Kris McGregor Archives

IP#483 Fr. Aaron Wessman – The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World, Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor podcast

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Part 1 of our conversation with Fr. Aaron Wessman on “The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World“

In The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World, Fr. Aaron Wessman shines a light on the increasingly polarized times we live in, from vitriolic rhetoric on social media to deep division within families, friends, workplaces, and parish communities. This is a powerful call for us to put aside our anger and that which fuels it, and to follow God’s call to bring Christ’s light to our fractured world.

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“Christians and other people of good will are longing for a response that can lead the way out of the divisiveness and vitriol of our times. I wrote this book to provide some assistance to readers to discern a way out of the toxicity in which we live, and to stimulate courage and hope, so that all people can see the age in which we live more clearly and respond with the grace necessary to follow more fully the call God has spoken—a missionary call to deepen Christ’s incarnational movement in our world.”
-Fr. Robert Aaron Wessman

About the Author: Fr. Robert Aaron Wessman, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, is the 1 st -Vice- President (Vicar General) and Director of Formation for the Glenmary Home Missioners. He has a PhD from the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium) in Systematic Theology (2019). He serves as an at-large board member for the Conference of Major Superiors of Men Religious (CMSM) and is a guest lecturer at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. The religious order he belongs to, Glenmary, is a missionary society of apostolic life of the Catholic Church that conducts mission in rural, poor, and non-Catholic areas of the United States, primarily in the southeast and Appalachia. Visit glenmary.org for more information.

IP#353 Sally Read – Annunciation on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Podcast

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It was truly a delight to once again to talk with Sally Read! This time we discuss her beautiful new book “Annunciation: A Call to Faith in a Broken World”.

You can find the book here

From the book description:

Sensing the precarious nature of faith in an overwhelmingly secular world, Read, through meditation and anecdote, began writing down the compelling reasons for holding onto both God and Church. Taking the Annunciation as her template (that most fundamental yes to God), she explores common experiences of the spiritual life: His presence and invitation (And he came to her); the fears we have to let go of (Do not be afraid); the realization of our identity in God (Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord) and what our vocation might be (Let it be to me according to your word); and when God feels very distant from us (And the angel departed from her).

Drawing on Scripture, lives of the saints, and the lives of people she has known personally and professionally as a nurse, Read shows how God is with us always―through suffering, spiritual dryness and depression, as well as in joyful and mystical ways. This book was inspired by a mother’s loving response to a daughter―but what has resulted is something that will speak to any believer engaged in the bliss and bewilderment of a relationship with God.

Check out our previous conversation: IP#309 Sally Read – Night’s Bright Darkness on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

“Women Mystics” with Kris McGregor as heard on The Catholic Conversation

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“Women Mystics” with Kris McGregor as heard on The Catholic Conversation

Hadewijch of Antwerp, Teresa of Avila, Thérèse of Lisieux, Elizabeth of the Trinity, and Edith Stein are all women who have influenced the faith. Kris McGregor joins Steve and Becky Greene to discuss these extraordinary women and the second edition of Fr. Louis Bouyer’s book, Women Mystics.

You can buy a copy of the book here.

From the book’s description:

“Focusing on the lives and writings of five women mystics, the great theologian and spiritual writer Louis Bouyer shows that, far from relegating women to some inferior position, Christianity has often been shaped and steered by women. The Church passed beyond the collapse of medieval Scholasticism and the errors of the Renaissance largely due to a succession of exceptional feminine personalities.

Bouyer studies five female figures whose influence catalyzed an interior renaissance within Catholicism—the kind the Church needs as much today as it did in times past. Between Hadewijch of Antwerp, Teresa of Avila, Thérèse of Lisieux, Elizabeth of the Trinity, and Edith Stein, there is a striking continuity, yet each is unique—and deeply creative—in her spiritual mission, and each has given to Christians a vivid glimpse into the reality of the living God.”

About the Author: Louis Bouyer (1913-2004) was born to a Parisian Protestant family and was ordained as a Lutheran pastor at age 23. He converted to Catholicism in 1939 and was ordained a priest for the Oratory in 1944. He became a prolific theological writer and teacher worldwide. His works have had an enduring impact on Catholic theology. His other books include The Church of God and The Word, Church and Sacraments

Steve and Becky Greene, the Cradle and the Convert, help Catholics faithfully live their vocation by providing Church teaching, navigating moral challenges and exploring current issues facing the faith in our culture.

Listen to ‘The Catholic Conversation’ here.

IP#323 John Galten – The Spiritual Direction of St. Claude De La Colombiere on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

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What a joy to discuss the 2nd edition of “The Spiritual Direction of St. Claude de la Colombiere” with John Galten, who wrote the forward to the book. Filled with an abundance of wisdom this little work is a must for those seeking solid spiritual guidance. In this podcast, we discuss the great legacy of St. Claude as well as the historical and spiritual richness of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. John is a delight to talk with him, his joy for Christ and deep respect for St. Claude is utterly engaging.

