discernment of spirits Archives

Ep 4 – The Maternal Heart – And Mary’s ‘Yes’ Continues Afresh w/ Sr. Joseph Andrew Bogdanowicz – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 4 of 4 of And Mary’s ‘Yes’ Continues Afresh with Sr. Joseph Andrew Bogdanowicz one of the founders and the vocation director of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

Join Sr. Joseph Andrew Bogdanowicz and Kris McGregor as they discuss:

1. The Maternal Heart
2. Something More
3. God Is No Stranger to Suffering
4. Have A Quiet Place
5. The Struggle is Our Holiness

Visit here to pick up a copy of the book

From the book description:

Our world is constantly changing and each generation faces new challenges of faith and identity. In this increasingly post-Christian, radically secular culture, the vocation of a consecrated religious might appear outdated or, perhaps, wasteful. Even within the Church, the vocation of a Bride of Christ is a mystery to many who have never encountered it. But who is a religious Sister? She is one who hears our Lord’s call to “Come, follow me!” and answers with the resounding confidence of Mary’s Fiat! She is exactly what our world needs: a light in the darkness, a soul dedicated completely to loving and serving God and her neighbor.

In this new volume, And Mary’s Yes Continues Afresh, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist present a treasure-trove of education and inspiration for young women, parents, priests, and educators alike. You’ll learn what religious life is all about; hear the inspiring vocation stories of women from all walks of life and many different nationalities; and discover—perhaps for the first time—the incredible gift of the consecrated life. You might even hear the Lord’s call in your own heart. Ultimately, you will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the life-giving vocation of religious Sisters, and their role in our world today.

The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, were canonically established in 1997 in response to Pope St. John Paul II’s call for a New Evangelization. We seek to share God’s message of faith and the joy of religious life with the modern world through various outreaches including education, vocations, and culture.
Read more about their charism

Beginning with four foundresses, their community has now grown to over 150 Sisters with an average age of 32. Their Motherhouse is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Their website can be found at sistersofmary.org

IP#477 – Fr. Timothy Gallagher – When You Struggle In The Spiritual Life on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Podcast

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In When You Struggle In the Spiritual Life: An Ignatian Path to Freedom, Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V., addresses the everyday challenges of those seeking a deeper relationship with God. Drawing from the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the second rule of his classic discernment of spirits, Fr. Gallagher breaks open the four ways in which the enemy is going to try to discourage persons from moving more closely to God. And the five ways in which the good spirit is going to try to encourage persons on their journey. It was a delight to discuss this lovely book…highly recommended!

You can find the book here
From the book description:

Once a person embarks on a spiritual journey questions and roadblocks will come up. Ignatian spirituality and practices hold a treasure of answers, and no one can explain Ignatian lifestyles as can Fr. Timothy Gallagher. – This little volume of clear and practical guidelines is invaluable for anyone wanting to grow spiritually. In this new volume, Fr. Gallagher explores additional understandings and applications of the Ignatian rules. These personal reflections have arisen from the delight—and the labor—of learning and sharing the rules, witnessing the joy and hope they have given to so many. These Ignatian guidelines set captives free from the discouragement and sadness of spiritual desolation. They offer hope precisely where persons may have felt hope was not possible—and so release new energy for the spiritual journey.

For more from Fr. Timothy Gallagher on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts visit: Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discernment of Spirits Podcasts

Ep 3 – Responding to the Call – And Mary’s ‘Yes’ Continues Afresh w/ Sr. Joseph Andrew Bogdanowicz – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 3 of 4 of And Mary’s ‘Yes’ Continues Afresh with Sr. Joseph Andrew Bogdanowicz one of the founders and the vocation director of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

Join Sr. Joseph Andrew Bogdanowicz and Kris McGregor as they discuss:

1. Responding to the Call
2. How is God Present?
3. The Need for More Teachers
4. Give God Permission
5. Letting Go of the Baggage

Visit here to pick up a copy of the book

From the book description:

Our world is constantly changing and each generation faces new challenges of faith and identity. In this increasingly post-Christian, radically secular culture, the vocation of a consecrated religious might appear outdated or, perhaps, wasteful. Even within the Church, the vocation of a Bride of Christ is a mystery to many who have never encountered it. But who is a religious Sister? She is one who hears our Lord’s call to “Come, follow me!” and answers with the resounding confidence of Mary’s Fiat! She is exactly what our world needs: a light in the darkness, a soul dedicated completely to loving and serving God and her neighbor.

In this new volume, And Mary’s Yes Continues Afresh, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist present a treasure-trove of education and inspiration for young women, parents, priests, and educators alike. You’ll learn what religious life is all about; hear the inspiring vocation stories of women from all walks of life and many different nationalities; and discover—perhaps for the first time—the incredible gift of the consecrated life. You might even hear the Lord’s call in your own heart. Ultimately, you will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the life-giving vocation of religious Sisters, and their role in our world today.

The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

Beginning with four foundresses, their community has now grown to over 150 Sisters with an average age of 32. Their Motherhouse is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Their website can be found at sistersofmary.org

DOS#1 Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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Méditation et la Contemplation Ignatienne Podcast

Episode 1 The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the coming series and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola
can be found here

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”.

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#2 – The Life of St. Ignatius – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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Episode 2 The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free

The life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the foundational elements of the Spiritual Exercises

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#3- The First Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 3 -The First Rule:

In the persons who go from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is commonly used to propose to them apparent pleasures, making them imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses the opposite method, pricking them and biting their consciences through the process of reason.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher highlights the spiritual journey of St. Augustine as an example of the first rule of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Augustine’s story illustrates the battle between sensual temptations and moral conscience. As a young man, Augustine indulged in sensual pleasures, leading a life far from God. This period was marked by restlessness and moral conflict.

