's Unchanging Nature (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
How do we reconcile God’s unchanging nature with creation’s changing nature? St. Augustine continues his discussion on the creative narrative in Genesis and highlights the “heaven of heavens." St. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine encourage us to be patient as we journey through St. Augustine’s speculative attempt to understand God. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 11-15.
Day 49: Genesis (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
What does the creation account in Genesis reveal? St. Augustine begins his examination of Scripture by reflecting on the creation of heaven and earth with a sense of awe and wonder. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine explain that St. Augustine’s reflection is an attempt to intellectually grasp the reality of creation rather than merely imagine it in his mind. Today’s reading
Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 12 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
As we begin our journey into Book 12, Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine guide us through the main theme of this Book: Scripture. In the upcoming chapters, St. Augustine meditates on the complexity and richness of Sacred Scripture. We learn that the Word of God is living, transformative, and inexhaustible.
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Day 48: Remembering the Past (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
In the conclusion of Book 11, St. Augustine focuses on analyzing the power of memory and the dynamics between remembering the past, time, and reality. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine reflect on the mystery that although God exists outside of time, he chooses to reveal himself to us in time. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapter 27-31.
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