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Thursday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Thursday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Luke 10:1-12

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

IP#331 Fr. John Horgan – His Angels At Our Side on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. John Horgan – His Angels At Our Side on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this special episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor interviews the late Fr. John Horgan about his book His Angels at Our Side: Understanding Their Power in Our Souls and in the World. Focusing on the role of angels in the spiritual life, Fr. Horgan explains how they guide, protect, and inspire us.

It’s important for us to understand angels as spiritual beings who reflect the majesty of God rather than projecting our human traits onto them. Fr. Horgan discusses the relationship between humans and their guardian angels, noting that these angels are given by God to guide and protect every soul, not just the baptized. He advises against naming angels, as their names and missions come directly from God.

Angels are models of prayer and adoration, constantly gazing upon God. They can teach us how to deepen our relationship with God, especially through prayer, obedience, and silence. While angels don’t usually communicate with us through mystical experiences, they offer daily guidance and inspiration; encouraging a spirit of openness to the guardian angel’s influence through prayer and attentiveness to their subtle promptings.

They also cover the role of angels in the Mass, where they worship alongside us, and how we can invite them into our prayer life, especially during the Eucharistic Prayer. Fr. Horgan explains that angels help us align our wills with God’s and overcome temptations, and reflects on the angels’ relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary and their role in leading us closer to her and her perfect acceptance of God’s will.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding the Nature of Angels
    How does reflecting on the nature of angels as reflections of God’s majesty help you deepen your understanding of their role in your life?
  2. Adoration and Prayer
    In what ways can the angels’ perfect adoration of God inspire you to include more acts of adoration in your own prayer life?
  3. Relationship with Guardian Angels
    How can you cultivate a more conscious relationship with your guardian angel to better respond to their guidance and protection?
  4. Obedience and God’s Will
    What can the obedience of angels teach you about accepting God’s will in your daily life, even when it challenges your own desires?
  5. Role of Angels in the Mass
    How does considering the presence of angels during Mass change your approach to the liturgy and deepen your reverence for the Eucharistic celebration?
  6. Silence and Spiritual Growth
    How can the silence that angels lead you into help you create more space for God in your heart amid the noise of the world?
  7. The Battle Against Evil
    What steps can you take to better recognize the influence of evil in your life and rely more on the guidance of the angels in resisting temptation?
  8. Angels and the Blessed Virgin Mary
    How does reflecting on the angels’ relationship with Mary inspire you to model her obedience and openness to God’s plan?
  9. Angelic Assistance in Daily Life
    What are some practical ways you can invite your guardian angel to assist you in your interactions with others and in your daily tasks?
  10. Angels in the Spiritual Journey
    How can a deeper understanding of the angels’ mission enhance your spiritual growth and help you in your journey toward heaven?

From the book description

Meet the mighty spirits sent by God to enlighten and guide us, defend us from harm, and lead us on the path to eternal life. Learn how angels are invisibly present at every moment of your life, and how they can pray with you and for you, amplifying your praise by reflecting it directly to God face-to-face.

Angels do not form a separate universe they are an integral part of our own world sent forth for the sake of our salvation. They are pure spirits who communicate to us God’s grace, His goodness, and His truth.

In these pages, Fr. Horgan unveils the surprising role of the angels in our lives and what you must do to gain their help. You’ll learn how to imitate the angels in prayer and how they offer you the enlightenment and the encouragement God so desperately wants to give you. By praying with the angels, you will be strengthened for what lies ahead, better able to discern and do the Lord’s will in all your actions. You ll also learn:

  • Why the Church teaches that the angels were created at the time of creation
  • The responsibilities of the angels at every Mass
  • The key difference between spirits and angels
  • Seven habits you must develop to grow closer to God through His angels
  • The difference between Archangel Gabriel’s apparitions to Mary and Zechariah
  • How St. Joseph can expose you to the inspirations of the angels
  • The difference in the way humans and angels think
  • How you can imitate the warrior nature of the angels
  • The three ways you must respond to your angel’s guardianship
  • The five roles that every angel takes in their service for the Lord
  • The surprising ways in which angelic warfare is carried out

