In Conversation... Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Patricia McEachern, an associate professor of French at Drew University in Missouri, discusses her book "A Holy Life: The Writings of St. Bernadette of Lourdes" with Bruce and Kris McGregor. The post St. Bernadette, A Holy Life- In Conversation with Patricia McEachern – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Bruce and I as we discuss with Dr. Philip Freeman, PhD, author of "St. Patrick of Ireland", the life of this great saint. A reading from the Confession of St Patrick (Conf 34,36,37,38,39) "I give thanks to my God tirelessly who kept me faithful in the day of trial, so that today I offer sacrifice to him confidently, the living sacrifice of my life to Christ, my Lord, who preserved me in all my troubles. I can say therefore: Who am I, Lord, and what is my calling that you should cooperate with me with such divine power? Today, among heathen peoples, I praise and proclaim your name in all places, not only when things go well but also in times of stress. Whether I receive good or ill, I return thanks equally to God, who taught me always to trust him unreservedly. His answer to my prayer inspired me in these latter days to undertake this holy and wonderful work in spite of my ignorance, and to imitate in some way those who, as the Lord foretold, would preach his Good News as a witness to all nations before the end of the world. How did I come by this wisdom which was not my own, I who neither knew what was in store for me, nor what it was to relish God? What was the source of the gift I got later, the great and beneficial gift of knowing and loving God, even if it meant leaving my homeland and my relatives? I came to the Irish heathens to preach the Good News and to put up with insults from unbelievers. I heard my mission abused, I endured many persecutions even to the extent of chains; I gave up my free-born status for the good of others. Should I be worthy I am ready to give even my life, promptly and gladly, for his name; and it is there that I wish to spend it until I die, if the Lord should graciously allow me. I am very much in debt to God; who gave me so much grace that through me many people were born again in God and afterwards confirmed, and that clergy were ordained for them everywhere. All this was for a people newly come to belief whom the Lord took from the very ends of the earth as he promised long ago, through his prophets: ‘To you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and will say, "How false are the idols our fathers made for themselves, how useless they are." 'And again: ‘I have made you a light for the nations so that you may be a means of salvation to the ends of the earth.’ I wish to wait there for the promise of one who never breaks his word, as he promises in the gospel: 'They will come from the east and the west to take their places with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob,' just as we believe the faithful will come from every part of the world." The post St. Patrick, the apostle of Ireland… In Conversation with Dr. Philip Freeman appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Evan Collins interviews Fr. Fessio on a book tribute to Pope Benedict XVI, exploring his spiritual legacy and mentorship. The post In Conversation with Fr. Joseph Fessio – He Gave Us So Much by Robert Cardinal Sarah – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Conversation with Dr. Anthony Lilles – The Spiritual Impact of Pope Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) In this special In Conversation podcast, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the life of Joseph Ratzinger and the impact he has had on the spiritual life and growth of the church, especially in some of its ... Read more The post In Conversation with Dr. Anthony Lilles – The Spiritual Impact of Pope Benedict XVI – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

 In Conversation with Fr. Vincent Twomey – The Heart of Pope Benedict XVI’s Spiritual Legacy (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) In this special In Conversation podcast, Fr. Vincent Twomey and Kris McGregor discuss the life of Joseph Ratzinger as priest and professor before becoming a bishop, cardinal, and eventually Pope.   Fr. Twomey, a one-time student ... Read more The post In Conversation with Fr. Vincent Twomey – The Heart of Pope Benedict XVI’s Spiritual Legacy – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

