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Practical and profound, this brief guide gathers the best counsel from thousands of letters written by St. Francis de Sales to souls seeking holiness. With gentle wisdom, he shows how to grow in virtue, overcome spiritual dryness, and remain close to God even amid life’s chaos. Learn how to pray when busy, stay patient with others, avoid anxious thoughts, and recognize the voice of God. Each page will help you live more peacefully, humbly, and joyfully in Christ.

Roses Among Thorns | eBook

You need to love yourself properly to love others in an ordered way. How can we understand St. Thomas Aquinas' insistence on us governing our passions from an IFS perspective in a way that loves our passionate parts?  How can we be detached from worldly goods?  Do saints get blended with their parts?  Are there benefits to some kinds of blending with parts?  How can we frame the Theology of the Body to resonate more with women's concerns?  How can we consider both errors of commission vs. errors of omission in parts work? What about the importance of mercy, the centrality of love, the requirement of interior integration in for human formation through an Internal Family Systems lens, grounded in a Catholic understanding of the human person?  Join Dr. Gerry Crete, Dr. Peter Martin, and Dr. Peter Malinoski take these questions and more in this episode with a live audience.

178 Q&A on Ordered Self-Love, your Body, Parts Work and Catholicism

The Psalms are essential and powerful prayers. Through praying the Psalms, we are giving praise to God and expressing our belief while simultaneously nourishing our faith. In the Psalms, we are reminded of God’s love, faithfulness, and presence, even in the dark moments of our lives. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2590-2597.

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 333: The Psalms

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4 Reasons for Fasting

In the battles of our life, it’s important to remembern that God is the reason we triumph and overcome!

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

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We Win! It Was Inevitable!

Sometimes when God tells us to wait he wants us to actively receive his grace for that moment. This is especially true during Advent. In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to prepare our souls for the arrival of Christ as we wait for Christmas Day.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Waiting for Christmas

If you'd like to listen to the other 45 meditations, please support Pints With Aquinas on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?c=625034">Patreon for $10 or more a month.</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

BONUS: Meditation for Ash Wedesday

In this third part of our series on logic and argumentation I discuss 7 more logical fallacies as well as 3 things necessary for constructive discourse. --- Get the DVD, How to Win an Argument Without Losing a Soul here - <a href="http://shop.catholic.com/how-to-win-an-argument-without-losing-a-soul-1.html?___store=default">http://shop.catholic.com/how-to-win-an-argument-without-losing-a-soul-1.html?___store=default</a>. Type "PINTS" in the coupon area to get 30% off. --- 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>

29: MORE logical fallacies ... and how to win an argument without being a jerk!

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. Frances of Rome. 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>

3/9 - St. Frances of Rome

We look at two more forms of prayer: intercession and thanksgiving. Fr. Mike emphasizes that in the age of the Church, intercession, or asking on behalf of another, is participating in Christ’s mediation. He also emphasizes that in all things we must give thanks, even in times of suffering and grief. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2634-2638.

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 338: Intercession and Thanksgiving (2024)

Fr. Pine talks about joy and emotion in the Christian life. 🟣 Join Us on Locals (before we get banned on YT): <a href="https://mattfradd.locals.com/">https://mattfradd.locals.com/</a> 📖 Fr. Pine's Book: <a href="https://bit.ly/3lEsP8F">https://bit.ly/3lEsP8F</a> ✝️ Show Sponsor: <a href="https://hallow.com/mattfradd">https://hallow.com/mattfradd</a> 🖥️ Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> 🟢 Rumble: <a href="https://rumble.com/c/pintswithaquinas">https://rumble.com/c/pintswithaquinas</a> 👕 Merch: <a href="https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com">https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com</a> 🚫 FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> 🔵 Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> 📸 Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> We get a small kick back from affiliate links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Are Christians Allowed to be Sad? w/ Fr. Gregory Pine O.P.

In light of recent events and requests on the topic, Fr. John and Fr. Sean offer rules for thinking about Pope Francis, which they also call a &quot;primer for unsettled laymen&quot;.

A Primer for Unsettled Lay People

The sacrament of Holy Communion unites the faithful together in a most profound, visible way. It also makes disunity in the Church all the more painful and apparent. The Catechism reveals the Church’s teachings regarding the Eucharist and Christian churches who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike addresses a most common and difficult question: “If a non-Catholic believes that the Eucharist is truly Jesus, why can they not receive him in the sacrament?” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1396-1401.

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 192: Unity in the Eucharist (2025)

Episode 257 - Jesus and Jubilee ft. Dr. John Bergsma - Series on Jesus and the Jubilee (Part 6) What does Jesus want for us this Jubilee? This Jubilee year, Jesus extends a heartfelt invitation to us all to experience His boundless mercy, forgiveness, and love—to share in His life. Join us as we reflect on His call to renewal, reconciliation, and deeper faith. Let this sacred time be a journey of spiritual transformation and a reminder of God's grace in our lives. In this episode, together with our special guest, Dr. John Bergsma, we will bring it home and discuss Jesus and the Jubilee and what He invites us to in this consecrated time. 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! Check out the 24-hour adoration chapel in New York https://perpetualadoration.nyc 🛒 In preparation for Lent, check out Jesus and the Jubilee https://stpaulcenter.com/jubilee/ 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at https://www.pocomerch.com/ 🛒 Check out some rosaries we made in collaboration with Chews Life https://bit.ly/chewslife-poco

Jesus and Jubilee ft. Dr. John Bergsma

Opening Credits

Dedication

Introduction: "Infertility Girl"

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes...

