St. Josemaria Institute Podcast

In this final meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Jesus’ last words before his death: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” These words reveal the complete trust of the Son in the Father and the fulfillment of Christ’s redemptive mission.  This meditation invites us to contemplate the Cross more deeply and to entrust our own struggles, sufferings, and lives to the loving care of God.  PAUSE & REFLECT Are there any inhibitions I need to let go of to more fully abandon myself to God’s providence? How can I carry this peace of abandonment with me beyond the Lenten season? As I conclude my Lenten journey, for what specific resolution could I seek the intercession of St. Josemaria so that I can begin again?  LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections & Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva, available in our online shop. View TranscriptVisit Show Page Support the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTE

In this sixth meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on Jesus’ words: “It is finished.” In this final act of obedience, Christ completes the saving work entrusted to him by the Father and reveals the fullness of his love poured out on the Cross.  Fr. Nicolai invites us to consider how our own lives are part of this work of redemption and to live each day with purpose, offering our actions and sacrifices to God. PAUSE & REFLECT Do I set apart moments of prayer consistently throughout my day to consider the greatness of God’s love for me?   Do I console Our Lord with prayer and penance as an act of reparation for offenses against God?   LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections & Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva, available in our online shop. View TranscriptVisit Show Page Support the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Let us know that our podcast is important to you:Share your favorite episodes wit

In this fifth meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Marty Miller reflects on Jesus’ words: “I thirst.” These words, spoken with great effort from the Cross, reveal both the depth of Christ’s suffering and his profound longing for our salvation. Fr. Miller encourages us to reflect on the personal love Christ has for each of us and to respond to his thirst with renewed faith, repentance, and a deeper commitment to follow him. PAUSE & REFLECT  How can I more regularly strive to see myself and others as God sees us? Do I seek out Christ, present in the Eucharist, and rely on his grace in my interactions with those around me? How can I more closely imitate Our Lady’s example of the spirit of service within my family, work, and friendships?  LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections & Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva, available in our online shop. View TranscriptVisit Show Page Support the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING

In this fourth meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on Jesus’ anguished cry from the Cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” With these words, Christ enters fully into the depths of human suffering, revealing both the weight of sin and his unwavering trust in God the Father. Fr. Leo invites us to bring our own moments of darkness and desolation to prayer, asking for the grace to trust God even when he seems distant, and to unite our suffering to Christ’s redemptive love. PAUSE & REFLECT Who in my life can I lift up in prayer to free them from the power of darkness and entrust them to the light of Christ? Where is the Holy Spirit prompting me to move my attention away from myself—my to-do list, my accomplishments, my shortcomings, my sins—and to refocus on God’s will for my life?  LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL  Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections & Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva, available in our onlin

In this third meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on Jesus’ words from the Cross: “Woman, behold your son.” (…) “Behold your mother.” In this tender exchange, Christ entrusts his Mother to the beloved disciple, and to each of us, revealingthe depth of his love and the gift of Mary’s maternal closeness in our lives. Fr. Ó hAodha invites us this Lent to stand at the foot of the Cross with Our Lady, to receive her confidently as Our Mother, and to learn how to remain close to Jesus in his Passion from her quiet, faithful presence. PAUSE & REFLECT  What worries and hesitations can I give to Our Lady and entrust them to her intercession? In what ways do I shield my heart, keeping it closed off from God or from my loved ones who deserve to find my heart open like Our Lady? What temptations am I battling in my life that I should be seeking out divine help and intercession?  LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of

In this second meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Msgr. Martin Schlag reflects on Jesus’ promise to the Good Thief: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise," which reveals the power and repentance and depth of God's mercy. Msgr. Schlag encourages us to examine our hearts this Lent, ask for the grace of sincere conversion, and place our trust in the saving love of Christ. PAUSE & REFLECT What obstacles do I need to remove to more fully allow the work of the Holy Spirit to mold me into the image of Christ? Do I approach my work with an optimistic Christian outlook? As I look back on my unique journey with Our Lord, for what moments can I give thanks for when he has made his presence most known to me?  LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections & Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva, available in our online shop. View TranscriptVisit Show Page Support the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Let us k

In this first meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on Jesus’ prayer from the Cross: “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” These words, spoken amid suffering, awaken us to the reality of sin and the mercy Christ offers to us even in our blindness. This meditation invites us to approach Lent with seriousness and sincerity, asking for the grace of true contrition and a deeper awareness of God’s point of view. PAUSE & REFLECT How do I make efforts to seek out and accept the mercy of Our Lord through prayer and the sacrament of Penance? How can I deepen my appreciation of the redemptive value of my work—today and throughout the Lenten season? As I begin this season of Lent, what relationships in my life—family, work, or social—requires more effort on my part, particularly to better communicate?  LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL  Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections & Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva, availa

