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When you think of Purgatory, what kind of place comes to mind? In “A Hiker’s Guide to Purgatory,” novelist Michael Norton paints a vivid picture of Purgatory as a place of great beauty, alongside suffering; of hope and even joy, alongside painful transformation and reconciliation. In this episode, Norton speaks with Ignatius Press editor Thomas Jacobi about the personal process of writing this imaginative journey through the afterlife, which he sees not as much as a place of punishment as an opportunity from a merciful God to heal our wounds and brokenness in a way we couldn’t in our earthly lives.
“A Hiker’s Guide to Purgatory: A Novel,” by Michael Norton, is now available in paperback and ebook: https://bit.ly/3dI8dIT

“A place where God can fix what we cannot”: Novelist Michael Norton on Purgatory

Discover

<a href='https://www.ignatius.com/Before-Austen-Comes-Aesop-P3772.aspx'>https://www.ignatius.com/Before-Austen-Comes-Aesop-P3772.aspx </a>
Before Austen Comes Aesop presents an in-depth examination of the Children's Great Books, that is, the literature that has made the most profound impact on the lives of children throughout Western history. In addition to its invaluable chronological list of titles, from ancient times to the present, the book provides both students and their parents the guidance they need to read leisurely or study formally the Children's Great Books at home.
The book's premise is that children often do not spend enough time with the literature written or adapted for them before diving into adult works. An experienced teacher, the author argues that children benefit in many ways from lingering longer over literature created for them.
The Children's Great Books list includes the classic works that, while not written strictly for children, were orally passed on to them for generations and are foundational for understanding Western culture. These works include Greek and Roman fables, myths, and epics; European legends, sagas, folk stories, and fairy tales; and the Bible. The list also includes the acclaimed works written specifically for children, beginning in the age of the first printing presses and continuing into the late twentieth century.
Additionally, acknowledging the changes in children's literature that have occurred since the mid-1960s, the author provides helpful information for discerning which contemporary influential books are appropriate, or perhaps inappropriate, for one's children. She also includes several appendices that are useful for the study of literature at both the elementary and the secondary levels.

Interview with Cheri Blomquist on her must-read book for parents, ”Before Austen Comes Aesop”

Today, many Catholics feel a sense of urgency or even dread as they look upon the dark forces and ideologies that besiege the world, the Church, and the truth. Some people may even ask, “What can I do in the face of these forces and against so many injustices?” In their recent work, <a href='https://ignatius.com/catholic-heroes-of-civil-and-human-rights-chchrp/'>Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights</a>, Matthew Daniels and Roxanne King provide many heroic examples of everyday Catholics who stood as lights for the rights and dignity of others. This book provides sixteen short but thorough biographies of Catholics whose faith inspired and motivated others to work for social justice and the salvation of all people.
In this episode, Matthew Daniels and Andrew Petiprin discuss how Catholics like Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, Venerable Father Agustus Tolton, Sr. Thea Bowman, and Diane Nash can serve as role models for Catholics today. While many of these Catholic heroes may be unfamiliar to many, their work is nonetheless crucial and the impact of their work and faith is beyond measure.
Find <a href='https://ignatius.com/catholic-heroes-of-civil-and-human-rights-chchrp/'>Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights</a> at <a href='http://ignatius.com/'>Ignatius.com</a>.

Matthew Daniels: Catholic Human Rights and Social Justice Heroes

There are multiple ways in which Abigail Favale’s conversion to Catholicism may be seen as unlikely. First as an ex-Evangelical, then as a feminist academic, Favale had built a worldview—and career—on the rejection of “patriarchy” and on the promotion of progressive causes. How could she enter a Church known for male-only leadership, and for rigorous opposition to contraception and abortion?
In this episode, host Andrew Petiprin speaks with Favale about her conversion—which in many ways began after she had entered the Catholic Church and began to explore its rich teachings and traditions in earnest.
Her conversion memoir, “Into the Deep: An Unlikely Catholic Conversion,” is available now at <a href='http://ignatius.com/'>Ignatius.com</a>, as is her bestselling book “The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory.”

