Libsyn Directory

029 - The 21 Ecumenical Councils

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

Release Date: 01/13/2026

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

Angels are discussed all through the Bible, but what are they? Many people think that when they die, they will become angels. They won't!!! Humans are 'hylomorphic' beings. We are hybrids that exist between the angles, who are purely spiritual beings and animals, which are purely material beings. We are the hybrids because we have material bodies and spiritual souls. So, what are Angels? St. Thomas Aquinas (known as the "Angelic Doctor") used the Bible to describe 9 choirs of angels. The highest, The Seraphim and Cherubim directly serve God in heaven. The lowest, the Archangels and...

043 - The Beatitudes

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

This episode explroes the Catholic understanding of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) as the heart of Jesus’ preaching—less about “being happy” and more about becoming holy. Walking beatitude by beatitude, the episode contrasts the world’s idea of happiness with the Christian path of flourishing through humility, repentance, gentleness, justice, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and endurance under persecution. Key Takeaways 1. The Beatitudes describe what grace produces in a disciple. They are less “commands” and more...

042 - Therese of Lisieux - Story of A Soul

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

How did a cloistered teenage nun who died of Tuberculosis at 24 become a Doctor of the Church? In Episode 42, we explore the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her revolutionary “Little Way” of love, trust, and spiritual childhood. This is a story of humility that changed the Church—and can change your life. Please visit our website: . You can sign up for our newsletter, leave me a voice message with a comment or suggestion, get connected with us on socials, and you can become a Patron who makes all of this magic happen! AllRoadsLeadToRome.net We are also...

041 - How Catholics Read the Bible

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

Many Christians assume the Bible is easy to read: “The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it.” But is that how Scripture has actually been read throughout history? In this episode, we explain why Scripture was never meant to stand alone and how the Church has consistently interpreted the Bible from the time of the early Church Fathers to today. Key Points: Why the Bible is not a single book, but a library of 73 inspired books How different literary genres in Scripture require different ways of reading Why Jesus established a Church, not a book—and...

040 - The Atonement

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

The Atonement is the word used to describe the meaning of the death of Jesus on the cross. It is also why him being executed is the symbol for the Christian religion. This episode explores the mystery of the Atonement—how Christ’s death on the Cross restores humanity’s broken relationship with God. T Catholic understanding of the Atonement is a rich, multi‑dimensional mystery rooted in Scripture, shaped by the Fathers of the Church, clarified by St. Thomas Aquinas, and lived out in the sacraments. This episode explains why Catholic theology refuses to reduce the Cross to just...

039 - Stations of the Cross

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

The Stations of the Cross is a powerful and uniquely Catholic devotional practices. It is mostly associated with Lent, but it can be prayed at any time and invites believers to enter deeply into the suffering, death, and redemptive love of Christ on Good Friday. Rather than treating Christ’s Passion as a historical footnote or a mere prelude to the Resurrection, the Stations ask us to walk with Jesus, contemplate each moment of His suffering, and unite our own pain with His. This episode explains why that kind of prayer matters, especially when faith is tested by personal suffering....

038 - A Priest Talks About Confession

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

037 - The Catechism - Part 4

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

Part 4 of the Catholic Catechism focuses on Christian Prayer. Prayer is not merely a duty or a chore to complete; it is a gift from God and the lifeblood of authentic Christian faith. Drawing on Scripture, the Catechism, and insights from saints like Thérèse of Lisieux, Padre Pio, and St. Anselm, this episode explains what prayer truly is, why it matters, and how it forms us in holiness. Prayer is at the heart of the Christian life. In this episode, we learn that prayer is not primarily our attempt to reach God, but our response to God who reaches out to us first. The...

036 - The Catechism - Part 3

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

Part 3 of the Catholic Catechism focuses on Human Dignity, the Moral life, and the 10 Commandments. Key Topics Human Dignity and Moral Life Catholic morality begins with recognizing the inherent dignity of the human person, made in the image of God. True morality flows from understanding who we are and whose we are. Seeing Christ in Others Drawing from Matthew 25, the episode emphasizes seeing Jesus in the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized. This vision underlies the Church’s commitment to charity, social justice, and the sanctity of human life Beatitude:...

035 - The Catechism - Part 2

All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)

Part 2 of the Catholic Catechism, focuses on the Sacramental Life and its centrality to spiritual growth. Key Topics 1. The Sacramental Life: The spiritual journey is challenging, requiring habits and virtues that may feel counterintuitive. The Sacramental Life is God’s gift to help us on this journey, with the Catechism as a guide. Liturgy is not “soft” or merely experiential; it is “hard,” objectively real, and centers on Jesus Christ’s presence. Worship is about doing something for God, not getting something for ourselves. The concept of “Main Character Syndrome” is...

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Episode Title: 029 – The 21 Ecumenical Councils of the Church

Description: This episode explores the 21 Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church. It discusses the historical context, key decisions, and theological debates of each council, highlighting their significance in shaping Catholic doctrine and practices. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding these councils to appreciate the Church's efforts in maintaining doctrinal clarity and unity throughout history. It also provides a really fun mnemonic device to help remember the names of the councils: NI – CO – EF – CAL – CO – CO – NI – CO – LA – LA – LA – LA - LY – LY – VI – CO – FLO – LA – TRE – VA – VA

Recommended Reading: The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church by Joseph Kelly

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