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Sacred Heart Novena – Day 6 – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Sacred Heart Novena – Day 6

O Jesus, my divine model and teacher, what can I do when I see you the Son of the Eternal Father, full of glory and honor, laden with the cross, walking the awful road to death, especially when thereby you show me the way to salvation without selfishness but only for my benefit? O Jesus, what can I do but have faith in you and return your love by at least bearing my trials in patience and humility. And this, particularly, my God, because I have so often experienced the great power that my passions have over me, and how seldom I can withstand the temptations of the world. How hard do I not find it to deny myself the pleasure to mortify my desires and to renounce the false splendor of the world although I know full well that all these things so easily lead me into sin.

O give me strength to resist my passions and close my eyes to the allurements and charms of the world, help me to imitate your poverty, purity and humility, and send me trials. Therefore, if it be the Father’s holy will, permit me to drink all of your chalice of suffering. Heart of Jesus, burning for love of me, inflame my heart with love for you.

O Divine Jesus who has said, “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” behold me prostrate at your feet. Animated with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by your Sacred Heart and pronounced by your adorable lips. I come to ask your aid. (mention your request)

From whom shall I ask, O sweet Jesus, if not from you whose heart is an inexhaustible source of all graces and merits? Where shall I seek if not from the treasure which contains all the riches of your clemency and bounty? Where shall I knock if it be not at the door of your Sacred Heart through which God himself comes to us and through which we go to God?

To you then, O Heart of Jesus, I have recourse. In you I find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when overwhelmed with trials and light in doubt and darkness. I firmly believe you can bestow on me the grace I implore even though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it and my prayer will be granted. I know I am most unworthy of your favors, O Jesus, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercies and you will not refuse a contrite and humble heart. Cast upon me a look of pity, I conjure you, and your compassionate Heart will find in my miseries and weakness a pressing motive for granting my petition.

But, O Sacred Heart, whatever may be your decision with regard to my request I will never cease to adore, love, praise and serve you. Deign, O Jesus, to accept my act of perfect submission to the decrees of your adorable Heart which I sincerely desire may be fulfilled in and by me and all your creatures forever and ever. Amen.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Most sweet Jesus, redeemer of the human race look down upon us humbly prostrate before your altar. We are yours and yours we wish to be but to be more surely united with you behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known you, many too, despising your precepts have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart.

Be you king, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you. Grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be you King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions or whom discord keeps aloof and call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd.

Grant O Lord, to your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm. Give peace and order to all nations and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor forever. Amen.

Sacred Heart Novena – Day 5 – Discerning Hearts

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Sacred Heart Novena – Day 5

O Divine Savior, the infinite love of your Sacred Heart was so inflamed for us that it brought you as a sacrifice of propitiation for our sins to the altar of the cross. You have given us the wounded Heart and kept it open not only that we might find therein a protection against the justice of the Eternal Father whom we have offended by our sins but also that this source of grace and mercy may always be open to us in our needs.

Why then do I come to you so seldom and so indifferently? Why do I not fly to this source of all grace? O dearest Jesus forgive me these insults which through want of confidence in you I have so often committed against you. Behold, I now come to you with living faith with the intention never to leave you. Here I shall seek what I need so much, first the forgiveness of my sins, the grace to do better, and then I pray for your assistance in my present need.
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O Divine Jesus who has said, “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” behold me prostrate at your feet. Animated with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by your Sacred Heart and pronounced by your adorable lips. I come to ask your aid. (mention your request)

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart Novena – Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Sacred Heart Novena – Day 4

O sweetest Heart of Jesus, to whom shall I turn in all my sorrows if not to you, the faithful friend of our souls? You have given your very life for me. How then can you refuse me your assistance during my life? It is true, indeed, and I must confess this to you, that instead of relying on you only I have too often trusted to the love and friendship of creatures although I had frequently experienced their treachery. If I have thus insulted you in the past, I promise in the future never to repeat the offense. I promise henceforth in all my doubts, afflictions and needs I will have recourse to you only to find light, help, comfort, and grace. henceforth, you alone shall be my friend, upon you alone will I rely. Your friendship shall be above all others. In fact, I promise to renounce all other friendships if they are an occasion of disloyalty to you. To manifest my perfect trust in you, I now beg of you to help me in my present need. (mention your request)