Abigail Favale: Entering the Church—and then converting to the Faith

On February 11th, we celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes and what better way to celebrate than to pray and stream the official movie of St. Bernadette on the IP App: https://app.ignatius.com/discover/item/bernadette

StreamThe Passion of Bernadette on the IP App: https://app.ignatius.com/discover/item/the-passion-of-bernadette

BERNADETTE (DVD): https://ignatius.com/bernadette-ber2m/
THE PASSION OF BERNADETTE (DVD): https://ignatius.com/the-passion-of-bernadette-pbm/
A HOLY LIFE: The Writings of St. Bernadette https://ignatius.com/a-holy-life-hlp/?searchid=4144692&search_query=patricia+mce
THE SONG OF BERNADETTE https://ignatius.com/the-song-of-bernadette-songp/ 
LOURDES: Healing and Rebirth https://ignatius.com/lourdes-lhrp/?searchid=4144696&search_query=lourdes

Today, Anthony Ryan, head of marketing at Ignatius Press, sits down with Andrew Petiprin to discuss Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette Soubirous. This conversation is guided by his great love for Mary and St. Bernadette because it is through the Ignatius Press offerings that he came to know more about them. 
This conversation not only highlights the many offerings Ignatius Press has about the apparitions at Lourdes, but Andrew and Anthony also discuss the history of Lourdes and how it impacted the actress Sydney Penny, the singer Jennifer Warnes, and the saint Maximilian Kolbe. We hope that you listen to this podcast and purchase one of our many offerings so you too can learn more about these miraculous events and the often-overlooked saint—St. Bernadette. 

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You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. 
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Music from Pexels, Gregor Quendel. https://www.classicals.de/legal

0:00 Introduction
1:30 What is Lourdes?
4:30 The Humility of Mary and Bernadette 
9:25 Mary’s Message
10:49 The Official Movies
14:46 Origins of the Song of Bernadette
19:24 If You Can’t Go to Lourdes
22:00 An Embodied Faith
26:07 I am the Immaculate Conception
29:40 An Apparition for the Modern Era
33:12 A Holy Life

More Catholics Need to Know About Lourdes and St. Bernadette

Fr. Simeon (formerly Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis) is the author of the landmark work on the Gospel of Matthew, "Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word," the fourth and final volume of which was released this summer (find it here: https://bit.ly/2U5hqBg). He will be speaking with Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ about the books, praying with Scripture, and more.

Fr. Fessio interviews Fr. Simeon (formerly Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis)

Sally Read converted from atheism to Catholicism when her daughter, Flo, was only four years old, but it did not take long for the child to become aware that many friends and relatives did not share her mother's newfound faith. This consciousness of "two worlds" led to a great many doubts in Flo, and some rebellion. Two nights before her First Communion she suddenly questioned whether she should receive the Eucharist.
Sensing the precarious nature of faith in an overwhelmingly secular world, Read began writing down the compelling reasons for holding on to both God and Church. Taking the Annunciation as her template, she explored common experiences of the spiritual life as she meditated on each part of the story recorded in the Gospel of Luke.
Drawing on Scripture, the saints, and the lives of people she has known personally or professionally as a nurse, Read shows how God is with us always—even in suffering, spiritual dryness, and depression. Although inspired by a mother's loving response to a daughter, this book will speak to any believer engaged in the bliss and the bewilderment of a relationship with God.
Annunciation: <a href='https://www.ignatius.com/Annunciation-P3361.aspx'>https://www.ignatius.com/Annunciation-P3361.aspx </a>
Night's Bright Darkness: https://www.ignatius.com/Nights-Bright-Darkness-P3616.aspx

Author Interview with Sally Read on her books ’Annunciation’ and ’Night’s Bright Darkness’

Join us as we talk to Kendra Tierney about her brand new book, "The Catholic All Year Prayer Compendium", a follow up to her best-seller, "The Catholic All Year Compendium".
<a href='https://www.ignatius.com/The-Catholic-All-Year-Prayer-Companion-P3771.aspx'>https://www.ignatius.com/The-Catholic-All-Year-Prayer-Companion-P3771.aspx </a>
The Catholic deposit of faith and tradition is wide and deep! There are so many different devotions and ways to pray that it's impossible for anyone to ever use them all, let alone in a busy family. Fortunately the liturgical calendar is here to help!
In this companion to her bestselling book about liturgical living traditions in the home, The Catholic All Year Compendium, Kendra Tierney lays out hundreds of prayers, devotions, practices, blessings, indulgences, novenas, hymns, Bible readings, poems, encyclicals, and humor in an easy to use format according to the liturgical seasons and feast days of the Church calendar.
These prayers and practices are a great way to connect with the Bible, the Saints, the Church, and your family throughout the year. Without paging through stacks of books, you can easily access hundreds of beautiful devotions for every season of the liturgical year.
This book will help you and your family to:
<ul><li>Pray the Christmas Novena nine days leading to Christmas Day</li>
<li>Sing the beautiful Pange Lingua Gloriosi for the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas</li>
<li>Discover the Seven Sundays of Saint Joseph</li>
<li>Do the Stations of the Cross during Lent</li>
<li>Have a Tenebrae service for the Triduum</li>
<li>Have a blessed bonfire for the Nativity of St. John the Baptist</li>
<li>Host a family joke night in honor of St. Lawrence</li>
<li>and so much more!</li>
</ul>
Plus learn how to pray rosaries, chaplets, novenas and how to get indulgences, and what blessings are appropriate for use by lay people. And do it all with no more preparation than picking this book up from the shelf!
Produced with busy families in mind, Kendra Tierney brings these jewels of the Church into your home and family.

