Inside the Pages Archives

IP#481 – Anthony Ryan – Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Didier-Marie Golay on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Anthony Ryan – Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Didier-Marie Golay on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor and Anthony Ryan discuss the book St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Living on Love, an extraordinary compilation about St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s life and spirituality. Published by Ignatius Press, this book includes over 150 stunning photos and artworks, combined with deep insights into St. Thérèse’s life, family, and spirituality.

The book, created by Fr. Didier-Marie Golay, a Carmelite priest, offers a comprehensive exploration of not only St. Thérèse but also her family’s crucial role in shaping her spirituality. The Martín family—her parents, siblings, and extended relatives—are portrayed as a deeply Catholic family whose love and faith formed the foundation for Thérèse’s famous “little way.”

Providing an immersive experience, it offers readers insight into the struggles and sufferings of the Martín family, including the loss of four children and the challenges faced by Thérèse’s sister Léonie, who struggled with behavioral and health issues, possibly on the autism spectrum. Despite these hardships, the family’s devotion to faith, love, and service to others became central to St. Thérèse’s formation.

It’s a perfect gift for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and learn from St. Thérèse’s life of love and prayer!

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Embracing the Little Way
How can I follow St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” by offering small, everyday acts of love to God?
Offering Sacrificial Love
Am I willing to endure personal discomfort or inconvenience to show love to others as an offering to God?
Living with Humility
Do I recognize and accept my limitations while trusting in God’s greatness to work through my humble efforts?
The Power of Prayer
How can I strengthen my prayer life and trust in the intercession of the saints, especially St. Thérèse?
Childlike Trust in God
Do I cultivate a childlike trust in God’s providence, allowing Him to guide my decisions and bring peace to my heart?

From the book description:

“Thérèse of Lisieux is one of the most popular modern saints in the world, but the details of her life and spirituality are still not widely known and are somewhat of a mystery even to her devoted followers.

With over 150 stunning photographs, in-depth text, and plentiful sidebars on history, geography, and themes, this gorgeous work helps us enter into the universe of “the greatest saint of modern times” to discover the simplicity, yet depth of her daily life and of her relationships, both human and spiritual.

It invites us to a personal encounter with Thérèse, who once wrote, “I am your sister, your friend; I will always watch over you.” It invites us also to discover her appealing and rich spirituality of “the little way”. Patroness of missions, Doctor of the Church, this Carmelite sister, who died at only twenty-four, has not ceased to surprise us and to spread her powerful message of love and trust across the world.

Her whole life of can be encapsulated in her poem “Living on Love”: a passionate love of Christ lived out in the everyday, in the joys and trials of life, in inner and outer sufferings. Living on love is a spiritual program for life, but to live it requires a special grace for which we must ask, especially through the intercession of the “Little Flower” of Jesus. This unique, very beautiful and moving work will inspire readers to desire to imitate St. Thérèse in “living on love”.”

IP#489 Fr. Christopher Collins S.J. – Habits of Freedom on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. Christopher Collins S.J. – Habits of Freedom on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Christopher Collins discusses his book “Habits of Freedom” with Kris McGregor, focusing on how Ignatian spirituality can be applied to daily life. Fr. Collins outlines five key practices from St. Ignatius’ teachings that help individuals clear their minds and find rest in the Lord. He highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to the movements of both the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit in daily life.

Fr. Collins explains that the Ignatian rules for discernment are not just for retreats but are meant for everyday living, guiding people to discern the subtle movements within their hearts. The discernment of spirits involves understanding whether our thoughts and feelings are from God, from our own psychology, or from the evil spirit. This understanding helps us live more freely and with authentic love.