The Devil and Delay

Adapting and Adopting - Or Not

Our 75 Percent Shot(s)

London Bridge

"WE GOT A BABY!"

"It Hurts Me, Too"

Conclusion: Days of Sorrow, Days of Grace

Closing Credits

Infertility is often borne in silence, but this heartfelt book offers hope, clarity, and companionship for those carrying that cross. Blending personal experience with practical advice and Church teaching, it explores the emotional and spiritual challenges of infertility, adoption, and the moral complexities of reproductive technologies. Through candid storytelling and lessons learned, it provides comfort and guidance not only for couples struggling to conceive but also for those who accompany them—priests, doctors, counselors, and loved ones.

Infertile but Fruitful

In this episode, we reflect on how "humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong (<a href= "https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2017/documents/papa-francesco_20170101_omelia-giornata-mondiale-pace.html">Pope Francis</a>)". We discuss how we as Christians are called to cultivate a posture of humility and tenderness in a culture that is quick to criticize and condemn. We also chat about how often we forget that we belong to each other and end up picking sides, which results in more division and hostility than relationships that are filled with vulnerable love and truth. Today let us ask for the tenderness of God to be a gift that He gives us in our own hearts first, so that we can then give it to others. Heather's One Thing- <a href= "https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/lessons_from_the_school_of_love"> Lessons from the School of love</a> - Debbie and Peter Herbeck Sister Miriam's One Thing - <a href= "https://food52.com/recipes/21537-spicy-korean-style-gochujang-meatballs"> Spicy Korean Style Gochujang Meatballs </a> Michelle's One Thing - The Olive Tree from Jackie Mulligan Discussion Questions: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What does it mean to receive the tender and compassionate love of the Lord?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What does it mean to be tender to other people?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What shuts down our sensitivity?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How is God inviting you to receive and give His Tenderness?</li> </ul> Journal Questions: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How can I grow in tenderness towards myself?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How is God inviting me to show tenderness with the person I struggle with most?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Where are the places in my heart where I have been hurt and allowed a coldness to enter my heart?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Where in my life and my heart am I struggling to receive the Tenderness of God?</li> </ul> Quotes to Ponder: I no longer need the armor, my softness is the strongest part of me. - Brianna Wiest The Heart of Christ is so great it wants to welcome us all into the revolution of tenderness. - Pope Francis Tenderness is not a weakness. Tenderness is the path for the strongest, most courageous men and women. It is the path of humility. The more powerful you are, the more your actions will have an impact on the people. the more responsible you are to act humbly. If you don't, your power will ruin you and you will ruin the other. Connect your power with humility and tenderness. - Pope Francis Mary gave us a mother's warmth, the warmth that shelters us amid troubles, the maternal warmth that keeps anything or anyone from extinguishing in the heart of the Church the revolution of tenderness inaugurated by her Son. Where there is a mother, there is tenderness. By her motherhood, Mary shows us that humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong. She teaches us that we do not have to mistreat others in order to feel important. - Pope Francis The lack of physical (and not virtual) contact is cauterizing our hearts (cf. <a href= "http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html"> Laudato Si'</a>, 49) and making us lose the capacity for tenderness and wonder, for pity and compassion. Spiritual orphanhood makes us forget what it means to be children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, friends, and believers. It makes us forget the importance of playing, of singing, of a smile, of rest, of gratitude. - <a href= "https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2017/documents/papa-francesco_20170101_omelia-giornata-mondiale-pace.html"> Pope Francis</a> Tenderness is the best way to touch the frailty within us. - <a href= "https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022/documents/20220119-udienza-generale.html"> Pope Francis</a> <a href= "https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022/documents/20220119-udienza-generale.html"> Prayer</a>: Saint Joseph, father in tenderness, Teach us to accept that we are loved precisely in that which is weakest in us. Grant that we may place no obstacle between our poverty and the greatness of God's love. Stir in us the desire to approach to Reconciliation, That we may be forgiven and also made capable of loving tenderly our brothers and sisters in their poverty. Be close to those who have done wrong and are paying the price for it. Help them to find not only justice but also tenderness so that they can start again. And teach them that the first way to begin again Is to sincerely ask for forgiveness, to feel the Father's caress. Amen. Scripture for Lectio: So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. - Luke 15:20 Sponsor - Rooted for Good: Rooted for Good hand makes premium all natural products that feel amazing and work really well! Enhance your skincare experience with Rooted and join the growing number of satisfied customers across the US and beyond who are switching to Rooted and going all-natural. On top of the amazing benefits and affordable pricing, using Rooted products makes a difference for others as well. Every time you choose our all natural premium products 10% of your purchase goes to help someone in need in a developing country! From Coffee Exfoliators & Sugar Scrubs to foaming Face Wash, luxurious Bath Salts to Premium Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils and everything in between, make Rooted for Good your source for all natural healthy living. Rooted provides an option to choose all natural living that resonates with your Catholic values. See all of our amazing products and read the stories of the lives that are being blessed through Rooted purchases at <a href= "http://rootedforgood.com/">RootedForGood.com</a>.

