The Church Today, The 7 Deadly Sins, & Healing Spiritual Wounds (Fr. Boniface Hicks) | Ep. 497

Inferno is the first part of Dante Alighieri's epic poem, The Divine Comedy. It describes Dante's journey through the nine concentric circles of Hell, each representing a different level of sin and punishment. Guided by Virgil, Dante encounters various historical and mythological figures, witnessing their punishments which are symbolic of their sins. The poem is an allegory of the soul's journey towards God, with Inferno representing the recognition and rejection of sin. Dante's journey through Hell is also a personal and spiritual exploration, reflecting his own struggles and the political and social issues of his time.

Unbound: A Woman's Guide to Power is a comprehensive guide that offers precise, practical instruction on how women can stand in their power, find their voice, and use it effectively. The book, written by Kasia Urbaniak, draws from her unique experiences as a dominatrix and her training to become a Taoist nun. It addresses common issues such as why women often feel reluctant to speak up in meetings or difficult conversations and how they can overcome these barriers. The book teaches women how to embrace their desires, navigate resistance, flip power dynamics, and create new roles for the people in their lives. It is part manual, part manifesto, and part behind-the-scenes look, aiming to help women live their most satisfying and powerful lives by breaking ingrained conditioning and mastering influential conversations.

In this book, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend provide biblically-based answers to help readers set healthy boundaries with their spouses, children, friends, parents, co-workers, and even themselves. The authors discuss how to establish clear personal property lines, manage digital life, and address common questions about setting boundaries. The book aims to help readers achieve a balanced lifestyle by understanding and implementing healthy boundaries in all areas of life.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].

In 'Through the Heart of St. Joseph', Fr. Boniface Hicks delves into the spiritual significance of St. Joseph, emphasizing how his life can transform and heal us. The book explores St. Joseph’s path and how his virtues of vulnerability, littleness, silence, and hiddenness can guide us towards a life of humble trust and steadfast courage. It also draws on the experiences of saints who lived the 'Joseph Option' to illustrate how we can emulate St. Joseph’s example. The book is praised for its accessible and ground-breaking contribution to understanding St. Joseph’s spirituality and its potential to deepen readers' devotion to him.

This book by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, explores the significance of silence in the Mass, guiding readers on how to actively listen and open themselves to receive God’s personal love. It delves into the various textures of silence, including the priest's quiet prayers, the use of incense and chalice veils, and intentional periods of silence. The book draws from the wisdom of saints, modern spiritual giants, and Fr. Hicks' own reflections to help readers cultivate active and receptive silence, practice lectio divina, and develop a deeper connection with God during the liturgy. Each chapter includes reflection questions to foster group discussions and personal spiritual growth[1][2][3].

In 'The Heart of Trauma', Bonnie Badenoch provides brain- and body-based insights into how we can form deep relational encounters with clients and ourselves. The book explores the ways in which our physical bodies are implicated in our conscious and non-conscious experiences, particularly in the context of trauma. Badenoch delves into the clinical implications of trauma, presenting a scientifically grounded case for achieving hemispheric balance and relational deepening. She emphasizes the role of nonjudgmental presence, co-regulation, and the importance of creating a safe therapeutic environment to facilitate healing. The book also discusses the interplay between various neural systems, such as the skin, muscles, autonomic nervous system, and the brain, highlighting their roles in embedded trauma and healing.

This book follows St. Louis de Montfort’s 33-day plan for Marian consecration, adapted by Fr. Boniface Hicks into a personal guided retreat. It includes daily meditations with Scripture passages, quotes from popes and saints, and traditional prayers. The book is divided into four weeks: the first 12 days focus on emptying oneself of the spirit of the world, followed by weeks on self-knowledge, knowledge of Mary, and knowledge of Jesus. The book aims to deepen the reader’s trust in and childlike dependence on God through Mary, promising spiritual renewal and a closer relationship with Jesus[1][3][4].

This book fortifies priests, religious, and lay faithful who embrace the ministry of spiritual direction. It integrates timeless spiritual wisdom from the Catholic Church’s tradition of prayer and direction with insights from psychological sciences. The authors provide concrete guidelines and examples from personal experience, referencing Sacred Scripture, the Doctors of the Church, the writings of the saints, and the papal magisterium. The book aims to help spiritual directors assist others in growing closer to God through His loving gaze of mercy and to deepen their own holiness.

This book brings together the depth of human experience and the Catholic tradition of prayer to guide readers in establishing a vulnerable and intimate relationship with God. Written by experienced spiritual directors Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB, and Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, it explores many forms of Catholic prayer, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in growing in relationship with God. The book is rich with the wisdom of Scripture, Catholic teaching, and the writings of the saints, making it an exhaustive guide for priests, religious, and laity seeking to receive the Father’s love in a profoundly personal way.