How do you know what authority to trust? St. Augustine finds himself struggling with the abusive authority of Manichaeism versus the authority of Sacred Scripture. As he works through these authorities, he finds himself questioning the source of happiness. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss how to identify true happiness in our own lives. Today’s readings are Book 6, Chapters 5-7.

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

What about Monica? In these chapters, St. Augustine writes extensively about his mother. He describes her devotion and persistence especially in regards to his own conversion. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the struggle we sometimes face when dealing with our past wrongs. They explain how St. Augustine let his own failings be a blockade to the progression of his faith. Today’s readings are Book 6, Chapters 1-4.

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

We need companions on the journey! In the chapters of Book 6, a greater emphasis is placed on the relationships in St. Augustine’s life. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss some of those relationships. St. Monica, of course, continues to be a pivotal person for St. Augustine. We are also introduced to St. Augustine’s companion St. Alipius. And finally, there is the continued presence of St. Ambrose in his life.

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

Kindness can go a long way. St. Augustine now finds himself in Milan after he quickly becomes frustrated with life in Rome. It is at this time that he encounters St. Ambrose for the first time. It is the kindness of St. Ambrose that draws St. Augustine in the most. It is through this that St. Augustine finds renewal and chooses to become a catechumen. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk reflect on the person of St. Ambrose and his impact on St. Augustine. Today’s readings are Book 5, Chapters 10-14.

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

Is a hasty decision ever a good decision? Unsatisfied with his life in Carthage, St. Augustine decides to leave for Rome. Although his mother Monica discourages his move, he still goes. St. Augustine shares honestly about his decision making. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss how God works with our choices, even our wrong choices. Today’s readings are Book 5, Chapters 8-9.

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

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

St. Augustine's long-awaited encounter with Faustus, the Manichaeans' Bishop, disappoints him. Finding Faustus incapable of answering his questions, St. Augustine is disillusioned by this leader and Manichaeism. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss how this experience is another step in St. Augustine's pursuit of wisdom. Today's readings are Book 5, Chapters 5-7.

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

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

What is the difference between the Catholic and the Manichaean account of evil? St. Augustine anticipates his meeting with Faustus, the Bishop of the Manichaeans. He prepares to ask Faustus many questions, hoping for understanding and truth. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what heresy is and the background of the Manichaean sect. Today’s readings are Book 5, Chapters 1-4.

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

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

Get ready for an exciting journey! In Book 5 of Confessions, we'll embark on a thrilling adventure to Carthage, Rome, and Milan. Join us as Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk delve into the fascinating experiences of St. Augustine at the age of 28 and his relentless quest for answers. As St. Augustine's dissatisfaction with Manichaeism and Faustus's teachings deepens, he eventually finds himself in the vibrant city of Milan, where his first encounter with St. Ambrose awaits.

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

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

With the help of Aristotle’s philosophy, St. Augustine attempts to make sense of reality. He meditates on his natural understanding of challenging texts, realizing his intelligence did not immediately bring him to God. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the gift of intelligence and the need to use this gift to discern the true and beautiful. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 15-16.

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

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

How does time come to be? Considering the fleeting nature of reality, St. Augustine dives into what it means for us to exist within time while God exists eternally. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how we must pass through the shifting sands of our present experience to arrive on the solid rock of God’s eternity. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 11-14.

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

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