Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

Day 1 St. Alphonsus you have said: "If we would completely rejoice the heart of God, let us strive in all things to conform ourselves to His divine will. Let us not only strive to conform ourselves, but also to unite ourselves to whatever dispositions God makes of us. Conformity signifies that we join our wills to the will of God. Uniformity means more. Uniformity means that we make one will of God's will and our will. In this way we will only what God wills. God's will alone is our will. " The post St. Alphonsus Liguori Novena – Day 1 – Discerning Hearts podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The private revelation which was given to St. Bridget of Sweden that day in the chapel of the church of St. Paul's Outside the Walls in Rome over 600 years ago is still one of the most poignant and compelling moments in all mystical experiences.  The Church has deemed this worthy of belief to the extent that it can edify one's faith rather than hurt; that indeed if practiced and nurtured it could open the heart for an outpouring of grace. The post The 15 Prayers of St. Bridget of Sweden – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Sean Davidson offers one of the best books I've encountered on St. Mary Magdalene. More than a biography of the person, Fr. Davidson reflects on the heart of the one known as the "Apostle to the Apostles." "Saint Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love," based on the Biblical texts traditionally associated with St. Mary Magdalene, this book shines a beautiful bright light on her love for Jesus and how it translates to the devotion of Eucharistic Adoration. A truly excellent work which we highly recommend! The post IP#313 Fr. Sean Davidson – Saint Mary Magdalene on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Listen to an excerpt on Mary Magdalen "Conversion and Discipleship" from Three Women and the Lord by Adrienne von Speyr Discerning Hearts Podcast The post Mary Magdalen an excerpt from Three Women and the Lord by Adrienne von Speyr appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 9: Perseverance, Prophecy, and the Heavenly Call – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena Quote from the Revelations “Remain firm in all good. I will be your guide and your reward.” —Revelations, Book VII, Chapter 11 Reflection St. Bridget of Sweden remained faithful to Christ's call through every season of her life. In her final ... Read more The post Day 9 – Perseverance, Prophecy, and the Heavenly Call – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 8: Rome and the Witness of Charity – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena Quote from the Revelations “Be merciful in your thoughts, steadfast in your works, and generous in your deeds. Let My love move your hands to serve.” —Revelations, Book IV, Chapter 22 Reflection When Bridget arrived in Rome, she did not enter ... Read more The post Day 8 – Rome and the Witness of Charity – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Hospitality of the Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the readings from Genesis and Luke, inviting listeners to rediscover the gift of hospitality and the presence of God in daily life. He begins with Abraham's encounter ... Read more The post Hospitality of the Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 7: The Prayers at the Foot of the Cross – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena Quote from the Revelations “I received these prayers from the lips of Christ Himself as I knelt before the Crucifix. They are for those who desire to remember His Passion and live in His love.” —Revelations, Book V, Prologue ... Read more The post Day 7 – The Prayers at the Foot of the Cross – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 6: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land — Walking in the Footsteps of Christ – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena Quote from the Revelations “If thou wouldst be My companion, walk where I have walked, and let My love be thy path.” —Revelations, Book V, Chapter 12 ReflectionIn the later years of her life, St. ... Read more The post Day 6 – Pilgrimage to the Holy Land – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 5: Faithful Messenger – A Heart for the Church and Her Shepherds – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena Quote from the Revelations “Cry out as with a trumpet. My Spouse is wounded. Her face is disfigured. Her voice is faint. Call My people to return to Me with humility and love.” —Revelations, Book IV, ... Read more The post Day 5 – Faithful Messenger – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

From "Last Retreat Day 14" found in The Complete Works vol 1: 36. “It seems to me that all is loss since I have known the excelling knowledge of my Lord, Jesus Christ. For love of Him I have forfeited everything; I have accounted all else rubbish that I may gain Christ, so as to be found in Him, not with my own justice but with the justice that comes from God through faith. What I want is to know Him, to share in His sufferings, to become like Him in His death. I pursue my course, striving to attain to what Christ has destined me for by taking hold of me; my whole concern is to forget what is behind and to strain forward constantly to what is ahead; I run straight to the goal . . . , to the prize of the heavenly vocation to which God has called me in Christ Jesus.” 