About the Author

Father John G. Horgan was a priest of the Archdiocese of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, and the pastor of St Pius X Parish. A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, he graduated from Harvard, as well as the Angelicum in Rome, before being ordained by St. John Paul II in 1986. He lectured and consulted on questions of moral theology and healthcare ethics in Canada and the United States. Fr. Horgan had a life-long interest in the Angels and Saints and was credentialed through the Vatican’s special training course for those involved in the process of “saint-making” in 1997. He served as a vice-postulator for the cause of Blessed Marie of Jesus Deluil-Martiny and has advised on several other causes. Fr. Horgan was involved with EWTN, the Eternal Word Global Television Network, since the early 1990s; he made several appearances with Mother Angelica, and has filmed two television series. He entered into eternal rest in October of 2022.

The Guardian Angels – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Guardian Angels – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr John Esseff

Msgr. Esseff discusses the important role of guardian angels in the life of every person. He shares personal reflections on his childhood experiences and how angels have been part of his spiritual life. Guardian angels are assigned to individuals from the moment of conception and remain with them throughout life, even after death, working to inspire prayers for those in purgatory.

There is an an importance in developing a personal relationship with one’s guardian angel, and Msgr. Esseff suggests that people can even ask their angel for its name. Angels are immensely powerful spiritual beings created individually by God, with different choirs of angels serving specific roles. These angels are protective, guiding people in daily life, and helping them in moments of danger or difficulty.

Guardian angels provide support during times of suffering, using the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where His angel ministered to Him in His agony. Msgr. Esseff encourages us to draw closer to their guardian angels, especially in moments of loneliness or hardship, recognizing them as companions who offer love, guidance, and protection.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. The Presence of Your Guardian Angel
    How can you become more aware of your guardian angel’s presence and influence in your daily life?
  2. Guardian Angel’s Role in Your Spiritual Journey
    In what ways have you experienced or can you imagine your guardian angel guiding and protecting you through challenges?
  3. Developing a Relationship with Your Guardian Angel
    How might asking for your guardian angel’s name deepen your relationship with this spiritual companion?
  4. Trust in God’s Plan for Protection
    Do you trust that your guardian angel, sent by God, is actively working to safeguard and assist you in both physical and spiritual matters?
  5. Guardian Angels in Times of Suffering
    When faced with suffering or isolation, how can you turn to your guardian angel for comfort and support, as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane?
  6. Intercessory Role of Angels
    How does the knowledge that your guardian angel intercedes on your behalf and reminds others to pray for you shape your prayer life?
  7. Angels and the Resurrection of the Body
    What significance does the belief in angels’ involvement at the time of death and the resurrection of the body have on your understanding of eternal life?
  8. Angels and Service through Love
    How can you embrace the idea of your guardian angel’s loving service as an extension of God’s love, rather than viewing them as merely a protector?
  9. Recognizing the Beauty of Angels
    How can reflecting on the beauty and purpose of angels inspire a greater appreciation for God’s creation and your own divine calling?
  10. Blessings of the Angels in Your Life
    What steps can you take to open yourself more fully to the blessings and healing that your guardian angel seeks to bring into your life?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to Blessed Mother Teresa. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Bl. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.

The Guardian Angels – St Bernard of Clairvaux from the Office of Readings – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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From a sermon of St Bernard of Clairvaux

