DC24 St. Anselm, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

St. Anselm, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

  • Born: 1033, Aosta, Italy
  • Died: April 21, 1109, Canterbury, United Kingdom
  • Full name: Anselmo d’Aosta
  • Books: Proslogion, More

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor continue their look into the life and teachings of St. Anselm. They explore his background, his time as Archbishop of Canterbury, and his significant contributions to theology.

St. Anselm’s understanding of faith seeking understanding and his integration of faith and reason are highlighted, particularly through his ontological argument for the existence of God.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How did St. Anselm’s diverse titles and travels reflect his significance and influence within the Church during the Middle Ages?
  2. In what ways did spirituality and humility shape St. Anselm’s approach to theology and leadership within the Church?
  3. How did the challenges faced by St. Anselm in his early life, particularly in relation to familial expectations and his pursuit of religious vocation, shape his spiritual journey?
  4. Reflect on the leadership qualities exhibited by St. Anselm during his time as an Abbott and later as Archbishop of Canterbury, and how he navigated the complexities of church-state relations in the feudal context of his era.
  5. How did the investiture controversy shape the relationship between ecclesiastical and secular authorities during St. Anselm’s time, and what insights does his example offer for addressing similar challenges today?
  6. Reflect on the enduring legacy of St. Anselm’s writings and teachings within the Catholic Church, and how his life and work continue to inspire believers to deepen their understanding of faith, reason, and spirituality.


From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings oPope Benedict XVI General Audience 2009

“Anselm immediately became involved in a strenuous struggle for the Church’s freedom, valiantly supporting the independence of the spiritual power from the temporal. Anselm defended the Church from undue interference by political authorities, especially King William Rufus and Henry I, finding encouragement and support in the Roman Pontiff to whom he always showed courageous and cordial adherence. In 1103, this fidelity even cost him the bitterness of exile from his See of Canterbury. Moreover, it was only in 1106, when King Henry I renounced his right to the conferral of ecclesiastical offices, as well as to the collection of taxes and the confiscation of Church properties, that Anselm could return to England, where he was festively welcomed by the clergy and the people. Thus the long battle he had fought with the weapons of perseverance, pride and goodness ended happily. This holy Archbishop, who roused such deep admiration around him wherever he went, dedicated the last years of his life to the moral formation of the clergy and to intellectual research into theological topics. He died on 21 April 1109, accompanied by the words of the Gospel proclaimed in Holy Mass on that day: “You are those who have continued with me in my trials; as my Father appointed a kingdom for me, so do I appoint for you that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom…” (Lk 22: 28-30). So it was that the dream of the mysterious banquet he had had as a small boy, at the very beginning of his spiritual journey, found fulfilment. Jesus, who had invited him to sit at his table, welcomed Anselm upon his death into the eternal Kingdom of the Father.

“I pray, O God, to know you, to love you, that I may rejoice in you. And if I cannot attain to full joy in this life may I at least advance from day to day, until that joy shall come to the full” (Proslogion, chapter 14). This prayer enables us to understand the mystical soul of this great Saint of the Middle Ages, the founder of scholastic theology, to whom Christian tradition has given the title: “Magnificent Doctor”, because he fostered an intense desire to deepen his knowledge of the divine Mysteries but in the full awareness that the quest for God is never ending, at least on this earth. The clarity and logical rigour of his thought always aimed at “raising the mind to contemplation of God” (ibid., Proemium). He states clearly that whoever intends to study theology cannot rely on his intelligence alone but must cultivate at the same time a profound experience of faith. The theologian’s activity, according to St Anselm, thus develops in three stages: faith, a gift God freely offers, to be received with humility; experience, which consists in incarnating God’s word in one’s own daily life; and therefore true knowledge, which is never the fruit of ascetic reasoning but rather of contemplative intuition. In this regard his famous words remain more useful than ever, even today, for healthy theological research and for anyone who wishes to deepen his knowledge of the truths of faith: “I do not endeavour, O Lord, to penetrate your sublimity, for in no wise do I compare my understanding with that; but I long to understand in some degree your truth, which my heart believes and loves. For I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, that unless I believed, I should not understand” (ibid., 1).

