Catholic Saints

On this episode of Catholic Saints, join Dr. Ben Akers and Mary McGeehan as they discuss the life of one of Jesus' inner circle disciples, St. James the Greater.  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. Brigid lived as a princess, queen, and mother! She models how holiness is possible through many vocations and seasons of life.  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. Ben Akers and Taylor Kemp as they get to know Saint Mary Magdalene and how she creatively lives out faith, hope, and charity.  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.

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.

Matthew Meeks, Chief Marketing Officer of the Augustine Institute, brings a fresh perspective on St. Junipero Serra, the founder of California’s missions. He discusses Serra's compassionate advocacy for Native American rights, contrasting his approach with that of other missionaries. Meeks also tells the story of Serra’s courageous journey from Spain to the New World, exploring his commitment to spiritual guidance and community-building. The conversation reflects on understanding Serra's historical significance amidst modern criticisms, encouraging a deeper appreciation of his legacy.