Way of the Fathers
A podcast about the Fathers and Doctors of the Church—the foundational figures of Christian history. A production of CatholicCulture.org, hosted by Jim Papandrea (formerly by Mike Aquilina). Currently covering all the Doctors of the Church! Seasons: 1: Church Fathers 2: Early Ecumenical Councils 3: Cities of God 4: Heresies 5: Doctors of the Church
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5.38 St. Robert Bellarmine: Prince of Apologists
07/08/2026
5.38 St. Robert Bellarmine: Prince of Apologists
At the height of the Counter-Reformation, St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) was one of the most influential apologists of the time. He openly debated with King James I of England, and his most famous book of apologetics was outlawed in England, but still became a best-seller. He was also responsible for an updated translation of the Vulgate which became the Church’s official Latin Bible for centuries. Links Pope Benedict XVI General Address on St. Robert Bellarmine (2011): SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book - Praying the Wisdom: Inspired Prayers for Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.37 St. Lawrence of Brindisi: Doctor of the Incarnation
06/24/2026
5.37 St. Lawrence of Brindisi: Doctor of the Incarnation
St. Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619) was a Preacher, spiritual director, missionary, diplomat, confidant of princes and emperors, Papal Emissary, military chaplain, Provincial Vicar of the Capuchins, and Vicar General of the Franciscan order. Called the greatest preacher in the history of the Church, during his lifetime people treated him like a rockstar. He was also one of the most prominent Catholic apologists of his generation. Links Excerpt from The Image of Lutheranism: Excerpt from The Mariale: Pope Benedict XVI General Address on St. Lawrence of Brindisi (2011): SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book - Praying the Wisdom: Inspired Prayers for Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.36 St. Lawrence of Brindisi: The Apostolic Doctor
06/10/2026
5.36 St. Lawrence of Brindisi: The Apostolic Doctor
St. Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619) was one of the early Capuchins, the first Capuchin to be named a Doctor of the Church, and the third Franciscan so named, after St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Bonaventure. Just as the Discalced Carmelites were reformers within the Carmelite order, the Capuchins were reformers within the Franciscan order. St. Lawrence was also a popular preacher, a genius scholar, with a command of at least 10 languages, and the leading Catholic apologist of his day. Links Pope Benedict XVI General Address on St. Lawrence of Brindisi (2011): Was the Date for Christmas Originally a Pagan Holiday? Watch the Video: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book - Praying the Wisdom: Inspired Prayers for Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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BONUS: Poetry of St. John of the Cross w/ Carla Galdo
06/03/2026
BONUS: Poetry of St. John of the Cross w/ Carla Galdo
In a bonus episode originally published on the Catholic Culture Podcast (Sept. 5, 2023), Thomas Mirus interviews Carla Galdo about the poetry of St. John of the Cross, who recites some of the poems in Spanish and English. St. John of the Cross is not only one of the Church’s greatest mystics, but also one of the most important figures in the Spanish poetic tradition. A new book of translations of St. John’s poems, brought into English by contemporary bilingual poet Rhina Espaillat, gives us a chance to discover or rediscover this singular spiritual and artistic master. Carla Galdo joins the podcast to discuss Espaillat’s translations of St. John of the Cross. Comparing them with earlier translations by Roy Campbell (a friend of Tolkien and Lewis) provides opportunity to highlight various approaches and problems in translating poetry. Carla and Thomas also discuss common misconceptions about the dark night of the soul, and John’s use of the classic mystical symbolism of bride and bridegroom representing the relationship between the soul and God. Links The Spring that Feeds the Torrent: Poems by St. John of the Cross, Translated by Rhina P. Espaillat St. John of the Cross: Poems, trans. Roy Campbell Musical setting of “El pastorcico” Well-Read Mom SUBSCRIBE to the Catholic Culture Podcast the-catholic-culture-podcast/id1377089807 DONATE to make this show possible!
