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.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher takes a look at the final years of Marie of the Eucharist, cousin of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. As Marie suffered from tuberculosis, she experienced physical decline but also a deepening spiritual life. The post TM13 – The Death of Marie and Reflections – St. Therese and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 6 continues the discussion of the "3 patterns" God uses to answer the questions in the discernment process. The post Conference 6 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his formative years growing up in a Lebanese Maronite Catholic family. He shares vivid stories of his early friendships formed around the church and school, highlighting how closely tied family, faith, and community life were in his upbringing. The post SFTH-5 – Fighting the Good Fight – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Begin be reciting the following prayer… O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler! I adore you as my True God. I offer You my whole heart, and I render You heartfelt thanks for all the benefits You have bestowed upon the world. You are the author of all supernatural gifts and enriched the Blessed Virgin ... Read more The post A Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day 1 – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Episode 5, we explore Julian of Norwich's Sixth and Seventh Shewings, where she is shown the eternal joy that awaits those who serve God in love, and the mysterious rhythm of spiritual consolation and desolation. Julian reveals that no act of agape love is forgotten, and even our hidden sacrifices are honored by the Lord with lasting joy. She also experiences the rise and fall of spiritual feelings, learning that God remains constant in both peace and pain. Her revelations echo truths later taught by St. Ignatius of Loyola: that spiritual desolation, while permitted, is never without purpose. Through it all, Julian teaches us to remain rooted in God's unchanging love—trusting that His presence holds us through every joy and trial The post Ep 5 – The 6th and 7th Shewing – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore the spiritual insights of Day 10 from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity's The Last Retreat and the command “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect,” which St. Elizabeth understands as a call to live in the eternal present—a mode of existence modeled on God the Father's unchanging love and divine solitude. The post BTP-LR13 – Day 10, 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.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 4 discusses spiritual means that Ignatius proposes to help discern: the sacraments and scripture. The post Conference 4 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff shares vivid memories from his childhood growing up in a Maronite Catholic family in coal country Pennsylvania. He recalls spiritual moments of wonder—from giving away a dime to a stranger and feeling profound joy, to sensing God's presence in nature and creation as a young boy. The post SFTH-4 – Communion Found in the Little Things – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor Episode 4: The Fourth and Fifth Shewings — Blood, Mercy, and the Triumph of Christ Summary: In this episode we enter the Fourth and Fifth Shewings, where Julian beholds the Precious Blood of Christ poured out in love, not ... Read more The post Ep 4 – The 4th and 5th Shewing – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

From "Last Retreat Day 9 pt 2" found in The Complete Works vol 1: 23. Speaking to Abraham God said: “Walk in My presence and be perfect.” 134 This then is the way to achieve this perfection that our Heavenly Father asks of us! St. Paul, after having immersed himself in the divine counsels, 135 revealed exactly this to us when he wrote “God has chosen us in Him before the creation of the world, that we might be holy and immaculate in His presence in love.” 136 It is also by the light of this same saint that I will be enlightened so that I might walk without deviating from this magnificent road of the presence of God on which the soul journeys “alone with the Alone,” 137 led by the “strength of His right arm,” 138 “under the protection of His wings, without fearing the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the evil that stalks in darkness, nor the attacks of the noonday devil. 139 24. “Strip off the old man in whom you lived your former life, “ he tells me, “and put on the new man, who has been created according to God in justice and holiness.” 140 This is the way set forth; we have only to strip off self to follow it as God wills! To strip off self, to die to self, to lose sight of self. It seems to me the Master meant this when He said: “If anyone wants to follow Me, let him take up his cross and deny himself.” 141 “If you live according to the flesh,” the Apostle also says, “you will die, but if you put to death in the spirit the works of the flesh, you will live.” 142 This is the death that God asks for and of which it is said: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 143 “O death,” says the Lord, “I will be your death”; 144 that is: O soul, my adopted daughter, look at Me and you will forget yourself; flow entirely into My Being, come die in Me that I may live in you! The post BTP-LR12 – Day 9, 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.

