Catholic Saints

Mary McGeehan and Dr. James Prothro discuss the Old Testament prophet, Elijah. Found in both First and Second Kings as well as a few places in the New Testament, Elijah was a significant figure in Salvation History. As a prophet and miracle worker, Elijah boldly proclaimed the word of God, provided comfort and healing to those in need, and prefigured Jesus Christ. Following the example of Elijah, we can learn how to receive spiritual gifts from God and boldly use them in the world.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on Formed.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Dive into the lives of Holy Women You’ve Never Heard Of with Dr. Elizabeth Klein and Dr. Jessica Murdoch. St. Macrina the Younger comes from the "second holiest family" as the oldest sister to three canonized saints. She depicts how our domestic homes can become places of sanctity.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on Formed.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

A Franciscan cardinal bishop and contemporary of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bonaventure is an excellent example of saintly humility. Known as the "Seraphic Doctor," St. Bonaventure loved God above all else. He is known for many works, including The Life of Saint Francis and The Journey of the Mind to God. His feast day is July 15.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on Formed.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

The discussion highlights the relevance of St. Benedict to modern Catholic thought and the importance of his contemplative practices, especially during the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI. The hosts explore how to build concrete spiritual practices like manageable prayer goals, comparing it to marathon training. They delve into the virtues of prayer, obedience, and community, urging listeners to integrate these values into their lives. Lastly, they emphasize stability amidst today's transient world, advocating for strong relationships and spiritual resilience.

Dr. Arielle Harms, an expert on Catholic Saints, shares the inspiring life of St. Maria Goretti, born in 1890 Italy. She discusses Maria's incredible resilience in the face of poverty and tragedy. The conversation highlights Maria's stunning capacity for forgiveness toward her attacker, just before her death. Dr. Harms emphasizes the saint's lasting legacy, particularly her role in promoting virtue among youth and her powerful message of courage and redemption. Maria's story offers a profound call for individuals to deepen their relationship with God.

Mary McGeehan joins Dr. Ben Akers for a discussion on the life of St. Thomas the Apostle. They dive into Scripture to explore the life, leadership, and personality of this heroic and saintly man.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on Formed.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Join Dr. Tim Gray and Matthew Meeks, Chief Marketing Officer of the Augustine Institute, as they explore the story of Saint Junipero Serra who lived his whole life as a "song to Our Lady".  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on Formed.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

John Sehorn, an esteemed academic dean and theology professor at the Augustine Institute, joins Mary McGeehan to explore the harrowing tales of the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome, persecuted under Emperor Nero in AD 64. They dive into the shocking brutality of early Christian persecution and the societal prejudices that fueled it. The discussion highlights the countercultural ethos of martyrs like Peter and Paul, showcasing their enduring legacy and the importance of daily acts of faith that echo their sacrifices.

Pope Francis recently announced a new Doctor of the Church: St. Irenaeus of Lyons. In this episode of Formed Now, Dr. John Sehorn and Dr. Ben Akers discuss this second-century Church Father, explaining his importance to the history of Christianity and his title—the "Doctor of Unity."  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on Formed.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

During the Nestorian Controversy of the fifth century, heroic saints like Cyril of Alexandria defended the truth of Christ’s divinity. In this episode, Dr. Carl Vennerstrom and Mary McGeehan discuss the Nestorian heresy and how St. Cyril’s humble, courageous spirit aided the Church during a time of discord.Discussion question: St. Cyril of Alexandria was a defender of the truth in a time of great debate, much like the times we are living in today. By reflecting on St. Cyril’s life, how can you embody his humility and courage in controversy? Ask the Lord to show you the places in your life where you can stand up for truth.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on Formed.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.