Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Church historian, speaker, and author, delivers highly interesting and engaging reflections on Catholic tradition, teaching, and cultural heritage. Find out more about his ministry and discover countless free Catholic resources at www.dritaly.com.

Forgive us our Trespasses - Parable of the Merciless Servant 09/11/2026

Forgive us our Trespasses - Parable of the Merciless Servant The parable of the merciless servant illustrates the meaning of “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” a petition included in the Lord’s Prayer. Anger can be righteous, but when we let it harden into resentment it becomes a poison that blocks the grace of God from flowing into us and through us. Forgiveness removes the block. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15873866

Twin Tower Terrorism and the Power of the Cross 09/09/2026

Twin Tower Terrorism and the Power of the Cross September 11 is the anniversary of one of most brutal acts of terrorism of all time. Three days later, on September 14, the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation and triumph of the cross of Jesus Christ. This podcast brings out the link between 9/11 and the victory of the cross and helps us understand why the cross, an instrument of torture in the hands of brutes, becomes a tree of life in the hands of the Savior. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/7028348

The Magnificat - Mary as Queen of Humility, Queen of Praise 09/07/2026

The Magnificat - Mary as Queen of Humility, Queen of Praise In this 7 minute podcast, Anna Mitchell of the Sonrise Morning show interviews Dr. Italy on the profound meaning of the Magnificat, Mary's canticle uttered on the occasion of the Visitation, and how it manifests her as the Queen of Humility and the Queen of Praise. Also discussed is the beautiful place where this event took place, Ein Karem and the Church built there to commemorate this blessed event. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/19262804

Fraternal Connection - Loving Intervention 09/04/2026

Fraternal Connection - Loving Intervention The Christian, biblical approach to fraternal correction has nothing to do with the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisees. Rather, it is all about humble & loving intervention. As Ezekiel was a watchman for the house of Israel, we are all called in love to watch out for each other. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15840467

Life & Impact of St. Gregory the Great 09/02/2026

Life & Impact of St. Gregory the Great As the civilization in the West was dissolving into the Dark Ages, a man named Gregory was elected to fill the chair of St. Peter. First prefect or mayor of Rome, then monk, then the Pope's ambassador to Constantinople, then finally bishop of Rome, Gregory rocked the church and the civilized world. He was a man who could walk with kings and yet with whom the poor of Rome felt right at home. In this 20 minute podcast, Dr. Italy discusses just a few of Gregory's strengths as diplomat, disciple, preacher, teacher of bishops and master story-teller. The impact of Gregory's writings and example upon the Western Church in the Middles Ages is hard to overestimate. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/9730526

Peter the Rock - Get Behind Me Satan? 22 Sunday A 08/28/2026

Peter the Rock - Get Behind Me Satan? 22 Sunday A No sooner does Jesus praise Peter's confession at Caesarea Philippi and dub him "the Rock" than he rebukes him as the devil or Satan. Peter had confessed Jesus to be the Messiah. But his idea of what it meant to be the Christ left no room for suffering, sacrifice or the way of the cross as the cost of discipleship. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15776102

Beheading & Martyrdom of John the Baptist 08/26/2026

Beheading & Martyrdom of John the Baptist John the Baptist has two feast days -- his earthly birthday on June 24, sixth months before the birthday of his cousin, and August 29th, his birthday into eternal life, the day he was executed by Herod at the request of Salome to who he'd promised anything she asked for. Apparently, Herod was fascinated by John, even though John condemned his adultery with his half-brother's wife. Why did John have to die? And why do people so often persecute and kill the prophets God sends to help them? As those who share in the prophetic anointing of Christ, what can we expect and how can we be effective and faithful in sharing God's sometimes troubling word with the world? /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/7289780

Peter, the Pope and the Keys 20th Sunday A 08/19/2026

Peter, the Pope and the Keys 20th Sunday A When we think about the Pope, we often think of the Vatican. But the roots of the Papacy are in the Old Testament as well as in the Gospel story of Jesus changing Simon’s name to Peter and giving him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. More Catholic than the Pope.” There is nothing more quintessentially Catholic than the When we think “Catholic,” we think Rome, the Vatican, the dome of St. Peters. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15673172

