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Homily from Holy Thursday. Jesus knew. And He still gave everything. At the end of Lent, we realize that we have been called to give. To give our time and attention to God in prayer. To give up things in fasting. To give help to those in need. Jesus gives at the Last Supper. He gives everything...fully knowing the truth of the people for whom He gives everything. Mass Readings from April 2, 2026: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 Psalm 116:12-13, 15-181 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15

04/02/26 Holy Thursday: Everything is Given

Fr. Philip-Neri Reese argues that while grimdark fantasy (exemplified by George R. R. Martin) can be just as true artistically as Tolkien-style classic fantasy, it is necessarily less good in the fullest Thomistic sense because it structurally valorizes nihilism and hopelessness rather than ordering the imagination toward God and real moral hope. This lecture was given on October 16th, 2025, at University of Edinburgh. 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. Philip-Neri Reese is a Dominican friar of the Province of St Joseph and a Professor of Philosophy at the Pontifical University of St.Thomas (Angelicum) in Rome. He is also the principal investigator for the Angelicum Thomistic Institute’s new Project on Philosophy and the Thomistic Tradition. He received his Licentiate in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America in 2015 and his Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame in 2022. From 2015-2017 he taught philosophy at Providence College in Providence, RI. His main area of research is metaphysics and anything adjacent to it, with a special emphasis on the metaphysical thought of St. Thomas Aquinas and its subsequent reception and interpretation. His publications, however, range widely, including articles on philosophical anthropology, ethics, and economics. He is also an enthusiast of classical Indian philosophy. Fr Philip-Neri is a member of the American Philosophical Association, the Society for Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy, the Aquinas and the Arabs International Working Group, the Society for Medieval and Renaissance Thomism, and is currently serving on the executive committee of the American Catholic Philosophical Association. Keywords: Aquinas On Truth And Goodness, Classic Fantasy vs. Grimdark, Correspondence Theory Of Art, George RR Martin And Nihilism, Grimdark Fantasy, JRR Tolkien Moral Imagination, Thomistic Aesthetics, Transcendentals And Art

Truth, Goodness, and Fantasy Literature – Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P.

Fr. Mike talks about how revenge and violence can become a cycle that doesn't end until someone chooses to end it. He also points out how the genealogy in 1 Chronicles reflects the genealogy of Christ.The reading for today are 2 Samuel 2, 1 Chronicles 2, and Psalm 24.

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 121: Cycle of Violence (2026)

Fr. Ephrem Reese argues that silence is not mere absence but a fertile, hidden potency through which contemplation, devotion, and the word of God can come to life. This lecture was given on November 8th, 2025, at Dominican House of Studies. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speakers: Fr. Ephrem Reese was born in Harrisburg, PA, and has family in Philadelphia, New Jersey and California. He received a BA from St John’s College in Annapolis, MD in 2010, and was confirmed in the Catholic Church at that year’s Easter Vigil. He lived for a year in DC, a few blocks from the Dominican House of Studies, and attended the nearby parish, St Anthony of Padua. While in DC, he was an intern for Pax Christi USA, promoting Just War teaching. “Dominican life has finally given me a picture of what it means for my own soul to be saved. This is a joy worth preaching: loving Jesus Christ, united with the Brethren in one heart and mind.” Keywords: Contemplation, Devotion, Grace, Hiddenness, Non-Being, Prayer, Silence, Thomism, Womb, Word Of God

Silence, Contemplation, and Non-Being – Fr. Ephrem Reese O.P.

