St. Josemaria Institute Podcast

In the final meditation of our series, “Contemplating the Holy Rosary”, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha explains how each of the Luminous Mysteries shines a light on how God comes to accompany us in our daily needs. By these “lights”, we can better see and dwell upon His unending love. Fr. Donncha invites us to renew our love for the world each time we pray the Luminous Mysteries as they speak to St. Josemaria’s teaching of raising up the material to the divine: “There is something holy, somethin...

In this meditation, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha leads us to contemplate the love of the heart of Christ by referencing these words that St. Josemaria wrote for the fourteenth station of his Way of the Cross: "An inexhaustible source of life is the Passion of Jesus. Sometimes we renew the joyous impulse that took Our Lord to Jerusalem. Other times, the pain of the agony which ended on Calvary… Or the glory of his triumph over death and sin. But always!, the love — joyful, sorrowful, glorious — ...

In this meditation, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha continues our series on the holy Rosary with a reflection on the glorious mysteries which provide us reason for greater trust in God for our apostolic mission. Our attempts to share the life and love of Christ are fruitful because the Risen Lord is the one who bears fruit, having overcome the tomb. Referencing Scripture and the writings of St. Josemaria, Fr. Donncha leads us in petitionary prayer, asking God to grant us greater confidence and tru...

In this meditation, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha invites us to enter into each scene of the Joyful Mysteries through the eyes of the Blessed Mother. Drawing inspiration from St. Josemaria’s meditations on the Holy Rosary, Fr. Donncha connects these mysteries of the life of Christ to His work in our lives today: “[St. Josemaria call us] to be contemplatives in the middle of the world... that we live with the awareness that we are loved as beloved children of God. That you, Lord, in your incredi...

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin draws upon lessons from Scripture as he encourages us to pray for the grace to take better advantage of difficulties and darkness in order to develop a deeper interior life. This movement from discouragement to hope occurs especially in the faculty of our memory, when we process our own reactions in our personal conversation with God. As St. Josemaria wrote in The Forge, no.158: "When our vision is clouded, when our eyes have lost their clarity, we nee...

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio brings to life several stories from the life of St. Josemaria, including the footprints in the snow that helped him recognize his vocation and the founding of Opus Dei on October 2, 1928. Fr. Peter helps us consider the importance of being a contemplative soul in the midst of our occupation so that we can bear witness to the love of Christ in all we say and do. PAUSE & REFLECT: Could I become a more ready apostolic instrument for the Holy ...

In this meditation, we invite you to pray alongside Msgr. Martin Schlag and, following the advice of St. Josemaria, repeat his heartfelt petitions to Mary under the invocation of Our Lady of Sorrows. By contemplating Mary's heart, we can learn to: let God strengthen my faith when I find myself at the foot of the Cross; pronounce a 'fiat' to God when He is asking something of me that's not what I want; stand loyally by the side of Christ when I feel lonely, abandoned, or ...

In this meditation, Fr. Marty Miller draws out lessons about becoming contemplatives in the middle of the world by looking at our similarities to the lives of the Apostles. Their active lifestyles highlight three key elements for us to maintain a contemplative spirit amid our everyday duties: 1) our love for creation can grow to extend to the stark realities of modern life; 2) our willingness to struggle can get us through the tough spots of the road if we take them as reminders o...

In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai leads our imaginations from Sacred Scripture to the lakeside of eastern Ontario to the university campus where St. Josemaria famously proclaimed: "[God] waits for us every day, in the laboratory, in the operating theatre, in the army barracks, in the university chair, in the factory, in the workshop, in the fields, in the home and in all the immense panorama of work. Understand this well: there is something holy, something divine, hidden in the most ...

In this podcast, Msgr. Fred Dolan examines three critical players in our spiritual life: the intellect, will, and heart. He offers a view of our life as a “journey back home,” relating the perilous journey in Homer’s Odyssey as a way of understanding the dangers confronting the Christian life in the modern world. “What a shame it would be,” he says, “to allow our day, our life, to be shipwrecked by the sirens of YouTube, a Netflix series, or Tik Tok.” Ultimately, Odysseus and his crew made it...

In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai leads us in a time of reflection and prayer to check up on our spiritual health. He explains that when we are spiritually healthy, we are grateful and cheerful. But when we are not, even the smallest thing drives us crazy. All those times when we're kind of irritable, restless, disconcerted, really worried about how things are going to turn out, what people might say, that's a sign we need a checkup and we need to get more spiritually healthy. Our spiritu...

