Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor discuss the enduring significance of St. Augustine in Catholic thought, the Church’s spiritual life, and how he may influence Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. St. Augustine made an immense impact on Western theology, especially his influence on St. Thomas Aquinas, and how this shaped Catholic social teaching through Rerum Novarum. St. Augustine’s deep interior exploration in Confessions resonated with saints like St. Teresa of Avila and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (aka Edith Stein). St. Augustine’s vision in City of God contrasts the self-centered “city of man” with the divine love found in the “city of God,” presenting to us a framework relevant to contemporary challenges of community, power, and personal meaning.

St. Augustine’s personal journey—his moral struggles, intellectual conversion, and his mother Monica’s faithful intercession—is a mirror for today’s searchers, especially in an era marked by isolation and distraction. Deacon Omar reflects on his own experience with the Augustinian spirit of charity and dialogue, pointing out how their emphasis on unity in essentials, freedom in non-essentials, and charity in all things could guide the Church forward, particularly in Catholic social teaching.

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

This short introduction provides the historical background for Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum as well as some detail about the pope himself. It also provides a paragraph-by-paragraph summary of the document to better understand the teaching. This is ideal for students of the document and those studying Catholic Social Teaching.

You can buy a copy of the book here.

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Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor take a look at the remarkable legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who inspired Pope Leo XIV’s chosen name, and his major contributions to modern Catholic thought and life and his wide-ranging influence: reviving Thomistic philosophy, championing the Sacred Heart devotion, initiating the Saint Michael Prayer, and issuing over 80 encyclicals that addressed freedom, citizenship, and social responsibility. Pope Leo XIII’s guidance helped unify the Benedictine orders, supported missionary efforts of saints like Thérèse of Lisieux, Frances Cabrini, and Katharine Drexel, and offered a vision of the Church that engaged deeply with modern challenges. His encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching: a response to industrialization rooted in the dignity of the human person, especially the working poor.

They discuss connections between Leo XIII’s era and current developments such as artificial intelligence and economic shifts. We shouldn’t reduce Catholic social teaching to political ideologies or mislabeling it as socialist. Instead, we must look at it from the truth that it stems from a call to love God and neighbo: caring for the vulnerable, implementing ethical labor practices, and the right use of property are not merely political concerns but spiritual imperatives grounded in Christ’s command to serve.

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

This short introduction provides the historical background for Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum as well as some detail about the pope himself. It also provides a paragraph-by-paragraph summary of the document to better understand the teaching. This is ideal for students of the document and those studying Catholic Social Teaching.

You can buy a copy of the book here.

The post Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum, Pt. 2 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Kris McGregor and Deacon Omar Gutierrez discuss the significance of the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, reflecting on the profound impact of his surprising selection. They discuss the connection between this new pope and his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, known for his foundational contributions to Catholic social teaching and spiritual devotion, including the Saint Michael prayer. This connection is seen as a powerful symbol of continuity and hope, emphasizing the unifying power of the Holy Spirit during times of change.

They also touch on the cultural and spiritual roots of the new pope, including his upbringing in Chicago and deep ties to Peru, which many see as a bridge-building moment for the Americas, with hopeful anticipation for how Pope Leo XIV will engage with contemporary challenges, reflecting the Church’s enduring mission to speak truth to a fragmented world.

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

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In this classic interview from 2007, Bruce and Kris McGregor speak with actress Sydney Penny about her portrayal of St. Bernadette Soubirous in the films Bernadette and The Passion of Bernadette. Sydney reflects on how she was cast in the role as a young actress and how the experience of playing Bernadette—both in Lourdes and later in the convent at Nevers—deeply impacted her spiritually. She shares how the films aimed to faithfully present the saint’s life; not only the famous apparitions but also Bernadette’s later years marked by suffering, humility, and joyful perseverance. Sydney discusses how the role taught her about true spiritual strength, the value of simplicity, and the depth of Bernadette’s character, which continues to inspire her in everyday life.

They also explore the challenges Sydney faced filming in both English and French, her connection to the physical locations of Lourdes and Nevers, and the gift of encountering Bernadette’s incorrupt body. Sydney, though not Catholic, expresses how the story and spirit of Bernadette enriched her life and gave her a lasting model of grace.