Author interview with Kendra Tierney on her new book, ”The Catholic All Year Prayer Compendium”

Who wrote the Bible? God? People? The answer is yes. And it's better that way.

51: God Wants Co-writers

This New Year’s, make a commitment to grow in virtue and get your copy of “The Willpower Advantage” here: <a href='https://ignatius.com/the-willpower-advantage-wpap/'>https://ignatius.com/the-willpower-advantage-wpap/</a>
 
We all know that we need to be more virtuous, but it is not always clear how to get there. But thankfully, Dr. Ryan Hanning and Tom Peterson spell out the practical steps we can take to become more virtuous in their book “The Willpower Advantage.”
Today, Andrew Peteprin sits down with Dr. Hanning to discuss how virtue can lead us to happiness. Dr. Hanning aptly argues that virtue is not about a list of rules and things to avoid; rather, virtue frees us and opens us up to be who God created us to be. While the path to virtue is difficult, it will not only lead us to live happy lives here on earth but also bring us to eternal salvation in Heaven.
 
SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode of the Ignatius Press Podcast.
You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
Follow us on social media:
Twitter/X: <a href='https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress'>https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress</a>
Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/ignatiuspress'>https://www.facebook.com/ignatiuspress</a>
Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/ignatius_press/'>https://www.instagram.com/ignatius_press/</a>
 
Music from Pexels, THE4MHZ. <a href='https://pixabay.com/users/the4mhz-25136829/'>https://pixabay.com/users/the4mhz-25136829/</a>

Grow in Virtue This New Year w/ Dr. Ryan Hanning

Physicists agree: There is no way to understand electrons. But Christians add: "Except God."

65: Quantum Physics Point to God [Science and Love, pt. 3]

A father—the head of the household, as Saint Paul says—has a crucial role and responsibility in his family, not only materially, but spiritually. This is no outdated biblical cliché, but a biological, sociological, and metaphysical reality that we too often fail to recognize. The example of a father can leave an indelible imprint on the character of his children.
In Because of Our Fathers, twenty-three Catholics—including Patrick Madrid, Abby Johnson, Bishop Joseph Strickland, Father Paul Scalia, Jesse Romero, Anthony Esolen, Father Rocky, Christopher Check, and Father Gerald Murray—give portraits of their own fathers as conduits and models of Christian love. Ranging from the heroic to the ordinary, these powerful testimonies will inspire men to consider more deeply the amazing privilege that God has given them to become, despite their imperfection, a living image of our Father in Heaven.
The introduction and conclusion by editor Tyler Rowley serve as a wake-up call. Illustrating the Church’s teaching on fatherhood with current research on the family, he makes clear the urgent need for men who take seriously the God-given, grace-filled task of raising children.
https://www.ignatius.com/Because-of-Our-Fathers-P3642.aspx

Author Interview with Tyler Rowley on his book ”Because of Our Fathers”

We need to go back to the most basic question:  Why does anything exist at all?

68: WHY?

G.K. Chesterton is one of the great Catholic converts and writers of the 20th century, but much of his personal life has remained obscure until today!
Get Your Copy Here: <a href='https://ignatius.com/i-also-had-my-hour-ahhp/?searchid=3228600&amp;search_query=i+also+had+my+hour'>https://ignatius.com/i-also-had-my-hour-ahhp/?searchid=3228600&amp;search_query=i+also+had+my+hour</a>
 
Dr. Dale Ahlquist joins Andrew Petiprin to discuss a book he has been working on for over a decade—an alternative autobiography of G.K. Chesterton. It remains an autobiography because he compiles the scatter writings where Chesterton talks about himself. This unique view of Chesterton reveals more of his personal life that even the most diehard devotee knows.
In this episode, they discuss the compilation of a very detailed timeline of Chesterton’s life as well as his conversion, his political philosophy, and his relationship with his wife. These details not only reveal a private side to Chesterton, but highlight the extreme holiness of one of the most insightful thinkers of the 20th century.
 
