A new season of Catholic Classics is starting this fall. We are so excited to announce that for this season of Catholic Classics, we will be reading Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux. You can download the reading plan and order your copy of the book at ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

In this final episode, St. Augustine reflects on the height of creation: humanity. He ponders how men and women are oriented towards God because God has created them in his goodness and they are made to rest in him. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss what this means. They also address how God has healed humanity and why we are worthy of love. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 31-38.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine acknowledges the many insights and interpretations of Scripture. He distinguishes between the factual truth of biblical events and the deeper truths conveyed through the narratives. As Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain, our human limitations mean we lack perfect understanding when reading God's Word. Because of this, St. Augustine advocates approaching Scripture with humility. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 22-27.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Today we return to the theme of friendship. Saint Francis de Sales describes the necessity and danger of communion, arguing that a true friendship communicates in virtue. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand discuss friendship between men and women, pointing out concrete and practical examples of how to approach such relationships virtuously.

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Today, Saint Francis de Sales completes his consideration of poverty. He reminds us that to live a Devout Life means to embrace poverty as the dear friend of Jesus Christ. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand explain what true friendship looks like and the shared life it entails.

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St. Francis de Sales continues his examination of chastity and poverty. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand help us to understand that St. Francis de Sales is aiming to help us strive for the highest good and not lower goods.

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After covering patience, humility, and meekness, St. Francis de Sales shifts the conversation towards poverty, chastity, and obedience. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand help us to understand why these virtues are not reserved only for religious or clergy, but are important for all pursuing the Devout Life.

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St. Francis de Sales continues to walk us through some of the virtues that he believes are important to cultivate in the Devout Life. In this episode, he shares about the virtue of meekness. He explains what it is and how we can put it into practice towards our neighbors and ourselves.

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Today, St. Francis de Sales treats the ideas of abjection and reputation when it comes to the virtue of humility. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand help us to understand how abjection is not a bad thing and why it is important. They also explain how to appropriately care about your reputation.

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In this episode, St. Francis de Sales continues his examination of humility, but now turns to the more interior aspects of it. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand discuss how to understand humility and also how to work through some of the difficulties in practicing it.

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St. Francis de Sales offers patience and humility as two virtues that need our particular attention as we strive for the Devout Life. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand help us to understand how St. Francis de Sales is getting to the real meaning of each virtue.

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Here in the third part of Introduction to the Devout Life, we are focusing primarily on virtue. Today, St. Francis de Sales is taking us through how to choose which virtues, in particular, we need to cultivate in our lives.

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In this special bonus episode, Fr. Gregory offers an overview of what we can expect in the third part of Introduction to the Devout Life. He summarizes the primary theme of this section: the life of virtue.

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While Sacred Scripture can be interpreted in different ways, it always conveys the truth. St. Augustine explores the way we find truth in Scripture, acknowledging the different perspectives that arise as we study Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how St. Augustine paves the way for the Church’s ongoing discernment of the various ways God speaks to us through his Word. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 16-21.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

At the conclusion of Part 2, St. Francis de Sales offers advice on how to best receive Holy Communion. In addition, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand review what we have learned in this second part of Introduction to the Devout Life.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.

As St. Francis de Sales continues to guide us in how to actively pursue the Devout Life, he shares practical steps in making a good confession and receiving Holy Communion well. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand offer advice and encouragement on taking these steps in our own lives today.

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In this second part of Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales has been sharing about two of the tools that will help us grow in the Devout Life: prayer and the sacraments. In this episode, we will begin to look at the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.

St. Francis de Sales acknowledges that one of the greatest struggles in prayer is how busy life can be. In today’s readings, he explains that each of us should still be finding time throughout the day for brief moments with the Lord. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand explain how this might look in practice.

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How do you enter into prayer when you don’t want to pray? Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand continue to explore the advice offered by St. Francis de Sales on how to enter into prayer. In particular, this episode deals with the difficulty of dryness in prayer and how to persevere through it.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.