Assumption of Mary, Meaning & Origin 08/14/2026

Assumption of Mary, Meaning & Origin In this 15 minute podcast, Anna Mitchell, host of the Sonrise Morning show, asks Marcellino D'Ambrosio (aka "Dr. Italy") about the origins and meaning of the dogma and feast of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15th. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/6210296

St. Maximilian Kolbe, Chaplain of Auschwitz 08/13/2026

St. Maximilian Kolbe, Chaplain of Auschwitz In this podcast, other aspects of Kolbe’s life are also discussed which are little known. Kolbe founded a new monastery near Warsaw that grew into a veritable city, with over 1,000 Franciscan Friars living a live of prayer and apostolic activity. This monastery was so large that, in the early days of World War II, before it was shut down by the Nazis, it harbored close to 2,000 Jewish refugees, hiding them from the Germans. Before the war, St. Maximilian saw the importance of using modern media for evangelization, and so began publishing a weekly magazine, and then a daily newspaper which had, on weekends, a circulation of 250,000! The monastery he founded near Warsaw was the base for the creation and distribution of these publications, and it also launched a radio station to utilize the newest media of the day (the 1930’s), radio. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/10882091

Saint Clare of Assisi 08/11/2026

Saint Clare of Assisi But St. Clare deserves more than a footnote appearing in a life of another saint. Unlike Francis, she was a noblewoman, being groomed to marry a wealthy knight or even duke, but she forsook a life of privilege to live in the same abject poverty as St. Francis and his earliest disciples, founding a woman’s branch of the Franciscan Order. Despite her austerities and constant poor health, she nursed Francis in his final days of suffering and blindness and outlived him, going on to become an adviser to bishops and Popes /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/10723526

Walking on the Water - Fear, Faith, and Trials 08/07/2026

Walking on the Water - Fear, Faith, and Trials The gospel story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter sinking has much to teach us about the difference between fear, little faith, and the kind of trust that endures waves and storms, trials and crisis. One of the most famous stories of the New Testament is the one about Jesus walking on the water. If there is any gospel story we never tire of hearing, this is it. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15506684

Transfiguration on Mount Tabor 08/05/2026

Transfiguration on Mount Tabor Podcast discussing the beauty of Mount Tabor and the glory and meaning of the Transfiguration, a pivotal event in the life of Jesus that Catholics celebrate every August 6. 14 minute interview of Dr. Italy by Sonrise Morning Show radio host Anna Mitchell. The Transfiguration was indeed a pivotal event in the life of Jesus and his three closest disciples, Peter, James and John. Right after Peter confesses him to be the Messiah and Jesus makes clear that he would be a suffering messiah, they ascend a mountain to pray (luke 9). Neither Luke nor the other evangelists who tell the story note the name of the mountain, but the early Christians of Galilee preserved the memory of the place. Origen, a great theologian from the early 3rd century, is our earliest written witness to this tradition. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/10792190

The Principles Behind the Loaves and the Fish 18th_A 07/31/2026

The Principles Behind the Loaves and the Fish 18th_A The famous miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes calls us to trust that when we offer the Lord our ordinary and scanty resources, he will work a wonder of transformation, just like he transforms the bread and wine of the Eucharist. One of the most famous miracles of Jesus is the only one recorded in all four gospels–the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15325409

Martha, Mary, Prayer & Service 07/28/2026

Martha, Mary, Prayer & Service The story of the visit of Jesus to the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany raises questions about hospitality, service, prayer, action and contemplation. First of all, does Jesus love some people, like Mary, Mary, and Lazarus, more than others? If so, how is this fair? Secondly, why would Jesus apparently praise Mary sitting on her behind while Martha slaves in the kitchen? In this 20 minute podcast, Marcellino D'Ambrosio, aka Dr. Italy, discusses these issues with Anna Mitchell of the Sonrise Morning show. When you listen, you'll be surprised at what they come up with! /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/9724202