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You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
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Twitter/X: <a href='https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress'>https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress</a>
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Music from Pexels, Gregor Quendel. <a href='https://www.classicals.de/legal'>https://www.classicals.de/legal</a>

Chesterton’s New Autobiography? w/ Dr. Dale Ahlquist

In our busy schedules, it is often hard to find time to read a good book, and sometimes it is even harder to know which book to read. In his new book <a href='https://ignatius.com/classic-literature-made-simple-clmsp/'>Classic Literature Made Simple</a>, Joseph Pearce makes this decision easier by outlining fifty great works of literature that every person should read. Beginning in the ancient world and progressing all the way up to the present, Joseph provides a trusted list of books that are not only good aesthetically, but also morally.
In this episode, Joseph talks with the host Andrew Petiprin about his reasoning behind his choices and even admits why certain works were excluded.
Find <a href='https://ignatius.com/classic-literature-made-simple-clmsp/'>Classical Literature Made Simple: Fifty Great Books in a Nutshell</a> at <a href='http://ignatius.com/'>Ignatius.com</a>.

Joseph Pearce: Fifty Great Books to Read Before You Die

Too busy to pray? Then you've got your life backwards.

54: No Time to Pray?

The Rosary: Some live for it; some fall asleep to it. But for Mary, it was something far, far, far more real.

4: Would Mary Pray the Rosary?

Why were so many of the great writers of detective stories Christians? Dorothy Sayers, G.K. Chesterton, Graham Greene, and many more—in addition to their other literary achievements—wrote (and loved reading) mystery stories. In this week’s episode, John Herreid talks to author Fiorella de Maria about her Father Gabriel mystery novels—the fourth of which, “Death of a Scholar,” is now available—as well as the enduring appeal of detective fiction, and why the genre’s themes of guilt, truth, and justice resonate with the Catholic moral imagination.
 
“Death of a Scholar” is available in paperback and ebook at Ignatius.com: https://bit.ly/3TmXN1F

Mystery novels and the Catholic moral imagination: A conversation with Fiorella de Maria

Join us as Fr. Donald Haggerty sits down with Andrew Petiprin to discuss the dark forces that seek to undermine and destroy the Church. In Fr. Haggerty’s new book, The Hour of Testing, he not only locates our era in its historical context, but he also discusses how we should spiritually live in our own time. His relevant insights and depth of thought are manifest in the concentrated reflections offered both in this book and in his podcast.
In this episode, Fr. Haggerty and Andrew discuss the rise of doctrinal ambiguity, the cultural indifference to God, and the Second Coming. As we approach a new era in the Church, Fr. Haggerty’s practical reflections will help any Catholic navigate the coming years in the Church’s history.
Get your copy of The Hour of Testing: <a href='https://ignatius.com/the-hour-of-testing-htp/'>https://ignatius.com/the-hour-of-testing-htp/</a>
 
SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode of the Ignatius Press Podcast.
You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
Follow us on social media:
Twitter/X: <a href='https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress'>https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress</a>
Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/ignatiuspress'>https://www.facebook.com/ignatiuspress</a>
Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/ignatius_press/'>https://www.instagram.com/ignatius_press/</a>

Fr. Donald Haggerty: Are Dark Days Ahead for the Church?

Learn how God’s grace is always active in both patients and doctors by reading Dr. Collins' new book “You Visited Me”  https://ignatius.com/you-visited-me-yvmp/?searchid=0&search_query=you+visited+me

Dr. Robert Collins is a leading oncologist who joins Andrew Petiprin today to talk about his experiences as a Catholic doctor in a major modern medical center. He tells stories about patients who experienced God’s graces of physical and spiritual healing. He also marvels at the Christian witness to the faith within the medical system, which influenced his own conversion from agnosticism to Catholicism. His experiences show us that God’s love is always present even in the most difficult and tragic circumstances. 

SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode of the Ignatius Press Podcast. 
You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. 
Follow us on social media: 
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignatiuspress 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignatius_press/ 

Music from Pexels, Gregor Quendel. https://www.classicals.de/legal
0:00 Intro
1:50 How Do Engage with Patients? 
6:10 Connecting to Christian Patients
9:11 Personal Healing
11:06 More than Just a Physical Reality
14:22 Love of the Arts
17:05 When God Tells You to Stop Treatment
22:19 A Leap of Faith
26:06 Becoming a Christian
30:40 The Big Catholic Church
32:40 Encountering Great Suffering
37:28 Spiritually Guiding Patients 
44:58 Conclusion

What It is Like Being a Catholic Doctor in the 21st Century w/ Dr. Robert Collins

Many Christians, whether they are aware of it or not, have mistaken notions about the mystery of atonement—particularly the role God the Father plays in Christ’s saving work on the Cross. In her new book “Atonement: Soundings in Biblical, Trinitarian, and Spiritual Theology” (https://bit.ly/3yaUrGb) Margaret Turek, professor of theology at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University, hopes to dispel these misconceptions and present readers with a clear illumination of the wholly gratuitous, radically forgiving, passionate and powerful nature of God's redeeming love for mankind. In this episode, Dr. Turek speaks with Mark Brumley about her book, and about some of the spiritual insights the be gleaned from contemplating the mystery of Christ’s atonement.