212 The Apostle has often revealed the greatness of this vocation: “God,” he says, “has chosen us in Him before the creation of the world that we might be holy and immaculate in His presence in love. . . . We have been predestined by the decree of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we may be the praise of His glory.” 213 The post BTP-LR19 – Day 14 – Part 1 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 4: Called to Rome — A Pilgrim with a Prophetic Voice – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena Quote from the Revelations “Go forth, therefore, and speak boldly. I shall be in thy mouth and in the hearts of those who hear thee.” —Revelations, Book IV, Chapter 136 Reflection Bridget's years at Alvastra prepared her ... Read more The post Day 4 – Called to Rome – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode, Julian of Norwich is drawn into the radiant joy of Christ—the joy He takes in His Blessed Mother, and the glory revealed in His glorified Face. In the Eleventh Shewing, Christ lovingly invites Julian to “see her”—to behold the Virgin Mary as He does, with delight and reverence. Through Julian's vision, we glimpse the profound place of Mary in Christ's heart and in the life of every Christian. In the Twelfth Shewing, Julian is lifted to contemplate the joy of Heaven: the Beatific Vision, where the saints behold the Face of Christ and are fully seen, fully known, and fully loved. Drawing from Julian's text, Scripture, the Catechism, and the wisdom of the saints, this episode opens the mystery of divine joy that begins in Christ's Passion and culminates in eternal glory. The post Ep 8 – The Eleventh and Twelfth Shewings – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 3 – The Turning Point — Loss, Solitude, and Surrender – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena Quote from the Revelations “It is I who have taken from thee what was thine, that I might give thee what is Mine.” —Revelations, Book I, Chapter 3 Reflection The death of Ulf was a profound turning point in ... Read more The post Day 3 – The Turning Point — Loss, Solitude, and Surrender – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Anthony DeStefano – The Miracle Book on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor In this episode of Inside the Pages, Anthony DeStefano discusses his latest work The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking for the Impossible with host Kris McGregor. His book approaches the subject of miracles through a lens of theological clarity and ... Read more The post IP#512 Anthony DeStefano – The Miracle Book on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

From the Journey of the Mind to God by St Bonaventure Mystical wisdom is revealed by the Holy Spirit Christ is both the way and the door. Christ is the staircase and the vehicle, like the throne of mercy over the Ark of the Covenant, and the mystery hidden from the ages. A man should turn his full attention to this throne of mercy, and should gaze at him hanging on the cross, full of faith, hope and charity, devoted, full of wonder and joy, marked by gratitude, and open to praise and jubilation. Then such a man will make with Christ a pasch, that is, a passing-over. Through the branches of the cross he will pass over the Red Sea, leaving Egypt and entering the desert. There he will taste the hidden manna, and rest with Christ in the sepulchre, as if he were dead to things outside. He will experience, as much as is possible for one who is still living, what was promised to the thief who hung beside Christ: Today you will be with me in paradise. The post Mystical Wisdom – St. Bonaventure from the Office of Readings – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 2 – A Marriage Rooted in Grace – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena Quote from the Revelations “Love Me above all things, and thou shalt find in Me all that thou hast lost, and infinitely more.” —Revelations, Book I, Chapter 22 Reflection Bridget's marriage to Ulf Gudmarsson was arranged when she was only fourteen, ... Read more The post Day 2 – A Marriage Rooted in Grace – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Conference 4, Fr. Gallagher continues the letters of St. Zelie Martin, which document the struggles of Therese's attachment issues, Louis' pilgrimage to Lourdes, and Leonie's difficulties in attending school. The post HIDT4- Conference 4 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 1 – Called from the Womb – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena Quote from the Revelations “Before thou camest into the world, I loved thee; when thou wast born, I sanctified thee. I have chosen thee to be My bride and My herald.” —Revelations, Book I, Chapter 1 Reflection Bridget of Sweden was born ... Read more The post Day 1 – Called from the Womb – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Benedict, Listening and Discernment  - The Mystery of Faith in the Wisdom of the Saints.  In this episode, Dr. Lilles offers a general introduction to this series, the mystical key to discernment, and teaching of St. Benedict. Dr. Lilles offers 4 key points we should keep in mind as we move forward in this series 1.    The Search for God 2.    Listening to God - Lectio Divina 3.    Conversion to God - Conversatio Morum 4.    Living with oneself and letting God fashion one into His image Dr. Lilles offers 4 key points we should keep in mind as we move forward in this series 1. The Search for God 2. Listening to God - Lectio Divnia 3. Conversion to God - Conversatio Morum 4. Living with oneself and letting God fashion one into His image The post BTP30 – St. Benedict, Listening, and Discernment – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

