Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Fr. Basil Nortz discusses his book Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God, showing how silence is an active and positive disposition that opens the soul to God. Inspired by a 19th-century Carthusian nun’s list of 12 types of silence, he developed this framework over years of retreats and pastoral work. True silence is not merely an absence of noise but a means of deepening one’s attentiveness to God’s voice. Drawing from the wisdom of the saints, he explores different forms of silence, such as those of speech, body, senses, imagination, and memory. Each serves to protect interior peace and foster recollection in a world filled with constant distractions. Cultivating holy silence helps believers grow spiritually, recognize God’s will, and resist the unnecessary noise that can drown out divine guidance.
Fr. Nortz also discusses the role of angels in guiding the soul and the need for discipline in speech and media consumption. He warns against the dangers of defamation, excessive communication, and sensory overload while encouraging engagement with sacred art, quality literature, and uplifting music. Monastic wisdom, such as reciting the Sanctus before activities, provides practical ways to maintain awareness of God’s presence. By practicing silence properly, believers create an inner sanctuary where God dwells, leading to a deeper life of contemplation and union with Him.
To listen to part 2 of our conversation visit here: Fr. Basil North – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* How can embracing silence in daily life help deepen your relationship with God and strengthen your interior peace?
* Which types of silence—speech, body, senses, imagination, or memory—present the greatest challenge in your spiritual journey, and how can you cultivate them more intentionally?
* What practical steps can you take to limit unnecessary noise, whether from media, conversations, or technology, to create space for recollection and prayer?
* How can greater discipline in speech, including avoiding gossip, detraction, and idle talk, reflect a deeper commitment to holiness and love for others?
* How do the images, stories, and memories you engage with shape your spiritual life, and what changes might help purify your imagination and recollection?
* In what ways can a stronger awareness of your guardian angel’s presence help you recognize God’s guidance and resist spiritual distractions?
* How can surrounding yourself with sacred art, quality literature, and uplifting music draw your mind and heart closer to God’s presence?
* What lessons from the Desert Fathers, Benedictines, and other spiritual traditions can be applied to modern life to foster a greater sense of recollection and devotion?
* How does cultivating silence help you recognize God’s providence in the details of your life, rather than seeing events as random or dictated by fate?
* What adjustments in your prayer life can help incorporate silence as an essential means of listening to God and growing in intimacy with Him?



You can find the book here.
From the book description:
“Fr. Basil Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can — even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion,

Fr. Quan Tran – The Imitation of Mary on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Fr. Quan Tran joins Kris McGregor to discuss his book The Imitation of Mary: Keys to Growth in Virtue and Grace and his ministry, Fullness of Grace. Drawing on Scripture and the saints, he distills twelve Marian qualities—beginning with humility and confidence in God—and shows how grace always invites a free, active response. Each chapter ends with short, concrete practices so the teaching becomes lived: conforming our will to God’s, cultivating sacrificial love (Aquinas’ “to will the good of the other,” elevated to agape), practicing self-forgetfulness and acceptance, and removing everyday obstacles to holiness (phone habits, unguarded media, poor boundaries). He urges steady prayer and deep union with the Lord, noting that the fruits of the sacraments—especially the Eucharist and Confession—depend partly on our interior disposition.
Fr. Tran presents Mary as mother and model who faced real trials yet responded with a continual “yes.” He addresses hesitation about Marian devotion by returning to Christ’s gift of His Mother and to her role in leading us closer to Him. The book, suitable for personal use or group study, synthesizes classic spiritual themes—abandonment to Providence, docility to God’s will—into a practical path for daily growth in holiness, one intentional choice at a time.
You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* Where is pride subtly shaping my choices, and what concrete act of hidden humility could I do today?
* In what situation do I need to place fresh confidence in God rather than in my own plans?
* How am I practically living Mary’s counsel to “do whatever He tells you” in this season?
* What grace might be “passing by my door” because I’m not responding promptly or wholeheartedly?
* Where can I practice love as sacrifice—giving up time, comfort, or preference for another’s true good?
* When have I chosen self-forgetfulness over self-focus this week, and what did it free in me?
* Can I accept being unappreciated for doing good, entrusting the outcome to God?
* How attentive and reverent is my disposition at Mass and Confession, and how could I prepare better?
* What small, specific step would deepen my daily prayer and union with the Lord?



About the Book
“Our Lord is constantly pouring out graces upon mankind, yet only a few — those closest to His heart — know how to receive them. Sadly, countless graces are left unclaimed (likely many by you!) and are thus never allowed to further God’s will on earth.
How different our lives would be if we accessed God’s grace more intentionally!
Thankfully, God in His compassion gave us a perfect model for disposing ourselves to His graces and responding to them: the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In The Imitation of Mary, Fr. Quan Tran shows you how to imitate the twelve essential qualities of Mary in order to unleash a torrent of graces in your life. He explains that, like any gift, grace must be received, opened, and used. As you learn how, you’ll begin to acquire the temperaments, dispositions, and qualities that are most pleasing to God — and you’ll serve as a channel of God’s grace for others.
You’ll also learn:

* The three major obstacles to living a life of faith
* What to do if you experience a crisis of faith
* The four levels of happiness — and how to acquire them
* How it’s possible for you to merit an increase in graces
* Seven ways you can cultivate a rich devotion to Our Lady
* The difference between sanctifying grace and actual grace
* The four effects that grace will have on your soul”...

