Suffering: What Every Catholic Should Know

This is the April CD of the Month. The mp3 is available now, and the CD will be available on May 1, 2023.
Suffering is a mystery: an unavoidable reality of human life on earth, which disorients us and tests our souls. It leads us to ask questions about God and his goodness. Though we seek pain relief and comfort, suffering cannot be solved by human effort. Instead, Jesus invites us, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). As we accept his call to self-denial, suffering can become redemptive, conforming us to Christ in his salvific suffering. This talk will explain Catholic teaching on the redemptive value of suffering and show how it can go from feeling useless to transforming us to be like God.

Hope After Suicide

Death by suicide is sadly at pandemic proportions, killing more people every year than war and homicide combined. While many people know that the Church condemns suicide as a grave sin, few people know that the Church does not teach that a person who commits suicide is automatically condemned to hell. As Fr. Chris Alar, MIC shares in this insightful talk (based upon his book, After Suicide, given an imprimatur), while suicide remains grave and tragic, we must never despair of God's mercy, and we must know that our prayers can powerfully help those who have taken their own lives, and those who have been left behind. 

Spanish - El Viacrucis: de San Alfonso M. de Ligorio

El Augustine Institute presenta esta hermosa meditación de las Estaciones de la Cruz de San Alfonso María de Ligorio, narrada por Luis Soto. Esta reflexión en oración está acompañada por la Schola Cantorum de la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Monte Carmelo, Littleton, CO, cantando el himno católico tradicional Stabat Mater, en latín, que representa la amorosa presencia de Nuestra Madre, compartiendo el sufrimiento de Cristo al pie de la cruz. Disfrute este audio en sus trayectos, en casa o en cualquier lugar donde encuentre el tiempo, para enriquecer su oración durante la Cuaresma o durante todo el año, y viva mejor la Pasión de Cristo.

English Translation - The Way of the Cross: by Saint Alphonsus M. Liguori

The Augustine Institute presents a beautiful meditation on the Stations of the Cross by Saint Alphonsus Liguori, narrated by Luis Soto. This prayerful reflection is accompanied by the Schola Cantorum of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Littleton, CO, chanting the traditional Catholic hymn Stabat Mater, in Latin, which depicts the loving presence of Our Sorrowful Mother, sharing in the suffering of Christ at the foot of the cross. Take advantage of this audio on your commute, at home, or anywhere you find the time, to enrich your prayer during Lent or throughout the year, and better unite yourself to the Passion of Christ.

How to Love Yourself

The words that we speak to ourselves shape our self-perception; how we see ourselves, and how we act. Despite being told perhaps more than any other generation to love and believe in themselves, this generation struggles more than any other with anxiety, self-loathing, and low self-esteem. In this talk, speaker and author Chris Stefanick tackles the lies which hold us captive to these struggles, and boldly shares the Good News of Jesus Christ—that Love Himself has come to redeem us, and destined us for eternal glory.

Purgatory: Our Forgotten Family

What is Purgatory? Does it exist? Does it matter? As professor and speaker Dr. Mark Miravalle explains, not only is the doctrine of Purgatory true, and deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, but the practice of offering prayers and sacrifices for the souls of the dead is a critically important responsibility for every member of the Body of Christ—the family of the Church.

Spanish - 13 Razones por las que importas

El suicidio es la segunda causa de muerte en adolescentes y jóvenes adultos. A pesar de que hay muchos programas de televisión y reportajes sobre este tema; el suicidio, la depresión, el automutilarse y la soledad siguen siendo temas que difícilmente los adultos hablan con sus hijos.

Noelle Garcia, aborda este tema de manera muy honesta, exponiendo su experiencia personal y con el buen humor que la caracteriza. Brindando un aliento de esperanza a aquellos que luchan por creer (o que conocen a alguien) en la misericordia y el amor de Dios que los está esperando. Recordándoles que tú y tu vida realmente importan.


English Translation:
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth and young adults. Yet despite the many TV shows, movies, and articles on this topic, suicide, depression, self-harm, and loneliness remain difficult subjects for adults of any age to discuss. 