O I pray you to be my “strong defense.” Be to me a “medicine for immortality.” By kindly granting this request, you will unite my heart more closely with yours and make me forever grateful for your love. Do not permit my trust in you to be confounded, O eternally faithful, benevolent and sweet Heart of Jesus.
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O Divine Jesus who has said, “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” behold me prostrate at your feet. Animated with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by your Sacred Heart and pronounced by your adorable lips. I come to ask your aid. (mention your request)

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart Novena – Day 3 – Discerning Hearts Novena Podcast

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Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena - Text and Mp3 audio download 3

Sacred Heart Novena – Day 3

O beloved Jesus, my heart is deeply moved at the thought that you, Almighty God, should take upon yourself our human nature in order to enable you to become our brother and to make us children of God. But your loving Heart was not satisfied to raise us to such high dignity; you also desired to make us partakers in your inheritance in the kingdom of heaven.

How greatly are we indebted to you for these favors. O how I grieve to think that until this very day I have been so ungrateful for your many gifts. Most humbly do I ask for your forgiveness and pray that you will through the merits of your Sacred Heart grant me the grace to follow you in all things so that at death your heavenly Father may find me worthy to be your brother in heaven.

Furthermore, I beg of your most merciful Heart to have pity on me in my present need and grant me the favor (mention your request) that I hope to obtain from you
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O Divine Jesus who has said, “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” behold me prostrate at your feet. Animated with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by your Sacred Heart and pronounced by your adorable lips. I come to ask your aid. (mention your request)

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race look down upon us humbly prostrate before your altar. We are yours and yours we wish to be but to be more surely united with you behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known you, many too, despising your precepts have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart.

The Lasting Influence of St. Augustine, Pt. 3 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Lasting Influence of St. Augustine, Pt. 3 – In Conversation with Deacon Omar Gutierrez

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor discuss the enduring significance of St. Augustine in Catholic thought, the Church’s spiritual life, and how he may influence Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. St. Augustine made an immense impact on Western theology, especially his influence on St. Thomas Aquinas, and how this shaped Catholic social teaching through Rerum Novarum. St. Augustine’s deep interior exploration in Confessions resonated with saints like St. Teresa of Avila and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (aka Edith Stein). St. Augustine’s vision in City of God contrasts the self-centered “city of man” with the divine love found in the “city of God,” presenting to us a framework relevant to contemporary challenges of community, power, and personal meaning.

St. Augustine’s personal journey—his moral struggles, intellectual conversion, and his mother Monica’s faithful intercession—is a mirror for today’s searchers, especially in an era marked by isolation and distraction. Deacon Omar reflects on his own experience with the Augustinian spirit of charity and dialogue, pointing out how their emphasis on unity in essentials, freedom in non-essentials, and charity in all things could guide the Church forward, particularly in Catholic social teaching.

For Part 1 of this conversation, click here.
For Part 2 of this conversation, click here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does St. Augustine’s personal conversion story speak to the struggles in your own spiritual journey?
In what ways do you see the tension between the “city of man” and the “city of God” in today’s culture?
How can St. Augustine’s honest self-examination in Confessions inspire deeper prayer and reflection in your life?
What role does community play in your faith, and how might you nurture it more intentionally?
How does the witness of St. Monica challenge you to persevere in love and prayer for others?
Are you seeking comfort and power, or truth and love, in your daily decisions?
How can you cultivate unity in essentials, freedom in non-essentials, and charity in all things?
Where do you see the influence of St. Augustine’s thought in the Church’s social teachings today?
In what ways might you better listen to others as a way of honoring their dignity?
How is God inviting you to help build the city of God in your family, parish, or society?