David Scott – The Love That Made Mother Teresa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
In this episode, Kris McGregor and David Scott discuss his book The Love That Made Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa’s life reveals that God is love, not in abstract terms but through tangible works of mercy. Anecdotes highlight her care for the sick, the dying, and the forgotten, showing love expressed in small but profound acts. Scott notes that her childhood—marked by her mother’s openness to the poor—helped shape this vision, and her vocation was further clarified through her “call within a call.” Mother Teresa’s “little way,” akin to St. Thérèse’s spirituality, demonstrated how holiness is lived through daily acts of generosity rather than grand gestures.
The book explores her toughness and courage, her kinship with figures like Dorothy Day, and the hidden sufferings she endured, including spiritual darkness. Scott frames her witness as God’s response to a century dominated by ideologies that devalued the human person—she embodied a “revolution of love” that countered worldly powers. Her legacy continues through the Missionaries of Charity and her enduring example of Matthew 25 lived out: feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted, and recognizing Christ in those most difficult to love. The takeaway is simple yet demanding: to “do little things with great love,” allowing even small sacrifices in everyday life to transform hearts and the world.
You can find the book here.


About the Book
The countless sweet photos of her smiling at babies showed Mother Teresa to be a single-minded advocate for the poor. But she was a woman with a will whose strength has been matched by few souls in history. Mother Teresa broke death’s stranglehold on the poor of Calcutta, and she showed us how to conquer the sin and darkness in what she called the “slums of the hearts of modern man.”
Part biography and part spiritual reading, these pages bring to light little-known stories from Mother Teresa’s life that will help you to grow in your love of God. You will learn her approach to reading Scripture, what enabled her to persevere through agonizing nights, and the remarkable — some would say mystical — events that led her to start the Missionaries of Charity.
In considering Mother Teresa, her private visions, and her secret sufferings, David Scott has discovered scores of early episodes and chance encounters that point to later, larger meanings. These remarkable patterns, he suggests, show that Mother Teresa’s life was choreographed from above, as if a divine script had been written for her from before her birth.
In these pages, you will meet for the first time the Mother Teresa who challenged the ancient Goddess of Death and became the first saint of our global village. You will read her long-secret letters describing the dark nights of her soul. The woman you will meet is one that God Himself sent to you as a clear sign that despite pain and suffering in our lives and in our world, God’s good love will prevail . . . beginning in the slums of our hearts.
We are all called to holiness, and the saints are sent to us as “real life” examples of God’s love. With Mother Teresa as your guide, you’ll learn how to follow God’s call and find holiness in a world marked by the shadow of death and growing indifference to God. Indeed, you’ll learn how to be an everyday missionary of Christ’s love in the ordinary activities of your daily life.

Susan Conroy – Praying with Mother Teresa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Susan Conroy reflects on her friendship with Mother Teresa, which began when she was 21 and traveled to Calcutta to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity. She recalls the joy and peace that radiated from Mother Teresa’s presence, describing it as an encounter with holiness that overflowed into her own service among the poor and suffering. Susan highlights Mother Teresa’s humility, noting that despite global recognition and awards, she lived with deep self-forgetfulness, seeing herself only as a simple instrument in God’s hands. This humility revealed a profound truth about sanctity: greatness is found in becoming small, gentle, and surrendered to God’s will.
The discussion also explores the themes found in Susan’s book Praying with Mother Teresa, which shares the prayers and spiritual practices Mother Teresa lived daily. Mother Teresa taught that the first vocation of every person, including her own sisters, is to belong to Christ, and from that relationship flows the mission of serving others. She invites us to see their own “Calcutta” in family, home, and community, where acts of love, patience, and kindness are most needed. Through stories and insights, Susan conveys that Mother Teresa’s legacy is not merely admiration but imitation—living a mission of love rooted in humility, prayer, and closeness to Christ.
You can get a copy of the book here

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* How does Mother Teresa’s humility challenge your understanding of true greatness before God?
* Where do you notice “heavenly joy” arising in the midst of difficult or messy places in your life?
* In what concrete ways can you “belong to Jesus” first, before any external service today?
* Who in your home most needs your patience and kindness right now, and what will you do about it?
* What would it look like to let God “write the story” while you remain a simple instrument in his hand?
* Where is your “Calcutta” nearby—someone lonely, sick, or forgotten whom you can love this week?
* How might you move from admiring holy people to imitating their virtues in daily choices?
* After receiving Holy Communion, how will you allow Christ to shine through you in practical actions?
* When did you last leave someone “better and happier,” and how can that become your daily habit?
* Which moments at home reveal your “true colors,” and how can grace reshape them?



From the book description
Praying with Mother Teresa brings us into the heart of Mother Teresa’s prayer life! Author Susan Conroy, a personal friend of Mother Teresa, gives us a meditative look at Mother Teresa’s insights on suffering, joy, peace, humility, and poverty, and brings us right into the prayer life of one of the most beloved women of our time, Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Each prayer has been carefully, and prayerfully, selected for use in daily prayer. Mother Teresa gave Susan her blessing and approval to share these words and prayers with others “to bring them peace and joy too.”
About the Author
In the summer of 1986, 21-year-old Susan Conroy journeyed to Calcutta alone to help the Missionaries of Charity. She developed a personal friendship with Mother Teresa that lasted throughout the course of 11 years, until Mother Teresa was called home to God. Susan is the author of nine books, including bestselling Mother Teresa’s Lessons of Love & Secrets of Sanctity, and lives in Portland, Maine.