 In Conversation with Fr. Joseph Fessio – The Spiritual Legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) In this special In Conversation podcast, Fr. Joseph Fessio and Kris McGregor discuss the profound spiritual legacy of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) and the long-lasting impact he will have upon the ... Read more The post In Conversation with Fr. Joseph Fessio – The Spiritual Legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Please enter into the life's story 0f St. Clare's life by listening to one of the best storytellers we know...Sr. Joan Mueller. She is enthralling!!! St. Clare of Assisi was co-foundress of the Order of Poor Ladies or Clares and the first Abbess of San Damiano; born at Assisi, 16 July 1194; died there 11 August 1253. I can't even begin to describe the effect St. Clare has had on my life. My relationship with her goes so deep that any words I could come up with would not honor her as I wish I could. I should share this little story of my own. In 2007, I had a chance to visit Assisi...I just wanted to be near St. Clare. I didn't plan it, but my hotel ended up being right across the street from St. Clare's Basilica (it seems wrong to call it a street, its width is so small). Really early one morning, I couldn't sleep, so I got up and began walking around outside of the Basilica. No one was out; all the shops closed, the sun was coming up. On a whim, I thought I would see if the church's doors were open (thinking to myself, of course, they wouldn't be), but to my surprise, they opened. So I entered. No one was around. I saw steps leading down to a lower level. I stepped over the rope blocking the entrance (boorish American that I am) and walked down. The path led down to an area with a display of relics, like clothing and other items (I assumed they were Clare's), and then I turned around and saw something incredible...the crypt of St. Clare. It stopped me in my tracks, so much so that I had to remind myself to breathe again. I quietly walked over to the enclosure grates that blocked off getting any closer. I knelt, and I just started to weep...I couldn't help it. It was so quiet; it was such a gift. I began to pray. I brought to St. Clare all the petitions I held so deeply in my heart. And when that was done, silence filled the space. After about 10 minutes, out of nowhere, I could hear the sound of the Poor Clare Sisters in the distance chanting their morning prayers. I knelt at that spot, for a good 30 minutes or so, all alone with St. Clare. I then got up, praised God for this special moment, and left the basilica. She's been with me, especially, ever since. St. Clare, pray for us. The post St. Clare, pray for us – a model for the discerning heart…In Conversation with Sr. Joan Mueller appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The best interview we ever had on the many aspects of the Holy Saturday experience was with Dr. Regis Martin professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and the author of several books on spirituality and theology. Making sense of human suffering is a challenge in every age, and many a person confronted with man’s inhumanity to his fellow man has lost his faith in a good God. The Holocaust, in particular, because of the scope of its ruthlessness, has raised the question for modern man: “What kind of God allows the horrible and systematic murder of so many innocent people?” Dr. Martin offers incredible insight on this and so many other facets of suffering. The post The Suffering of Love: Christ’s Descent into the Hell of Human Hopelessness … In Conversation with Regis Martin appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

"Walk Humbly Before Your God:  Simple Steps to a Virtuous Life" is an all-time favorite.  Fr. Andrew Apostoli, a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and a frequent host on the Eternal Word Television Network, had a beautiful way of shining new light on fundamental truths.  He graciously took time to teach us about the nature of prayer,  how it develops in our lives and how we can nurture it.  He spoke of Jesus and several aspects of his prayer: praise, thanksgiving, intercession, and how it aids in our suffering.  Our traditional vocal prayers, as well as the depths of contemplation, were also discussed including how do we deal with distractions,   Fr. Apostoli, a humble, holy priest, was a master spiritual catechist! He died on December 13, 2017, the morning after the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.  Contained in this 50-minute discussion, you'll find guidance that can last a lifetime. The post “Walk Humbly Before Your God” The Spiritual Journey – In Conversation with Fr. Andrew Apostoli – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Bruce and I were deeply blessed to have a conversation with the late Fr. Benedict Groeschel on "The Virtue Driven Life". Engaging, humble, funny, and saintly, Fr. Groeschel has left us such a tremendous legacy of teaching on the spiritual life! In this conversation, we discuss the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity; as well as the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.  Fr. Groeschel, always practical, shares the wisdom of a spiritual father which illuminates more clearly the travails of the spiritual journey.  How blessed were we to have such a spiritual master in our midst! The post In Conversation with Fr. Benedict Groeschel – The Virtue Driven Life – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

It was with great joy we had the opportunity to talk with Fr. Thomas Dubay. His work on "Fire Within" and all the programs he gave us on EWTN were instrumental in my spiritual growth. In those early days, he was like having a distant spiritual director who guided me, as well as the rest of us, toward a deeper relationship with Christ. He told me once, "Kris, the best theology books are the lives of the saints; you study them and you won't be led astray." Fr. Thomas Dubay, in a very real way, helped inspire the work of this blog and it's mission. The post In Conversation with Fr. Thomas Dubay – Deep Conversion, Deep Prayer – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

