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Fr. Innocent Smith’s lecture illuminates how Gregorian Chant, rooted in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, enriches Catholic liturgy by shaping Christian spirituality and expressing the deep joy of the Gospel through sung prayer. This lecture was given on April 10th, 2025, at Clemson University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Innocent Smith, O.P., is Assistant Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. After undergraduate studies in music and philosophy at Notre Dame, he entered the Order of Preachers in 2008 and was ordained priest in 2015. Fr. Innocent served in parish ministry for several years before completing a doctorate in liturgical studies at the University of Regensburg in 2021. After teaching for several years in Baltimore and Washington, DC, he joined the Department of Theology in 2025. His research focuses on the material and musical aspects of medieval liturgical books as well as the relationship between liturgy and theology. His monograph Bible Missals and the Medieval Dominican Liturgy explores medieval manuscripts of the Bible that also contain liturgical texts for the celebration of Mass. Keywords: Biblical Canticles, Christian Liturgy, Ecclesiastical Music, Eucharistic Thanksgiving, Gregorian Chant, Liturgical Solemnity, Psalms Of David, Sacramental Joy, St. Augustine, Sung Prayer

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Canticles: Gregorian Chant and the Joy of the Gospel – Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P.

Discover

In this episode Trent discusses how to help female members of the Body of Christ overcome a sin 60% of women engaged in last month.

#1116 The Female Sin No One Talks About - Trent Horn

Dr. R.J. Snell argues that the real epidemic behind student anxiety, boredom, and frenzied achievement is not laziness but sloth—a refusal of responsibility and a sadness at the divine good—that resists joy, commitment, and genuine happiness. This lecture was given on December 1st, 2025, at New York University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: R. J. Snell is Editor-in-Chief of Public Discourse and Director of Academic Programs at the Witherspoon Institute in Princeton, NJ. He has been a visiting instructor at Princeton University, where he is also executive director of the Aquinas Institute for Catholic Life. He's written books and articles on Natural Law, Education, Bernard Lonergan, Boredom, Subjectivity, and Sexual Ethics for a variety of publications. Keywords: Acedia And Sloth, Aquinas On Joy, Boredom And Busyness, Contemporary Student Anxiety, Contemplation And Leisure, Judge Holden in Blood Meridian, Sloth As Sadness At The Good, Thomistic Spiritual Theology, True Festivity And Eucharist

The Terrible Covenant of Sloth: Boredom and the Resistance of Joy – Dr. R.J. Snell

In this episode Trent reflects on the overuse of nostalgia at the Super Bowl last weekend.
Transcript:
Trent Horn (00:00):
If you listen to this show long and if you know that I have a bad case in nostalgia for the nineties, early two thousands, but even I know when nostalgia gets to be too much, and I really felt that way on the Super Bowl last weekend. That&#8217;s what I want to talk about today. Decompress a little bit about. So yeah, Monday&#8217;s, Wednesdays here on the Council of Trent. We talk apologetics and theology. But Friday, hey, we talk about whatever I want to talk about and t...

#1129 FFAF: The Super Bowl and Nostalgia Sickness - Trent Horn

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they discuss the progression of marital intimacy and the redeeming power of God in this sacrament! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "spiritualdirection.com/events">Divine Intimacy in Marriage</a> - retreat</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