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

About his book, “A Summary of Rerum Novarum or On Capital and Labor”

This short introduction provides the historical background for Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum as well as some detail about the pope himself. It also provides a paragraph-by-paragraph summary of the document to better understand the teaching. This is ideal for students of the document and those studying Catholic Social Teaching.

You can buy a copy of the book here.

Sacred Heart Novena – Day 2 – Discerning Hearts Novena Podcast

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Sacred Heart Novena – Day 2

To whom, therefore, shall I go if not to you the best of fathers and the author of all good? It is indeed true that I have grievously offended you, that I have neglected to honor you properly and have been guilty of ingratitude and do not deserve to be numbered among your children. But although I forgot my duty to you as your child I know that you are still my beloved Father in heaven.

Now with a contrite heart, I kneel at your feet weeping over my sins and promising you that in the future I shall make every effort never to offend you again. I hope in spite of my sinfulness to be received by you who have so often sought me.

O sweetest Heart of Jesus help me with your grace so that I may carry out my resolution. Then, O Jesus, if my wishes are not contrary to your most holy will, I beg of you (mention your request) for which I pray with confidence and hope to receive from your infinite goodness.

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O Divine Jesus who has said, “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” behold me prostrate at your feet. Animated with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by your Sacred Heart and pronounced by your adorable lips. I come to ask your aid. (mention your request)

To you then, O Heart of Jesus, I have recourse. In you, I find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when overwhelmed with trials, and light in doubt and darkness. I firmly believe you can bestow on me the grace I implore even though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it and my prayer will be granted. I know I am most unworthy of your favors, O Jesus, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercies and you will not refuse a contrite and humble heart. Cast upon me a look of pity, I conjure you, and your compassionate Heart will find in my miseries and weakness a pressing motive for granting my petition.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

For complete 9 Days of the Novena of the Sacred Heart of Jesus visit here

Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum, Pt. 2 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum, Pt. 2 – In Conversation with Deacon Omar Gutierrez

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor take a look at the remarkable legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who inspired Pope Leo XIV’s chosen name, and his major contributions to modern Catholic thought and life and his wide-ranging influence: reviving Thomistic philosophy, championing the Sacred Heart devotion, initiating the Saint Michael Prayer, and issuing over 80 encyclicals that addressed freedom, citizenship, and social responsibility. Pope Leo XIII’s guidance helped unify the Benedictine orders, supported missionary efforts of saints like Thérèse of Lisieux, Frances Cabrini, and Katharine Drexel, and offered a vision of the Church that engaged deeply with modern challenges. His encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching: a response to industrialization rooted in the dignity of the human person, especially the working poor.

They discuss connections between Leo XIII’s era and current developments such as artificial intelligence and economic shifts. We shouldn’t reduce Catholic social teaching to political ideologies or mislabeling it as socialist. Instead, we must look at it from the truth that it stems from a call to love God and neighbo: caring for the vulnerable, implementing ethical labor practices, and the right use of property are not merely political concerns but spiritual imperatives grounded in Christ’s command to serve.

For Part 1 of this conversation, click here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can Pope Leo XIII’s engagement with the modern world inspire my own response to current social and technological challenges?
In what ways am I called to recognize and uphold the dignity of the working poor in my daily decisions?
How does my understanding of Catholic social teaching shape the way I live out my faith in the public square?
What fears or misconceptions might I hold that prevent me from embracing the Church’s social doctrine more fully?
Do I make time to discern how Christ is calling me to respond to the needs of others in my community?
How can I, like Pope Leo XIII, listen attentively to differing perspectives and respond with truth and charity?
Where in my life am I being invited to sacrifice comfort for the sake of justice and solidarity?
How do I balance the gifts and resources I’ve received with my responsibility to serve others?
Have I ever avoided learning about Catholic social teaching because it felt too political or overwhelming?
What step can I take this week to deepen my understanding of Rerum Novarum and apply it practically?

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

About his book, “A Summary of Rerum Novarum or On Capital and Labor”

This short introduction provides the historical background for Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum as well as some detail about the pope himself. It also provides a paragraph-by-paragraph summary of the document to better understand the teaching. This is ideal for students of the document and those studying Catholic Social Teaching.

