Inside the Pages Archives

IP#498 Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Basil Nortz and Kris McGregor continue their discussion the book Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God. It explains the significance of silence in deepening one’s spiritual life, particularly through the concept of liturgical memory, where the events of Christ’s passion and the Eucharist become present realities. He also highlights the necessity of interior silence, noting how distractions, internal conversations, and self-directed thoughts can hinder true prayer. Fr. Nortz stresses that silence enables a deeper union with God and facilitates a more attentive and recollected state in daily life.

The book covers various types of silence, such as the silence of judgment, self-love, emotions, and the will. Fr. Nortz discusses the importance of surrendering to God’s providence, embracing purification, and practicing humility, especially in an era of constant opinions and digital noise. He also addresses the role of sacraments, particularly confession and the Eucharist, in attaining inner peace. The ultimate goal of these practices is to cultivate a profound silence of union, where one experiences God’s presence beyond external circumstances.

To listen to part 1 of our conversation visit here: Fr. Basil North – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does the concept of liturgical memory deepen your understanding of the Eucharist and its presence in your daily life?
What distractions commonly disrupt your interior silence, and how can you cultivate a more recollected heart in prayer?
How does practicing the silence of judgment help you grow in humility and foster a more charitable outlook toward others?
In what ways can self-love be properly ordered toward God, and how can you guard against its distortions rooted in worldly desires?
How can you cultivate greater openness to God’s providence and allow His will to shape your spiritual journey?
How does embracing silence, particularly in times of suffering, draw you closer to Christ and His example in the Garden of Gethsemane?
How can frequent reception of the Eucharist and Reconciliation help you maintain spiritual vigilance and interior peace?
How does recognizing the presence of your guardian angel and the communion of saints impact your sense of companionship in the spiritual life?
How can you create boundaries with media consumption to foster a more contemplative and recollected spirit?
How does pursuing different forms of silence lead to a deeper experience of God’s love and presence in your daily life?

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“Fr. Basil Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can — even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise — listen to the voice of God.

In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and discover:

Keys to obeying God’s will

Kinds of silence that are holy and kinds that are unholy

Ten tips on what to do — and what to avoid — to bridle your senses

Seven ways to guard your imagination and foster recollection

How to direct your emotions with reason and foster silence of the heart

Effective ways of responding to injustice

You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God’s plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.

Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life’s battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and “be still” in the silence of His love.

“Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself),” explains Fr. Nortz. “The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice.” “

About the Author: Reverend Basil Nortz, O.R.C., is a priest in the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross. He graduated from Christendom College in 1986 with a B.A. in theology. His seminary studies were at the Insitutum Sapientiae in Anapolis, Brazil.

IP#497 Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Basil Nortz discusses his book Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God, showing how silence is an active and positive disposition that opens the soul to God. Inspired by a 19th-century Carthusian nun’s list of 12 types of silence, he developed this framework over years of retreats and pastoral work. True silence is not merely an absence of noise but a means of deepening one’s attentiveness to God’s voice. Drawing from the wisdom of the saints, he explores different forms of silence, such as those of speech, body, senses, imagination, and memory. Each serves to protect interior peace and foster recollection in a world filled with constant distractions. Cultivating holy silence helps believers grow spiritually, recognize God’s will, and resist the unnecessary noise that can drown out divine guidance.

Fr. Nortz also discusses the role of angels in guiding the soul and the need for discipline in speech and media consumption. He warns against the dangers of defamation, excessive communication, and sensory overload while encouraging engagement with sacred art, quality literature, and uplifting music. Monastic wisdom, such as reciting the Sanctus before activities, provides practical ways to maintain awareness of God’s presence. By practicing silence properly, believers create an inner sanctuary where God dwells, leading to a deeper life of contemplation and union with Him.