In this episode, we welcome Arthur and Ester Brooks to talk about marriage, suffering, and the path to lasting love. Arthur and Ester share what it's like to minister together, revealing both the grace needed and the hard work it takes to love each other faithfully over decades. We also reflect on suffering as an invitation for growth, why pain is fruitful, and how the hardest places in life are where love is purified. Whether you are married, single, or in religious life, intimacy with God is our source of strength for every situation we encounter in life. Heather's One Thing - Franciscan's Resurrection Party! Heather's Other One Thing - <a href= "https://www.flourishyourfaith.org/10-days-in-the-upper-room">10 Day Pentecost Audio Prayer Plan</a> Sister Miriam's One Thing - <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6u4NUBzxralG1ZKwAZroWE?si=qgj5Y0ZbTW6GLD8SZjV1nw"> Heather's Easter Spotify Playlist </a> Michelle's One Thing - Everyone who just came into the Catholic Church! Ester's One Thing - Her husband Arthur! Ester's Other One Thing - Professional Cycling Arthur's One Thing - Opportunities to witness to the Catholic faith during <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427"> The Meaning of Your Life</a> book launch Other Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href= "https://www.arthurbrooks.com/about">Arthur Brooks' Website</a> </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/faithwithjoytalks/">Ester Brooks' Instagram</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427"> The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness</a> by Arthur Brooks</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Other <a href= "https://www.arthurbrooks.com/books">Books</a> by Arthur Brooks</li> </ul> Journal Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What does it look like to fight well?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How have I witnessed or experienced a marriage that is an antenna to God?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What suffering in my life am I resisting?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What are the discomforts and sufferings I have experienced today that I can thank God for?</li> </ul> Discussion Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">When are you tempted to be led by your feelings?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">When have you had to let go of resisting suffering in the past?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Where in your life, marriage, or relationships do you feel stalled?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How is God inviting you to prioritize Him over your marriage, relationships, and responsibilities?</li> </ul> Quotes to Ponder: "It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; he is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; he is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is he who provokes you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is he who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is he who reads in your hearts your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal." (Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day, Rome, 2000) Scripture for Lectio: "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer." (Romans 12:9-12) Sponsor - The Inspired Living: <a href="https://theinspiredliving.net/">The Inspired Living</a> is your one-stop shop for Mother's Day and Sacrament season! Whether you're shopping for the mother who inspired your faith, the child whose love for the Eucharist is flourishing, or the bride who is curating her Catholic home, we've sourced the best Catholic home decor, books, toys, and gifts to lift souls to God and inspire our hearts to ponder Heaven. Our unique array of handcrafted goods are made by artisans not only in the United States, but around the world who are committed to bringing eternal beauty into the home. Abiding Together Listeners get an exclusive 20% off discount using the code ABIDE2026. The Inspired living - bringing eternal beauty to the home Timestamps: 00:00 The Inspired Living 00:44 Intro 01:54 Scripture Verse 06:06 Ministering as A Married Couple 10:03 How to Fight and Bring About Deeper Union 15:23 Suffering Helps Us Grow 26:12 Committing to A Prayer Life 32:22 Making Space to Become 36:06 Putting God First and Your Spouse Second 38:10 The Science of Being Happy 41:44 One Things

S18 E13 - Marriage and Meaning with Special Guests Arthur and Ester Brooks

Fr. Mike highlights the moment God makes a covenant with David, promising him an everlasting dynasty, but reserving the building of the Temple to David's son Solomon. He also teaches us how 2 Samuel 7 foreshadows the fact that the Blessed Mother is the new Ark of the Covenant. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 6-7, 1 Chronicles 9, and Psalm 89.

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 125: Covenant with David (2026)

Episode 290 - The Father's Banquet Have you ever struggled to receive love that you feel you don't deserve? As the Lenten journey through the Prodigal Son continues, the friars turn to one of the most striking moments in the parable, the Father's banquet. What should be a moment of pure joy is, for the son, also deeply uncomfortable. After everything he's done, he's not just welcomed back, he was celebrated. In this episode, the friars reflect on the tension between shame and mercy. What does it feel like to be fully seen, fully known, and still fully loved? Why can receiving God's love sometimes feel harder than earning it? And how do we begin to live as sons and daughters again after we've fallen? Join us as we enter into the mystery of the Father's banquet, and discover a love that doesn't just forgive, but restores, celebrates, and calls us back to life. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi: https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at https://www.pocomerch.com/

The Father's Banquet (Lent 2026)

In this illuminating study, Professor Roberto de Mattei explores the divine order established by God, the disorder introduced by sin, and the providential restoration that will unfold in the last days. Drawing on St. Thomas Aquinas and other great Catholic thinkers, he examines the roles of angels, men, and nations within the “ladder of beings,” the true source of evil, and the meaning of authentic surrender to God’s will. With clarity and depth, he reflects on moral decline, revolution, and the reign of chaos, while proclaiming the ultimate triumph of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart. Grounded in Scripture and tradition, this book strengthens hope in God’s governance of history and calls readers to conquer evil with good.