Dear brothers and sisters, may the love of the truth and the constant thirst for God that marked St Anselm’s entire existence be an incentive to every Christian to seek tirelessly an ever more intimate union with Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. In addition, may the zeal full of courage that distinguished his pastoral action and occasionally brought him misunderstanding, sorrow and even exile be an encouragement for Pastors, for consecrated people and for all the faithful to love Christ’s Church, to pray, to work and to suffer for her, without ever abandoning or betraying her. May the Virgin Mother of God, for whom St Anselm had a tender, filial devotion, obtain this grace for us. “Mary, it is you whom my heart yearns to love”, St Anselm wrote, “it is you whom my tongue ardently desires to praise”.”


For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

St. Anselm, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

St. Anselm, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

  • Born: 1033, Aosta, Italy
  • Died: April 21, 1109, Canterbury, United Kingdom
  • Full name: Anselmo d’Aosta
  • Books: Proslogion, More

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor delve into the life and significance of St. Anselm of Canterbury, a pivotal figure in the Middle Ages and a doctor of the church. They explore St. Anselm’s diverse titles and his impactful contributions to theology, including his formulation of the ontological argument for God’s existence and his examination of the atonement.

St. Anselm’s profound spirituality and humility are emphasized, along with his early struggles with familial expectations before finding his vocation as a Benedictine monk. Dr. Bunson touches on the feudal and political context of Anselm’s time: the challenges faced by religious leaders like St. Anselm in navigating the complexities of church-state relations, particularly the investiture controversy. St. Anselm’s role as an Abbott and later as Archbishop of Canterbury; in addition to his leadership in both spiritual and secular realms, shaping the church’s trajectory during a pivotal era.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How do St. Anselm’s diverse titles and travels reflect his significance and influence within the Church during the Middle Ages?
  2. Consider the role of spirituality and humility in St. Anselm’s life and work. How did these qualities shape his approach to theology and leadership within the Church?
  3. Reflect on the challenges faced by St. Anselm in his early life, particularly in relation to familial expectations and his pursuit of religious vocation. How did these struggles shape his spiritual journey?
  4. Reflect on the leadership qualities exhibited by St. Anselm during his time as an Abbott and later as Archbishop of Canterbury. How did he navigate the complexities of church-state relations in the feudal context of his era?
  5. Reflect on the investiture controversy and its implications for the Church during St. Anselm’s time. How did this conflict shape the relationship between ecclesiastical and secular authorities?
  6. Reflect on the enduring legacy of St. Anselm’s writings and teachings within the Catholic Church. How do his philosophical and theological contributions continue to resonate with believers today?

From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of  Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2009

“He is also known as Anselm of Bec and Anselm of Canterbury because of the cities with which he was associated. Who is this figure to whom three places, distant from one another and located in three different nations Italy, France, England feel particularly bound? A monk with an intense spiritual life, an excellent teacher of the young, a theologian with an extraordinary capacity for speculation, a wise man of governance and an intransigent defender of libertas Ecclesiae, of the Church’s freedom, Anselm is one of the eminent figures of the Middle Ages who was able to harmonize all these qualities, thanks to the profound mystical experience that always guided his thought and his action.

St Anselm was born in 1033 (or at the beginning of 1034) in Aosta, the first child of a noble family. His father was a coarse man dedicated to the pleasures of life who squandered his possessions. On the other hand, Anselm’s mother was a profoundly religious woman of high moral standing (cf. Eadmer, Vita Sancti Anselmi, PL 159, col. 49). It was she, his mother, who saw to the first human and religious formation of her son whom she subsequently entrusted to the Benedictines at a priory in Aosta. Anselm, who since childhood as his biographer recounts imagined that the good Lord dwelled among the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Alps, dreamed one night that he had been invited to this splendid kingdom by God himself, who had a long and affable conversation with him and then gave him to eat “a very white bread roll” (ibid., col. 51). This dream left him with the conviction that he was called to carry out a lofty mission. At the age of 15, he asked to be admitted to the Benedictine Order but his father brought the full force of his authority to bear against him and did not even give way when his son, seriously ill and feeling close to death, begged for the religious habit as a supreme comfort. After his recovery and the premature death of his mother, Anselm went through a period of moral dissipation. He neglected his studies and, consumed by earthly passions, grew deaf to God’s call. He left home and began to wander through France in search of new experiences. Three years later, having arrived in Normandy, he went to the Benedictine Abbey of Bec, attracted by the fame of Lanfranc of Pavia, the Prior. For him this was a providential meeting, crucial to the rest of his life. Under Lanfranc’s guidance Anselm energetically resumed his studies and it was not long before he became not only the favourite pupil but also the teacher’s confidante. His monastic vocation was rekindled and, after an attentive evaluation, at the age of 27 he entered the monastic order and was ordained a priest. Ascesis and study unfolded new horizons before him, enabling him to rediscover at a far higher level the same familiarity with God which he had had as a child.