He also addresses the significance of the examen prayer, a daily practice that involves reflecting on one’s day to recognize moments of grace and areas needing growth. This practice encourages remembering one’s true identity as a beloved child of God, fostering a deep sense of freedom and peace.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Daily Discernment Practice: How can I incorporate the Ignatian practice of daily discernment into my routine to better recognize the movements of the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit in my life?
Identity in Christ: In what ways do I struggle to remember and accept my identity as a beloved child of God?
Responding to Disruptions: How do I typically respond to disruptions in my life, and how can I be more open to seeing these as opportunities for spiritual growth?
Dialogue Over Monologue: Are there areas in my life where I am stuck in negative self-talk, and how can I bring these thoughts into the light through dialogue with God or others?
Examen Prayer Integration: Can I set aside a specific time each day to practice the examen prayer, reflecting on the day’s events and my responses to them?
Rejecting Lies: What are some of the lies I tend to believe about myself, and how can I replace them with the truth of God’s love and purpose for me?
Spiritual Companionship: Who in my life can I trust to share my spiritual journey with, helping me to see God’s work more clearly and avoid isolation?
Living Out Freedom: How can I actively practice authentic freedom in my daily interactions, choosing love and generosity over self-centeredness?
Balancing Action and Contemplation: How can I find a balance between active engagement in the world and taking time for quiet reflection and prayer?
Revisiting Baptismal Promises: How often do I reflect on my baptismal identity and the unconditional love of God proclaimed over me in that sacrament?

You can purchase a copy of the book here.

From the book’s description:

“Popular retreat leader and spiritual director Fr. Christopher Collins, SJ, says that if you turn your heart to God you will find clarity and spiritual peace. In Habits of Freedom, Collins offers you five practical tools to help you develop a habit of daily discernment that will lead to inner calm.

Drawing on the wisdom of St. Ignatius Loyola and his renowned Spiritual Exercises, Collins offers practical spiritual exercises for incorporating five tools into your daily life to help you de-stress, organize your thoughts, and experience the calming presence of Jesus. These are:

allowing God to show you the signs of oncoming anxiety and mental breakdown;

developing the ancient practice of spiritual discernment to help analyze your moods and perceptions;

interpreting life events with an eye toward personal growth and resiliency;

practicing detachment from negative influences; and

engaging in interior sensitivity to how God works to bring you peace.

Habits of Freedom is an excellent resource for spiritual directors and individuals, as well as for use in prayer and parish groups seeking practical material that can speak broadly to members from a variety of backgrounds and seasons of life. The book can be easily adapted for small groups and retreat use.”

About the Author

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IP#484 Fr. Aaron Wessman – The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. Aaron Wessman – The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In Part 2 of a 2-part conversation, Fr. Aaron Wessman and Kris McGregor discusses the challenges of living a Christian life in a polarized world, particularly the influence of social media and group dynamics. They explore how societal divisions amplify an “us versus them” mentality, which can distort one’s ability to live out Gospel values such as unity and love.

Fr. Wessman points out that while the church’s mission is to unite humanity with God and among themselves, current political and social climates often encourage division. The concept of “negative polarization,” where people are driven more by opposition to the other party rather than support for their own, is identified as a significant challenge. Politicians can manipulate this by stoking anger, leading Christians away from Gospel values like peace, patience, and kindness.

There is an importance of personal responsibility in bridging divides. The church’s mission, exemplified by figures like Jesus and St. Francis, involves crossing over to the “other” and engaging with people on the margins of society—whether they are of different races, cultures, or political views—rather than isolating oneself in a comfortable bubble. Advocating for “missional discipleship,” where Christians are called to be sent out into the world to engage with others in love, not to be conformed by the divisions in the world.

Fr. Wessman discusses the necessity of engaging with others humbly and courageously while being anchored in the Eucharist. He highlights that Christians are not called to withdraw from the world but to confront challenges by discerning the Spirit’s lead and engaging in “ministries of presence.” The Eucharist strengthens this mission, empowering Christians to be Christ’s presence to others.

They also address the need for humility and forgiveness in personal relationships, especially in areas of polarization within families, parishes, and even among fellow Catholics. Fr. Wessman encourages a culture of mercy and repentance, suggesting that real growth happens when people acknowledge mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and adjust their actions to better reflect Christ’s teachings.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does social media affect your joy and spiritual life? Reflect on whether your engagement with social media fosters peace or leads to anger and despair.
Are you aware of the “us versus them” mentality in your interactions? Consider how group dynamics may be shaping your perspective and distancing you from others.
Is your political engagement rooted in the Church’s teachings? Evaluate whether your political views and actions are guided by Catholic social teaching or influenced by polarization.
Do you actively seek to cross over to the “other”? Reflect on how you can engage with those on the margins, following Christ’s example of crossing boundaries.
Are you anchored in the Eucharist? Examine how often you return to the Eucharist to strengthen your mission and align your life with Christ’s presence.
Do you recognize when to engage and when to withdraw? Reflect on the discernment needed to know when to engage others and when to retreat for prayer and renewal.
How do you foster unity within the Church and community? Consider how your actions either contribute to or hinder unity among fellow Catholics and within the broader community.
Do you embrace humility and forgiveness in your relationships? Think about how you handle conflicts or mistakes, and whether you seek reconciliation and forgiveness in your interactions.