"Whenever you begin any good work you should first of all make a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord to bring it to perfection; that he, who has honored us by counting us among his children, may never be grieved by our evil deeds..." The post “Put Christ before everything”- St. Benedict of Nursia from the Office of Readings appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH4 – The Sacred Heart and Schools – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

From "Last Retreat Day 13" found in The Complete Works vol 1: 32. “Instaurare omnia in Christo.” 194 Again it is St. Paul who instructs me, St. Paul who has just immersed himself in the great counsel of God195 and who tells me “that He has resolved in Himself to restore all things in Christ.” So that I may personally realize this divine plan, it is again St. Paul who comes to my aid and who will himself draw up a rule of life for me. “Walk in Jesus Christ,” he tells me, “be rooted in Him, built up in Him, strengthened in faith, growing more and more in Him through thanksgiving.” 196 33. To walk in Jesus Christ seems to me to mean to leave self, lose sight of self, give up self, in order to enter more deeply into Him with every passing moment, 197 so deeply that one is rooted there; and to every event, to every circumstance we can fling this beautiful challenge: “Who will separate me from the love of Jesus Christ?” 198 When the soul is established in Him at such depths that its roots are also deeply thrust in, then the divine sap streams into it199 and all this imperfect, commonplace, natural life is destroyed. Then, in the language of the Apostle, “that which is mortal is swallowed up by life.” 200 The soul thus “stripped” of self and “clothed” 201 in Jesus Christ has nothing more to fear from exterior encounters or from interior difficulties, for these things, far from being an obstacle, serve only “to root it more deeply in the love” 202 of its Master. Through everything, despite everything, the soul can “adore Him always because of Himself.” 203 For it is free, rid of self and everything else; it can sing with the psalmist: “Though an army encamp against me, I will not fear; though war be waged upon me I will trust in spite of everything; for Yahweh will hide me in the secrecy of His tent” 204 and this tent is nothing else but Himself. I think that is what St. Paul means when he says: “be rooted in Jesus Christ.” The post BTP-LR18 – Day 13 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Conference 3, Fr. Gallagher reads the letters of St. Zelie Martin, which document the harrowing trials the Martin family faced, including the Franco-Prussian War, financial difficulties, the death of another child, and the near death of an infant Therese. The post HIDT3- Conference 3 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Called to Mission: Discerning the Will of the Father – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff In this reflection, Msgr. John Esseff reflects on Luke 10:1–20, where Jesus sends out the 72 disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God. He discusses the missionary nature of the Church and the call each baptized ... Read more The post Called to Mission: Discerning the Will of the Father – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Episode 7 we journey with Julian of Norwich into the mystery of Christ's joy in His Passion. Rather than sorrow alone, Julian sees the Redeemer rejoicing in His self-offering, delighting to give Himself for the salvation of souls. She is shown the threefold joy of the Trinity, where the Father is pleased, the Son is crowned, and the Holy Spirit is satisfied. Then Julian is led through the wound in Christ's side into the depths of His Heart—a resting place “large enough for all mankind.” Drawing on Scripture, the Catechism, and the mystical tradition of the Church, this episode opens the mystery of divine charity that transforms suffering into eternal joy, and invites the soul into the inexhaustible mercy of the pierced Heart of Jesus. The post Ep 7 – The 9th and 10th Shewing – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Conference 2, Fr. Gallagher continues reading from the letters of St. Zelie to her brother, Isidore and sister-in-law, Celine. He also provides further historical context, as the Martins must deal with incoming war and economic strife resulting from it. The post HIDT2- Conference 2 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Saturday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post Saturday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. James Kubicki S.J. – A Heart on Fire on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor In this episode of Inside the Pages, Fr. James Kubicki discusses his book A Heart on Fire: Rediscovering Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He explores the meaning and history of this devotion, tracing it back to the ... Read more The post Fr. James Kubicki S.J. – A Heart on Fire on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