Dr. Peter Kreeft – I Burned for Your Peace on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Dr. Peter Kreeft joins Kris McGregor to discuss his book I Burned for Your Peace: Augustine’s Confessions Unpacked. He describes St. Augustine as both passionate and brilliant, a rare union of heart and intellect. This blend makes the Confessions timeless—deeply personal yet profoundly theological. The book is written as a prayer, which gives it burning honesty, since St. Augustine is speaking directly to God. The famous line, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you,” is its central theme, showing how St. Augustine’s restless search for truth, meaning, and joy ultimately led him to God through divine grace. His journey of confronting sin, wrestling with doubts, and being guided by his mother St. Monica demonstrates both his humanity and his uniqueness, while also reflecting the universal struggles of every person.
As a guide through St. Augustine’s work, Dr. Kreeft compares the Confessions to a Christmas tree that he helps decorate without obscuring its beauty. St. Augustine’s humility, honesty, and recognition of suffering is essential for spiritual growth. Augustine shows that life is a story with a beginning, middle, and end directed toward God, and his conversion reveals that no one can reach this destiny without grace. His mystical experiences, struggles with evil, and deep relationship with God illustrate both the darkness of sin and the light of divine love. For Dr. Kreeft, reading St. Augustine is not just encountering a saint of the past but a companion for today, someone who reveals what it means to be fully human and fully oriented toward God.
You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* How does Augustine’s description of a restless heart invite you to examine what you are truly seeking in life?
* In what ways can you speak to God in prayer with the same honesty Augustine shows in the Confessions?
* What role does suffering play in your spiritual journey, and how might you unite it with Christ’s own suffering?
* How do you recognize God’s grace working in your life, even when your will resists conversion?
* What can Augustine’s relationship with his mother, Monica, teach you about the power of intercession and perseverance in prayer?
* How do you respond when you see sin in yourself compared to when you see it in others?
* What aspects of Augustine’s story mirror your own search for truth, meaning, and love?
* How can humility, understood as standing in God’s light, shape the way you view yourself and others?
* In what ways does the narrative of your own life reflect God’s ongoing work of redemption?
* How do Augustine’s mystical experiences challenge or inspire your own understanding of encountering God?



About the Book
Popular author and philosopher Peter Kreeft delves into one of the most beloved Christian classics of all time–Augustine’s Confessions. He collects key passages and offers incisive commentary, making Confessions accessible to any reader who is both intellectually curious and spiritually hungry.
The Confessions is a dramatic personal narrative of a soul choosing between eternal life and death, an exploration of the timeless questions great minds have been asking for millennia, and a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God. I Burned for Your Peace is not a scholarly work but an unpacking of the riches found in Augustine’s text. It is existential, personal, and devotional, as well as warm, witty, and thought-provoking. With Kreeft to guide them, readers of the Confessions can overhear and understand the intimate conversation between a towering intellect and the God whose peace he at last humbly accepts.
About the Author
Peter Kreeft,

Sarah Park McLaughlin on “Praying with St. Augustine”
Sarah Park-McLaughlin and Kris McGregor centers on McLaughlin’s book Praying with St. Augustine, a collection of the saint’s prayers drawn from his sermons and writings. McLaughlin shares how she began gathering these prayers decades ago after being moved by hearing them at a retreat. Despite initial rejections from publishers, she felt guided to persevere, and Sophia Institute Press eventually published the collection. St. Augustine’s prayers are timeless, personal, and deeply moving, often combining Scripture with heartfelt cries for mercy, praise, and understanding. McLaughlin highlights how Augustine’s humility and honesty about his struggles make him relatable, not a distant “plaster saint.”
The book explores St. Augustine’s life and impact: his conversion through the prayers of his mother, St. Monica; his role as bishop in North Africa; his defense of the faith against heresies; and his enduring influence on the Church through writings like The City of God and Confessions. McLaughlin notes that his prayers are varied—ranging from praise to petition to meditations on divine mysteries—and can serve as guides for anyone seeking a deeper prayer life. She stresses that the book is both devotional and instructional, accessible to those new to Augustine as well as lifelong students of his work, offering prayers that draw us into a more intimate relationship with God.
You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* How do St. Augustine’s struggles and conversion story invite me to see God’s mercy at work in my own life?
* In what ways can I make Augustine’s heartfelt prayers part of my personal prayer routine?
* How do Augustine’s prayers of praise challenge me to go beyond petitions and simply glorify God?
* What role does humility play in my conversations with God, as it did for Augustine?
* How can St. Monica’s perseverance in prayer encourage me to keep interceding for loved ones who are far from the faith?
* Which of Augustine’s images of God—such as “banquet of love” or “ancient yet new beauty”—most stirs my heart to prayer?
* How does Augustine’s openness about weakness inspire me to be honest with God about my own struggles?
* What does Augustine’s integration of Scripture into his prayers teach me about praying with the Word of God?
* How might Augustine’s prayers of petition help me to recognize my dependence on God each day?
* In what ways can Augustine’s example guide me to deepen both my knowledge of God and my love for Him?