When Lanfranc became Abbot of Caen in 1063, Anselm, after barely three years of monastic life, was named Prior of the Monastery of Bec and teacher of the cloister school, showing his gifts as a refined educator. He was not keen on authoritarian methods; he compared young people to small plants that develop better if they are not enclosed in greenhouses and granted them a “healthy” freedom. He was very demanding with himself and with others in monastic observance, but rather than imposing his discipline he strove to have it followed by persuasion. Upon the death of Abbot Herluin, the founder of the Abbey of Bec, Anselm was unanimously elected to succeed him; it was February 1079. In the meantime numerous monks had been summoned to Canterbury to bring to their brethren on the other side of the Channel the renewal that was being brought about on the continent. Their work was so well received that Lanfranc of Pavia, Abbot of Caen, became the new Archbishop of Canterbury. He asked Anselm to spend a certain period with him in order to instruct the monks and to help him in the difficult plight in which his ecclesiastical community had been left after the Norman conquest. Anselm’s stay turned out to be very fruitful; he won such popularity and esteem that when Lanfranc died he was chosen to succeed him in the archiepiscopal See of Canterbury. He received his solemn episcopal consecration in December 1093.”

For more visit Vatican.va


For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

BTP-LR8 – Day 7, pt. 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Day 7, Part 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles reflects on Day 7 of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Last Retreat, delving into the mystery of suffering, self-emptying, and divine union. St. Elizabeth sees the soul as a heaven that must echo the glory of God, whether in joy or in weakness. Every aspect of life—including failures, dislikes, and suffering—can become a message of God’s glory when embraced in faith. Drawing on Psalm 18, she describes how even the darkest “nights” can carry divine light if one remains faithful and chooses to love amid pain. Dr. Lilles connects this to the theology of St. John of the Cross, explaining how our trials, when offered in faith, become part of Christ’s redemptive mission and mediate grace to the world.

The reflection culminates in the image of the soul as a bridal chamber prepared for Christ. When emptied of self and filled only with love and the desire for God’s glory, the soul becomes a dwelling place for the Word. This divine indwelling results in a mutual possession between the soul and Christ—”each seems to be the other, and the two are but one.” Dr. Lilles relates this mystical union to the love found in Christian marriage and consecrated life, both of which reflect a deeper spiritual reality. Elizabeth’s vision is an invitation to receive Christ even in suffering, and in doing so, become a living praise of God’s glory—a message especially directed to contemplative nuns, yet deeply enriching for all who long to live faithfully in Christ.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How can I allow my weaknesses and daily struggles to become a source of glory to God?
  2. In what ways am I being invited to participate in Christ’s redemptive suffering today?
  3. Do I trust that even my failures can be used by God when surrendered in faith?
  4. What does it mean for my soul to be a “bridal chamber” for Christ, and how can I prepare it?
  5. Am I open to letting Jesus dwell more fully in the hidden, ordinary parts of my life?
  6. How does my understanding of death—physical or spiritual—affect my willingness to love and surrender?
  7. In what ways do I resist dying to self, and how can I practice greater self-gift for love of Christ?
  8. How does my vocation reflect the mutual love and self-giving that Blessed Elizabeth describes?
  9. When faced with suffering or silence, do I keep my gaze fixed on Christ or turn inward in fear?
  10. What visible or invisible realities in my life help me perceive God’s presence more deeply?

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

From “Last Retreat Day 7, pt. 2” found in The Complete Works vol 1:

“18. “Night to night announces it.” 106 How very consoling that is! My weaknesses, my dislikes, my mediocrity , my faults themselves tell the glory of the Eternal! My sufferings of soul or body also tell the glory of my Master! David sang: “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” This: “I will take up the cup of salvation.” 107 If I take up this cup crimsoned with the Blood of my Master and, in wholly joyous thanksgiving, I mingle my blood with that of the holy Victim, it is in some way made infinite and can give magnificent praise to the Father. Then my suffering is “a message which passes on the glory” of the Eternal.

