Create a New Subscription

Shop Full Catalog of TAN Books

Manage Existing Account

Delete Account

Manage Subscription

<p>Fr. Lawrence Carney III reflects on St. Thérèse of Lisieux's deep spiritual insights, particularly her notion of "Great Abandonment" and the importance of Holy Hours, emphasizing her belief in the transformative power of silence before God. St. Thérèse illustrates the essence of true holiness as the indwelling of God within the soul, free from illusions, and concludes with poignant thoughts on humility, love, and the need for spiritual guidance, especially during times of desolation.</p><p>Episode 13 covers chapter eight, part one.</p><p><strong>LEARN MORE - USE COUPON CODE COM25 FOR 25% OFF:</strong></p><ul><li><em>The Story of a Soul</em> (Deluxe Edition):  <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/4dPH6Wp">https://bit.ly/4dPH6Wp</a></li><li><em>The Story of a Soul</em> (Paperback): <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/3TFUqET">https://bit.ly/3TFUqET</a></li><li><em>The Story of a Family: The Home of St. Therese of Lisieux: </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/3AVxoDh">https://bit.ly/3AVxoDh</a></li><li><em>30 Days with Saint Therese: </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/3XvPAMp">https://bit.ly/3XvPAMp</a></li><li><em>Archbishop Fulton Sheen's Saint Therese:</em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/3MyP6Pt">https://bit.ly/3MyP6Pt</a></li><li><em>Parents of the Saints: </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/3Zk4pmy">https://bit.ly/3Zk4pmy</a></li><li><em>Unbreakable: Saints Who Inspired Saints to Moral Courage: </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/4cVDjp2">https://bit.ly/4cVDjp2</a></li><li><em>One Holy Marriage: The Story of Louis and Zélie Martin: </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/4cUpR4Z">https://bit.ly/4cUpR4Z</a></li><li><em>Modern Saints: Their Lives and Faces Book 2: </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/4ef3NDh">https://bit.ly/4ef3NDh</a></li></ul><p><em>The Commentaries</em> is a podcast series from TAN in which you’ll learn how to read and understand history’s greatest Catholic works, from today’s greatest Catholic scholars. In every series of <em>The Commentaries</em>, your expert host will be your personal guide to not just read the book, but to live the book, shining the light of its eternal truths into the darkness of our modern trials and tribulations.</p><p>Hosted by Fr. Lawrence Carney III, the 8th season of The Commentaries explores The Story of a Soul by Saint Therese of Lisieux, the classic autobiography that conveys her “Little Way.” Fr. Carney delves into Therese's profound spirituality, her virtues of humility, and the importance of perseverance and piety. Discover why St. Therese has been called the greatest saint of modern times, and grow in holiness by exploring her unfailing confidence and childlike delight in God’s merciful love.</p><p>To download your FREE Classic Companion PDF and for updates about new seasons, expert scholars, and exclusive deals for <em>The Commentaries</em> listeners, sign up at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://tandirection.com/podcasts/#thecommentaries">TANcommentaries.com</a></p><p>And for more great ways to deepen your faith, check out all the spiritual resources available at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://tanbooks.com/">TANBooks.com</a> and use Coupon Code COM25 for 25% off your next order.</p>

13. The Story of a Soul: Let God Sleep Peacefully Within You

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter 28 and then comments on the garment of Jesus. </p>

Year 2, Day 178: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 28, Paragraphs 681-690

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter 28 of book 3 and then comments on how the devil pursues the world and the Church and how we can defend against him.  </p>

Year 2, Day 134: Volume 2, Book 3, Chapter 28, Paragraphs 359-366

01 - Opening Credits

02 - Quote

03 - Translator's Introduction

04 - The Life of Saint Frances of Rome

05 - St. Frances Commences Her Narration

06 - The Geography of Hell and the State of Limbo

07 - The Punishments for Perverts, Usurers and Blasphemers

08 - The Punishments for Traitors, Murderers, Apostates, and Schismatics

09 - The Punishments for Those Guilty of Incest, for Witchcraft, etc.

10 - The Particular Torments for Those Who Commit the Seven Deadly Sins

11 - The Punishments for Theft, for Dishonoring Parents, for Breaking Vows of Chastity, etc.