Is the Kingdom of God Liberal or Conservative, Old or New? 07/25/2026

Is the Kingdom of God Liberal or Conservative, Old or New? How does the Kingdom of God relate to conservative versus liberal values? Should those seeking the pearl of great price look for it in realms that are more traditionalist and old or more progressive and new? /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15325268

Joachim, Anne, and the Role of Grandparents 07/24/2026

Joachim, Anne, and the Role of Grandparents On July 26, the Latin rite of the Catholic Church honors the Grandparents of Jesus, parents of the Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anne. Matt Swaim asks Dr. Italy (Marcellino D'Ambrosio) just how we know about them, given that their names are not mentioned in the New Testament. After discussing the second century document, the Protoevangelium of St. James which is our source for Joachim and Anne, Dr. Italy talks about how Joachim and Ann were the ones to form Mary in the faith of the people of Israel and most probably had a role in the life of the messiah as well. He also points out that there is an ancient and beautiful church in Jerusalem built over the home of Joachim and Ann, which was the birth place of Mary. This spot happens to be the very first stop on every pilgrimage that Dr. Italy lieads to the Holy Land. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/6846647

Mary Magdalene and the Women Disciples 07/21/2026

Mary Magdalene and the Women Disciples In this 14 minute podcast, Dr. Italy discusses with Anna Mitchell the various misconceptions people have about Mary Magdalene, and corrects them based on the gospels. He also looks at her in the wider context of Jesus’ remarkable ministry to women, and especially the women disciples who Luke and John most especially brings to our attention /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/10556312

Parable of the Wheat and the Tares - the Church as a Hospital for Sinners 07/17/2026

Parable of the Wheat and the Tares - the Church as a Hospital for Sinners The parable of the wheat and the tares or weeds is Jesus’ response to those who want to cleanse the Christian community of the impure and imperfect. The Church, in this world, is more a hospital for sinners than a club for saints. At one time or another, we’ve all dreamed of a perfect world. Imagine a company where everyone is productive, a government full of honest politicians, a church where all are saints. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15224231

Mount Carmel, Vineyard of God 07/15/2026

Mount Carmel, Vineyard of God In the Northwestern part of what is now the state of Israel is a long ridge known as Mount Carmel. This twenty four mile ridge separates the interior of the Holy Land from the Mediterranean sea. A magnificent view of the Mediterranean is afforded by several places along the top of the ridge, especially from the northwestern tip or head of the ridge. In this podcast, Dr. Italy, who has visited this spot thirty times in the last twenty years, describes the beauty of this garden spot in the Holy Land. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15223421

Parable_Sower_Seed_15_A 07/10/2026

Parable_Sower_Seed_15_A The Parable of the Sower and the Seed needs to be viewed from two different perspectives in order to unlock its meaning – from that of the sower and that of the seed. Whether sowing or growing – the point is a plentiful harvest and much fruit. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15146399

Saint Benedict & the Benedictines, Stability Amidst Chaos 07/08/2026

Saint Benedict & the Benedictines, Stability Amidst Chaos In this 14 minute podcast recorded on the occasion of the Feast of St. Benedict on July 11, host Sonrise Morning show host Anna Mitchell interviews Dr. Italy about the significance that Benedict and the Benedictine way of life holds for Christians today. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/6210320

My_Yoke_Easy_Burden_Light_14_A 07/01/2026

My_Yoke_Easy_Burden_Light_14_A In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus makes the statement “my yoke is easy, my burden light.” For many of us who follow him, this does not seem to square with our experience. This post discusses the reasons for this. And also tells us why the key to rest involves discipleship – coming under the discipline of the Lord’s strong but gentle heart. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/15041276