Divine Intimacy in Marriage: The Redeeming Power of God

Prof. Jennifer Frey’s lecture compares Aquinas and Newman on the pursuit of wisdom and happiness, showing how a true liberal education cultivates philosophical habits and interior freedom by uniting the quest for knowledge, meaning, and the common good. This lecture was given on September 18th, 2025, at University of Tulsa. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Jennifer A. Frey is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Tulsa. She previously served as the inaugural Dean of the Honors College. Before coming to Oklahoma, she was an Associate Professor of philosophy at the University of South Carolina, where she was also a Peter and Bonnie McCausland Faculty Fellow in the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to her tenure at Carolina, she was a Collegiate Assistant Professor the Humanities at the University of Chicago, and a junior fellow of the Society for the Liberal Arts. She earned her Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh and her B.A. in philosophy and medieval studies (with a classics minor) at Indiana University-Bloomington. In 2015, she was awarded a multi-million dollar grant from the John Templeton Foundation, titled “Virtue, Happiness, and the Meaning of Life.” She has published widely on virtue and moral psychology, and she has edited three academic volumes on virtue and human action: Self Transcendence and Virtue: Perspectives from Philosophy, Psychology, and Theology; Practical Truth; and Practical Wisdom (OUP, forthcoming 2025). Her writing has been featured in Breaking Ground, First Things, Image, Law and Liberty, The NewYork Times, The Point, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp; She lives with her husband and six children in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Keywords: Aristotelian Liberal Arts, Cardinal Newman, Habits Of Mind, Interior Freedom, Liberal Education, Max Weber, Philosophical Tradition, Pursuit Of Happiness, Unity Of Knowledge, Wisdom

Aquinas and Newman on the Pursuit of Wisdom and Happiness – Prof. Jennifer Frey

Welcome to The Saint of the Day Podcast, a service of <a href='https://www.goodcatholic.com/'>Good Catholic</a> and <a href='http://thecatholiccompany.com/'>The Catholic Company</a>.Today&apos;s featured saint is St. Anysia of Salonika.  If you like what you heard, share this podcast with someone you know, and make sure to subscribe!🔔Subscribe to Our Channel: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVNrdEJMWl9MMHluX2FYOVExYktxa0xGdGp1d3xBQ3Jtc0tsSmFkN2pqNWFkQkI3NVFFeGZYTno0cmp6b1hJVVI3cW5IbmZ4aWN1Y0FLRUJsWUItZGRJSTRPUW13YWtnQVJLbzBUS041TzlveF9Ec3lwSDd4RWgwaFg3VTJQc2Eyc3lXTkF1WWoyM0MyenV2MTdzbw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3sX4exh&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3sX4exh</a>✅ Visit Good Catholic for more great content: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0RyRnFzSEt0VWptYWlSNTJDR0ZPRDNqZnJiQXxBQ3Jtc0trSG1IR2dtaEduSHB2RGVtQVQ4VFJvNnpPY3NVZ19fcURMa21SdzRHSWlnMWljb3pBNmdSNkV0UDNGblJ3ZmY3WFBoNHh5Z2drSkg1V2puaHhJTkVKcjc5WEN6cHhOTllHOTdCdmlMV2dfcWxwdkxJZw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3rMqLKI&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3rMqLKI</a>

12/30 - St. Anysia of Salonika

Opening Credits

Dedication

More Than a World Apart

Part I - The Physical Conquest of Mexico

The Shores of Nightmare

The March and the Skulls

In the Keep of the Hummingbird Wizard

To the Night of Sorrows

Never Call Retreat

The Wizard Dethroned

Part II - The Spiritual Conquest of Mexico

Twelve Poor Men

Protector of the Indians

The Portrait of the Mother of God

Nine Million Baptisms

Am I Not Here

About the Author

End Credits

This book tells the true story of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego in 1531. It recounts how Mary appeared on Tepeyac Hill, delivered her message of love and hope, and left her miraculous image on Juan Diego’s tilma. Through this story, readers discover the profound impact of Our Lady’s visitation on the people of Mexico and the spread of the Catholic faith.

Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Conquest of Darkness

Welcome to The Saint of the Day Podcast, a service of <a href='https://www.goodcatholic.com/'>Good Catholic</a> and <a href='http://thecatholiccompany.com/'>The Catholic Company</a>.Today&apos;s featured saint is St. Ursela &amp; Her 11,000 Companions.If you like what you heard, share this podcast with someone you know, and make sure to subscribe!🔔Subscribe to Our Channel: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVNrdEJMWl9MMHluX2FYOVExYktxa0xGdGp1d3xBQ3Jtc0tsSmFkN2pqNWFkQkI3NVFFeGZYTno0cmp6b1hJVVI3cW5IbmZ4aWN1Y0FLRUJsWUItZGRJSTRPUW13YWtnQVJLbzBUS041TzlveF9Ec3lwSDd4RWgwaFg3VTJQc2Eyc3lXTkF1WWoyM0MyenV2MTdzbw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3sX4exh&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3sX4exh</a>✅ Visit Good Catholic for more great content: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0RyRnFzSEt0VWptYWlSNTJDR0ZPRDNqZnJiQXxBQ3Jtc0trSG1IR2dtaEduSHB2RGVtQVQ4VFJvNnpPY3NVZ19fcURMa21SdzRHSWlnMWljb3pBNmdSNkV0UDNGblJ3ZmY3WFBoNHh5Z2drSkg1V2puaHhJTkVKcjc5WEN6cHhOTllHOTdCdmlMV2dfcWxwdkxJZw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3rMqLKI&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3rMqLKI</a>

10/21 - St. Ursela & Her 11,000 Companions

In this episode Trent responds to Gavin Ortlund's recent claim that "the Papacy is not from God."

#1090 Responding to Gavin Ortlund on the Papacy - Trent Horn

In this episode, Trent Horn breaks down the recent Catholic controversy over “Zionism,” anti-Zionism, and antisemitism—sparked by comments from Carrie Prejean and discussion involving Ted Cruz. Trent defines Zionism carefully, explains what Catholics can and cannot affirm, and distinguishes political support for Israel’s existence from “theological Zionism” that treats the modern state as biblical prophecy. He also addresses Catholic teaching on the Church as the “New Israel,” the Church’s rejection of antisemitism, and how Catholics can prudentially evaluate policies, war claims, and proposed solutions while keeping their first allegiance to Christ and His Church.

#1130 Can Catholics be Zionists? - Trent Horn

Welcome to The Saint of the Day Podcast, a service of <a href='https://www.goodcatholic.com/'>Good Catholic</a> and <a href='http://thecatholiccompany.com/'>The Catholic Company</a>.Today&apos;s featured saint is St. Dominic of Silos. If you like what you heard, share this podcast with someone you know, and make sure to subscribe!🔔Subscribe to Our Channel: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVNrdEJMWl9MMHluX2FYOVExYktxa0xGdGp1d3xBQ3Jtc0tsSmFkN2pqNWFkQkI3NVFFeGZYTno0cmp6b1hJVVI3cW5IbmZ4aWN1Y0FLRUJsWUItZGRJSTRPUW13YWtnQVJLbzBUS041TzlveF9Ec3lwSDd4RWgwaFg3VTJQc2Eyc3lXTkF1WWoyM0MyenV2MTdzbw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3sX4exh&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3sX4exh</a>✅ Visit Good Catholic for more great content: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0RyRnFzSEt0VWptYWlSNTJDR0ZPRDNqZnJiQXxBQ3Jtc0trSG1IR2dtaEduSHB2RGVtQVQ4VFJvNnpPY3NVZ19fcURMa21SdzRHSWlnMWljb3pBNmdSNkV0UDNGblJ3ZmY3WFBoNHh5Z2drSkg1V2puaHhJTkVKcjc5WEN6cHhOTllHOTdCdmlMV2dfcWxwdkxJZw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3rMqLKI&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3rMqLKI</a>