To listen to part 2 of our conversation visit here: Fr. Basil North – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can embracing silence in daily life help deepen your relationship with God and strengthen your interior peace?
Which types of silence—speech, body, senses, imagination, or memory—present the greatest challenge in your spiritual journey, and how can you cultivate them more intentionally?
What practical steps can you take to limit unnecessary noise, whether from media, conversations, or technology, to create space for recollection and prayer?
How can greater discipline in speech, including avoiding gossip, detraction, and idle talk, reflect a deeper commitment to holiness and love for others?
How do the images, stories, and memories you engage with shape your spiritual life, and what changes might help purify your imagination and recollection?
In what ways can a stronger awareness of your guardian angel’s presence help you recognize God’s guidance and resist spiritual distractions?
How can surrounding yourself with sacred art, quality literature, and uplifting music draw your mind and heart closer to God’s presence?
What lessons from the Desert Fathers, Benedictines, and other spiritual traditions can be applied to modern life to foster a greater sense of recollection and devotion?
How does cultivating silence help you recognize God’s providence in the details of your life, rather than seeing events as random or dictated by fate?
What adjustments in your prayer life can help incorporate silence as an essential means of listening to God and growing in intimacy with Him?

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“Fr. Basil Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can — even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise — listen to the voice of God.

In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and discover:

Keys to obeying God’s will

Kinds of silence that are holy and kinds that are unholy

Ten tips on what to do — and what to avoid — to bridle your senses

Seven ways to guard your imagination and foster recollection

How to direct your emotions with reason and foster silence of the heart

Effective ways of responding to injustice

You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God’s plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.

Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life’s battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and “be still” in the silence of His love.

“Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself),” explains Fr. Nortz. “The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice.” “

IP#368 – Fr. Quan Tran – The Imitation of Mary on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. Quan Tran – The Imitation of Mary on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Quan Tran joins Kris McGregor to discuss his book The Imitation of Mary: Keys to Growth in Virtue and Grace and his ministry, Fullness of Grace. Drawing on Scripture and the saints, he distills twelve Marian qualities—beginning with humility and confidence in God—and shows how grace always invites a free, active response. Each chapter ends with short, concrete practices so the teaching becomes lived: conforming our will to God’s, cultivating sacrificial love (Aquinas’ “to will the good of the other,” elevated to agape), practicing self-forgetfulness and acceptance, and removing everyday obstacles to holiness (phone habits, unguarded media, poor boundaries). He urges steady prayer and deep union with the Lord, noting that the fruits of the sacraments—especially the Eucharist and Confession—depend partly on our interior disposition.

Fr. Tran presents Mary as mother and model who faced real trials yet responded with a continual “yes.” He addresses hesitation about Marian devotion by returning to Christ’s gift of His Mother and to her role in leading us closer to Him. The book, suitable for personal use or group study, synthesizes classic spiritual themes—abandonment to Providence, docility to God’s will—into a practical path for daily growth in holiness, one intentional choice at a time.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Where is pride subtly shaping my choices, and what concrete act of hidden humility could I do today?
In what situation do I need to place fresh confidence in God rather than in my own plans?
How am I practically living Mary’s counsel to “do whatever He tells you” in this season?
What grace might be “passing by my door” because I’m not responding promptly or wholeheartedly?
Where can I practice love as sacrifice—giving up time, comfort, or preference for another’s true good?
When have I chosen self-forgetfulness over self-focus this week, and what did it free in me?
Can I accept being unappreciated for doing good, entrusting the outcome to God?
How attentive and reverent is my disposition at Mass and Confession, and how could I prepare better?
What small, specific step would deepen my daily prayer and union with the Lord?

About the Book

“Our Lord is constantly pouring out graces upon mankind, yet only a few — those closest to His heart — know how to receive them. Sadly, countless graces are left unclaimed (likely many by you!) and are thus never allowed to further God’s will on earth.

How different our lives would be if we accessed God’s grace more intentionally!

Thankfully, God in His compassion gave us a perfect model for disposing ourselves to His graces and responding to them: the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In The Imitation of Mary, Fr. Quan Tran shows you how to imitate the twelve essential qualities of Mary in order to unleash a torrent of graces in your life. He explains that, like any gift, grace must be received, opened, and used. As you learn how, you’ll begin to acquire the temperaments, dispositions, and qualities that are most pleasing to God — and you’ll serve as a channel of God’s grace for others.