Fr. Gallagher points out that the “enemy” tempts with apparent pleasures, while the “good spirit” strikes back by stirring the conscience. Augustine’s moment of conversion in a garden, influenced by the Holy Spirit and the words of Scripture, exemplifies this struggle and transformation. Fr. Gallagher stresses that understanding this spiritual dynamic is essential to recognizing and overcoming temptations, leading to deeper communion with God. The dialogue underscores the importance of awareness and action in the spiritual life, especially in today’s media-saturated culture.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Contrasting Temptations and Conscience: Reflect on your experiences with temptation. How do you recognize when you are being drawn toward ‘earthly pleasures’? How does your faith-informed conscience respond to these temptations?
St. Augustine’s Transformation: Consider St. Augustine’s spiritual journey. What aspects of his story resonate with your own spiritual experiences? Have there been moments in your life where you felt a significant shift in your faith or moral understanding?
Role of Media and Modern Influences: In today’s world, filled with various forms of media, how do you discern which influences bring you closer to God and which ones draw you away? What steps can you take to align your daily media engagement with your Catholic values?
Recognizing the ‘Good Spirit’: How do you identify the action of the ‘good spirit’ in your life? Can you recall instances where you felt your conscience was actively guiding you back to the right path?
Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: How familiar are you with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius? Considering the insights from the discussion, how might these exercises benefit your spiritual growth, especially in understanding the interplay between temptation and conscience?

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#7 The Fifth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 7 -The Fifth Rule:

In time of desolation never to make a change; but to be firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which one was the day preceding such desolation, or in the determination in which he was in the preceding consolation. Because, as in consolation it is rather the good spirit who guides and counsels us, so in desolation it is the bad, with whose counsels we cannot take a course to decide rightly.

In this episode of the Discerning Hearts Podcast, Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor delve into St. Ignatius of Loyola’s fifth rule for the discernment of spirits, focusing on the importance of stability in one’s spiritual commitments during times of spiritual desolation. The discussion emphasizes not changing spiritual resolutions when experiencing desolation, as these periods are influenced negatively by the enemy.

Fr. Gallagher highlights the pivotal role of Rule Five, urging listeners to cling to their spiritual determinations when faced with the challenges posed by the enemy during desolation. Various scenarios illustrate how desolation can impact individuals, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to spiritual intentions set during times of consolation or tranquility.

The dialogue underscores the deceptive nature of the enemy in moments of spiritual desolation, illustrating how it can lead to doubt and discouragement. By referencing real-life examples and insights from St. Ignatius’s own experiences, Fr. Gallagher provides tangible guidance on recognizing and countering the enemy’s tactics, stressing the rule’s significance in maintaining spiritual direction and growth.

Listeners are encouraged to engage deeply with the content, reflecting on its relevance to their spiritual practices and challenges. The episode concludes with a call to further explore and apply Ignatius’s teachings, fostering a deeper understanding of discernment and spiritual resilience in the face of adversity.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. Understanding Spiritual Desolation: Reflect on times when you’ve experienced spiritual desolation—those moments when you felt distant from God, devoid of consolation in prayer, or tempted to abandon your spiritual practices. Consider how these experiences align with Ignatius’s description of the enemy’s tactics during desolation.
2. The Value of Spiritual Steadfastness: Meditate on the importance of being steadfast in your spiritual commitments, especially during challenging times. How have you responded to spiritual desolation in the past? Have you been tempted to make changes during these periods? Reflect on the consequences of these actions.
3. The Role of the Enemy: Contemplate the idea that during times of spiritual desolation, the enemy tries to lead us away from God’s path. Consider how recognizing this can empower you to resist negative influences and stay true to your spiritual direction.
4. Rule Five as a Lifeline: Think of Rule Five not just as a guideline, but as a lifeline during spiritual turmoil. In what ways can this rule provide you with a firm anchor in your spiritual life? How can it serve as a source of light when all seems dark?
5. Application of Rule Five: Reflect on practical ways to apply Rule Five in your daily life. Whether it’s sticking to your prayer schedule, attending Mass, or fulfilling your role in ministry, consider how maintaining these commitments can fortify your spiritual resilience.
6. Spiritual Growth through Adversity: Ponder the growth that can come from enduring spiritual desolation without making rash changes. How has your faith been tested and strengthened in such times?
7. Seeking Guidance and Community: Reflect on the value of seeking guidance from spiritual directors, confessors, or trusted mentors during times of desolation. How can your faith community support you in remaining steadfast?
8. Ignatian Spirituality as a Resource: Consider delving deeper into Ignatian spirituality to enhance your discernment skills. How can the principles and practices of this spiritual tradition enrich your relationship with God?

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#8 The Sixth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Episode 8 -The Sixth Rule:

Although in desolation we ought not to change our first resolutions, it is very helpful intensely to change ourselves against the same desolation, as by insisting more on prayer, meditation, on much examination, and by giving ourselves more scope in some suitable way of doing penance.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:00 — 25.6MB) | Embed

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#9 The Seventh Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Episode 9 -The Seventh Rule:

Let him who is in desolation consider how the Lord has left him in trial in his natural powers, in order to resist the different agitations and temptations of the enemy; since he can with the Divine help, which always remains to him, though he does not clearly perceive it: because the Lord has taken from him his great fervor, great love and intense grace, leaving him, however, grace enough for eternal salvation.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:00 — 25.6MB) | Embed

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#10 The Eighth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Episode 10 -The Eighth Rule:

Let him who is in desolation labor to be in patience, which is contrary to the vexations which come to him: and let him think that he will soon be consoled, employing against the desolation the devices, as is said in the sixth Rule.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:00 — 25.6MB) | Embed

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page