Participating in Christ’s work of atonement: A conversation with Dr. Margaret Turek

Exorcisms, demonic possession, occult practices…these aren’t just the stuff of horror movies—they are real (if dramatic) reminders of the existence of the devil and his presence in the world. But as gripping as stories of the supernatural are, it can be easy to forget that the seductive activities of the devil are often found in far more mundane circumstances: the temptations to pride, lust, greed, and other sins that we all experience in our daily lives. In his book CHRIST VERSUS SATAN IN OUR DAILY LIVES: THE COSMIC STRUGGLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL, spiritual writer and philosopher Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., tackles the topic of recognizing and overcoming spiritual evil. His focus is the human heart. His goal: our spiritual and moral transformation, which leads to true peace and genuine happiness.

Christ vs. Satan in our daily lives - A conversation with Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J.

"Peace be to you," Jesus says. But do we really know Christ's peace?

56: Peace and the Church

Sometimes with a warm hand, sometimes with a hot coal.

34: How God Calls Prophets

Donate Here: https://ignatius.com/donations/

2025 was a big year for Ignatius Press--the release of the Study Bible, the start of two new apps, and the beginning of Ignatius Press Partners. Learn about these new initiatives and please consider donating. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

For Our Bible App Click Here: https://ignatius.com/catholic-study-bible-app-csbapp/

For the Ignatius Press App Click here: https://app.ignatius.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23395596874&gbraid=0AAAAADmh-zeWXZikCVM02uBy95zBvDBMl&gclid=CjwKCAiAu67KBhAkEiwAY0jAlX8ZnrDjSziORJqKIa2Bb-roMC68PLTfSh2b0lRBLL4GKMQfQR-RThoCAZUQAvD_BwE

For Ignatius Press Partners Click Here: https://ignatiuspartners.com/

For Ignatius Book Fairs Click Here: https://ignatiusbookfairs.com/

For the Upcoming Michael O’Brien Film Click Here: https://officialthelighthouse.com/

Christmas Appeal: Thankful for 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026

Aquinas is the great synthesizer of the natural law, but who exactly is he drawing from? Today, Dr. Randall Smith joins Ben Eriksen to discuss the various philosophers and theologians who influenced Aquinas’ thought. Dr. Smith argues that Aristotle did not greatly influence Aquinas conception of the natural law; instead, he believes that Cicero, Maimonides, and Philo of Alexandria were more pivotal. This enlightening conversation reveals the great depth of the natural law tradition and how we can contribute to this tradition in the modern era. 
Get Your Copy of:
Kreeft’s “Summa of the Summa”: https://ignatius.com/summa-of-the-summa-sosp/?searchid=0&search_query=aquinas
Kreeft’s “A Shorter Summa”: https://ignatius.com/a-shorter-summa-ssup/?searchid=0&search_query=aquinas
Rice’s “50 Questions on the Natural Law”: https://ignatius.com/50-questions-on-the-natural-law-fqnlp/?searchid=4017350&search_query=aquinas
Hill’s “After the Natural Law”: https://ignatius.com/after-the-natural-law-anlp/?searchid=4017350&search_query=aquinas

Read Dr. Randall Smith’s Artiles Here: https://www.thecatholicthing.org/author/randall-smith/
Listen to His Lecture at the De Nicola Center Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nStb4yj7pIg

Link to New Advent’s “Summa Theologiae”: https://www.newadvent.org/summa/

SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode of the Ignatius Press Podcast. 
You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. 
Follow us on social media: 
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignatiuspress 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignatius_press/ 

Music from Pexels, Gregor Quendel. https://www.classicals.de/legal
0:00 Introduction
2:31 what is the natural law tradition
6:16 False Historicism
10:24 What is the natural law? 
16:02 Who Influenced Aquinas on the natural law? 
19:28 What is “Nature” in Natural Law? 
27:17 Maimonides
31:40 Laws Are Not an Exertion of God’s Will
35:14 How Can History Inform Us?

Who Influenced Aquinas’ Understanding of the Natural Law?

He does it in order to make us—in a way—divine.

59: God Makes Himself Small

Join us as we talk to Sophie de Mullenheim on her book, "The Phantom of the Colosseum". "
The Phantom of the Colosseum" is the first volume of the gripping new series for 10 yr. olds and up titled In the Shadows of Rome (5 books total).
Being a Christian in ancient Rome was very dangerous. To spread the faith and stay alive, you had to live in the shadows . . .
Now that Blandula's master has been arrested for being a Christian, what will she do? Little does she know that she is about to meet three boys who will help her to find the answer: Maximus, the son of a senator; his slave Aghiles; and Titus, who never goes anywhere without his pet monkey.
Follow their adventures as Blandula and her new companions forge priceless friendships—and discover the many secrets lurking in the shadows of the Colosseum.

