For College Catholics

21 The Spiritual Exercises – A Great Retreat for College Students

This week our Miles Christi religious community in Michigan will be doing its week-long annual retreat in an atmosphere of silence. We do it according to the Spiritual Exercises written by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

My good friend Matthew, who graduated from UCLA and is now in his third year as a FOCUS missionary, discusses with me his experience in doing the Spiritual Exercises right out of college, and he says why every college student who wants to grow spiritually should do them!

St. Ignatius lived from 1491 to 1556, and is the Founder of the Society of Jesus. His feast day is July 31. In Miles Christi, we consider him our “master of the spiritual life”, which means that we use his writings and principles as inspiration for our spirituality.

The book of the Spiritual Exercises is a guide to do a retreat. The retreat can be from a three-day-weekend long, to thirty days. The book has spiritual notes and recommendations, methods of prayer, ways to examine one’s conscience, outlines to meditate on the mysteries of the life of Christ, and above all, A STRUCTURE for a RETREAT divided in four periods of time (which St. Ignatius calls “weeks”), with suggested meditations for each day.

The Spiritual Exercises will help you deepen the knowledge of the purpose of your life, help you eradicate sin from your life, get to know Jesus better, and by knowing Him, love Him and follow Him!

Here are some of the documents we speak about in our conversation:

- Encyclical “MENS NOSTRA” of Pope Pius XI, endorsing the Spiritual Exercises and encouraging people to practice them. https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19291220_mens-nostra.html

- The book of the Spiritual Exercises, translated by Fr. Puhl: CLICK here

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- Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order.

- Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- This Podcast’s Website: https://31Twww.forcollegecatholics.org31T

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat), visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

- Intro music from pond5.com

- Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.

20 “Not for a million dollars” – At the Name of Jesus every knee must bend

In this episode we talk about how, from her own words we learn that Mother Teresa of Calcutta would not have done what she did for many poor people even if they had given her a million dollars. However, she did it for Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man. In John 1:1-3 we read “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, God, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit. This Word took flesh, a human nature, in the most pure womb of the Virgin Mary.

We address how the heresy of Arianism threatened to change the faith of the Catholic Church, but thanks to St. Athanasius and many others who suffered greatly to defend the Divinity of Jesus, the true faith was preserved.

This is why “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Phil 2:10-11)

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- Quotes used: John 1:1-3; John 1:14-18; Phil 2:9-11.
- Council of Nicaea: A.D. 325. Council of Constantinople: A.D. 381
- Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe 
- Life of St. Athanasius: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02035a.htm

- Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order.
- Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org
- This Podcast’s Website: https://www.forcollegecatholics.org
- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (an awesome silent weekend retreat), visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/ 
- Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.
- Intro music from pond5.com

19 Adam Sinned and Brought Death into the World

In this episode I talk about how God created the world to be a place where Adam and Eve and their descendants could live in peace and harmony, with God, with each other, and with the world around them. However, through Original Sin, Adam disregarded the law of God, and rebelled against Him. This Original Sin separated man from God, and brought disorder into creation. The book of Genesis in its first chapters, presents historical truths, using a symbolic language.

All the ideas discussed in this Episode can be found described more in depth in the Catechism of the Catholic Church #390, 396-412.

The Catechism in #390 says: “The account of the fall in Genesis 3 uses figurative language, but affirms a primeval event, a deed that took place at the beginning of the history of man. Revelation gives us the certainty of faith that the whole of human history is marked by the original fault freely committed by our first parents.”

In Adam, we all sinned. “Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned.” (Rom 5:12)

This is why we are all conceived in the state of sin, without the grace of God: “Behold, I was born in guilt, in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:7)

it is necessary to recognize that we are inclined to evil from conception. That we are separated from God from the first moment of our existence.

This is why it is necessary to baptize children soon after they are born, to allow them the gift of being united to God and in his grace, which opens for them the gates of Heaven.

We look at the different consequences of that sin.

And finally, we will look into the promise that God made of sending a Redeemer to save us from that state: “if by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one Person, Jesus Christ, overflow for the many.” (Rom 5:15)

Thanks to the Death of Jesus Christ on the Cross, we are all redeemed, and granted the possibility of being cleansed from sin and entering Heaven. Of course, we still have to apply the merits of His death on us through baptism, and live according to the Gospel to be saved.

“The Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 Jn 3:8)

Thanks be to Jesus Christ, the evil of sin does not, will not have the FINAL WORD. Jesus Christ is victorious over Satan, sin and death.

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- Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order.

- Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- This podcast’s Website: https://www.forcollegecatholics.org

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat), visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

- Intro music from pond5.com

- Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.

