Father shares the story of Saint Augustine

Nick

Break 1

Joanna

Break 2

Carol

Fr. Tom McCarthy joins Patrick to discuss St. Augustine and Conversion
(4:46) Father shares the story of Saint Augustine.
How is Augustine’s story similar to our story?
(16:29) Nick - Love St. Augustine. Reminds me of how merciful the Lord is. Very important to know how easy it is to be forgiven. Need to overcome bad habits. When we look at St. Monica and St. Augustine. Conversion not just a onetime thing...ongoing.

(20:25) Break 1
Email – How can I discern whether I am truly living my conversion?
(28:54) Joanna - Today is my birthday and he is my saint. I was raised Catholic and my grandmother raised me that way. I want to provide the same unconditional love she provided and showed me through St. Augustine.
Ann - I live on St. Augustine Drive! Never thought about it when we moved here, but I've lived here since 1958. My husband became a permanent deacon and served the Diocese of Orange. Enjoy Relevant Radio.
(34:35) Tom - I was a wandering Catholic and ended up in Paris. Friend had a record that had a Bob Dylan song that was about St. Augustine. I knew that I was kind of living like him (Augustine) and listened to it constantly. Went to a party and something happened where I ended up at a Cathedral and told God I was lost and needed him. Came back to the church.

(39:07) Break 2
What is the importance of looking at both the good and the bad when it comes to your life?
(44:22) Carol - Not being able to let go of a sin...come out of confession with a spiritual change, but hearts don't let go because they don't know a new normal.
Conversion brings peace.

Resources:
Augustinian Vocations of North America

https://www.beafriar.org/

Fr. Tom McCarthy joins Patrick to discuss St. Augustine and Conversion
<ul>
<li>(4:46) Father shares the story of Saint Augustine.</li>
<li>How is Augustine&rsquo;s story similar to our story?</li>
<li>(16:29) Nick - Love St. Augustine. Reminds me of how merciful the Lord is. Very important to know how easy it is to be forgiven. Need to overcome bad habits. When we look at St. Monica and St. Augustine. Conversion not just a onetime thing...ongoing.</li>
</ul>
(20:25) Break 1
<ul>
<li>Email &ndash; How can I discern whether I am truly living my conversion?</li>
<li>(28:54) Joanna - Today is my birthday and he is my saint. I was raised Catholic and my grandmother raised me that way. I want to provide the same unconditional love she provided and showed me through St. Augustine.</li>
<li>Ann - I live on St. Augustine Drive! Never thought about it when we moved here, but I've lived here since 1958. My husband became a permanent deacon and served the Diocese of Orange. Enjoy Relevant Radio.</li>
<li>(34:35) Tom - I was a wandering Catholic and ended up in Paris. Friend had a record that had a Bob Dylan song that was about St. Augustine. I knew that I was kind of living like him (Augustine) and listened to it constantly. Went to a party and something happened where I ended up at a Cathedral and told God I was lost and needed him. Came back to the church.</li>
</ul>
(39:07) Break 2
<ul>
<li>What is the importance of looking at both the good and the bad when it comes to your life?</li>
<li>(44:22) Carol - Not being able to let go of a sin...come out of confession with a spiritual change, but hearts don't let go because they don't know a new normal.</li>
<li>Conversion brings peace.</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>Augustinian Vocations of North America
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.beafriar.org/">https://www.beafriar.org/</a><a href="https://www.beafriar.org/"></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

The Inner Life® with Patrick Conley is one-on-one Spiritual Direction on the radio. Every day, a Catholic priest or religious sister joins listeners to offer spiritual advice and guidance designed to assist you along your faith journey, speaking about a variety of topics to help you overcome sin, grow in virtue, and strengthen your faith.

The Inner Life® with Patrick Conley is one-on-one Spiritual Direction on the radio. Every day, a Catholic priest or religious sister joins listeners to offer spiritual advice and guidance designed to assist you along your faith journey, speaking about a variety of topics to help you overcome sin, grow in virtue, and strengthen your faith.

