St. Josemaria Institute Podcast

In this meditation marking the 20th anniversary of the St. Josemaría Institute, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the life, spirituality and enduring influence of St. Josemaria Escriva. Fr. Peter explains how St. Josemaria’s vision places the lay faithful at the center of evangelization and reminds us that, "Sanctity is not reserved for a privileged few. All the ways of the earth, every state in life, every profession, every hones...

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Christ’s enduring call to conversion, particularly as we prepare for the penitential season of Lent. Drawing inspiration from the spiritual aspiration of St. Josemaria, “nunc coepi — now I begin,” Fr. Peter reminds us that the Christian life advances through repeated efforts, perseverance in our struggles, and reliance on grace. 

Listen now to reflect on: 

• Conversion as an ongoing...

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin explores what it means to form and mentor others in the image of Christ. He explains that true formation requires confidence in God’s grace and a willingness to take risks for the sake of growth. By fostering freedom rather than dependence, we help souls mature into responsible disciples capable of generous love and mission. 

Listen now to reflect on: 
• How Christ formed his disciples  
• ...

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to rediscover the sacredness woven into every human life, reminding us that each life is meant to be approached with awe, gratitude, and love. Through Scripture and personal anecdotes, Msgr. Dolan encourages us to see others through the eyes of God as precious and beloved. 

Listen now to reflect on: 
• Life as a sacred mystery 
• The dignity present in every person 
• Rever...

In this meditation, Fr. Marty Miller helps us examine the subtle ways pessimism can take root in the heart, slowly dulling our confidence in God’s will and our own vocation. Fr. Mary illustrates how hope restores clarity, freedom, and peace, and invites us to continually place our trust in God who works through each unique circumstance. 

Listen now to reflect on: 
• The spiritual dangers of pessimism 
• How hope reshapes our...

In our meditation of the week: Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the greatest gift that we have from God-- the supernatural virtue of charity.

Many of the Mass readings during Christmas, Epiphany and the following days, remind us that God really wants us to think about charity. We are especially reminded of Jesus's desire that we, his disciples, should be known by the love we have for one another.

Fr. Peter exp...

In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin invites us to rediscover the transformative power of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Drawing upon the life of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and the gospel story of the paralyzed man, Fr. Leo reflects on how faith, joy, and mission naturally flow from meeting Christ. This meditation challenges us to move beyond fear and place our heart fully on the path God sets before us. 

Listen now to reflect...

In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai draws us into the mystery of the Nativity as a moment of profound light shining in darkness. From the difficult journey to Bethlehem to the silence of the manger, we see how God enters the world without spectacle, yet with infinite love. Through Scripture and sharing the witness of the saints, Fr. Eric helps us examine whether our own hearts have become a place truly fit for a King. 

Listen now t...

In the fourth meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to accompany the Magi on their long, hope-filled journey to Bethlehem. Attentive to the mysterious star and guided through moments of clarity and darkness, the wise men reveal what it means to seek Christ with perseverance, humility, and faith. Through art, Sacred Scripture, and the Magi’s lived experience, Fr. Eric shares how God guides each of us—sometimes...

In this third meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate the shepherds, who were the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth. Though they appear to be secondary figures in the Nativity story, their recognition of the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes becomes a powerful revelation: the newborn Jesus is the true Lamb of God, the light shining in the darkness, and God-with-us. 
As we follow th...

In this second meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate St. Joseph, the “strong and silent” figure whose hidden fidelity protected the Savior of the world. Drawing on the Gospels, the devotion of the Church, and the reflections of Pope Francis, he shows how Joseph’s fatherly heart reveals a model of decisive action, humble service, and spiritual readiness. Joseph’s four angelic dreams and his imme...

In this first meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate Mary, the Blessed Mother, who shows us how to awaken from spiritual lethargy and guides us as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Through the mystery of the Annunciation and her total dedication to God, Mary becomes the one who helps us protect, nourish, and welcome the life of Jesus within us. 

Listen now to reflect on: 

• The mean...

In this meditation for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Fr. Leo Austin invites us to contemplate the final gospel of the liturgical year, a gospel in which Christ’s kingship is revealed through the cross in suffering, silence, and mercy.  We are invited to recognize that the kingdom Christ brings is present in the heart of every Christian who asks for grace and opens themselves to his reign. 

Listen now to reflect on: 

• Why the C...

In this meditation, Fr. Eric Nicolai helps us contemplate Mary’s unwavering dedication to God, exemplified in her Presentation in the Temple. From her youth, she was overshadowed by the power of God, prepared and preserved by grace to become the Mother of Our Redeemer. Drawing on Scripture and the Church’s history of devotion, Fr. Eric reveals how Mary’s fiat at the Annunciation was the fruit of a heart already dedicated and attent...

In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on how a plan of life can help us stay anchored in God amid the distractions of daily life. Drawing on the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva, he explains that holiness is achieved through steady, faithful habits that keep us close to Christ throughout the day. 

To help put this concept into action, explore St. Josemaria's plan of life on our blog: https://stjosemaria.org/plan-of-li...

As we commemorate the souls of all the faithful departed this November, Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the Christian meaning of death not as an end but as the great passage into eternal life with God. This meditation helps us face our mortality with peace and gratitude, trusting in Christ’s promise: “I will come back to take you to myself.” 

Listen now to reflect on: 
• The Christian meaning of death as a passage, not an end. ...

In this meditation, Fr. Javier del Castillo invites us to contemplate the Communion of Saints and the bond that unites all who belong to Christ. Through this divine fraternity, the saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and the faithful on earth share in one life of grace, one mission, and one love. 

Listen now to reflect on: 

• What is the Communion of Saints? 
• The unique path of holiness of each saint within the Communion of Sa...

In this meditation for the feast of St. John Paul II (October 22), Fr. Leo Austin reflects on the gift of friendship with Christ, a friendship that shaped the life and mission of St. John Paul II. Drawing from the interactions of Peter and Christ in the Gospel, Fr. Leo reminds us that Jesus desires not servants but friends, and that holiness begins in this personal relationship of trust, loyalty, and love. 

Through the witness of St...

In this meditation for the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila (October 15), Fr. Peter Armenio invites us to contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the living image of God’s mercy. Through prayer and reflection, we discover that holiness begins with our dependence on Christ, who listens, strengthens, and loves us without measure. 

Listen now to reflect on: 
 • How Christ reveals the mercy of God in his humanity 
 • The importance...