18 God Creator of the World, Man, Angels and Demons

In this episode I talk about the fact that God is the ultimate cause for the existence of the entire world, man and all the spiritual beings, which we commonly call Angels. He also created those angels that would eventually fall from their state of grace through sin, and separate themselves from God—the demons. I mention how the first eleven chapters of the Book of Genesis are not supposed to be interpreted literally, especially the fact that the world was created in seven days. So, while the Catholic Church teaches that God created the world, this does not mean that she opposes any verified, proven scientific explanation for the manner in which God created the world, or the manner the world came into being.

I also share how God creates each individual soul, giving each human being its unique dignity and sacredness. Quoting Genesis 1:27, I share how God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Finally, I talk about the nature of the Angels and the existence of the devil and his followers.

I quote the following sections of the Bible: 2 Kings 6:10-25; Col 1:16; Daniel 10:13; Rev 12:7; Luke 1 (St. Gabriel announcing the Births of John the Baptist and Jesus); Genesis 19 (angels defending Lot against the inhabitants of Sodom); Genesis 22:12 (the sacrifice of Isaac); Luke 2:14 (Angels and the Shepherds); Mt 4:1 (temptations in the desert), etc. I finally speak about the Guardian Angel (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 336).

I speak about St. John Bosco (Don Bosco) and “Grigio”, the hound that protected him from his enemies. I also share about the dream (told in “The Story of a Soul”) that St. Therese of Lisieux had about two little demons who were afraid of her even if she was a child, because she was in the Grace of God.

The devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist, devotion to the Virgin Mary (particularly, the Holy Rosary), and the devotion to St. Michael the Archangel are most powerful ways to defend ourselves against Satan.

Pray the prayer to St. Michael frequently!

“St Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

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- Host Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a Priest of Miles Christi, a Catholic Religious Order of Priests and Brothers dedicated to the sanctification of the laity, especially high school and college students.

- Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- This Podcast’s Website: https://www.forcollegecatholics.org

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat), and to register, visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.

17 Faith Impact – Jen Fulwiler Conversion Story

In this episode I welcome Jennifer Fulwiler, who is a standup comic, bestselling author, podcaster and mom of six. Her podcast, “This Is Jen”, debuted in the Comedy Top 10 on iTunes. She wrote three books: Something Other than God, a memoir about converting to Catholicism from lifelong atheism, One Beautiful Dream, and Your Blue Flame, which is about sharing your God-given gifts with the world. As of June 24, 2021, she has 79K followers on Tik-Tok. In this episode she shares with me her process of conversion to Catholicism, what she considers her best treasures in the Catholic faith, and she gives some advice to young adults on the value of the Sacrament of Marriage. Listen in to laugh and learn about the Catholic Faith!

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You can get Jen’s books here: https://jenniferfulwiler.com/books/

Check her Live Comedy Tour upcoming dates and venues at www.jfcomedytour.com

You can follow Jen on Instagram at @JenniferFuwiler.

Let me know if you have any questions! Email me at info@forcollegecatholics.org

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- Host: Fr. Patrick Wainwright is a priest of Miles Christi, a Roman Catholic Religious Order.

- Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat), visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

- This Podcast’s Website: www.forcollegecatholics.org

- You can follow us on Instagram at @mileschristiusa

- Check out our YouTube channel searching “Miles Christi Religious Order”

- Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.

16 There is Only One God - Divine Providence

In this episode I discuss how as Catholics, our faith centers around the belief in the existence of ONLY ONE GOD. We will address some of His characteristics. We could know some of these characteristics through reason alone, but they were also positively revealed by Him: for example, that he IS, that He is Infinite, all-powerful and creator of all things. We will also look at the consequences of this belief, particularly, how we owe him WORSHIP and obedience, and we should depend completely on His Divine Providence.

“Since creatures have received everything they are and have from God, only God in himself is the fullness of being and of every perfection. God is “He who is” without origin and without end.” [CCCC #39]

God is the creator of every reality outside of Himself, both material and spiritual. He has created by a free choice of his will, neither out of necessity, nor out of a kind of “natural” overflowing of His Being. Finally, this world did not come to be by a blind “chance”.

When God created everything, He used neither any “pre-existing matter” nor “anything at all” from which He made everything—not even a part of Himself. On the contrary, He created everything out of nothing (“ex nihilo”). “We believe that God needs no pre-existent thing or any help in order to create, nor is creation any sort of necessary emanation from the divine substance. God creates freely “out of nothing”.” (Catechism 296) See 2 Macabees 7:21-28.