Author interview with Sophie de Mullenheim on her book, ”The Phantom of the Colosseum”

There's nothing like the sound of voices reverberating in a big, empty church. But Mary's heart was even more resonant than that. Can you hear the Divine Harmony?

5: God’s Music (in Mary)

Pope Francis has just named Fr. Kapaun a venerable making this American hero and medal of honor winner one step closer to sainthood. Today we celebrate this great occasion by sitting down with Roy Wenzl, author of “The Miracle of Father Kapaun.” Roy has done extensive research on Father Kapaun and interviewed many of the POWs that Father served with both in the war and in the prison camp. Father’s riveting story will surely inspire you as we continue to pray that one day Father Kapaun will be recognized as a saint of the Catholic Church.   
 
Get your copy of The Miracle of Fr. Kapaun: <a href='https://ignatius.com/the-miracle-of-father-kapaun-mfkp/'>https://ignatius.com/the-miracle-of-father-kapaun-mfkp/</a>
 
Movie about the life of Fr. Kapaun: <a href='https://ignatius.com/the-miracle-of-father-kapaun-mfkm/'>https://ignatius.com/the-miracle-of-father-kapaun-mfkm/</a>
 
The Free Documentary about the Finding and Return of Fr. Kapaun’s body: <a href='https://www.kansas.com/news/special-reports/father-kapaun/article255618296.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawIrF4RleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbe0v7Mun-UIbVLzj8XqbZL9RfkwxJCIhGw5uRD-pQ7aD42VJMv7cdnPlA_aem_u08OpxpIyYVKMPCJHdsjMw'>https://www.kansas.com/news/special-reports/father-kapaun/article255618296.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawIrF4RleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbe0v7Mun-UIbVLzj8XqbZL9RfkwxJCIhGw5uRD-pQ7aD42VJMv7cdnPlA_aem_u08OpxpIyYVKMPCJHdsjMw</a>
 
SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode of the Ignatius Press Podcast.
You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
Follow us on social media:
Twitter/X: <a href='https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress'>https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress</a>
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Fr. Kapaun: American Medal of Honor Winner AND a Future Saint?!

The universe is full of tiny coincidences, but somehow, all of these work together to bring about God's greatest creation:  human life itself.

25: The Butterfly Effect

Jesus calls the Scribes and Pharisees “blind fools,” but in the same Gospel He says that those who calls their brother “a fool” are subject to the fires of Gehenna. So how are we to reconcile these two passages?

78: Can We Call Somebody a Fool?

Our recently elected Pope Leo XIV has already made several comments about the dangers of artificial intelligence. So if you want to learn more about A.I., join Fr. Fessio explains the first of four steps of artificial intelligence—pretraining—which requires data to be collected and tokenization.

106: Pretraining—The First Step of Making A.I.

Was the Catholic Church slow to condemn racism? Can Catholic teaching be used to justify slavery? How should Catholics engage with Critical Race Theory, in its popular or academic forms?
 
In this episode, philosopher Edward Feser discusses these and other questions with Catholic World Report editor Carl E. Olson. Feser is the author of the new book “All One in Christ: A Catholic Critique of Racism and Critical Race Theory,” in which he examines what the Church has said and done historically on issues of race, and takes a close look at the origins—and recent bestselling popularizations—of Critical Race Theory.
 
Feser and Olson talk about the genesis of the book, common misconceptions about the Catholic Church and race, the inherent limitations of CRT, and more.
 
Find “All One in Christ” at Ignatius.com: http://bit.ly/3VZ0OWl
 
You can read more from Edward Feser on his blog: http://edwardfeser.blogspot.com/
 
Feser was interviewed at Catholic World Report about “All One in Christ”: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2022/09/08/the-churchs-teachings-about-racism-and-the-truth-about-critical-race-theory/
 
“Countering disinformation about Critical Race Theory” by Edward Feser | Catholic World Report, 8/22/22: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2022/08/22/countering-disinformation-about-critical-race-theory/