The Meaning of God's Providence in Our Lives | eBook

Fr. John Baptist Ku unpacks St. Thomas Aquinas’s doctrine of predestination, showing how God’s universal salvific will, efficacious grace, and real human freedom coexist without collapsing into Calvinist double predestination or Pelagian self-salvation. This lecture was given on November 22nd, 2025, at Dominican House of Studies. 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. John Baptist Ku was born in Manhattan (1965) and grew up in Fairfax, Virginia. After graduating from School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia, he worked in software design at AT&amp;T for five years before entering the Dominican Order in 1992. After obtaining his S.T.B./M.Div. (1998) and S.T.L. (2000) at the Dominican House of Studies, he served for three years in St. Pius Parish in Providence, R.I., before going on to complete his studies doctoral studies at the University of Fribourg in 2009. He was awarded the Thomas Aquinas Dissertation Prize by the Aquinas Center for Theological Renewal at Ave Maria University (2010) for his dissertation on God the Father in the Theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. He now teaches at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., where he has also served as book review editor of The Thomist, chaplain to commuter students, and chaplain to the Immaculate Conception Chapter of Third Order Dominicans. Keywords: Aquinas on Predestination, Divine Providence, Efficacious and Sufficient Grace, Free Will and Foreknowledge, Molinism and Middle Knowledge, Reprobation, Single Predestination, Universal Salvific Will

Aquinas on Predestination: The Main Issues – Fr. John Baptist Ku, O.P.

Do we love the Church? Some of us might struggle with that idea, but Fr. Mike explains that if we are to love and live in accordance with the heart of Jesus, we must love what he loves. Jesus, the bridegroom, loves his bride, the Church, so we must love the Church. We also learn that the sacraments are not only signs but also the very instruments by which the Holy Spirit gives us the grace of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 772-780.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

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

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 109: Mystery of Union With God (2026)

In our final reading from the Gospel of John, we hear about the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Mike points out the connection between the Paschal lamb and Jesus, and also the connection between the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Today's readings are John 19-21 and Proverbs 6:16-22.

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 105: It Is Finished (2026)

Opening Credits

Front Matter

The Marian Heart Prays

The Transforming Power of Prayer

The Sigh of the Heart

Prayer with Sisters in Christ

God's Overflowing Grace

Praying with the Saints

A Heart-to-Heart with the Lord

Pope Benedict XVI and Women Who Pray in Love

A Relationship with the Living God

My Ear to His Heart

Just Pray

Back Matter

End Credits

This inspiring book gathers eleven Catholic women who open their hearts and share how prayer has shaped, healed, and transformed their lives. With moving personal stories, practical reflections, and timeless Church teaching, they show how women, like Mary, are called to be contemplatives in action — spiritual mothers, intercessors, and bearers of healing grace. Perfect for personal reflection or group retreats, this work will renew your trust in the power of prayer to bring hope, holiness, and strength to your life and family.

When Women Pray

In an age of distraction, irreverence, and widespread indifference toward the Real Presence, this urgent spiritual guide calls Catholics to return to the Heart of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist with love, reverence, and reparation. Drawing from Scripture, the saints, and the Church’s Eucharistic tradition, it explains why consoling Christ in the tabernacle is not reserved for a few but is a sacred duty for every believer. You will learn practical ways to make reparation through prayer, sacrifice, and adoration, how to receive Holy Communion with deeper purity and devotion, and why true renewal in the Church must begin before the Blessed Sacrament. With traditional prayers and meditations included, this book invites you to join a worldwide crusade of Eucharistic reparation to heal the wounds inflicted on Christ and restore honor to the Eucharistic King.

Crusade of Eucharistic Reparation Manual | eBook

Michael Nugent, chair of Atheist Ireland, debates William Lane Craig, of Reasonable Faith, in University College Cork, Ireland, on March 21, 2017. --- Learn more about William Lane Craig here: http://www.reasonablefaith.org/ Learn more about Michael Nugent and Atheist Ireland here: http://atheist.ie/ See the video here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmlcmVye4hM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmlcmVye4hM</a> --- SPONSORS EL Investments: <a href="https://www.elinvestments.net/pints">https://www.elinvestments.net/pints</a> Exodus 90: <a href="https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/">https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/</a> Hallow: <a href="http://hallow.app/mattfradd">http://hallow.app/mattfradd</a> STRIVE: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> GIVING Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd">https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd</a> This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn't be possible without you. I can't thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously! Thanks for essentially being a co-producer coproducer of the show. LINKS Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> Merch: <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd">https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd</a> FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> SOCIAL Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfradd">https://twitter.com/mattfradd</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> MY BOOKS Does God Exist: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9">https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9</a> Marian Consecration With Aquinas: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4">https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4</a> The Porn Myth: <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx">https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx</a> CONTACT Book me to speak: <a href="https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform">https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

