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 21, 2023 • 24min
Day 20: Wrestling with Authority (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine struggles with abusive authority, questions happiness source. Hosts reflect on belief, authority. Speaker reflects on search for truth, divine conversion. Reflections on seeking happiness, emptiness of pursuits. Transformation through reflection, young man's transformation. Importance of relationships, journey to Christ.
Oct 20, 2023 • 25min
Day 19: Struggling with Past Wrongs (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine's struggle with past wrongs and his mother's devotion are discussed. The role of St. Monica and Bishop Ambrose in his conversion is examined. The significance of silent reading and focused engagement is explored. St. Augustine's journey to Milan and the transformative impact of St. Ambrose's teaching are highlighted.
Oct 20, 2023 • 17min
Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 6 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
We need companions on the journey! In the chapters of Book 6, a greater emphasis is placed on the relationships in St. Augustine’s life. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss some of those relationships. St. Monica, of course, continues to be a pivotal person for St. Augustine. We are also introduced to St. Augustine’s companion St. Alipius. And finally, there is the continued presence of St. Ambrose in his life.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.
Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Oct 19, 2023 • 25min
Day 18: Drawn in by Kindness (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Ambrose's kindness draws St. Augustine in, leading to his renewal and choice to become a catechumen. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk reflect on St. Ambrose's impact. Chapters include St. Augustine's search for happiness, encountering cultural differences on his journey, and the gradual unfolding of grace in his Christian life.
Oct 18, 2023 • 17min
Day 17: Our Choices vs. God’s Will (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine's hasty decision to leave Carthage for Rome despite his mother's disagreement, and his reflections on decision-making. The hosts discuss God's work with our choices and the concept of God's providence. They also highlight the power of a mother's prayers and the healing power of God. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of acknowledging weaknesses and looking ahead.
Oct 17, 2023 • 22min
Day 16: Meeting Faustus (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine meets Faustus, a Manichaean bishop, but is disappointed by his inability to answer questions. The podcast explores the dangers of false teachings and the importance of discerning truth beyond eloquence. It also discusses the distinction between eloquence and wisdom in preaching, as well as Augustine's disillusionment with the Manichaean sect and the challenges of pursuing wisdom.
Oct 16, 2023 • 23min
Day 15: Manichaeism (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
In this podcast, St. Augustine seeks understanding and truth from Faustus, the Bishop of the Manichaeans. The speakers discuss the difference between Catholic and Manichaean accounts of evil, the impact of Augustine's meeting with Faustus on his spiritual journey, and the significance of heresy. They also reflect on the power of confession, the importance of seeking God, and the distinction between knowing God and knowing nature.
Oct 16, 2023 • 18min
Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 5 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Join us in this thrilling podcast journey as we explore the experiences of St. Augustine at the age of 28, his dissatisfaction with Manichaeism, his move to Rome, and his encounter with St. Ambrose in Milan. Discover the intricate relationship between Saint Monica and Augustine, the concept of God's providence, and the constant grace that invites sinners to return.
Oct 15, 2023 • 23min
Day 14: Discerning Truth and Beauty (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine reflects on the gift of intelligence and its limitations in understanding truth and beauty. The dangers of intellectual pride are discussed, emphasizing the need to engage with the truth. The role of God's grace in illuminating our minds and leading us to conversion is explored.
Oct 14, 2023 • 23min
Day 13: The Trials of Time (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
St. Augustine explores the nature of time and eternity, emphasizing the need to trust in God. The podcast discusses the impact of praise and criticism, the process of spiritual growth through failure and transformation, and the pursuit of holiness and reconnecting with our true desires.
