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.
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
Oct 13, 2023 • 25min
Day 12: Attachment and Grief (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
In this episode, St. Augustine analyzes his attachment to grief and the loss of loved ones. The hosts discuss the comforting aspect of expressing sorrow, seeking solace in friendships, and the intertwined nature of friendship and love. They also explore the concept of sanctification and virtuous grieving.
Oct 12, 2023 • 24min
Day 11: Consumed by Passions (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
The podcast discusses St. Augustine's pursuit of carnal desires, his distaste for astrology, his intimate relationship with a woman, and the discovery and loss of a dear friendship. It reflects on the goodness of searching even if you stumble along the way and explores themes of honesty, sincerity, and brokenness in the pursuit of truth.
Oct 12, 2023 • 16min
Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 4 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine's relationships, fatherhood, heresy, and loss are discussed in this podcast. The hosts explore St. Augustine's desires for love and intimacy, his transition to adulthood, and his intense pursuit of knowledge and truth. They also emphasize the importance of spiritual alignment in relationships and detaching from worldly things to pursue holiness. The transformative power of recognizing life's crosses in the light of Christ is highlighted.
Oct 11, 2023 • 25min
Day 10: Love for God and the Love of a Mother (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine reflects on the meaning of loving God and ponders the origins of sin. The podcast explores the spiritual bond between a mother and her child, showcasing the power of a mother's prayers. It also delves into the justness of loving God and neighbor, and the significance of meditating on sin.
Oct 10, 2023 • 25min
Day 9: Searching for Answers (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine joins the Manichaeans due to the answers they provide. Augustine reflects on his journey towards seeking ultimate truth and encounters with deceptive individuals. His engagement with Cicero's writings and the Scriptures is explored. The theme of wisdom and Augustine's journey of seeking wisdom through different sources is discussed. Saint Ambrose's preaching reignites Augustine's desire for wisdom and he ponders the contradiction of evil with the existence of one God and the goodness of creation.
Oct 9, 2023 • 24min
Day 8: The Power of Temptation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine's desires for wisdom and love are discussed, along with the reality and intensity of temptation. The hosts reflect on their own past experiences and the consequences of their actions. The fascination with sorrow and mercy in human nature is explored. The speaker contemplates their past actions and desires for wisdom, including the impact of a book by Cicero. The powerful imagery and fleeting satisfaction of desires are highlighted in St. Augustine's Confessions.
Oct 9, 2023 • 18min
Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 3 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
In this bonus episode, the hosts introduce Book 3 of 'The Confessions of St. Augustine' and discuss his pursuit of wisdom and encounter with the writings of Cicero. They also delve into the Manichaeism heresy and its appeal and dismissal. Get ready for St. Augustine's quest for knowledge and his struggle with interpreting sacred scripture.
Oct 8, 2023 • 15min
Day 7: Communal Sin (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Augustine considers the communal dimension of sin and the influence of society and the company we keep. The importance of creating a virtuous and growth-oriented environment is explored. Self-reflection, understanding motivations, and trusting in God are emphasized. The symbolism of theft prompts examination of relationships and desires.
5 snips
Oct 7, 2023 • 22min
Day 6: The Agony of Sin (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
The podcast explores the motivations behind sin and the significance of a scene in St. Augustine's Confessions where pears are stolen. It delves into the impact of excessive desires on sinful acts and reflects on sin, God's attributes, and the complexities of understanding motivations. The speakers emphasize the importance of surrendering weaknesses to God's mercy and embracing Jesus's love and grace.
Oct 6, 2023 • 23min
Day 5: Divine Providence (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine reflects on lust vs love and God's silence in his straying from chastity. The hosts discuss the importance of penitence and choosing God freely. They explore St. Augustine's struggles with chastity, sins against God, and the role of providence in his life.
