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Day 7 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 7: Service St. Francis, you lived out the Gospel commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized with great humility and love. You saw in each person the image of Christ, ... Read more The post Day 7 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. Wieck discusses consolation, desolation, and the ways the Enemy can strike our weak points. The post HSE10 – Consolation and Desolation – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 6 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 6: Joy St. Francis, your heart was filled with heavenly joy, even in the midst of trials and sufferings. You understood that true joy comes from a heart that is united with Christ and surrendered to God's will. ... Read more The post Day 6 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 5 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 5: Poverty St. Francis, you embraced Lady Poverty, imitating Christ who was born in a humble manger and died naked upon the Cross. By detaching yourself from the things of this world, you found the riches of Heaven, ... Read more The post Day 5 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Eight St. Therese you have said: “And it is the Lord, it is Jesus, who is my judge. Therefore i will try always to think leniently of others, that He may judge me leniently, or rather not at all, since He says: "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged.” The post A Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux – Day Eight – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor God as the True End God as the true end is the seventh attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, all choices, prayers, and works lead us to Him, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus calls us to live the ... Read more The post God as the True End – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Kris McGregor joins to discuss Discerning Hearts and the road to sainthood. Bishop Thomas Paprocki visits to talk about the growing opposition to Senator Durbin receiving a lifetime achievement award from Bishop Cupich. Plus, Lisa Livezey is our guest in-studio to discuss God's providence in caregiving and her book "Minding Mom".
Day 9 - The Celestial Choir of Angels - St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me. The post Day 9 – The Angels – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 4 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 4: Love of Creation St. Francis, you praised God through all of His creation, seeing in every creature the hand of the Creator. In your “Canticle of the Creatures,” you praised the Lord for Brother Sun and Sister ... Read more The post Day 4 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Right Priorities Right priorities are the sixth attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, priorities are ordered when God comes first. Jesus teaches us: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.”St. Augustine reminds us that ... Read more The post Right Priorities – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 3 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 3: Humility St. Francis, you embraced the profound humility of Christ, who “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). You considered yourself the least of all and sought not your own glory, but the glory ... Read more The post Day 3 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Prayerful Reflection Prayerful reflection is the fifth attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, it means pausing to notice God's presence in daily life. The psalmist reminds us, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me,” and saints like Francis de Sales encouraged ... Read more The post Prayerful Reflection – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 8 St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works, in order that we gain the glory of Paradise. Amen V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me. The post Day 8 – The Archangels – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Interior Freedom Interior freedom is the fourth attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, this freedom is not doing whatever we please but the grace to choose what leads us closer to God. Christ teaches that “the truth will make you free,” and the ... Read more The post Interior Freedom – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 2 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 2: Peace St. Francis, you were a true instrument of peace, not only in your actions but in your entire way of life. You lived out the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), reconciling enemies, ... Read more The post Day 2 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 7 - The Celestial Choir of Principalities - St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena- St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me. The post Day 7 – The Principalities – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 6 - The Celestial Choir of Powers - St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me. The post Day 6 – The Powers – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Courage Courage is the third attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, courage means trusting Christ even when the path is uncertain. When fear threatens to hold us back, His words remind us: “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” St. Teresa of ... Read more The post Courage – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 1 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 1: Simplicity St. Francis, you gave up everything to follow Our Lord more perfectly. In embracing holy poverty, you lived the Gospel in its most radical form, imitating the poverty of Christ Himself. You found in simplicity the ... Read more The post Day 1 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. Wieck discusses the reasons we fall into desolation. The post HSE9 – The Reasons for Spiritual Desolation – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Generosity Generosity is the second attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, generosity means giving ourselves to God without reserve, echoing Mary's fiat: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Inspired by the radical joy of St. Francis of Assisi, this reflection ... Read more The post Generosity – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 5 - The Celestial Choir of Virtues - St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me. The post Day 5 – The Virtues – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 4 - The Celestial Choir of Dominations - St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me. The post Day 4 – The Dominations – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Openness Openness is the first attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, this means learning to listen with trust — to receive God's word not only with our minds but with the “ear of the heart,” as St. Benedict teaches. In this episode, we ... Read more The post Openness – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 3 - The Celestial Choir of Thrones - St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me. The post Day 3 – The Thrones – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena - Day 1 St. Therese you have said: “I understood that every flower created by him is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would no longer be enamelled with lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, our lord's living garden.” Saint Therese, flower of Carmel, you said you would spend your heaven doing good upon the earth. Your trust in God was complete. Listen to my prayer; bring before God my special intention... Pray for me that I may have something of your confidence in the loving promises of our God. Pray that I may live my life in union with God's plan for me, and one day see the Face of God who you so ardently loved. Saint Therese, you kept your word to love God and to trust the world to that loving providence. Pray for us that we may be faithful to our commitment to love. May our lives, like yours, be able to touch the world and bring it to peace. Amen The post A Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux – Day One – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 2 - The Celestial Choir of Cherubim - St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me. The post Day 2 – The Cherubim – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this episode, Julian of Norwich reveals the mystery of prayer as the soul's union with God. She shows that Christ Himself is the ground of every