Saint Francis de Sales explores common causes of desolation while assuring us that works performed and prayers offered in times of dryness are more precious in the sight of God. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand lead us to find freedom in these seasons by calling it what it is, calling on the name of the Lord, and continuing to show up despite the temptation not to.

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

Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 38: Enduring Desolation (Introduction to the Devout Life)

Welcome to Catholic Classics from Ascension! Each season we'll read through a great Catholic spiritual writing providing insightful commentary and practical guidance along the way. Informative and enriching, these 20-30 mins episodes will allow you to learn from the Catholic Church’s most revered saints and teachers as you seek to cultivate your spiritual life.
This season, Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. will guide you through "Confessions of St. Augustine" by St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church. In 60 days, you'll discover the powerful witness of St. Augustine’s spiritual journey that shows us that our weakness is not a barrier to holiness.

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In this final episode, St. Augustine reflects on the height of creation: humanity. He ponders how men and women are oriented towards God because God has created them in his goodness and they are made to rest in him. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss what this means. They also address how God has healed humanity and why we are worthy of love. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 31-38.

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.

Day 60: Rest in Him (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

In this penultimate episode, St. Augustine distinguishes between a gift and a fruit so as to help us understand what it means to receive from God. St. Augustine also refutes the Manichaeans concerning creation and the beginnings of the world. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss how we ought to receive the gifts given to us. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 26-30.

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.

Day 59: Gifts vs. Fruits (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

As we continue walking through the creation story, St. Augustine draws out the spiritual implications of the days of creation. He describes what it means for us to have dominion over the things of the world. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss this authority that humans have been given and the responsibility we have in regards to creation. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 23-25. 

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.

Day 58: The Hierarchy of Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

St. Augustine continues through Genesis and the story of creation. He shows how creation, the Church and sacraments are connected. In considering Genesis 1:20 and 1:24, St. Augustine reveals how Baptism and the Holy Eucharist are intertwined. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss how it is through grace and conversion that individuals become lights of the world. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 19-22.

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.

Day 57: Creation and the Sacraments (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

St. Augustine explores the creation of the heavens and earthly light. He considers the purpose God intended for them and their role in our daily lives. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss that the heavens were created for man, not God. They explain that God exists perfectly and happily outside of creation. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 15-18.  

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.

Day 38: Enduring Desolation (Introduction to the Devout Life)

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