Thomas McDermott Archives

SCS4 – The Avignon and Rome Years – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Avignon and Rome Years – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor discuss the life of St. Catherine of Siena and her role in persuading the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon after a 70-year absence. They shine a light on St. Catherine’s remarkable transformation from a seemingly shy recluse to a prominent figure advising the Pope. Her directness and authority, rooted in her divine revelations and visions, were instrumental in influencing the Pope’s decision.

Fr. McDermott also shares his personal connection to St. Catherine, describing how studying her teachings profoundly impacted his spiritual journey, leading to a deep admiration and engagement with her life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

St. Catherine’s Influence: How does St. Catherine’s transformation from a shy recluse to a prominent advisor to the Pope reflect her deep spiritual journey and divine calling?
Access to the Papal Court: What do you think allowed St. Catherine, a woman, to have such unprecedented access to the papal court during her time, and what significance does this hold for understanding the medieval Church’s attitude towards women?
St. Catherine’s Authority: In what ways did St. Catherine demonstrate her prophetic voice and authority, particularly in her directness and fearlessness in confronting the Pope and addressing the issues within the Church?
St. Catherine’s Personal Sacrifice: Reflect on St. Catherine’s physical and spiritual suffering, such as her struggles with food and her tireless devotion to prayer for the Church. How does her perseverance in the face of suffering inspire you in your own spiritual journey?
St. Catherine’s Legacy: Discuss the enduring impact of St. Catherine’s life and teachings on the Catholic Church. How can her example of love for the Church coupled with constructive criticism guide us in our efforts for spiritual renewal and reform today?

St.-Catherine-of-Siena-book-200x300 — This series is based on ‘Catherine of Siena’ by Fr. Thomas McDermott

For the entire Discerning Hearts series “The Life and Teachings of St. Catherine of Siena” visit here

Fr. Thomas McDermott, OP is Regent of Studies for the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great and is the author of “Catherine of Siena: Spiritual Development in Her Life and Teaching” (Paulist, 2008) and “Filled with all the Fullness of God: An Introduction to Catholic Spirituality”. He obtained a doctorate in spiritual theology from the Angelicum and taught for several years at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. He crrently serves as pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer, in Chicago, IL.

SCS3 – The Mystical Experiences – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Mystical Experiences – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor discuss the life of St. Catherine of Siena, focusing on her mystical experiences and their significance: he mystical spousals with Christ, her understanding of virtues and their role in Christian life, and her practical approach to serving others, exemplified by her care for the sick and difficult; her willingness to endure suffering for the salvation of others, culminating in her experience of the stigmata.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Mystical Spousals and Divine Union: How does St. Catherine of Sienna’s experience of mystical spousals with Christ reflect her deep union with God? What insights can we gain from her understanding of this mystical experience?
Virtues and Christian Life: In what ways did St. Catherine emphasize the importance of virtues in Christian life, particularly in contrast to merely following the commandments? How can we apply her emphasis on virtues in our own spiritual journey?
Practical Love and Service: Reflect on St. Catherine’s practical approach to serving others, such as her care for the sick and difficult, like Andrea. How does her example challenge us to overcome our own limitations and extend love and service to those around us?
Union with God and Suffering: Discuss St. Catherine’s deep union with God and her willingness to endure suffering for the salvation of others, as seen in her experience of the stigmata. How does her example inspire us to embrace suffering as a means of drawing closer to Christ and participating in His redemptive work?
Gospel-Centered Reflection: Consider how St. Catherine’s teachings and experiences remain closely aligned with the Gospel. How can we strive to center our own spiritual reflections and practices on the teachings of Christ as she did?

For the entire Discerning Hearts series “The Life and Teachings of St. Catherine of Siena” visit here

SCS2 – The Fundamental Maxim and The Dark Night of Self-Knowldege – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Fundamental Maxim and The Dark Night of Self-Knowldege – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor discuss the life of St. Catherine of Sienna, focusing on pivotal moments in her spiritual development. They explore St. Catherine’s experiences in prayer, her periods of solitude, and her relationship with her family. St. Catherine’s choice to join the Dominican third order is highlighted, as well as her struggle with temptation and the “dark night of the soul.” Fr. McDermott dispels misconceptions about her attitude towards the papacy by way of her deep love for God and the Church.