You’ll also learn:

The three major obstacles to living a life of faith

What to do if you experience a crisis of faith

The four levels of happiness — and how to acquire them

How it’s possible for you to merit an increase in graces

Seven ways you can cultivate a rich devotion to Our Lady

The difference between sanctifying grace and actual grace

The four effects that grace will have on your soul”

About the Author

Fr. Quan Tran is a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Orange in California. Father Tran is currently a Parochial Vicar at St. Bonaventure parish in Huntington Beach. He is also the Secretary to the Pastoral Provision for Bishop Kevin Vann.

IP#254 David Scott – The Love That Made Mother Teresa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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David Scott – The Love That Made Mother Teresa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode, Kris McGregor and David Scott discuss his book The Love That Made Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa’s life reveals that God is love, not in abstract terms but through tangible works of mercy. Anecdotes highlight her care for the sick, the dying, and the forgotten, showing love expressed in small but profound acts. Scott notes that her childhood—marked by her mother’s openness to the poor—helped shape this vision, and her vocation was further clarified through her “call within a call.” Mother Teresa’s “little way,” akin to St. Thérèse’s spirituality, demonstrated how holiness is lived through daily acts of generosity rather than grand gestures.

The book explores her toughness and courage, her kinship with figures like Dorothy Day, and the hidden sufferings she endured, including spiritual darkness. Scott frames her witness as God’s response to a century dominated by ideologies that devalued the human person—she embodied a “revolution of love” that countered worldly powers. Her legacy continues through the Missionaries of Charity and her enduring example of Matthew 25 lived out: feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted, and recognizing Christ in those most difficult to love. The takeaway is simple yet demanding: to “do little things with great love,” allowing even small sacrifices in everyday life to transform hearts and the world.

You can find the book here.

About the Book

The countless sweet photos of her smiling at babies showed Mother Teresa to be a single-minded advocate for the poor. But she was a woman with a will whose strength has been matched by few souls in history. Mother Teresa broke death’s stranglehold on the poor of Calcutta, and she showed us how to conquer the sin and darkness in what she called the “slums of the hearts of modern man.”

Part biography and part spiritual reading, these pages bring to light little-known stories from Mother Teresa’s life that will help you to grow in your love of God. You will learn her approach to reading Scripture, what enabled her to persevere through agonizing nights, and the remarkable — some would say mystical — events that led her to start the Missionaries of Charity.

In considering Mother Teresa, her private visions, and her secret sufferings, David Scott has discovered scores of early episodes and chance encounters that point to later, larger meanings. These remarkable patterns, he suggests, show that Mother Teresa’s life was choreographed from above, as if a divine script had been written for her from before her birth.

In these pages, you will meet for the first time the Mother Teresa who challenged the ancient Goddess of Death and became the first saint of our global village. You will read her long-secret letters describing the dark nights of her soul. The woman you will meet is one that God Himself sent to you as a clear sign that despite pain and suffering in our lives and in our world, God’s good love will prevail . . . beginning in the slums of our hearts.

We are all called to holiness, and the saints are sent to us as “real life” examples of God’s love. With Mother Teresa as your guide, you’ll learn how to follow God’s call and find holiness in a world marked by the shadow of death and growing indifference to God. Indeed, you’ll learn how to be an everyday missionary of Christ’s love in the ordinary activities of your daily life.