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St. Augustine and Conversion - The Inner Life - August 28, 2025

What is the motivation to spiritual practices?

John

Marisa

Stan email

Elanore

Marge

Bishop Donald Hying joins Patrick to discuss Surrender to God
What makes surrender so important?
(7:27) What is the motivation to spiritual practices?
(12:34) John - I've got 2 sons struggling with drugs. Talk to them all the time about it. Not having control and putting it in God's hands.
Bonita - My brother is in a nursing home. They're going to put him on hospice. Wondering if he's in the right place. How to navigate making decisions. Can't always meet what we're hoping to have. Hospice and not knowing how to navigate.

(18:54) Break 1
What does Saint Therese of Lisieux teach us about surrender to God?
(22:55) Marisa - Last year, for Ash Wednesday and Lent, I vowed to give up alcohol. I used it as a crutch rather than surrounding to the Lord. I did the surrender novena, drank that night, but seven nights later, I gave it up and it's been a year of sobriety.
(31:01) Stan email – are there any short prayers to say to not despair over past sins?
Patrick - I've had some success surrendering to God. I have this sloth. It's tough. Lack of discipline. Need more help from God.

(35:19) Break 2
Email from a listener wanting husband getting her husband back to Mass.
(39:24) Elanore - I was given my sister's ashes. I'm driving around with them right now. I surrender, but have no direction. I'm looking for sacred ground. Nobody understands the relationship. She died in a nursing home. I need guidance. I believe she was a sacrificial lamb. I hold her in high regard while the rest of my family doesn't agree.
Email about surrender when others don’t listen as well
 (45:42) Marge - I've learned to surrender to Him. I finally realized what the Our Father really means. I've experienced different things. Been praying for granddaughter for years. I have a lot of priest friends I'm in regular contact with. Was told to completely talk to Jesus and lay all in front of the cross. Mentor and confession is important.

Bishop Donald Hying joins Patrick to discuss Surrender to God
<ul>
<li>What makes surrender so important?</li>
<li>(7:27) What is the motivation to spiritual practices?</li>
<li>(12:34) John - I've got 2 sons struggling with drugs. Talk to them all the time about it. Not having control and putting it in God's hands.</li>
<li>Bonita - My brother is in a nursing home. They're going to put him on hospice. Wondering if he's in the right place. How to navigate making decisions. Can't always meet what we're hoping to have. Hospice and not knowing how to navigate.</li>
</ul>
(18:54) Break 1
<ul>
<li>What does Saint Therese of Lisieux teach us about surrender to God?</li>
<li>(22:55) Marisa - Last year, for Ash Wednesday and Lent, I vowed to give up alcohol. I used it as a crutch rather than surrounding to the Lord. I did the surrender novena, drank that night, but seven nights later, I gave it up and it's been a year of sobriety.</li>
<li>(31:01) Stan email &ndash; are there any short prayers to say to not despair over past sins?</li>
<li>Patrick - I've had some success surrendering to God. I have this sloth. It's tough. Lack of discipline. Need more help from God.</li>
</ul>
(35:19) Break 2
<ul>
<li>Email from a listener wanting husband getting her husband back to Mass.</li>
<li>(39:24) Elanore - I was given my sister's ashes. I'm driving around with them right now. I surrender, but have no direction. I'm looking for sacred ground. Nobody understands the relationship. She died in a nursing home. I need guidance. I believe she was a sacrificial lamb. I hold her in high regard while the rest of my family doesn't agree.</li>
<li>Email about surrender when others don&rsquo;t listen as well</li>
<li>&nbsp;(45:42) Marge - I've learned to surrender to Him. I finally realized what the Our Father really means. I've experienced different things. Been praying for granddaughter for years. I have a lot of priest friends I'm in regular contact with. Was told to completely talk to Jesus and lay all in front of the cross. Mentor and confession is important.</li>
</ul>

Surrender to God - The Inner Life - March 5, 2026

what is our will?

what are good and bad convictions?