One of my very favorite storytellers is Sr. Joan Mueller...give yourself the gift of hearing her share the story of St. Bakhita in the podcast above... Witness of love Every line of the Collect for Saint Bakhita merits attention; every phrase needs to be repeated in meditation. O God, who led Saint Josephine Bakhita from abject slavery to the dignity of being your daughter and the bride of Christ, give us, we beseech you, by her example, to follow after Jesus the Crucified Lord with unremitting love and, in charity, to persevere in a ready mercy. Her humility, her simplicity and her constant smile won the hearts of all the citizens. Her sisters in the community esteemed her for her inalterable sweet nature, her exquisite goodness and her deep desire to make the Lord known. “Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!”As she grew older she experienced long, painful years of sickness. Mother Bakhita continued to witness to faith, goodness and Christian hope. To those who visited her and asked how she was, she would respond with a smile: “As the Master desires.” Final test During her agony, she re-lived the terrible days of her slavery and more then once she begged the nurse who assisted her: “Please, loosen the chains... they are heavy!” It was Mary Most Holy who freed her from all pain. Her last words were: “Our Lady! Our Lady!”, and her final smile testifiedto her encounter with the Mother of the Lord. Mother Bakhita breathed her last on February 8, 1947 at the Canossian Convent, Schio, surrounded by the Sisters. A crowd quickly gathered at the Convent to have a last look at their «Mother Moretta» and to ask for her protection from heaven. The fame of her sanctity has spread to all the continents and many are those who receive graces through her intercession. The post St. Bakhita, to follow after Jesus the Crucified Lord with unremitting love… In Conversation with Sr. Joan Mueller appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Bruce and I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Fr. Thomas Acklin, a Benedictine monk and priest, is a professor of theology and psychology at St. Vincent College and Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is author of a tremendous work entitled "The Passion of the Lamb". In this book, he challenges us to become lambs like Christ, the little children He calls us to be so that we may be able to follow him in Word and Deed. Fr. Acklin is a master spiritual director, who helps us to hear the voice of the Lord in our hearts and encourages us to respond, in trust, to the will of the Father. An important not to be missed gift. The post The Passion of the Lamb ….In Conversation with Fr. Thomas Acklin O.S.B. appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

We bring to you what might seem like a surprising conversation from 2007 with Robert Novak, who died of cancer in 2009.  In his poignantly honest memoir, "Prince of Darkness: 50 Years Reporting in Washington,"  he deftly chronicles the political and cultural shifts of the last half of the 20th century.  Our discussion, however, focuses on his conversion to the Roman Catholic faith and his devotion to his patron saint, St. Thomas More which he shares in the book.  We discuss how his Catholic faith gave him the strength to follow his conscience and the teachings of the Catholic Church in the latter years of his life.  The stances he took in regards to immigration and the war in Iraqi, to name a few, put him at surprising odds with many of his "conservative" colleagues; he was even painfully rejected by some he regarded as close friends.  A gracious man, this interview is one of our all-time favorites.  His witness is a profound and compelling conversion story.  We hope you enjoy it. - KM The post A Special “In Conversation…” with Robert Novak (1931 – 2009) appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

There is an endless collection of reflections on the life, teachings, and work of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta...all wonderful and worth exploration. One however stands out for me, and that is the writings of Fr. Joseph Langford, co-founder with Mother Teresa of the Missionaries of Charity Fathers. In particular, "Mother Teresa: In the Shadow of Our Lady" The post Mother Teresa: In the Shadow of Our Lady … In Conversation with the late Fr. Joseph Langford appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Who is she? Men and women throughout the centuries have tried to define her…all we know for sure is that she was freed and healed from 7 demons, stayed with Our Lady at the foot of the Cross, and was chosen by Christ to be the first witness to the Resurrection…she would become the Apostle ... Read more The post St. Mary Magdalene – the Apostle to the Apostles..In Conversation with Amy Welborn appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