From the book description:

“Christians and other people of good will are longing for a response that can lead the way out of the divisiveness and vitriol of our times. I wrote this book to provide some assistance to readers to discern a way out of the toxicity in which we live, and to stimulate courage and hope, so that all people can see the age in which we live more clearly and respond with the grace necessary to follow more fully the call God has spoken—a missionary call to deepen Christ’s incarnational movement in our world.”

-Fr. Robert Aaron Wessman

About the Author

Fr. Robert Aaron Wessman, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, is the 1 st -Vice- President (Vicar General) and Director of Formation for the Glenmary Home Missioners. He has a PhD from the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium) in Systematic Theology (2019). He serves as an at-large board member for the Conference of Major Superiors of Men Religious (CMSM) and is a guest lecturer at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. The religious order he belongs to, Glenmary, is a missionary society of apostolic life of the Catholic Church that conducts mission in rural, poor, and non-Catholic areas of the United States, primarily in the southeast and Appalachia. Visit glenmary.org for more information.

IP#483 Fr. Aaron Wessman – The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World, Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. Aaron Wessman – The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World, Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In Part 1 of a 2-part conversation, Fr. Aaron Wessman and Kris McGregor discuss Fr. Aaron’s book ‘The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World‘. Fr. Aaron explains how the project grew from a personal journey after returning to the U.S. from studying theology abroad. Upon his return, he noticed a worsening division in American society and within the Church, which also affected him personally. This led him to research the issue and eventually write the book, which examines how polarization impacts Christians.

Christians, particularly in the U.S., are influenced by polarized political and social dynamics. Fr. Aaron describes this “hurricane of polarization” as something that often affects how people engage with others, making it harder to follow Christ’s call to love and dialogue. With this book, he calls for Christians to step back from political hostility and gain perspective through faith, using Christ’s example of engaging even those considered enemies.

Political partisanship and the language of culture wars have entered the Church, using war-like metaphors that can distance believers from the Gospel’s true message of love and reconciliation. Fr. Aaron highlights the importance of choosing words carefully, suggesting that Christians focus on prudence and listening, aiming to understand rather than attack.

He invites Christians to prioritize their identity in Christ over political affiliations. Fr. Aaron encourages humility, dialogue, and discernment as ways to navigate an increasingly polarized world, drawing connections to historical figures like St. Francis de Sales, who responded to similar challenges with wisdom and charity.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Personal Experience of Polarization: How have I seen polarization affect my own heart and interactions with others in daily life?
Impact of Political Identity on Christian Life: Am I allowing my political identity to overshadow my identity as a disciple of Christ?
Christ’s Call to Engage Others: In what ways can I better approach others with love and understanding, especially those I disagree with?
Prudence in Engagement: How can I exercise prudence in choosing when and how to engage in conversations with others, particularly in polarized environments?
Influence of Media and Social Media: Am I aware of how my media consumption, especially on social media, shapes my perspective and engagement with others?
Words and Metaphors in Communication: How can I be more mindful of the words and metaphors I use in discussions, ensuring they reflect the Gospel message of reconciliation?
Rooting Identity in Christ: What steps can I take to deepen my relationship with Christ so that my actions reflect His teachings in a polarized world?

From the book description:

“Christians and other people of good will are longing for a response that can lead the way out of the divisiveness and vitriol of our times. I wrote this book to provide some assistance to readers to discern a way out of the toxicity in which we live, and to stimulate courage and hope, so that all people can see the age in which we live more clearly and respond with the grace necessary to follow more fully the call God has spoken—a missionary call to deepen Christ’s incarnational movement in our world.”

-Fr. Robert Aaron Wessman

About the Author

IP#364 Fr. John Bartunek – The Better Part: The Gospels pt. 2 – Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. John Bartunek – The Better Part: The Gospels pt. 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In part 2 of their conversation, Fr. John Bartunek and Kris McGregor discuss deepening one’s relationship with God through prayer, using Fr. Bartunek’s book, The Better Part, as a central resource. They explore the importance of the fourth step of prayer, “commit,” which is about renewing one’s commitment to the relationship with God after a time of prayer, much like a mother responds to her child’s needs in a relationship.