49.5: Does God Exist? Michael Nugent v William Lane Craig

Drawing on Scripture and the wisdom of the Fathers, Doctors, and mystics, this illuminating work restores devotion to the often neglected Third Person of the Holy Trinity. It explores the Holy Spirit’s presence in the Old and New Testaments, His role in the life of Christ and the mission of the Church, and the gifts and charisms He bestows for our sanctification. With practical guidance for growing in docility and awareness of His indwelling, these pages reveal the consequences of forgetting the Spirit and the joy that flows from honoring Him. Rooted in solid theology, this book invites readers to live more fully as temples of the Spirit and to be transformed by His sanctifying love.

The Great Unknown | eBook

Episode 298 - How Does Jesus See My Sin? Have you ever felt like your sin says more about you than God's mercy does? In this episode, the friars reflect on how we experience our own sin and how easy it is to fall into shame, discouragement, anxiety, or self-condemnation. They explore the difference between healthy sorrow for sin and the kind of shame that begins to define us, isolate us, and keep us from bringing our weakness honestly to Jesus. This conversation is not about taking sin lightly. It's about learning to see our sin with the mind and heart of Christ. Jesus does not ignore our sin, but He also does not reduce us to it. He meets us there with mercy, patience, and a love that calls us deeper into freedom. Join us as we learn to stop staring only at our weakness and begin again by looking at Jesus, who sees us fully and still calls us beloved. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at <a href= "https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco">https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco</a>. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi: <a href= "https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi"> https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi</a> 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at <a href= "https://www.pocomerch.com/">https://www.pocomerch.com/</a> Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints <a href= "https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home"> https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home</a> <a href= "https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page">https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page</a>

How Does Jesus See My Sin?

Psalm 15

Introduction

The Lower East Side

The Upper West Side

Maria Montessori

The Journey Begins

Settling Near Padre Pio

Mary's Spiritual Nourishment

In the Footsteps of Her Spiritual Director

A Soul Without Shadow

Daughter of the Soap King

A True Child of Saint Francis

Prayer in Conclusion

Seeing a Divine Spark in Every Soul

Grazio Forgione Goes to America

Mamma Peppa's Last Visit

A Seaport of Souls

Dorothy, Helena, and Carmelita

The Staff

Mary's House of Beatitudes

Padre Pio's Confinement

Behind Enemy Lines

Return to San Giovanni Rotondo

Arrival of the American Soldiers

Padre Pio Opens the Door to Heaven

The Church and Seraphic Monastery

In the Shade of an Old Elm Tree

One Thousand Shareholders Worth One Million Lire

Mary's Diary, 1948

Giovanna's Story

Mary the Peacemaker

A Path Less Followed

Be Perfect as God Is Perfect

A Soul Chosen by Heaven

Brother Mary

Farewell, Mamma

Author Bio

Closing Credits

This inspiring biography recounts the remarkable journey of Mary Pyle, a woman born into privilege who surrendered wealth, status, and comfort to follow Christ with extraordinary fidelity. Drawn to the Catholic faith through a profound encounter with God’s presence, she eventually devoted her life to serving alongside Padre Pio, becoming a quiet instrument of charity, consolation, and spiritual formation for countless souls. Marked by humility, Eucharistic devotion, and unwavering trust in God’s providence, her story offers a compelling witness to the transformative power of grace and the holiness found in generous self-giving.

Padre Pio's American Daughter

Prayer

Foreword

Who is Michelle Duppong?

