St. Josemaria Institute Podcast

In this week’s podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina shares a reflection on the treasure of Christ, present in the Eucharist, and how we can become a living tabernacle in the world today. Fr. Leo draws our attention to the moments prior to the Ascension as Christ shares with his disciples the Great Commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:19-20). This powerful...

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

In this meditation, Msgr. Martin Schlag reflects on the relationship between Our Lady and the Holy Trinity, reminding us that she is a path to deeper union with God. Drawing upon the teachings of St. Josemaria, Msgr. Schlag encourages us in our prayer and conversation with God to be open to the transforming presence of the Trinity is all aspects of our life. Listen and reflect on: The example of the earthly trinity: the Holy Family Mary as a guide to deeper prayer&nbs...

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

In this meditation for the Solemnity of Pentecost, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and the call to deeper interior conversion. Like the Apostles, we are invited to open our hearts to God and allow his grace to shape our desires, choices, and way of life. Listen and reflect on: Examining the deeper motives of the heart Recognizing unhealthy attachments and desires The role of grace in personal transformation Growing in emotional a...

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

St. Josemaria made many Marian pilgrimages throughout his lifetime, seeking Our Lady’s intercession for his continual conversion and of the whole world. Today’s meditation commemorates in a special way St. Josemaria’s pilgrimages to Fatima and his personal friendship with Sister Lucia, one of the visionaries of the apparition. Fr. Marty Miller offers a brief historical account of St. Josemaria at Fatima and reflects on the message of Our Lady calling us to deeper prayer, conversi...

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the spirit of filial trust he witnessed in Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, shaped in large part by his closeness to St. Josemaría. Through that relationship, Blessed Alvaro learned to see God truly as Father and to entrust everything to him with serenity and faith. Fr. Peter encourages us to deepen our own trust in God, learning from the example of the saints to live with greater confidence and interior peace. Listen and reflect on:&n...

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the life and witness of St. Catherine of Siena, whose courageous love for the Church and the Holy Father helped restore unity in a time of division. Her example, deeply admired by St. Josemaria, reminds us that fidelity to Christ is lived through a sincere love for His Church. Fr. Eric invites us to follow this path, growing in unity, praying for the Pope, and responding with faith and trust in our own time. Listen and reflect on:&n...

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on St. Josemaria’s Easter homily, Christ’s Presence in Christians, emphasizing that every true encounter with Christ leads to mission. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we are filled with hope from encountering the Risen Lord which transforms our life and prompts us to share this joy with others. Listen and reflect on: Encountering Christ in a personal and meaningful way The desire to share Christ with others Seeing dai...

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to consider how God’s grace and our freedom work together in the pursuit of holiness. Drawing from the parable of the talents, Fr. Peter reminds us that God believes in our capacity to grow. God does not ask for perfection, but for willingness, an openness to begin again, to try, and to trust that grace multiplies what we offer. Listen now to reflect on: Why God asks us to act, not remain passive The relationship between freedo...

Published: 14 April 2026

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the Feast of Divine Mercy, highlighting God’s desire to pour out an abundance of grace on those who turn to him with trust. Drawing from the writings of St. Faustina, we are reminded that no soul should fear to approach Christ, whose mercy is greater than any sin. Msgr. Dolan invites us to receive Christ's mercy and to live it out, becoming instruments of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding in a world that deeply needs it. Li...

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2026

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&n...

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

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 & REFL...

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2026

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&nbsp...

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2026

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...

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2026

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 ...

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2026

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 remo...

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2026

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. PAU...

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2026

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 refl...

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2026

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...

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2026

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 ...

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2026

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 t...

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2026

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 ...

Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2026

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 hop...

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2026

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 pray...

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2025

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 pover...

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2025

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 ma...

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2025

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 f...

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

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 procrastinatio...

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

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&n...

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

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. ...