12 - The Punishments for Wicked Women, Including Gossips, Foolish Virgins, Sinful Widows, etc.

13 - The Particular Torments Reserved for Sinful Preachers, Hypocritical Confessors, etc.

14 - The Names and Activities of the Principal Demons of Hell

15 - The Power of the Holy Name of Jesus

16 - The Condition of the Souls in Purgatory

17 - The Glories of Heaven

18 - Selected Other Visions of Saint Frances of Rome

19 - A Vision Following the Reception of the Blessed Sacrament

20 - A Second Vision Following the Reception of the Blessed Sacrament

21 - A Third Vision Following the Reception of the Blessed Sacrament

22 - Frances has a Vision of a Ferocious Dragon

23 - Frances Receives a Bouquet of Roses from Saint John the Apostle

24 - Closing Credits

<P>“As for me, I’d begun my reading about the torments of the damned seen by Saint Frances of Rome; it makes me tremble. I don’t like this kind of reading material, but it can be very beneficial. I talked to your father about it all morning, and he wanted to take the book to his Pavilion.”&#160; &#160;</P><P>—St. Zélie Martin</P><P>Learn from one of the Church’s great mystics, Saint Frances of Rome. In this book, she narrates her visions to her spiritual director, Canon Giovanni Matteoni. He records her visions of the geography of hell and the state of limbo. She describes the punishments for various sins such as perverts, usurers, blasphemers, traitors, murderers, apostates, schismatics, incestuous people, witches and more. She also talks about the particular torments due to the seven deadly sins and the punishments for theft, dishonoring parents, breaking vows of chastity and selling daughters into prostitution.</P><P>In addition to these visions of hell, Saint Frances also shares her visions of purgatory and heaven. She talks about the condition of souls in purgatory and the glories of heaven and so much more. Her visions will provide you with rich meditations on the realities of the Four Last Things.</P>

The Visions of Saint Frances of Rome: Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven Revealed

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 13 of book 4 and reflects on the Circumcision of Jesus and the Holy Family&#39;s obedience to the Law.  </p>

Year 2, Day 157: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 513-521

<p>Fr. Edward reads the entirety of chapter six from book four and then offers a reflection on the virtues of Joseph and Mary, their poverty, and Mary's songs. &nbsp;</p>

Day 145: Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 6, Paragraphs 428-437

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 17 of book 7 and then comments on the demons tormenting the damned and our developing relationship with Mary. &nbsp;</p>

Day 317: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 334-342

<p>Fr. Edward Looney finishes reading chapter 5 of book 5 and then reflects on the heart of Mary and the meaning finding Jesus in the temple.   </p>

Year 3, Day 187: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 55-63

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads from Book 2, Chapter 3, and then offers a reflection on mortal/venial sin and obedience.</p>

Year 3, Day 52: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 444-451

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 14 of book 6 and then comments on the fate of Judas. &nbsp;</p>

Day 242: Volume 3, Book 6, Chapter 14, Paragraphs 537-544

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 4 of book 8 and then comments on the false religion that emerges in Ephesus. &nbsp;</p>

Day 327: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 431-439

<p>Fr. Edward reads from chapter 1 of book 8 and then comments on what the martyrdom of St. James meant for the other apostles. &nbsp;</p>

Day 322: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 1, Paragraphs 385-391

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter 15 of book 2 and then offers a reflection.</p>

Year 2, Day 75: Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 15, Paragraphs 646-659

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 17 of book 5 and then reflects on the changes a person experiences after losing someone they love and then about the contemplative/active life.</p>

Year 2, Day 200: Volume 3, Book 5, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 184-190

<p>Fr. Edward Looney finishes reading chapter 27 and comments on the temptations of jealousy and idleness and Mary's recommendations to confront temptations. &nbsp;</p>

