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 35: St. Monica’s Death (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 5th, 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

    Having completed her earthly mission, St. Monica passes from this life to the next. Facing grief and mourning, St. Augustine pursues truth to elevate the pain of loss. He gives thanks to the Lord for his mother and God’s gifts present in her. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us that even the saints mourn. They explain that when we prepare for our death and look forward to eternity, worldly concerns vanish. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 11-13.

  • Day 34: St. Monica’s Life (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 4th, 2023  |  28 mins 1 sec
    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 lead-up to St. Monica’s death, St. Augustine reflects on her life. He shares stories from her early childhood and the hardships she endured in her marriage. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk shed light on the significance of enduring suffering for the sanctification of others while commending Monica for her charity, maternal love, and unwavering faith. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 8-10.

  • Day 33: The Sacrament of Baptism (The Confessions of St. Augustine)

    November 3rd, 2023  |  27 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

    St. Augustine receives the sacrament of Baptism alongside his son and friend. He turns to the Old Testament for preparation and understanding of his place in salvation history. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss Church persecution and St. Ambrose’s role in ending the oppression. They reflect on the grace of the sacraments and the simplicity of conversion. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 4-7.

  • 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.