19. “There (in the soul that tells His glory) He has pitched a tent for the Sun.” 108 The sun is the Word, the “Bridegroom.” If He finds my soul empty of all that is not contained in these two words— His love, His glory, then He chooses it to be “His bridal chamber”; He “rushes” in “like a giant racing triumphantly on his course” and I cannot “escape His heat.” 109 He is this “consuming fire” 110 which will effect the blessed transformation of which St. John of the Cross speaks when he says: “Each seems to be the other and the two are but one”: 111 a “praise of glory” 112 of the Father!

 

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters


We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles


Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .

DPD7 – Steps to Spiritual Renewal – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast


Steps to Spiritual Renewal – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores the final steps of the Ignatian Examen, particularly the forward-looking element of spiritual renewal. He recounts a personal story from a writing retreat, where a simple visit to a cathedral during a solitary day became a moment of consolation. Through the Examen, he recognized this as a prompting from God and began incorporating such visits into his daily rhythm, transforming ordinary actions into spiritual practice. This forward step in the Examen allows one to not only review the day but to respond to divine invitations for growth and deeper relationship.

Fr. Gallagher also highlights the importance of transitioning into and out of prayer, noting that just as human relationships require time to settle in and close, so too does prayer. Drawing from St. Ignatius and Gospel encounters with Christ, he explains how beginning prayer by becoming aware of God’s loving gaze can set the tone for a fruitful time of discernment. Flexibility within the Examen—letting one step take precedence if it’s where the heart is drawn— is important and provides practical wisdom for how to settle into prayer with peace and openness.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How does the idea of the examine being an ongoing process of spiritual progress resonate with your own spiritual journey?
  2. What insights or patterns have you discovered through looking back on your day that could guide your actions for the next day?
  3. Can you recall a moment of spiritual consolation from your day, and how can you incorporate similar moments into your routine?
  4. How do you recognize and respond to feelings of spiritual desolation or discouragement in your daily life?
  5. In what ways might you adapt the steps of the examine to better fit your personal prayer life and spiritual needs?
  6. How can you incorporate transitional moments into your prayer routine to better enter and exit times of deep spiritual reflection?
  7. How do you perceive God’s gaze upon you when you begin your prayer, and what impact does this have on your spiritual experience?
  8. How can the practice of being aware, understanding, and taking action in discernment enhance your daily decisions and long-term spiritual growth?

St.-Ignatius-4

As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J.  1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.

OUR FATHER.


Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DPD6 – God’s Unconditional Love – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast


God’s Unconditional Love – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discusses the importance and depth of the fourth step of the Ignatian Examen, which involves seeking God’s forgiveness. This step builds on the previous steps of gratitude, petition, and review, leading one to face personal failures and missed opportunities to reject temptations.

Fr. Gallagher illustrates the process with personal anecdotes. One story involves his initial reaction to a colleague’s office renovation, where he realized his response was not fully gospel-centered. Another involves his interaction with a community member with disabilities, highlighting the importance of addressing even small failures in love and charity. Fr. Gallagher also reflects on a poem by George Herbert, “Love,” which portrays the dynamic between God’s persistent love and the human heart’s sense of unworthiness. This dynamic mirrors the experience of seeking and accepting God’s forgiveness in the examen. In the fifth step, renewal, the insights gained from the examen can guide actions and decisions in the coming day.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How do the first three steps of the Examen prepare us to seek God’s forgiveness in the fourth step?
  2. How does acknowledging God’s infinite love help us approach Him for forgiveness?
  3. In what ways can gratitude to God enhance our openness to seek and receive His forgiveness?
  4. How does reviewing the spiritual experiences of our day reveal our need for God’s forgiveness?
  5. Can you recall a moment where you could have acted differently and how would you seek God’s forgiveness for it now?
  6. Why is it important to bring even small failures to the Lord for forgiveness?
  7. How can seeking God’s forgiveness inspire us to seek reconciliation with others?
  8. What steps can we take to overcome feelings of unworthiness and fully embrace God’s love and forgiveness?
  9. How can the fifth step of the Examen, renewal, help us grow spiritually and improve our future actions?
  10. How does George Herbert’s poem “Love” illustrate the dynamic of God’s persistent love and our hesitant response?