About the Author

David Scott is the current Vice Chancellor of Communications in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and former Editor of Our Sunday Visitor. Scott has published several books, including studies of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and Dorothy Day. Hundreds of his essays and articles have appeared in journals and periodicals throughout the world, including the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, as well as National Review, Commonweal, Crisis, Inside the Vatican, National Catholic Register, Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, Beliefnet.com and elsewhere. Scott holds a master’s degree in religion and scripture from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

IP#303 – Susan Conroy – Praying with Mother Teresa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Susan Conroy – Praying with Mother Teresa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Susan Conroy reflects on her friendship with Mother Teresa, which began when she was 21 and traveled to Calcutta to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity. She recalls the joy and peace that radiated from Mother Teresa’s presence, describing it as an encounter with holiness that overflowed into her own service among the poor and suffering. Susan highlights Mother Teresa’s humility, noting that despite global recognition and awards, she lived with deep self-forgetfulness, seeing herself only as a simple instrument in God’s hands. This humility revealed a profound truth about sanctity: greatness is found in becoming small, gentle, and surrendered to God’s will.

The discussion also explores the themes found in Susan’s book Praying with Mother Teresa, which shares the prayers and spiritual practices Mother Teresa lived daily. Mother Teresa taught that the first vocation of every person, including her own sisters, is to belong to Christ, and from that relationship flows the mission of serving others. She invites us to see their own “Calcutta” in family, home, and community, where acts of love, patience, and kindness are most needed. Through stories and insights, Susan conveys that Mother Teresa’s legacy is not merely admiration but imitation—living a mission of love rooted in humility, prayer, and closeness to Christ.

You can get a copy of the book here

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Mother Teresa’s humility challenge your understanding of true greatness before God?
Where do you notice “heavenly joy” arising in the midst of difficult or messy places in your life?
In what concrete ways can you “belong to Jesus” first, before any external service today?
Who in your home most needs your patience and kindness right now, and what will you do about it?
What would it look like to let God “write the story” while you remain a simple instrument in his hand?
Where is your “Calcutta” nearby—someone lonely, sick, or forgotten whom you can love this week?
How might you move from admiring holy people to imitating their virtues in daily choices?
After receiving Holy Communion, how will you allow Christ to shine through you in practical actions?
When did you last leave someone “better and happier,” and how can that become your daily habit?
Which moments at home reveal your “true colors,” and how can grace reshape them?

From the book description

Praying with Mother Teresa brings us into the heart of Mother Teresa’s prayer life! Author Susan Conroy, a personal friend of Mother Teresa, gives us a meditative look at Mother Teresa’s insights on suffering, joy, peace, humility, and poverty, and brings us right into the prayer life of one of the most beloved women of our time, Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Each prayer has been carefully, and prayerfully, selected for use in daily prayer. Mother Teresa gave Susan her blessing and approval to share these words and prayers with others “to bring them peace and joy too.”

About the Author

In the summer of 1986, 21-year-old Susan Conroy journeyed to Calcutta alone to help the Missionaries of Charity. She developed a personal friendship with Mother Teresa that lasted throughout the course of 11 years, until Mother Teresa was called home to God. Susan is the author of nine books, including bestselling Mother Teresa’s Lessons of Love & Secrets of Sanctity, and lives in Portland, Maine.

IP#305 Dr. Peter Kreeft – I Burned for Your Peace on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dr. Peter Kreeft – I Burned for Your Peace on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Dr. Peter Kreeft joins Kris McGregor to discuss his book I Burned for Your Peace: Augustine’s Confessions Unpacked. He describes St. Augustine as both passionate and brilliant, a rare union of heart and intellect. This blend makes the Confessions timeless—deeply personal yet profoundly theological. The book is written as a prayer, which gives it burning honesty, since St. Augustine is speaking directly to God. The famous line, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you,” is its central theme, showing how St. Augustine’s restless search for truth, meaning, and joy ultimately led him to God through divine grace. His journey of confronting sin, wrestling with doubts, and being guided by his mother St. Monica demonstrates both his humanity and his uniqueness, while also reflecting the universal struggles of every person.

