Catholic Classics

St. Augustine offers his insight on the language of the two wills that is found in Scripture. One of his primary reasons for addressing this was in order to disprove the Manichaeans. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk address the life of sin and vice versus the life of grace and virtue. They discuss the common circumstance in which a person may look as though they have it all together, but in reality, are struggling with vice and sin. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 7-9. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine finds himself incredibly close to conversion. He conveys two stories regarding the conversion of other men. He shares how these men were inspired by the story of St. Anthony of the Desert to convert to Catholicisim. The conversion stories of other people move St. Augustine greatly and play a key role in his own conversion. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss why it is so radical for a person to convert to Christianity. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 4-6. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine has settled his theological and philosophical challenges when it comes to Catholicism. However, an area that he continues to struggle with is chastity. He finds himself stuck in lust. St. Augustine also shares his perspective of the institutional Church and describes the conversion of an individual named Victorinus. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain why the conversion of just one person can be so impactful. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 1-3. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Book 8 finds St. Augustine at the moment of his conversion. In this book, St. Augustine surrenders to the will of God and consents to grace. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk point out the importance of Scripture in the moment of St. Augustine’s conversion. They encourage everyone to read Scripture and remember that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God. Finally, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand urge anyone who is on the precipice of conversion to take that step of surrender to God. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As he continues his studies, St. Augustine realizes his knowledge of God, theology and Jesus are incomplete. He also concludes Book 7 with a comparison of the Neoplatonic texts he’s been reading with what he has been studying in Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the humility with which we must approach our study of God. Today’s readings are Book 7, Chapters 19-21. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What is the role of the human will? As St. Augustine resumes his expression of gratitude to God, he acknowledges the goodness of creation and God's yearning for us. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk clarify that the human will is the faculty through which we interact with the world. Through our wills, we have the capacity to rightly name everything, love in accordance with its worth, and lead a well-ordered life. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 13-18. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine embarks on a contemplation of key Catholic concepts, notably the Word or Logos. While he grasps the significance of the opening verses of John's Gospel, he encounters difficulty comprehending the notion of the Incarnate Word. In the discussion, Fr. Gregory explains the meanings of these terms and highlights St. Augustine's struggle with this concept. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk underscores that St. Augustine's work fundamentally constitutes a prayer, emphasizing his earnest desire to understand God. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 8-12. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

If God is all-powerful and loving, why does he permit evil? This is what St. Augustine wonders as he ponders astrology and its allures. He recognizes the dangers in ascribing to astrology. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that this is also a common enticement for modern people. They remind us that if we abandon ourselves to Divine Providence, we can be confident that God will care for us. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 5-7. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine considers the nature of God in Neoplatonic terms. Searching for a way to explain his reality, St. Augustine broadens his philosophical understanding of what God is. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss free will, the root and cause of evil, and our freedom to turn toward or away from God. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 1-4. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Setting the scene for Book 7, St. Augustine begins considering God differently. He is now 30 years old and no longer holds a dualistic understanding of who and what God is. Turning from all the previous notions he had, he looks to Plato. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what Neoplatonism is and why this is important for us to prepare for Book 7. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we conclude Book 6, St. Monica arranges a marriage for St. Augustine. Still a slave to lust, he thinks this could be the only solution to living a chaste life. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that growth in virtue doesn't mean suffering through temptation but instead the flourishing of human love. Today's readings are Book 6, Chapters 11-16. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Enter St. Alipius. Alipius is a follower of St. Augustine who eventually converts with him. St. Augustine describes Alipius’ struggle with curiosity. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk affirm that the desire to know is good. However, they caution that curiosity can become bad when it distracts us from our responsibilities. Today’s readings are Book 6, Chapters 8-10. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

How do you know what authority to trust? St. Augustine finds himself struggling with the abusive authority of Manichaeism versus the authority of Sacred Scripture. As he works through these authorities, he finds himself questioning the source of happiness. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss how to identify true happiness in our own lives. Today’s readings are Book 6, Chapters 5-7. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