Day 133: Volume 2, Book 3, Chapter 27, Paragraphs 351-358

<p></p><div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="17997" class="elementor elementor-17997" data-elementor-post-type="post">
						<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2f18ee8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="2f18ee8" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-46526d0" data-id="46526d0" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-432c9b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="432c9b9" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<h2><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Opening Prayer</span></h2>
<p>O Mary, I grieve for the anxieties which tried thy troubled heart during those three long days of searching for thy lost Jesus. I acknowledge the acute pain of separation thou didst endure, a grief deeper than any physical wound, as thou didst seek the “Light of thine eyes” in the midst of a crowded city.</p>
<p>I express my deepest contrition for the times I have lost sight of Jesus through my own negligence. Do not allow me to remain in a state of spiritual loss, but grant me the urgency to seek Him through penance and prayer until He is found again in the temple of my soul.</p>
<p><b>Amen.</b></p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2457ff97 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="2457ff97" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4c5af590" data-id="4c5af590" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-d582b5a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="d582b5a" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
															<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="120" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel-1024x120.avif" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-17133" alt="Today's Gospel" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel-1024x120.avif 1024w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel-300x35.avif 300w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel-768x90.avif 768w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel.avif 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></img>															</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-5a8cadac elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="5a8cadac" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<blockquote>
<p><b>Luke 2:41-50</b></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><i><sup>41</sup>And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch,&nbsp;</i><i><sup>42</sup>And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,&nbsp;</i><i><sup>43</sup>And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not.&nbsp;</i><i><sup>44</sup>And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance.&nbsp;</i><i><sup>45</sup>And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.&nbsp;</i><i><sup>46</sup>And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions.&nbsp;</i><i><sup>47</sup>And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.&nbsp;</i><i><sup>48</sup>And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.&nbsp;</i><i><sup>49</sup>And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father’s business?&nbsp;</i><i><sup>50</sup>And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p></p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
		<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-a378727 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base " data-id="a378727" data-element_type="e-flexbox" data-e-type="e-flexbox" data-interaction-id="a378727">
    			<img decoding="async" class="e-image-base e-d881a8f-2e7c468" data-interaction-id="d881a8f" data-e-type="widget" data-id="d881a8f" id="17132" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday.avif" width="1280" height="150" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday.avif 1280w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday-300x35.avif 300w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday-1024x120.avif 1024w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday-768x90.avif 768w" alt="Saint of the Day"></img>		
</div>
		<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c108ee0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="c108ee0" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fd642d2" data-id="fd642d2" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-199bd1e e-grid e-con-boxed e-con e-parent" data-id="199bd1e" data-element_type="container" data-e-type="container" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
					<div class="e-con-inner">
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2fffada elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="2fffada" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
					<h5 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Blessed Virgin Mary</h5>				</div>
				</div>
					<img decoding="async" class="e-image-base " data-interaction-id="708a8c3" data-e-type="widget" data-id="708a8c3" id="18028" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Quentin_Massys-Virgin_and_Child_Surrounded_by_Angels-Musee_des_Beaux-Arts_Lyon-201x300.jpg" width="201" height="300" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Quentin_Massys-Virgin_and_Child_Surrounded_by_Angels-Musee_des_Beaux-Arts_Lyon-201x300.jpg 201w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Quentin_Massys-Virgin_and_Child_Surrounded_by_Angels-Musee_des_Beaux-Arts_Lyon.jpg 536w" alt=""></img>					</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-e07cfec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="e07cfec" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<p>The three days of searching represent a “<i>martyrdom of anxiety</i>.” Mary’s search was not passive; it was an active, urgent quest. This serves as the definitive model for true contrition—the soul must not rest or find comfort in worldly things until it has been reconciled with Christ. Her sorrow was magnified by her love, teaching us that the more we value the presence of God, the more we will lament His absence.</p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2a39e7c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="2a39e7c" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-97afe13" data-id="97afe13" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-244c8bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="244c8bd" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
															<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="120" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints-1024x120.avif" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-17134" alt="Wisdom of the Saints" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints-1024x120.avif 1024w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints-300x35.avif 300w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints-768x90.avif 768w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints.avif 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></img>															</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-20a9697 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="20a9697" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<p>St. Alphonsus Liguori emphasizes that the sorrows of Mary should be the subject of daily meditation. To move sinners to contrition, he famously placed a picture of the <b>Sorrowful Mother</b> beside his pulpit during missions, exhorting the faithful to gaze upon her grief. He taught that this specific devotion is a powerful shield against relapses into mortal sin, for the soul that truly compassionates the Mother’s heart will develop a holy “<i>horror and hatred</i>” for the sin that caused her such anguish.</p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0897282 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0897282" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4469a90" data-id="4469a90" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ce2ca2d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="ce2ca2d" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<blockquote>
<p><i><span style="color: #161616; font-family: Crimson Pro, serif;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">“</span></span></i><i style="font-size: 24px; color: #161616; font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif;">Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”</i></p>
<p>—&nbsp;<b>Blessed Virgin Mary</b></p>
</blockquote>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-13a509b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="13a509b" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cfc1289" data-id="cfc1289" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-909ecd9 elementor-widget-laptop__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="909ecd9" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<h4><strong><span style="color: #161616; font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Mary and the Magisterium</span></strong></h4>
<p>The Church treasures the “<i>Four Special Favors</i>” promised to those devoted to Mary’s dolors, as revealed to St. Elizabeth and St. Bridget:</p>
<p><b>1. True Sorrow:</b> Obtaining true sorrow for all sins before death.</p>
<p><b>2. Divine Protection:</b> Protection in tribulations, especially at the hour of death.</p>
<p><b>3. Interior Impression:</b> An interior impression of the Passion of Christ.</p>
<p><b>4. Maternal Advocacy:</b> Being committed to the hands of Mary, that she may obtain for them all desired graces.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4028ec7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="4028ec7" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5bd0ad3" data-id="5bd0ad3" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-e0a3aec elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="e0a3aec" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
															<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="120" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application-1024x120.webp" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-17142" alt="" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application-1024x120.webp 1024w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application-300x35.webp 300w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application-768x90.webp 768w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application.webp 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></img>															</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-d9d404c elementor-align-start elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list" data-id="d9d404c" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="icon-list.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
							<ul class="elementor-icon-list-items">
							<li class="elementor-icon-list-item">
											<span class="elementor-icon-list-icon">
							<i aria-hidden="true" class="fas fa-cross"></i>						</span>
										<span class="elementor-icon-list-text">When was the last time you felt a "spiritual loss" or dryness? Did you seek Jesus with the same urgency as the Sorrowful Mother, or did you settle into indifference?</span>
									</li>
								<li class="elementor-icon-list-item">
											<span class="elementor-icon-list-icon">
							<i aria-hidden="true" class="fas fa-cross"></i>						</span>
										<span class="elementor-icon-list-text">How can you specifically guard against the "cold indifference" that causes us to lose sight of Christ during the busy routines of your professional and personal life?</span>
									</li>
						</ul>
						</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-75ba609 elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon elementor-view-default elementor-widget-divider--element-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider" data-id="75ba609" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="divider.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
							<div class="elementor-divider">
			<span class="elementor-divider-separator">
							<div class="elementor-icon elementor-divider__element">
					<i aria-hidden="true" class="fas fa-cross"></i></div>
						</span>
		</div>
						</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-dc4a2b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="dc4a2b1" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #161616; font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif; font-size: 36px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Closing Prayer</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Dear Mother, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God.</p>
<p><strong>Amen.</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				</div><p></p>