Speaking with honesty, humor, and personal experience, Noelle Garcia tackles these issues head-on, encouraging those who are struggling (or know someone who is) that God's mercy and love are waiting for them; that you, and your life, truly matter.

The Roots of the Crisis

The clergy sexual abuse scandals have rocked the Catholic Church and caused a crisis of faith (and of evangelization) for many. When facing such a daunting and terrible crisis, it can be difficult to find the right way forward.

In this talk, Dr. Tim Gray explains with conviction and insight that to make any real and lasting change, we must keep faith, and look closely at the deep roots behind this crisis. Times of great scandal and corruption in the Church can be followed by times of even greater renewal and revival, if faithful men and women will enter the constructive conflict that truth requires.

“Tim offers a voice of reason and hope in the midst of these dire scandals. This talk brings light to the darkness.”

13 Reasons Why You Matter

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth and young adults. Yet despite the many TV shows, movies, and articles on this topic, suicide, depression, self-harm, and loneliness remain difficult subjects for adults of any age to discuss. Speaking with honesty, humor, and personal experience, Noelle Garcia tackles these issues head-on, encouraging those who are struggling (or know someone who is) that God's mercy and love are waiting for them; that you, and your life, truly matter.

End of Life Issues - Booklet

Why is it wrong to help someone commit suicide?

Don’t people have a right to die with dignity rather than being a burden to others?

Does the Church teach that the terminally-ill must be kept alive by machines for as long as possible?

How can I plan now to make sure that my legal and medical wishes are respected when I’m near death?

In this booklet you’ll find smart, solid answers to these questions and many more. 20 Answers: End of Life Issues unravels the controversies and confusions surrounding euthanasia, assisted suicide, and the rights of patients in our uncertain healthcare future.

About the 20 Answers Series

The 20 Answers series from Catholic Answers offers hard facts, compelling arguments, and clear explanations of the most important topics facing the Church and the world—all in a compact, easy-to-read package.

Booklet Details

Published year: 2014
Booklet size: 4.25" x 7"
76 pages

Spanish - Amor, Sacrificio, Confianza: El Nos Mostro el Camino

El P. Mike nos comparte pensamientos profundos sobre el significado de la Cruz de Cristo. Nos muestra cómo la misión salvadora de Cristo incluye también que cada uno de nosotros abrace su cruz personal, para restablecer la confianza en el Padre y entender que el amor requiere sacrificio.

English Translation: Love - Sacrifice - Trust: He Showed Us the Way
Fr. Mike Schmitz shares important insights on the meaning of Christ’s Cross. He shows how God’s rescue mission for us includes the need for each person to embrace his own cross in order to reestablish trust in the Father and the understanding that love requires sacrifice.

Mercy and Hope

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Flowing forth from the Heart of Jesus is a torrent of mercy that is the source of much needed hope for our world. Discover how in God’s mercy we find a reason for joy here on earth and a reasonable expectation for eternal joy in Heaven. Mike Pacer’s engaging and straightforward approach sheds light on the following:

 • The merciful and loving God revealed in the Old Testament
 • Jesus Christ as the source of mercy and reason for hope
 • The hope imparted through the message of Divine Mercy given to St. Faustina
 • Mary’s role as the Mother of Mercy and Hope

Hope is not merely a feeling, but also an action through which our lives are transformed. Mike provides practical suggestions on how we can live more joyful lives through being merciful to others and receiving mercy ourselves.

Product Details

216 pages
Book dimensions: 5.25" x 8"
Published year: 2017

Praise for Mercy and Hope

“In this book, Mike Pacer offers a loving, heartfelt account of the hope he’s found in Divine Mercy. Through his personal reflections on Scripture, St. Faustina’s writings, and the theological virtues, he offers fresh insights into the hope-filled mystery of God's merciful love.”

– Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, author of 33 Days to Morning Glory

“Mike has hit a home run with Mercy and Hope. It so clearly presents mercy for what, or better, who mercy is—Jesus. This truth is so beautifully presented throughout the book that one can literally touch and be touched by Jesus.”