Moreover, God continues to maintain the world in its being, He is holding us in the palm of his hand (see Isaiah 49:16).

We speak about the consequences of these truths for our lives:

(1) We should recognize his infinite GREATNESS and our “nothingness”. (2) We should learn to ADORE God and obey Him. (3) We should live with an attitude of THANKSGIVING for everything we have and for everything He does for us. (4) We should also learn to value and defend the intrinsic DIGNITY OF ALL MEN, created in the image and likeness of God. (5) We should make good use of all created things, using them for the glory of God and our Salvation. (6) We should depend entirely on his DIVINE PROVIDENCE, entrusting ourselves to Him like a child in the arms of his mother, even in adversity.

Spanish version of St. Teresa’s Poem:
“Nada te turbe, nada te espante
todo se pasa, Dios no se muda,
la paciencia todo lo alcanza,
quien a Dios tiene nada le falta
solo Dios basta.” (Poemas, 30)

Toward the end, I quote Psalm 91:1-5.

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- Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- This Podcast’s Website: https://www.forcollegecatholics.org

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises (silent weekend retreat), visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

Recorded at our Family Center in South Lyon, Michigan.

15 Catholic Symbols of Faith

In this episode I will begin the presentation of the Catholic Creed, that is, a summary of the Truths of Faith that we profess as Catholics. This particular episode was recorded away from home, in Chicago, IL…! I am joined by Fr. Matthew Maxwell, to discuss some of the main “professions of faith” that were put forth through the centuries. We will look at the purpose of these written professions or summaries of our Faith, and then we will look at some of the most important ones that have been handed down to us from the very beginnings. We will mention some of the “professions” that appear in the Old and New Testament (Deut 26:5-9; Mt 28:19; 1 Co 15:3-5; 1 Tim 3:15-16; Philippians 2:6-11). After that, we will mention the “Regula Fidei” and the “Old Roman Creed”, the structure of which could be traced to the times of the Apostles themselves. Then we will look at the forms of the Creed that have been kept and used by the Catholic Church from very early centuries until today, particularly, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Nicene Creed (also called Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed).

Here is the approximate text of the “Old Roman Creed”. This text is taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia. There are other ‘forms’ of the text, that include some additions, and that were found in different parts of the Church in later years. You can read the whole article about the Old Roman Creed here: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01629a.htm

Old Roman Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; Who was born of (Latin: “de”) the Holy Spirit, and of (Latin: “ex”) the Virgin Mary; crucified under Pontius Pilate and buried; The third day he rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, sits on the right hand of the Father, From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. And in the Holy Spirit, The holy Church, the Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body.

This Old Roman Creed is one of the earliest written versions that are extant, and, because in the first centuries of Christianity this Creed was not meant to be put into writing but only recited, it is very reasonable to think that its origin—at least in the main points and ideas—can be traced back to the Apostles Peter and Paul, who lived and died in Rome.

From this Old Roman Creed later came the “Apostles’ Creed”. And eventually, this one was used as a basis for the Nicene Creed.

The Apostles’ Creed can be found here: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/rosaries/prayers-of-the-rosary

The Nicene Creed can be found here: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe

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- Miles Christi Religious Order website: https://www.mileschristi.org

- This Podcast’s Website: https://www.forcollegecatholics.org

- To learn about the Spiritual Exercises and find the upcoming dates and locations, visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

This episode was recorded on the road, in Chicago, Illinois—after having a deep dish pizza! 😊

14 Pier Giorgio Frassati and Kevin Becker’s Cure

In this episode I invite a guest, Kevin Becker, who shares how he got to know about Pier Giorgio Frassati. He tells the story of how, in 2011, he severely injured his head (multiple fractures in his skull and severe brain inflammation) falling from the roof of his house while a junior in college. He remained several days in a coma, and the doctors started to fear the worst. During that time, his family started praying through the intercession of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati for his cure. Soon after he started to recover. His recovery was so fast, that the following semester he was cleared to play sports in college. He later related how during his coma, he repeatedly dreamed about seeing a young man who introduced himself as Giorgio—the name Frassati commonly used.

This amazing cure is being investigated in the Vatican to see if it can be considered a miracle obtained through the intercession of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati.