St. Catherine’s teachings, particularly her fundamental maxim on self-knowledge and humility tell listeners of the relevance of her spiritual journey for contemporary believers and the importance of maintaining a personal “cell” of self-knowledge and recollection amidst the chaos of the world.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Exploring Solitude and Isolation: How can we distinguish between solitude, as experienced by St. Catherine of Sienna, and isolation? Reflect on the significance of solitude in nurturing one’s spiritual life.
Family Dynamics and Vocation: Consider St. Catherine’s family’s reaction to her desire for solitude and her chosen vocation. How can we reconcile familial concerns with personal vocations and aspirations?
Understanding Third Orders: Reflect on the concept of third orders in religious life, such as the Dominican third order to which St. Catherine belonged. How might third orders provide avenues for laypeople to deepen their spiritual lives while living in the world?
Discerning Religious Experiences: St. Catherine’s experiences of visions and dreams played a significant role in her spiritual journey. How can individuals discern whether their religious experiences are genuine messages from God or products of their own psyche?
The Dark Night of the Soul: Reflect on St. Catherine’s “dark night” experience and her perseverance through spiritual struggles. How can we maintain faith and love for God during times of spiritual dryness or perceived abandonment?
The Cell of Self-Knowledge: Explore the concept of the “cell of self-knowledge” as discussed by St. Catherine. How might we cultivate inner recollection and self-awareness amidst the distractions of daily life?
Love for God and Others: St. Catherine emphasized the connection between one’s love for God and the quality of relationships with others. Reflect on how our interactions with others reflect our love for God, and vice versa.
Misconceptions and Authentic Spirituality: Consider misconceptions about St. Catherine’s relationship with the Church, particularly regarding her interactions with the papacy. How can we discern authentic spirituality within the context of the Church’s teachings and authority?

For the entire Discerning Hearts series “The Life and Teachings of St. Catherine of Siena” visit here

SCS1 – Introduction & Childhood – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

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Introduction & Childhood – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

In this introductory episode, Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor discuss the life and teachings of St. Catherine of Sienna. Fr. McDermott shares his personal journey of discovering and studying St. Catherine, highlighting her significant impact despite initial challenges in understanding her work, particularly her major work, “The Dialogue” and how St. Catherine’s reputation spread through Raymond of Capua’s biography of her, despite some differences due to historical context.

Delving into St. Catherine’s mystical encounters, particularly a vision of Christ at a young age, which ignited her lifelong thirst for a personal relationship with Jesus; Fr. McDermott reminds us of the importance of desire in spirituality and reflects on how families and communities can foster an environment for spiritual growth, using the example of St. Catherine’s influence on others and her voluntary community of followers known as the “Caterinati“, providing insights into St. Catherine’s life, spirituality, and enduring impact.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Discovering St. Catherine: How does Fr. McDermott describe his initial encounter with St. Catherine’s writings? What were the challenges he faced, and how did he eventually come to appreciate her teachings?
Influence of Raymond of Capua: Discuss the significance of Raymond of Capua’s biography of St. Catherine. How did this biography contribute to her reputation, despite potential differences due to historical context?
Mystical Encounters: Reflect on St. Catherine’s mystical encounters, particularly her vision of Christ as a young child. How did this experience shape her spiritual journey and ignite her thirst for a deeper relationship with Jesus?
The Importance of Desire: Fr. McDermott emphasizes the theme of desire in spirituality. How does he explain the concept of desire in the context of St. Catherine’s life and teachings? How can modern Catholics cultivate a similar desire for God?
Influence on Others: Explore St. Catherine’s influence on others, particularly her voluntary community of followers known as the “Caterinati.” How did she impact the lives of those around her, and what lessons can Catholics today draw from her example of spiritual leadership?
Fostering Spiritual Growth: Reflect on the role of families and communities in fostering environments conducive to spiritual growth, as discussed in the episode. How can Catholic families and communities today create spaces where individuals can deepen their relationship with God?