Life on the Farm

A Family History

Siblings and Family Ties

The College Years

Go and Make Disciples

Zeal for Souls in North Dakota

Walking the Valley of the Shadow

I Have Finished the Race

Homegoing

Special Tribute

Redemptive Suffering

Afterword

Michelle Duppong, a missionary and FOCUS alumna whose radiant faith transformed countless lives, lived an ordinary life with extraordinary love that continues to inspire souls today. From her vibrant evangelization on campus to her peaceful embrace of suffering during her final year of life, Michelle bore witness to the joy of trusting Jesus completely. Her Eucharist-centered life and simple, courageous witness have sparked devotion around the world, leading to the opening of her cause for canonization. This book invites readers to discover how holiness is possible in daily life, how redemptive suffering brings souls to Christ, and how one young woman’s quiet fidelity has become a beacon of hope for a generation.

Michelle Duppong

We delve into the cosmic event that will take place at the end of time known as the Last Judgment. Fr. Mike explains the difference between the Last Judgment and our particular judgment at the time of our death. We learn that the Last Judgment will reveal the consequences of all our actions and how God’s justice triumphs over all the injustices we’ve committed and suffered. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the message of the Last Judgment is ultimately one of hope and conversion. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1038-1041.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

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

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 141: The Last Judgment (2026)

We have arrived at the “nugget day” or the In Brief for the sections on The Father and Original Sin. Fr. Mike reiterates the important idea that every human person is good, but every human person is also broken. This brokenness and inclination towards sin is called concupiscence. However, as St. Paul reminds us “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). Fr. Mike concludes with the sentiment of hope that we believe that the world has been established and set free by God’s love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 413-421. 

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

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

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 59: Summary of The Fall (2026)

Dr. Nathaniel Peters argues that Thomas Aquinas teaches marriage is the greatest friendship, uniting spouses in a sacramental bond ordered to mutual virtue, children’s generation and formation, and sharing in God’s fatherhood and Christ's priesthood. This lecture was given on March 19th, 2026, at Universidad Panamericana. 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: Nathaniel Peters is the Director of the Morningside Institute. He received his B.A. from Swarthmore College, his M.T.S. from the University of Notre Dame, and his Ph.D. from Boston College. He has published article on many topics on religion and public life, and his first book, The Trinitarian Dimensions of Cistercian Eucharistic Theology, is forthcoming from Catholic University of America Press. Keywords: Aquinas, Chastity, Children, Fatherhood, Friendship, Marriage, Priesthood, Sacrament, Self-Gift, Virtue

How to Marry Your Best Friend: Thomas Aquinas on Friendship, Marriage, and Children – Dr. Nathaniel Peters

Beginning the Consecration

Dependence on God

Original Sin Poisons Our Thinking

Save Us from the Prideful Presumption of Self-Sufficiency

God Hears Our Cry

God Reveals Himself to the Childlike

The Sign of a Child

Victory through Love and Patience, Not through Power

Light Dispels Darkness

Hope in Suffering

True Love

A Christian Interpretation of Reality

The Great Hope

Week of Knowledge of Self

Sharing Christ's Sonship

Remaining Little

Not Judging

Beloved Sinners

Pastoral Acedia

Christian Diseases

Called to Holiness

Week of Knowledge of Mary

The Rosary Helps Consecrate Us to Mary

Mary, Abandoned to God, Becomes Our Mother

The Weak Are Formed into Christ

The Holy Name of Mary

Mary and the Church

Mary, Our Fiercely Compassionate Mother

Mary, Our Refuge

Week of Knowledge of Jesus Christ

Jesus Is Little, Near, and Real

Christ Became Poor

The Humility of Jesus in the Eucharist

Mary, the Eucharist, and the Incarnation

God Seeks Man in the Womb of Mary

Christ Brings Us Life and Light in Baptism

Jesus Dies, the Word is Silenced

Making Our Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary

Act of Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary

Appendix

This simple thirty-three-day guide leads you step by step to Marian consecration, deepening your trust in Jesus through Mary. With daily reflections, Scripture, and prayers, you’ll detach from worldly distractions, grow in humility and surrender, and discover Mary’s tender care for you as her child. Spend just ten minutes a day and find renewal, hope, and the freedom to live fully for Christ, formed in the loving heart of His Mother.

The Fruit of Her Womb

30 Days with Teresa of Avila is the third book of Dan Burke's Navigating series that brings the wisdom of the saints into your hands. These unedited letters of Teresa of Avila to her friends offer a rare window from which to gaze upon the Saint's genuine witness and pragmatic advice on pursuing an intimate friendship with God. Dan Burke and Anthony Lilles provide rich reflections to encourage a deeper and more prayerful reading of these fascinating letters to those who want to sit at the feet of this great doctor of the interior life.