September 7: The Third Sorrow: The Heart-Rending Anxiety of Spiritual Loss

<p><strong>Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 4 of book 7 and then comments on the selection on Matthias as an apostle and what it means for us.  </strong></p>

Year 3, Day 284: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 48-57

<p>Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 13 of book 7 and then comments on the Apostles tracing the steps of Jesus, the cross and relics given to them by Our Lady, and the transportation of the apostles by angels. &nbsp;</p>

Day 305: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 232-239

<P>If God loves us and is so powerful, why does God allow disease and natural disasters, as well as terrorism and other human atrocities?</P><P>What are some true stories of Catholics today who faced significant suffering and now see the good that God brought from it?</P><P>Catholic Stories of Faith and Hope provides a Catholic response to the big question, ;Why would a loving God allow evil, pain, and suffering?; This includes exploring why God would allow disease and natural disasters (natural evil) and evil human behavior (moral evil), as well as how suffering can help us find a deeper meaning and purpose in life.</P><P>This book contains several poignant and inspiring personal testimonies of Catholics who have dealt positively with significant suffering in their own lives. These stories provide contemporary accounts of how suffering can lead to personal and spiritual growth and bring us closer to God, others, and the Church. Catholic Stories of Faith and Hope helps us see suffering and hardship as an opportunity to experience Gods grace and love by focusing on Jesus Christ, who experienced profound pain and suffering himself and who cares deeply about our own suffering.</P><P>Catholic Stories of Faith and Hope helps readers undertake the Spiritual Works of Mercy to ;comfort the afflicted,; ;counsel the doubtful,; and ;educate the uninformed.; Understanding the purpose of suffering and the greater good that can come from it will help us and those we love become better, instead of bitter, when facing lifes inevitable hardships and difficulties.</P>

