Fr. Thomas McDermott OP - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

In this introductory episode, Fr. McDermott discusses the person of Blessed Raymond of Capua, O.P., (ca. 1330 – 5 October 1399), who was a leading member of the Dominican Order, served as its Master General from 1380 until his death, and was the confessor and biographer of St. Catherine. Fr. McDermott talks about the importance of having the Dominican perspective when looking at the accounts of St. Catherine's life. Her family and early childhood, including her first mystical experience, are then discussed..

The post SCS1 – Introduction & Childhood – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode, Fr. McDermott discusses the difference between solitude and isolation by means of moments in St. Catherine's life.

What is a "Third Order" and why did St. Catherine choose this means to live out her life? A dream affected St. Catherine deeply. Fr. McDermott teaches how we can discern dreams that might occur in our lives.

Why would St. Catherine have a special devotion to St. Mary Magdalene? Fr. McDermott discusses the significance of the "fundamental maxim" and the imagery of "the well", and the times of temptation that began to occur in her life and the experience of "The Dark Night of Self-Knowledge".

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

In this episode, Fr. McDermott discusses the experience of St. Catherine's "Mystical Espousal" and it's spiritual relevance.

The virtues are discussed as central to St. Catherine's teachings and the importance of properly understanding their value in our lives. The response to the needs of one's neighbor is emphasized. In particular, the special interaction with Andrea, the woman with cancer, is presented as an extraordinary moment of grace which aided in St. Catherine's spiritual maturity and growth in holiness. Fr. McDermott addresses the contemporary "controversy" over the actions taken in this particular experience.

The other experiences of the summer 1380, the exchange of hearts the mystical death are discussed, as well as, the saint's invisible stigmata.

The post SCS3 – The Mystical Experiences – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode, Fr. McDermott discusses the experience of St. Catherine's intervention in the events in Avignon, France and her influence with the Pope.

Fr. McDermott speaks of her time in Rome and the events surrounding her death. And we lay the groundwork for our future episodes which we discuss specific aspects of St. Catherine's teachings.

The post SCS4 – The Avignon and Rome Years – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 locutions that formed the basis of her writings.

The episode highlights the core themes of St. Catherine's teachings, including the importance of truth and self-knowledge, the practical application of theology in everyday Christian life, and virtues like humility, obedience, and patience. A significant focus is also placed on the concept of divinization, a key aspect of her theology, which illustrates how humans are invited to share in God’s divinity through grace. This discussion sheds light on St. Catherine's theological contributions. It underscores her timeless impact on Christian spirituality and ecclesiastical teachings, offering valuable insights into living a virtuous Christian life rooted in contemplative practice and practical action.

The post SCS5 – “The Supreme Truth” and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.