In our meditation of the week, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and how she helps us to rise up to Heaven in our daily lives. For St. Josemaria, the Assumption or the Dormition of Our Lady played a vital role in his life as a young boy in Barbastro, Spain. St. Josemaria’s devotion to Our Lady became so great that he wished to “rise up” to Heaven with Mary by clinging to the tassel of her cloak in an effort to bring a piece of Heaven to Earth. Fr. J...

In today’s podcast, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the charity of God as “fuel” that enables us to seek holiness in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Our receptivity to God’s grace increases as we continue to strengthen our relationship with him through prayer and the sacraments. The grace we receive fills our life and will overflow into our relationships with one another, leading those we encounter closer to Christ. As St. Josemaria explains: “Charity is not something we ourselves build...

In this final meditation of our 3-part series on St. Josemaria's homily, Getting to Know God, Msgr. Martin Schlag reminds us that to truly know God is to love him more deeply. As we grow in friendship with Christ and recognize ourselves as beloved children of the Father, we are invited to become contemplatives in the midst of our daily lives, allowing God's love to transform every thought, action, and relationship. Msgr. Schlag encourages us to establish a spiritual plan of life to deep...

In this second meditation of our series on St. Josemaria's homily, Getting to Know God, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on St. Josemaria's invitation to move beyond simply knowing about God to truly knowing him through prayer, recollection, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As our relationship with God deepens, we begin to see the world, and ourselves, through his eyes. Fr. Eric encourages us to cultivate a faithful interior life, remain attentive to God's presence throughout the day, and ...

In this first meditation of our three-part series on St. Josemaria's homily Getting to Know God, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to rediscover the foundational truth of the Christian life, that we are beloved children of God. As St. Josemaria reminds us, “We are children of God and we can talk things over with him and spend time with him, just as trustingly as a son does with his father” (Friends of God, no. 145). Msgr. Dolan invites us to pray with the simplicity of spiritual childhood, en...

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on God's plan for human love and the vocation of marriage as a reflection of Christ's love for his Church. Drawing from Scripture and the example of the Holy Family, we are reminded that authentic love is rooted in self-giving, sustained by grace, and centered on Jesus Christ. Fr. Peter invites us to renew our commitment to loving others out of love for Christ, to cultivate friendships and family life rooted in prayer, and to seek the spir...

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the witness of the early Christian martyrs, whose courage and fidelity helped spread the faith throughout the world. While most Christians today are not called to shed their blood for Christ, we are all called to be martyrs in the original sense of the word: witnesses who make Jesus Christ present through our lives. Drawing from the teachings of St. Josemaría Escriva, Fr. Peter invites us to embrace the "martyrdom of the ordinary...

In this meditation for the feast of St. Josemaria Escriva, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects personal freedom as the capacity to love. Drawing upon a simple aspiration St. Josemaria learned as a child— “Yours am I, I was born for thee. What is it, O Jesus, you want of me?”—Fr. Donncha explains how St. Josemaria’s spirituality was shaped by a docility to the Holy Spirit which allowed him to see that ordinary Christians can become saints through their daily work, relationships, and responsibilities...

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the anxieties and distractions that often disturb our peace. Through the Gospel account of Jesus calming the storm, we are reminded that true security comes not from controlling our circumstances, but from trusting in Our Lord who remains with us in every trial. Msgr. Dolan invites us to slow down, focus on what is truly important, and develop habits of prayer and recollection that help us remain calm in the midst of life's challenges.&n...

In preparation for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the Sacred Heart as an infinite treasure of love and mercy through which we come to know how much we are loved by God. We are invited to bring the truths of the Sacred Heart into our daily life for it is through this devotion which we can find the strength to withstand temptation and bear our cross, find hope amid discouragement, and find courage to evangelize no matter the circumstances. A...

In this week’s podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina shares a reflection on the treasure of Christ, present in the Eucharist, and how we can become a living tabernacle in the world today. Fr. Leo draws our attention to the moments prior to the Ascension as Christ shares with his disciples the Great Commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:19-20). This powerful...

In this meditation, Msgr. Martin Schlag reflects on the relationship between Our Lady and the Holy Trinity, reminding us that she is a path to deeper union with God. Drawing upon the teachings of St. Josemaria, Msgr. Schlag encourages us in our prayer and conversation with God to be open to the transforming presence of the Trinity is all aspects of our life. Listen and reflect on: The example of the earthly trinity: the Holy Family Mary as a guide to deeper prayer&nbs...

In this meditation for the Solemnity of Pentecost, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and the call to deeper interior conversion. Like the Apostles, we are invited to open our hearts to God and allow his grace to shape our desires, choices, and way of life. Listen and reflect on: Examining the deeper motives of the heart Recognizing unhealthy attachments and desires The role of grace in personal transformation Growing in emotional a...

