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
Dec 4, 2022 • 24min
Day 42: Considerations When Moving Onward (Introduction to the Devout Life)
The podcast discusses the virtues of the soul, the examples of saints like Monica and Paula, the importance of good resolutions, and the significance of prayer in the devout life.
Dec 3, 2022 • 26min
Day 41: Examining Our Conscience (Introduction to the Devout Life)
As we approach the end of the book, St. Francis de Sales shows us how to calmly examine our conscience when it comes to the Devout Life, particularly when it comes to ourselves, God, and our neighbors. What are we still attached to? Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertram encourage us to ask God for the grace to unburden ourselves and run yet more quickly to him.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.
Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Dec 2, 2022 • 25min
Day 40: Renewing Resolutions (Introduction to the Devout Life)
As we commit to living the devout life, how do we renew our resolutions along the way? St. Francis begins this final part of the book by offering us practical advice for persevering in the spiritual life as we inevitably experience trials, personal failures, and changing seasons. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob remind us to never give up when we fail because God can use our imperfections to perfect us in holiness.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.
Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Dec 2, 2022 • 6min
[BONUS] Intro Part 5: Exercises and Counsels for Renewing the Soul and Strengthening Her Devotion
In this special bonus episode, Fr. Gregory reads the commentary to Part 5 of Introduction to the Devout Life, the last part of Introduction to the Devout life. In this final part of the book, St. Francis De Sales provides us encouragement when it comes to making progress in the spiritual life.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.
Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Dec 1, 2022 • 22min
Day 39: The Rhythm of Consolation and Desolation (Introduction to the Devout Life)
In the conclusion of Part 4, St. Francis de Sales draws on the story of a companion of St. Bernard of Clairvaux to convey that we have to be prepared for God to give us moments of consolation to encourage us and moments of desolation to strengthen us. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand assure us that no matter the season, we will be able to see God’s hand in our lives.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.
Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Nov 30, 2022 • 26min
Day 38: Enduring Desolation (Introduction to the Devout Life)
The hosts discuss desolation in the Christian life and offer advice on troubleshooting and counteracting it. Chapter 14 of 'Introduction to the Devout Life' explores the causes of spiritual dryness and emphasizes self-reflection. The importance of perseverance, patience, and continuing acts of devotion and good works is highlighted. The concept of control in prayer is explored, and the significance of creating habits and dealing with desolation in prayer is discussed. The concept of distractions in prayer and how to handle them, along with the importance of staying focused on God, is also covered.
Nov 29, 2022 • 28min
Day 37: Receiving Consolation (Introduction to the Devout Life)
Consolations are good, but they are not ends in themselves. Continuing his discourse on temptation, St. Francis de Sales warns against attaching ourselves to consolations and encourages us to instead attach ourselves to God. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand guide us through discerning which consolations are evil and which consolations are fruitful and how to devote oneself to God in both circumstances.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.
Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Nov 28, 2022 • 24min
Day 36: The Temptation of Self-Reliance (Introduction to the Devout Life)
Anxiety and sorrow can be common obstacles to living the Devout Life well. St. Francis de Sales calls attention to how the Evil One will tempt us to be self-reliant when we only need to place our complete reliance on God. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand stress the importance of getting out of our minds and into our bodies, loving others and letting them love us.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.
Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Nov 27, 2022 • 23min
Day 35: Remedies for Temptation (Introduction to the Devout Life)
The Christian life is not simply about fighting temptations that might knock us off our path; it is about pursuing Christ. These temptations are not to be feared when met with the fidelity of God's grace. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand invite us not to be distracted by the battle of temptations, but to fix our eyes on the one who has already won the battle: Jesus Christ.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.
Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Nov 26, 2022 • 24min
Day 34: Consenting to Temptation (Introduction to the Devout Life)
Why does God allow temptation? When does experiencing temptation become sinful? St. Francis de Sales highlights the dangers of inviting temptations while pursuing the Devout Life. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand explore practical ways to help us cling to Christ rather than temptation through setting boundaries and practicing prudence.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.
Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
