Catholic Classics

Learn from the Catholic Church's greatest saints as teachers as you are led through classic Catholic spiritual writings.

About the show

Welcome to Catholic Classics from Ascension! Each season we'll read through a great Catholic spiritual writing providing insightful commentary and practical guidance along the way. Informative and enriching, these 20-30 mins episodes will allow you to learn from the Catholic Church’s most revered saints and teachers as you seek to cultivate your spiritual life.

This season, Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. will guide you through "Confessions of St. Augustine" by St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church. In 60 days, you'll discover the powerful witness of St. Augustine’s spiritual journey that shows us that our weakness is not a barrier to holiness.

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Episodes

  • Day 60: Rest in Him (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 30th, 2023  |  24 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

    In this final episode, St. Augustine reflects on the height of creation: humanity. He ponders how men and women are oriented towards God because God has created them in his goodness and they are made to rest in him. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss what this means. They also address how God has healed humanity and why we are worthy of love. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 31-38.

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    Day 59: Gifts vs. Fruits (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 29th, 2023  |  21 mins 41 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 this penultimate episode, St. Augustine distinguishes between a gift and a fruit so as to help us understand what it means to receive from God. St. Augustine also refutes the Manichaeans concerning creation and the beginnings of the world. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss how we ought to receive the gifts given to us. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 26-30.

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    Day 58: The Hierarchy of Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 28th, 2023  |  24 mins 45 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 continue walking through the creation story, St. Augustine draws out the spiritual implications of the days of creation. He describes what it means for us to have dominion over the things of the world. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss this authority that humans have been given and the responsibility we have in regards to creation. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 23-25.

  • Day 57: Creation and the Sacraments (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 27th, 2023  |  28 mins 29 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 continues through Genesis and the story of creation. He shows how creation, the Church and sacraments are connected. In considering Genesis 1:20 and 1:24, St. Augustine reveals how Baptism and the Holy Eucharist are intertwined. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss how it is through grace and conversion that individuals become lights of the world. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 19-22.

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    Day 56: Creation of the Heavens (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 26th, 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

    St. Augustine explores the creation of the heavens and earthly light. He considers the purpose God intended for them and their role in our daily lives. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss that the heavens were created for man, not God. They explain that God exists perfectly and happily outside of creation. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 15-18.

  • Day 55: Finding Rest (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 25th, 2023  |  26 mins 35 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

    Carrying on through the creation account, St. Augustine focuses on the themes of rest and the Holy Spirit. He reiterates that God is the only place a rational creature will find rest. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the purpose of the Church and its role in creation. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters Chapters 8-14.

  • Day 54: God’s Goodness in Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 24th, 2023  |  24 mins 4 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

    Challenging some of our understandings of the book of Genesis, St. Augustine poses some difficult questions. He focuses on the creation account and the presence of the Trinity throughout creation. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how man is the recipient of God’s overflow of goodness. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 1-7.

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    Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 13 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 24th, 2023  |  20 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

    As with the previous books, St. Augustine opens the final Book of Confessions with a prayer of praise to God. He revisits his motivation for writing, to serve God and draw others closer to him. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk highlight God's goodness, a key theme throughout Confessions. They note how Augustine emphasizes that God created humanity not out of need but out of the abundance of his goodness.

  • Day 53: Living God's Word (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 23rd, 2023  |  24 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

    Building on his previous examination, St. Augustine dives deeper into the various interpretations of Sacred Scripture. As a divinely authored and inspired book, the Bible captures meaning from God and the inspired author. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss what a life of Scripture means and how we should feel comfortable excluding ways of life incompatible with God's way. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 28-32.

  • Day 52: Interpreting Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 22nd, 2023  |  25 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 acknowledges the many insights and interpretations of Scripture. He distinguishes between the factual truth of biblical events and the deeper truths conveyed through the narratives. As Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain, our human limitations mean we lack perfect understanding when reading God's Word. Because of this, St. Augustine advocates approaching Scripture with humility. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 22-27.

  • Day 51: Truth in Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 21st, 2023  |  24 mins 26 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

    While Sacred Scripture can be interpreted in different ways, it always conveys the truth. St. Augustine explores the way we find truth in Scripture, acknowledging the different perspectives that arise as we study Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczy explain how St. Augustine paves the way for the Church’s ongoing discernment of the various ways God speaks to us through his Word. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 16-21.

  • Day 50: God's Unchanging Nature (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 20th, 2023  |  25 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

    How do we reconcile God’s unchanging nature with creation’s changing nature? St. Augustine continues his discussion on the creative narrative in Genesis and highlights the “heaven of heavens." St. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine encourage us to be patient as we journey through St. Augustine’s speculative attempt to understand God. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 11-15.

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    Day 49: Genesis (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 19th, 2023  |  24 mins 47 secs
    ascension, augustine, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, confessions, creation, devout life, dominicans, earth, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, genesis, heaven, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    What does the creation account in Genesis reveal? St. Augustine begins his examination of Scripture by reflecting on the creation of heaven and earth with a sense of awe and wonder. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine explain that St. Augustine’s reflection is an attempt to intellectually grasp the reality of creation rather than merely imagine it in his mind. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 1-10.

  • Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 12 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 19th, 2023  |  18 mins 4 secs
    ascension, book 12, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, confessions, 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, sacred scripture, saint augustine, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales, word of god

    As we begin our journey into Book 12, Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine guide us through the main theme of this Book: Scripture. In the upcoming chapters, St. Augustine meditates on the complexity and richness of Sacred Scripture. We learn that the Word of God is living, transformative, and inexhaustible.

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    Day 48: Remembering the Past (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 18th, 2023  |  25 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

    In the conclusion of Book 11, St. Augustine focuses on analyzing the power of memory and the dynamics between remembering the past, time, and reality. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine reinforce that although God exists outside of time, he chooses to reveal himself to us in time. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapter 27-31.

  • Day 47: Measuring the Present (The Confessions of St. Augustine).

    November 17th, 2023  |  24 mins 41 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 we measure the present? As St. Augustine continues his examination of time, he focuses specifically on the passing of time in the present and the struggle of measuring it. This question points to his desire to understand our relationship with God who is the eternal present. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine reflect on the significance of time for understanding our human experience. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 21-26.