You can buy a copy of the book here.

Pope Leo XIV and the Path Forward, Pt. 1 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Pope Leo XIV and the Path Forward, Pt. 1 – In Conversation with Deacon Omar Gutierrez

Kris McGregor and Deacon Omar Gutierrez discuss the significance of the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, reflecting on the profound impact of his surprising selection. They discuss the connection between this new pope and his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, known for his foundational contributions to Catholic social teaching and spiritual devotion, including the Saint Michael prayer. This connection is seen as a powerful symbol of continuity and hope, emphasizing the unifying power of the Holy Spirit during times of change.

They also touch on the cultural and spiritual roots of the new pope, including his upbringing in Chicago and deep ties to Peru, which many see as a bridge-building moment for the Americas, with hopeful anticipation for how Pope Leo XIV will engage with contemporary challenges, reflecting the Church’s enduring mission to speak truth to a fragmented world.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can the surprising election of Pope Leo XIV inspire us to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in unexpected moments?
In what ways can the legacy of Pope Leo XIII’s social teachings influence how we live our faith today?
How might the deep cultural and spiritual connections of a leader shape their approach to serving the global Church?
What can we learn from the humility and spiritual roots of the Augustinian tradition that Pope Leo XIV embodies?
How does reflecting on moments of grace and hope, like this papal election, strengthen our faith during challenging times?
In what ways can we contribute to unity and communion within our own communities, as highlighted by the new pope’s early messages?
How does the example of Pope Leo XIV encourage us to engage with the world as a witness to Christ’s light and truth?
Why is it important to remember that each pope brings unique gifts and perspectives to the Church, guided by the same Holy Spirit?
How can we cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God’s providence, even when the future feels uncertain?
What role does spiritual memory and reflection play in sustaining our faith over time?

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

DPD8 – Dimensions of the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dimensions of the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher discusses the Examen prayer and the support structures that can enhance its practice. Exploring how the Examen, a spiritual exercise developed by St. Ignatius, benefits from being situated within a broader spiritual life, including elements such as spiritual direction, retreats, and communal prayer.

Fr. Gallagher shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the importance of not practicing the Examen in isolation. He suggests finding spiritual companions, such as a spiritual director, prayer groups, or even within family settings, to make the Examen more sustainable and enriching. Practical examples include friends discussing their prayer experiences, couples praying together, and families sharing moments of gratitude around the dinner table.

The Examen should be part of a daily routine of diverse prayers, like Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, or the Rosary. Developing a contemplative mindset through quiet, reflective activities can also support this practice. For those who might find journaling helpful, it’s a helpful way to deepen the prayer experience and track spiritual growth.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can you put away your old self and embrace your true identity in Christ?
What fears are hindering you from living out your Christ-like identity, and how can you overcome them?
How can you practice unconditional love and avoid judgment towards those around you today?
How does receiving the Eucharist help you live out your identity in Christ more fully?
Which saints or holy figures inspire you to live as your true self in Christ, and why?
What specific actions can you take today to reflect your identity in Christ in your thoughts, words, and deeds?
How can you deepen your trust in God’s plan and find freedom from fear and doubt?

As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J. 1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.

OUR FATHER.

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: frtimothygallagher.org

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

St. Anselm, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Anselm, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Born: 1033, Aosta, Italy
Died: April 21, 1109, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Full name: Anselmo d’Aosta
Books: Proslogion, More

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor continue their look into the life and teachings of St. Anselm. They explore his background, his time as Archbishop of Canterbury, and his significant contributions to theology.