St. Josemaria made many Marian pilgrimages throughout his lifetime, seeking Our Lady’s intercession for his continual conversion and of the whole world. Today’s meditation commemorates in a special way St. Josemaria’s pilgrimages to Fatima and his personal friendship with Sister Lucia, one of the visionaries of the apparition. Fr. Marty Miller offers a brief historical account of St. Josemaria at Fatima and reflects on the message of Our Lady calling us to deeper prayer, conversi...

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the spirit of filial trust he witnessed in Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, shaped in large part by his closeness to St. Josemaría. Through that relationship, Blessed Alvaro learned to see God truly as Father and to entrust everything to him with serenity and faith. Fr. Peter encourages us to deepen our own trust in God, learning from the example of the saints to live with greater confidence and interior peace. Listen and reflect on:&n...

In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the life and witness of St. Catherine of Siena, whose courageous love for the Church and the Holy Father helped restore unity in a time of division. Her example, deeply admired by St. Josemaria, reminds us that fidelity to Christ is lived through a sincere love for His Church. Fr. Eric invites us to follow this path, growing in unity, praying for the Pope, and responding with faith and trust in our own time. Listen and reflect on:&n...

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on St. Josemaria’s Easter homily, Christ’s Presence in Christians, emphasizing that every true encounter with Christ leads to mission. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we are filled with hope from encountering the Risen Lord which transforms our life and prompts us to share this joy with others. Listen and reflect on: Encountering Christ in a personal and meaningful way The desire to share Christ with others Seeing dai...

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to consider how God’s grace and our freedom work together in the pursuit of holiness. Drawing from the parable of the talents, Fr. Peter reminds us that God believes in our capacity to grow. God does not ask for perfection, but for willingness, an openness to begin again, to try, and to trust that grace multiplies what we offer. Listen now to reflect on: Why God asks us to act, not remain passive The relationship between freedo...

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the Feast of Divine Mercy, highlighting God’s desire to pour out an abundance of grace on those who turn to him with trust. Drawing from the writings of St. Faustina, we are reminded that no soul should fear to approach Christ, whose mercy is greater than any sin. Msgr. Dolan invites us to receive Christ's mercy and to live it out, becoming instruments of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding in a world that deeply needs it. Li...

In this final meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Jesus’ last words before his death: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” These words reveal the complete trust of the Son in the Father and the fulfillment of Christ’s redemptive mission. This meditation invites us to contemplate the Cross more deeply and to entrust our own struggles, sufferings, and lives to the loving care of God. PAUSE & REFLECT&n...

In this sixth meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on Jesus’ words: “It is finished.” In this final act of obedience, Christ completes the saving work entrusted to him by the Father and reveals the fullness of his love poured out on the Cross. Fr. Nicolai invites us to consider how our own lives are part of this work of redemption and to live each day with purpose, offering our actions and sacrifices to God. PAUSE & REFL...

In this fifth meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Marty Miller reflects on Jesus’ words: “I thirst.” These words, spoken with great effort from the Cross, reveal both the depth of Christ’s suffering and his profound longing for our salvation. Fr. Miller encourages us to reflect on the personal love Christ has for each of us and to respond to his thirst with renewed faith, repentance, and a deeper commitment to follow him. PAUSE & REFLECT ...

In this fourth meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on Jesus’ anguished cry from the Cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” With these words, Christ enters fully into the depths of human suffering, revealing both the weight of sin and his unwavering trust in God the Father. Fr. Leo invites us to bring our own moments of darkness and desolation to prayer, asking for the grace to trust God even when he seems distant, and to...

In this third meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on Jesus’ words from the Cross: “Woman, behold your son.” (…) “Behold your mother.” In this tender exchange, Christ entrusts his Mother to the beloved disciple, and to each of us, revealingthe depth of his love and the gift of Mary’s maternal closeness in our lives. Fr. Ó hAodha invites us this Lent to stand at the foot of the Cross with Our Lady, to receive her confidently as ...

In this second meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Msgr. Martin Schlag reflects on Jesus’ promise to the Good Thief: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise," which reveals the power and repentance and depth of God's mercy. Msgr. Schlag encourages us to examine our hearts this Lent, ask for the grace of sincere conversion, and place our trust in the saving love of Christ. PAUSE & REFLECT What obstacles do I need to remo...

In this first meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on Jesus’ prayer from the Cross: “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” These words, spoken amid suffering, awaken us to the reality of sin and the mercy Christ offers to us even in our blindness. This meditation invites us to approach Lent with seriousness and sincerity, asking for the grace of true contrition and a deeper awareness of God’s point of view. PAU...

