Catholic Saints

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. Watch 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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." Watch 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Watch 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Dr. Christopher Mooney and Mary McGeehan on this episode of Catholic Saints to discuss St. Josemaria: his origin, spirituality, Opus Dei, and how to follow his saintly example.St. Josemaria Escriva centered his ministry around a simple truth: each person can experience the extraordinary grace of holiness even in the ordinary events of day-to-day life. Watch 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this discussion, Dr. John Sehorn, an expert from the Augustine Institute, dives into the life and significance of St. John the Baptist. They explore the unique celebration of John's nativity and its rarity among biblical figures. The conversation highlights John's prophetic role and the importance of repentance, linking his mission to Old Testament prophecies. Sehorn also illustrates how John's life prepared the way for Christ while emphasizing the transformative message of faith and mercy that continues to inspire believers today.

Dr. Arielle Harms and Taylor Kemp share about the life of Aloysius (Luigi) Gonzaga. Raised by his father to be a soldier, an early awakening of his personal faith led him to renounce his familial right of succession and enter the newly formed Society of Jesus. As a Jesuit he soon realized that despite his radical service, bold evangelization, and strict prayers and asceticism, the only way to truly become holy was to relinquish control and allow his soul to be conquered by Christ. Watch 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Arielle Harms and Taylor Kemp discuss the life and impact of St. Anthony of Padua. Born Fernando Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal, St. Anthony became an Augustinian friar before eventually joining the newly founded Franciscan order. His incredible memory combined with his dedication to studies and prayer enabled him to travel around Italy as an eloquent and inspiring preacher. He converted many people through his preaching and was eventually named an evangelical Doctor of the Church.  Watch 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.