He has given his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways. Let them thank the Lord for his mercy; his wonderful works are for the children of men. Let them give thanks and say among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them. O Lord, what is man that you have made yourself known to him, or why do you incline your heart to him? And you do incline your heart to him; you show him your care and your concern. Finally, you send your only Son and the grace of your Spirit, and promise him a vision of your countenance. And so, that nothing in heaven should be wanting in your concern for us, you send those blessed spirits to serve us, assigning them as our guardians and our teachers.
  He has given his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways. These words should fill you with respect, inspire devotion and instil confidence; respect for the presence of angels, devotion because of their loving service, and confidence because of their protection. And so the angels are here; they are at your side, they are with you, present on your behalf. They are here to protect you and to serve you. But even if it is God who has given them this charge, we must nonetheless be grateful to them for the great love with which they obey and come to help us in our great need.
  So let us be devoted and grateful to such great protectors; let us return their love and honour them as much as we can and should. Yet all our love and honour must go to him, for it is from him that they receive all that makes them worthy of our love and respect.
  We should then, my brothers, show our affection for the angels, for one day they will be our co-heirs just as here below they are our guardians and trustees appointed and set over us by the Father. We are God’s children although it does not seem so, because we are still but small children under guardians and trustees, and for the present little better than slaves.
  Even though we are children and have a long, a very long and dangerous way to go, with such protectors what have we to fear? They who keep us in all our ways cannot be overpowered or led astray, much less lead us astray. They are loyal, prudent, powerful. Why then are we afraid? We have only to follow them, stay close to them, and we shall dwell under the protection of God’s heaven.
Let us pray.
Lord God,
  in your all-wise providence you send angels to guard and protect us.
Surround us with their watchful care on earth,
  and give us the joy of their company for ever in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

 

Excerpts from the English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

 

Day 8 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 8 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Day 8: Compassion

St. Francis, your heart was filled with compassion for all people and creatures, for you saw in them the love of the Creator. You were moved by the sufferings of others and sought to ease their pain with the mercy of Christ. Your compassion extended even to the animals, for you recognized that they, too, were part of God’s creation. You remind us that we are called to be vessels of God’s compassion, showing His love to all those who suffer.

Let us pray:
St. Francis, servant of the poor and suffering, help me to see Christ in every person I meet, especially in those who are in need. Teach me to serve others with the same love and humility with which you served, knowing that in doing so, I am serving Our Lord. May I follow your example by living a life of charity, always seeking to bring the love of Christ to those who are most in need.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

St. Francis, pray for us.

For the entire 9-Day St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Hearts with Msgr. John Esseff tap here

Day 7 – Mercy for Others – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 7 – Mercy for Others – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart

From the Diary of St. Faustina, 367 – Jesus speaks to Faustina:

“My heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners. If only they could understand that I am the best of Fathers to them and that it is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy.”

Jesus tells St. Faustina that His heart overflows with mercy, especially for sinners. He invites us to draw near to Him, knowing that His mercy is a fountain that never runs dry. As recipients of His mercy, we are also called to share that mercy with others. Reflect today on how you can show mercy to others, particularly those who are most in need. Do you harbor grudges, or are you quick to forgive? Are you generous in showing kindness and compassion? Jesus calls us to be His instruments of mercy in the world, just as He has shown mercy to us.

Prayer & Petition:
Lord, Your heart is full of compassion for sinners. Help me to reflect Your mercy to others, forgiving those who have wronged me and showing kindness to those in need. May I be a channel of Your mercy to the world, bringing Your love to everyone I encounter. St. Faustina, pray that I may be a channel of God’s mercy to others in my words and actions. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, through the intercession of St. Faustina, Apostle of Divine Mercy, I ask for the grace to live more fully in Your mercy. Help me to trust in You completely, to offer mercy to others, and to live in the joy of Your love. May St. Faustina guide me in my journey toward holiness, and may her prayers obtain for me the graces I most need. Amen.

St. Faustina, pray for us.

You find the entire 9-Day St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart tap here

You can find the Discerning Hearts “Chaplet of Divine Mercy” tap here

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You find the Diary here

 

Wednesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Wednesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew 18:1-5,10

The disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
  ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

The disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
  ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

The disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
  ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

TM3 – Facing Temptations with Grace – St. Therese and Marie: A Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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BA6 - "Refuse to Accept Discouragement" - Begin Again: The Spiritual Legacy of Ven. Bruno Lanteri with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Episode 3 – Facing Temptations with Grace – St. Thérèse and Marie: A Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore the depth and relatability of St. Thérèse of Lisieux through her family dynamics and her correspondence with her cousin, Marie Guérin. These correspondences exhibit Thérèse’s profound spiritual wisdom, even at a young age, and how she comforted Marie during a period of spiritual struggle, particularly with scrupulosity. Fr. Gallagher reflects on Thérèse’s ability to bring divine consolation to Marie, especially in the context of modern struggles, like those related to purity, temptations, and scruples.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

The conversation focuses on a particular letter exchange in which Marie expresses distress over her experiences in Paris during the 1889 Exposition. She describes feeling overwhelmed by the temptations and nudity she encounters, fearing that she has sinned by being curious. Marie worries that she cannot receive Communion, as she feels complicit in her thoughts.