Kris McGregor and Deacon Omar Gutierrez discuss the significance of the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, reflecting on the profound impact of his surprising selection. The post Pope Leo XIV and the Path Forward, Pt. 1 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 3 goes in depth about the disposition of heart needed in the discernment process. The post Conference 3 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the often overlooked yet deeply influential role of his grandmothers in shaping his family's legacy. The post SFTH-3 – A Grandmother's Love, a Family's Strength – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Éamonn Bourke and Kris McGregor explore the why, how, and what of "prayer".  In this episode, they explore the healing power of prayer against sin and the role the Holy Spirit plays in it as well. The post HP6 – Prayer and Healing from Sin – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

[powerpres All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor Episode Three: The 2nd and 3rd Shewing — Desire, Prayer, and Trust in God’s Hidden Work Summary: In Episode 3, we explore Julian's Second and Third Shewings, where the vision of Christ's suffering and the image of “God in ... Read more The post Ep 3 – The 2nd and 3rd Shewing – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore the ninth day of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity's "Last Retreat," focusing on the divine call to holiness. The post BTP-LR11 – Day 9, 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.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 2 introduces us to the foundations of the discernment process and ways to utilize it when making significant choices. The post Conference 2 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon Omar Gutierrez and Kris McGregor discuss the life and contributions of Pope Leo XIII, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping modern Catholic social teaching. Pope Leo XIII, a deeply intellectual and spiritually grounded leader, sought to engage the modern world rather than retreat from it, producing over 80 encyclicals and major works like Rerum Novarum and Libertas. The post RN-13 – Pope Leo XIII and “Rerum Novarum” (The Condition of Labor) – Regnum Novum with Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his family's deep roots in the Maronite Catholic tradition, tracing his lineage back to Lebanon. The post SFTH-2 – Rooted in Faith – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Éamonn Bourke and Kris McGregor explore the why, how, and what of "prayer".  In this episode, they explore the sacrament of confession in conjunction with prayer.  They discuss how confession can affect and even strengthen our prayer life. The post HP5 – Prayer and Confession – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor Episode Two: The First Shewing — Love Poured Out and the Mystery of the Trinity Summary: In this second episode, we enter into Julian's First Shewing—a profound vision of Christ's Passion that opens us to the mystery of the Trinity, ... Read more The post Ep 2 – The First Shewing – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 8, Part 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on paragraph 21 of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity's Last Retreat, focusing on the soul’s journey into adoration and silence. St. Elizabeth describes adoration as a silent, ... Read more The post BTP-LR10 – Day 8, 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 offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 1 offers an introduction to the life of St. Ignatius and establishes the challenges involved in everyday Christian decision making. The post Conference 1 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode One – The Beginning… – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff In this opening episode, Monsignor John Esseff shares the deeply personal story of his family’s immigration from Lebanon to America—fleeing persecution, carrying with them a rich Catholic faith, and planting deep roots in Pennsylvania. He reflects on growing up in a ... Read more The post SFTH-1 – The Beginning… – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Eamonn Bourke and Kris McGregor explore how prayer becomes a space of healing and transformation, especially when confronting inner turmoil, negative self-talk, and emotional wounds. The post HP4 – Prayer and Forgiveness – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor Episode One: Julian of Norwich and the Unshakable Love of God Summary: Join Kris McGregor as she leads a journey through the work of Julian of Norwich—14th-century anchoress, mystic, and the first known woman to write a book in ... Read more The post Ep 1 – Julian of Norwich and the Unshakable Love of God – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gallagher, in this concluding episode, reviews the different dimensions of the Examen prayer and applications for our lives. The post DPD8 – Dimensions of the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

What a great conversation with Dr. Timothy Muldoon, who with his wife, Sue, has written a wonderfully rich spiritual resource for today's family entitled "The Discerning Parent:  An Iganatius Guide to Raising Your Teen."  Fr. Timothy Gallagher said it so well, this is "An engaging book for parents who desire that God be the center of raising their teenage children. Applying Ignatian discernment to this specific task--a valuable contribution--the authors offer clarity and hope to all parents."  The post IP#344 Timothy Muldoon – The Discerning Parent on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Éamonn Bourke and Kris McGregor discuss the why, how, and what of "prayer".  In this episode, they explore the healing nature of prayer.  They examine the many wounds we can bring to our prayer and the Father's great desire to heal our pain. The post HP3 – The Healing Nature of Prayer – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Anthony Lilles reflects on Day 7 of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity's Last Retreat, delving into the mystery of suffering, self-emptying, and divine union. The post BTP-LR8 – Day 7, 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.

