Forgiveness – The Inner Life – May 6, 2025

Father Peter Armenio joins Patrick to discuss Forgiveness

  • (4:01) What is forgiveness?
  • (15:08) Patsy – Married 47 years. Difficult marriage. I find myself touched by the holy spirit. Devoted myself to believing. However, my husband has continued on his path the way he has lived his life. Difficult time talking to him. I don’t know if that’s the same as not forgiving him. I feel no sense in trying to communicate.

(21:32) Break 2

  • Fred – How far does forgiveness go when you think you have someone and make contact, and no response? I thought I did my duty before God in asking for forgiveness. Did I do enough.
  • (26:15) Crystal – I’ve been struggling with this topic. My family escaped communism. It’s created a broken situation with my family. Sibling and father don’t talk. Done a lot mentally, spiritually, physically, but they’re not open to relationships unless it’s conditional. I still struggle with getting to answer to this. I think forgiveness is a process and some days I’m unhappy with the situation.
  • 11:36 Rob – Struggling with a brother in law. I’ve forgiven him, but I don’t want to talk to him. It always ends up the same way. What should I do?
  • Ann – My late husband died several years ago. Was a permanent deacon. He was obliged to say the divine office. I prayed part of it with him. If couples pray together everyday, they’ll get rid of a lot of these issues. I wonder how many people who have trouble forgiving would be better off by praying together. I think it applies to those having difficulties.

(37:26) Break 2

  • How do we know if we haven’t forgiven someone?
  • (44:02) Patrick shares an email about how to forgive someone with narcissistic tendencies?
  • (46:28) Yvonne – Someone very close to me did some things he shouldn’t have. I think that I’ve forgiven him, but the hurt keeps coming up. I keep questioning as to whether I really forgave him.
Patrick Conley was born, raised, and baptized in Wisconsin in a Protestant tradition. After meeting his wife, Kendra, through an Evangelical ministry at the University of Minnesota, they entered the Catholic Church in 2010. They listened to Relevant Radio, specifically The Inner Life, while preparing to enter the Church. Conley now holds a degree in theology from Oxford University and has served the Church in both academic theology and grassroots pastoral ministry. Conley teaches religion classes in a Catholic elementary school, serves as his parish Director of Religious Education, and is in formation for the permanent diaconate. He also hosts Practicing Catholic on Relevant Radio, exclusive to the Minneapolis area’s airwaves, and is a traveling presenter for the Catherine of Siena Institute apostolate. He lives in rural Wisconsin with his wife and their bulldogs, Georgie and Bingley.