Libsyn Directory

Wedding Feast at Cana - Sign of Transformation

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

Everyone knows the story of the first of the Lord's "signs" -- how Jesus changed water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana at the request of Mary, his mother. But there is more to the story than at first meets the eye.

Epiphany Revealed - Three Magi Kings & Their strange gifts

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

This commentary on the Feast of the Epiphany uncovers the meaning of the term epiphany and explains why the Magi -- Caspar, Balthasar, Melchior, the three kings of Orient riding camels and carrying gold, frankincense, and myrrh -- are found, complete with crowns and camels, in every nativity scene.

Mary, Mother of God?

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

January 1 is a Holy Day of Obligation for Roman Catholics. Not because it is New Year's day, but because it is the octave (8th day) of Christmas. This feast of Mary, the Mother of God, brings home the reality of the incarnation. In Jesus, the Creator truly became man. And that man had, and still has, a mother. So affirmed the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in AD 431.

Holy Family Feast - Piety in the 21st Century?

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

The Feast of the Holy Family challenges us to grow in the virtues of piety, honor, patience, and forbearance. And to learn to laugh together.

Bethlehem and the Christmas Story

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

14 minute podcast in which Dr. Italy describes the town of Bethlehem and the field of the Shepherds at the time of the birth of Christ. Helps bring the Christmas story alive as we read of the little town that was the city of David. At Christmas we sing “O little town of Bethlehem.” But what was this town like at the time of Jesus? And how likely is it that the Church of the Nativity, on Manger Square, is built over the actual birth site of Jesus. What is it like to enter and explore that church and to descend into the cave that is traditionally regarded as the place...

The Deeper Meaning of Christmas

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

We all know the elements of the Christmas story: Caesar's census and Herod, shepherds and Magi, ox , swaddling clothes & manger, a stable and not room in the inn, Bethlehem and the Prince of Peace. But underneath each of these people, places, and things, there is deeper meaning that often goes unnoticed.

St. Joseph - Father of Faith

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

Saint Joseph always appears in Manger scenes during Advent and Christmas time and even has a special Solemnity or Feast in his honor, St. Joseph's Day, March 19. But he is so often neglected that St. John Paul II decided to write a special teaching about his role as foster-father of Jesus. This essay makes a case that St. Joseph teaches us some crucial things about the nature of faith that we can't afford to forget.

Gaudete Sunday - Advent and Joy and John the Baptist 3rd Sun Adv

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

John the Baptist is often thought of as a stern, grim figure. But as a matter of fact, he could be the patron saint of joy! Maybe that’s why is is the focal point of the gospel for Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday, the third (3rd) Sunday of Advent. Joy comes only through humility and repentance. On the third Sunday of Advent, the penitential purple of the season changes to rose and we celebrate “Gaudete” or “Rejoice!” Sunday. “Shout for joy, daughter of Sion” says Zephaniah. “Draw water joyfully from the font of salvation,” says...

Advent & Hope

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

In this 13 minute podcast, Sonrise Morning Show host Anna Mitchell Interviews Dr. Italy on Advent as a season of Hope. What precisely is Scripture talking about when it tells us that hope is one of the most important things a Christian needs? And what does hope have to do with Advent?

The Immaculate Conception & The Protestant Reformation

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

For the past 500 years, devotion to Mary has been a bone of contention between Catholics and Protestants. But the meaning of the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 highlights some amazing common ground between these two groups. Would you believe that on this feast, Catholics actually honor Mary as the perfect example of the greatest Protestant virtue? To understand why true Marian devotion actually should bring us together, listen to this podcast.

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