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- Miles Christi Religious Order website: www.mileschristi.org

- Kevin Becker’s Story (YouTube Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4JPnDZWQoo

- “Frassati USA” website: www.frassatiUSA.org

- Great book on Bl. Pier Giorgio’s spirituality: https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/finding-frassati

- This Podcast’s Website: www.forcollegecatholics.org

- To do the Spiritual Exercises visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

Recorded at the Miles Christi Family Center, South Lyon, Michigan

13 Faith Impact – Pier Giorgio Frassati

In this episode we discuss the impact faith can have in a person’s life, and in the life of the whole Church. I invite a guest, Matthew Zahn, to talk about the life of Pier Giorgio Frassati, his virtues and some aspects of his spiritual life.

Born in Turin, Italy on April 6, 1901, Pier Giorgio had a great faith from his youth. Two main pillars of his spiritual life were a great devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and a great love and veneration for the Blessed Virgin Mary. He wanted to devote his life to bring Christ to those around him, particularly the poor. While he came from a wealthy family, Pier Giorgio lived a simple life, with great detachment (spiritual poverty) and whatever he could, he gave it to the poor.

He loved the outdoors, particularly, mountain climbing, and would invite his friends first to go on outings, and then to pray in church.

At the age of 24, just before his planned graduation from college, he contracted poliomyelitis, and died soon after, on July 4, 1925.

We also talk about two miracles performed through his intercession.

Recommended BOOKS on Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati:

- A Man of the Beatitudes: Pier Giorgio Frassati, Luciana Frassati, Ignatius Press, 2001. link: https://www.amazon.com/Man-Beatitudes-Pier-Giorgio-Frassati/dp/0898708613

- Letters to His Friends and Family, Pier Giorgio Frassati, Alba House, 2009. link: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Friends-Family-Giorgio-Frassati/dp/0818913053

- The Soul of Pier Giorgio Frassati, Robert Claude, Spiritual Books Assocation, Inc. (New York)

- YouTube video on the amazing cure of Kevin Baker: (4) GIORGIO: A Modern-Day Miracle Story - YouTube

 

Prayer to request a grace through the intercession of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati

"O merciful God,
Who through the perils of the world
deigned to preserve by Your grace
Your servant Pier Giorgio Frassati
pure of heart and ardent of charity,
listen, we ask You, to our prayers and,
if it is in Your designs that he be glorified by the Church,
show us Your will,
granting us the graces we ask of You,
through his intercession,
by the merits of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen."
(IMPRIMATUR, 1932 +Maurilio Cardinal Fossati, Archbishop of Turin)

Podcast Website: www.forcollegecatholics.org

Miles Christi Religious Order www.mileschristi.org

To do the Spiritual Exercises visit: https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

Intro music from www.pond5.com

Recorded at the Miles Christi Family Center, South Lyon, Michigan

12 The Catholic Meaning of Faith (2) – Some Characteristics

Some characteristics of our Catholic Faith: In this episode we address some consequences that are derived from a correct, Catholic understanding of what FAITH is. Faith is an act of our intelligence, moved by our will and by the Grace of God, by which we accept all the truths that God has revealed and the Church teaches as revealed by God (see St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica II-II, 2, 9; and 1^st Vatican Council, Dei Filius 3). The main reason why we accept these truths is because we accept the witness and authority of God, who cannot be deceived nor deceive us.

As a consequence, it is clear that our faith is a gift of God; besides, the act of faith should be freely made; it should be “certain”; it should be complete—or integral—, without “picking and choosing” some truths and leaving out others. If both are correctly understood there shouldn’t be an opposition between faith and science, or between faith and reason. Faith is universal, in other words, it is for all men, and it should be embraced by all men. It is all-encompassing, in the sense that there should be no area of our life that is not affected by our faith.

All the concepts discussed can be found in the Catechism, #142-184.

At the end, we discuss what to do to persevere in your faith, and we look at the amazing story of John Henry Newman’s conversion to Catholicism. He is a canonized saint who converted from Anglicanism.

St. John Newman said, “This I am sure of, that nothing but a simple, direct call of duty is a warrant for any one leaving our [Anglican] Church… The simple question is: Can I (it is personal, not whether “another”, but can I) be saved in the English Church? Am I in safety, were I to die tonight? Is it a mortal sin in me, not joining another communion? (Apologia, 208)

LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT (poem)

Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th’encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Meantime, along the narrow, rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.

Poem by St. John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Host: Fr. Patrick Wainwright, a priest of the Miles Christi Religious Order.

Podcast Website: www.forcollegecatholics.org

Miles Christi Religious Order’s site is www.mileschristi.org

To know what are the Spiritual Exercises retreats, and to see the dates and locations for our upcoming retreats in the US, visit https://www.mileschristi.org/spiritual-exercises/

Intro music from www.pond5.com

Recorded at the Miles Christi Family Center, South Lyon, Michigan