Catholic Stories of Faith and Hope: How God Brings Good Out of Suffering

<p></p><div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="17958" class="elementor elementor-17958" data-elementor-post-type="post">
						<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2f18ee8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="2f18ee8" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-46526d0" data-id="46526d0" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-432c9b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="432c9b9" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<h2><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Opening Prayer</span></h2>
<p>O God, we invoke the wisdom of St. Gregory the Great, the Apostle of the English and Master of the Word. May his love for Your Scriptures illuminate our hearts, that we may see the hidden depths of Your plan for our salvation and the co-redemptive role of the Sorrowful Mother.</p>
<p>Holy Mother, pierce me through; In my heart each wound renew Of my Savior Crucified. Lord, grant us the courage to face the prophetic sword in our own lives. Just as Mary accepted the word that would transfix her soul, give us the strength to accept the truths of Scripture, even when they reveal the trials we must endure for the sake of Your Name.</p>
<p><b>Amen.</b></p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2457ff97 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="2457ff97" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4c5af590" data-id="4c5af590" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-d582b5a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="d582b5a" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
															<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="120" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel-1024x120.avif" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-17133" alt="Today's Gospel" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel-1024x120.avif 1024w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel-300x35.avif 300w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel-768x90.avif 768w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/todaysgospel.avif 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></img>															</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-5a8cadac elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="5a8cadac" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<blockquote>
<p><b>Luke 2:35</b></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><i><sup>35</sup>And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p></p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
		<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-a378727 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base " data-id="a378727" data-element_type="e-flexbox" data-e-type="e-flexbox" data-interaction-id="a378727">
    			<img decoding="async" class="e-image-base e-d881a8f-2e7c468" data-interaction-id="d881a8f" data-e-type="widget" data-id="d881a8f" id="17132" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday.avif" width="1280" height="150" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday.avif 1280w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday-300x35.avif 300w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday-1024x120.avif 1024w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/saintoftheday-768x90.avif 768w" alt="Saint of the Day"></img>		
</div>
		<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c108ee0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="c108ee0" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fd642d2" data-id="fd642d2" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-199bd1e e-grid e-con-boxed e-con e-parent" data-id="199bd1e" data-element_type="container" data-e-type="container" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
					<div class="e-con-inner">
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2fffada elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="2fffada" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
					<h5 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">St. Gregory the Great</h5>				</div>
				</div>
					<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="e-image-base " data-interaction-id="708a8c3" data-e-type="widget" data-id="708a8c3" id="17980" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/500px-Gregory_the_Great_with_the_Holy_Spirit-275x300.jpg" width="275" height="300" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/500px-Gregory_the_Great_with_the_Holy_Spirit-275x300.jpg 275w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/500px-Gregory_the_Great_with_the_Holy_Spirit.jpg 500w" alt=""></img>					</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-e07cfec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="e07cfec" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<p><b>St. Gregory the Great </b>stands as a titan of the <b>Faith</b> whose devotion to the “Scriptural Sword” provides the key to the <b>Seven Sorrows</b>. Gregory taught that the Word of God “<i>grows with the one who reads it</i>“. His love for the Word helps us unpack Simeon’s prophecy, showing that the sword which pierced Mary’s soul was first a word spoken by God—a word demanding total faith. Following the lead of St. Alphonsus, we see through Gregory’s eyes how the <b>Passion</b> was a dual sacrifice; so perfectly were their hearts united that it can be said “<i>Two hung upon one Cross.</i>“</p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2a39e7c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="2a39e7c" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-97afe13" data-id="97afe13" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-244c8bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="244c8bd" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