St. Anselm’s understanding of faith seeking understanding and his integration of faith and reason are highlighted, particularly through his ontological argument for the existence of God.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How did St. Anselm’s diverse titles and travels reflect his significance and influence within the Church during the Middle Ages?
In what ways did spirituality and humility shape St. Anselm’s approach to theology and leadership within the Church?
How did the challenges faced by St. Anselm in his early life, particularly in relation to familial expectations and his pursuit of religious vocation, shape his spiritual journey?
Reflect on the leadership qualities exhibited by St. Anselm during his time as an Abbott and later as Archbishop of Canterbury, and how he navigated the complexities of church-state relations in the feudal context of his era.
How did the investiture controversy shape the relationship between ecclesiastical and secular authorities during St. Anselm’s time, and what insights does his example offer for addressing similar challenges today?
Reflect on the enduring legacy of St. Anselm’s writings and teachings within the Catholic Church, and how his life and work continue to inspire believers to deepen their understanding of faith, reason, and spirituality.

From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2009

“Anselm immediately became involved in a strenuous struggle for the Church’s freedom, valiantly supporting the independence of the spiritual power from the temporal. Anselm defended the Church from undue interference by political authorities, especially King William Rufus and Henry I, finding encouragement and support in the Roman Pontiff to whom he always showed courageous and cordial adherence. In 1103, this fidelity even cost him the bitterness of exile from his See of Canterbury. Moreover, it was only in 1106, when King Henry I renounced his right to the conferral of ecclesiastical offices, as well as to the collection of taxes and the confiscation of Church properties, that Anselm could return to England, where he was festively welcomed by the clergy and the people. Thus the long battle he had fought with the weapons of perseverance, pride and goodness ended happily. This holy Archbishop, who roused such deep admiration around him wherever he went, dedicated the last years of his life to the moral formation of the clergy and to intellectual research into theological topics. He died on 21 April 1109, accompanied by the words of the Gospel proclaimed in Holy Mass on that day: “You are those who have continued with me in my trials; as my Father appointed a kingdom for me, so do I appoint for you that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom…” (Lk 22: 28-30). So it was that the dream of the mysterious banquet he had had as a small boy, at the very beginning of his spiritual journey, found fulfilment. Jesus, who had invited him to sit at his table, welcomed Anselm upon his death into the eternal Kingdom of the Father.

“I pray, O God, to know you, to love you, that I may rejoice in you. And if I cannot attain to full joy in this life may I at least advance from day to day, until that joy shall come to the full” (Proslogion, chapter 14). This prayer enables us to understand the mystical soul of this great Saint of the Middle Ages, the founder of scholastic theology, to whom Christian tradition has given the title: “Magnificent Doctor”, because he fostered an intense desire to deepen his knowledge of the divine Mysteries but in the full awareness that the quest for God is never ending, at least on this earth. The clarity and logical rigour of his thought always aimed at “raising the mind to contemplation of God” (ibid., Proemium). He states clearly that whoever intends to study theology cannot rely on his intelligence alone but must cultivate at the same time a profound experience of faith. The theologian’s activity, according to St Anselm, thus develops in three stages: faith, a gift God freely offers, to be received with humility; experience, which consists in incarnating God’s word in one’s own daily life; and therefore true knowledge, which is never the fruit of ascetic reasoning but rather of contemplative intuition. In this regard his famous words remain more useful than ever, even today, for healthy theological research and for anyone who wishes to deepen his knowledge of the truths of faith: “I do not endeavour, O Lord, to penetrate your sublimity, for in no wise do I compare my understanding with that; but I long to understand in some degree your truth, which my heart believes and loves. For I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, that unless I believed, I should not understand” (ibid., 1).

Dear brothers and sisters, may the love of the truth and the constant thirst for God that marked St Anselm’s entire existence be an incentive to every Christian to seek tirelessly an ever more intimate union with Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. In addition, may the zeal full of courage that distinguished his pastoral action and occasionally brought him misunderstanding, sorrow and even exile be an encouragement for Pastors, for consecrated people and for all the faithful to love Christ’s Church, to pray, to work and to suffer for her, without ever abandoning or betraying her. May the Virgin Mother of God, for whom St Anselm had a tender, filial devotion, obtain this grace for us. “Mary, it is you whom my heart yearns to love”, St Anselm wrote, “it is you whom my tongue ardently desires to praise”.”

For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.