As a guide through St. Augustine’s work, Dr. Kreeft compares the Confessions to a Christmas tree that he helps decorate without obscuring its beauty. St. Augustine’s humility, honesty, and recognition of suffering is essential for spiritual growth. Augustine shows that life is a story with a beginning, middle, and end directed toward God, and his conversion reveals that no one can reach this destiny without grace. His mystical experiences, struggles with evil, and deep relationship with God illustrate both the darkness of sin and the light of divine love. For Dr. Kreeft, reading St. Augustine is not just encountering a saint of the past but a companion for today, someone who reveals what it means to be fully human and fully oriented toward God.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Augustine’s description of a restless heart invite you to examine what you are truly seeking in life?
In what ways can you speak to God in prayer with the same honesty Augustine shows in the Confessions?
What role does suffering play in your spiritual journey, and how might you unite it with Christ’s own suffering?
How do you recognize God’s grace working in your life, even when your will resists conversion?
What can Augustine’s relationship with his mother, Monica, teach you about the power of intercession and perseverance in prayer?
How do you respond when you see sin in yourself compared to when you see it in others?
What aspects of Augustine’s story mirror your own search for truth, meaning, and love?
How can humility, understood as standing in God’s light, shape the way you view yourself and others?
In what ways does the narrative of your own life reflect God’s ongoing work of redemption?
How do Augustine’s mystical experiences challenge or inspire your own understanding of encountering God?

About the Book

Popular author and philosopher Peter Kreeft delves into one of the most beloved Christian classics of all time–Augustine’s Confessions. He collects key passages and offers incisive commentary, making Confessions accessible to any reader who is both intellectually curious and spiritually hungry.

The Confessions is a dramatic personal narrative of a soul choosing between eternal life and death, an exploration of the timeless questions great minds have been asking for millennia, and a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God. I Burned for Your Peace is not a scholarly work but an unpacking of the riches found in Augustine’s text. It is existential, personal, and devotional, as well as warm, witty, and thought-provoking. With Kreeft to guide them, readers of the Confessions can overhear and understand the intimate conversation between a towering intellect and the God whose peace he at last humbly accepts.

About the Author

Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, is one of the most respected and prolific Christian authors of our time. His books cover a vast array of topics in spirituality, theology, and philosophy. They include Doors in the Walls of the World, The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived, How to Be Holy, Because God Is Real, You Can Understand the Bible, and Summa of the Summa.

IP#492 Sarah Park McLaughlin – Praying with St. Augustine on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Sarah Park McLaughlin on “Praying with St. Augustine”

Sarah Park-McLaughlin and Kris McGregor centers on McLaughlin’s book Praying with St. Augustine, a collection of the saint’s prayers drawn from his sermons and writings. McLaughlin shares how she began gathering these prayers decades ago after being moved by hearing them at a retreat. Despite initial rejections from publishers, she felt guided to persevere, and Sophia Institute Press eventually published the collection. St. Augustine’s prayers are timeless, personal, and deeply moving, often combining Scripture with heartfelt cries for mercy, praise, and understanding. McLaughlin highlights how Augustine’s humility and honesty about his struggles make him relatable, not a distant “plaster saint.”

The book explores St. Augustine’s life and impact: his conversion through the prayers of his mother, St. Monica; his role as bishop in North Africa; his defense of the faith against heresies; and his enduring influence on the Church through writings like The City of God and Confessions. McLaughlin notes that his prayers are varied—ranging from praise to petition to meditations on divine mysteries—and can serve as guides for anyone seeking a deeper prayer life. She stresses that the book is both devotional and instructional, accessible to those new to Augustine as well as lifelong students of his work, offering prayers that draw us into a more intimate relationship with God.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do St. Augustine’s struggles and conversion story invite me to see God’s mercy at work in my own life?
In what ways can I make Augustine’s heartfelt prayers part of my personal prayer routine?
How do Augustine’s prayers of praise challenge me to go beyond petitions and simply glorify God?
What role does humility play in my conversations with God, as it did for Augustine?
How can St. Monica’s perseverance in prayer encourage me to keep interceding for loved ones who are far from the faith?
Which of Augustine’s images of God—such as “banquet of love” or “ancient yet new beauty”—most stirs my heart to prayer?
How does Augustine’s openness about weakness inspire me to be honest with God about my own struggles?
What does Augustine’s integration of Scripture into his prayers teach me about praying with the Word of God?
How might Augustine’s prayers of petition help me to recognize my dependence on God each day?
In what ways can Augustine’s example guide me to deepen both my knowledge of God and my love for Him?