Should Catholics embrace Critical Race Theory? Edward Feser on racism and CRT

There are more Christmas myths than you may think, and in today’s episode, Dr. Barber debunks many of them while simultaneously revealing the true meaning of Christmas.
Get Your Copy of “The True Meaning of Christmas”: <a href='https://ignatius.com/the-true-meaning-of-christmas-tmcp/'>https://ignatius.com/the-true-meaning-of-christmas-tmcp/</a>
Was Christmas originally a pagan holiday? Were there three Wisemen, and were they kings or sorcerers? Did Mary know she was going to give birth to the Son of God? Do we know if December 25th is Jesus’ true birthday?
Dr. Michael Barber joins Ben Eriksen as he answers these questions and many more based on his extensive research presented in his book “The True Meaning of Christmas.” Dr. Barber not only explains the history behind many Christmas traditions, but he also highlights the spiritual and moral underpinnings of these beloved celebrations.
Take some time to learn more about Christmas this year so you can celebrate with a more grateful and grace-filled heart.
Dr. Michael Barber’s Social Media:
· <a href='https://www.instagram.com/michaelpatrickbarber/'>https://www.instagram.com/michaelpatrickbarber/</a>
· <a href='https://x.com/michaelpbarber'>https://x.com/michaelpbarber</a>
· <a href='https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelpbarber'>https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelpbarber</a>
 
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Music from Pexels, Gregor Quendel. <a href='https://www.classicals.de/legal'>https://www.classicals.de/legal</a>

Debunking Christmas Myths and Celebrating the Birth of Jesus w/ Dr. Michael Barber

When we go to Mass, we offer our whole selves to God, even our weaknesses and faults. Father Fessio reflects on the beauty of the Mass and highlights the many places where we ask God for His mercy.

87: Imperfect Offerings

Jeremy Christiansen was a young married man, raising his children in the Mormon faith in which he’d grown up himself, when he began experiencing doubts about the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As he looked at his upbringing, his marriage, and everything he had always believed to be true, Christiansen began a journey of spiritual questioning that led him away from Mormonism and ultimately into the Catholic Church.
Christiansen’s process of conversion is the subject of his new memoir, <a href='https://ignatius.com/from-the-susquehanna-to-the-tiber-fstp/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=From+the+Susquehanna+to+the+Tiber&utm_id=From+the+Susquehanna+to+the+Tiber'>“From the Susquehanna to the Tiber,”</a> available now at Ignatius.com.
In this episode, our host Andrew Petiprin speaks with Christiansen about the destabilizing experience of losing his faith in Mormonism, the joys and challenges of finding a spiritual home in the Catholic Church, and how the Church can better understand and engage with Mormons.
Related links:
<ul><li><a href='https://ignatius.com/from-the-susquehanna-to-the-tiber-fstp/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=From+the+Susquehanna+to+the+Tiber&utm_id=From+the+Susquehanna+to+the+Tiber'>“From the Susquehanna to the Tiber: A Memoir of Conversion from Mormonism to the Roman Catholic Church”</a> by Jeremy Christiansen</li>
<li><a href='https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/05/11/logically-navigating-the-journey-from-mormonism-to-the-catholic-church/'>“Logically navigating the journey from Mormonism to the Catholic Church”</a> by Casey Chalk</li>
<li><a href='https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2022/12/06/to-be-deep-in-history-is-to-cease-to-be-mormon-an-interview-with-jeremy-christiansen/'>“To be deep in history is to cease to be Mormon: An interview with Jeremy Christiansen”</a> by Paul Senz</li>
</ul>

A convert from Mormonism speaks: Jeremy Christiansen on faith, certainty, and staring into the void

More than 50 years after the conclusion of Vatican II, widespread myths about what the Council said regarding the Mass and how it should be celebrated persist. Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ, founder and editor of Ignatius Press, speaks with Ignatius Press president Mark Brumley to dispel those myths and explain how the Novus Ordo can—and should—be celebrated with reverence and beauty.

Fr. Fessio discusses reverence, beauty, and the Mass of Vatican II

You're right—it would all be a waste, if not for aκτιος.

37: Why Waste Time Learning about God—and Praying? (Colossians Up Close, pt. 2)

Fr. Fessio talks about gender and claims that there are three genders?! But listen closely . . . he’s not saying what you may think . . .

99: A Jesuit Speaks About Gender

"Daughter, your faith has made you well."

47: Fear and Faith

Father Fessio begins to unpack the beginning of the Mass by reflecting the priest’s first action in the Mass—he kisses the altar.

Why Does the Priest Kiss the Altar?

It seems like Jesus would not have faith because he is God. But Father Fessio reflections on Hebrews 12:1–4 where Jesus is said to be a “pioneer and perfector of our faith.”

98: Did Jesus Have Faith?

Fr. Fessio examines Mary’s longest discourse, the Magnificat, to explain what kind of mercy God offers to those who fear Him.

77: His Mercy is on Those Who Fear Him

Fr. Fessio explains the only Greek phrase we say at Mass.

