Pints With Aquinas Why the Ordinary Catholic Life Is So Beautiful (Fr. Simon Esshaki) | Ep. 572
18 snips
Mar 30, 2026 Fr. Simon Esshaki, a Chaldean Catholic priest from San Diego known for pastoral ministry and a huge social media reach. He talks about vocation and why he became a priest. He explores Marian devotion, liturgy and the beauty of Eastern worship. He discusses confession, celibacy, and practical spiritual formation for everyday holiness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Treat Temptations As Wounded Parts Not Failures
- Fr. Simon adopts a 'parts' view (IFS-like) to handle persistent temptations: treat disordered desires as wounded parts needing compassion, not merely condemnation.
- He credits Jerry Crete and spiritual direction for teaching curiosity about underlying pain rather than self-hate.
Replace Triggers By Building Small Daily Devotions
- Build concrete habits (e.g., daily rosary) to replace disordered behaviors because prayer alone without new routines rarely changes embodied patterns.
- Fr. Simon notes the rosary gives 15–20 minutes daily that removes time for other triggers and forms new rhythms.
COVID TikTok Sparked A Massive Online Ministry
- During COVID Fr. Simon began using TikTok and Instagram after his cousin showed him faith videos; a viral career followed and he now balances digital teaching with urging real sacramental life.
- He made short, authentic clips (food, sports, catechesis) and grew to 520K+ followers on TikTok.