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5.35 St. John of the Cross: Master In the Faith
05/27/2026
5.35 St. John of the Cross: Master In the Faith
St. John of the Cross (1542 - 1591) What St. Thomas Aquinas did for philosophy and systematic theology, St. John of the Cross did for mysticism. He brought mystical theology to a plateau, gleaning from the mystics who came before him, and making it accessible to those who want to follow in the contemplative life. Links Check out this Catholic Culture podcast about St. John of the Cross’ poetry, including readings of some of his poems in Spanish and English: Pope St. John Paul II Apostolic Letter, Maestro en la Fe (1990): Pope Benedict XVI General Address on St. John of the Cross (2011): The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross: The song “Living Flame” on the album Held by Love by Songs in His Presence: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book - Praying the Wisdom: Inspired Prayers for Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.34 St. John of the Cross: The Mystical Doctor
05/13/2026
5.34 St. John of the Cross: The Mystical Doctor
St. John of the Cross (1542 - 1591) Arguably the most famous of the mystics, St. John of the Cross is well known for the concept of the “dark night of the soul.” He was the “first friar” of the Discalced Carmelites, co-founder of the reform movement with St. Teresa of Avila, and one of the greatest Spanish poets of all time. Links Check out this Catholic Culture podcast about St. John of the Cross’ poetry, including readings of some of his poems in Spanish and English: Pope St. John Paul II Apostolic Letter, Maestro en la Fe (1990): Pope Benedict XVI General Address on St. John of the Cross (2011): The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book - Praying the Wisdom: Inspired Prayers for Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.33 St. Peter Canisius: Doctor of the Catechism
04/22/2026
5.33 St. Peter Canisius: Doctor of the Catechism
St. Peter Canisius (1521 - 1597) This restorer of the Catholic faith among the Germans and Swiss was responsible for standardizing the current form of the Hail Mary prayer. A champion of Catholic education, especially seminaries, he is an example for all teachers and apologists to follow. Links The book, A Small Catechism for Catholics, by St. Peter Canisius, S.J., English translation by Ryan Grant: The Large Catechism on Google Books: To find out more about St. Peter Canisius: A Champion of the Church: The Life of St. Peter Canisius - Read the General Audience Address of Pope Benedict XVI (Feb. 9, 2011) dedicated to St. Peter Canisius: Read the Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII, Militantis Ecclesiae (1897) on St. Peter Canisius: Get the current Catechism of the Catholic Church: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book - Praying the Wisdom: Inspired Prayers for Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.32 St. Peter Canisius: Second Apostle of Germany
04/08/2026
5.32 St. Peter Canisius: Second Apostle of Germany
St. Peter Canisius (1521 - 1597) A counter-Reformation apologist and reformer, St. Peter Canisius wrote the first official Catholic Catechisms, and was responsible for major parts of Germany and Switzerland remaining Catholic. Links Read the Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII, Militantis Ecclesiae (1897) on St. Peter Canisius: Read the General Audience Address of Pope Benedict XVI (Feb. 9, 2011) dedicated to St. Peter Canisius: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s book on private prayer and devotion in the early Church: Praying Like the Early Church: Seven Insights from the Church Fathers to Help You Connect with God - Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.31 St. Teresa of Avila: La Madre
03/25/2026
5.31 St. Teresa of Avila: La Madre
St. Teresa of Avila (1515 - 1582) St. Teresa was already being called a saint, and a doctor, within her lifetime. She was a visionary who suffered greatly from physical illness, and spiritual disappointment, when even some of her friends didn’t believe that her mystical experiences were real. She eventually convinced the naysayers, founded 17 convents and reformed the Carmelite order, all in the face of extreme opposition, even from the Spanish Inquisition. Links Check out this article on St. Teresa’s Teaching: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s book on private prayer and devotion in the early Church: Praying Like the Early Church: Seven Insights from the Church Fathers to Help You Connect with God - Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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New Lives of the Popes podcast, and pilgrimage with Mike and Jim
03/18/2026
New Lives of the Popes podcast, and pilgrimage with Mike and Jim
Way of the Fathers hosts Mike Aquilina and Jim Papandrea get together with producer Thomas Mirus two big announcements: Thomas's new podcast Lives of the Popes (a sister podcast to Way of the Fathers), and Mike and Jim's second "Way of the Fathers Pilgrimage" in Rome and Assisi this October. Lives of the Popes on Apple Podcasts: Lives of the Popes on CatholicCulture.org: Join Mike and Jim on pilgrimage (not affiliated with Catholic Culture): SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at:
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5.30 St. Teresa of Avila: Doctor of Prayer
03/11/2026
5.30 St. Teresa of Avila: Doctor of Prayer