Peter, Paul & the Church of Rome 06/27/2026

Peter, Paul & the Church of Rome Peter and Paul died in the persecution of the emperor Nero. Peter was crucified and buried on Vatican hill – the present St. Peter’s basilica was erected over his tomb. Paul was beheaded and buried outside the walls of the city. The basilica of St. Paul’s outside the walls covers Paul’s tomb. The tombs of these two apostles in Rome made Rome the pre-eminent site of Christian pilgrimage from the 4th century to the present, second only to Jerusalem in importance. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/10272551

Self Love, Self Denial, and the Cross 13th Ordinary A 06/25/2026

Self Love, Self Denial, and the Cross 13th Ordinary A Jesus says to deny oneself, pick up the cross and follow him. But he also says to love your neighbor as yourself. Is self-love always wrong? When “Self” Magazine made its debut a few decades ago, it certainly was a sign of the times. Ours is an age when it is socially acceptable to admit that life is all about me. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/14937677

John the Baptist's Birthday - Cause for Celebration 06/23/2026

John the Baptist's Birthday - Cause for Celebration On June 24, the Church observes a solemn feast in honor of the birth or nativity of John the Baptist. No other saint's birthday is celebrated with such solemnity. The unique role of the Forerunner, the Voice crying out in the Wilderness, in the history of salvation is part of the reason. But also the Church wants to draw our attention to the witness of John's character. It teaches us much about the path to holiness and the Kingdom of God. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/6314540

Why Call God "Father"? 06/17/2026

Why Call God "Father"? Father's Day brings up a very good question -- in this post-feminist era, why should we stick to calling God "Father"?? Isn't this just a relic from a bygone, patriarchal culture. After all, if God is spirit, he is neither male nor female. Sonrise Morning show host, Anna Mitchell asks such questions of Dr. Italy who shares from the bible, the Tradition, and the teaching of the Catholic Church just what it means when we say God is Father as well as what we don't mean. You'll love his insights into the fatherhood of God communicated with energy and conciseness in this ten minute podcast. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/7205474

Meaning of the Sacred Heart 06/10/2026

Meaning of the Sacred Heart 7 minute podcast by Dr. Italy focusing on the true meaning of the Sacred Heart of Jesus based on the chief scriptural text connected with this feast and devotion. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/14871560

Holy Thursday - Eucharist, The Body of Christ 06/03/2026

Holy Thursday - Eucharist, The Body of Christ Holy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper aka the Lord's Supper, the institution of the Holy Eucharist -- why did Jesus do what he did and say what he said? What did he mean when he said "This is my body and this is my blood" and "Do this in Memory of Me"? And what does the Catholic Church mean by talking about transubstantiation and the body of Christ? All this is remembered & celebrated on the Feast of Corpus Christi. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/13909265

Joan of Arc Faith and Fortitude SRMS 11 6 19 05/29/2026

Joan of Arc Faith and Fortitude SRMS 11 6 19 The famous American author and humorist, Mark Twain, is best known for his best-selling, classic novels Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. But of all his books, Twain most loved the historical novel he wrote on St. Joan of Arc. Though he was himself not a Catholic, he saw Joan to be one of the most amazing and inspiring figures of human history. From her fifteenth year to her death at age 19, she was a living, walking miracle, and her remarkable deeds are not a matter of pious legend, knowable by faith, but are a matter of indisputable public record, meticulously documented by testimony given under oath at three separate inquiries, two during her lifetime and one after her death. An illiterate country girl, with no military experience, demanded and was given complete control of the French army and turned around a hundred years of military losses if not overnight, in the space of about a week. She demonstrated a supernatural ability to lead, inspire, and strategize that left everyone, French and English, shaking their heads. It all began when, at age 13, she heard the “voices” of St. Michael, St. Catherine (of Alexandria) and St. Margaret bringing messages from God that were almost as unbelievable as the message brought by Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. She responded with a similar faith and said, echoing her Blessed Mother’s words, “let it be.” She acted on the revelation she had received with confidence and determination, giving us a model of what faith is and what God can do when we respond to him with faith. /episode/index/show/crossroadsinitiative/id/11932286

Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy

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