DC12 St. Cyril of Alexandria - The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson - Discerning Hearts Podcast The post St. Cyril of Alexandria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH3 – The Gifts of the Sacred Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH2 – Introduction to the Sacred Heart, Continued – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Beginning to Pray: "The Last Retreat - Day 12 " - “God has said: “Be holy, for I am holy.” 31. This is Christ's work in every soul of good185 will and it is the work that His immense love, His “exceeding love,” 186 is eager to do in me. He wants to be my peace so that nothing can distract me or draw me out of “the invincible fortress of holy recolletion.” 187 It is there that He will give me “access to the Father” and will keep me as still and as peaceful in His presence as if my soul were already in eternity. 188 It is by the Blood of His Cross that He will make peace in my little heaven, so that it may truly be the repose of the Three. He will fill me with Himself; He will bury me with Him; He will make me live again with Him, by His life: “Mihi vivere Christus est!” 189 And if I fall at every moment, 190 in a wholly confident faith I will be helped up by Him. I know that He will forgive me, that He will cancel out everything with a jealous care, and even more, He will “despoil” me, He will “free” 191 me from all my miseries, from everything that is an obstacle to the divine action. “He will lead away all my powers,” 192 making them His captives, triumphing over them in Himself. Then I will have wholly passed into Him and can say: “I no longer live. My Master lives in me!” 193 And I will be “holy, pure, without reproach” in the Father's eyes. The post BTP-LR17 – Day 12 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Conference 1, Fr. Gallagher introduces us to Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, giving us the history of their upbringings, how they met, and the first years of their family life up to the birth of their fourth child, Helene. The post HIDT1- Conference 1 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for the great feast of Corpus Christi. He discusses the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The tragedy becomes when we look upon the Blessed Sacrament as a "something" instead of a "Someone". The post Corpus Christi Sunday – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH1 – Introduction to the Enthronement – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor discuss the enduring significance of St. Augustine in Catholic thought, the Church's spiritual life, and how he may influence Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. The post The Lasting Influence of St. Augustine, Pt. 3 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Beginning to Pray: "The Last Retreat - Day 11 pt 2 " - “It is the whole Trinity who dwells in the soul that loves them in truth, that is, by keeping their word! From "Last Retreat Day 11 pt 2" found in The Complete Works vol 1: 28. But it is not enough just to listen to this word, we must keep it! 164 And it is in keeping it that the soul will be “sanctified in the truth,” and that is the desire of the Master: “Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth.” 165 To the one who keeps His word has He not made this promise: “My Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home in him”? 166 It is the whole Trinity who dwells in the soul that loves them in truth, that is, by keeping their word! And when this soul has realized its riches, all the natural or supernatural joys that can come to it from creatures or from God Himself are only an invitation to reenter into itself in order to enjoy the substantial Good that it possesses, which is nothing else than God Himself. And thus it has, St. John of the Cross says, a certain resemblance to the divine Being. 167 “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” St. Paul tells me “that He works all things according to the counsel of His will,” 168 and my Master asks me also to pay Him homage in this regard: “to do all things according to the counsel of His will.” Never to let myself be ruled by impressions, by the first impulses of nature, but to let the will gain self-mastery. . . . And for this will to be free, it must be, in the expression of a pious writer, “enclosed in God's will.” 169 Then I will be “moved by His Spirit,” 170 as St. Paul says. I will do only what is divine, only what is eternal, and, like my Unchanging One, I will live even here below in an eternal present. The post BTP-LR16 – Day 11, pt. 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as he offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God. Conference 8 discusses the Third Mode of the discernment process. The post Conference 8 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff warmly recounts memories of his two sisters, Marlene and MayAnn, reflecting on the deep familial bonds that shaped his life and priesthood. He shares vivid childhood stories, such as witnessing Marlene's birth, their mischievous adventures, and Marlene's loyal companionship with her brothers. Marlene was a trusted confidante and a source of joy and nurturing within the family. He also recounts MayAnn's tender heart and spiritual maturity, culminating in her self-offering to God when her brother faced a life-threatening illness. Her acceptance of her own terminal illness became a profound moment of grace and sacrifice within the family. Through these recollections, Msgr. Esseff reflects on how the presence of his sisters enriched his understanding of human relationships and prepared him to encounter women and men in his ministry with deeper compassion and respect. This familial experience helped shape his pastoral heart, particularly in his work with prisoners, where he learned to view each person as a true brother or sister in Christ. The post SFTH-6 – The Gift of Sisters – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Episode 6, In this powerful episode, we enter the Eighth Revelation of Julian of Norwich—a devastating yet holy vision of Christ's dying. Julian beholds the gradual drying of Christ's body, a slow agony revealing the depths of divine love. She reflects on His thirst—both physical and spiritual—and joins in His suffering through a profound union of compassion. Drawing on Isaiah, the Gospel of John, the Catechism, and the witness of mystics like St. Bridget and St. Teresa of Calcutta, this episode explores the mystery of redemptive suffering. Julian's witness offers not only theological depth but an invitation to gaze upon the Crucified with love and trust. The post Ep 6 – The 8th Shewing – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

