Catholic Classics

Episode Archive

Episode Archive

126 episodes of Catholic Classics since the first episode, which aired on October 3rd, 2022.

  • Day 32: Litany of Thanksgiving (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 2nd, 2023  |  22 mins 21 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Following his conversion, St. Augustine thanks God for his new life. He prepares to leave his teaching position. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the fear of what you might lose in pursuing Christ. They explain how conversion requires a reorientation of the whole of one’s life. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 1-3.

  • Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 9 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 2nd, 2023  |  15 mins 21 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Book 9 follows St. Augustine’s reception into the Church. While finally receiving the sacraments brings forth great joy, conversion requires sacrifice. St. Augustine’s new life demands his resignation from his position teaching rhetoric. This isn’t the only trial St. Augustine faces in Book 9. We prepare for the death of his mother, St. Monica. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us to lean on the support we have in the Church as we face our day-to-day conversions.

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    Day 31: The Conversion (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 1st, 2023  |  26 mins 52 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    It is finally conversion day! After providing further philosophical proofs against the Manichaeans, St. Augustine reaches the point of conversion. Not only does St. Augustine describe the moment in which the Holy Spirit overwhelms him, but he also shares how those closest to him react upon learning of his conversion. This includes a description of the joy and relief of St. Monica. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk reflect on these reactions and on the moment of St. Augustine’s conversion. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 10-12.

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    Day 30: Spirit and Flesh (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 31st, 2023  |  20 mins 49 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    St. Augustine offers his insight on the language of the two wills that is found in Scripture. One of his primary reasons for addressing this was in order to disprove the Manichaeans. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk address the life of sin and vice versus the life of grace and virtue. They discuss the common circumstance in which a person may look as though they have it all together, but in reality, are struggling with vice and sin. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 7-9.

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    Day 29: The Radicality of Conversion (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 30th, 2023  |  26 mins 15 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    St. Augustine finds himself incredibly close to conversion. He conveys two stories regarding the conversion of other men. He shares how these men were inspired by the story of St. Anthony of the Desert to convert to Catholicisim. The conversion stories of other people move St. Augustine greatly and play a key role in his own conversion. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss why it is so radical for a person to convert to Christianity. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 4-6.

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    Day 28: The Impact of One Conversion (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 29th, 2023  |  26 mins 47 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    St. Augustine has settled his theological and philosophical challenges when it comes to Catholicism. However, an area that he continues to struggle with is chastity. He finds himself stuck in lust. St. Augustine also shares his perspective of the institutional Church and describes the conversion of an individual named Victorinus. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain why the conversion of just one person can be so impactful. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 1-3.

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    Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 8 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 29th, 2023  |  17 mins 46 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Book 8 finds St. Augustine at the moment of his conversion. In this book, St. Augustine surrenders to the will of God and consents to grace. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk point out the importance of Scripture in the moment of St. Augustine’s conversion. They encourage everyone to read Scripture and remember that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God. Finally, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand urge anyone who is on the precipice of conversion to take that step of surrender to God.

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    Day 27: An Incomplete Knowledge (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 28th, 2023  |  21 mins 59 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    As he continues his studies, St. Augustine realizes his knowledge of God, theology and Jesus are incomplete. He also concludes Book 7 with a comparison of the Neoplatonic texts he’s been reading with what he has been studying in Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the humility with which we must approach our study of God. Today’s readings are Book 7, Chapters 19-21.

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    Day 26: Living an Ordered Life (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 27th, 2023  |  23 mins 16 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    What is the role of the human will? As St. Augustine resumes his expression of gratitude to God, he acknowledges the goodness of creation and God's yearning for us. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk clarify that the human will is the faculty through which we interact with the world. Through our wills, we have the capacity to rightly name everything, love in accordance with its worth, and lead a well-ordered life. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 13-18.

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    Day 25: The Word Incarnate (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 26th, 2023  |  23 mins 57 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    St. Augustine embarks on a contemplation of key Catholic concepts, notably the Word or Logos. While he grasps the significance of the opening verses of John's Gospel, he encounters difficulty comprehending the notion of the Incarnate Word. In the discussion, Fr. Gregory explains the meanings of these terms and highlights St. Augustine's struggle with this concept. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk underscores that St. Augustine's work fundamentally constitutes a prayer, emphasizing his earnest desire to understand God. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 8-12.

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    Day 24: Astrology and Permitting Evil (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 25th, 2023  |  26 mins
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    If God is all-powerful and loving, why does he permit evil? This is what St. Augustine wonders as he ponders astrology and its allures. He recognizes the dangers in ascribing to astrology. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that this is also a common enticement for modern people. They remind us that if we abandon ourselves to Divine Providence, we can be confident that God will care for us. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 5-7.

  • Day 23: The Nature of God (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 24th, 2023  |  23 mins 51 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    St. Augustine considers the nature of God in Neoplatonic terms. Searching for a way to explain his reality, St. Augustine broadens his philosophical understanding of what God is. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss free will, the root and cause of evil, and our freedom to turn toward or away from God. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 1-4.

  • Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 7 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 24th, 2023  |  17 mins 44 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Setting the scene for Book 7, St. Augustine begins considering God differently. He is now 30 years old and no longer holds a dualistic understanding of who and what God is. Turning from all the previous notions he had, he looks to Plato. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what neoplatonism is and why this is important for us to prepare for Book 7.

  • Day 22: Chastity and Marriage (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 23rd, 2023  |  26 mins 39 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    As we conclude Book 6, St. Monica arranges a marriage for St. Augustine. Still a slave to lust, he thinks this could be the only solution to living a chaste life. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that growth in virtue doesn't mean suffering through temptation but instead the flourishing of human love. Today's readings are Book 6, Chapters 11-16.

  • Day 21: Problems with Curiosity (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 22nd, 2023  |  22 mins 27 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Enter St. Alipius. Alipius is a follower of St. Augustine who eventually converts with him. St. Augustine describes Alipius’ struggle with curiosity. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk affirm that the desire to know is good. However, they caution that curiosity can become bad when it distracts us from our responsibilities. Today’s readings are Book 6, Chapters 8-10.

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    Day 20: Wrestling with Authority (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 21st, 2023  |  23 mins 44 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, devout life, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    How do you know what authority to trust? St. Augustine finds himself struggling with the abusive authority of Manichaeism versus the authority of Sacred Scripture. As he works through these authorities, he finds himself questioning the source of happiness. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss how to identify true happiness in our own lives. Today’s readings are Book 6, Chapters 5-7.