St. Teresa of Avila (1515 - 1582) St. Teresa of Avila was the first female Doctor of the Church. She was the co-founder (with St. John of the Cross) of the Discalced Carmelites. A reformer, and a mystic, her books on prayer taught the Church to go deeper, and her famous book, Interior Castle, is a spiritual classic. Links The song God Alone is Enough (based on the quote of St. Teresa of Avila) by John Michael Talbot: The song is on the album Simple Heart: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s book on private prayer and devotion in the early Church: Praying Like the Early Church: Seven Insights from the Church Fathers to Help You Connect with God - Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.29 St. John of Avila: The Master
02/25/2026
5.29 St. John of Avila: The Master
St. John of Avila (1499 - 1569) At the dawn of the Protestant Reformation, St. John of Avila stood in a long and noble tradition of preachers for reform within the Catholic Church. His down-to-earth, but pull-no-punches preaching style brought people back to the sacraments, and he often found that after he preached, he spent the rest of the day hearing confessions. Links A selection of 8 sermons by St. John of Avila: My Burden is Light: Suffering and Consolation in the Christian Life, translated by Brandon Otto The volume on St. John of Avila in the Classics of Western Spirituality series: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.28 St. John of Avila: Apostle of Andalusia
02/11/2026
5.28 St. John of Avila: Apostle of Andalusia
St. John of Avila (1499 - 1569) In the aftermath of the reestablishment of Christendom in Spain, and at the dawn of the Protestant Reformation, St. John of Avila was a powerful and effective preacher for Catholic reform and evangelization. He brought the people of southern Spain back to the Church, and brought the clergy of southern Spain back to holiness. Links A selection of 8 sermons by St. John of Avila: My Burden is Light: Suffering and Consolation in the Christian Life, translated by Brandon Otto SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.27 St. Catherine of Siena: Mystic of the Incarnate Word
01/28/2026
5.27 St. Catherine of Siena: Mystic of the Incarnate Word
St. Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380) was almost single-handedly responsible for bringing the Papacy back to Rome after the long Avignon Papacy. Her book, The Dialogue, demonstrates advanced theological understanding, and includes direction in how to progress in the spiritual life, and also the words of God spoken directly to her. Links The Dialogue, with Introduction: For comparison, the Diary of St. Faustina: The letters of St. Catherine online: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.26 St. Catherine of Siena: Mother of a Thousand Souls
01/14/2026
5.26 St. Catherine of Siena: Mother of a Thousand Souls
St. Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380) was a “third order” Dominican, spiritual advisor, and a mystic, but also a nurse, and a kind of free-lance politician. She wrote letters of advice (and criticism) to cardinals, bishops, and royalty. She negotiated peace (or tried to) between warring city states, and - like St. Hildegard before her - she had permission to preach and teach. Her “disciples” and spiritual advisees included women and men, laity and clergy. Links The letters of St. Catherine online: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.25 St. John Henry Newman: The Doctor of Friendship
11/26/2025
5.25 St. John Henry Newman: The Doctor of Friendship
St. John Henry Newman (1801 - 1890) - Arguably the most famous convert since St. Paul, St. John Henry Newman defined the method for discerning the difference between legitimate growth and development in the Church, as opposed to the kinds of change that are really a deviation from Tradition and a corruption. Sorting this out led him to lose his trust in the Anglican communion, and in Protestantism in general, and unite with the Catholic Church. He would eventually be a cardinal, and he has been named co-patron of Catholic education, and now there are Newman Centers on college campuses across the US and the UK. Links Check out St. John Henry Newman in Catholic Culture Audio Books - there are over 50 titles, including lectures, poems and meditations, and sermons. The entire text of The Idea of a University is also included. Click this link for the list of titles and links to the audio books: St. John Henry Newman’s reflections on the Blessed Virgin and Marian Doctrines: The Mystical Rose - Fr. Juan Velez’ Holiness in a Secular Age: The Witness of Cardinal Newman - SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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The Most Dangerous Man in England: Newman and the Laity - Paul Shrimpton
11/21/2025
The Most Dangerous Man in England: Newman and the Laity - Paul Shrimpton
Cross-posted from the Catholic Culture Podcast with Thomas V. Mirus. Paul Shrimpton assisted in the process of making St. John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church. He joins the podcast to discuss his involvement in the process, and his new book from Word on Fire Academic, "The Most Dangerous Man in England": Newman and the Laity. During his lifetime, Newman was a controversial figure within the Catholic Church in large part due to his views on the laity and his advocacy for their role in running Catholic schools. Shrimpton's book gives us a picture of Newman's view of the laity not only through his ideas, but through his practical endeavors in the world of education, his pastoral activity, and his deep and abiding friendships with many laypeople. "The Most Dangerous Man in England": Newman and the Laity SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: DONATE to make this show possible!