prayer, the One who awakens the desire to pray, gives the words we offer, and delights to receive them. Prayer is not about changing God, who is always love, but about allowing ourselves to be changed, drawn more deeply into His mercy and will. Julian teaches that even when prayer feels dry or unanswered, it remains precious to God, for it rests in His eternal goodness. Whether in need or in gratitude, prayer unites us to Christ and becomes a share in His eternal joy The post Ep 12 – The 14th Shewing – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 1 - The Celestial Choir of Seraphim - St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me. The post Day 1 – The Seraphim – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The post HSE8 – The Two Standards: Christ or the Enemy – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This episode focuses on Week Two of the Spiritual Exercises. The post HSE7 – What Has God Elected to Us? – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This episode takes a look at methods of Ignatian prayer. The post HSE6 – Ignatian Prayer – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this episode, we are guided into a deeper into the closing chapters of the Thirteenth Shewing. Julian confronts the painful reality of sin, but also the astonishing way God transforms even our wounds into worship. She sees how contrition, compassion, and longing for God purify the soul and prepare it for heaven, and how shame is turned into joy. Julian insists there is no harder hell than sin itself, yet reminds us that Christ's mercy always seeks to heal and restore. Through her visions, she teaches us to hate sin for love of God while endlessly loving the soul as God loves it. This episode concludes with Julian's reassurance that we are kept securely in God's mercy, called to live lives of repentance, prayer, and sacramental grace as we await the day when truly “all shall be well. The post Ep 11 – The 13th Shewing pt. 3 – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Kris McGregor as she discusses the book "Praying with St. Augustine" with Sarah Park McLaughlin. The post IP#492 Sarah Park McLaughlin – Praying with St. Augustine on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts » Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Join Kris McGregor as she discusses the book "Praying with St. Augustine" with Sarah Park McLaughlin. The post IP#492 Sarah Park McLaughlin – Praying with St. Augustine on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This episode takes a look at the Spiritual Exercises through the lens of our identity in and relationship with Christ. The post HSE5 – Our Identity & Relationship in Christ – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Navigating Spiritual Desolation - Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss St. Ignatius' rules on spiritual desolation and distinguishing between the actions of the good spirit and the enemy during the discernment process. In particular, Rules 5 through 9 provide practical guidance, advising against changes during desolation, promoting active spiritual tools, and addressing the causes and purposes of desolation. Fr. Gallagher makes note of the trial aspect, encouraging patience, and stresses the humility of recognizing spiritual consolation as a gift from God. The post SD2 – The Practical Guidance of Rules 5-9 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This episode continues the analogy of the charism triptych and examines St. Ignatius's role in the founding of the Jesuits. The post HSE4 – St. Ignatius, A Man of the Church – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Kris McGregor introduces the breadth of spiritual formation resources offered by the apostolate. The post An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part Three: Guide to Spiritual Formation – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and what death really means. Reading 21 COR 15:20-27 Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet.” The post The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this episode, we continue our exploration of Julian of Norwich's Thirteenth Shewing, set against the vibrant faith of 14th-century Norwich. We consider the Church's clear teaching on heaven, hell, and purgatory, and how Julian's mystical visions always remained anchored in that truth. She reflects on the “great Secret” God keeps hidden until the appointed time and the truths He reveals through the Church, urging us to trust His timing. Julian then unfolds the harmony of God's “Rightfulness” — His perfect justice and order — with His unfailing mercy that lifts us from our falls. Finally, she shows us how the Lord calls us tenderly back to Himself, saying, “I am enough to thee,” and how miracles, often preceded by trials, are given to strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and draw us deeper into His love. The post Ep 10 – The 13th Shewing pt. 2 – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This episode goes into the gift of charism and describes it the first two parts of a triptych. The post HSE3 – The Charism and Gift of St. Ignatius – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In Conference 8, Fr. Gallagher concludes the retreat with letters from St. Therese to a fellow Sister in the Carmelites, showing the depths of Therese's sanctity in loving others, even the "difficult" ones. The post HIDT8 – Conference 8 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue this series centered around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This episode goes into the gift of charism and continues the story of St. Ignatius' ill-fated journey to the Holy Land. The post HSE2 – The Gift of Charism – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In Episode 9 we begin with part 1 of the Thirteenth Shewing, Julian confronts the mystery of sin and the question that has echoed through every age: why did God allow it? Her desire for understanding is met not with explanation but with a word of divine assurance—"All shall be well." This episode invites us into the mystery of redemptive hope, where God's hidden work is not yet seen but fully underway. This is the first of several episodes on Julian's longest and most theologically rich revelation. The post Ep 9 – The 13th Shewing pt. 1 – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In Conference 7, In Conference 7, through various letters of the Martin sisters, Fr. Gallagher gives us insight into the interpersonal relationships of the Martin Sisters, especially St. Therese's feelings towards her aunt, Celine Guerin. The post HIDT7- Conference 7 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In Part Two, Kris McGregor introduces us to the features and resources available through the Discerning Hearts website and mobile app. The platform offers rich spiritual content including spiritual formation, prayers, scripture study, Church teaching, and reflections. The post An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part Two: How to Use the Discerning Hearts App – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode Seven – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode of Stories from the Heart, Msgr. John Esseff joins Kris McGregor to reflect on his seminary years beginning in 1945 during the final months of World War II. He recalls the rigorous training in Latin and ... Read more The post SFTH-7 – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this introductory episode, Kris McGregor welcomes listeners to Discerning Hearts and offers a guided overview of the rich spiritual resources available through the platform. From deep spiritual formation with renowned teachers like Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Dr. Anthony Lilles, to practical tools like the Daily Lectio Divina and Examen Prayer, Kris highlights how Discerning Hearts supports daily growth in prayer, scripture, and Catholic teaching. We are introduced to major categories including prayer and devotionals, scripture study, Church history, apologetics, Catholic social teaching, and more—all accessible for free through the website, mobile app, podcast platforms, and 24/7 streaming. The post An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part One: Formation, Prayer, and More – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In Conference 6, Zelie's sister, St. Marie-Dosithee, dies and shortly afterwards, Zelie's relationship with Leonie takes a turn for the better. As Zelie's breast cancer grows worse, she and her daughters take a disastrous trip to Lourdes, and not long afterwards, the matriarch of the Martin family succumbs to her illness, forever changing the lives of the Martin family as they start a new life in Lisieux. The post HIDT6- Conference 6 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.