The post “Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette”- In Conversation with Sydney Penny – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina joins Kris and Bruce McGregor to discuss St. Perpetua, an early Christian martyr whose story has been powerfully preserved through her own writings. St. Perpetua’s remarkable courage, faith, and rebellious spirit against the evils of the world, as well as her deep trust in Christ, enabled her to embrace martyrdom despite the many comforts of her noble status, young motherhood, and privileged upbringing.

Her account is one of the few firsthand writings from an early Christian woman, making her an extraordinary voice in Church history. Her willingness to sacrifice everything for Christ, including her family and infant child, serves as a powerful witness that continues to inspire believers today.

“Saints Perpetua and Felicity were martyrs who died for the faith around the year 203.

St. Perpetua was a young, well-educated, noblewoman and mother living in the city of Carthage in North Africa. Her mother was a Christian and her father was a pagan. In terms of her faith, Perpetua followed the example of her mother. Despite the pleas of her father to deny her faith, Perpetua did the very opposite, and fearlessly proclaimed it. At the age of 22, she was imprisoned for her faith. While in prison she continued to care for her infant child and put up with the tortures designed to make her renounce her faith. Perpetua remained steadfast until the end. St. Perpetua was sacrificed at the games as a public spectacle for not renouncing her faith.

The feast of these Saints is March 7.“

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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. Patricia shares her fascination with St. Bernadette and her journey from being introduced to St. Bernadette through a movie to translating her letters and spiritual notebook. She shares personal experiences, including her visit to Lourdes, which ultimately led to her conversion to Catholicism.

“St. Bernadette, A Holy Life” shows readers St. Bernadette’s remarkable character beyond her portrayal in films, highlighting her humility, courage, and devotion to her vocation. Patricia also sheds light on Bernadette’s suffering, her family relationships, and her unwavering faith, revealing a deeper understanding of St. Bernadette’s life beyond the famous apparitions and her enduring impact as a role model for holiness.

“While the story of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes in 1858 are well known, relatively few people are familiar with the saint’s own spiritual insights and profound holiness. For the first time in English, this book presents a wide selection of St. Bernadette’s thoughts, advice, sayings, and prayers through the touching words of her spiritual diary, notes, and letters to friends and family.

In these beautiful writings of St. Bernadette, we learn the secrets of her holiness and happiness. Though she suffered greatly throughout her life, the heroic response of this humble, self-effacing nun transformed excruciating suffering into spiritual fruitfulness. Her letters and writings serve as a model for others passing through their own trials. Her writings reveal and intimate and profound love for God and neighbor. Anyone pursuing a deeper spiritual life will appreciate knowing Bernadette as she truly was, and the inspiring spiritual works of wisdom she offers to us all.”

The post St. Bernadette, A Holy Life – In Conversation with Patricia McEachern – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this classic conversation with Kris and Bruce McGregor, they discuss with Mike Aquilina the life and legacy of St. Agnes of Rome, a 12- or 13-year-old martyr who lived during the early 4th century. St. Agnes, from a noble Roman family, became renowned for her steadfast Christian faith, refusing suitors and choosing to consecrate her virginity to God. Amidst the Roman Empire’s widespread persecution of Christians, her refusal led to denunciation and martyrdom, during which she displayed extraordinary courage. Her witness inspired many, turning public opinion against the brutality of Christian persecution and fostering conversions. St. Agnes’s story emphasizes her purity, bravery, and the cultural contrast between Christian respect for life and the Roman practices of abortion and infanticide.

St. Agnes’s enduring relevance makes her a model for young girls facing cultural pressures. Her name, meaning “lamb,” symbolizes her gentle yet victorious spirit, depicted in art with a palm of martyrdom and a lamb. St. Agnes is honored in Rome with churches at her martyrdom and burial sites. Her impact spans centuries, inspiring faith and offering a powerful example of living courageously for Christ.

“According to tradition, Saint Agnes was a member of the Roman nobility born c. 291 and raised in a Christian family. She suffered martyrdom at the age of twelve or thirteen during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, on 21 January 304.

