An Introduction to Discerning Hearts - Part Three: Guide to Spiritual Formation

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An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part Three: How to Use the Discerning Hearts App

Kris McGregor introduces the breadth of spiritual formation resources offered by the apostolate. Listeners are guided through the riches of Ignatian spirituality with Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Fr. Anthony Wieck, Carmelite wisdom with Dr. Anthony Lilles and Fr. Donald Haggerty, Benedictine insights with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, and Dominican teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott. In addition, even more podcasts from Fr. Paul Hoesing, Fr. Scott Traynor, and Deacon James Keating.

Additional series feature Dr. David Fagerberg on the beauty of the liturgy, Dr. Paul Thigpen on spiritual warfare, and Msgr. John Esseff’s pastoral wisdom shaped by decades of service and encounters with saints. Beyond these, Discerning Hearts offers hundreds of Inside the Pages interviews covering spirituality, prayer, doctrine, and healing. All episodes are free, complete with detailed notes, reflection questions, and resources to accompany us on our journey of deeper union with Christ.

Transcription

Hi, this is Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts. If you’ve ever longed for someone to accompany you step by step on the spiritual journey, Discerning Hearts exists to walk with you. This apostolate was born from a deep desire to help souls encounter Christ through prayer, discernment, and proper spiritual formation.

Wherever you may be in the world, wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we want to accompany you with a spirit that seeks to reflect the tenderness and guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We simply want to give what we’ve been given. We are here to console, encourage, and offer spiritual wisdom in the midst of everyday life.

In this episode, we highlight some of the major series and trusted spiritual teachers you’ll encounter on Discerning Hearts. These voices don’t replace the Church—they echo her wisdom and invite you into deeper union with Christ.

Let’s begin with Ignatian spirituality. Father Timothy Gallagher, of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, offers one of the richest collections of resources you’ll find anywhere. He teaches the foundational 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, helping us become aware of what stirs in our hearts, understand their sources, and respond well.

You’ll also find his teaching on the Examen Prayer, a powerful daily practice that helps you notice the movements of God in your day and grow in awareness of His grace. Father Gallagher also helps us navigate difficult moments in his series on spiritual desolation. When we feel confused, distant, or discouraged in prayer, this series may be especially helpful. For those called deeper, his series on the Second Week Rules of Discernment reveals how the enemy can use subtle deceptions even in committed souls.

These teachings aren’t just theoretical—they’re practical, drawn from the real-life experiences of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and everyday believers. They are meant to help you live in greater freedom. Father Gallagher also leads you into deeper prayer through meditation and contemplation in the Ignatian tradition and teaches how to enter into the rhythm of the Church through praying the Liturgy of the Hours.

Father Anthony Wieck joins this offering with a series on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, unpacking the interior path to holiness laid out in that masterwork of spiritual formation. We also feature a powerful series on discernment by Father Paul Hoesing, rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, who offers insight into how God forms and speaks to the heart—especially helpful for those discerning vocations or seeking deeper clarity in prayer.

Father Scott Traynor’s School of Prayer guides you into deeper relational prayer, helping you foster intimacy with God in daily life. Father Amon Bork offers a tender, accessible series on prayer that meets you wherever you are.

In the Carmelite tradition, Dr. Anthony Lilles walks with us through the spiritual retreats of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, including Heaven in Faith and The Last Retreat, as well as her profound letters. His Beginning to Pray series also includes in-depth teachings on the major works of St. Teresa of Avila—The Life, The Way of Perfection, and The Interior Castle.

Father Donald Haggerty continues this contemplative path with a penetrating journey through the writings of St. John of the Cross, helping us understand God’s purifying love in The Dark Night of the Soul.

From the Benedictine tradition, Fr. Mauritius Wilde offers an in-depth series on the life of St. Benedict and his Holy Rule, showing how stability, obedience, and humility can shape our lives today. Father Thomas McDermott opens up the profound spiritual teachings of St. Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church, and the treasures of the Dominican tradition.

Dr. David Fagerberg opens our eyes to the mystical beauty of the liturgy in Pathways to Sacred Mysteries. His reflections help us experience the transcendent grace of the Church’s liturgy.

Deacon James Keating, in his uniquely contemplative way, offers sacramental series on Baptism (Born from Above), the Eucharist (The Way of Mystery), and Marriage (Marriage in the Lord). His other teachings—Communion with Christ, The School of Prayer, Listening for Truth, and Heart of Hope—invite us into deeper union with Christ and a more prayerful, interior life, while guiding us to live virtue-centered lives in the world.

Dr. Paul Thigpen’s Manual for Spiritual Warfare equips you with wisdom from Scripture and the saints, helping you stand firm with confidence in Christ. You’ll also find Inside the Pages interviews on spiritual warfare and exorcism, offering theological grounding and practical tools.

Dan Burke’s St. Teresa of Avila and Spiritual Warfare series shows how her teachings can strengthen us in our own battles through prayer, perseverance, and trust in God.

Monsignor John Esseff speaks with the voice of a pastor and shepherd. Formed by great saints such as Padre Pio and Mother Teresa, and serving over 70 years as a priest, retreat master, exorcist, and spiritual director, his words carry the lived experience of holiness.

You’ll also find video retreats on Discerning Hearts featuring Monsignor Esseff, Sister Cor Immaculatum, Father Gallagher, Dr. Lilles, and Deacon Keating. Each guides you in a more immersive retreat experience.

I’d also like to invite you personally to walk with me through Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love. Julian’s insights on suffering, love, and mercy continue to speak profoundly today.

You’ll also find reflections by Teresa Monaghan of the Pro Sanctity Movement, Sister Gill Goulding on mercy, Dr. Margaret Turek on the mystery of atonement, and Dr. Regis Martin on foundational Catholic teachings in spirituality and prayer.

All of these series—and many more—can be found in our Spiritual Formation section. And don’t forget our Inside the Pages interviews, with over 500 episodes exploring Catholic spirituality, doctrine, literature, healing, grief, and prayer. These conversations are more than author interviews; they’re spiritual instruction for every stage of life. Best of all, every episode is free.

You may also notice that we’ve been updating our show notes across the platform. Each episode now includes fuller summaries, links to helpful resources, and Discerning Hearts reflection questions to help you go deeper. Whether you’re listening alone, with a friend, or in a group, you don’t have to journey alone.

In our next episode, we’ll walk through the prayers and devotional section—how to pray with the saints, offer novenas in a new way, rediscover the power of prayer, and explore audio books, lectio divina, and much more.

Until then, thank you for listening, and may God meet you in every moment of your day.