30 Days with Teresa of Avila | eBook

When distraction dulls the words of the Psalms, this prayerful guide helps you rediscover them as living conversation with God. Featuring a fresh English translation selected for worshipful devotion, it invites you to pray as the early Christians and monastics did, with depth and attentiveness. With clear instruction in Lectio Divina, practical techniques for contemplation, and guidance for intercession and thanksgiving, these pages show how the Psalms speak directly to every joy and trial. Complete with a helpful mood index, this book renews your prayer life and leads you to rest more fully in the Lord’s mercy.

Praying the Psalms | eBook

This penetrating portrait reveals the true spiritual greatness of St. Thérèse of Lisieux beyond the sentimental images often associated with her name. It presents the Carmelite saint as a soul of remarkable courage and intensity, living hidden heroism amid suffering, spiritual struggle, and unwavering love for God. Through thoughtful reflection on her life and interior trials, these pages uncover the depth of her “little way,” showing why her quiet holiness speaks powerfully to modern souls called to fidelity, sacrifice, and trust in God amid ordinary and often unseen trials.

The Truth About Thérèse | eBook

Prof. Jonathan I. Lunine presents his life as a planetary scientist and Catholic convert as a lived example of the harmony between faith and science, then highlights two priest‑scientists—Georges Lemaître and Gregor Mendel—whose foundational work on the Big Bang and genetics shows that Catholic belief has stood at the center of modern scientific revolutions. This lecture was given on February 20th, 2026, at Duke 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: 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: Big Bang, Catholic Scientists Society, Conversion Story, Darwin Mendel Synthesis, Georges Lemaitre, Gregor Mendel Augustinian Monk, Myth of War Between Science And Religion, Planetary Science, Thomistic Perspective On Creation, Vatican Observatory

Catholic Scientists – Prof. Jonathan I. Lunine

Preface

Ardalion the Actor

The Blind Seer of Alexandria

Hide-And-Seek in Dead Earnest

Blood and Sand

The Scourge of God

The Man from the Sea

Druids' Last Stand

Caedmon

First into China

Lepanto

Indian Summer

Among the Redskins

On the Roof of the World

Kamiano

Biographical Note

These inspiring stories bring to life daring Christians from the early Church to modern times. Discover a pagan actor turned martyr, a blind boy who guided saints, a bishop who stood against an emperor, a monk martyred in the Coliseum, and explorers and warriors who defended the Faith. These tales remind us that God calls each soul to a mission as bold and heroic as any legend, igniting true adventure through Christian courage.

Christians Courageous

In this sobering and practical work, Fr. Gabriele Amorth offers clear teaching on the reality of Satan and the activity of fallen angels in light of Catholic doctrine. Drawing from his experience as an exorcist, he explains how spiritual evils arise, how they differ from ordinary temptation, and how the Church responds through prayer, sacramentals, and the rite of exorcism. With pastoral clarity, these pages equip readers to recognize the signs of spiritual attack, avoid superstition, and rely confidently on Christ’s authority and the protective power of the Church.

An Exorcist Explains the Demonic | eBook

Publisher's Note

Preamble

Prologue: in Gaza

Chapter 1: Clara

Chapter 2: Life Before

Chapter 3: Wouded

Chapter 4: The Ceasefire is Extended

Chapter 5: A Walk in the City

Chapter 6: Routine

Chapter 7: Serving God

Chapter 8: A Small Neighborhood

Chapter 9: "The Riviera"

Chapter 10: Saying Mass

Chapter 10: Humanitarian Aid is Interrupted

Chapter 12: Imminence of War

Chapter 13: Lent and Ramadan

Chapter 14: Refugees

Chapter 15: Bread and Wine

This powerful firsthand account tells the story of a priest who chose to remain with his people in Gaza amid war, destruction, and uncertainty. In the face of danger, scarcity, and suffering, he continues to offer the sacraments, encouragement, and hope rooted in union with Christ. With moving simplicity and spiritual depth, these pages reveal the strength of faith lived under trial, the meaning of true pastoral charity, and the quiet light of hope that endures even in the darkest circumstances.

The Priest Who Stayed in Gaza