The Prefect Sempronius wished Agnes to marry his son, and on Agnes’ refusal he condemned her to death. As Roman law did not permit the execution of virgins, Sempronius had a naked Agnes dragged through the streets to a brothel. Various versions of the legend give different methods of escape from this predicament. In one, as she prayed, her hair grew and covered her body. It was also said that all of the men who attempted to rape her were immediately struck blind. In another the son of the prefect is struck dead, but revived after Agnes prayed for him, causing her release. There is then a trial from which Sempronius excuses himself, and another figure presides, sentencing her to death. When led out to die she was tied to a stake, but the bundle of wood would not burn, or the flames parted away from her, whereupon the officer in charge of the troops drew his swordbeheaded her, or, in some other texts, stabbed her in the throat. It is also said that the blood of Agnes poured to the stadium floor where other Christians soaked up the blood with cloths. and

The daughter of Constantine I, Saint Constance, was also said to have been cured of leprosy after praying at Agnes’ tomb.”

Let us gain courage for our own battle

Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio.

Mike Aquilina’s website is found at fathersofthechurch.com

The post St. Agnes, A Lamb for Christ – In Conversation With Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on 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. Patricia shares her fascination with St. Bernadette and her journey from being introduced to St. Bernadette through a movie to translating her letters and spiritual notebook. She shares personal experiences, including her visit to Lourdes, which ultimately led to her conversion to Catholicism.

“St. Bernadette, A Holy Life” shows readers St. Bernadette’s remarkable character beyond her portrayal in films, highlighting her humility, courage, and devotion to her vocation. Patricia also sheds light on Bernadette’s suffering, her family relationships, and her unwavering faith, revealing a deeper understanding of St. Bernadette’s life beyond the famous apparitions and her enduring impact as a role model for holiness.

“While the story of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes in 1858 are well known, relatively few people are familiar with the saint’s own spiritual insights and profound holiness. For the first time in English, this book presents a wide selection of St. Bernadette’s thoughts, advice, sayings, and prayers through the touching words of her spiritual diary, notes, and letters to friends and family.

In these beautiful writings of St. Bernadette, we learn the secrets of her holiness and happiness. Though she suffered greatly throughout her life, the heroic response of this humble, self-effacing nun transformed excruciating suffering into spiritual fruitfulness. Her letters and writings serve as a model for others passing through their own trials. Her writings reveal and intimate and profound love for God and neighbor. Anyone pursuing a deeper spiritual life will appreciate knowing Bernadette as she truly was, and the inspiring spiritual works of wisdom she offers to us all.”

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.”

Prayer

We give you thanks, almighty God, for sending Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the people of Ireland. Grant that we who are proud to call ourselves Christians may never cease to proclaim to the world the good news of salvation.

The post St. Patrick, the apostle of Ireland… In Conversation with Dr. Philip Freeman appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode, Evan Collins interviews Fr. Joseph Fessio about a new book paying tribute to Pope Benedict XVI written by Cardinal Robert Sarah.  The book is celebrated for its deep spiritual insights and reflections on the lives of saints, particularly focusing on Pope Benedict XVI’s rich theological legacy and potential for canonization.

Fr. Fessio shares his personal connection to Pope Benedict XVI, describing him as a mentor and friend, and highlights Cardinal Sarah’s relationship with the late pope, drawing parallels between their spiritual and theological journeys. The book is described as a heartfelt tribute, offering a unique perspective on Pope Benedict XVI’s spiritual and theological contributions through Cardinal Sarah’s lens, including previously unpublished writings that showcase the depth of Benedict XVI’s thoughts on faith, spirituality, and the church.

The discussion also delves into the broader impact of Pope Benedict XVI’s work, emphasizing his humility, profound theological insight, and dedication to guiding the faithful toward a deeper understanding of their faith and the Church’s teachings. Fr. Fessio and Collins discuss the significance of the catechism, the importance of tradition, and the legacy of theological scholarship represented by figures like Ratzinger, de Lubac, and von Balthasar.

Throughout the conversation, both Collins and Fr. Fessio highlight the enduring relevance of Pope Benedict XVI’s teachings, his approach to theology as a means of encountering the divine, and the transformative power of his writings on individuals’ spiritual lives. The episode paints a picture of Pope Benedict XVI not just as a theologian but as a spiritual master whose life and work continue to inspire and guide the faithful toward a deeper relationship with God.

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