12/20 - St. Dominic of Silos

Fr. Gregory Pine explains that, according to Aquinas, Christians are called to true divinization or theosis: by grace and the sacraments they really come to share in God’s own life without becoming God by nature, growing into intimate communion with the Triune God through Christ in whom this transformation is perfectly realized. This lecture was given on October 3rd, 2025, at Duke University. Through your gift to the Thomistic Institute, you will send the best scholars in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition directly to college campuses, bringing the light of Christ to students longing for answers.&nbsp; Thanks to a group of generous donors, every dollar you send up to $150,000 before December 31 will be matched.&nbsp;This means that your gift will touch twice as many souls! To make your gift today, visit <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/donate-podcast" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://thomisticinstitute.org/donate-podcast</a> For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., is an instructor of dogmatic and moral theology at the Dominican House of Studies and the Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute. He holds a doctorate from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). He is the author of Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly and Your Eucharistic Identity: A Sacramental Guide to the Fullness of Life, and is co-author of Credo: An RCIA Program and Marian Consecration with Aquinas.﻿﻿His writing also appears in Aleteia, Magnificat, and Ascension’s Catholic Classics series. In addition to the TI podcast, he regularly contributes to the podcasts Godsplaining and Pints with Aquinas, and Catholic Classics. Keywords: Divinization and Theosis, Grace and Participation in God, Holy Spirit and Sanctification, Incarnation and Salvation, Life of Virtue and Holiness, Participation in the Divine Nature, Sacraments and Spiritual Transformation, Trinity and Divine Life, Union with God in Christ, Western and Eastern Christian Spirituality

Participation in the Divine Nature: Aquinas and the Catholic Vision of Theosis – Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.

Fr. Mike reveals the parallels between the day of atonement and the sacrifice of the mass. We learn how the temple worship practices of the old testament foreshadow the worship practices of the Catholic Church. Today&#39;s readings are Exodus 23, Leviticus 16, and Psalm 77.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 41: The Day of Atonement (2026)

Prof. Michael Dauphinais explains marriage as a lifelong covenant of self-giving love between a man and a woman that images Christ’s union with the Church, ordered to the spouses’ sanctification and the procreation and education of children . This lecture was given on October 15th, 2025, at Iowa State University. Through your gift to the Thomistic Institute, you will send the best scholars in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition directly to college campuses, bringing the light of Christ to students longing for answers.&nbsp; Thanks to a group of generous donors, every dollar you send up to $150,000 before December 31 will be matched. This means that your gift will touch twice as many souls! To make your gift today, visit <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/donate-podcast" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://thomisticinstitute.org/donate-podcast</a> For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Michael A. Dauphinais, Ph.D., serves as the Fr. Matthew Lamb Professor of Catholic Theology and the co-director of the Aquinas Center for Theological Renewal at Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida. He has co-authored with Matthew Levering Knowing the Love of Christ: An Introduction to the Theology of Thomas Aquinas; Holy People, Holy Land: A Theological Introduction to the Bible; and The Wisdom of the Word: Biblical Answers to Ten Questions about Catholicism. He specializes in C.S. Lewis, the Bible, and St. Thomas Aquinas. He speaks frequently in both academic and popular settings, and particularly enjoys visiting Thomistic Institute student chapters. Dr. Dauphinais hosts The Catholic Theology Show podcast to help a wide audience discover the richness of coming to know and love God as he has revealed himself in Jesus Christ. Keywords: Catholic Theology of Marriage, Covenant and Sacrament, Christ and the Church as Spousal Model, Family and Vocation, Fidelity and Indissolubility, Openness to Life and Children, Self-Giving Love and Freedom, Spousal Sanctification, Vocation of Husband and Wife, Wedding and Lifelong Commitment

Why Get Married? The Catholic View of the Meaning and Purpose of Marriage – Prof. Michael Dauphinais

Living the Mystery of Merciful Love: 30 Days with Thérèse of Lisieux is the latest in the Navigating the Interior Life series, which brings the wisdom of the saints into the hands of today's readers. In this presentation of intimate letters from St. Thérèse of Lisieux to her sisters and close friends, authors Anthony Lilles and Dan Burke lay out the Little Flower's program for complete self-offering to God through her Oblation to Merciful Love.