From the book description
“For years, there have been no books of St. Augustine’s prayers available. Finally, in this treasure trove, you will find select prayers from his works — some of the most potent prayers ever composed. As you read the innermost thoughts of the greatest Church Father, you will be transported in time and learn how to pray with the heart of a saint. St. Augustine’s timeless words will help you encounter the “Beauty of ancient days, yet ever new” face-to-face and experience the relationship between praying and believing.
As Dr. Kreeft explains, “No Christian writer, perhaps no writer at all, has ever been as eloquent as St. Augustine. Few have been as philosophically and theologically profound, or as passionately in love with God…. No passages in Augustine’s writings are more eloquent than his prayers, or more profound than his prayers, or more saintly than his prayers, for prayer is the very lifeblood of sanctity.”
These precious gems are uplifting and accessible to all. Covering a range of topics and styles,

Anne Costa – Embracing Edith Stein on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Kris McGregor and Anne Costa discuss Anne’s book, Embracing Edith Stein: Wisdom for Women from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, which aims to introduce Edith Stein’s rich spirituality to a broader audience and her significance for women today.
Describing Edith Stein’s life, from her birth in Germany as the youngest of 11 children, through her rise as a prominent philosopher, to her eventual conversion to Catholicism inspired by the writings of St. Teresa of Avila and the example of devout Catholics; Edith’s intellectual journey was marked by a deep pursuit of truth, which eventually led her to Catholicism and a vocation as a Carmelite nun.
Edith’s writings, particularly on the nature and mission of women, are highlighted as deeply relevant today. Her thoughts on the complementarity of men and women, the importance of self-possession for women, and the need to balance intellectual and spiritual life resonate strongly in contemporary times. The podcast underscores how her wisdom, grounded in both personal experience and profound faith, offers practical guidance for modern women.
You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* Encountering Truth in Our Lives: How do I seek truth in my daily life, and am I open to the possibility that true wisdom may come from an encounter with Christ rather than just intellectual pursuit?
* Embracing Our Feminine Gifts: In what ways can I better understand and utilize my unique gifts as a woman, according to God’s design, to serve my family and community?
* The Cross and Suffering: How do I perceive and carry my own crosses, and can I learn from St. Edith Stein’s example to embrace suffering with hope and trust in God’s ultimate triumph?
* Role of Prayer in Daily Life: Do I prioritize time for prayer in the midst of my daily responsibilities, allowing God to order my day and give me the strength to fulfill my duties?
* Influence of Saints on Our Spiritual Journey: How can I foster a deeper relationship with the saints, particularly St. Edith Stein, to guide and support me in my spiritual growth during challenging times?


From the book description:
“Embracing Edith Stein shows how the different aspects of the life and teachings of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross can serve as a guide for women and their unique vocation today. Written in a friendly, conversational style, this is one woman sharing the story of her friendship with this saint with her readers.”
About the Author
Anne Costa is a Catholic author and speaker with five books published including Embracing Edith Stein: Wisdom for Women from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Servant) and Refresh Me Lord! Meditations to Renew a Women’sSpirit (The Word Among Us Press). She works with two apostolates: Sacred Heart Apostolate, Inc. as communications officer and the John Paul II Center for Women, Inc. Anne is a wife and mother, and enjoys traveling, painting and Eucharistic adoration.

In this episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor speaks with Leila Lawler about the beautifully illustrated book Hildegard’s Garden by French author Paul Frees. The conversation centers on the multifaceted life and legacy of St. Hildegard of Bingen, a twelfth-century Benedictine abbess, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. Lawler shares how her appreciation for Hildegard deepened over time—first sparked by Pope Benedict XVI’s declaration of Hildegard as a Doctor of the Church and later nourished by her daughters’ interest in Hildegard’s sacred music and by reading Victoria Sweet’s God’s Hotel.
The book itself is far more than a botanical or herbal manual. While it features stunning illustrations and practical remedies based on Hildegard’s understanding of healing herbs, it also offers a compelling biography and highlights Hildegard’s philosophy of creation, healing, and divine vitality—what Hildegard called viriditas, the greening life force. McGregor and Lawler explore how Hildegard’s holistic view of the world was deeply rooted in Benedictine spirituality, which integrated prayer, work, hospitality, and care for the whole person. They also discuss how Pope Benedict XVI saw Hildegard—and other mystics such as Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, and Julian of Norwich—as key voices in reviving a richer, more integrated theology, especially one attentive to the mystery and beauty of God’s presence in creation. The podcast affirms Hildegard’s relevance not only for her time but especially for ours, where a recovery of reverence for creation and the wisdom of the saints is urgently needed.

Discerning Hearts spiritual reflection questions:

How does Hildegard of Bingen’s concept of viriditas invite us to see God’s life-giving presence in creation and in our own healing?
In what ways can Hildegard’s integration of faith, science, and art inspire a more unified approach to our spiritual and physical well-being?
How might Benedictine hospitality, as practiced by Hildegard, reshape the way we care for those who are suffering in our communities?
What can we learn from Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to highlight women mystics like Hildegard as vital contributors to theology and Church renewal?
How does reading Hildegard’s letters give us a deeper understanding of her humility, obedience, and spiritual authority?
In what ways does Hildegard’s view of the cosmos challenge the modern tendency to separate God from His creation?
How can Hildegard’s practical wisdom about herbs, rest, and natural rhythms inform how we care for ourselves and our families today?
What role does beauty—in nature, music, and daily life—play in leading us toward a deeper knowledge and love of God?