St. Francis de Sales continues to teach about the process of entering into prayer, primarily meditative prayer. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand also take us through St. Francis de Sales’ explanation of moving from aspiration to action when it comes to the Devout Life.

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The second part of Introduction to the Devout Life begins with an explanation on the necessity of prayer. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand help us to understand why prayer is so important and how we can begin to establish a habit of mental prayer with the guidance of St. Francis de Sales.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.

In this special bonus episode, Fr. Jacob-Bertrand offers an overview of what we can expect in the second part of Introduction to the Devout Life. He summarizes the primary theme of this section which is prayer and the sacraments and how those draw us into a closer relationship with God.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.

As we come to the end of the first part of Introduction to the Devout Life, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand walk us through a profession to serve God. They also help us in understanding the continued need for purification and letting go of attachments. In addition, they share some advice on making a general confession.

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In the final meditations from St. Francis de Sales, he takes time to meditate upon Heaven. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand explain how this leads us to a point where we must choose between Heaven and Hell.

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How do we reconcile God’s unchanging nature with creation’s changing nature? St. Augustine continues his discussion on the creative narrative in Genesis and highlights the “heaven of heavens." St. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine encourage us to be patient as we journey through St. Augustine’s speculative attempt to understand God. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 11-15.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand continue through four more meditations from St. Francis de Sales. These meditations focus primarily on sin, death, judgment, and hell. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand explain how to keep these things in mind while also keeping our focus on God and his mercy.

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Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand continue discussing how to begin the journey towards the devout life. They explain how God’s grace moves through all of it. Lastly, they go through three of St. Francis de Sales’ meditations to help us develop better contrition.

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What do we need in this journey towards the devout life? Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand share that some of the essentials for this journey are accompaniment, purgation, and the sacraments. However, one of the greatest essentials is the sacraments.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.

Welcome to Day 1 of Introduction to the Devout Life. Today, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk begin by explaining how important it is to get the principles right when starting out in the spiritual life. They also share what devotion is and how it functions in our walk towards holiness.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.

In this special bonus episode, Fr. Gregory Pine gives an overview of what we can expect in the first part of Introduction to the Devout Life. Fr. Gregory’s summation and helpful outline of Part 1 will equip you to receive the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.

In preparation for the beginning of Catholic Classics Season 1: Introduction to the Devout Life, Fr. Gregory Pine reads through the Dedicatory Prayer and the Author’s Preface.

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What should you expect from this podcast? In this special pre-launch episode, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk share all about the Catholic Classics podcast. They also offer you a brief overview of Introduction to the Devout Life which is the book we will be reading this season.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.

What does the creation account in Genesis reveal? St. Augustine begins his examination of Scripture by reflecting on the creation of heaven and earth with a sense of awe and wonder. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine explain that St. Augustine’s reflection is an attempt to intellectually grasp the reality of creation rather than merely imagine it in his mind. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 1-10.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we begin our journey into Book 12, Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine guide us through the main theme of this Book: Scripture. In the upcoming chapters, St. Augustine meditates on the complexity and richness of Sacred Scripture. We learn that the Word of God is living, transformative, and inexhaustible.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In the conclusion of Book 11, St. Augustine focuses on analyzing the power of memory and the dynamics between remembering the past, time, and reality. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine reflect on the mystery that although God exists outside of time, he chooses to reveal himself to us in time. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapter 27-31.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

How do we measure the present? As St. Augustine continues his examination of time, he focuses specifically on the passing of time in the present and the struggle of measuring it. This question points to his desire to understand our relationship with God who is the eternal present. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine reflect on the significance of time for understanding our human experience. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 21-26.

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.

Without dismissing the importance of the past and future, St. Augustine considers how everything only exists in the present. We engage with the past and future in that we engage with memories and think of what will be. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what it means to be present. They discuss how people tend to measure the passing of time by the passing of moments. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 15-20.

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.