In this meditation marking the 20th anniversary of the St. Josemaría Institute, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the life, spirituality and enduring influence of St. Josemaria Escriva. Fr. Peter explains how St. Josemaria’s vision places the lay faithful at the center of evangelization and reminds us that, "Sanctity is not reserved for a privileged few. All the ways of the earth, every state in life, every profession, every honest task can be divine” (Conversations, no. 26). Listen to refl...

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Christ’s enduring call to conversion, particularly as we prepare for the penitential season of Lent. Drawing inspiration from the spiritual aspiration of St. Josemaria, “nunc coepi — now I begin,” Fr. Peter reminds us that the Christian life advances through repeated efforts, perseverance in our struggles, and reliance on grace. Listen now to reflect on: Conversion as an ongoing process, not a one-time event The role of prayer...

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin explores what it means to form and mentor others in the image of Christ. He explains that true formation requires confidence in God’s grace and a willingness to take risks for the sake of growth. By fostering freedom rather than dependence, we help souls mature into responsible disciples capable of generous love and mission. Listen now to reflect on: • How Christ formed his disciples • Why freedom is necessary for mission • Trust as ...

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to rediscover the sacredness woven into every human life, reminding us that each life is meant to be approached with awe, gratitude, and love. Through Scripture and personal anecdotes, Msgr. Dolan encourages us to see others through the eyes of God as precious and beloved. Listen now to reflect on: • Life as a sacred mystery • The dignity present in every person • Reverence as the beginning of love • Gratitude for t...

In this meditation, Fr. Marty Miller helps us examine the subtle ways pessimism can take root in the heart, slowly dulling our confidence in God’s will and our own vocation. Fr. Mary illustrates how hope restores clarity, freedom, and peace, and invites us to continually place our trust in God who works through each unique circumstance. Listen now to reflect on: • The spiritual dangers of pessimism • How hope reshapes our vision and expectations • Trusting God’s grace ...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the greatest gift that we have from God-- the supernatural virtue of charity. Many of the Mass readings during Christmas, Epiphany and the following days, remind us that God really wants us to think about charity. We are especially reminded of Jesus's desire that we, his disciples, should be known by the love we have for one another. Fr. Peter explains that through our baptism, all of us have charity, together with faith and hop...

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin invites us to rediscover the transformative power of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Drawing upon the life of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and the gospel story of the paralyzed man, Fr. Leo reflects on how faith, joy, and mission naturally flow from meeting Christ. This meditation challenges us to move beyond fear and place our heart fully on the path God sets before us. Listen now to reflect on: The power of encountering Christ through pray...

In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai draws us into the mystery of the Nativity as a moment of profound light shining in darkness. From the difficult journey to Bethlehem to the silence of the manger, we see how God enters the world without spectacle, yet with infinite love. Through Scripture and sharing the witness of the saints, Fr. Eric helps us examine whether our own hearts have become a place truly fit for a King. Listen now to reflect on: The mystery of Christ choosing pover...

In the fourth meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to accompany the Magi on their long, hope-filled journey to Bethlehem. Attentive to the mysterious star and guided through moments of clarity and darkness, the wise men reveal what it means to seek Christ with perseverance, humility, and faith. Through art, Sacred Scripture, and the Magi’s lived experience, Fr. Eric shares how God guides each of us—sometimes through brilliance, sometimes through obscurity—toward the ma...

In this third meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate the shepherds, who were the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth. Though they appear to be secondary figures in the Nativity story, their recognition of the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes becomes a powerful revelation: the newborn Jesus is the true Lamb of God, the light shining in the darkness, and God-with-us. As we follow their humble faith and joyful haste toward the manger, we ask f...

In this second meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate St. Joseph, the “strong and silent” figure whose hidden fidelity protected the Savior of the world. Drawing on the Gospels, the devotion of the Church, and the reflections of Pope Francis, he shows how Joseph’s fatherly heart reveals a model of decisive action, humble service, and spiritual readiness. Joseph’s four angelic dreams and his immediate response to each one inspire us to reject procrastinatio...

In this first meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate Mary, the Blessed Mother, who shows us how to awaken from spiritual lethargy and guides us as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Through the mystery of the Annunciation and her total dedication to God, Mary becomes the one who helps us protect, nourish, and welcome the life of Jesus within us. Listen now to reflect on: The meaning of Advent as a time of awakening and preparation&n...

In this meditation for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Fr. Leo Austin invites us to contemplate the final gospel of the liturgical year, a gospel in which Christ’s kingship is revealed through the cross in suffering, silence, and mercy. We are invited to recognize that the kingdom Christ brings is present in the heart of every Christian who asks for grace and opens themselves to his reign. Listen now to reflect on: Why the Cross is the true throne of Christ the King. ...

