Catholic Classics, Season 3
with Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris
Season 3: Story of a Soul
Starting October 1, 2024, Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris will read and explain Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
In her “Little Way,” St. Thérèse shows us that, despite our weakness, (or perhaps because of it) God can make us saints through unbounded confidence in his love.
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Read along with Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Featuring the only full authorized English translation, this special version renews Catholics' understanding and appreciation of this spiritual classic.
Season 2: The Confessions of St. Augustine
Join Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. as they read and explain The Confessions of St. Augustine.
In each 20-30 mins episode, St. Augustine shows us with bold vulnerability that our weakness is not a barrier to holiness.
Sign up for the reading plan below.
Following along with the version read in the podcast!
This beautiful edition uses an easy-to-understand translation and includes expert commentary from the podcast hosts Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P.
Season 1: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales
In just 43 days, discover what generations of Catholics have learned from this treasured book: that it is possible to have a personal relationship with Jesus, regardless of the demands of everyday life.
Listen now on our website and sign up for the reading plan below.
Read along with the Catholic Classics podcast using the official copy of Introduction to the Devout Life.
This copy is an updated translation of St. Francis de Sales’ original text that features the full English translation (which is not included in all commonly-available translations), language updates that make the text accessible without changing its meaning or message, and expert commentary from podcast hosts Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P.
Click here to order your copy today!
Meet the Hosts
Fr. Gregory Pine
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. is a Dominican friar (Order of Friars Preachers) of the Province of Saint Joseph, which is located in the Northeastern portion of the United States.
Crediting the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas in his discernment, Fr. Gregory joined the Order after graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he studied math as well as humanities and Catholic culture. After being ordained as a priest in 2016, he served as parochial vicar at St. Louis Bertrand Parish in Louisville, KY, where he also worked as an adjunct professor at Bellarmine University. He then served as the assistant director of campus outreach for the Thomistic Institute based in Washington, D.C.
Fr. Gregory is currently a doctoral candidate in dogmatic theology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, concentrating on the Christology of St. Thomas Aquinas. He has recently released a new book for Catholics on the virtue of prudence.
In addition to his role as one of the hosts of Ascension’s new podcast Catholic Classics, Fr. Gregory is also a regular contributor to the popular podcasts Pints with Aquinas, Godsplaining, and The Thomistic Institute and has traveled widely to preach and teach the Catholic Faith.
When he’s not reading medieval tomes or administering the sacraments, Fr. Gregory spends his time enjoying great works of fiction and hiking in the nearby mountains.
Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk
Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. is a Dominican friar of the Province of Saint Joseph, which ministers in the Dominican tradition to the Northeastern portion of the United States, and is also the pastor of St. Denis Catholic Church in Hanover, NH.
After graduating from Marist College with a degree in biomedical science, Fr. Jacob Bertrand joined the novitiate for the Dominicans and was ordained as a priest in the Dominican Order in 2017.
From there, he went on to work with college students at Dartmouth College, serving as assistant chaplain and then as director of vocations for the Province of Saint Joseph from 2018-2022.
In addition to co-hosting Ascension’s new podcast, Catholic Classics, Fr. Jacob Bertrand is also a host of the popular Dominican podcast, Godsplaining.
Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris of St. Therese
Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris of St. Thérèse, OCD is a Discalced Carmelite of the Province of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a contemplative order of friars with a charism of “seeking union with God through friendship with Jesus Christ in the spirit of Mary.” Fr. Michael-Joseph is the Subprior and Director of Postulants in the Community of Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wisconsin.
After studying philosophy at St. John’s University in NY and theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, Fr. Michael-Joseph was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC in 2011. He served for 4 years as a Parochial Vicar in Rockville, MD and one year as an Assistant University Chaplain.
In 2016 Fr. Michael-Joseph entered initial formation with the Discalced Carmelites and made his first profession of vows in 2018. He studied Carmelite spirituality in both Ávila and Madrid, obtaining a License in Spiritual Theology from the Pontifical University of Comillas in 2022. He professed his final vows with the Carmelites in February of 2023.
In addition to appearing on Ascension Presents, Fr. Michael-Joseph is a member of the Institute of Carmelite Studies (ICS) and also a host of the ICS Publications podcast, Carmelcast. In his leisure time, he likes reading the Spanish mystics and hiking.
What Catholics are saying about Catholic Classics
4.9
Based on 900+ ratings on Apple Podcasts
Perfect
This podcast is the perfect companion to reading great Catholic books, the perfect way to spend a few moments of your day, the perfect way to grow closer to Christ and the perfect way to feed your soul! I am so grateful!
—Tranbe123
A Wonder Classic with Great Commentaries
I have read pieces and bits here and there of this book. Listening to this podcast was the perfect occasion to finally “read” it cover to cover. Not only is Ascension’s edition beautifully made with a wonderful, very understandable translation, the commentaries by the two Dominican priests (Fr. Gregory and Fr.. Jacob) help us have practical applications for our day to day life. This podcast is a must to keep your spiritual life nourished!
—Very73
Great Way to Read Spiritual Classics
I didn’t order the book until I heard the first episode because I have so many spiritual books I bought but never finished. Book’s now on order. It’s that good.
—Home at last
Excellent Concept!
Very excited for this podcast! Exactly what I need to tackle many Catholic classics on my shelf.
—SM1005
Never tired of growing in Christ
I purchased this book years ago as a recommendation from my spiritual guide. However only made it through a few chapters on my own . When I heard about this new podcast I was delighted to join and follow . I can’t say enough of how grateful to have this support to my spiritual journey. Thank you so much
—mary901
Thankful!
Thank you for creating this podcast. I’m learning so much about being devout and meditating on God and growing my love for Him.
—Eikejdjdnsjsnsjd