St.-Ignatius-4

As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J.  1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.

OUR FATHER.


Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DPD5 – Journeying with the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast


Journeying with the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the third step of the Examen prayer, which is the review of one’s day. The term “examen” comes from the Spanish word for examination, and he refers to this step as “review.” This involves looking back over the day to see where God was present and where the enemy tried to lead one astray. The goal is to develop “eyes of faith” that are vigilant and can recognize the action of God and the enemy in daily life.

Fr. Gallagher uses a reflective example of “Susan,” a composite character from his experiences. Susan has been attending daily Mass for six months and incorporates the Examen into her routine. One day, after Mass, she feels deep spiritual consolation, realizing that attending daily Mass has brought her closer to God and improved her patience and availability to others. This reinforces her commitment to the practice. On another day, Susan experiences spiritual desolation, feeling distant from God and lacking energy for spiritual activities. Despite this, she gets herself to Mass, albeit late. In her review, she identifies this as an instance of the enemy’s tactic to discourage her and recognizes the importance of being faithful to her spiritual commitments.

The Examen helps one become more aware of spiritual consolations and desolations, allowing for growth and a deeper understanding of God’s grace and the enemy’s tactics. This practice, combined with knowledge of St. Ignatius’ rules for the discernment of spirits, enriches one’s spiritual life.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Examen prayer help us see the action of the Lord and the enemy in our daily lives?
  2. Can you identify moments of spiritual consolation and desolation in your recent experiences, and how did you respond to them?
  3. What steps can you take to incorporate the daily review of spiritual experiences into your prayer routine?
  4. How has attending daily Mass influenced your spiritual life and relationship with God?
  5. When facing spiritual desolation, what strategies can you employ to remain faithful to your spiritual commitments?
  6. How does asking for God’s forgiveness daily affect your sense of spiritual growth and personal peace?
  7. Are there specific times or situations where you find it challenging to stick to your spiritual plans, and how can you better recognize and counteract these tactics?
  8. Reflect on a time when you felt profound joy after experiencing God’s forgiveness; how did this affect your spiritual journey?
  9. How can you bring greater spiritual awareness to the seemingly ordinary events of your day?
  10. How familiar are you with St. Ignatius’ rules for discernment of spirits, and how can you apply them to deepen your practice of the Examen?

St.-Ignatius-4

As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J.  1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.

OUR FATHER.


Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DPD4 – Reflecting on the Day with God – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast


Reflecting on the Day with God – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss how consistent prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God, with each type of prayer—be it Mass, the Rosary, or scripture reading—adding its unique richness. The Examen prayer, in particular, cultivates an awareness of God’s presence throughout the day.

The third step of the Examen is the review of the day. This step involves reflecting on the events of the day to discern where God was present and where temptations or spiritual desolations occurred. Fr. Gallagher explains that this practice helps us become more aware of our spiritual experiences, leading to greater discernment in our lives.

Fr. Gallagher then introduces the concepts of spiritual consolation and desolation as described by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Spiritual consolation includes feelings of joy, hope, and closeness to God, while spiritual desolation involves feelings of abandonment, darkness, and spiritual dryness. He shares two examples: one of spiritual consolation, where a simple email exchange resolved an unresolved tension and led to a deeper connection, and one of spiritual desolation, where he felt heavy and discouraged during a retreat but recognized the need to avoid making decisions in such a state.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

    1. How does the Examen prayer deepen our awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives?
    2. How can you incorporate a daily practice of gratitude into your prayer life?
    3. How does seeking divine insight transform your understanding of your spiritual experiences?
    4. How can reviewing your day with God help you identify moments of spiritual consolation and desolation?
    5. How can familiarizing yourself with St. Ignatius’ 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits enhance your practice of the Examen?
    6. Reflect on a recent experience of spiritual consolation and how it affected your spiritual life.
    7. How can understanding moments of spiritual desolation help you respond more effectively and seek God’s presence?

St.-Ignatius-4

As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J.  1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.

