St. Bernadette grew up in poverty, sickness, and simplicity. Her family for a time even resided in a flat that formerly functioned as a jail cell! Listen to the story of this humble saint who received visions of the Blessed Mother even prior to understanding she was speaking to the mother of Jesus. Dr. Arielle Harms reflects upon St. Bernadette's life in this episode of Catholic Saints.

Listeners 'discretion advised as the life and martyrdom of these great saints incorporated much torture, sorrow, and pain. As French Jesuit missionaries, the North American Martyrs courageously served the Huron nations. Their zeal for souls led to their captivity and torture and they became the first martyrs on American soil. Learn more about their incredible story of sacrifice with Dr. Arielle Harms on the this episode of Catholic Saints!

Taylor Kemp and Dr. Arielle Harms reflect upon the life of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, the name Edith Stein received as a religious sister. Born into a Jewish family, and falling into atheism at an early age, Edith eventually converted to Catholicism. She was killed in Auschwitz. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was a prolific writer and philosopher and bestowed upon the Church many beautiful spiritual writings that reveal her depth of mind and love for Christ.

Forty-nine Christians were martyred during the great persecution under Diocletian in Roman North Africia in the town of Abitinia. The martyrs were persecuted for their commitment to Sunday worship and reception of the Eucharist. Dr. Elizabeth Klein reflects upon the importance of sacrifice and proper worship as the essential expression of being Christian.

St. Theodore heroically defended the role of icons in Church. Dr. Elizabeth Klein sets the stage for the second iconoclasm controversy and fleshes out what is at stake is not just art but a proper understanding of Jesus’ incarnation.

St. Marcellus is an early Christian military martyr that inspires conversation on the obligations one has to his or her country. Dr. Elizabeth Klein shares St. Marcellus’ story and principles that prompt an examination of conscience about where our allegiance lies and to what cause or end we fight for.  

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.

Hey there, listeners! To celebrate Joan of Arc's feast day, we've got a special treat for you. Dive into a bonus episode from our gripping audio drama, The Victory of Joan of Arc. If you want to listen to the full series, you can find it wherever you listen to podcasts or head over to FORMED. Enjoy the show!

St. Frances Cabrini is the first United States citizen to be a canonized saint! St. Frances Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Learn about her story of great resilience, grit, and faith in God’s providence with Dr. Arielle Harms on this episode of Catholic Saints.

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. 

Dr. Carl Vennerstrom shares about St. Peter Claver, a saint with a heart for the poor, outcast, and enslaved. As a young, Jesuit priest he signed up to be a missionary to the New World to serve the slaves at the port of Cartagena, a major hub of slave trade. St. Peter indiscriminately preached the gospel through words and works of mercy to all he encountered.

Discover the captivating life and enduring legacy of Saint Basil of Caesarea in this enlightening episode of Catholic Saints. Join Mary and Dr. Karl Venner as they delve into the tumultuous era of the 4th century, where theological debates and profound Christian contributions were shaping the Church. From his early days as a scholar in Athens to his pivotal role in defining the doctrine of the Trinity, Saint Basil's journey unfolds, revealing a man of deep contemplation and unwavering action....

Dive into the intriguing world of Catholic saints with Mary McGuire and Dr. Carl Venner on 'Catholic Saints,' a podcast produced by the Augustine Institute on Apostolate. In this episode, Dr. Venner shares his deep dive into Greek and theology, exploring Acts of the Apostles and the nuances of ancient imprisonment. As they discuss the life of Saint Maximus the Confessor, they uncover historical complexities, from conflicting feast days to theological debates like Monothelitism. Join them on a...

Dr. Carl Vennerstrom and Mary McGeehan share details of the life of St. Alfred the Great, a 9th century English saint. Due to Danish invasion, Christian practices and clerical literacy rates were in decline as Alfred was growing up. Inspired by his faith and his duty as king, St. Alfred dedicated his life to rebuild England’s Christian education and culture.

Dr. Carl Vennerstrom and Mary McGeehan discuss the life and impact of St. Rose of Lima. Born in Lima in the late 16th century, Rose is known for her zealous faith, strong fasting, self-imposed penances, and her desire to remain unmarried to be Christ’s spouse. St. Rose experienced much tension between her vocation and her family life as her devotion to God sometimes conflicted with her obedience to her parents.

Taylor Kemp and Dr. Elizabeth Klein discuss the life of a lesser-known monastic saint from the 4th century, St. Isidora of Egypt. She is one of the oldest recorded “holy fool” saints – a saint archetype lesser known in the West but well known in the East. How she lived humility in her Christian life was highly despised and scorned by the world. Her feast day is May 1.

Taylor Kemp and Dr. Elizabeth Klein discuss the life of St. Anselm of Canterbury, monk, abbot, and second archbishop of Canterbury. A doctor of the Church, St. Anslem was admired by Thomas Beckett and Thomas More because he resisted English kings during the investiture controversy. St. Anselm’s masterpiece Cur Deus Homo includes his argument for the ontological argument for God’s existence. Watch Catholic Saints on FORMED. Sign Up for FORMED. Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute...

Dr. Elizabeth Klein and Taylor Kemp share key moments from the life of St. Martin of Tours. Martin’s cloak, or “capella,” became a famous relic that inspired the word “chapel.” St. Martin lived the life of a hermit, monk, and bishop, and his feast day is November 11.

St. Paula was a Roman Christian who married at young age and became a religious after the death of her husband. Dr. Elizabeth Klein shares about the life of this influential woman who sponsored St. Jerome's translation of the vulgate and founded two monastic communities! 

St. Gregory of Nyssa is one of the fourth century Cappadocian Fathers. St. Gregory hails from a holy family of saint siblings, including St. Basil the Great and St. Macrina. Dr. Chris Mooney shares about the life and scholarly work of St. Gregory and how he continues to inspires us today!

Dr. Elizabeth Klein and Taylor Kemp explore the life of St. Aelred of Rieveaulx, a famous Cistercian monk from the 12th century. St. Aelred writes about the perfection of Christian friendship, while witnessing to it by his own life. His feast day is January 12.   Watch Catholic Saints on FORMED. Sign Up for FORMED. Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first native-born American to be a canonized saint! Her life was filled with profound suffering, yet she demonstrated deep perseverance and trust in God. Dr. Chris Mooney teaches us about the life and history of this incredible woman! Her feast day is January 4. Watch Catholic Saints on FORMED. Sign Up for FORMED. Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St. John Neumann is the first American male citizen saint! Dr. Chris Mooney recounts how St. John immigrated to the United States from Germany during the early twentieth century when the church in America was still considered a mission territory. During a time period full of hardships, St. John reminds us how obstacles can be used as agents of purification and inspires us to our own missionary call. His feast day is January 5. Help us share the truth and beauty of the Gospel and reach...

St. André Bessette, devoted to St. Joseph and emulator of his humility, served as a brother in the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal. Serving as a college porter, André welcomed daily visitors and the sick. Dr. Elizabeth Klein shares about the thousands of miracles associated with the intercession of this saint and reminds us about the prevalence of miracles, even today!  Help us share the truth and beauty of the Gospel and reach Catholics worldwide. Become an Augustine Institute Mission...

Dr. Elizabeth Klein and Taylor Kemp discuss the unique life of St. Simeon the Stylite, famously known for standing on top of a pole for thirty years attempting to pray without ceasing. St. Simeon’s extremeness, like many Old Testament prophets, startles Christians to ponder how they are radically giving up their lives to God. His feast day is January 5. Help us share the truth and beauty of the Gospel and reach Catholics worldwide. Become an Augustine Institute Mission Circle Partner. Join...