Best Bertrand Jacob Podcasts (2024)

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Day 60: Rest in Him (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 24:25

6M ago24:25

24:25

In this final episode, St. Augustine reflects on the height of creation: humanity. He ponders how men and women are oriented towards God because God has created them in his goodness and they are made to rest in him. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss what this means. They also address how God has healed humanity and why we are …

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Day 59: Gifts vs. Fruits (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 21:41

6M ago21:41

21:41

In this penultimate episode, St. Augustine distinguishes between a gift and a fruit so as to help us understand what it means to receive from God. St. Augustine also refutes the Manichaeans concerning creation and the beginnings of the world. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss how we ought to receive the gifts given to us. Toda…

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Day 58: The Hierarchy of Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 24:45

6M ago24:45

24:45

As we continue walking through the creation story, St. Augustine draws out the spiritual implications of the days of creation. He describes what it means for us to have dominion over the things of the world. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss this authority that humans have been given and the responsibility we have in regards t…

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Day 57: Creation and the Sacraments (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 28:29

6M ago28:29

28:29

St. Augustine continues through Genesis and the story of creation. He shows how creation, the Church and sacraments are connected. In considering Genesis 1:20 and 1:24, St. Augustine reveals how Baptism and the Holy Eucharist are intertwined. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss how it is through grace and conversion that individ…

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Day 56: Creation of the Heavens (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 22:33

6M ago22:33

22:33

St. Augustine explores the creation of the heavens and earthly light. He considers the purpose God intended for them and their role in our daily lives. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss that the heavens were created for man, not God. They explain that God exists perfectly and happily outside of creation. Today’s readings are B…

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Day 55: Finding Rest (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 26:35

6M ago26:35

26:35

Carrying on through the creation account, St. Augustine focuses on the themes of rest and the Holy Spirit. He reiterates that God is the only place a rational creature will find rest. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the purpose of the Church and its role in creation. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters Chapters 8-14. To g…

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Day 54: God’s Goodness in Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 24:04

6M ago24:04

24:04

Challenging some of our understandings of the book of Genesis, St. Augustine poses some difficult questions. He focuses on the creation account and the presence of the Trinity throughout creation. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how man is the recipient of God’s overflow of goodness. Today’s readings are Book 13, Chapters 1-…

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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 13 (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 20:57

6M ago20:57

20:57

As with the previous books, St. Augustine opens the final Book of Confessions with a prayer of praise to God. He revisits his motivation for writing, to serve God and draw others closer to him. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk highlight God's goodness, a key theme throughout Confessions. They note how Augustine emphasizes that God cr…

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Day 53: Living God's Word (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 24:20

6M ago24:20

24:20

Building on his previous examination, St. Augustine dives deeper into the various interpretations of Sacred Scripture. As a divinely authored and inspired book, the Bible captures meaning from God and the inspired author. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss what a life of Scripture means and how we should feel comfortable exclud…

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Day 52: Interpreting Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 25:57

6M ago25:57

25:57

St. Augustine acknowledges the many insights and interpretations of Scripture. He distinguishes between the factual truth of biblical events and the deeper truths conveyed through the narratives. As Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain, our human limitations mean we lack perfect understanding when reading God's Word. Because of t…

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Day 51: Truth in Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 24:26

6M ago24:26

24:26

While Sacred Scripture can be interpreted in different ways, it always conveys the truth. St. Augustine explores the way we find truth in Scripture, acknowledging the different perspectives that arise as we study Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how St. Augustine paves the way for the Church’s ongoing discernment o…

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Day 50: God's Unchanging Nature (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 25:49

6M ago25:49

25:49

How do we reconcile God’s unchanging nature with creation’s changing nature? St. Augustine continues his discussion on the creative narrative in Genesis and highlights the “heaven of heavens." St. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine encourage us to be patient as we journey through St. Augustine’s speculative attempt to understand God. Today…

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Day 49: Genesis (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 24:47

6M ago24:47

24:47

What does the creation account in Genesis reveal? St. Augustine begins his examination of Scripture by reflecting on the creation of heaven and earth with a sense of awe and wonder. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine explain that St. Augustine’s reflection is an attempt to intellectually grasp the reality of creation rather than merely…

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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 12 (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 18:04