Living the Mystery of Merciful Love | eBook

In this episode Trent breaks down common Catholic superstitions that are actually sinful.

#1101 How Christians Fall for This “Unlucky” Sin - Trent Horn

Prof. Jonathan Lunine tells the story of Georges Lemaître—the Catholic priest and physicist who proposed the Big Bang theory—showing how his pioneering science, deep faith, and personal humility revolutionized modern cosmology and bridged the perceived gap between religion and science. This lecture was given on October 5th, 2023, at the Thomistic Institute in Limerick, Ireland. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Jonathan Lunine is the Chief Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Professor of Planetary Science at Caltech in Pasadena, California. Beforehand, he was the David C. Duncan Professor in the Physical Sciences and Chair of the Department of Astronomy at Cornell University. Lunine is interested in how planets form and evolve, what processes maintain and establish habitability, and what kinds of exotic environments (methane lakes, etc.) might host a kind of chemistry sophisticated enough to be called "life".&nbsp; He pursues these interests through theoretical modeling and participation in spacecraft missions.&nbsp; He is co-investigator on the Juno mission now in orbit at Jupiter, using data from several instruments on the spacecraft, and on the MISE and gravity science teams for the Europa Clipper mission. He was on the Science Working Group for the James Webb Space Telescope, focusing on characterization of extrasolar planets and Kuiper Belt objects.&nbsp; Lunine has contributed to concept studies for a wide range of planetary and exoplanetary missions. Lunine is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and has participated in or chaired a number of advisory and strategic planning committees for the Academy and for NASA. Keywords: Astronomical Observation, Big Bang Theory, Cosmological Constant, Georges Lemaître, Hubble–Lemaître Law, Humility, Primeval Atom, Religious Science Dialogue, Scientific Legacy, Steady State Model

George Lemaitre: The Catholic Priest Who Proposed the Big Bang Theory – Prof. Jonathan Lunine

As we begin reading the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike draws our attention to Mary. He clarifies the difference between Zechariah&#39;s response and Mary&#39;s response to the angel Gabriel, and also explains why Mary is the Ark of the new Covenant. We learn that through Mary, God begins to fulfill his promises to the people of Israel. Today&#39;s readings are Luke 1-2, and Proverbs 25:24-26.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 313: The Ark of the New Covenant (2025)

Fr. Mike confronts the hard truth Jesus preaches in today&#39;s readings: Many people will ultimately choose hell over heaven. While this can be deeply distressing, Fr. Mike reminds us to focus on Jesus&#39;s directive to each one of us: &quot;[You] Strive to enter through the narrow gate.&quot; In the second part of today&#39;s commentary, Fr. Mike reflects on two of Jesus&#39; most well-known parables: the parable of the Lost Sheep and the parable of the Prodigal Son. Today&#39;s readings are Luke 13-16 and Proverbs 26:10-12. 

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 318: The Narrow Gate, the Lost Sheep, and the Prodigal Son (2025)

Foreword

Prologue

A Clarion Call

Returning to the Roots

Preparing for War

The Art of Spiritual Warfare (Part 1 of 2)

The Art of Spiritual Warfare (Part 2 of 2)

The Strike of the Serpent

Epilogue

Evil wages war on souls, but God calls us to fight back through prayer and sacrifice. This clear guide reveals how every believer can join the battle, frustrate the devil’s plans, and help save souls. Learn about the power of intercession, the aid of angels and saints, and how suffering and prayer shape our destiny and bring God’s Kingdom closer. Equip yourself with the spiritual weapons needed to stand firm and work with God to overcome darkness.

The Art of Spiritual Warfare

In this episode Trent shares his recent interview with Protestant commenter Allie Beth Stuckey.