Prayer is not about seeking spiritual consolations but about faith and deepening friendship with God. Warning against using prayer merely to seek internal experiences rather than genuine contact with God, Fr. Bartunek compares some non-Christian meditation practices as potentially distracting from true prayer.

Highlighting the unique role of the Gospels as a direct encounter with Jesus, meant to be rediscovered continually with a sense of wonder, Fr. Bartunek’s work is praised for helping believers engage deeply with the Gospels, not just as sacred texts, but as an ongoing dialogue with Christ. The discussion also touches on the significance of spiritual companionship, community, and sharing one’s spiritual journey with others, as well as the necessity of a spiritual director or good spiritual friends to help navigate the challenges of prayer and spiritual growth.

You can find the set here.

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

Commitment in Prayer: How can you actively renew your commitment to your relationship with God after each time of prayer?
Seeking Consolation: Do you find yourself more focused on seeking spiritual consolations rather than deepening your friendship with God?
Scripture Engagement: How do you ensure that your reading of the Gospels is a personal encounter with Christ rather than just a routine task?
Overcoming Familiarity: What steps can you take to rediscover the wonder and richness of the Gospels in your daily life?
Spiritual Companionship: How can you cultivate spiritual friendships or find a spiritual director to support your journey of faith?
Sharing Spiritual Goods: In what ways can you share your experiences of Christ with others to enrich your community?
Trust in God’s Providence: How do you remind yourself that everything in your life, even challenges, is under God’s providence and part of His plan for your growth?

From the book description:

“Every saint and renowned spiritual director through the ages has said the same thing: if we desire to become saints, we must spend time daily in meditation. With this set, Fr. John Bartunek has created an extensive, Christ-centered resource to serve as your daily meditation companion. The Better Part offers a practical explanation of Christian meditation, as well as material to draw from during your meditations, including a Bible study on the Gospels, a survey of saints writings, and a handy guide to prayer.

As you learn to read, meditate upon, absorb, and apply the Gospels to your life, you’ll also find ways to personalize your times of prayer, allowing you to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead along the path of holiness. Open these pages to discover the methods of meditation that best suit you, develop your friendship with Christ, and experience the true Christian joy of a deep, fruitful life of prayer.”

IP#363 Fr. John Bartunek – The Better Part: The Gospels pt. 1 – Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. John Bartunek – The Better Part: The Gospels pt. 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor and Fr. John Bartunek discuss the book series, The Better Part, which is a Christ-centered resource for personal prayer based on the Gospels. They discuss the inspiration behind the series, which originated as a directive from Fr. Bartunek’s religious order, the Legionnaires of Christ. They identified a need for a resource that would help people deepen their prayer life in the modern world.

The Better Part is designed not as a traditional scripture study, but as a tool to foster personal encounters with Christ through the Gospels. The approach is rooted in the idea that the Gospels are a place to encounter Christ and enter into dialogue with Him. The series offers a structure that guides readers through meditation on the Gospels, helping them engage in mental prayer that is personalized and unique to their own spiritual journey.

The importance of understanding Christian meditation offers a simple, yet profound, four-step process: concentrate, consider, converse, and commit. Each step is meant to help the individual enter into a deeper relationship with Christ, utilizing different aspects of the soul—will, intellect, and heart.

Fr. Bartunek also discusses the influences of various spiritual traditions, such as Ignatian, Benedictine, and Carmelite spirituality, in shaping the structure of the series.

You can find the set here.

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

Recognizing God’s Presence: How do you cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in the ordinary moments of your daily life?
Embracing Silence in Prayer: How do you intentionally create space for silence in your prayer life to listen for God’s voice?
Trusting in Divine Providence: In what ways do you surrender your worries and concerns to God’s providential care?
The Role of Sacraments in Spiritual Growth: How do the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, strengthen your relationship with Christ?
Deepening Your Love for Scripture: How do you make Scripture a central part of your daily prayer and reflection?
Practicing Gratitude: How do you express gratitude to God in your prayer, especially for the small blessings in your life?
Seeking Spiritual Direction: How do you seek guidance from a spiritual director or mentor to grow in your spiritual life?