6M ago18:04

18:04

As we begin our journey into Book 12, Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine guide us through the main theme of this Book: Scripture. In the upcoming chapters, St. Augustine meditates on the complexity and richness of Sacred Scripture. We learn that the Word of God is living, transformative, and inexhaustible. To get your copy of the compl…

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Day 48: Remembering the Past (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 25:15

6M ago25:15

25:15

In the conclusion of Book 11, St. Augustine focuses on analyzing the power of memory and the dynamics between remembering the past, time, and reality. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine reflect on the mystery that although God exists outside of time, he chooses to reveal himself to us in time. Today’s readings are Book 11, Chapter 27-3…

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Day 47: Measuring the Present (The Confessions of St. Augustine). 24:41

6M ago24:41

24:41

How do we measure the present? As St. Augustine continues his examination of time, he focuses specifically on the passing of time in the present and the struggle of measuring it. This question points to his desire to understand our relationship with God who is the eternal present. Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine reflect on the signi…

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Day 46: Past, Present, and Future (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 24:07

6M ago24:07

24:07

Without dismissing the importance of the past and future, St. Augustine considers how everything only exists in the present. We engage with the past and future in that we engage with memories and think of what will be. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what it means to be present. They discuss how people tend to measure the pa…

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Day 45: Divine Speech (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 23:52

6M ago23:52

23:52

What does it mean for God to exist outside of time? St. Augustine explores this concept in these chapters, contemplating what it means for God to provide for change without changing himself. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk guide us through these profound and highly philosophical reflections, interpreting the distinctions between div…

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Day 44: Creation and Time (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 23:51

7M ago23:51

23:51

St. Augustine delves into the creation narratives, abstaining from scriptural commentary. Instead, he scrutinizes the initial chapters of Genesis, engaging in profound meditation on the underlying realities and themes. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk emphasize St. Augustine's aspiration that his work would guide others toward a deep…

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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 11 (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 18:41

7M ago18:41

18:41

As we enter Book 11, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us that these last three chapters are less autobiographical and more theological. St. Augustine dedicates this portion of his writing to a study of time. God’s existence does not unfold how our lives unfold; he is not time-bound. Our hosts explain what it means for the Lord…

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Day 43: Overcoming Pride (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 23:26

7M ago23:26

23:26

Continuing his examination of pride, St. Augustine notes how this vice lurks in evil and good works. He sums up his battle between joy in his conversion and sadness in his bad habits. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that the marks of humanity are true in all centuries. The best way to combat our fallen natures is to be on yo…

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Day 42: Lust of the Eyes (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 26:05

7M ago26:05

26:05

Is it better for God to be loved or feared? St. Augustine reflects on this question as he addresses the threefold concupiscence of sin found in John’s Gospel. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss what it means to be attracted to truth but in an inordinate way. They conclude with a conversation on pride and the subtleties of this …

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Day 41: Attachments and Desires (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 28:21

7M ago28:21

28:21

Moderating our bodily attachments and desires is essential for spiritual growth. St. Augustine describes the ways our bodily desires and attachments can become distorted. From love of food to love of music, every earthly attachment can turn us away from God if we become overly reliant on them. Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Gregory invite us to conside…

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Day 40: Seeking Happiness (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 26:31

7M ago26:31

26:31

True and enduring happiness is found only in God. St. Augustine examines the ways he looked for happiness in the wrong places, mainly in himself and in the pleasures of the world. He expresses repentance for not loving the Lord sooner, inspiring his famous prayer: “Late have I loved you, Beauty ever ancient and ever new, late have I loved you!” Fr.…

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Day 39: The Role of Memory (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 26:20

7M ago26:20

26:20

What is the role of memory in the spiritual life? As St. Augustine continues his philosophical discussion on the human mind, he focuses on understanding the different ways that memory works. We learn that our memory allows us to see God’s handiwork throughout our lives. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Gregory Pine also remind us that God wants to heal a…

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Day 38: The Gift of the Mind (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 23:06

7M ago23:06

23:06

The human mind is a magnificent gift of God given to us to discover truth. Using a scientific approach, St. Augustine delves into the origins of intellect, memory, and conceptual thought. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory break down St. Augustine’s reflection and emphasize that the human mind sets us apart from the rest of creation. Today'…

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Day 37: Sensing God in Creation (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 25:02