#1107 FFAF: My Recent Chat with Allie Beth Stuckey - Trent Horn

Dr. Robert McNamara explores the problem of meaninglessness and chaos in contemporary life, showing how wonder, intellectual attention, and the cultivation of virtue empower individuals to find purpose and resilience in the face of suffering and cultural fragmentation. This lecture was given on September 30th, 2025, at University of Galway. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Dr. Robert McNamara is lecturer in philosophy at St. Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, Ireland, associate series editor of Edith Stein Studies, associate scholar of the Hildebrand Project, associate member of faculty at the International Theological Institute and the Maryvale Institute, and a founding member of the Aquinas Institute of Ireland (currently suspended). Robert researches anthropological and metaphysical questions in medieval and phenomenological thinkers, especially as both bear reference to philosophical personalism. He has studied physics and computing, philosophy and theology, and received his Ph.D. for research in the thought of Edith Stein and Thomas Aquinas. Robert is originally from Galway, Ireland and now lives in Carlow with his wife, Caroline, and their four children, Vivian, John, Catherine, and Oran. Keywords: Absurdism, Attentive Engagement, Cultural Fragmentation, Intelligibility Of Reality, Meaning And Suffering, Nihilism, Practical Habits, Purpose In Life, Viktor Frankl, Wonder And Virtue

Finding Meaning Amidst the Chaos Or: Why Get Out of Bed in the Morning? – Dr. Robert McNamara

Acknowledgements

Introduction

A Loving Assault on the Heart

When You Want to Grow Closer to God

Grace in a Time of Anxiety

An Evening in Darkness

What You Should Never Do

Alone in the Kitchen

The Lie That Says You Cant

When Will the Darkness Pass

Why Does God Permit Spiritual Desolation

Before the Struggle Begins

Finding Our Balance

The Easiest Way to Resist Temptation

To Speak Is to Defeat the Enemy

The Most Vulnerable Place

A Final Word

Resources

Appendix A - Original Language

Appendix B - Contemporary Version

Closing Credits

Fr. Timothy Gallagher applies St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Rules for Discernment to marital life, helping couples recognize and resist spiritual desolation. He offers practical guidance to strengthen the marital bond, overcome negative spiritual patterns, and grow in virtue together. By understanding the tactics of the enemy and the movements of grace, spouses can navigate their spiritual lives with clarity and unity.

Discernment of Spirits in Marriage

Preface (and a Promise)

Introduction - Out of the Darkness

Counterfeit Remedies

An Invitation to Healing

Foundations for Discernment and Navigating the Path of Peace

The Voice of the Devil - The Voice of God

Rule 1 - For Those Moving from Mortal Sin to Mortal Sin

Rule 2 - For Those Moving from Good to Better

Rule 3 - What Is Consolation Exactly

Rule 4 - What Exactly Is Desolation

Rule 5 - What Is the Most Important Decision I Can Make When in Desolation

Rule 6 - What Changes Should I Make When in Desolation

Rule 7 - How Can I Adjust My Thinking While in Desolation in Order to Better Overcome It

Rule 8 - How Can I Better Persevere When I Am in Desolation

Rule 9 - What Are the Causes of Desolation

Rule 10 - How Should I Act or Prepare When I Am in Consolation

Rule 11 - How Can Humility Help Me Deal with the Ebb and Flow of Consolation and Desolation

Rule 12 - Understanding and Dealing with the Aggression and Threats of the Enemy

Rule 13 - The Power of Exposing the Enemy's Efforts

Rule 14 - How to Strengthen Yourself against Spiritual Attack

What's Next?

Recommended Resources for Continued Spiritual Growth

Drawing on the wisdom of Catholic mystics and the insights of St. Ignatius, this guide equips readers to recognize and resist the tactics of the Enemy. With practical tools for discerning spiritual movements, confronting desolation, and overcoming habitual sin, it reframes the spiritual life as a daily battle — one that is winnable through grace, vigilance, and faithful perseverance.

Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they discuss how St. Teresa of Avila's interior castle in important to progressing in marital intimacy! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "spiritualdirection.com/events">Divine Intimacy in Marriage</a> - retreat</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>