Beginning June 8, a 20-day podcast hosted by Fr. Gregory Pine and his sister, Rebecca Dougherty, will guide Catholics through the practical wisdom of staying present to God in every moment.
[Exton, PA - April 27, 2026] Ascension, the Catholic media company behind the Apple-chart-topping podcast The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)®, has announced a new season for its popular Catholic Classics podcast. Season 5 of Catholic Classics will begin on June 8, with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Rebecca Dougherty reading and giving commentary on The Practice of the Presence of God in 20 daily episodes, available in video format for the first time ever.
In 2025, Pope Leo XIV wrote an introduction to this classic book by Carmelite Br. Lawrence, which is included in this edition. Pope Leo shared that it, "is one of the texts that have most shaped my spiritual life and have formed me in what the path can be for knowing and loving the Lord.”
Following the format from previous years, each daily episode will feature the reading of a section of the book, as well as helpful Catholic commentary that gives context to the content and unpacks its mysteries. This season, Fr. Gregory Pine and Rebecca Dougherty embark on a journey through this classic work with a dynamic mix of levity, practical insight, and sibling banter sure to engage the modern listener.
During the filming of the podcast, Fr. Gregory shared his thoughts on why so many Catholics, for hundreds of years, have found Br. Lawrence’s spirituality so attractive and approachable:
“What [The Practice of the Presence of God] will provide you with is a kind of clarity about what matters and at the end of the day, what matters is to be present to God. So what he proposes is just simple aspirational prayers whereby you refer yourself to him throughout the course of the day. So I think that just the constant encouragement… to practice the presence of God will be a source of strength.”
Season 5 of the Catholic Classics podcast will be available on audio on all major podcast platforms. Video recordings of the episodes will be available for free on YouTube and in the Ascension app at https://link.ascension-app.com/practice-of-the-presence.
New Ascension Edition of The Practice of the Presence of God Available for Purchase
Ascension’s edition of The Practice of the Presence of God features expert commentary from Fr. Gregory Pine and Rebecca Dougherty, as well as an exclusive English translation by Matthew K. Minerd which is faithful to the original translation, yet accessible for today’s reader.
This edition also includes a foreword written by Pope Leo XIV, introducing readers to a book that has been personally impactful in his own relationship with God.
The exclusive and original edition of The Practice of the Presence of God is the only translation that will be read on this season of Catholic Classics, and is full of valuable content including:
- A leatherlike cover with stunning foil stamped lettering
- A ribbon bookmark to help readers keep their place
- An informative introduction to set the stage for the reader
- Expert commentary that draws out the deeper spiritual lessons contained within the book
The book, with Pope Leo's forward, is available for purchase at www.AscensionPress.com/Presence.
A Facebook Group for Catholic Classics
In addition to the podcast audience, a particularly dedicated Facebook Group with more than 13,400 members will closely follow along with the podcast. Facilitated by Ascension, the group members will have a space to discuss and share their insights from The Practice of the Presence of God.
The group is moderated by Ascension and free to join at www.Facebook.com/Groups/CatholicClassics.
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About the Presenters
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. is an Assistant Professor of Dogmatic and Moral Theology at the Dominican House of Studies and the Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute. He was ordained a priest in 2016 and holds a doctorate from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). He is the author of several books including Prudence, Your Eucharistic Identity, and Training the Tongue. He is a regular contributor to several podcasts including Godsplaining and Catholic Classics.
Rebecca Dougherty holds a Master’s Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master’s Degree in Education from Framingham State University. She is a lifelong Catholic with a passion for teaching the faith. Rebecca has taught theology for more than a decade at multiple levels, including grades 9–12 at three Catholic high schools and courses on the Catechism of the Catholic Church for those preparing for the diaconate at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. She also hosted the weekly podcast Catholic Light, where she helped listeners read and understand the Catechism. She and her husband Dan have five children and live in the greater Philadelphia area.
About Ascension
Ascension is a multimedia network and the leader in Catholic faith formation and digital content. Over the past 25 years, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of over 20 million Catholics through award-winning books, the chart-topping Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® podcast, more than 50 unique faith formation programs, and the Ascension Presents YouTube channel and Ascension app.
Media Contact
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