Episode 7 The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Ignatian Wisdom of the Examen Prayer. Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the the fifth step - RENEWAL - which is how we move forward after our encounter with God in our prayer. The post DPD7 – Steps to Spiritual Renewal – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss Easter as a season for joy within our lives and within the church. The post WM41 – Easter: A Season for Joy – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 47: Easter Sunday – “He Is Risen” Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) John 20:1–9 It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the ... Read more The post Day 47: Easter Sunday – “He Is Risen” – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 46: The Great Silence Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) Luke 23:55–56, 24:1 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ... Read more The post Day 46: The Great Silence – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 45: The Cross Stands While the World Turns Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) John 19:25–30  Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.Seeing his mother and the ... Read more The post Day 45: The Cross Stands While the World Turns – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 44: Love Poured Out Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) John 13:1–15  It was before the festival of the Passover, and Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to pass from this world to the Father. He had always ... Read more The post Day 44: Love Poured Out – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this classic interview from 2007, Bruce and Kris McGregor speak with actress Sydney Penny about her portrayal of St. Bernadette Soubirous in the films Bernadette and The Passion of Bernadette. The post “Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette”- In Conversation with Sydney Penny – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Éamonn Bourke and Kris McGregor discuss the why, how, and what of "prayer".  In this episode, they explore a creating space for prayer.  They also reflect on the witness of Servant of God Dorothy Day. The post HP2 – Creating Space for Prayer – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 43: The Price of Betrayal Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) Matthew 26:14–25  One of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you prepared to give me if I hand him over ... Read more The post Day 43: The Price of Betrayal – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on the seventh day of The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Dr. Lilles explains how Elizabeth sees the soul as a “heaven” that proclaims the glory of God, drawing from Psalm 19, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” The post BTP-LR7 – Day 7 – 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.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 42: A Table Prepared Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) John 13:21–33, 36–38 Having said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, “I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, wondering ... Read more The post Day 42: A Table Prepared – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 6 The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Ignatian Wisdom of the Examen Prayer. Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the fourth step - FORGIVENESS. Then we approach the fifth step - RENEWAL - which is how we move forward after our encounter with God in our prayer. The post DPD6 – God’s Unconditional Love – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 41: The Fragrance of Love Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) John 12:1–11 (Jerusalem Bible) Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom he had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there; ... Read more The post Day 41: The Fragrance of Love – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 40:  “The Road of the Cross, The Way of Love” Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) Mark 11:1–10  When they were approaching Jerusalem, in sight of Bethphage and Bethany, close by the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples ... Read more The post Day 40: The Road of the Cross, The Way of Love – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Palm Sunday - 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 Palm Sunday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 39: Hope in the Midst of Opposition Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) John 11:45–56  Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what he did believed in him, but some of them went to tell ... Read more The post Day 39: Hope in the Midst of Opposition – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Alexander Harb and Kris McGregor explore The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East, his new book that gives both spiritual and theological insight into Eastern Christian spirituality through the lens of the Desert Fathers and the Philokalia. The post IP#509 Dr. Robert D. Enright – Forgiving as Unity with Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 38: In the Father’s Hands Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) John 10:31–42 The Jews fetched stones to stone Him, so Jesus said to them, “I have done many good works for you to see, works from My Father; for which ... Read more The post Day 38: In the Father’s Hands – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Éamonn Bourke and Kris McGregor discuss the why, how, and what of "prayer."  In this episode, they explore the nature of prayer and responding to the call of relationship with God. The post HP1 – What is Prayer? – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 37: Before Abraham Was, I Am Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible) John 8:51–59  Jesus said to the Jews: “I tell you solemnly, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.” The Jews said, “Now we know that You ... Read more The post Day 37: Before Abraham Was, I Am – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.