We need companions on the journey! In the chapters of Book 6, a greater emphasis is placed on the relationships in St. Augustine’s life. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss some of those relationships. St. Monica, of course, continues to be a pivotal person for St. Augustine. We are also introduced to St. Augustine’s companion St. Alipius. And finally, there is the continued presence of St. Ambrose in his life. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What about Monica? In these chapters, St. Augustine writes extensively about his mother. He describes her devotion and persistence especially in regards to his own conversion. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the struggle we sometimes face when dealing with our past wrongs. They explain how St. Augustine let his own failings be a blockade to the progression of his faith. Today’s readings are Book 6, Chapters 1-4. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Kindness can go a long way. St. Augustine now finds himself in Milan after he quickly becomes frustrated with life in Rome. It is at this time that he encounters St. Ambrose for the first time. It is the kindness of St. Ambrose that draws St. Augustine in the most. It is through this that St. Augustine finds renewal and chooses to become a catechumen. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk reflect on the person of St. Ambrose and his impact on St. Augustine. Today’s readings are Book 5, Chapters 10-14. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Is a hasty decision ever a good decision? Unsatisfied with his life in Carthage, St. Augustine decides to leave for Rome. Although his mother Monica discourages his move, he still goes. St. Augustine shares honestly about his decision making. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss how God works with our choices, even our wrong choices. Today’s readings are Book 5, Chapters 8-9. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine's long-awaited encounter with Faustus, the Manichaeans' Bishop, disappoints him. Finding Faustus incapable of answering his questions, St. Augustine is disillusioned by this leader and Manichaeism. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss how this experience is another step in St. Augustine's pursuit of wisdom. Today's readings are Book 5, Chapters 5-7. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What is the difference between the Catholic and the Manichaean account of evil? St. Augustine anticipates his meeting with Faustus, the Bishop of the Manichaeans. He prepares to ask Faustus many questions, hoping for understanding and truth. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what heresy is and the background of the Manichaean sect. Today’s readings are Book 5, Chapters 1-4. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Get ready for an exciting journey! In Book 5 of Confessions, we'll embark on a thrilling adventure to Carthage, Rome, and Milan. Join us as Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk delve into the fascinating experiences of St. Augustine at the age of 28 and his relentless quest for answers. As St. Augustine's dissatisfaction with Manichaeism and Faustus's teachings deepens, he eventually finds himself in the vibrant city of Milan, where his first encounter with St. Ambrose awaits. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

With the help of Aristotle’s philosophy, St. Augustine attempts to make sense of reality. He meditates on his natural understanding of challenging texts, realizing his intelligence did not immediately bring him to God. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the gift of intelligence and the need to use this gift to discern the true and beautiful. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 15-16. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

How does time come to be? Considering the fleeting nature of reality, St. Augustine dives into what it means for us to exist within time while God exists eternally. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how we must pass through the shifting sands of our present experience to arrive on the solid rock of God’s eternity. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 11-14. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Sifting through the grief of losing his friend, St. Augustine analyzes whether he is more attached to his friend or to the suffering itself. He notes that while the Lord wants us to grieve, there is a holy way to mourn the loss of loved ones. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss our call to love, recognizing that we will be united in heaven with God and each other. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 5-10. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The world offers many opportunities to satisfy our carnal desires. Such opportunities were also present in St. Augustine’s time and he pursued them. In these chapters, St. Augustine outlines some of what marked this time in his life. He describes his distaste for astrology, his intimate relationship with a woman, and the discovery and loss of a dear friendship. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the goodness of searching even if you stumble along the way. Today’s readings are Book 4, Chapters 1-4. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Relationship, fatherhood, heresy, and loss are all things that St. Augustine will face in the coming chapters. In Book 4 of St. Augustine, we will see him enter into a lengthy relationship which will result in his son. St. Augustine will also experience the loss of a dear friend. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Gregory Pine address the desire each person has for love and intimacy and how this desire was the impetus for many of St. Augustine’s decisions. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What does it mean to love God? What is our capacity for love of God? St. Augustine reflects on these questions and also ponders the origins of sin. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the movement from sin to holiness. Lastly, St. Augustine shares about St. Monica’s experiences at this point in his life. Today’s readings are Book 3, Chapters 8-12. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In his latter teenage years, we find St. Augustine diving into Scripture, Cicero, and the Manichaeans. It is at this point in his life that St. Augustine turns to Manichaeism. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain why St. Augustine joined the Manichaeans. They share what problems St. Augustine felt they answered. Today’s readings are Book 3, Chapters 5-7. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine desires a lot as he begins living in Carthage. Two significant desires are his desire for wisdom and his desire for love. He describes at length the temptations he feels in regards to love. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk comment on the reality of temptation. They note its limits, but also clarify that temptation can be very intense and feel unbearable. Today’s readings are Book 3, Chapters 1-4. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In the upcoming chapters, St. Augustine begins his time in the city of Carthage. His time in Carthage from the ages of 16-19 years old is marked by his studies and his search for wisdom. In this search, St. Augustine encounters the writings of Cicero. In this bonus episode, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk prepare us for what we can expect in the upcoming chapters. They also give us a better understanding of the Manichaeism heresy. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Continuing his analysis of immoral acts, St. Augustine considers the communal dimension of sin. Do we ever sin simply because of the company we keep or the community we live in? Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk challenges us to take stock of who we spend our lives with, reminding us that true friendship should help you flourish, not falter. Today’s readings are Book 2, Chapters 8-10. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