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai helps us contemplate Mary’s unwavering dedication to God, exemplified in her Presentation in the Temple. From her youth, she was overshadowed by the power of God, prepared and preserved by grace to become the Mother of Our Redeemer. Drawing on Scripture and the Church’s history of devotion, Fr. Eric reveals how Mary’s fiat at the Annunciation was the fruit of a heart already dedicated and attentive to God’s will. Listen now to reflect on: • Ma...

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on how a plan of life can help us stay anchored in God amid the distractions of daily life. Drawing on the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva, he explains that holiness is achieved through steady, faithful habits that keep us close to Christ throughout the day. To help put this concept into action, explore St. Josemaria's plan of life on our blog: https://stjosemaria.org/plan-of-life/ Listen now to reflect on: • The meaning and ...

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

As we commemorate the souls of all the faithful departed this November, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the Christian meaning of death not as an end but as the great passage into eternal life with God. This meditation helps us face our mortality with peace and gratitude, trusting in Christ’s promise: “I will come back to take you to myself.” Listen now to reflect on: • The Christian meaning of death as a passage, not an end. • The mercy of God that awaits every soul. •...

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

In this meditation, Fr. Javier del Castillo invites us to contemplate the Communion of Saints and the bond that unites all who belong to Christ. Through this divine fraternity, the saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and the faithful on earth share in one life of grace, one mission, and one love. Listen now to reflect on: What is the Communion of Saints? The unique path of holiness of each saint within the Communion of Saints How we participate in the Communion of ...

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

In this meditation for the feast of St. John Paul II (October 22), Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the gift of friendship with Christ, a friendship that shaped the life and mission of St. John Paul II. Drawing from the interactions of Peter and Christ in the Gospel, Fr. Leo reminds us that Jesus desires not servants but friends, and that holiness begins in this personal relationship of trust, loyalty, and love. Through the witness of St. John Paul II, we are invited to rediscover the strengt...

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

In this meditation for the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila (October 15), Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the living image of God’s mercy. Through prayer and reflection, we discover that holiness begins with our dependence on Christ, who listens, strengthens, and loves us without measure. Listen now to reflect on: • How Christ reveals the mercy of God in his humanity • The importance of prayer as a personal encounter with Chri...

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on the profound role for Our Lady in our lives as Christians and our need “to embrace Our Lady to remind her of how much we love her.” He especially reflects on the meaning and devotion to the Holy Rosary and how it is an expression we can you use to repeat our love for Our Lady “again and again and again.” As St. Josemaria Escriva wrote: “Today as in other times, the rosary must be a powerful weapon, to enable us to win in our interior struggle a...

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin helps us pray with the founding vision of Opus Dei and what it means for our own vocation today. Inspired by a common aspiration of St. Josemaría, “Domine, ut videam” (“Lord, that I may see”), we are reminded that God calls us not only to pray for but to transform every corner of the world with Christ’s love. Listen now to reflect on: The founding moment of Opus Dei as a “revolution of love” The Gospel of Zacchaeus as a story of vocation and...

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025

In this meditation, Fr. Marty Miller reflects on the life of Mary, showing us how study, prayer, and discernment are united in the pursuit of holiness. By contemplating God’s Word and acting with faith, Mary shows us how learning becomes a means of loving God and serving others. Listen now to reflect on: How we should strive for holiness inspired by the lives of the saints. Why devotion to Our Lady is essential for students and teachers. The role of wisdom in discernin...

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2025

In this podcast, Fr. Javier del Castillo explores the meaning that our human suffering can assume when we offer it out of love to God. He explains that “the Lord has not come to get rid of suffering–we continue to suffer all the time–but he has come to give it meaning with his Cross; he has come to give it the meaning of love.” As we unite ourselves to the Cross of Christ, our hearts expand to a deeper outpouring of love among those around us. If we embrace our Cross in this way, we too will ...

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2025

In this meditation for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14), Fr. Marty Miller draws upon the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Josemaria Escriva to share how struggles, contradictions, and even ordinary duties can become moments of joy when lived with love for Christ. Listen now to reflect on: • How the cross transforms suffering into holiness • The importance of starting each day with the “heroic minute” • St. Josemaria’s encouragement to trust God’s plans, even...