From the book description:

“Every saint and renowned spiritual director through the ages has said the same thing: if we desire to become saints, we must spend time daily in meditation. With this set, Fr. John Bartunek has created an extensive, Christ-centered resource to serve as your daily meditation companion. The Better Part offers a practical explanation of Christian meditation, as well as material to draw from during your meditations, including a Bible study on the Gospels, a survey of saints writings, and a handy guide to prayer.

As you learn to read, meditate upon, absorb, and apply the Gospels to your life, you’ll also find ways to personalize your times of prayer, allowing you to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead along the path of holiness. Open these pages to discover the methods of meditation that best suit you, develop your friendship with Christ, and experience the true Christian joy of a deep, fruitful life of prayer.”

IP#505 Dr. Christopher Reed – Sacred Conversations on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Sacred Conversations by Dr. Christopher Reed on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Kris McGregor interviews Dr. Christopher Reed about his book “Sacred Conversations.” Exploring the integration of faith into everyday interactions and emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue guided by agape love—selfless, Christ-like love. Dr. Reed shares how a pivotal conversation inspired him to write the book in just 21 days, offering a process involving invitation, intention, inquiry, illumination, and integration to guide faith-based conversations.

Using the transformative power of intentional, loving conversations, particularly during times of crisis or in the context of social media; Kris and Dr. Reed discuss the necessity of patience, kindness, and genuine listening to deepen understanding and compassion; and the benefits of sacred conversations across various settings, including family, marital relationships, and professional and community environments.

Dr. Reed also shares his personal faith journey, his parents’ support in his exploration and return to the Catholic Church. His experiences have shaped his dedication to helping others through sacred conversations. and to view each interaction as an opportunity to embody God’s love and grace, fostering personal and communal transformation through meaningful dialogue guided by the Holy Spirit.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Faith and Everyday Interactions How can we intentionally incorporate faith into our daily conversations and interactions with others?
The Principles of Agape Love What are practical ways to demonstrate agape love in our communication with family, friends, and colleagues?
Transformative Power of Conversations How can we ensure that our conversations are not only meaningful but also transformative for ourselves and those we interact with?
Navigating Crises and Social Media In what ways can sacred conversations help us navigate challenging times, such as crises or the impact of social media on communication?
Personal Faith Journeys How have your personal experiences and struggles shaped your approach to conversations about faith?
Applying Sacred Conversations in Various Settings How can the principles of sacred conversations be applied differently in family, marital, professional, and community contexts?
Listening with Compassion What strategies can we use to improve our ability to listen with patience, kindness, and genuine interest in others?
Embodying God’s Love and Grace How can we view each interaction as an opportunity to be a vessel of God’s love and grace in our daily lives?

From the book’s description:

“Imagine the best conversation you’ve ever had–one that set your heart on fire, challenged your thinking, brought you closer to God, and inspired you to act. Recall how that conversation made you feel and how it changed your heart and your life. Such interactions rise to the level of the sacred–sacred conversations–dialogues that transform hearts, strengthen relationships, and make the world a better place by converting compassionate love into action.

Conversations like this are rare but accessible to all of us all the time, regardless of where we are on our spiritual journeys. Dr. Christopher Reed provides a divinely inspired, scientifically tested, step-by-step process for guiding interactions between “seekers” and “helpers.” We are all seekers, and we can all become helpers. This book will show you how to relate to others in their pain, frustration, hopes, and dreams. You will also learn:

The six components of peak communication

How you can invite, understand, and illuminate others through your conversations

Three historical and scriptural reasons we should study and use sacred conversations

How to stop, connect, reflect, and choose the best course of action in dialogue

Five ingredients in the anatomy of sacred conversations

Practical ways to build community, give thanks to God, and show gratitude for others

Using Scripture, real-world examples, key scientific studies, and stories from his own formation, Dr. Reed provides approachable, fun-filled, well-researched advice on how you can use sacred conversations to become your best self and build closer relationships with others and with the Lord.

This isn’t merely another Christian self-help book. It’s an inspired invitation to transform your life, and our world, one “sacred conversation” at a time.”

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Reed, a Catholic Christian and husband, integrates over 25 years of communication expertise with spiritual growth. His journey includes a master’s degree in interpersonal communication and a doctorate focusing on human and cultural communication studies. Following a postdoctoral role at the University of Michigan, he developed consultation methods and authored “Future-Ready Leadership.” In 2021, he answered a spiritual calling to promote Sacred Conversations, culminating in his book published by Sophia Institute Press. Dr. Reed continues to advocate for transformative dialogue across diverse sectors through speaking, writing, and workshops.