You can find the book here
From the book description:
Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a mystic and scholar who chronicled more than six hundred pages of visions, wrote cantatas, and even devised her own language. She authored The Book of Divine Works, Causes and Cures, and Scivias and corresponded with the greatest intellectuals, theologians, and royals of her time.
As a pioneer of European phytotherapy, Hildegard described and cataloged hundreds of ingredients from plant, mineral, and animal origins. Her recipes, remedies, nutritional advice, and holistic view of the human being are as valued and appreciated today as when she developed them nearly a thousand years ago.
This book faithfully applies Hildegard’s pioneering thought to everyday living in our time. In these potent pages, you will find the medicinal properties of essential herbs as well as how to identify, utilize, and cultivate them. You will also learn:

* “Hildegard’s elixir” for curing common ailments

Fr. Sean Davidson – Saint Mary Magdalene on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Fr. Sean Davidson joins Kris McGregor to discuss his book St. Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love. Drawing from his experience serving at the Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene in Provence, France, Fr. Davidson presents Mary Magdalene not only as a historical figure but as a deeply contemplative soul. He argues in favor of the traditional view that identifies Mary Magdalene with both the repentant sinner in Luke’s Gospel and Mary of Bethany, citing scriptural patterns, patristic writings (notably from St. Augustine and St. Gregory the Great), and longstanding devotion in both East and West. He reflects on her recurring posture at Jesus’ feet as a sign of profound love and devotion, and explores how this reverent presence culminates in her being the first to proclaim the Resurrection.
Fr. Davidson portrays Mary Magdalene as a model of Eucharistic love and transformation, someone who teaches us how to approach Christ with awe and total surrender. Saints like St. Teresa of Avila and St. Catherine of Siena were inspired by her example, and her legacy offers deep hope for conversion and holiness. He expresses concern over modern reductions of her identity—both scholarly and cultural—but insists that a prayerful reading of the Gospels reveals a prophetic and saintly figure uniquely devoted to Jesus. Mary Magdalene, he says, continues to be a powerful spiritual mother and teacher, especially for those who long to grow in love for Christ in the Eucharist.
You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* How does Mary Magdalene’s unwavering presence at the feet of Jesus challenge my own posture of prayer and devotion?
* What can I learn from her transformation from sinner to saint about the power of Christ’s mercy in my own life?
* In what ways do I encounter Christ in the Eucharist with the same amazement and love that Mary Magdalene demonstrated?
* How do I respond when others misunderstand or criticize my expressions of faith, as Mary Magdalene was often criticized?
* Am I willing to be led by tradition and the Church Fathers in deepening my understanding of the saints, even amid modern scholarly debates?
* How can Mary Magdalene’s bold witness to the Resurrection inspire me to share the Gospel more openly and courageously?
* What gestures of love for Christ—like Mary’s anointing—can I offer in my daily life?
* In what ways do I allow the opinions of others to distract me from what Christ thinks of me?
* Do I see my past sins, once confessed, as potential testimonies to God’s mercy, as Mary Magdalene’s life illustrates?
* How can I bring Mary Magdalene’s example into my family life and spiritual formation, especially for the next generation?



About the Book
Adoration is love, and eucharistic adoration is love of Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament. In the Gospels there are few people who understand love for Jesus as well as Mary Magdalene, which is the reason she is a prophetess of eucharistic love.
This work is an extended meditation on the life of Saint Mary Magdalene, known as the “Apostle to the Apostles” because the Risen Christ appeared to her first and then sent her to announce the Resurrection to the apostles. Based on the biblical texts traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene, this book helps readers to learn from her inspiring example and to enter more deeply into adoration of Jesus Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.
In telling the story of Mary Magdalene’s profound conversion after the Lord had to expel seven demons from her soul, this book shows how she is a shining witness to the transforming power of an encounter with Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene is the perfect model for those wh...

Why We Think What We Think by Dan LeRoy on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
In this episode of Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor, guest Dan LeRoy discusses his book, which explores the decline of philosophical thinking in the Western world. They discuss the importance of philosophy for fostering critical thinking and understanding cultural shifts. LeRoy critiques modern philosophy for becoming disconnected from practical realities, arguing that it has contributed to societal confusion and dissatisfaction.
They explore historical and philosophical influences, highlighting how figures like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and later, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, have shaped Western thought. The discussion emphasizes the enduring relevance of classical philosophers and the consequences of abandoning their teachings in modern times. LeRoy argues that reconnecting with these foundational ideas is essential for addressing contemporary issues and achieving true happiness, which aligns with the pursuit of virtue and truth.
LeRoy also critiques modern philosophical trends that prioritize individual happiness over communal responsibility, linking these trends to broader societal unhappiness. The conversation underscores the need for a philosophical renaissance that embraces ancient and medieval thinkers’ rigorous, virtue-oriented approach to remedying modern existential and ethical dilemmas.
You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