What does it mean for God to exist outside of time? St. Augustine explores this concept in these chapters, contemplating what it means for God to provide for change without changing himself. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk guide us through these profound and highly philosophical reflections, interpreting the distinctions between divine and human speech. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 7-14.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine delves into the creation narratives, abstaining from scriptural commentary. Instead, he scrutinizes the initial chapters of Genesis, engaging in profound meditation on the underlying realities and themes. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk emphasize St. Augustine's aspiration that his work would guide others toward a deeper understanding and love for God. By bearing witness to his personal journey and sharing his reflections, St. Augustine illustrates how we can also enhance our knowledge and love for God. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 1-6.

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.

In this penultimate episode, St. Augustine distinguishes between a gift and a fruit so as to help us understand what it means to receive from God. St. Augustine also refutes the Manichaeans concerning creation and the beginnings of the world. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss how we ought to receive the gifts given to us. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 26-30.

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.

As we enter Book 11, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us that these last three chapters are less autobiographical and more theological. St. Augustine dedicates this portion of his writing to a study of time. God’s existence does not unfold how our lives unfold; he is not time-bound. Our hosts explain what it means for the Lord to lack complexity and help us understand creation as an overflow of love.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Continuing his examination of pride, St. Augustine notes how this vice lurks in evil and good works. He sums up his battle between joy in his conversion and sadness in his bad habits. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that the marks of humanity are true in all centuries. The best way to combat our fallen natures is to be on your guard against sins and always return to Christ. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 38-43.

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.

Is it better for God to be loved or feared? St. Augustine reflects on this question as he addresses the threefold concupiscence of sin found in John’s Gospel. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss what it means to be attracted to truth but in an inordinate way. They conclude with a conversation on pride and the subtleties of this vice. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 35-37.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Moderating our bodily attachments and desires is essential for spiritual growth. St. Augustine describes the ways our bodily desires and attachments can become distorted. From love of food to love of music, every earthly attachment can turn us away from God if we become overly reliant on them. Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Gregory invite us to consider a holy detachment from the things of this world so we can let God fill us completely. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 31-34.

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.

True and enduring happiness is found only in God. St. Augustine examines the ways he looked for happiness in the wrong places, mainly in himself and in the pleasures of the world. He expresses repentance for not loving the Lord sooner, inspiring his famous prayer: “Late have I loved you, Beauty ever ancient and ever new, late have I loved you!” Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine challenge us to examine the ways we seek happiness in our lives. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 22-30.

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.

What is the role of memory in the spiritual life? As St. Augustine continues his philosophical discussion on the human mind, he focuses on understanding the different ways that memory works. We learn that our memory allows us to see God’s handiwork throughout our lives. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Gregory Pine also remind us that God wants to heal and purify our memories. Today's reading are Book 10, Chapters 16-21.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The human mind is a magnificent gift of God given to us to discover truth. Using a scientific approach, St. Augustine delves into the origins of intellect, memory, and conceptual thought. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory break down St. Augustine’s reflection and emphasize that the human mind sets us apart from the rest of creation. Today's readings are Book 10, Chapters 10-15.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

We can find God’s footprints in the beauty of creation and the mystery of our own humanity. St. Augustine poetically explores creation, the senses, and the human mind as ways we can encounter God in our initial search for him. Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine remind us that God reveals himself in tangible ways because he wants us to know him.Today's readings are Book 10, Chapters 6-9.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What moves St. Augustine to share his testimony with others? St. Augustine reflects on his motivations behind making Confession and his approach to sharing his testimony so as to edify others. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk explain how St. Augustine models for us the appropriate way to bear witness to Christ and prudently share our testimonies so that God may be glorified. Today's readings are Book 10, Chapters 1-5.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we enter Book 10, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk prepare us for a shift in tone. We transition from St. Augustine discussing his life to St. Augustine reflecting more deeply on who God is and what he does. Our hosts remind us that we must approach this Book as students and disciples of Christ. We should train our minds and hearts to pursue God fully.

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.