In this meditation marking the 20th anniversary of the St. Josemaría Institute, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the life, spirituality and enduring influence of St. Josemaria Escriva. Fr. Peter explains how St. Josemaria’s vision places the lay faithful at the center of evangelization and reminds us that, "Sanctity is not reserved for a privileged few. All the ways of the earth, every state in life, every profession, every honest task can be divine” (Conversations, no. 26). Listen to reflect on: The lasting fruit of St. Josemaría’s mission The universal call to holiness The mission of the laity in today’s world Evangelization through friendship and daily life Confidence in God’s grace at work through ordinary means The responsibility that comes with receiving a gift View TranscriptVisit Show Page Support the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Let us know that our podcast is important to you: Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Christ’s enduring call to conversion, particularly as we prepare for the penitential season of Lent. Drawing inspiration from the spiritual aspiration of St. Josemaria, “nunc coepi — now I begin,” Fr. Peter reminds us that the Christian life advances through repeated efforts, perseverance in our struggles, and reliance on grace. Listen now to reflect on: Conversion as an ongoing process, not a one-time event The role of prayer, penance, and charity in encountering Christ Why holiness grows through “little conversions” Beginning again with hope rather than discouragement Trusting grace more than personal success  This meditation is an excerpt from  “Come and See”: A Spiritual Retreat. This 5-part audio retreat invites us during the season of Lent to examine our heart, confront the obstacles that impede our relationship with Christ, and renew our desire for conversion. Access the retreat online at www.stjosemaria.org.View TranscriptVisit Show Page Support the sh

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin explores what it means to form and mentor others in the image of Christ. He explains that true formation requires confidence in God’s grace and a willingness to take risks for the sake of growth. By fostering freedom rather than dependence, we help souls mature into responsible disciples capable of generous love and mission. Listen now to reflect on: • How Christ formed his disciples  • Why freedom is necessary for mission • Trust as an act of faith in God’s work • Letting go of control for the sake of growth • Becoming mentors who lead others to God View TranscriptVisit Show Page Support the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Let us know that our podcast is important to you: Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: www.stjosemaria.org Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: Give to

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to rediscover the sacredness woven into every human life, reminding us that each life is meant to be approached with awe, gratitude, and love. Through Scripture and personal anecdotes, Msgr. Dolan encourages us to see others through the eyes of God as precious and beloved. Listen now to reflect on: • Life as a sacred mystery • The dignity present in every person • Reverence as the beginning of love • Gratitude for the gift of existence • Responding to life with compassion and care  View TranscriptVisit Show Page Support the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Let us know that our podcast is important to you: Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: www.stjosemaria.org Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: Give today!

In this meditation, Fr. Marty Miller helps us examine the subtle ways pessimism can take root in the heart, slowly dulling our confidence in God’s will and our own vocation. Fr. Mary illustrates how hope restores clarity, freedom, and peace, and invites us to continually place our trust in God who works through each unique circumstance. Listen now to reflect on: • The spiritual dangers of pessimism • How hope reshapes our vision and expectations • Trusting God’s grace amid uncertainty • The call to live our vocation with confidence • Letting Christ illuminate the path forwardView TranscriptVisit Show Page Support the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Let us know that our podcast is important to you: Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: www.stjosemaria.org Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider helping us keep our episodes free and accessible for all our listeners: Give today!

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the greatest gift that we have from God-- the supernatural virtue of charity. Many of the Mass readings during Christmas, Epiphany and the following days, remind us that God really wants us to think about charity. We are especially reminded of Jesus's desire that we, his disciples, should be known by the love we have for one another. Fr. Peter explains that through our baptism, all of us have charity, together with faith and hope, written in our supernatural genetic code or DNA. God gives us what it takes to love with the heart of Christ.As his disciples, no matter what the culture is like, we know that charity is more powerful than resentment, hatred, and coldness. The light of charity always dissipates darkness, just as life overcomes death and grace overcomes sin.So, as we listen to this meditation, Fr. Peter guides us to pray and ask ourselves: When I'm with my family, my friends and my colleagues, how do they detect that I'm a di

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin invites us to rediscover the transformative power of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Drawing upon the life of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and the gospel story of the paralyzed man, Fr. Leo reflects on how faith, joy, and mission naturally flow from meeting Christ. This meditation challenges us to move beyond fear and place our heart fully on the path God sets before us. Listen now to reflect on: The power of encountering Christ through prayer How faith often acts through friendship and shared courage Cultivating joy and mission in everyday life Pier Giorgio Frassati’s call to live “verso l’alto”—toward the heights Allowing God to transform the world through you View TranscriptVisit Show PageSupport the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Let us know that our podcast is important to you: Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: www.stjosemaria.org Also, if

