Audiobooks narrated by Donald Goergen

Christology: Understanding the Theology of Jesus

Grow closer to our Lord by contemplating the Person of Jesus Christ. In this revelatory audio course, you will explore the full reality of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, our Lord and Savior. Each of the course's 12 lectures illuminates different portraits of Jesus: a man and mystic, a preacher and servant, a prophet and incarnation of God. Under the guidance of award-winning teacher Fr. Donald Goergen, you will explore the human, historic Jesus, drawing out the contours of the man who lived among us. You will then approach Scripture with a Christological eye. In the synoptic gospels, you will see Christ as a prophet, preacher, and teacher from Galilee. You will also explore the richest source of Christology: the Gospel of John, where you will see Jesus as the Word made flesh, the eternal Son of God come to earth. In the epistles of Paul, you will explore the Risen Christ who resurrected from the dead, the Messiah who will come again. Finally, you will consider the many faces of Jesus that exist in various cultures. These portrayals may differ in their details, but they share the belief in His deep connection with all creation and the cosmos as a whole. Through this journey, you will enrich your life as a disciple of Christ, who came among us as a man of God, died on the cross, and triumphed over death. This course is part of the Learn25 Collection.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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The Christian Guide to Meditation: How to Practice Serenity and Cultivate Spiritual Growth

Gain profound insights into Christian traditions of meditation and prayer. Many people are familiar with the practice of meditation in Eastern spiritual traditions. What many do not know, however, is that Western mysticism also gives us a rich meditative tradition. From the time of the desert fathers and mothers to the present day, a long line of mystics have given us inspiring, prayerful practices. In The Christian Guide to Meditation: How to Practice Serenity and Cultivate Spiritual Growth, you will learn powerful lessons about meditative prayer, or the silencing of the mind. Under the guidance of Fr. Donald Goergen, you will explore such themes as silence, group meditation, and the difference between meditation and contemplation. Along the way, you will be inspired by the teachings of the Philokalia, John Cassian, St. Augustine, St. Dominic, Thomas Aquinas, Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Ávila, John of the Cross, Thérèse of Lisieux, and many others. This series will invite you to pray with fewer words and deepen your experience of contemplation. In these 12 powerful talks, you will learn how to engage in meditative and contemplative practices while appreciating the Christian mystical tradition that has nourished these practices throughout the centuries. As you learn from the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, you will expand your horizons of prayer. Embark on this sublime spiritual odyssey today. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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The Dominican Spiritual Tradition

What can an 800-year-old spiritual tradition teach you today? Since its founding in 1216, the Dominican Order has indelibly influenced Catholic spirituality. The evangelical spirit of St. Dominic of Caleruega has inspired countless preachers, theologians, artists, philosophers, missionaries, mystics, clerics, and laity down to the present day. In The Dominican Spiritual Tradition, you will reignite your own life of faith with the power of this school of spirituality. Through 6 lectures, you will reflect upon Dominican spirituality in light of its fascinating, 800-year history. Under the guidance of Fr. Donald Goergen, O. P. , you will explore the Dominican mission and life through the lens of four pillars: preaching, prayer, study, and the common life. To understand Dominican spirituality, you must first understand the life and historical context of St. Dominic. In doing so, you will gain deep insights into his vision, which above all emphasizes humility. You will also come to understand that at the heart of Dominican spirituality is the communication of the Word of God: not just speaking the gospel, but living it. In your encounters with Dominican spirituality, you will learn how to live the gospel of peace, grounding yourself contemplatively in prayer and study. This call to evangelization remains as powerful today as ever. With his authenticity, integrity, simplicity, and humility, St. Dominic will inspire your spiritual life. (Photo courtesy of Fr. Lawrence Lew, O. P.) This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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The Spiritual Wisdom of Meister Eckhart

"We shall find God in everything alike, and find God always alike in everything. " - Meister Eckhart Today, Meister Eckhart (ca. 1260-1328) is recognized as one of the most significant mystics. Yet his spiritual doctrine is not easy to comprehend and has, at times, been misunderstood-even condemned. Now, you are invited to delve deeply into Eckhart's spiritual wisdom. As you will learn, Eckhart remains the outstanding representative of Germany's medieval Rhineland mysticism. While our knowledge of Eckhart's life is limited, we can see that he was an active mystic in his preaching, teaching, and writing. His boldness of speech is matched by his power to integrate what seem like irreconcilable opposites. These 6 retreat conferences will give you a concise, powerful introduction to Eckhart's spiritual thought. After learning about his life and historical context, you will reflect upon the most salient themes of his spirituality. In doing so, you will gain access to deep spiritual wisdom that is relevant for all times and especially our own. You will thus consider his understanding of the birth of the Word in the "ground of the soul," his concept of detachment, his exaltation of Martha, and finally, the incomprehensible God that Eckhart calls "mercy. " As you journey through his wisdom, you will gain deep insights not only into Eckhart's thought, but also into God, yourself, and the world. Join Fr. Goergen on this powerful exploration today. This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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The Spirit of Life: A Catholic Retreat with the Holy Spirit

