what is our will?

what are good and bad convictions?

Mary

Break 1

Where is the line between holy desires and ear

Ann Marie

Break 2

Carol

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>

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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The Inner Life

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

who was Bishop Fulton Sheen and what is his le

Nick

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>

Bishop Fulton Sheen - The Inner Life - March 3, 2026

What does the Church teach about suffering and

Yolie

Philip

Father Joseph Illo joins Patrick to discuss Redemptive Suffering
(3:19) What does the Church teach about suffering and God’s plan for suffering?

(20:34) Break 1
Father talks about the importance of responding to suffering well
(26:01) Yolie - A friend had a baby as the result of a rape. Refused to abort. Was alone after that and had to deal with shame. Is that redemptive suffering?
(31:37) Philip - I'm a knight of the Immaculata...sub group called knights at the foot of the cross. They have extreme suffering...many wheel chair bound. When I've introduced the concept of redemptive suffering...suddenly, my back pain or chronic pain is less...receiving relief. I think it's a goodness of God as a thank you for offering it up.
Mario - I've noticed in others...sometimes when God sends you a cross, you're carrying it for someone who is dear to you.

(38:21) Break 2
How does punishment and suffering come from sin?
(45:04) Ann - Live in independent living. Other floors have assisted living. Most people are 65+ up to 102. Lots of suffering going on. Don't know how to approach them sometimes. Feel funny by just saying 'offer it up.' How do I approach it?
How do you cultivate joy in the midst of suffering?

Father Joseph Illo joins Patrick to discuss Redemptive Suffering
<ul>
<li>(3:19) What does the Church teach about suffering and God&rsquo;s plan for suffering?</li>
</ul>
(20:34) Break 1
<ul>
<li>Father talks about the importance of responding to suffering well</li>
<li>(26:01) Yolie - A friend had a baby as the result of a rape. Refused to abort. Was alone after that and had to deal with shame. Is that redemptive suffering?</li>
<li>(31:37) Philip - I'm a knight of the Immaculata...sub group called knights at the foot of the cross. They have extreme suffering...many wheel chair bound. When I've introduced the concept of redemptive suffering...suddenly, my back pain or chronic pain is less...receiving relief. I think it's a goodness of God as a thank you for offering it up.</li>
<li>Mario - I've noticed in others...sometimes when God sends you a cross, you're carrying it for someone who is dear to you.</li>
</ul>
(38:21) Break 2
<ul>
<li>How does punishment and suffering come from sin?</li>
<li>(45:04) Ann - Live in independent living. Other floors have assisted living. Most people are 65+ up to 102. Lots of suffering going on. Don't know how to approach them sometimes. Feel funny by just saying 'offer it up.' How do I approach it?</li>
<li>How do you cultivate joy in the midst of suffering?</li>
</ul>

Redemptive Suffering - The Inner Life - March 2, 2026

What is the context in these words of Jesus fr

What is Maryâs role in the Passion of our Lo

what can we expect from the love of Mary and h

Sharon

Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick for the third of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus – today’s topic: Mary’s Role at the Cross
(3:26) What is the context in these words of Jesus from the Cross?
What Who does John represent in this scene?
(13:25) What is Mary’s role in the Passion of our Lord?

(18:08) Break 1
What are practical ways in which we can share in the passion of Christ?
(25:39) Jim - My mother is starting to fail. My wife asked who should we pray for as a caregiver. We stopped thinking about the saints and then turned to Jesus on the cross. Jesus found a caregiver for his own mother. Found great consolation.
Kurt - Redemptive suffering and joining to Christ on the cross. Very rarely do I hear anyone talking about that. We not only have that opportunity, but for the redemption of the world. We are commanded to that in John 15 and John 13. I give you a new commandment...  There's no greater good than to offer suffering for them.

(34:06) Break 2
How does the prophecy of Simeon play a role in Mary’s heart at the Cross?
(38:37) what can we expect from the love of Mary and how it helps us in our lives?
(41:21) Sharon - When my son died. I identified with Mary for release. My son was 50 and died of a rare cancer. The loss was something I knew she understood. Gave me a great deal of help during that time.
Michelle - Abortion and aborted children. Great sorrow. I delivered that child into Mary's hands.

Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick for the third of a special Lenten Series on the 7 Last Words of Jesus &ndash; today&rsquo;s topic: Mary&rsquo;s Role at the Cross
<ul>
<li>(3:26) What is the context in these words of Jesus from the Cross?</li>
<li>What Who does John represent in this scene?</li>
<li>(13:25) What is Mary&rsquo;s role in the Passion of our Lord?</li>
</ul>
(18:08) Break 1
<ul>
<li>What are practical ways in which we can share in the passion of Christ?</li>
<li>(25:39) Jim - My mother is starting to fail. My wife asked who should we pray for as a caregiver. We stopped thinking about the saints and then turned to Jesus on the cross. Jesus found a caregiver for his own mother. Found great consolation.</li>
<li>Kurt - Redemptive suffering and joining to Christ on the cross. Very rarely do I hear anyone talking about that. We not only have that opportunity, but for the redemption of the world. We are commanded to that in John 15 and John 13. I give you a new commandment...&nbsp; There's no greater good than to offer suffering for them.</li>
</ul>
(34:06) Break 2
<ul>
<li>How does the prophecy of Simeon play a role in Mary&rsquo;s heart at the Cross?</li>
<li>(38:37) what can we expect from the love of Mary and how it helps us in our lives?</li>
<li>(41:21) Sharon - When my son died. I identified with Mary for release. My son was 50 and died of a rare cancer. The loss was something I knew she understood. Gave me a great deal of help during that time.</li>
<li>Michelle - Abortion and aborted children. Great sorrow. I delivered that child into Mary's hands.</li>
</ul>

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

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