One of our all-time favorite conversations, one of our all-time favorite books…Anthony DeStefano’s “A Travel Guide to Heaven”! (Has it really been 10 years since this was published?) Filled with “Of course, that makes sense…” moments, this is a gem for the ages.  A timeless read that I revisited recently that brought such encouragement and ... Read more The post A Travel Guide to Heaven – In conversation with Anthony DeStefano appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Agnes of Bohemia is one of my favorite saints and it has a lot to do with Sr. Joan Mueller, the master storyteller. St. Agnes was the great admirer and then great friend of St. Clare. Her tale is as dramatic and compelling as any novel written. The text below is a brief overview of her life, but do yourself a favor and listen to the great tale as told by Sr. Joan. The post St. Agnes of Bohemia, the princess saint…In Conversation with Sr. Joan Mueller appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Who is St. Nicholas...it's a beautiful story of a life that transcends time, becoming a full blown witness to total giving in Charity. St. Nicholas, pray for us who desire and need the authentic understanding and practice of self-giving love. Here's the wonderful Thomas Craughwell talking about St. Nicholas and other Saints who are great witnesses to the child in each of us. The post St. Nicholas, who are you? The Saint and the origin of Santa Claus…In Conversation with Thomas Craughwell appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Discerning Hearts is a part of the MARY of NAZARETH Blog Tour/Rosary Crawl, of which we are delighted to be a part of, along with many other inspiring bloggers. Here is a clip from the movie which features the "mystery" surrounding the events of the "VISITATION" - How extraordinary this moment is, especially as seen in this film! So often in movie depictions of the "Visitation", we see only the two women coming together in a private encounter. But in "Mary of Nazareth", not only does Mary and Elizabeth share a heavenly revelation with each other, but they joyfully share this "good news" with everyone around them. Elizabeth freely "expresses" what the Holy Spirit has revealed, Mary joyfully "proclaims" the glory of the Lord to the seeking hearts caught witnessing the moment! This is "Evangelization" at its finest! This communication, really becomes a time of "communion" for those who have ears to hear, and eyes to see. Hope, Faith, and Love, all are captured so beautifully in this scene. Mary's "Magnificat" becomes a glorious expression of faith which touches the hearts that surround her. Oh, and that lovely touch which gives us Elizabeth and her unborn child as the first in that "communion" line to embrace Christ in the womb of the Mother is priceless. Stunning in it's beauty, breathtaking in it's scope! "Mary of Nazareth" is simply a joy for the heart. This is the film Catholics in particular have been waiting for. This is the Blessed Mother we have come to know in our hearts and the depiction that we want not only our families and friends to see, but all the whole world as well. A joy-filled expression of faith, hope and love. The Mary of this film is no "pouty teenager" or "hapless victim of circumstance" as she is too often portrayed in film and television today. No, this is our Mary, who says with trust a glorious "Fiat" to the will of the Father. This work, with it's gorgeous cinematic qualities and touching performances, is worthy to honor the one who would say "I am the Handmaid of the Lord". The post Mary of Nazareth – “The Visitation” – Special appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Spanish give us yet another incredible saint...St. Dominic. He is the founder of the Order of Preachers (so when you see an "O.P." behind the name, that's what's going on). Most of us call them the Dominicans. Born in 1170, he died on this date in 1221. A lot of traveling took place between those years. There is an interesting story that is told that before his birth his mother dreamed that a dog leapt from her womb carrying a torch in its mouth, and "seemed to set the earth on fire." His name in latin is Dominicanus, which is essentially the "Lord's Hound"....fascinating. (Parents out there, take note: names matter.) St. Dominic and his order have been responsible for setting the earth ablaze with the Gospel for over 800 years. The post St. Dominic – still setting “the earth on fire” 800 years later…In conversation with Bert Ghezzi appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The best movie on the life of St. Bernadette is actually a pair of films starring Sydney Penny and distributed by Ignatius Press: "Bernadette" and "The Passion of Bernadette". Sydney does an extraordinary job capturing the feverent love, joy and enthusiasm that encapsulates the heart of St. Bernadette. They are a joy to watch...our little saint is no sad victim, but instead a tremendous witness to the virtuous life and the grace of God. The post “Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette”…In Conversation with Sydney Penny appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

One of the finest translations of St. Bernadette's writings (her diary, etc) has been done by Patricia McEachern. The book is called "A Holy Life: The Writings of St. Bernadette of Lourdes". It's just beautiful. It reveals so much about this holy soul, St. Bernadette! Her "little way" was much like another holy soul, St. Therese...who knew these daughters of France would have so much in common. But then again, should we really be surprised? The post St. Bernadette, A Holy Life…In Conversation with Patricia McEachern – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