From the book description

“For years, there have been no books of St. Augustine’s prayers available. Finally, in this treasure trove, you will find select prayers from his works — some of the most potent prayers ever composed. As you read the innermost thoughts of the greatest Church Father, you will be transported in time and learn how to pray with the heart of a saint. St. Augustine’s timeless words will help you encounter the “Beauty of ancient days, yet ever new” face-to-face and experience the relationship between praying and believing.

As Dr. Kreeft explains, “No Christian writer, perhaps no writer at all, has ever been as eloquent as St. Augustine. Few have been as philosophically and theologically profound, or as passionately in love with God…. No passages in Augustine’s writings are more eloquent than his prayers, or more profound than his prayers, or more saintly than his prayers, for prayer is the very lifeblood of sanctity.”

These precious gems are uplifting and accessible to all. Covering a range of topics and styles, they include praise and petition for health, docility, forgiveness, restoration, and salvation. You will also find prayers glorifying the Trinity’s attributes, such as wisdom, light, goodness, mercy, and truth, as well as intimate prayers of adoration to the Incarnate Word.

Offering these magnificent prayers will ready you to behold glimpses into the mystery of God. St. Augustine will teach you:

The three valuable lessons Jesus taught us about prayer
The two things always to pray for and how to pray always
Ways to kindle virtues on the road to sanctity
How to deepen your love for and devotion to God
Line by line wisdom on praying the Our Father
“What better way could we have to know the heart of a man like St. Augustine than to listen to him pray?” Sara Park McLaughlin reflects. “By reading his vast writings, we discover something of the saint’s enormous genius and theological insight…. Through his prayers we experience his relationship to God.”

When you pray these prayers fervently you will join forces with the entire company of Heaven in a litany of endless worship and praise. St. Augustine taught that prayer makes you ready to receive God’s blessings. As you pray with St. Augustine, be prepared to be blessed!”

About the Author

Sarah Park McLaughlin, Former humor columnist, author of My Humor Writing Journal [Amazon] and retired university English teacher, love Catholicism, apologetics, C. S. Lewis. Her blog can be found here.

IP#251 – Anne Costa – Embracing Edith Stein on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

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Anne Costa – Embracing Edith Stein on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Kris McGregor and Anne Costa discuss Anne’s book, Embracing Edith Stein: Wisdom for Women from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, which aims to introduce Edith Stein’s rich spirituality to a broader audience and her significance for women today.

Describing Edith Stein’s life, from her birth in Germany as the youngest of 11 children, through her rise as a prominent philosopher, to her eventual conversion to Catholicism inspired by the writings of St. Teresa of Avila and the example of devout Catholics; Edith’s intellectual journey was marked by a deep pursuit of truth, which eventually led her to Catholicism and a vocation as a Carmelite nun.

Edith’s writings, particularly on the nature and mission of women, are highlighted as deeply relevant today. Her thoughts on the complementarity of men and women, the importance of self-possession for women, and the need to balance intellectual and spiritual life resonate strongly in contemporary times. The podcast underscores how her wisdom, grounded in both personal experience and profound faith, offers practical guidance for modern women.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Encountering Truth in Our Lives: How do I seek truth in my daily life, and am I open to the possibility that true wisdom may come from an encounter with Christ rather than just intellectual pursuit?
Embracing Our Feminine Gifts: In what ways can I better understand and utilize my unique gifts as a woman, according to God’s design, to serve my family and community?
The Cross and Suffering: How do I perceive and carry my own crosses, and can I learn from St. Edith Stein’s example to embrace suffering with hope and trust in God’s ultimate triumph?
Role of Prayer in Daily Life: Do I prioritize time for prayer in the midst of my daily responsibilities, allowing God to order my day and give me the strength to fulfill my duties?
Influence of Saints on Our Spiritual Journey: How can I foster a deeper relationship with the saints, particularly St. Edith Stein, to guide and support me in my spiritual growth during challenging times?