Encounter the power of the Holy Spirit in this life-giving retreat. How does the Holy Spirit make a difference in the Church, the world, and your own life? Far too often, people overlook the influence of the Spirit. And yet according to Church teaching, the Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son, playing a fundamental role in the Scriptures and life of Jesus. In The Spirit of Life: A Catholic Retreat with the Holy Spirit, you will awaken a deeper appreciation and greater awareness of the third Person of the Trinity. As you move through these retreat conferences, you will watch the workings of the Holy Spirit unfold in ever expanding ways. You will begin with the divine indwelling of the Spirit in your own life and soul before exploring how He works through Word, sacrament, and the charismatic gifts. As you will see, the Spirit is also present outside the visible Body of Christ in other religious traditions, and lies at the heart of the cosmos. To this end, you will explore how the Holy Spirit, who spoke through the prophets and sages of the Old Testament, later breathed life into the early Christian communities, and is still alive in the world today. These powerful retreat conferences will bring alive the gift of love in your own heart. Become a channel of the Holy Spirit in the world today. This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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Teilhard de Chardin's Cosmic Christology and Christian Cosmology

Journey through the life, thought, and works of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. One of the most celebrated spiritual minds of the twentieth century, Teilhard de Chardin was both a respected scientist and a Jesuit priest. He combined an evolutionary worldview with his commitment to his Christian tradition and Catholic faith. A pioneer in the dialogue between religion and science, he remains a widely influential mystical voice. Now, this new program guides you through Teilhard's timeless thought. Under the guidance of Teilhard expert Fr. Donald Goergen, you will explore Teilhard's works, including the essay collection Writings in Time of War, the spiritual classic The Divine Milieu, and the groundbreaking The Human Phenomenon. In doing so, you will examine such powerful themes as cosmology, Christology, Catholic spirituality, the mystery of suffering, and our understanding of God. A restless spiritual seeker, Teilhard emphasized that the universe is unfinished, always on the move-and God, the Alpha and the Omega, is at its center. Teilhard will challenge you to think through the implications of God's creative action being made manifest in evolutionary terms. As you will discover, within this cosmic vision lies a new mysticism-the ability to see God in Christ and in all things. With a remarkable capacity for synthesis, Teilhard invites you into his powerful, compelling vision of the universe. Join him on this mystical journey today. This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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St. Thomas Aquinas: Master Theologian and Your Spiritual Guide

Let one of the greatest theologians in the history of Christianity be your spiritual guide. St. Thomas Aquinas OP (1224-1274) towers in the history of Christian thought as a mystic, spiritual master, theologian, philosopher, teacher, and preacher. Along with St. Augustine, his synthesis of Christian teaching and exposition of the truth of the Catholic faith remains unsurpassed in Western Christianity. Now, to make his core teachings accessible, we are delighted to bring you a remarkable professor, Fr. Donald Goergen, OP. Through 12 powerful audio conferences, you will explore the key themes of his thought, especially in his Summa Theologica. You will derive spiritual direction from his balanced way of thinking. You will explore such insights of Aquinas's thought as creation, the search for human happiness, the life of moral and intellectual virtues, the life of charity, Christ and the sacraments of the Church, and the life of the blessed in heaven. Aquinas was an intellectually curious thinker unafraid to change his mind, a man of bold and innovative insights deeply committed to the Catholic tradition. His theology flows as much from his life of prayer as it does from intellectual acumen. Whatever your level of familiarity with Aquinas's thought, you will find great insights under the guidance of Fr. Goergen. You will treasure this remarkable course. This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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6 Days with Thomas Merton: A Spiritual Retreat

Explore the contemplative mysticism of Thomas Merton in this one-of-a-kind retreat. Led by gifted professor, author, and contemplative retreat leader Fr. Donald Goergen, O.P., this life-changing series will capture your spiritual imagination and deepen your life with Christ. As Prof. Lawrence Cunningham writes, "Thomas Merton could easily be called the greatest spiritual writer and spiritual master of the twentieth century in English-speaking America." He was a monk and seeker-restless, deeply contemplative, and socially conscious. A prolific writer, he wrote such beloved spiritual classics as The Seven Storey Mountain and New Seeds of Contemplation, which are cherished worldwide. Thomas Merton's words echo through the decades, offering us timeless wisdom and a vision for unity in the modern world. Fr. Goergen will guide you through Merton's deepest thoughts on solitude, contemplation, peace, and interreligious dialogue. You will come to understand how we are all called to discipleship and spiritual growth. Whatever your calling, Merton's mystical vision will shape your spiritual life. Let Merton accompany you and offer wise guidance in your journey to eternal life. We recommend listening to these conferences over six days and then spending time in focused prayer and rest on the seventh day. This retreat is part of the Learn25 collection. This retreat includes a free PDF study guide prepared by your professor and course producer.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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The Teilhard de Chardin Retreat: Your 7 Day Spiritual Ascent