Mary

Where is the line between holy desires and ear

Ann Marie

Fr. Marc Lenneman joins Patrick to discuss Strengthening the Will
(3:06) what is our will?
What are the effects of original sin on the will?
(10:11) what are good and bad convictions?
(15:05) Mary from MN – How do you fight an affection to a specific sin?

(18:54) Break 1
Suzie - I say I have a crazy or addict brain. I'm much better during Lent. Try really hard all year, but especially during Lent. I also know that I need to be patient. I'm working on my will and God's working on my will. My family and friends have to deal with this, too.
(25:44) Where is the line between holy desires and earthly pleasures?
(33:32) Ann Marie - Not to give into despair when God's working on your sinful nature. I'm working on a situation with jealousy and trying to deal with being angry or vindictive, but choosing to deal with my heart in the matter.

(39:19) Break 2
(40:48) Carol - This show is so spot on. I needed it for my Lenten goal process. Opened up my path to be myself and understanding to what I need to achieve in my Catholicism in becoming a better person and what God wants for me.
How does prayer fasting and alms giving increase our will power?

Fr. Marc Lenneman joins Patrick to discuss Strengthening the Will
<ul>
<li>(3:06) what is our will?</li>
<li>What are the effects of original sin on the will?</li>
<li>(10:11) what are good and bad convictions?</li>
<li>(15:05) Mary from MN &ndash; How do you fight an affection to a specific sin?</li>
</ul>
(18:54) Break 1
<ul>
<li>Suzie - I say I have a crazy or addict brain. I'm much better during Lent. Try really hard all year, but especially during Lent. I also know that I need to be patient. I'm working on my will and God's working on my will. My family and friends have to deal with this, too.</li>
<li>(25:44) Where is the line between holy desires and earthly pleasures?</li>
<li>(33:32) Ann Marie - Not to give into despair when God's working on your sinful nature. I'm working on a situation with jealousy and trying to deal with being angry or vindictive, but choosing to deal with my heart in the matter.</li>
</ul>
(39:19) Break 2
<ul>
<li>(40:48) Carol - This show is so spot on. I needed it for my Lenten goal process. Opened up my path to be myself and understanding to what I need to achieve in my Catholicism in becoming a better person and what God wants for me.</li>
<li>How does prayer fasting and alms giving increase our will power?</li>
</ul>

Strengthening the Will - The Inner Life - March 4, 2026

who was Bishop Fulton Sheen and what is his le

Dorothy

Janine

Msgr. Jason Gray joins Patrick to discuss Lessons from Bishop Fulton Sheen
Msgr. Gray’s background
(4:40) who was Bishop Fulton Sheen and what is his legacy?
(9:34) Nick - Part of Militia of Immaculata. Headquarters was in Peoria until it moved. Tomb of Bp Sheen is there and adoration chapel. He had a saying...those who leave do it for what they think it is. He taught me how to love and learn the faith and serve the Lord. It's so intertwined. Stall in beatification. We know when that happens...it's good because Satan wants to mess things up.
What were some challenges of the beatification of Fulton Sheen?
(16:27) Ken - I was raised in a Catholic/Protestant home. Father was protestant and would listen to Bp Fulton Sheen with mom. He was impressed by Sheen and would laugh at some comments. When I started listening to RR, I can hear my father's laughter.

(21:02) Break 1
How do you get canonized?
(25:35) Art - When I was a boy in the 60's, my parents used to watch his program. I remember it was always brighter (we only had black and white). Always wondered why that was. I realized it was the holy spirit. Found that fascinating. Very blessed man.
Regina - Received a minor miracle for surgery. Had bad cataracts. Didn't have health insurance at the time. I remember watching his program. Talked about angels. At the hospital, the surgeon was kind enough to get me an angel grant to pay for the surgery.

