Catholic Classics

Episode Archive

Episode Archive

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

  • Day 19: Struggling with Past Wrongs (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 20th, 2023  |  25 mins 24 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 about Monica? In these chapters, St. Augustine writes extensively about his mother. He describes her devotion and persistence especially in regards to his own conversion. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the struggle we sometimes face when dealing with our past wrongs. They explain how St. Augustine let his own failings be a blockade to the progression of his faith. Today’s readings are Book 6, Chapters 1-4.

  •

    Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 6 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 20th, 2023  |  16 mins 43 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

    We need companions on the journey! In the chapters of Book 6, a greater emphasis is placed on the relationships in St. Augustine’s life. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss some of those relationships. St. Monica, of course, continues to be a pivotal person for St. Augustine. We are also introduced to St. Augustine’s companion St. Alipius. And finally, there is the continued presence of St. Ambrose in his life.

  •

    Day 18: Drawn in by Kindness (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 19th, 2023  |  25 mins 20 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

    Kindness can go a long way. St. Augustine now finds himself in Milan after he quickly becomes frustrated with life in Rome. It is at this time that he encounters St. Ambrose for the first time. It is the kindness of St. Ambrose that draws St. Augustine in the most. It is through this that St. Augustine finds renewal and chooses to become a catechumen. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk reflect on the person of St. Ambrose and his impact on St. Augustine. Today’s readings are Book 5, Chapters 10-14.

  •

    Day 17: Our Choices vs. God’s Will (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 18th, 2023  |  17 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

    Is a hasty decision ever a good decision? Unsatisfied with his life in Carthage, St. Augustine decides to leave for Rome. Although his mother Monica discourages his move, he still goes. St. Augustine shares honestly about his decision making. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss how God works with our choices, even our wrong choices. Today’s readings are Book 5, Chapters 8-9.

  •

    Day 16: Meeting Faustus (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 17th, 2023  |  21 mins 38 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's long-awaited encounter with Faustus, the Manichaeans' Bishop, disappoints him. Finding Faustus incapable of answering his questions, St. Augustine is disillusioned by this leader and Manichaeism. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss how this experience is another step in St. Augustine's pursuit of wisdom. Today's readings are Book 5, Chapters 5-7.

  • Day 15: Manichaeism (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 16th, 2023  |  23 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

    What is the difference between the Catholic and the Manichaean account of evil? St. Augustine anticipates his meeting with Faustus, the Bishop of the Manichaeans. He prepares to ask Faustus many questions, hoping for understanding and truth. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what heresy is and the background of the Manichaean sect. Today’s readings are Book 5, Chapters 1-4.

  • Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 5 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 16th, 2023  |  18 mins 14 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

    Get ready for an exciting journey! In Book 5 of Confessions, we'll embark on a thrilling adventure to Carthage, Rome, and Milan. Join us as Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk delve into the fascinating experiences of St. Augustine at the age of 28 and his relentless quest for answers. As St. Augustine's dissatisfaction with Manichaeism and Faustus's teachings deepens, he eventually finds himself in the vibrant city of Milan, where his first encounter with St. Ambrose awaits.

  •

    Day 14: Discerning Truth and Beauty (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 15th, 2023  |  22 mins 33 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

    With the help of Aristotle’s philosophy, St. Augustine attempts to make sense of reality. He meditates on his natural understanding of challenging texts, realizing his intelligence did not immediately bring him to God. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the gift of intelligence and the need to use this gift to discern the true and beautiful. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 15-16.

  • Day 13: The Trials of Time (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 14th, 2023  |  23 mins 24 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 does time come to be? Considering the fleeting nature of reality, St. Augustine dives into what it means for us to exist within time while God exists eternally. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how we must pass through the shifting sands of our present experience to arrive on the solid rock of God’s eternity. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 11-14.

  • Day 12: Attachment and Grief (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 13th, 2023  |  24 mins 30 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

    Sifting through the grief of losing his friend, St. Augustine analyzes whether he is more attached to his friend or to the suffering itself. He notes that while the Lord wants us to grieve, there is a holy way to mourn the loss of loved ones. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss our call to love, recognizing that we will be united in heaven with God and each other. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 5-10.

  • Day 11: Consumed by Passions (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 12th, 2023  |  24 mins 12 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

    The world offers many opportunities to satisfy our carnal desires. Such opportunities were also present in St. Augustine’s time and he pursued them. In these chapters, St. Augustine outlines some of what marked this time in his life. He describes his distaste for astrology, his intimate relationship with a woman, and the discovery and loss of a dear friendship. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the goodness of searching even if you stumble along the way. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 1-4.

  •

    Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 4 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 12th, 2023  |  15 mins 34 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

    Relationship, fatherhood, heresy, and loss are all things that St. Augustine will face in the coming chapters. In Book 4 of St. Augustine, we will see him enter into a lengthy relationship which will result in his son. St. Augustine will also experience the loss of a dear friend. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Gregory Pine address the desire each person has for love and intimacy and how this desire was the impetus for many of St. Augustine’s decisions.

  •

    Day 10: Love for God and the Love of a Mother (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 11th, 2023  |  25 mins 25 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 does it mean to love God? What is our capacity for love of God? St. Augustine reflects on these questions and also ponders the origins of sin. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the movement from sin to holiness. Lastly, St. Augustine shares about St. Monica’s experiences at this point in his life. Today’s readings are Book 3, Chapters 8-12.

  •

    Day 9: Searching for Answers (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 10th, 2023  |  24 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

    In his latter teenage years, we find St. Augustine diving into Scripture, Cicero, and the Manichaeans. It is at this point in his life that St. Augustine turns to Manichaeism. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain why St. Augustine joined the Manichaeans. They share what problems St. Augustine felt they answered. Today’s readings are Book 3, Chapters 5-7.

  •

    Day 8: The Power of Temptation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 9th, 2023  |  23 mins 53 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 desires a lot as he begins living in Carthage. Two significant desires are his desire for wisdom and his desire for love. He describes at length the temptations he feels in regards to love. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk comment on the reality of temptation. They note its limits, but also clarify that temptation can be very intense and feel unbearable. Today’s readings are Book 3, Chapters 1-4.

  •

    Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 3 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    October 9th, 2023  |  17 mins 32 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

    In the upcoming chapters, St. Augustine begins his time in the city of Carthage. His time in Carthage from the ages of 16-19 years old is marked by his studies and his search for wisdom. In this search, St. Augustine encounters the writings of Cicero. In this bonus episode, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk prepare us for what we can expect in the upcoming chapters. They also give us a better understanding of the Manichaeism heresy.