Explore the towering mysticism of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin in this one-of-a-kind retreat experience. Presented by gifted professor, author, and contemplative retreat leader Fr. Donald Goergen, O.P., this 6-conference series is designed to capture your spiritual imagination and deepen your life with Christ. These conferences are life-changing. Trained as a scientist and ordained as a Jesuit priest, Teilhard was one of the most profound spiritual writers of the twentieth century. He was a mystic with a cosmic vision, and his spirituality continues to enthrall people around the world. He seamlessly wove together science and theology, creating a powerful vision of the universe. By listening to Fr. Goergen's conferences on Teilhard, you will come to understand discipleship and how we are all called to grow spiritually. Whatever your own calling in life is, Teilhard's profound spiritual wisdom will speak to you. After listening to the audio conferences for six days, you may wish to take a seventh day to pray and reflect using your free retreat guide. Teilhard's mystical vision of the world was both universal and deeply personal. Fr. Goergen's moving retreat will lead you to discover how this vision can shape your spirituality today. Let Teilhard accompany you and offer wise guidance in your journey to eternal life. This program was originally part of Fr. Goergen's A Retreat with Four Spiritual Masters. This retreat is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF prayer guide.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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A Retreat with Four Spiritual Masters

With gifted professor, author and contemplative retreat leader Fr. Donald Goergen, O. P. , as your guide, explore the spiritual insights of four great spiritual masters with this one-of-a-kind retreat experience. This 24-conference series is designed to capture your spiritual imagination and deepen your life with Christ. Deepen your Christian life with the guidance of four diverse yet complementary 20th century spiritual masters: Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Thomas Merton, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Blessed Pope John Paul II. Spend 6 conferences with each spiritual master. Each 6-part series is grounded in themes and writings of that particular spiritual master, and can be used as a retreat by itself. These four spiritual masters endured the cost of discipleship and became more conformed to Christ through his or her own distinctive calling. Teilhard was a scientist but also a mystic with a cosmic vision. Merton was perhaps the most prominent Catholic American spiritual writer of the 20th Century. A monk and seeker, he was restless, deeply contemplative, socially conscious and always writing. Mother Teresa's spirituality was oriented toward the poor. Acutely aware of the gospel's commands, grounded in her commitment to Christ and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, she saw herself as a mystic of darkness. The final mystic in the series is Pope John Paul II, who lived a providential life indeed. A defender of human dignity for all, he has become a symbol of hope, of the potential of the human spirit, and of the transformative power of grace. All four share these last qualities despite their different calls. Let these four spiritual masters accompany you and offer wise guidance in your journey to eternal life. This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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A Retreat with Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) touched the hearts of men and women around the world with her charity, compassion, and faithfulness. Now, you can experience a one-of-a-kind retreat with Mother Teresa in this series. Presented by gifted professor, author, and contemplative retreat leader Fr. Donald Goergen, O. P. , these life-changing conferences are designed to capture your spiritual imagination and deepen your life with Christ. Born Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, which ministered to the poorest of the poor. In Calcutta, she carried out Christ's message of welcoming the least among us-orphans, refugees, lepers, the mentally ill, and many others. Acutely aware of the plight of the poor and the demands of the Gospel, Mother Teresa grounded in her commitment to Christ and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Faith, however, did not always come easily to this saintly woman; like so many of us, she struggled with "dark nights of the soul" and spiritual dryness. She saw herself as a mystic of darkness, finding Christ in a cloud of unknowing. In A Retreat with Mother Teresa, you will explore Blessed Teresa's powerful impact on the world. You will also see how her spiritual struggles and ultimate triumph can inspire you today. Let Mother Teresa accompany you and offer wise guidance in your journey to eternal life. This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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A Retreat with Pope John Paul II

Join Blessed Pope John Paul II in a spiritual retreat. A providential life indeed, the late Pope John Paul II lived and charismatically taught the transformative power of God's grace and the potential of the human spirit. Join renowned spirituality professor, retreat leader and author Fr. Donald Goergen in six life-giving conferences with Pope John Paul II. Born in Poland, raised in a Nazi and then Soviet occupied country, creative and courageous from the beginning John Paul II was destined to be pope and guide to the world-wide Church. He became a beacon of hope for millions. He was also a deeply faithful mystic, whose guidance and teachings offer a special path to deepen your life in Christ. A prolific writer, astute churchman, and defender of human dignity, his contributions are extraordinary. In this special six-part series, let Fr. Goergen prayerfully distill Pope John Paul II's spiritual insights into six retreat conferences that lift your spirit and illuminate your path with Christ. (Photo of Pope John Paul II courtesy of the Library of Congress) This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Donald Goergen (Author), Donald Goergen (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Donald Goergen