
Catholic Classics
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 19, 2024 • 39min
Day 19: Doubts of Heaven (Story of a Soul)
In this insightful discussion, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a beloved Carmelite nun known for her "Little Way" to holiness, shares her struggles with spiritual dryness and doubts about Heaven. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith during challenging times. The conversation explores the interplay between earthly desires and divine love, encouraging listeners to navigate their own spiritual journeys with humility and hope. Throughout, the transformative power of love and connection to God is celebrated, allowing for profound reflection on personal faith.

Oct 18, 2024 • 37min
Day 18: Experiences of Death (Story of a Soul)
In this captivating discussion, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun known for her "Little Way" to holiness, shares her harrowing experiences during an influenza outbreak that claimed the lives of fellow nuns. She reflects on her increased responsibilities and the emotional toll of grief amidst her community. The conversation also touches on the challenges of spiritual dryness in prayer, exploring how we can navigate these struggles with resilience and faith. Insights on embracing vocation and deepening one’s connection with Jesus add to the richness of her story.

Oct 17, 2024 • 32min
Day 17: Learning Poverty (Story of a Soul)
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a renowned Carmelite nun known for her "Little Way" spirituality, shares her profound journey of faith. She reflects on the challenges of transitioning into monastery life and emphasizes the importance of seeking growth in virtue. Discussions highlight the beauty of religious ceremonies, the transformative power of suffering, and the intimate bond between sisters in faith. St. Thérèse delves into humility and everyday virtues, illustrating how divine grace supports personal growth and spiritual fulfillment.

Oct 16, 2024 • 29min
Day 16: Entering Carmel (Story of a Soul)
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a renowned Carmelite nun known for her "Little Way" to holiness, shares her poignant journey as she enters Carmel. She reflects on her emotional farewell to her family, expressing both grief and excitement. The discussion highlights the significance of parental blessings and the balance of sacrifice in religious life. Thérèse's insights connect personal suffering with spiritual growth, emphasizing the transformative power of grace as one commits to a life of prayer and devotion.

Oct 15, 2024 • 34min
Day 15: Patience in Following God’s Will (Story of a Soul)
Discover the inspiring journey of St. Thérèse after her meeting with Pope Leo XIII, illustrating her patience in following God's will. Explore the contrasts of beauty and peril while reflecting on divine grace, and uncover a pilgrim's inner struggles between spiritual fulfillment and societal challenges. Experience the emotional longing tied to faith during Christmas and witness how enduring patience fosters spiritual and emotional growth, influencing the lives of those around her.

Oct 14, 2024 • 36min
Day 14: Holy Boldness (Story of a Soul)
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun renowned for her 'Little Way' to spiritual perfection, shares her enchanting pilgrimage to Rome. She vividly recounts meeting Pope Leo XIII, showcasing her faith and the challenges she faced. The discussion weaves through her transformative experiences at sacred sites like Loretto and the Colosseum, emphasizing divine guidance and personal determination. Her boldness in expressing her desires reflects a deep commitment to her faith, inspiring listeners with her spiritual insights and fervent devotion.

Oct 13, 2024 • 36min
Day 13: Being in the World (Story of a Soul)
In this insightful discussion, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a beloved Catholic saint known for her "Little Way" spirituality, shares her transformative pilgrimage to Rome. She reflects on the beauty of nature, prayers for priests, and her deepening faith during this journey. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph illuminate the historical ties between cloistered nuns and priests, emphasizing the significance of humility and divine fulfillment. The episode beautifully captures the spiritual growth sparked by her experiences and encounters in Italy.

Oct 12, 2024 • 24min
Day 12: Overcoming Timidity (Story of a Soul)
In this engaging discussion, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a beloved Carmelite nun known for her profound yet simple path to holiness, shares her struggles with timidity in her quest for spiritual fulfillment. Her humorous and poignant attempt to seek permission from the bishop highlights her resilience and vulnerability. The conversation delves into her emotional journey, the role of divine providence in overcoming obstacles, and the peace she finds in spiritual discernment despite initial rejections.

Oct 11, 2024 • 36min
Day 11: Humility & Perseverance (Story of a Soul)
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her "Little Way" to holiness, shares her passionate journey towards joining the Carmelite order at just 15. She reveals the vulnerable moment of confessing her desires to her father and uncle, facing initial denials with remarkable perseverance. The priests delve into her family's influence and the significance of receiving permission for her vocation. Themes of humility, emotional support, and spiritual growth resonate throughout, inviting listeners to reflect on their own faith journeys.

Oct 10, 2024 • 39min
Day 10: A Christmas Conversion (Story of a Soul)
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a beloved Catholic saint and author of "Story of a Soul," shares her transformative Christmas conversion at age 15. She recounts her transition from grief to spiritual awakening, emphasizing the deep union with Christ found in suffering. The discussion also touches on her longing for the salvation of sinners and the importance of divine grace in overcoming personal struggles. Listeners will be inspired by her compelling choice of love and desire to serve, igniting their own spiritual journeys.
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