(35:03) Break 2
(37:50) Dorothy - I missed him in the 50's. anecdote to share...his style. I worked in Catholic Charities. I didn't know the society of the propagation of the faith was a competitor of ours. Went to a performance and he was there. He had such a fun style. He asked me what I do...told him I was a secretary with CC...flung the cape over his shoulder almost in dismay. Had such a twinkle and fun personality.
(40:41) Janine - My father was protestant, mom was catholic. Mom loved to watch him. Dad would watch with her. Made one wall black flocked wallpaper. We lived in uptown Chicago. To this day, I believe it had such an influence on dad because he did finally receive communion. I think it was Bp Sheen.
Mary - I think Americans need to make a pilgrimage to some places. Champion to Peoria to Bp Sheen, and then to Quincy to Fr. Tolton.

Resources:
Fulton J. Sheen Foundation:

https://www.celebratesheen.com/
Treasure in Clay

https://ignatius.com/treasure-in-clay-tclayp/
The Priest Is Not His Own

https://ignatius.com/the-priest-is-not-his-own-pnhop/

Msgr. Jason Gray joins Patrick to discuss Lessons from Bishop Fulton Sheen
<ul>
<li>Msgr. Gray&rsquo;s background</li>
<li>(4:40) who was Bishop Fulton Sheen and what is his legacy?</li>
<li>(9:34) Nick - Part of Militia of Immaculata. Headquarters was in Peoria until it moved. Tomb of Bp Sheen is there and adoration chapel. He had a saying...those who leave do it for what they think it is. He taught me how to love and learn the faith and serve the Lord. It's so intertwined. Stall in beatification. We know when that happens...it's good because Satan wants to mess things up.</li>
<li>What were some challenges of the beatification of Fulton Sheen?</li>
<li>(16:27) Ken - I was raised in a Catholic/Protestant home. Father was protestant and would listen to Bp Fulton Sheen with mom. He was impressed by Sheen and would laugh at some comments. When I started listening to RR, I can hear my father's laughter.</li>
</ul>
(21:02) Break 1
<ul>
<li>How do you get canonized?</li>
<li>(25:35) Art - When I was a boy in the 60's, my parents used to watch his program. I remember it was always brighter (we only had black and white). Always wondered why that was. I realized it was the holy spirit. Found that fascinating. Very blessed man.</li>
<li>Regina - Received a minor miracle for surgery. Had bad cataracts. Didn't have health insurance at the time. I remember watching his program. Talked about angels. At the hospital, the surgeon was kind enough to get me an angel grant to pay for the surgery.</li>
</ul>
(35:03) Break 2
<ul>
<li>(37:50) Dorothy - I missed him in the 50's. anecdote to share...his style. I worked in Catholic Charities. I didn't know the society of the propagation of the faith was a competitor of ours. Went to a performance and he was there. He had such a fun style. He asked me what I do...told him I was a secretary with CC...flung the cape over his shoulder almost in dismay. Had such a twinkle and fun personality.</li>
<li>(40:41) Janine - My father was protestant, mom was catholic. Mom loved to watch him. Dad would watch with her. Made one wall black flocked wallpaper. We lived in uptown Chicago. To this day, I believe it had such an influence on dad because he did finally receive communion. I think it was Bp Sheen.</li>
<li>Mary - I think Americans need to make a pilgrimage to some places. Champion to Peoria to Bp Sheen, and then to Quincy to Fr. Tolton.</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>Fulton J. Sheen Foundation:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.celebratesheen.com/">https://www.celebratesheen.com/</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Treasure in Clay
<ul>
<li><a href="https://ignatius.com/treasure-in-clay-tclayp/">https://ignatius.com/treasure-in-clay-tclayp/</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Priest Is Not His Own
<ul>
<li><a href="https://ignatius.com/the-priest-is-not-his-own-pnhop/">https://ignatius.com/the-priest-is-not-his-own-pnhop/</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

St. Augustine and Conversion - The Inner Life - August 28, 2025

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