Are you striving for the freedom of excellence as sons and daughters of God? How do you grow in this freedom more every day?

Jacob Hopper, J.P. Stedwill, and Jacob Martini discuss Luigi Giussani's idea of seeing morality as love of God. They discuss the Biblical basis for this idea and its development in Church documents. They also define freedom and end with practical ways that we can grow in this freedom and ultimately love.

"Nowadays it is sometimes held, though wrongly, that freedom is an end in itself, that each human being is free when he makes use of freedom as he wishes, and that this must be our aim in the lives of individuals and societies. In reality, freedom is a great gift only when we know how to use it consciously for everything that is our true good. Christ teaches us that the best use of freedom is charity, which takes concrete form in self-giving and in service." -Redemptoris Hominis, John Paul II, 21.

Have you prayed to your guardian angel before?

Nathan Hopper, Daniel Dionesotes, Jacob Martini, and JP Stedwill discuss angels. They give an overview of the hierarchy of the angels and a bit on their creation. Our knowledge of angels is in revelation, so the guys give a few examples of where they are found in the Old and New Testament. They end by discussing how angels are active in the life and liturgy of the Church today and how we can grow closer to our guardian angels.

"How consoling it is to know that we have a spirit who, from the womb to the tomb, never leaves us even for an instant, not even when we dare to sin. And this heavenly spirit guides and protects us like a friend, a brother." - St. Padre Pio

What is your favorite part of the Holy Week/Easter Triduum Liturgies? What are some things you do to enter into this mystery?

Jacob Hopper, Nathan Hopper, Dcn. Wilson, and Jacob Martini gather to talk about Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. While it is a longer episode, the guys scratch the surface of the depths of the mysteries of these great liturgies. They talk about some of their favorite parts of the liturgies and suggest supplements that they use to enter more into the mystery of the Lord's Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

"May we not only observe the Lord's Passion, but truly enter into its mystery, making our own the sentiments of Christ. In this way, our Easter will indeed be blessed!" -Pope Francis, General Audience, April 1, 2015

What does it mean to say that God is love? What does it mean to abide in God's love? How does one live charity?

Nathan Hopper returns to the podcast! Dcn. Wilson, Jacob, and Nathan are joined by Blake Miller (Class of 2026). Blake talks about the fruits he has gained from reading the book "I Believe in Love" by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee. He focuses on the reflection on John 15:9 and abiding in God's love. The group talks about practical ways to grow in love.

"Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would have not been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace."

-St. Augustine

When was the last time you read a book? What's your favorite book?

Daniel Dionesotes, Dcn. Wilson, and Jacob continue their conversation from the last episode on the Theology of Perfection focusing now on how spiritual reading can help one on the way to perfection. They give some recommendations of books to read and tell of their favorite books.

"Don't neglect your spiritual reading. Reading has made many saints." -St. Josemaria Escriva

Get out your seats! Our first two part event! Next part will come out on Monday!

Daniel Dionesotes (Class of 2023) joins Dcn. Wilson and Jacob to discuss the spiritual life. Daniel shares with Deacon and Jacob what he learned from his class Theology of Spiritual Perfection. The soul's journey to God is marked by the purgative, illuminative, and unitive phases, ending in perfect unity with the Divine Will. The trio give some practical points of how to do continue on this journey that we are all made for! During this season of Lent, what are you going to do to grow spiritually?

"[Some people keep themselves away from preaching because they] are afraid of doing good. They are afraid that if they go to the sermon, they may be inspired with some good purpose there." -Humber of Romans O.P., "Treatise on the Formation of Preachers" 288.

How is Christ calling you to go deeper? What is He calling you to give up?

Jacob Hopper (Class of 2026) joins Dcn. Wilson, Pat Wille, and Jacob Martini to discuss Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, the Man of the Beatitudes. The saints lived exceptional lives; we too are called to that same goal, holiness.

"The law was given that grace might be sought; and grace was given, that the law might be fulfilled." -Veritatis Splendor 23

When was the first time you encountered Christ? What was it like?

In this episode, Dcn. Wilson, Pat, and Jacob discuss the calling of Andrew, John the Beloved Disciple, and Simon Peter through a program that they have at the seminary called "Back to Galilee." Listen to the episode to find out what it means to be called back to Galilee.

"It was about four in the afternoon." - John 1:39

Did you know that the Feast of the Epiphany includes 2 more events along with the visiting of the Magi?

Dcn. Wilson and Jacob are joined by Chase Stevens (Class of 2026) to talk about the Feast of the Epiphany. The group discusses what the visiting of the Magi would have been like 2000 years ago and what it means for us today. What are you going to do to find Christ as we begin the New Year?

"What are you doing, O Magi? Do you adore a little Babe, in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can this Child be truly God?...Are you become foolish, O Wise Men...Yes, these Wise Men have become fools that they may be wise!" -St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Pat Wille returns with Dcn. Wilson and Jacob and they are joined by John Paul Stedwill (Class of 2025). Who all was waiting for the Anointed One? What Christmas traditions do you have that help you to recognize the first gift of Christmas, the gift of the Son of God from God the Father?

"How to find Christmas peace in a world of unrest? You cannot find peace on the outside but you can find peace on the inside, by letting God do to your soul what Mary let Him do to her body, namely, let Christ be formed in you." -Ven. Fulton J. Sheen