															<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="120" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints-1024x120.avif" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-17134" alt="Wisdom of the Saints" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints-1024x120.avif 1024w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints-300x35.avif 300w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints-768x90.avif 768w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wisdomofthesaints.avif 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></img>															</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-20a9697 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="20a9697" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<p>The wisdom of the <b>Seven Sorrows</b> begins with the deconstruction of Luke 2:35: “<i>And thy own soul a sword shall pierce</i>.” This initiated a lifelong martyrdom. In the <b>Dialogue of St. Anselm</b>, we learn of the terrifying continuity of Scripture: the thirty pieces of silver given to Judas were the very same coins the Ishmaelites used to buy Joseph—a detail of <b>Sacred Tradition</b> that shows the ancient roots of the “<i>Scriptural Sword</i>“. This sword was sharpened by the necessity of identification; because of the striking similarity between Jesus and the apostle James, the “sword” of a kiss was required to betray the Word Incarnate, a trial Mary foresaw from His very infancy.</p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0897282 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0897282" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4469a90" data-id="4469a90" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ce2ca2d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="ce2ca2d" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<blockquote>
<p><i><span style="color: #161616; font-family: Crimson Pro, serif;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">“</span></span></i><i><font color="#161616" face="Crimson Pro, serif"><span style="font-size: 24px;">To do penance is to bewail the evil we have done and to do no evil to bewail.”</span></font></i></p>
<p>—&nbsp;<b>St. Gregory the Great</b></p>
</blockquote>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-13a509b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="13a509b" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cfc1289" data-id="cfc1289" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-909ecd9 elementor-widget-laptop__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="909ecd9" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<h4><strong><span style="color: #161616; font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Mary and the Magisterium</span></strong></h4>
<p>The <b>Magisterium</b>, following St. Gregory, uses the Scripture to illuminate “<i>personal trials</i>“. The Church evaluates Mary’s suffering through the lens of Christ’s dual nature. She suffered “<i>twice</i>“: once through His human nature, as a mother seeing her Child in agony, and again through <b>His Divine nature</b>, seeing her God mocked and spat upon. As the “<i>Queen of Martyrs</i>“, her suffering was proportioned to her sanctity. The <b>Magisterium </b>teaches that this scriptural foundation reveals Mary’s heart as the most “patient” (patior) of all, perfectly accepting the “sword of truth” as the instrument of our redemption.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				<section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4028ec7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="4028ec7" data-element_type="section" data-e-type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}">
						<div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
					<div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5bd0ad3" data-id="5bd0ad3" data-element_type="column" data-e-type="column">
			<div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
						<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-e0a3aec elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="e0a3aec" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
															<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="120" src="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application-1024x120.webp" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-17142" alt="" srcset="https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application-1024x120.webp 1024w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application-300x35.webp 300w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application-768x90.webp 768w, https://tandirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spiritual-Application.webp 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></img>															</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-d9d404c elementor-align-start elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list" data-id="d9d404c" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="icon-list.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
							<ul class="elementor-icon-list-items">
							<li class="elementor-icon-list-item">
											<span class="elementor-icon-list-icon">
							<i aria-hidden="true" class="fas fa-cross"></i>						</span>
										<span class="elementor-icon-list-text">When you look at your own "foreseen trials," do you face them with Mary's heroic resignation or with the fear of the world? </span>
									</li>
								<li class="elementor-icon-list-item">
											<span class="elementor-icon-list-icon">
							<i aria-hidden="true" class="fas fa-cross"></i>						</span>
										<span class="elementor-icon-list-text">How can you use the "sword of Scripture" today to pierce the pretenses of your own heart and allow your hidden thoughts to be revealed before God?</span>
									</li>
						</ul>
						</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-75ba609 elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon elementor-view-default elementor-widget-divider--element-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider" data-id="75ba609" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="divider.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
							<div class="elementor-divider">
			<span class="elementor-divider-separator">
							<div class="elementor-icon elementor-divider__element">
					<i aria-hidden="true" class="fas fa-cross"></i></div>
						</span>
		</div>
						</div>
				</div>
				<div class="elementor-element elementor-element-dc4a2b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="dc4a2b1" data-element_type="widget" data-e-type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
				<div class="elementor-widget-container">
									<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #161616; font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif; font-size: 36px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Closing Prayer</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Lord, grant us the fortitude to bear the sword of truth and to remain faithful to Your Word unto the very end.</p>
<p><strong>Amen.</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>								</div>
				</div>
					</div>
		</div>
					</div>
		</section>
				</div><p></p>