We are joined by the incredible Sr. Renee Mirkes, a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, who is director of the Center for NaProEthics, the ethics division of the Pope Paul VI Institute. So many have already said so much about St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross' life, but to really honor her is to explore (the best we can) her incredible work. Sr. Renee is someone who has. Sr. Renee offers to us just the tip of the iceberg of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross' tremendous legacy. Edith...brilliant. Sr. Renee...brilliant. The post On Edith Stein, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross – the brilliant radiance…In Conversation with Sr. Renee Mirkes appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Bruce and I had a conversation with Karl Schultz, editor of "Christian Values and Virtues" comprised of Pope Paul VI's teachings on peace, hope, humility, faith, suffering, love, and joy as comprised through his public audiences and his writings. Karl also shares little known things about Pope Paul VI. This book is a must read for those interested in understanding the impact of Pope Paul VI's papacy on the modern Catholic Church. The post Pope Paul VI – Christian Values and Virtues….In Conversation with Karl Schultz appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. John Vianney is the subject of the a book by Fr. Frederick L. Miller, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ, is the Chairman of the Department of Systematic Theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. We had a chance to speak to him about the life and times and this holy priest. The post “St. John Vianney – The Grace of Ars” … In conversation with Fr. Fredrick Miller appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Our conversation with Vinny Flynn, on the "The Seven Secrets of the Eucharist", is one of the most popular interviews we have had on the Morning Show. Vinny's love for the Eucharist pours out in his descriptions of just some of the beautiful "secrets" found in this great mystery and gift to us all. The post The Seven Secrets of the Eucharist – In Conversation with Vinny Flynn appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. George Montague is an exceptional biblical scholar, as well as a humble pastor. His experience with the gifts given by the Holy Spirit are extraordinary and he shares those with us, but he also encourages us to seek the deepening of our own prayer lives so that we too may discover what the Father desires to give his beloved children. Through Scripture and the practice of prayer, Fr. Montague helps to encounter the Holy Spirit who is eager for our response. Bruce and I loved our conversation with him. Highly recommended!! The post Holy Spirit, Make Your Home In Me – In Conversation with Fr. George Montague appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

This is such an interesting conversation Bruce and I had with author John Salza! We discussed this time around, "The Biblical Basis for the Papacy". Fascinating. The post The Biblical Basis for the Papacy … In Conversation with John Salza appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Bruce and I had the great blessing in 2005 of having a conversation with the late Cardinal Avery Dulles, one of the foremost American Catholic theologians of the post-Vatican II era about "A History of Apologetics". It seemed appropriate, especially during the Year of Faith, to listen once again to his words of wisdom about the importance of our individual Christian testimony over the winning of a "faith debate". We also discuss the legacy of Bl. John Newman and Bl. John Paul II, and so much more. Cardinal Dulles died December, 27, 2008. The post A History of Apologetics… In Conversation with Cardinal Avery Dulles appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Samir Khalil Samir is one of the world's leading experts on Islam. Bruce and I had the blessing to be able to speak with him about the religious and political tensions between east and west, and in particular between Christianity and Islam. His thoughtful insight helped us greatly to appreciate the realities that exist between us culturally and what hope there might be for peace and coexistence in the future. The post Islam and the West … In Conversation with Fr. Samir Khalil Samir S.J. appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A few years ago, Bruce and I had the blessing of having a very special conversation with Fr. Michael Scanlan about "The Truth About Trouble: How Hard Times Can Draw You Closer To God". Fr. Scanlan's wisdom is extraordinary...he knows how to pastor us through hard times, because he has suffered it, but he also knows that it is through Jesus, with Jesus, in Jesus that in the end all will be well. He talks about the cancer of discontent, which is so dangerous to our spiritual lives. Fr. Scanlan also describes how the devil desires to use trouble to turn us away from God. We should realize that when that is happening and recognize, believe or not, that trouble isn't the worst thing that could happen to us...it is actually a pathway to purification...be not afraid! What a gift Fr. Scanlan is to us all! The post The Truth About Trouble…. In Conversation with Fr. Michael Scanlan appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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