IP#14 – Fr. Paul Hamans – Edith Stein and Companions on the Way to Auschwitz on Inside the Pages

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Fr. Paul Hamans – Edith Stein and Companions on the Way to Auschwitz on Inside the Pages

In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Fr. Paul Hamans discusses with Kris McGregor his book Edith Stein and Companions on the Way to Auschwitz, which chronicles the lives of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) and 113 other Catholic Jews who were martyred by the Nazis in retaliation for a pastoral letter written by Dutch bishops protesting the Nazi regime.

Fr. Hamans, a Church history professor in the Netherlands, reminds listeners of the importance of remembering these martyrs, whose sacrifices were both an act of faith and a stand against Nazi atrocities. He highlights the deep spiritual significance of these lives, their willingness to suffer for their faith, and the ongoing legacy of their witness. In addition, he addresses the impact of the Dutch bishops’ resistance, the persecution faced by Jewish converts to Catholicism, and the profound example set by Edith Stein and others who embraced their crosses in service to God and the Church.

You can buy a copy of the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Sacrifice and Faith: How do the sacrifices of Edith Stein and her companions inspire you to deepen your own faith and commitment to Christ?
Witness of Martyrdom: What lessons can you draw from the courage of the Catholic martyrs in standing against injustice, even at the cost of their lives?
Legacy of Resistance: How does the Dutch bishops’ resistance to Nazi atrocities challenge you to speak out against modern-day injustices?
Spiritual Resilience: In what ways can you embrace and carry your own crosses in your daily life, following the example of these martyrs?
Hope in Eternal Life: How does the focus on eternal life, as emphasized by Fr. Hamans, influence your perspective on the challenges and sufferings you face?

From the Book’s Description:

“On the same summer day in 1942, Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) and hundreds of other Catholic Jews were arrested in Holland by the occupying Nazis. One hundred thirteen of those taken into custody, several of them priests and nuns, perished at Auschwitz and other concentration camps. They were murdered in retaliation for the anti-Nazi pastoral letter written by the Dutch Catholic bishops.

While Saint Teresa Benedicta is the most famous member of this group, having been canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1998, all of them deserve the title of martyr, for they were killed not only because they were Jews but also because of the faith of the Church, which had compelled the Dutch bishops to protest the Nazi regime.

Through extensive research in both original and secondary sources, P.W.F.M. Hamans has compiled these martyrs’ biographies, several of them detailed and accompanied by photographs. Included in this volume are some remarkable conversion stories, including that of Edith Stein, the German philosopher who had entered the Church in 1922 and later became a Carmelite nun, taking the name Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

Several of the witnesses chronicled here had already suffered for their faith in Christ before falling victim to Hitler’s “Final Solution”, enduring both rejection by their own people, including family members, and persecution by the so-called Christian society in which they lived. Among these were those who, also like Sister Teresa Benedicta, perceived the cross they were being asked to bear and accepted it willingly for the salvation of the world.”

About the Author

Fr. Paul Hamans is a diocesan priest in Roermond, Netherlands, where he teaches Church history at the seminary there. He has a doctorate in history from the University of Augsburg, Germany, and is an expert on the Dutch martyrs of the twentieth century. His other publications include History of the Catholic Church in the Netherlands.

IP#251 – Anne Costa – Embracing Edith Stein on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

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Anne Costa – Embracing Edith Stein on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Kris McGregor and Anne Costa discuss Anne’s book, Embracing Edith Stein: Wisdom for Women from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, which aims to introduce Edith Stein’s rich spirituality to a broader audience and her significance for women today.

Describing Edith Stein’s life, from her birth in Germany as the youngest of 11 children, through her rise as a prominent philosopher, to her eventual conversion to Catholicism inspired by the writings of St. Teresa of Avila and the example of devout Catholics; Edith’s intellectual journey was marked by a deep pursuit of truth, which eventually led her to Catholicism and a vocation as a Carmelite nun.