In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai helps us contemplate Mary’s unwavering dedication to God, exemplified in her Presentation in the Temple. From her youth, she was overshadowed by the power of God, prepared and preserved by grace to become the Mother of Our Redeemer. Drawing on Scripture and the Church’s history of devotion, Fr. Eric reveals how Mary’s fiat at the Annunciation was the fruit of a heart already dedicated and attentive to God’s will. Listen now to reflect on: • Ma...

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on how a plan of life can help us stay anchored in God amid the distractions of daily life. Drawing on the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva, he explains that holiness is achieved through steady, faithful habits that keep us close to Christ throughout the day. To help put this concept into action, explore St. Josemaria's plan of life on our blog: https://stjosemaria.org/plan-of-life/ Listen now to reflect on: • The meaning and ...

As we commemorate the souls of all the faithful departed this November, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the Christian meaning of death not as an end but as the great passage into eternal life with God. This meditation helps us face our mortality with peace and gratitude, trusting in Christ’s promise: “I will come back to take you to myself.” Listen now to reflect on: • The Christian meaning of death as a passage, not an end. • The mercy of God that awaits every soul. •...

In this meditation, Fr. Javier del Castillo invites us to contemplate the Communion of Saints and the bond that unites all who belong to Christ. Through this divine fraternity, the saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and the faithful on earth share in one life of grace, one mission, and one love. Listen now to reflect on: What is the Communion of Saints? The unique path of holiness of each saint within the Communion of Saints How we participate in the Communion of ...

In this meditation for the feast of St. John Paul II (October 22), Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the gift of friendship with Christ, a friendship that shaped the life and mission of St. John Paul II. Drawing from the interactions of Peter and Christ in the Gospel, Fr. Leo reminds us that Jesus desires not servants but friends, and that holiness begins in this personal relationship of trust, loyalty, and love. Through the witness of St. John Paul II, we are invited to rediscover the strengt...

In this meditation for the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila (October 15), Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the living image of God’s mercy. Through prayer and reflection, we discover that holiness begins with our dependence on Christ, who listens, strengthens, and loves us without measure. Listen now to reflect on: • How Christ reveals the mercy of God in his humanity • The importance of prayer as a personal encounter with Chri...

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the profound role for Our Lady in our lives as Christians and our need “to embrace Our Lady to remind her of how much we love her.” He especially reflects on the meaning and devotion to the Holy Rosary and how it is an expression we can you use to repeat our love for Our Lady “again and again and again.” As St. Josemaria Escriva wrote: “Today as in other times, the rosary must be a powerful weapon, to enable us to win in our interior struggle a...

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin helps us pray with the founding vision of Opus Dei and what it means for our own vocation today. Inspired by a common aspiration of St. Josemaría, “Domine, ut videam” (“Lord, that I may see”), we are reminded that God calls us not only to pray for but to transform every corner of the world with Christ’s love. Listen now to reflect on: The founding moment of Opus Dei as a “revolution of love” The Gospel of Zacchaeus as a story of vocation and...

In this meditation, Fr. Marty Miller reflects on the life of Mary, showing us how study, prayer, and discernment are united in the pursuit of holiness. By contemplating God’s Word and acting with faith, Mary shows us how learning becomes a means of loving God and serving others. Listen now to reflect on: How we should strive for holiness inspired by the lives of the saints. Why devotion to Our Lady is essential for students and teachers. The role of wisdom in discernin...

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo explores the meaning that our human suffering can assume when we offer it out of love to God. He explains that “the Lord has not come to get rid of suffering–we continue to suffer all the time–but he has come to give it meaning with his Cross; he has come to give it the meaning of love.” As we unite ourselves to the Cross of Christ, our hearts expand to a deeper outpouring of love among those around us. If we embrace our Cross in this way, we too will ...

In this meditation for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14), Fr. Marty Miller draws upon the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Josemaria Escriva to share how struggles, contradictions, and even ordinary duties can become moments of joy when lived with love for Christ. Listen now to reflect on: • How the cross transforms suffering into holiness • The importance of starting each day with the “heroic minute” • St. Josemaria’s encouragement to trust God’s plans, even...

In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina helps us to prepare our hearts for the feasts of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8) and Mary's Holy Name (September 12). Her feasts remind us, like St. Joseph, that God is also telling us, “Do not be afraid to take Mary” (Mt 1:20). Mary is a wonderful reality that makes us want to do like St. Joseph, like St. John the Apostle, and bring her into our lives and into everything. In human history, there is a deep line that divides it into two:...