To obtain a copy of the book visit here

This book contains a great treasure of spiritual insight and guidance for the soul who is seeking God. –Fr. Kenneth Baker, S.J., Author, Inside the Bible

Saint Claude has been one of my most important spiritual guides for a half century. This little jewel is a must for those who seek God’s will and mercy expressed in the most authentic devotion to Christ. –Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., Author, Arise from Darkness

IP#318 Fr. John Burns – Lift Up Your Heart on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor podcast

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“Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales” is outstanding. A wonderful “introduction to the devout life”… literally! Fr. John Burns breaks open up the teachings of the great spiritual director and Doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales in a wonderfully fresh new way. Very practical and perfect for meditation during prayer times during the day, this is a mini-retreat we can all benefit from.

You can find the book here

From the book description:

This practical book goes right to the heart of helping you kick the habit of floating along on your spiritual journey to start actively pursuing holiness and devotion to God. During the course of the retreat, you ll learn the basics of forming a daily prayer routine, including how to offer yourself to God, meditate on his love, and maintain peace in the face of suffering and clarity in the midst of temptation.

The meditations will help you:

Adopt gratitude as a daily prayer practice.

Examine and reorder your priorities and relationships to better reflect your love for God.

Discern between good and evil in your life.

Desire to love and serve as Jesus did.

In a very real sense, Burns helps you take St. Francis de Sales as your spiritual director for ten days. As you do so, you’ll feel God’s fatherly love and restart your faith life, equipped with the tools to connect with God and live for heaven now.

In Conversation with Dr. Anthony Lilles – The Spiritual Impact of Pope Benedict XVI – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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In Conversation with Dr. Anthony Lilles – The Spiritual Impact of Pope Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger)

In this special In Conversation podcast, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the life of Joseph Ratzinger and the impact he has had on the spiritual life and growth of the church, especially in some of its darkest moments. Anthony also shares a personal anecdote about a time he met then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in Rome.

Spiritual Formation - Catholic Spiritual Direction 7 — Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger)

Here a the books that were referenced in the conversation with Dr. Lilles:

In Conversation with Fr. Vincent Twomey – The Heart of Pope Benedict XVI’s Spiritual Legacy – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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In Conversation with Fr. Vincent Twomey – The Heart of Pope Benedict XVI’s Spiritual Legacy (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger)

In this special In Conversation podcast, Fr. Vincent Twomey and Kris McGregor discuss the life of Joseph Ratzinger as priest and professor before becoming a bishop, cardinal, and eventually Pope. Fr. Twomey, a one-time student of Pope Benedict and life-long friend, reflects on his spirituality and contribution to theology.

During the conversation, Fr. Twomey mentions several books that he feels are important for those seeking a greater experience of Pope Benedict’s writings.

Here a the books that were referenced in the conversation with Fr. Twomey:

In Conversation with Fr. Joseph Fessio – The Spiritual Legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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In Conversation with Fr. Joseph Fessio – The Spiritual Legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger)

In this special In Conversation podcast, Fr. Joseph Fessio and Kris McGregor discuss the profound spiritual legacy of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) and the long-lasting impact he will have upon the Church and the world. Fr. Fessio also shares several stories from their time together over the years.

During the conversation, Fr. Fessio mentions several books that he feels are important for those seeking a greater experience of Pope Benedict’s writings.

Here a the books that were referenced in the conversation with Fr. Fessio:

In Conversation with Dr. Larry Chapp – The Life and Legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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In Conversation with Dr. Larry Chapp – The Life and Legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger)

In this special In Conversation podcast, Dr. Larry Chapp and Kris McGregor have an in-depth conversation about the life and legacy of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) and the long-lasting spiritual impact he will have upon the world.

Remember the encouragement of Pope Benedict when he said, “Do not be afraid to cast out into the digital sea” Kris and Dr. Chapp reflect on how Benedict’s words have inspired and influenced their respective ministries within the digital landscape and the challenges now faced by Christians within it.

Click here for Dr. Chapp’s blog site: Gaudium et Spes 22

IP-Encore – Dr. Adrian Walker – “Jesus of Nazareth” and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

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In this special encore episode, we focus on the person and teachings of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
In October 2012, I began recording a series for Discerning Hearts with Dr. Adrian Walker, who served as the English translator of Pope Benedict XVI’s book “Jesus of Nazareth.” With the historical events occurring with the Synod on the New Evangelization and the start of the Year of Faith, we took time aside to discuss that work and the influence of Joseph Ratzinger, also known as Pope Benedict XVI.

You can find the book here.

From the description:

Pope Benedict XVI’s iconic life of Jesus, a rich, compelling, flesh-and-blood portrait of the central figure of the Christian faith.

“This book is . . . my personal search ‘for the face of the Lord.’”—Benedict XVI

In this bold, momentous work, the Pope seeks to salvage the person of Jesus from today’s “popular” depictions and to restore his true identity as discovered in the Gospels. Through his brilliance as a theologian and his personal conviction as a believer, the Pope incites us to encounter Jesus face to face.

From Jesus of Nazareth: “. . . the great question that will be with us throughout this entire book: But what has Jesus really brought, then, if he has not brought world peace, universal prosperity, and a better world? What has he brought? The answer is very simple: God. He has brought God! He has brought the God who once gradually unveiled his countenance first to Abraham, then to Moses and the prophets, and then in the wisdom literature–the God who showed his face only in Israel, even though he was also honored among the pagans in various shadowy guises. It is this God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the true God, whom he has brought to the peoples of the earth. He has brought God, and now we know his face, now we can call upon him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take in this world. Jesus has brought God and with God the truth about where we are going and where we come from: faith, hope, and love.”