Catholic Classics
Ascension
Welcome to Catholic Classics from Ascension! Each season we'll read through a great Catholic spiritual writing providing insightful commentary and practical guidance along the way. Informative and enriching, these 20-30 mins episodes will allow you to learn from the Catholic Church’s most revered saints and teachers as you seek to cultivate your spiritual life. In season three of Catholic Classics, join Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris as they read and explain Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. In her “Little Way,” St. Thérèse shows us that, despite our weakness, (or perhaps because of it) God can make us saints through unbounded confidence in his love. Find out more about the Catholic Classics podcast at ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 8, 2026 • 35min
Day 12: Loving Others Before Ourselves
A reflection on St. Teresa of Ávila’s call to put others before ourselves. Explore the difference between spiritual consolation and genuine surrender, the hidden obstacles that hinder holiness, and how everyday choices reveal authentic love. The discussion also considers sacrifice, humility, perseverance in prayer, and protecting the dignity of those around us.
Nov 7, 2026 • 41min
Day 11: From Silkworm to Butterfly
Explore St. Teresa of Ávila’s vivid image of the silkworm becoming a butterfly. The journey moves through confession, prayer, self-denial, detachment, suffering, and surrender, leading toward transformative union with God. Along the way, discover spiritual longing, heavenly homesickness, and how genuine growth reveals itself through love for others.
Nov 6, 2026 • 32min
Day 10: The Treasure Within
Sr. Elfie Del Rosario, a Catholic religious sister and spiritual commentator, joins a reflection on St. Teresa of Ávila’s Fifth Dwelling Places. They explore the soul’s hidden treasure, prayer of union, and the difference between striving and receptivity. The conversation considers surrender, transformation, certainty of God’s presence, and how Mary can help reveal the places we keep closed to divine love.
4 snips
Nov 5, 2026 • 39min
Day 9: The Quiet Way God Works
St. Teresa explores how God gently draws the soul inward through quiet prayer, without forcing extraordinary experiences. The discussion considers discernment, spiritual freedom, humility, and the lasting fruits of authentic prayer. It also highlights finding God in everyday responsibilities, trusting his initiative, and remaining faithful in small, ordinary moments.
10 snips
Nov 4, 2026 • 25min
Day 8: The Gift of Infused Prayer
What changes when prayer shifts from effort to gift? Drawing from St. Teresa of Avila’s The Interior Castle, this reflection explores emotional consolation, spiritual delight, and the soul’s quiet encounter with God. Discover the role of humility, detachment, receptivity, and charity, and why the fruits of prayer matter more than dramatic feelings.
11 snips
Nov 3, 2026 • 39min
Day 7: Unitive Prayer
Sr. Elfie Del Rosario, a Catholic religious sister who supports young people’s spiritual growth, explores St. Teresa of Ávila’s Fourth Dwelling Place with Sr. Katie Flanagan. They discuss the difference between consolation and spiritual delight, why distractions do not mean prayer has failed, and how God guides spiritual growth in His own time. They also consider creative ways to remain faithful in prayer amid everyday life.
10 snips
Nov 2, 2026 • 34min
Day 6: Attachment Disguised as Virtue
Explore how attachment can masquerade as virtue, especially when concern for charity, discipline, or spiritual progress hides a grip on personal plans. St. Teresa of Avila examines why seemingly orderly souls unravel under pressure, while humility, obedience, wise companions, and honest self-knowledge reveal the path toward genuine surrender.
10 snips
Nov 1, 2026 • 31min
Day 5: Purifying Our Hearts
A journey into the Third Dwelling Places of The Interior Castle explores the hidden work behind an orderly spiritual life. Topics include surrendering personal will, detaching from approval and spiritual consolation, recognizing interior struggles, and finding humility and peace in dry prayer. The discussion also considers how love, perseverance, and faithfulness are expressed beyond religious practices and feelings.
12 snips
Oct 31, 2026 • 37min
Day 4: Persevering in Prayer
Explore St. Teresa of Ávila’s wisdom on persevering in prayer through distractions, temptation, spiritual dryness, and failure. The discussion considers how God speaks through Scripture, trials, silence, and grace, while highlighting the cross, spiritual friendship, confession, and beginning again. Discover how steady prayer, even without consoling feelings, keeps the soul moving toward deeper union with God.
12 snips
Oct 30, 2026 • 35min
Day 3: Overcoming Mortal Sin
Explore St. Teresa of Ávila’s image of the soul as an interior castle, where mortal sin clouds the light of God. The discussion touches on humility, self-knowledge, spiritual distractions, false zeal, worldly attachments, and the intercession of Mary and the saints. Confession, prayer, and trust in divine mercy point the way toward renewed freedom.