How is your spiritual life influenced by what you love? Drawing upon the life of St. Augustine, whose feast day is celebrated on August 28, Msgr. Martin Schlag helps us to see how the choice between love of God and love of the world shapes our personal holiness and the very foundations of society. By ordering our loves toward God, we discover true freedom, authentic friendship, and our belonging to the City of God where our hearts find lasting joy. View Transcript Visit Show Page THANK YOU...

On August 22nd the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On today’s podcast, we reflect on the coronation of our Mother as Queen of the Universe. And, how as children of this Heavenly Queen we can learn to follow her example of reigning: Mary our Queen trusted all that the Lord spoke to her, and her answer remained a constant yes. Teach us to respond to the Lord with complete trust. Mary our Queen serves-- for to reign one must serve. Teach us to be fait...

As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the life of faith modeled by Our Lady and how we too can be filled with a trust and joy that is unable to be shaken by difficulties. Looking to her example, Msgr. Dolan explains that our life of faith can also prosper through contemplative prayer, docility to the Holy Spirit, and trust in the will of God as we seek to share the light of Christ in the world ...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio leads us to listen and reflect on the meaning of the Transfiguration of the Lord and how it should transform us today. The Transfiguration of Jesus encourages us in our commitment to discipleship. When we commit to protracted prayer - deep, silent, concentrated prayer - we can see God through our eyes of faith and deeds of love. The mystery of Our Lord’s Transfiguration helps the apostles to trust in the Cross and to believe that there is no su...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the life and mission of St. Josemaria Escriva, describing him as an “envelope with terrific content,” a reference to his profound spiritual legacy. Fr. Peter focuses especially on St. Josemaria’s love for the Eucharist and how he transmitted that love to others. Listen now to reflect on: How St. Josemaria centered his life on the Eucharist, calling it the source of strength for Christian life and apostolate.Why the laity, living in...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the spirit of the Jubilee of Youth, inviting young people, and all who are young at heart, to rediscover the joyful call of Christ amidst the challenges of life. Drawing from the parable of the wheat and weeds (Matthew 13), Fr. Leo reminds us that the Christian journey is not about eradicating every difficulty or fixing every flaw immediately. Like the disciples who gathered around Jesus after their missions, we are called to walk wit...

In our meditation of the week:Fr. Fred Dolan reflects on the dramatic showdown between the prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), commemorated in the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Fr. Fred highlights Elijah’s courage in standing alone for the truth and explains how Catholics today are called to live with similar conviction in a world that often abandons its spiritual foundations. Listen now to reflect on: • Elijah’s bold witness on Mount Carmel in defense of the true...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary in every step of the way of our lives and vocation. Marking the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Shrine of Torreciudad (Spain), Fr. Leo draws from the Gospel of Luke, the life of St. Josemaria Escriva, and the Church’s mission to recall and praise Mary’s role in guiding us with strength, peace, and joy. Listen now to reflect on: • Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth as a model of divi...

In our meditation of the week:Msgr. Fred Dolan explores the spiritual and societal impact of our growing dependence on digital devices, particularly among the young. Drawing on insights from Professor Jonathan Haidt’s "The Anxious Generation" and recent cultural trends, the meditation helps us bring to our prayer the devastating effects of our digital age on our attention, mental health, and spiritual life. Listen now to reflect on: • The transformation from play-based to phone-based childh...

In our meditation of the week: On the 50th anniversary of St. Josemaria Escriva’s entrance into heaven (June 26, 1975), we reflect on the enduring legacy of his life and message. Msgr. Dolan explores the central theme of divine filiation - the foundation of Opus Dei’s spirit, and how it empowers ordinary Christians to become contemplatives in the middle of the world. Listen now to reflect on: • The moment in 1931 when St. Josemaria grasped his identity as a beloved child of God • How divine...

In our meditation of the week: On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Javier del Castillo leads us in a profound meditation on the central mystery of our faith: the Blessed Trinity. Through Scripture, Church teachings, and insights from St. Josemaria Escriva, we are invited to deepen our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Listen now to reflect on: • Why the Trinity created us out of a desire to share eternal love • How each Person of the Trinity is distinct yet inse...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to contemplate the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Queen of Apostles—our model of total self-giving and the one who brings us to Jesus through her “yes.” He highlights Mary’s quiet but powerful presence from Genesis to Revelation and the vital role she plays in our vocation to holiness and evangelization. Listen now to reflect on: • Why Mary’s “yes” is the model for every Christian apostolate • The connection between Mary and the Euchar...