143: The Only Greek Spoken at Mass

Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska and author Kevin Wells discuss “In the Eye of the Storm,” the gripping biography of St. Gregory the Great by Sigrid Grabner, available for the first time in English (https://bit.ly/32oRpB4).
Grabner's vivid narrative of the life of a poor monk known now to history as St. Gregory the Great reads like a novel, evoking the landscape of early medieval Italy with humanity and realism. It brings us face to face with a man who, for all his weakness, became an instrument in the hand of God and let himself be made great.

”In the Eye of the Storm”: Bishop James Conley and Kevin Wells on St. Gregory the Great

Have you ever reflected on why we begin the Mass with the sign of the Cross? Fr. Fessio explains the deep significance behind this often overlooked opening.

The First Words of the Mass

Ever wonder what is the significance of the priest’s vestments? In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains what these vestments are and symbolism behind them.

135: The Meaning Behind the Priestly Vestments

Ever wonder what is the significance of the priest’s vestments? In this episode, Fr. Fessio explains what these vestments are and symbolism behind them.

The Meaning Behind the Priestly Vestments

Fr. Donald Haggerty is a much-sought-after retreat leader and spiritual director. His newest book, “Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation,” is a unique, step-by-step introduction to the way of contemplation as Saint John understood it: a burning, transformative intimacy with the God who made us. In this episode, author and editor Kathryn Jean Lopez speaks with Fr. Haggerty about the Church’s premier teacher on contemplative prayer, examining how we can use Saint John’s insights into the spiritual life in our contemporary context.
This episode was produced in collaboration with the National Review Institute.

St. John of the Cross, Master of Contemplation: A conversation with Kathryn Jean Lopez and Fr. Donald Haggerty

Twenty-five years ago, the future Pope Benedict XVI released his pivotal work “The Spirit of the Liturgy,” and today we are blessed to be joined by Archbishop Cordileone and one of Pope Benedict’s own students, Fr. Fessio.
Get Pope Benedict XVI’s The Spirit of the Liturgy: <a href='https://ignatius.com/the-spirit-of-the-liturgy-commemorative-edition-splcep/?searchid=2985996&amp;search_query=spirit+of+the+liturgy'>https://ignatius.com/the-spirit-of-the-liturgy-commemorative-edition-splcep/?searchid=2985996&amp;search_query=spirit+of+the+liturgy</a>
 
In today’s episode, Fr. Fessio recounts the first time he learned about Cardinal Ratzinger writing “Spirit of the Liturgy” as well as his initial response reading the book. Archbishop Cordileone also outlines how this work has impacted his decisions in his own archdiocese. Finally, they highlight several practices that they believe every Catholic and parish should implement.
Fr. Fessio and Archbishop Cordileone both agree that this is one of Pope Benedict’s greatest works and that it can lead the way for a Liturgical renewal in the Catholic Church.
 
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Celebrating 25 Years of Pope Benedict XVI's Spirit of the Liturgy w/ Archbishop Cordileone

We take many things for granted, and in this episode, Father Fessio reflects on neologisms or new words as a way of appreciating language and those who have shaped it in the past.

84: Are You Thankful for Neologisms?

Join us for a discussion about the incredible story of Élisabeth and Félix Leseur - who was this couple, what was so intriguing about their spiritual life, where does Élisabeth's cause for canonization stand?
 


Book: <a href='https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ignatius.com%2FSalt-and-Light-P3671.aspx%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0x-fGfJFZPn4q-uzoMFEPCU37tWDjVGd3sFP9WV1SPQVsldkjfsSKfMO0&h=AT1xbiKwKfyx3hZmLGlujorivQuyu6m_zs7i7FuRdqP7r83SNREaI_W8DR-RZStWaW9Dnbk8WPzDuuv60qJaCZwz33N3sdCEGbI_RR3oBu8BxiJ6QKg87YYTAo1uELd78ZXK8ReL&__tn__=-UK-R'>https://www.ignatius.com/Salt-and-Light-P3671.aspx</a>
 


About: Élisabeth and Félix Leseur began their life together in France as a carefree young couple with a bright future ahead of them. They were beautifully and compatibly matched, except for one major difference—Élisabeth was a devout Catholic, and Félix was a firmly decided atheist. As they faced the seasons of life together, their relationship was tested, and both were called to deep spiritual transformation.
 


Out of love for her husband, Élisabeth spent her life offering her many sufferings for the sake of his conversion. After her death, and in response to the profound love he encountered in her writings, Félix converted and offered the rest of his life to God as a Dominican priest.
 


This biography is a lovely narrative of their marriage and the transformative power of God's love and grace in their lives. It also presents a charming picture of upper-middle-class French society at the turn of the last century. The cause for the canonization of Élisabeth Leseur has been opened by the Catholic Church.