Edith’s writings, particularly on the nature and mission of women, are highlighted as deeply relevant today. Her thoughts on the complementarity of men and women, the importance of self-possession for women, and the need to balance intellectual and spiritual life resonate strongly in contemporary times. The podcast underscores how her wisdom, grounded in both personal experience and profound faith, offers practical guidance for modern women.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Encountering Truth in Our Lives: How do I seek truth in my daily life, and am I open to the possibility that true wisdom may come from an encounter with Christ rather than just intellectual pursuit?
Embracing Our Feminine Gifts: In what ways can I better understand and utilize my unique gifts as a woman, according to God’s design, to serve my family and community?
The Cross and Suffering: How do I perceive and carry my own crosses, and can I learn from St. Edith Stein’s example to embrace suffering with hope and trust in God’s ultimate triumph?
Role of Prayer in Daily Life: Do I prioritize time for prayer in the midst of my daily responsibilities, allowing God to order my day and give me the strength to fulfill my duties?
Influence of Saints on Our Spiritual Journey: How can I foster a deeper relationship with the saints, particularly St. Edith Stein, to guide and support me in my spiritual growth during challenging times?

From the book description:

“Embracing Edith Stein shows how the different aspects of the life and teachings of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross can serve as a guide for women and their unique vocation today. Written in a friendly, conversational style, this is one woman sharing the story of her friendship with this saint with her readers.”

About the Author

Anne Costa is a Catholic author and speaker with five books published including Embracing Edith Stein: Wisdom for Women from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Servant) and Refresh Me Lord! Meditations to Renew a Women’sSpirit (The Word Among Us Press). She works with two apostolates: Sacred Heart Apostolate, Inc. as communications officer and the John Paul II Center for Women, Inc. Anne is a wife and mother, and enjoys traveling, painting and Eucharistic adoration.

IP#283 – Sr. Regina van den Berg – Communion with Christ according to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor

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Sr. Regina van den Berg – Communion with Christ according to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Sr. Regina van den Berg joins in conversation with Kris McGregor about Sr. Regina’s book, Communion with Christ. Focusing on the life and spirituality of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein, Sr. Regina shares how she first became interested in Edith Stein after being encouraged to read her works when she took the religious habit. Edith Stein’s journey from a Jewish background to Catholicism, and eventually to becoming a Carmelite nun, serves as a central theme in the conversation.

Sr. Regina explains that Edith Stein, influenced by her philosophical background and personal experiences, offers profound insights into suffering, empathy, and the vocation of both men and women; as well as the contrast between community and association; that true communion involves a deep, personal connection with others and with God, unlike associations formed merely for a specific goal.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Communion with Christ: How does St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross deepen your understanding of true communion with Christ, especially through embracing the cross?
The Role of Suffering in Faith: In what ways can you find meaning and consolation in your own suffering by uniting it with the suffering of Christ?
Empathy and Communion: How can the practice of empathy, as described by St. Teresa Benedicta, enhance your relationships with others and deepen your spiritual life?
Identity and God’s Will: Are you at peace with who God created you to be, and how do you surrender your will to align with God’s will in your daily life?
Community versus Association: How does your participation in your community reflect true communion, rather than just an association with a shared goal?

From the Book’s Description:

“Pope Saint John Paul II declared that the great challenge for Christians today is to become “the home and school of communion.”St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) is a sure guide to attaining the communion for which every human heart longs. This work considers St. Teresa’s life and writings in the context of the “spirituality of communion”. As a philosopher she was directed towards attaining communion with the Truth, and she discovered that Truth was a Person, Jesus Christ. As a Carmelite nun she gave up everything for communion with him.

Dr. Alice von Hildebrand, in the foreword, says Edith Stein’s message “is above her time” and that the author, Sister M. Regina van den Berg, F.S.G.M. “is well qualified to write such a book.” Sister Regina explores in detail Edith Stein’s theory of empathy as developed in her doctoral dissertation, as well as her later theory of community. Sister Regina has also used a number of Edith Stein’s writings that, until this work, have not yet been available in English translation.

Each chapter explores an aspect of “communion”, richly revealing the wisdom of Edith Stein, “a Jew who became a philosopher . . . a convert to Catholicism who became a Carmelite nun and crowned her life with martyrdom”. Stein’s work “provides insights that can help us to grow in the spirituality of communion, first by presenting to us the truth about the human person’s nature and vocation and then by showing us how we can arrive at a spirituality of communion in the various aspects of life.”

About the Author

Sister M. Regina van den Berg, F.S.G.M., obtained her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America. She has served in various apostolates for her religious community and currently resides in Rome.