In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai draws us into the mystery of the Nativity as a moment of profound light shining in darkness. From the difficult journey to Bethlehem to the silence of the manger, we see how God enters the world without spectacle, yet with infinite love. Through Scripture and sharing the witness of the saints, Fr. Eric helps us examine whether our own hearts have become a place truly fit for a King. Listen now to reflect on: The mystery of Christ choosing poverty and humility at his birth Mary and Joseph’s quiet faith amid hardship and rejection What it means to “make room” for Christ in our interior life The Nativity as a call to conversion and simplicity of heart How Advent prepares us to welcome Christ more fully at Christmas Welcoming Christ more intentionally this Christmas season. Download our free Advent devotional, Journey to the Manger, for guided prayer with the writings of St. Josemaria and questions for deeper reflection to accompany our Advent podcast series. View TranscriptVi

In the fourth meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to accompany the Magi on their long, hope-filled journey to Bethlehem. Attentive to the mysterious star and guided through moments of clarity and darkness, the wise men reveal what it means to seek Christ with perseverance, humility, and faith. Through art, Sacred Scripture, and the Magi’s lived experience, Fr. Eric shares how God guides each of us—sometimes through brilliance, sometimes through obscurity—toward the manger. Listen now to reflect on:  • How to follow God’s light even when it seems distant or obscured.  • What the Magi teach us about discernment, perseverance, and trust.  • How darkness, confusion, and uncertainty can still draw us closer to God.  • The unity of shepherds and the Magi before the Child in the manger.  • How the Magi teach us to forgive, to trust, and to keep moving toward God. Download our free Advent devotional, Journey to the Manger, for guided prayer with the writings of St. Josemaria and questions for

In this third meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate the shepherds, who were the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth. Though they appear to be secondary figures in the Nativity story, their recognition of the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes becomes a powerful revelation: the newborn Jesus is the true Lamb of God, the light shining in the darkness, and God-with-us. As we follow their humble faith and joyful haste toward the manger, we ask for hearts ready to recognize Christ’s presence with the same simplicity and awe. Listen now to reflect on:  • The shepherds’ unique role in caring for sacrificial lambs, and how this prepared them to recognize Jesus.  • The symbolism of the swaddling clothes and what they revealed about Christ’s mission.  • The contrast between earthly poverty and the glory of God’s revelation.  • Why the shepherds became the first evangelizers after encountering the Child.  • How their humility, attentiveness, and readiness to adore can shape

In this second meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate St. Joseph, the “strong and silent” figure whose hidden fidelity protected the Savior of the world. Drawing on the Gospels, the devotion of the Church, and the reflections of Pope Francis, he shows how Joseph’s fatherly heart reveals a model of decisive action, humble service, and spiritual readiness. Joseph’s four angelic dreams and his immediate response to each one inspire us to reject procrastination, embrace our mission, and move with trust toward the manger. Listen now to reflect on:  • Joseph’s role as protector of Mary and Jesus  • Why he is a model of courage, responsibility, and reliability  • The meaning of his four dreams and his instant obedience  • How Joseph teaches us to find our mission in the ordinary  • What it means to serve God quietly and faithfully during Advent Download our free Advent devotional, Journey to the Manger, for guided prayer with the writings of St. Josemaria and questions for deeper

In this first meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate Mary, the Blessed Mother, who shows us how to awaken from spiritual lethargy and guides us as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Through the mystery of the Annunciation and her total dedication to God, Mary becomes the one who helps us protect, nourish, and welcome the life of Jesus within us. Listen now to reflect on: The meaning of Advent as a time of awakening and preparation Mary’s total dedication to God from her youth The Annunciation as the beginning of our redemption The power of Marian devotion and sacred images Practical ways to let Mary accompany us through Advent Download our free Advent devotional, Journey to the Manger, for guided prayer with the writings of St. Josemaria and questions for deeper reflection to accompany our Advent podcast series. View TranscriptVisit Show PageSupport the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Let us know that our podcast is important to you: Share your favorite episodes w

In this meditation for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Fr. Leo Austin invites us to contemplate the final gospel of the liturgical year, a gospel in which Christ’s kingship is revealed through the cross in suffering, silence, and mercy.  We are invited to recognize that the kingdom Christ brings is present in the heart of every Christian who asks for grace and opens themselves to his reign. Listen now to reflect on: Why the Cross is the true throne of Christ the King. How the “good thief” reveals a path to conversion. What it means for Christ to reign first in our soul. The difference between suffering like Christ and suffering with Christ. The interior kingdom Christ offers: joy, mercy, and friendship with God.View TranscriptVisit Show PageSupport the showTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Let us know that our podcast is important to you: Share your favorite episodes with others and leave us a rating or review. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: www.stjosemaria.org