OUR FATHER.


Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DPD3 – Steps to a Deeper Prayer Life – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast


Steps to a Deeper Prayer Life – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss how the Examen opens our spiritual eyes, helping us see God’s concrete ways of loving us, which deepens our relationship with Him.

The Examen begins with gratitude, reflecting on specific moments where God has shown His love. Fr. Gallagher provides a detailed example through Jean, who reflects on various events of her day, recognizing God’s presence and expressing gratitude for each moment, whether it be a supportive conversation with her husband, a reassuring Mass reading, or a productive workday.

The second step is petition, where one asks for God’s help to see and understand the spiritual realities of the day. Fr. Gallagher underscores the importance of recognizing prayer as a gift from God, requiring His grace to perceive spiritual truths and guidance.

The importance of not rushing through the Examen, allowing ample time to recognize and be grateful for God’s specific gifts, and maintaining an awareness of the relational aspect of prayer, contrasting it with self-reliant efforts of moral improvement. This approach fosters a deeper spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God’s concrete love in your life today?
  2. What specific moments from today are you grateful for, and how did they reveal God’s presence?
  3. Can you identify particular gifts or blessings from God in today’s events or interactions?
  4. What spiritual insights did you gain as you reflected on today’s experiences with God?
  5. How can you ask God for greater clarity and understanding of His presence in your daily life?
  6. In what ways can the Examen prayer deepen your relationship with God?
  7. How do you feel called to respond to the love and blessings you have recognized in your day?
  8. Are you allowing yourself enough time to fully engage with each step of the Examen prayer?
  9. How can you cultivate a greater dependence on God’s grace in your prayer life?
  10. How does recognizing prayer as a relational act with God change your approach to it?

St.-Ignatius-4

As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J.  1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.

OUR FATHER.


Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DPD2 – Ignatian Wisdom of the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast


Ignatian Wisdom of the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the Examen Prayer, a significant practice in Ignatian spirituality introduced by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It’s  role in enhancing one’s spiritual life by fostering a clear-sighted faith and increasing awareness of God’s presence and actions in daily life. The Examen Prayer is not just introspection or examination but a relational dialogue between the person and God.

The first step in the Examen is gratitude, where one reflects on the day to recognize and appreciate the gifts and love received from God. This step sets a positive foundation for the rest of the prayer, encouraging individuals to focus on God’s actions before considering their responses.

Gratitude is the most effective way to grow in love for God, as it opens the heart to the endless outpouring of God’s gifts. This practice, even when initially challenging, gradually reshapes one’s spiritual awareness and relationship with the divine.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Examen Prayer foster a deeper relationship with God rather than being just an act of introspection or examination?
  2. Why does St. Ignatius prioritize gratitude as the first step in the Examen Prayer, and how can this practice transform our daily spiritual lives?
  3. Reflect on a specific instance in your life where recognizing God’s gifts changed your perspective. How can daily acknowledgment of these gifts impact your overall spiritual growth?
  4. What challenges might you face when starting the Examen Prayer, especially in the step of gratitude, and how can persistence help in overcoming these challenges?
  5. How can setting aside a few minutes each day to practice the Examen Prayer, specifically focusing on gratitude, lead to a richer and more fulfilling spiritual life?
  6. In what ways can recognizing and appreciating the gifts from God change your relationship with Him and others in your life?
  7. Considering Fr. Gallagher’s examples, how can you practically implement the Examen Prayer in your daily routine to enhance your spiritual awareness and relationship with God?

St.-Ignatius-4

As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J.  1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.

OUR FATHER.


Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

The Breastplate of St. Patrick – Mp3 audio and text

Breastplate of St. Patrick

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I bind to myself todayBreastplate of St. Patrick
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.

I bind to myself today
God’s Power to guide me,
God’s Might to uphold me,
God’s Wisdom to teach me,
God’s Eye to watch over me,
God’s Ear to hear me,
God’s Word to give me speech,
God’s Hand to guide me,
God’s Way to lie before me,
God’s Shield to shelter me,
God’s Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.

I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heathenism,
Against the false laws of heresy,
Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells of witches, and smiths, and druids,
Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.
Christ, protect me today
Against every poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against death-wound,
That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ on the deck,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

Amen

 

The Breastplate of St. Patrick