* Personal Reflection on Philosophy: How does your understanding of philosophy align with the perspectives shared by Dan Leroy? In what ways can you incorporate philosophical thinking into your daily life to make more informed, virtuous decisions?
* Role of Virtue: How do you define virtue in your own life? Reflect on how the pursuit of virtue can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment, as discussed by LeRoy. Are there areas in your life where you could strive more actively for virtue?
* Influence of Historical Philosophers: Consider the impact of philosophers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas on your own understanding of the world. How do their teachings on truth and virtue resonate with your personal beliefs and practices?
* Modern Philosophy’s Disconnect: LeRoy discusses the disconnect of modern philosophy from practical and ethical concerns. Reflect on any modern philosophical ideas or movements you are aware of. Do you agree that they are disconnected from “real-world” applications? Why or why not?
* Critical Thinking in Culture: In what ways do you think critical thinking is lacking in today’s culture? How can the revival of classical philosophical principles contribute to solving contemporary problems?
* Philosophy and the Catholic Faith: Reflect on how philosophy can complement your Catholic faith. How can embracing philosophical inquiry enhance your spiritual life and your understanding of Catholic teachings?
* Community and Individualism: Reflect on the tension between individualism and community responsibilities as discussed in the episode. How do you balance personal freedom with communal obligations in your own life?
* Pursuit of Truth and Happiness: How does your pursuit of truth impact your happiness? Do you agree with the assertion that true happiness comes from fulfilling our purpose and seeking virtue? Why or why not?
* Engagement with Philosophical Texts: Are there philosophical texts or thinkers you have been meaning to explore? What might be holding you back, and how could engaging with these materials enrich your intellectual and spiritual life?
* Action Steps: Based on the discussion in the podcast, what are some practical steps you can take to deepen your philosophical understanding and apply it to your life challenges?

Anthony DeStefano – The Miracle Book on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
In this episode of Inside the Pages, Anthony DeStefano discusses his latest work The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking for the Impossible with host Kris McGregor. His book approaches the subject of miracles through a lens of theological clarity and practical spirituality.
The difference between extraordinary, supernatural events and more common, grace-filled answers to prayer is that they may appear natural but are divinely orchestrated. The tension between trusting God’s providence and making specific petitions, shows that such paradoxes deepen rather than diminish true faith. Drawing from Scripture, Church tradition, and personal stories, including the illness and death of his father, Anthony offers us a framework for understanding how God’s responses—though often unexpected—are always rooted in love and order.
A central theme is the call to interior conversion when seeking miracles: aligning spoken prayers with the deeper needs of the soul, practicing trust in divine timing, and accepting that God often answers in ways beyond human comprehension. We must persist in hopeful prayer and utilize concrete spiritual practices that foster receptivity to God’s intervention—not magical thinking, but humble cooperation with divine grace.
You can buy the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

* What is the difference between asking God for what you want and asking for what your soul truly needs?
* How do you understand the distinction between miraculous interventions and natural but providential outcomes in your life?
* In what ways might you be unintentionally limiting God by expecting Him to act according to your specific solutions?
* How can you practice both persistent prayer and decisive trust in God’s will without falling into discouragement?
* Are there any “unanswered prayers” in your past that, in hindsight, reveal a deeper grace or purpose?
* What role does personal conversion play in preparing your heart to receive a miracle?
* How do you see God’s providence working through the ordinary events of your life?
* Do you find it difficult to surrender your desires to God’s will, and why might that be?
* How can embracing the paradoxes of faith help you grow in spiritual maturity?
* Who in your life can you invite to pray with you in times of need, and how might communal intercession strengthen your faith?


From the book’s description:
At some point everyone needs a miracle.
It might involve your health, your finances, your family, or feelings of anxiety or hopelessness. But there comes a time when all of us experience the need for supernatural help, whether we have faith or not.
Numerous books have been written on miracles, but few explain in clear, practical, theologically sound language how to ask for one.
So many people in the world are suffering but don’t know how to receive help. Some beg and plead with God. Some negotiate, promising that they will change their ways if only He will grant them this one request. But then, if their request is not answered in the way they desire, they lose faith or get angry or sink into despair.
There is a better way.
There is a method of praying for a miracle that guarantees the best possible chance of getting a yes from God — or at least alleviation of our stress and satisfaction for our souls.
Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano explains this powerful new approach and, in the process, relates exactly how to overcome your fears and to experience “the peace that transcends all understanding.”
Through his conversational style, compelling real-life stories, and wisdom, DeStefano explains:

Fr. James Kubicki S.J. – A Heart on Fire on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
In this episode of Inside the Pages, Fr. James Kubicki discusses his book A Heart on Fire: Rediscovering Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He explores the meaning and history of this devotion, tracing it back to the early Church rather than starting with St. Margaret Mary. Fr. Kubicki explains that the heart of Jesus represents his whole being, particularly his self-giving love and compassion. Through stories like that of Admiral Jeremiah Denton, he illustrates how trust and surrender to Christ can be transformative even in the darkest trials. This devotion is not sentimental nostalgia, but a profound spiritual path rooted in Scripture, Eucharistic spirituality, and the Church’s tradition.
The Sacred Heart calls Christians to deeper prayer and action. Fr. Kubicki highlights that devotion must be lived out—through practices like the Morning Offering, family consecration, and awareness of Christ’s presence throughout daily life. Far from being a private piety, he presents it as a way of participating in Jesus’ compassionate response to the suffering of the world. The Sacred Heart, he explains, helps move the faithful from intellectual assent to a loving, personal relationship with Christ, guiding them to integrate head and heart in their spiritual lives and sacramental worship.
You can find the book here

