St. Philip Institute Podcast

The Last Stage of the Journey: The Unitive Way

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo concludes this series on the spiritual life by discussing the third stage of the spiritual life, known as the unitive way. This highest, most advanced stage of the spiritual life is seen in a special way by the experience of the Apostles after Pentecost, and it is part of the path all Christians are called to follow.  

 

Recommended Books:  

Dr. Brant Pitre, Introduction to the Spiritual Life

Father Garrigou-Lagrange, The Three Conversions in the Spiritual Life 

Continuing the Journey: The Illuminative Way

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the second stage of the spiritual life, known as the illuminative way. He shows how the New Testament gives us good examples of the “second conversion” that the Apostles and especially St. Peter experienced as they grew in their spiritual life and how we are all called to walk the same path.  

 

Recommended Books:  

Dr. Brant Pitre, Introduction to the Spiritual Life

Father Garrigou-Lagrange, The Three Conversions in the Spiritual Life 

 

Starting the Journey: The Purgative Way

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the first stage of the spiritual life, known as the purgative way. He explains the types of prayer common in this stage, the experience of temptation, and the signs commonly seen during the beginnings of the spiritual life. All Christians are called to grow beyond this early stage, but many of us never even know how to start! Join Dr. Arredondo as he gives a Catholic introduction to this topic. 

God’s Call to You (Introduction to the Spiritual Life)

Dr. Luke Arredondo begins a new series focusing on the fundamentals of the spiritual life and the path to growing in holiness. This episode focuses on the idea that our prayer life, even while it involves our own effort, should be understood principally as a response to God’s call to us. In addition, he briefly introduces the three stages of the spiritual life: the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way.  

What is sacramental character? How does this connect to Confirmation?

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas on the sacrament of Confirmation, by looking at his view of sacramental character. If we understand Aquinas’ teaching, it can help us see that Confirmation is a sacrament that prepares us to become disciples, so that we can be evangelists.  

Spiritual Battle and the Sacrament of Confirmation: The Teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas on the sacrament of Confirmation, focusing especially on Aquinas’ view that we are all called, through this sacrament in particular, to enter into a spiritual battle. But who will help teach us how to fight in this battle? 

What does Confirmation actually do? The effects of the sacrament.

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues the series on the nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In particular, he discusses the purpose of Confirmation by looking at the effects of this sacrament. In addition, he highlights the way the Catechism frames the preparation for Confirmation and who can receive this sacrament.  

When should people receive Confirmation? The Catechism says...

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues the series on the nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In particular, he focuses on the Eastern and Western approaches to this sacrament, and the signs and symbols used in the Rite of Confirmation itself.  

What is Confirmation?

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo begins a new series on the Sacrament of Confirmation, focusing on the opening paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s presentation of the sacrament. Confirmation is presented, in the Catechism, as something intimately linked with the sacraments of initiation, as being connected to our mission to evangelize, and as a perpetuation of Pentecost.

Formation of the Biblical Canon

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo is joined by Phillip Smith, for a discussion on the formation of the canon of the Bible, or the list of books which are considered Sacred Scripture.