For the entire Discerning Hearts series “The Life and Teachings of St. Catherine of Siena” visit here

SCS2 – The Fundamental Maxim and The Dark Night of Self-Knowldege – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 2 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott-

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In this episode, Fr. McDermott discusses the difference between solitude and isolation by means of moments in St. Catherine’s life.

What is a “Third Order” and why did St. Catherine choose this means to live out her life? A dream affected St. Catherine deeply. Fr. McDermott teaches how we can discern dreams that might occur in our lives.

Why would St. Catherine have a special devotion to St. Mary Magdalene? Fr. McDermott discusses the significance of the “fundamental maxim” and the imagery of “the well”, and the times of temptation that began to occur in her life and the experience of “The Dark Night of Self-Knowledge”.

Our series is based on “Catherine of Siena”
by Fr. McDermott

SCS3 – The Mystical Experiences – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 3 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott-

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In this episode, Fr. McDermott discusses the experience of St. Catherine’s “Mystical Espousal” and it’s spiritual relevance.

The virtues are discussed as central to St. Catherine’s teachings and the importance of properly understanding their value in our lives. The response to the needs of one’s neighbor is emphasized. In particular, the special interaction with Andrea, the woman with cancer, is presented as an extraordinary moment of grace which aided in St. Catherine’s spiritual maturity and growth in holiness. Fr. McDermott addresses the contemporary “controversy” over the actions taken in this particular experience.

The other experiences of the summer 1380, the exchange of hearts the mystical death are discussed, as well as, the saint’s invisible stigmata.

Our series is based on “Catherine of Siena”
by Fr. McDermott

SCS4 – The Avignon and Rome Years – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 4 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott-

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In this episode, Fr. McDermott discusses the experience of St. Catherine’s intervention in the events in Avignon, France and her influence with the Pope.

Fr. McDermott speaks of her time in Rome and the events surrounding her death. And we lay the groundwork for our future episodes which we discuss specific aspects of St. Catherine’s teachings.

St.-Catherine-of-Siena-book — Our series is based on “Catherine of Siena”
by Fr. McDermott

SCS5 – “The Supreme Truth” and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 5 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott

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In this episode, Fr. McDermott begins a more generalized discussion on the teachings of St. Catherine of Siena.

Fr. McDermott speaks of “The Dialogue” and how it came to be. Some of the basic teachings of St. Catherine are presented such as “The Truth of God the Father”. He relates the motto of the Dominican order, “Veritas” (Truth), was foundational for St. Catherine. The Supreme Truth about God and the truth of the human person. Fr. McDermott also touches on St. Catherine’s teachings on sin, selfish self-love in particular. How do we arrive at “truth”? Prayer is key, along with the Scriptures and the Sacraments. Also St. Catherine’s teachings on discernment, humility, love, patience and obedience, as well as, the doctrine of deification, is addressed.

SCS6 – “The Precious Blood”, “The Christ Bridge” and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

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Episode 6 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott

In this episode, Fr. McDermott aids in our understanding of St. Catherine’s teachings on the “Blood of Christ” and its context from Sacred Scripture and Medieval sensibilities. He discusses “The Christ Bridge” as a central image in St. Catherine’s writings and one’s spiritual journey. The flowering of baptismal grace is exemplified in this teaching.

Fr. Thomas McDermott, OP is Regent of Studies for the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great and is the author of “Catherine of Siena: Spiritual Development in Her Life and Teaching” (Paulist, 2008) and “Filled with all the Fullness of God: An Introduction to Catholic Spirituality”. He obtained a doctorate in spiritual theology from the Angelicum and taught for several years at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. He currently serves as pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer, in Chicago, IL.

SCS7 – “Stages” in the Spiritual LIfe – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 7 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott

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In this episode, Fr. McDermott aids in our understanding of St. Catherine’s teachings on the “stages” of our spiritual life.

What is the proper understanding of grace and sharing in the Divine Life. Good feelings, consolations, joy are experiences during the second step on the “Christ-Bridge”. The concern of “falling in love more with the gifts rather than with the Giver” is discussed. The danger of spiritual gluttony and pride, as well as the need to care for one’s neighbor are essential elements in St. Catherine’s teachings. Fr. McDermott also reflects on her teachings about the Divine Fire and gift of Tears.