From "Last Retreat Day 11 pt 1" found in The Complete Works vol 1: 27. “The Lord brought me into a spacious place, because He was gracious toward me. . . .” 159 The Creator, seeing the beautiful silence which reigns in His creature, and gazing on her wholly recollected in her interior solitude, is enamored of her beauty and leads her into this immense, infinite solitude, into this “spacious place” sung of by the prophet, which is nothing else but Himself: “I will enter into the depths of the power of God.” 160 Speaking through his prophet, the Lord said: “I will lead her into solitude and speak to her heart.” 161 The soul has entered into this vast solitude in which God will make Himself heard! “His word,” St. Paul says, “is living and active, and more penetrating than a two edged sword: extending even to the division of soul and spirit, even of joints and marrow.” 162 It is His word then that will directly achieve the work of stripping in the soul; for it has this particular characteristic, that it effects and creates what it intends, 163 provided however that the soul consents to let this be done. The post BTP-LR15 – Day 11, pt. 1 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Wednesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post Wednesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as he offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God. Conference 7 discusses the Second Mode of the discernment process. The post Conference 7 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Tuesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post Tuesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode of 'Inside the Pages', Marlene Watkins shares her deep connection to Lourdes through her work with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers and her new book Everyday Miracles of Lourdes. The post IP#511 Marlene Watkins – Everyday Miracles of Lourdes on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Born: 306 AD, Nisibis, Turkey Died: June 9, 373 AD, Edessa, Turkey Full name: Ephrem of Nisibis From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007: The figure of Ephrem is still absolutely timely for the life of the various Christian Churches. We discover him in the first place as a theologian who reflects poetically, on the basis of Holy Scripture, on the mystery of man's redemption brought about by Christ, the Word of God incarnate. His is a theological reflection expressed in images and symbols taken from nature, daily life and the Bible. Ephrem gives his poetry and liturgical hymns a didactic and catechetical character: they are theological hymns yet at the same time suitable for recitation or liturgical song. On the occasion of liturgical feasts, Ephrem made use of these hymns to spread Church doctrine. Time has proven them to be an extremely effective catechetical instrument for the Christian community. Ephrem's reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order. The role of women was important to Ephrem. The way he spoke of them was always inspired with sensitivity and respect: the dwelling place of Jesus in Mary's womb greatly increased women's dignity. Ephrem held that just as there is no Redemption without Jesus, there is no Incarnation without Mary. The divine and human dimensions of the mystery of our redemption can already be found in Ephrem's texts; poetically and with fundamentally scriptural images, he anticipated the theological background and in some way the very language of the great Christological definitions of the fifth-century Councils. Ephrem, honoured by Christian tradition with the title "Harp of the Holy Spirit", remained a deacon of the Church throughout his life. It was a crucial and emblematic decision: he was a deacon, a servant, in his liturgical ministry, and more radically, in his love for Christ, whose praises he sang in an unparalleled way, and also in his love for his brethren, whom he introduced with rare skill to the knowledge of divine Revelation. For more visit Vatican.va The post St. Ephrem of Syria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor take a look at the remarkable legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who inspired Pope Leo XIV's chosen name, and his major contributions to modern Catholic thought and life and his wide-ranging influence. The post Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum, Pt. 2 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Matthew Bunson – Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Kris McGregor interviews Dr. Matthew Bunson about his new book on Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Dr. Bunson recounts the extraordinary events surrounding Pope Francis's final days and the surprising election that followed. ... Read more The post IP#510 Dr. Matthew Bunson – Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.