S12 E5 - Revolution of Tenderness

Loyalty is a powerful virtue—but can it become dangerous? Loyalty is seen as a sought-after virtue, even being the foundation of relationships. However, can loyalty be disordered? Can being loyal to the wrong things cost you your soul?

Fr. Mike reveals to us that loyalty, when placed in the wrong order, is dangerous and can even lead to idolatry. What does your loyalty hierarchy look like?<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

When Loyalty Goes Too Far

Author's Dedication

Author's Epigraphs

Introduction

Part 1 - Bodies

Sex and Reproduction

Transgenderism and Body Modification

Life Extension and Assisted Suicide

The Procrustean Bed

Part 2 - Reality

Virtual Reality

Artificial Intelligence

Augmented Reality

Re-Enchantment

Part 3 - Politics

Liberalism as Transhumanism

Postliberalism

Transhumanism and American Politics

Right-Wing Transhumanisms

Part 4 - Work

Capitalism and Transhumanism

Building a Humane Economy

Post-Scarcity

Part 5 - God

The Nephilim and Theosis

Transhumanist Spiritualities

How Transhumanism Subverts Christianity

Digital Christianity

Conclusion

Author's Acknowledgments

About the Author

CRISIS Publications

The ancient lie that we can become gods echoes today in the rise of transhumanism. Genetic engineering, AI, and other technologies tempt us to redefine what it means to be human. This clear and urgent reflection exposes the hidden spiritual dangers behind this movement and calls us back to natural law, true human dignity, and our God-given nature. A thoughtful defense of what it means to remain fully human in a world racing to surpass humanity itself.

The Transhumanist Temptation

Near-death experiences are endlessly fascinating for those who long for Heaven or are just curious about the things we cannot see (yet). Lost in all the discussion of NDEs, however, is their long, rich history. Saints and mystics have been visiting Heaven for thousands of years, and here, for the first time, Scott L. Smith provides you with a glimpse of what they’ve been seeing these past two millennia.

Near-Death Experiences | eBook

God created all of the visible world in richness, diversity, and order, and everything owes its existence to God. Because all of creation comes from God, every creature has its own goodness and perfection and God wills the interdependence of all creatures. Father Mike helps us to see that God gave us the world for our use, but not for our abuse. Human beings are made in the image and likeness of God and we are charged with caring for the natural world and all of its creatures. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 337-343.

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 48: Creation in Order (2025)

Pray in the Spirit

Pray in Faith

Pray from the Heart

Pray Fervently

Pray on the Spot

Pray with Specifics

Pray in Friendship with Christ

Pray in Thanksgiving and Praise to God

Pray with Mary

End Credits

Intercessory prayer is a privilege — a way to think, act, and love like Christ. But many struggle to pray for others well. This practical guide gives you nine clear steps to make your intercessory prayer more intentional and effective. Each step includes helpful tips, a patron saint, and reflection questions. Learn to pray with conviction, unlock spiritual power for those you love, and grow confident in saying, “Yes, I will pray for you!”

Unleashing the Power of Intercessory Prayer

The Seven Last Words of Christ are more than a theological study—they are a guide for daily discipleship and holy living. Drawing from Scripture, Church tradition, and the insights of saints and literary minds, this powerful meditation reveals how each word from the Cross teaches us to forgive, suffer well, love sacrificially, and thirst for souls. Rich with real-life examples and practical application, it is a compelling invitation to unite our lives to Christ’s Passion and walk the path of holiness.

Wisdom from the Cross | eBook

Resources: <ul> <li><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-devil-in-the-castle"> Devil in the Castle</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li><a href="http://SpiritualDirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li><a href="http://onelink.to/92tyk4">The Contemplative Rosary App</a> (phones and tablets only)</li> <li><a href="http://SpiritualDirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> <li><a href="https://www.sophiainstitute.com">Sophia Institute Press</a> - online</li> </ul>

Devil in the Castle: Chapter Seven

There is a beauty in the fact that God shares his very name with us. He gives us his name so that we can call upon him in prayer, hold him in our hearts, and know we are not alone.

Today, Fr. Mike discusses the importance of reverencing this name. While the world throws this holy title around, we are called to have awareness of the power and the goodness of God. Fr. Mike explains that in recognizing the meaning of names like God, Jesus, and Mary, we honor them and all they offer us. As we walk through life as God’s children, his name should never be regarded as an afterthought but instead considered one of the greatest gifts he has granted us.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>