Thérèse responds with reassurance, expressing that Marie has committed no sin and encouraging her to continue receiving Communion. Thérèse shares her own experience with scrupulosity, offering spiritual advice and urging Marie to trust in God’s mercy and to not let the devil’s discouragement keep her from Christ in the Eucharist.

This exchange shows Thérèse’s deep understanding of the human heart and her unwavering focus on encouraging love for Jesus, especially through frequent reception of Communion. Through this exchange, Thérèse’s spiritual wisdom shines, and her letters become a source of hope, not just for Marie, but for all who struggle with similar concerns today.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How do we respond to spiritual struggles?
    Reflect on how you handle moments of spiritual discouragement or scruples in your own faith journey.
  2. Do we seek God’s mercy and reassurance?
    Consider how often you trust in God’s mercy when feeling unworthy or distant from receiving the sacraments.
  3. How do we relate to St. Thérèse’s example of love?
    Ponder how Thérèse’s compassionate and understanding love can inspire you to be more attentive and caring in your relationships.
  4. What role does family play in our spiritual lives?
    Examine the influence of family dynamics on your spiritual development and how you express love within your family relationships.
  5. Are we aware of Christ’s deep desire for communion with us?
    Reflect on how often you approach Communion with the awareness of Christ’s longing to be united with you.
  6. How do we handle temptations in daily life?
    Think about how you face modern temptations and distractions and what spiritual practices help you remain focused on Christ.
  7. Do we cultivate a strong devotion to the Eucharist?
    Consider how frequently you receive the Eucharist and how this devotion strengthens your spiritual life.

 

About this Series

Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality, deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.

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

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!

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

  1. Embracing the Little Way
    How can I follow St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” by offering small, everyday acts of love to God?
  2. Offering Sacrificial Love
    Am I willing to endure personal discomfort or inconvenience to show love to others as an offering to God?
  3. Living with Humility
    Do I recognize and accept my limitations while trusting in God’s greatness to work through my humble efforts?
  4. The Power of Prayer
    How can I strengthen my prayer life and trust in the intercession of the saints, especially St. Thérèse?
  5. 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”.”

St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the spirituality and life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower.” Msgr. Esseff reflects on the humble, childlike simplicity and profound love that characterized St. Thérèse’s life. Although she lived a hidden existence in a Carmelite convent and died at the age of 24, she transformed everyday moments into acts of sacrificial love for God, even embracing small annoyances and difficult people as opportunities for spiritual growth.

Her life challenges modern notions of success, showing that prayer, humility, and love for others can lead to spiritual greatness. St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” of love and trust in God has inspired countless people, and she is recognized as a patroness of missions, despite never leaving her convent. Msgr. Esseff shares personal stories of her intercession and the miraculous signs people receive, such as roses, when invoking her in prayer.

Childlike innocence, humility, and prayer are important in the Christian life. St. Thérèse’s example is presented as a model for living with love, simplicity, and faith in God’s hidden work, encouraging us to embrace prayer and spiritual intercession in our lives.

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

  1. The Value of Hiddenness in Spiritual Life
    How can I embrace the hidden and ordinary moments of my life as opportunities to grow in love and holiness, following St. Thérèse’s example?
  2. Transforming Annoyances into Love
    Am I willing to see everyday frustrations and difficult relationships as occasions for offering sacrificial love to God?
  3. Childlike Simplicity and Trust
    Do I approach God with the trust, humility, and simplicity of a child, as Jesus teaches in the Gospel?
  4. Prayer and Intercession in My Life
    How can I deepen my reliance on prayer and the intercession of the saints and angels in my daily challenges and decisions?
  5. Defining True Success and Attractiveness
    Do I seek recognition and approval from the world, or do I strive to cultivate inner beauty and virtue through humility and love for others?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton.   Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta.    He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world.  Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him.  He has lived in areas around the world,  serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor.   He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.