Fr. Thomas McDermott OP - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Fr. Thomas McDermott, OP and Kris McGregor•www.discerninghearts.com

Prayer and the Dominican Tradition, St. Catherine of Siena and so much more with Fr. Thomas McDermott, hosted by Kris McGregor

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Episodes

SCS1 – Introduction & Childhood – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Introduction & Childhood – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. In this introductory episode, Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor discuss the life and teachings of St. Catherine of Siena. Fr. McDermott shares his personal journey of discovering and studying St. Catherine, highlighting her significant impact despite initial challenges in understanding her work, particularly her major work, “The Dialogue” and how St. Catherine’s reputation spread through Raymond of Capua’s ...

Apr 29, 2022•28 min

SCS2 – The Fundamental Maxim and The Dark Night of Self-Knowldege – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

The Fundamental Maxim and The Dark Night of Self-Knowldege – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor discuss the life of St. Catherine of Sienna, focusing on pivotal moments in her spiritual development. They explore St. Catherine’s experiences in prayer, her periods of solitude, and her relationship with her family. St. Catherine’s choice to join the Dominican third order is highlighted, as well as her struggle with temptation and the “dark n...

Apr 29, 2022•32 min

SCS3 – The Mystical Experiences – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

The Mystical Experiences – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor discuss the life of St. Catherine of Siena, focusing on her mystical experiences and their significance: he mystical spousals with Christ, her understanding of virtues and their role in Christian life, and her practical approach to serving others, exemplified by her care for the sick and difficult; her willingness to endure suffering for the salvation of others, culminating in ...

Apr 29, 2022•32 min

SCS4 – The Avignon and Rome Years – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

The Avignon and Rome Years – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor discuss the life of St. Catherine of Siena and her role in persuading the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon after a 70-year absence. They shine a light on St. Catherine’s remarkable transformation from a seemingly shy recluse to a prominent figure advising the Pope. Her directness and authority, rooted in her divine revelations and visions, were instrumental in influencing ...

Apr 29, 2022•29 min

SCS5 – “The Supreme Truth” and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

The Supreme Truth and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. In this enlightening episode, Father Thomas McDermott O.P. delves into St. Catherine of Siena’s spiritual legacy, exploring her status as a Doctor of the Church and the profound depth of her teachings as presented in her principal work, The Dialogue , and her extensive letters. Father McDermott elucidates St. Catherine’s mystical experiences, particularly during her communion, where she received divine loc...

Apr 29, 2022•31 min

SCS6 – “The Precious Blood”, “The Christ Bridge” and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 6 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott In this episode, Fr. McDermott aids in our understanding of St. Catherine’s teachings on the “Blood of Christ” and its context from Sacred Scripture and Medieval sensibilities. He discusses “The Christ Bridge” as a central image in St. Catherine’s writings and one’s spiritual journey. The flowering of baptismal grace is exemplified in this teaching. Fr. Thomas McDermott, OP is Regent of Studies for the Dominican P...

Apr 29, 2022•33 min

SCS7 – “Stages” in the Spiritual LIfe – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 7 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott In this episode, Fr. McDermott aids in our understanding of St. Catherine’s teachings on the “stages” of our spiritual life. What is the proper understanding of grace and sharing in the Divine Life. Good feelings, consolations, joy are experiences during the second step on the “Christ-Bridge”. The concern of “falling in love more with the gifts rather than with the Giver” is discussed. The danger of spiritual glut...

Apr 29, 2022•29 min

SCS8 – Perfect Love and Perfect Union – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 8 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott In this final episode, Fr. McDermott discuss the final step of the spiritual life which is actually comprised of two stages: “perfect love” and “perfect union”. On the “Christ-Bridge” we find ourselves with St. Catherine at the “mouth” of Christ which corresponds to the first chapter of the “Song of Songs” . Fr. McDermott expands on St. Catherine’s teachings on the role we have as sons and daughters of the Father....

Apr 29, 2022•31 min

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