From the book description:

“Embracing Edith Stein shows how the different aspects of the life and teachings of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross can serve as a guide for women and their unique vocation today. Written in a friendly, conversational style, this is one woman sharing the story of her friendship with this saint with her readers.”

About the Author

Anne Costa is a Catholic author and speaker with five books published including Embracing Edith Stein: Wisdom for Women from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Servant) and Refresh Me Lord! Meditations to Renew a Women’sSpirit (The Word Among Us Press). She works with two apostolates: Sacred Heart Apostolate, Inc. as communications officer and the John Paul II Center for Women, Inc. Anne is a wife and mother, and enjoys traveling, painting and Eucharistic adoration.

ITP#513 – Leila Lawler – St. Hildegard’s Garden on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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In this episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor speaks with Leila Lawler about the beautifully illustrated book Hildegard’s Garden by French author Paul Frees. The conversation centers on the multifaceted life and legacy of St. Hildegard of Bingen, a twelfth-century Benedictine abbess, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. Lawler shares how her appreciation for Hildegard deepened over time—first sparked by Pope Benedict XVI’s declaration of Hildegard as a Doctor of the Church and later nourished by her daughters’ interest in Hildegard’s sacred music and by reading Victoria Sweet’s God’s Hotel.

The book itself is far more than a botanical or herbal manual. While it features stunning illustrations and practical remedies based on Hildegard’s understanding of healing herbs, it also offers a compelling biography and highlights Hildegard’s philosophy of creation, healing, and divine vitality—what Hildegard called viriditas, the greening life force. McGregor and Lawler explore how Hildegard’s holistic view of the world was deeply rooted in Benedictine spirituality, which integrated prayer, work, hospitality, and care for the whole person. They also discuss how Pope Benedict XVI saw Hildegard—and other mystics such as Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, and Julian of Norwich—as key voices in reviving a richer, more integrated theology, especially one attentive to the mystery and beauty of God’s presence in creation. The podcast affirms Hildegard’s relevance not only for her time but especially for ours, where a recovery of reverence for creation and the wisdom of the saints is urgently needed.

Discerning Hearts spiritual reflection questions:

How does Hildegard of Bingen’s concept of viriditas invite us to see God’s life-giving presence in creation and in our own healing?
In what ways can Hildegard’s integration of faith, science, and art inspire a more unified approach to our spiritual and physical well-being?
How might Benedictine hospitality, as practiced by Hildegard, reshape the way we care for those who are suffering in our communities?
What can we learn from Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to highlight women mystics like Hildegard as vital contributors to theology and Church renewal?
How does reading Hildegard’s letters give us a deeper understanding of her humility, obedience, and spiritual authority?
In what ways does Hildegard’s view of the cosmos challenge the modern tendency to separate God from His creation?
How can Hildegard’s practical wisdom about herbs, rest, and natural rhythms inform how we care for ourselves and our families today?
What role does beauty—in nature, music, and daily life—play in leading us toward a deeper knowledge and love of God?

You can find the book here

From the book description:

Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a mystic and scholar who chronicled more than six hundred pages of visions, wrote cantatas, and even devised her own language. She authored The Book of Divine Works, Causes and Cures, and Scivias and corresponded with the greatest intellectuals, theologians, and royals of her time.

As a pioneer of European phytotherapy, Hildegard described and cataloged hundreds of ingredients from plant, mineral, and animal origins. Her recipes, remedies, nutritional advice, and holistic view of the human being are as valued and appreciated today as when she developed them nearly a thousand years ago.