– Most Rev. David D. Kagan, Bishop of Bismarck

From Slave to Priest

Born a slave in Missouri, Fr. Augustine Tolton became the first African-American priest in the U.S., where he was much loved by the people and showed great priestly zeal. This story of Fr. Tolton’s courage in the face of incredible prejudice within the Church and society will be a source of strength and hope for modern Christians who face persecution for their faith. Also included is an interview with Bishop Joseph Perry, in which he outlines the ongoing cause for the canonization of Fr. Tolton.

Love - Sacrifice - Trust: He Showed Us the Way

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares important insights on the meaning of Christ’s Cross. He shows how God’s rescue mission for us includes the need for each person to embrace his own cross in order to reestablish trust in the Father and the understanding that love requires sacrifice. It also includes a bonus segment on Stations of the Cross, which features reflections on the Lord’s Passion and Death, accompanied by moving audio dramatizations from the Truth and Life Audio Bible.

A New Hospital Prayer Book - Booklet

This popular prayer book, now revised and improved, offers well-loved prayers, meditations, and encouragement for those in hospital. Prayers for expectant mothers, excerpts from Scripture, and form the saints, the Rites for Receiving Communion when sick, and Anointing the Sick are included, as is night prayer and a helpful guide to confession.

Drawing Strength from Our Lady of Sorrows

Speaker and author Kimberly Hahn, wife of Dr. Scott Hahn and mother of six, is a convert to the Catholic faith. Although honoring Mary was difficult for Kimberly to initially understand, she began to encounter Mary's loving guidance in little ways on a daily basis. In this presentation, she reflects on the joys and sorrows that Mary prayerfully experienced during her time on Earth, and shares how her example leads us closer to Christ.

The Shot Heard 'Round the World

In this gripping presentation, Fr. Andrew Fisher narrates the assassination attempt of Saint John Paul the Great. The Shot Heard 'Round the World is the story of the suffering of Pope John Paul II, as well as Our Lady's intercession during this attempt on the Holy Father's life. Fr. Andrew Fisher is a native of Northern Virginia and a pastor in the Diocese of Arlington. 

Rising Above: From Tragedy to Triumph

At nine years old, John O'Leary was involved in a horrific incident and was given only a one percent change to survive. Today, nearly three decades later, he travels the world teaching others how to truly live. In this presentation, John draws on his life's experience to intimately illustrate how God often uses our greatest challenges to positively transform our lives.

Love Hurts: The Truth Behind Redemptive Suffering

In this presentation, Matthew Leonard focuses on the new idea of love proclaimed by Christ and how it gives meaning to human suffering, penance, and ultimately death. Sounds a bit dark, doesn't it? But it's not! By looking at these issues we'll discover the secret to how we can "Rejoice in the Lord always" just like St. Paul, no matter what happens.

Suffering

THIS TALK IS ONLY AVAILABLE AS AN MP3. 

Fr. Damian Ference, popular Catholic writer, speaker, and professor at Borromeo College Seminary in Cleveland, shares his insights into the mystery of suffering. With moving personal stories and inspiring conviction, Fr. Damian reveals the depth of divine love as shown by his willingness to embrace the very human experience of suffering.

Attack on Religious Liberty - Battle for the Faith in Mexico

Patrick Madrid explores the history of the persecution of the Catholic Church in 1920s Mexico. He recounts the sufferings and martyrdom that thousands of Catholics endured to defend their religious freedom during the Cristero War.

15 Things to Do in the Midst of Suffering

Suffering is a mystery we all face at some time in our lives. Whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual, it will test our faith. Internationally known speaker Jeff Cavins shares personal insights he gained through his own physical pain. He shows us how we can join our sufferings with those of Jesus on the cross, bringing renewed meaning to the suffering we experience in our lives.

Making Sense Out of Suffering

We all experience suffering at some time in our lives. Our tribulations range from small disappointments to serious tragedies. Listen as scripture scholar and lay theologian, Dr. Scott Hahn, makes sense out of suffering by drawing from the wisdom and insight of God's Word. He helps us find the meaning of our suffering by showing us how to unite it to the suffering of Christ on the Cross.