In our meditation of the week: Msgr. Martin Schlag guides us to contemplate Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows, loves, and leads each of us personally. Drawing from Scripture, as well as the writings of St. Josemaria Escriva, Fr. Martin explores the meaning of faithfulness in ordinary life, learning to recognize the voice of Christ the Good Shepherd, and surrendering our own plans in trust. Listen now to reflect on: • How to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd in daily life • Why “letting ...

In our meditation of the week: Drawing from St. Luke’s account of the Visitation, Msgr. Frederick Dolan invites us to contemplate Mary’s interior life—her overwhelming joy, her urgency to serve, and her radiant presence as she brings Christ to her cousin Elizabeth’s home. This encounter, filled with prayer and self-giving, offers us a model of what it means to make ourselves a sincere gift to others. Listen now to reflect on: • Mary’s interior life and spirit of joyful service • The meaning ...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Mary as the model of discipleship. From the Annunciation to Cana, Mary shows us that God’s plan unfolds through human cooperation. Her presence and intercession at the Wedding Feast of Cana not only initiates Christ’s public ministry but also reveals how our trust and obedience allow God to act. Fr. Peter invites us to see how every saint who learned to say “Yes” to God did so with Mary at their side. Listen now to reflect on: • ...

In our meditation of the week for the feast of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the life and virtues of the faithful successor of St. Josemaria Escriva, whom he affectionately nicknamed Saxum or rock in Latin. Fr. Javier shares how the gift of fortitude, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, was powerfully present in Blessed Alvaro’s life and how we too are called to become “rocks”--dependable building blocks for the Church wherever God has placed us. Listen now to ref...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on how the Risen Christ remained hidden from the disciples on the road to Emmaus so they would learn to recognize him with the eyes of faith. Drawing from St. Luke’s Gospel, Fr. Peter shares how we too are called to encounter Christ daily—especially in the Bread and the Word—through a life of prayer and faith. Listen now to reflect on: • Why Christ willed to remain hidden after the Resurrection • How Christ wants to be ...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the mystery of the Resurrection and our mission to proclaim the joy that Christ is alive. He explains that we are not called to announce that Jesus is risen through dramatic gestures or grand proclamations but through the example of our faith and our joy. Christ's resurrection is not only a past event but a living reality made present to us in the Eucharist and in the Word. Therefore, Fr. Peter reminds us that we can talk to Jesus ...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on the overflowing joy and wonder of Christ’s Resurrection and the living presence of the Risen Lord in the Church, in creation, and in our daily lives. Fr. Donncha invites us to rediscover the Church as the living presence of Christ among us - a gift that is not the result of human effort, but the action of the Risen Lord in history. He reflects on how the Church, sustained by grace and alive through the sacraments, is not someth...

In our meditation of the week for Holy Thursday: Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha offers a profound reflection on the enduring, limitless love of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist. Entering the Upper Room with the Apostles, we are invited to contemplate the eternal love of Christ, who “loved them to the end,” and who gives us not a symbol but his very self in the Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Donncha reminds us that Holy Thursday draws us into the heart of divine ...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio shares a reflection on the Gospel passage of the Passion of Christ (Luke 22:14-23:56) which is read on Palm Sunday. During this holiest time of the year, the Church invites her people to focus directly on the suffering of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The longer Gospel readings help us to honor Christ’s request to “keep watch and pray” with him as he asked the Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane. In this scene, we prayerfully rediscover God’s lov...

In our meditation of the week: Reflecting on the Gospel of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11), Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to contemplate the gift of mercy—a central theme of the Christian life. In this powerful scene, Christ reveals the heart of the Father, not through condemnation, but through compassion and forgiveness. It is a call to each of us to examine how quickly we pass judgment, often without even realizing it. Msgr. Dolan reminds us that the devil seeks to divide—within f...

Note: This meditation was recorded in front of a live audience. In our meditation for the Fourth Week of Lent, Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to renew our commitment to the three pillars of Lent: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. As we reach the midpoint of this penitential seson, he reminds us that Lent centers on Christ’s self-giving sacrifice on the Cross—the greatest expression of love. To follow Christ is to embrace the Cross and come to know him through our own acts of self-emptying. Fr....

In our meditation of the week: Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the 100th anniversary of St. Josemaria’s priestly ordination on March 28, 1925. He invites us to consider the extraordinary fruitfulness of St. Josemaria’s life and his desire to be a genuine priest with a genuine and serious concern for souls that led him to love everyone without distinction. Drawing from personal anecdotes and historical accounts, Msgr. Dolan highlights three defining traits of St. Josemaria’s priesthood: his pass...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent and how they teach us to see that God approaches us first because he eminently wills our happiness-- a happiness that begins here on earth because of his liberation. Fr. Peter begins by recounting the familiar story of how Moses encountered God through the burning bush. We see God reveal himself as a liberator, seeking to free the Israelite people. God reveals himself to Moses by statin...

