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.

In season three of Catholic Classics, join Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris as they read and explain Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. In her “Little Way,” St. Thérèse shows us that, despite our weakness, (or perhaps because of it) God can make us saints through unbounded confidence in his love.

Find out more about the Catholic Classics podcast at ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics.

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Episodes

  • 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.

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    Day 46: Past, Present, and Future (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 16th, 2023  |  24 mins 7 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

    Without dismissing the importance of the past and future, St. Augustine considers how everything only exists in the present. We engage with the past and future in that we engage with memories and think of what will be. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what it means to be present. They discuss how people tend to measure the passing of time by the passing of moments. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 15-20.

  • Day 45: Divine Speech (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 15th, 2023  |  23 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

    What does it mean for God to exist outside of time? St. Augustine explores this concept in these chapters, contemplating what it means for God to provide for change without changing himself. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk guide us through these profound and highly philosophical reflections, interpreting the distinctions between divine and human speech. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 7-14.

  • Day 44: Creation and Time (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 14th, 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 delves into the creation narratives, abstaining from scriptural commentary. Instead, he scrutinizes the initial chapters of Genesis, engaging in profound meditation on the underlying realities and themes. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk emphasize St. Augustine's aspiration that his work would guide others toward a deeper understanding and love for God. By bearing witness to his personal journey and sharing his reflections, St. Augustine illustrates how we can also enhance our knowledge and love for God. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapters 1-6.

  • Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 11 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 14th, 2023  |  18 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

    As we enter Book 11, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us that these last three chapters are less autobiographical and more theological. St. Augustine dedicates this portion of his writing to a study of time. God’s existence does not unfold how our lives unfold; he is not time-bound. Our hosts explain what it means for the Lord to lack complexity and help us understand creation as an overflow of love.

  • Day 43: Overcoming Pride (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 13th, 2023  |  23 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

    Continuing his examination of pride, St. Augustine notes how this vice lurks in evil and good works. He sums up his battle between joy in his conversion and sadness in his bad habits. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that the marks of humanity are true in all centuries. The best way to combat our fallen natures is to be on your guard against sins and always return to Christ. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 38-43.

  • Day 42: Lust of the Eyes (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 12th, 2023  |  26 mins 5 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 it better for God to be loved or feared? St. Augustine reflects on this question as he addresses the threefold concupiscence of sin found in John’s Gospel. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss what it means to be attracted to truth but in an inordinate way. They conclude with a conversation on pride and the subtleties of this vice. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 35-37.

  • Day 41: Attachments and Desires (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 11th, 2023  |  28 mins 21 secs
    ascension, attachments, augustine, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, desires, detachment, 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, pleasures, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales

    Moderating our bodily attachments and desires is essential for spiritual growth. St. Augustine describes the ways our bodily desires and attachments can become distorted. From love of food to love of music, every earthly attachment can turn us away from God if we become overly reliant on them. Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Gregory invite us to consider a holy detachment from the things of this world so we can let God fill us completely. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 31-34.

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    Day 40: Seeking Happiness (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 10th, 2023  |  26 mins 31 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, confession of st augustine, 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, late have i loved you, prayer, saint augustine, saints, seeking happiness, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st augustine, st francis de sales

    True and enduring happiness is found only in God. St. Augustine examines the ways he looked for happiness in the wrong places, mainly in himself and in the pleasures of the world. He expresses repentance for not loving the Lord sooner, inspiring his famous prayer: “Late have I loved you, Beauty ever ancient and ever new, late have I loved you!” Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine challenge us to examine the ways we seek happiness in our lives. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 22-30.

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    Day 39: The Role of Memory (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 9th, 2023  |  26 mins 20 secs
    ascension, catholic, catholic church, catholic classics, catholic faith, catholic spiritual reading, catholic spirituality, catholicism, classic text, confessions, confessions of st augustine, dominicans, faith, father gregory pine, father jacob bertrand, fr gregory pine, fr jacob bertrand, human mind, memory, saint augustine, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st augustine

    What is the role of memory in the spiritual life? As St. Augustine continues his philosophical discussion on the human mind, he focuses on understanding the different ways that memory works. We learn that our memory allows us to see God’s handiwork throughout our lives. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Gregory Pine also remind us that God wants to heal and purify our memories.

  • Day 38: The Gift of the Mind (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 8th, 2023  |  23 mins 6 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 human mind is a magnificent gift of God given to us to discover truth. Using a scientific approach, St. Augustine delves into the origins of intellect, memory, and conceptual thought. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory break down St. Augustine’s reflection and emphasize that the human mind sets us apart from the rest of creation.

  • Day 37: Sensing God in Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 7th, 2023  |  25 mins 2 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 can find God’s footprints in the beauty of creation and the mystery of our own humanity. St. Augustine poetically explores creation, the senses, and the human mind as ways we can encounter God in our initial search for him. Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine remind us that God reveals himself in tangible ways because he wants us to know him.

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    Day 36: St. Augustine’s Testimony (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 6th, 2023  |  23 mins 16 secs
    ascension, bearing witness to god, 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, glorifying god, intro to devout life, introduction to the devout life, prayer, saints, spiritual reading, spiritual writings, spirituality, st francis de sales, testimony

    What moves St. Augustine to share his testimony with others? St. Augustine reflects on his motivations behind his Confession and his approach to sharing his testimony so as to edify others. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk explain how St. Augustine models for us the appropriate way to bear witness to Christ and prudently share our testimonies so that God may be glorified.