7M ago25:02

25:02

We can find God’s footprints in the beauty of creation and the mystery of our own humanity. St. Augustine poetically explores creation, the senses, and the human mind as ways we can encounter God in our initial search for him. Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine remind us that God reveals himself in tangible ways because he wants us to k…

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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 10 (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 18:04

7M ago18:04

18:04

As we enter Book 10, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk prepare us for a shift in tone. We transition from St. Augustine discussing his life to St. Augustine reflecting more deeply on who God is and what he does. Our hosts remind us that we must approach this Book as students and disciples of Christ. We should train our minds and heart…

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Day 36: St. Augustine’s Testimony (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 23:16

7M ago23:16

23:16

What moves St. Augustine to share his testimony with others? St. Augustine reflects on his motivations behind making Confession and his approach to sharing his testimony so as to edify others. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk explain how St. Augustine models for us the appropriate way to bear witness to Christ and prudently share our testi…

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Day 35: St. Monica’s Death (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 25:57

7M ago25:57

25:57

Having completed her earthly mission, St. Monica passes from this life to the next. Facing grief and mourning, St. Augustine pursues truth to elevate the pain of loss. He gives thanks to the Lord for his mother and God’s gifts present in her. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us that even the saints mourn. They explain that whe…

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Day 34: St. Monica’s Life (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 28:01

7M ago28:01

28:01

In the lead-up to St. Monica’s death, St. Augustine reflects on her life. He shares stories from her early childhood and the hardships she endured in her marriage. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk shed light on the significance of enduring suffering for the sanctification of others while commending Monica for her charity, maternal lo…

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Day 33: The Sacrament of Baptism (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 27:32

7M ago27:32

27:32

St. Augustine receives the sacrament of Baptism alongside his son and friend. He turns to the Old Testament for preparation and understanding of his place in salvation history. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss Church persecution and St. Ambrose’s role in ending the oppression. They reflect on the grace of the sacraments and t…

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Day 32: Litany of Thanksgiving (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 22:21

7M ago22:21

22:21

Following his conversion, St. Augustine thanks God for his new life. He prepares to leave his teaching position. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the fear of what you might lose in pursuing Christ. They explain how conversion requires a reorientation of the whole of one’s life. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 1-3. To ge…

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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 9 (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 15:21

7M ago15:21

15:21

Book 9 follows St. Augustine’s reception into the Church. While finally receiving the sacraments brings forth great joy, conversion requires sacrifice. St. Augustine’s new life demands his resignation from his position teaching rhetoric. This isn’t the only trial St. Augustine faces in Book 9. We prepare for the death of his mother, St. Monica. Fr.…

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Day 31: The Conversion (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 26:52

7M ago26:52

26:52

It is finally conversion day! After providing further philosophical proofs against the Manichaeans, St. Augustine reaches the point of conversion. Not only does St. Augustine describe the moment in which the Holy Spirit overwhelms him, but he also shares how those closest to him react upon learning of his conversion. This includes a description of …

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Day 30: Spirit and Flesh (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 20:49

7M ago20:49

20:49

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 p…

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Day 29: The Radicality of Conversion (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 26:15

7M ago26:15

26:15

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…

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Day 28: The Impact of One Conversion (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 26:47

7M ago26:47

26:47

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 a…

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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 8 (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 17:46

7M ago17:46

17:46

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 wo…

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Day 27: An Incomplete Knowledge (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 21:59

7M ago21:59

21:59

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 …

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Day 26: Living an Ordered Life (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 23:16

7M ago23:16

23:16

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 n…

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Day 25: The Word Incarnate (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 23:57

7M ago23:57

23:57

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 wi…

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Day 24: Astrology and Permitting Evil (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 26:00

7M ago26:00

26:00

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 D…

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Day 23: The Nature of God (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 23:51

7M ago23:51

23:51

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…

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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 7 (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 17:44

7M ago17:44

17:44

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…

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Day 22: Chastity and Marriage (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 26:39

7M ago26:39

26:39

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 Boo…

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Day 21: Problems with Curiosity (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 22:27

7M ago22:27

22:27

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 read…

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Day 20: Wrestling with Authority (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 23:44

7M ago23:44

23:44

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…

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Day 19: Struggling with Past Wrongs (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 25:24

7M ago25:24

25:24

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 …

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Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 6 (The Confessions of St. Augustine) 16:43

7M ago16:43

16:43

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 S…

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