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* How does understanding the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a symbol of His whole person and love affect your personal relationship with Him?
* In what ways can you offer your daily joys and sufferings to Jesus as part of a spiritual “morning offering”?
* How does the story of Admiral Denton challenge you to deepen your trust and surrender to Christ in times of hardship?
* What does it mean for your home and family life to enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus as king and center?
* How can devotion to the Sacred Heart lead you to greater awareness of and response to the suffering of others?
* Are there aspects of your faith life that remain only intellectual, and how might you allow them to move into your heart?
* How can participation in the Eucharist become more personal and prayerful for you through devotion to the Sacred Heart?
* What might Jesus be asking you to let go of in your life in order to love more fully with His heart?
* How do the lives of saints like St. Gertrude, St. Margaret Mary, or Mother Teresa inspire your own devotion to the Sacred Heart?
* What practical steps can you take this week to live out the love of Christ’s heart in your interactions with others?



About the Book
In A Heart on Fire: Rediscovering Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rev. James Kubicki, SJ, presents a persuasive and engaging guide to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an age-old and often misunderstood Catholic devotion. He delves into the rich theological and spiritual roots of the devotion and demonstrates how the faithful may encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus in one another, scripture, the sacraments, and especially in the Eucharist.
Fr. Kubicki, former national director of the Apostleship of Prayer (now the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network), brings to life the rich imagery associated with the devotion’s history and provides a contemporary look at traditional devotions like the Twelve Promises, family consecration and enthronement,

The Lasting Influence of St. Augustine, Pt. 3 – In Conversation with Deacon Omar Gutierrez
Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor discuss the enduring significance of St. Augustine in Catholic thought, the Church’s spiritual life, and how he may influence Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. St. Augustine made an immense impact on Western theology, especially his influence on St. Thomas Aquinas, and how this shaped Catholic social teaching through Rerum Novarum. St. Augustine’s deep interior exploration in Confessions resonated with saints like St. Teresa of Avila and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (aka Edith Stein). St. Augustine’s vision in City of God contrasts the self-centered “city of man” with the divine love found in the “city of God,” presenting to us a framework relevant to contemporary challenges of community, power, and personal meaning.
St. Augustine’s personal journey—his moral struggles, intellectual conversion, and his mother Monica’s faithful intercession—is a mirror for today’s searchers, especially in an era marked by isolation and distraction. Deacon Omar reflects on his own experience with the Augustinian spirit of charity and dialogue, pointing out how their emphasis on unity in essentials, freedom in non-essentials, and charity in all things could guide the Church forward, particularly in Catholic social teaching.
For Part 1 of this conversation, click here.
For Part 2 of this conversation, click here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

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


Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.
About his book, “A Summary of Rerum Novarum or On Capital and Labor”
This short introduction provides the historical background for Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum as well as some detail about the pope himself. It also provides a paragraph-by-paragraph summary of the document to better understand the teaching. This is ideal for students of the document and those studying Catholic Social Teaching.
You can buy a copy of the book here.

Marlene Watkins – Everyday Miracles of Lourdes on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
In this episode of ‘Inside the Pages’, Marlene Watkins shares her deep connection to Lourdes through her work with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers and her new book Everyday Miracles of Lourdes.
Marlene Watkins recounts how the Blessed Mother revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception to a simple, poor, and uneducated girl—a truth St. Bernadette communicated with unwavering sincerity and the enduring grace of Lourdes as a place where physical and spiritual transformations continue today.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

* How does the story of St. Bernadette inspire you to trust in God’s work through the lowly and humble?
* What does the title “Immaculate Conception” reveal to you about the unique role of the Blessed Mother?
* How might the experience of pilgrimage to Lourdes deepen your own spiritual life?
* In what ways are you being invited to seek healing—physical, emotional, or spiritual—in your life right now?
* How does the unwavering simplicity and honesty of St. Bernadette challenge your approach to living and sharing the faith?
* What role does humility play in allowing God’s grace to act through you, as it did through Bernadette?
* How does contemplating the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette affect your understanding of holiness and eternal life?
* Where in your life are you called to greater trust in divine providence, as shown in Bernadette’s acceptance of her sufferings?
* How can you foster deeper devotion to the Blessed Mother in your daily prayer life?
* What spiritual or physical “pilgrimage” is the Holy Spirit inviting you to undertake at this moment in your journey?