This book faithfully applies Hildegard’s pioneering thought to everyday living in our time. In these potent pages, you will find the medicinal properties of essential herbs as well as how to identify, utilize, and cultivate them. You will also learn:

“Hildegard’s elixir” for curing common ailments
Ways to include delicious herbs in your dinner and dessert recipes to fortify your health
The herbs that will help you relieve forgetfulness and ease muscle tension
Effective treatments for nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and hormonal illnesses
Recipes for preparing everything from breakfast dishes and soups to medicinal wines, teas, poultices, ointments, oils, plasters, and eye drops
Which “herb of the angels” is used to treat anxiety, fatigue, and much more

Additionally, you will discover the most favorable environment for growing the plants most heartily recommended by Hildegard, and step-by-step instructions on how to develop your own spiritually organized and fruitful garden plan.

IP#313 Fr. Sean Davidson – Saint Mary Magdalene on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. Sean Davidson – Saint Mary Magdalene on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Sean Davidson joins Kris McGregor to discuss his book St. Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love. Drawing from his experience serving at the Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene in Provence, France, Fr. Davidson presents Mary Magdalene not only as a historical figure but as a deeply contemplative soul. He argues in favor of the traditional view that identifies Mary Magdalene with both the repentant sinner in Luke’s Gospel and Mary of Bethany, citing scriptural patterns, patristic writings (notably from St. Augustine and St. Gregory the Great), and longstanding devotion in both East and West. He reflects on her recurring posture at Jesus’ feet as a sign of profound love and devotion, and explores how this reverent presence culminates in her being the first to proclaim the Resurrection.

Fr. Davidson portrays Mary Magdalene as a model of Eucharistic love and transformation, someone who teaches us how to approach Christ with awe and total surrender. Saints like St. Teresa of Avila and St. Catherine of Siena were inspired by her example, and her legacy offers deep hope for conversion and holiness. He expresses concern over modern reductions of her identity—both scholarly and cultural—but insists that a prayerful reading of the Gospels reveals a prophetic and saintly figure uniquely devoted to Jesus. Mary Magdalene, he says, continues to be a powerful spiritual mother and teacher, especially for those who long to grow in love for Christ in the Eucharist.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Mary Magdalene’s unwavering presence at the feet of Jesus challenge my own posture of prayer and devotion?
What can I learn from her transformation from sinner to saint about the power of Christ’s mercy in my own life?
In what ways do I encounter Christ in the Eucharist with the same amazement and love that Mary Magdalene demonstrated?
How do I respond when others misunderstand or criticize my expressions of faith, as Mary Magdalene was often criticized?
Am I willing to be led by tradition and the Church Fathers in deepening my understanding of the saints, even amid modern scholarly debates?
How can Mary Magdalene’s bold witness to the Resurrection inspire me to share the Gospel more openly and courageously?
What gestures of love for Christ—like Mary’s anointing—can I offer in my daily life?
In what ways do I allow the opinions of others to distract me from what Christ thinks of me?
Do I see my past sins, once confessed, as potential testimonies to God’s mercy, as Mary Magdalene’s life illustrates?
How can I bring Mary Magdalene’s example into my family life and spiritual formation, especially for the next generation?

About the Book

Adoration is love, and eucharistic adoration is love of Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament. In the Gospels there are few people who understand love for Jesus as well as Mary Magdalene, which is the reason she is a prophetess of eucharistic love.

This work is an extended meditation on the life of Saint Mary Magdalene, known as the “Apostle to the Apostles” because the Risen Christ appeared to her first and then sent her to announce the Resurrection to the apostles. Based on the biblical texts traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene, this book helps readers to learn from her inspiring example and to enter more deeply into adoration of Jesus Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.

In telling the story of Mary Magdalene’s profound conversion after the Lord had to expel seven demons from her soul, this book shows how she is a shining witness to the transforming power of an encounter with Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene is the perfect model for those who have experienced the redeeming love of Christ and who seek to deepen their devotion to him and to the Eucharist.

About the Author

Father Sean Davidson is a member of the Missionaries of the Most Holy Eucharist. He spent two years serving at the magnificent Basilica of Saint Mar y Magdalene in Provence, France, where he received the inspiration for this work. He is currently serving at the Eucharistic Retreat Center in the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Long Island.