There are never good reasons for wrong actions. Today, we read and learn about a part of St. Augustine’s life that proved significant to his moral formation: his theft of the pears. Doing his best to make sense of this sin, St. Augustine reflects on why man ever chooses evil over God’s goodness. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk warn us not to allow our sins and failures to act as stumbling blocks in our pursuit of God. Today’s readings are Book 2, Chapters 4-7. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Where does sin come from? Is evil always due to ignorance? In this introduction to Book 2, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk begin to answer these questions and prepare us to analyze St. Augustine’s famous sin of stealing the pears. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What is the difference between lust and love? Seeking to grow in penitence, St. Augustine reflects on himself at sixteen years old. He notes how God remained silent even while he strayed further from chastity. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss God’s providence and what it means for us to choose him freely. Today’s readings are Book 2, Chapter 1-3. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we wrap up Book 1, St. Augustine completes his narration of early boyhood. He discusses his continued downward slope into sin and error. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk share how God is always ready to receive us when we are ready to surrender to his mercy. They explain the importance of forming good habits in ourselves and in our children. Today’s readings are Book 1, Chapters 17-20. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we continue learning about St. Augustine’s early childhood, he questions why his Baptism was deferred and connects this to his struggles with vice. We learn that sacraments are sources of grace, aiding us in sanctification. St. Augustine explains his distaste for studying and reading Greek literature. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explore the effects of books and media, noting that what we consume affects what we pursue. Today’s readings are Book 1, Chapters 11-16. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine begins an overview of his infancy and childhood. Here, he reflects on the many relationships in his life both familial and peer. As he describes these relationships, St. Augustine also ponders the roots of disobedience and vice that he sees growing in himself at this point in his life. This requires us to consider the role of Original Sin in our lives. Are the effects of Original Sin even tangible in young children? Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explore these topics and questions in today’s episode. Today’s readings are Book 1, Chapters 7-10. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

How can God be known? This is how St. Augustine begins Book 1 of Confessions. He ponders the existence of God and God’s knowability. St. Augustine also wrestles with the question of how and why God loves us. He then introduces us to God through prayer and praise. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk support St. Augustine’s conclusion that we are, in fact, made for God. Today’s readings are Book 1, Chapters 1-6. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Who is God and how can experience his salvation? These two questions are St. Augustine’s primary focus in Book 1 of the Confessions. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk give us an overview of the themes and topics St. Augustine will explore in the upcoming chapters of Book 1. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Who is St. Augustine? Why did he write the Confessions? The answers to these questions will help you as you prepare to begin Season 2 of Catholic Classics: The Confessions of St. Augustine. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk offer a broad overview of St. Augustine’s life and faith journey. They also explain what the Confessions is about and what you can expect as you begin reading. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Reading spiritual classics can be intimidating. We desire to do it well, but what does that look like? Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk share five tips to help you build a habit of spiritual reading. These practical tips will not only help you build a habit of spiritual reading, but they will help you do it well. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

A new season of Catholic Classics is starting this fall! We are so excited to announce that for this season of Catholic Classics, we will be reading The Confessions of St. Augustine. You can download the reading plan and order your copy of The Confessions of St. Augustine at ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics.

We have arrived at the final episode! In these last chapters, St. Francis de Sales reminds us to be practical in our resolutions, not to be deterred in seeking the Devout Life, and finally, to be bold in our pursuit of Christ. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand highlight that to follow this wisdom, we cannot underestimate the importance of courage in the Christian life. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777. Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

To strengthen our resolve in pursuing the Devout Life, Saint Francis de Sales offers 5 meditations on the excellence of our souls, the greatness of virtues, the example of the saints, and the eternal love that comes from both Jesus and God the Father. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand assure us that God will faithfully give us what we need to continually transform our lives and draw closer to his divine life. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777. Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we approach the end of the book, St. Francis de Sales shows us how to calmly examine our conscience when it comes to the Devout Life, particularly when it comes to ourselves, God, and our neighbors. What are we still attached to? Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertram encourage us to ask God for the grace to unburden ourselves and run yet more quickly to him. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777. Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we commit to living the devout life, how do we renew our resolutions along the way? St. Francis begins this final part of the book by offering us practical advice for persevering in the spiritual life as we inevitably experience trials, personal failures, and changing seasons. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob remind us to never give up when we fail because God can use our imperfections to perfect us in holiness. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777. Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this special bonus episode, Fr. Gregory reads the commentary to Part 5 of Introduction to the Devout Life, the last part of Introduction to the Devout life. In this final part of the book, St. Francis De Sales provides us encouragement when it comes to making progress in the spiritual life. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777. Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In the conclusion of Part 4, St. Francis de Sales draws on the story of a companion of St. Bernard of Clairvaux to convey that we have to be prepared for God to give us moments of consolation to encourage us and moments of desolation to strengthen us. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand assure us that no matter the season, we will be able to see God’s hand in our lives. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777. Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Saint Francis de Sales explores common causes of desolation while assuring us that works performed and prayers offered in times of dryness are more precious in the sight of God. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand lead us to find freedom in these seasons by calling it what it is, calling on the name of the Lord, and continuing to show up despite the temptation not to. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777. Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Consolations are good, but they are not ends in themselves. Continuing his discourse on temptation, St. Francis de Sales warns against attaching ourselves to consolations and encourages us to instead attach ourselves to God. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand guide us through discerning which consolations are evil and which consolations are fruitful and how to devote oneself to God in both circumstances. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777. Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Anxiety and sorrow can be common obstacles to living the Devout Life well. St. Francis de Sales calls attention to how the Evil One will tempt us to be self-reliant when we only need to place our complete reliance on God. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand stress the importance of getting out of our minds and into our bodies, loving others and letting them love us. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777. Please note: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.