From the book’s description:


Though they escape the notice of many, stunning miracles of healing take place each and every day at Our Lady’s Grotto in Lourdes, France. Inexplicable, biblical-like healings of body, mind, and spirit leave visitors with the gifts of peace and renewed faith. Here is the book that will move you, deepen your faith in Our Lady’s active involvement in our world, and help you personally encounter Our Lord.
Marlene Watkins recounts twenty astounding true stories of miracles at Lourdes, including her own watershed healing, which inspired her to establish Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers and become the first volunteer.
In these absorbing pages, you will marvel at how these volunteer helpers bring the sick to the Grotto — and then also experience healings themselves.
You will read the stories of people who were cured and reconciled with God — from babies to preteens to near centenarians. You will be inspired, for instance, by the testimony of a woman with a progressive neurodegenerative disease who not only went to Lourdes to selflessly care for the sick but later returned to receive a gift from Our Eucharistic Lord and Our Lady.
In chapter after chapter, you will encounter men and women who were healed from debilitating traumas, panic attacks, or mood swings.
You will be consoled by stories of women who experienced the loss of babies, including by abortion, and found solace in the arms of our Heavenly Mother.
And you will encounter a man who was struggling with faith and was drawn to Lourdes, where he met the Blessed Mother. Moreover, you will discover:

* The three Ps of the Gospel message at Lourdes and how they relate to your life
* How we will enter Heaven (it’s not the way you may think!)
* A remarkable miracle of the “time-suspending, life-saving Rosary”
* One simple prayer that St. Bernadette taught that can get you into Heaven
* How a young woman’s wish was fulfilled and helped numerous souls
...

Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum, Pt. 2 – In Conversation with Deacon Omar Gutierrez
Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor take a look at the remarkable legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who inspired Pope Leo XIV’s chosen name, and his major contributions to modern Catholic thought and life and his wide-ranging influence: reviving Thomistic philosophy, championing the Sacred Heart devotion, initiating the Saint Michael Prayer, and issuing over 80 encyclicals that addressed freedom, citizenship, and social responsibility. Pope Leo XIII’s guidance helped unify the Benedictine orders, supported missionary efforts of saints like Thérèse of Lisieux, Frances Cabrini, and Katharine Drexel, and offered a vision of the Church that engaged deeply with modern challenges. His encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching: a response to industrialization rooted in the dignity of the human person, especially the working poor.
They discuss connections between Leo XIII’s era and current developments such as artificial intelligence and economic shifts. We shouldn’t reduce Catholic social teaching to political ideologies or mislabeling it as socialist. Instead, we must look at it from the truth that it stems from a call to love God and neighbo: caring for the vulnerable, implementing ethical labor practices, and the right use of property are not merely political concerns but spiritual imperatives grounded in Christ’s command to serve.
For Part 1 of this conversation, click here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

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


Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.
About his book, “A Summary of Rerum Novarum or On Capital and Labor”
This short introduction provides the historical background for Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum as well as some detail about the pope himself. It also provides a paragraph-by-paragraph summary of the document to better understand the teaching. This is ideal for students of the document and those studying Catholic Social Teaching.
You can buy a copy of the book here.

Dr. Matthew Bunson – Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Kris McGregor interviews Dr. Matthew Bunson about his new book on Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Dr. Bunson recounts the extraordinary events surrounding Pope Francis’s final days and the surprising election that followed. He offers a deeply personal perspective on the historic transition, describing his experience covering the month-long period in Rome with EWTN. Dr. Bunson reflects on the unexpected yet providential choice of Pope Leo XIV—a U.S.-born Augustinian with extensive missionary and Vatican experience—and explores why he resonated so strongly with the College of Cardinals.
Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is already marked by clarity, humility, and theological depth rooted in the Augustinian tradition, as well as the Pope’s focus on the dignity of the human person, renewal of Catholic social teaching, and the global challenges posed by technology and modernity. With insight into the papal conclave, the Church’s current needs, and Pope Leo XIV’s spiritual and pastoral formation, Dr. Bunson presents a compelling portrait of a man uniquely positioned to guide the Church in a new era of both continuity and renewal.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

* How does the unexpected election of Pope Leo XIV challenge your assumptions about how the Holy Spirit guides the Church?
* What can Pope Leo XIV’s missionary background teach you about serving Christ across cultures and boundaries?
* How might the Augustinian motto “In Christ, we are one” shape your approach to unity in your parish or community?
* In what ways can you foster greater clarity and charity when sharing the truths of the Catholic faith?
* How can you respond with trust when God’s plans surprise or disrupt your expectations?
* What role does the Liturgy of the Hours or Church Fathers like Augustine play in your personal spiritual growth?
* How do you discern the dignity of each person in light of today’s technological and societal shifts?
* What does the reverence Pope Leo XIV shows for Church tradition invite you to reconsider in your own relationship with the Church’s teachings?
* How can you contribute to healing divisions within the Church by anchoring your life more deeply in Christ?
* What might God be asking of you in this new chapter of the Church’s journey under Pope Leo XIV?


From the book’s description:
We have a Pope! And his name is Leo XIV.
But who is this American-born 266th successor to St. Peter? What is the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s vision for the Church, and what impact will his papacy have on Catholics and on the world?
Renowned Vatican journalist Dr. Matthew Bunson offers the first authoritative portrait of the new Holy Father. With unmatched access and a reputation for integrity and insight, Bunson delivers a compelling, richly textured narrative of the new pope’s life, beliefs, and most improbable journey to the Chair of St. Peter.
This book will roll off the presses on May 21st, making it the first definitive biography available to readers worldwide. Accessible, informative, and rooted in journalistic rigor and an intimate understanding of the Church, Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the man inside the white cassock — and the moment in which he will reign.