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2025

In this podcast, Fr. Leo Agustina helps us to prepare our hearts for the feasts of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8) and Mary's Holy Name (September 12). Her feasts remind us, like St. Joseph, that God is also telling us, “Do not be afraid to take Mary” (Mt 1:20). Mary is a wonderful reality that makes us want to do like St. Joseph, like St. John the Apostle, and bring her into our lives and into everything. In human history, there is a deep line that divides it into two:...

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2025

How is your spiritual life influenced by what you love? Drawing upon the life of St. Augustine, whose feast day is celebrated on August 28, Msgr. Martin Schlag helps us to see how the choice between love of God and love of the world shapes our personal holiness and the very foundations of society. By ordering our loves toward God, we discover true freedom, authentic friendship, and our belonging to the City of God where our hearts find lasting joy. View Transcript Visit Show Page Subscribe...

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

On August 22nd the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On today’s podcast, we reflect on the coronation of our Mother as Queen of the Universe. And, how as children of this Heavenly Queen we can learn to follow her example of reigning: Mary our Queen trusted all that the Lord spoke to her, and her answer remained a constant yes. Teach us to respond to the Lord with complete trust. Mary our Queen serves-- for to reign one must serve. Teach us to be fait...

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15, Msgr. Fred Dolan shares a reflection on the life of faith modeled by Our Lady and how we too can be filled with a trust and joy that is unable to be shaken by difficulties. Looking to her example, Msgr. Dolan explains that our life of faith can also prosper through contemplative prayer, docility to the Holy Spirit, and trust in the will of God as we seek to share the light of Christ in the world ...

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio leads us to listen and reflect on the meaning of the Transfiguration of the Lord and how it should transform us today. The Transfiguration of Jesus encourages us in our commitment to discipleship. When we commit to protracted prayer - deep, silent, concentrated prayer - we can see God through our eyes of faith and deeds of love. The mystery of Our Lord’s Transfiguration helps the apostles to trust in the Cross and to believe that there is no su...

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the life and mission of St. Josemaria Escriva, describing him as an “envelope with terrific content,” a reference to his profound spiritual legacy. Fr. Peter focuses especially on St. Josemaria’s love for the Eucharist and how he transmitted that love to others. Listen now to reflect on: How St. Josemaria centered his life on the Eucharist, calling it the source of strength for Christian life and apostolate.Why the laity, living in...

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the spirit of the Jubilee of Youth, inviting young people, and all who are young at heart, to rediscover the joyful call of Christ amidst the challenges of life. Drawing from the parable of the wheat and weeds (Matthew 13), Fr. Leo reminds us that the Christian journey is not about eradicating every difficulty or fixing every flaw immediately. Like the disciples who gathered around Jesus after their missions, we are called to walk wit...

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

In our meditation of the week:Fr. Fred Dolan reflects on the dramatic showdown between the prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), commemorated in the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Fr. Fred highlights Elijah’s courage in standing alone for the truth and explains how Catholics today are called to live with similar conviction in a world that often abandons its spiritual foundations. Listen now to reflect on: • Elijah’s bold witness on Mount Carmel in defense of the true...

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary in every step of the way of our lives and vocation. Marking the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Shrine of Torreciudad (Spain), Fr. Leo draws from the Gospel of Luke, the life of St. Josemaria Escriva, and the Church’s mission to recall and praise Mary’s role in guiding us with strength, peace, and joy. Listen now to reflect on: • Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth as a model of divi...

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

In our meditation of the week:Msgr. Fred Dolan explores the spiritual and societal impact of our growing dependence on digital devices, particularly among the young. Drawing on insights from Professor Jonathan Haidt’s "The Anxious Generation" and recent cultural trends, the meditation helps us bring to our prayer the devastating effects of our digital age on our attention, mental health, and spiritual life. Listen now to reflect on: • The transformation from play-based to phone-based childh...

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025