In our meditation of the week: Msgr. Dolan reflects on the Transfiguration of Christ and how this scene reminds us that a major goal of the Lenten season is to create an interior silence that allows us to enjoy God's presence. Msgr. Dolan shares how the scene of the Transfiguration echoes the words of the Psalms: "Be still and know that I am God" (Ps 46:11). The disciples who witnessed this moment "fell silent," understanding that words would have diminished its significance. ...

In our meditation of the week: we reflect on the virtue of fortitude as the driving force to overcome temptation. St. Josemaria Escriva reminds us, "A task which presents no difficulties lacks human appeal – and supernatural appeal too. If you find no resistance when hammering a nail into a wall, what can you expect to hang on it?" (The Forge, no. 245). To win the prize, you cannot avoid the struggle—it is the very path to victory. Fortitude is essential for both the spiritual life an...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on self-denial as a path to deeper faith and freedom in Christ. As we begin Lent, we are reminded that to follow Our Lord, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. Self-denial strengthens our commitment to prayer, holiness, and living the Gospel with conviction. Fr. Peter reminds us that St. Josemaria Escriva said, "If you don’t deny yourself, you will never be a soul of prayer" (The Way, no. 6). In a world filled wi...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the first evangelical words of Christ—"Come and see"—and the power of personal witness in evangelization. He highlights how spreading the Gospel does not require grand gestures but genuine relationship, as seen in the example of John the Baptist, who led his disciples to Jesus, and in the early Church, where ordinary laypeople shared the faith in their daily lives. Drawing from John 1:39, Fr. Peter emphasizes that evangeliza...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on St. Josemaria Escriva's teaching on realistic optimism— omnia in bonum- the confidence that Christ has already conquered all on our behalf, and that by uniting ourselves to him through prayer, we can overcome any challenge and participate in his victory. Drawing from John 16:33, he reminds us of Christ’s words: “In the world you will have affliction. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” This triumph is not just a pa...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the hidden years of Jesus' life and the profound sanctity found in the ordinary. He emphasizes how Jesus, Mary, and Joseph lived lives of simplicity and work, demonstrating that holiness is not reserved for extraordinary deeds but is found in daily life, family, and labor. Fr. Peter highlights the Gospel's silence on Jesus' early years, noting that his hidden life in Nazareth was so ordinary that it became a stumbling block ...

The following meditation was recorded in front of a live audience. In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the profound reality of God’s unconditional love for us as his sons and daughters. Drawing from the only prayer Jesus taught us —“Our Father”— Fr. Peter reminds us of its deeper meaning: a call to recognize God’s perfect love and his desire for our happiness. Fr. Peter emphasizes that our spiritual lives are rooted in the truth of our being children of God. Each...

The following meditation was recorded in front of a live audience. In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio explores the parables of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and the sower (Luke 8:4-15), illustrating how God’s grace transforms small beginnings into extraordinary outcomes. Through these parables, he highlights the importance of receptivity to the Holy Spirit. He also reflects on the "vertical" and "horizontal" dimensions of love, symbolized by the cross. Prayer, as the ...

In our meditation of the week; Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the call to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world,” as described in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 5:1-16). He explains that these images capture the transformative role of Christ’s disciples in the world. Drawing from the Beatitudes, Fr. Peter emphasizes that they are a blueprint for shaping a heart to be like Christ’s, and they are a pathway to happiness in the world. Through a practical examples of ...

The following meditation was recorded in front of a live audience. In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on how a disposition (or willingness) to love is required to fulfill our baptismal calling and common vocation to follow Jesus Christ. Drawing from the Gospel account of the rich young man (Matthew 19: 16-30), Fr. Peter explains that while the young man had lived by the commandments, he lacked the detachment and disposition necessary to fully surrender to Christ. Fr. ...

The following meditation was recorded in front of a live audience. In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio underscores the relevance of St. Josemaria’s spirituality for our times, drawing a parallel between our world and the intensely pagan society of the early Christians. Fr. Peter explains that as modern apostles, Our Lord says that we must be "leaven" to the world, transforming it through our imitation of Christ. Our goal should be for our love to reach such a threshold that th...

Do you have the desire to give yourself completely to God? What’s holding you back? In our meditation of the week: as we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (January 1), Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on our vocation as children of God and our calling to begin again as we give witness to the incarnate love of God the Father. Fr. Donncha explains: “The Lord wants to become incarnate in us, to live in and through us. You and I are called to live out our vocation as beloved daug...