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5.23 St. John Henry Newman: The Convert Doctor
11/12/2025
5.23 St. John Henry Newman: The Convert Doctor
St. John Henry Newman (1801 - 1890) was an Anglican priest and Oxford scholar who reasoned his way into the Catholic Church, with the help of the Church fathers. He spent the first part of his life and career as a Protestant, but once a Catholic, he made a lasting and significant contribution to Catholic thought and apologetics. Links Check out St. John Henry Newman in Catholic Culture Audio Books - there are over 50 titles, including lectures, poems and meditations, and sermons. The entire text of The Idea of a University is also included. Click this link for the list of titles and links to the audio books: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.22 St. Thomas Aquinas: The Common Doctor
10/29/2025
5.22 St. Thomas Aquinas: The Common Doctor
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) - Aquinas brought the development of Catholic thought and theology to a plateau, navigating the middle path between Augustine and Pelagius; Anselm and Abelard; and even Plato and Aristotle. He’s called the Common Doctor because the Church has affirmed that his teaching should be taught, and held up as the standard, in every school, university, and seminary. Links Check out this YouTube clip, How the Summa Replaced the Sentences as the Standard Theology Textbook, w/ Philipp Rosemann: Also, check out this interview that St. Thomas’ namesake - Thomas Mirus - did on the Catholic Culture Podcast with Matthew Minerd, about the education St. Thomas received and his responsibilities as a master of theology and his academic milieu: Three of St. Thomas’ academic sermons are available as audio books on the Catholic Culture website: Beware of the False Heaven and Earth Will Pass Send Out Your Spirit Mike Aquilina’s Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Thomas Aquinas: The Classics of Western Spirituality volume on Albert & Thomas: The Penguin Classics Thomas Aquinas: Selected Writings: The Aquinas Institute Online Complete Works of St. Thomas Aquinas: Pope Leo XIII, 1879 Papal Encyclical Aeterni Patris: Pope Pius XI, 1923 Papal Encyclical Studiorem Ducem: Pope St. John Paul II, 1998 Papal Encyclical Fides et Ratio: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: For Dr. Papandrea’s take on St. Anselm, Peter Abelard, and St. Thomas Aquinas on the Atonement, see Reading the Church Fathers: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.21 St. Thomas Aquinas: The Angelic Doctor
10/08/2025
5.21 St. Thomas Aquinas: The Angelic Doctor
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) - Student of St. Albert the Great, and friend of St. Bonaventure, St. Thomas Aquinas brought theology and scholastic philosophy together in a way that remains the standard of Catholic thought to this day. In some ways, St. Thomas can be thought of as a second Augustine, who arguably even surpassed the great father of the Church, and brought Augustine’s teaching to a more perfect culmination. Links Three of St. Thomas’ academic sermons are available as audio books on the Catholic Culture website: Beware of the False Heaven and Earth Will Pass Send Out Your Spirit Also, check out this interview that St. Thomas’ namesake - Thomas Mirus - did on the Catholic Culture Podcast with Matthew Minerd, about the education St. Thomas received and his responsibilities as a master of theology and his academic milieu: The Classics of Western Spirituality volume on Albert & Thomas: And, if you haven’t already, check out the episodes on St. Thomas’ teacher and mentor, St. Albert the Great, on this Way of the Fathers podcast: Episode 5.17 St. Albert the Great: Universal Doctor: Episode 5.18 St. Albert the Great: The Miracle of His Time: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.20 St. Bonaventure: Prince of Mystics
09/24/2025
5.20 St. Bonaventure: Prince of Mystics
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) continued the legacy of St. Anthony and was the Franciscan counterpart to Aquinas. He’s called the second founder of the Franciscans, and the Prince of the Mystics, because he continued the mystical tradition of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and he preserves for us the mystical spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as being an important influence on later mystics, such as St. John of the Cross. Links Check out this three-part series on St. Bonaventure by Pope Benedict XVI (from 2010) Part 1: Part 2: Part 3: The Classics of Western Spirituality volume on St. Bonaventure: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.19 St. Bonaventure: The Seraphic Doctor
09/10/2025
5.19 St. Bonaventure: The Seraphic Doctor
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) was the friend and colleague of St. Thomas Aquinas. What Aquinas was to the Dominicans, Bonaventure was to the Franciscans. St. Bonaventure is known as the second founder of the Franciscans because he was important for the organization of the order, and for bringing forth and expanding upon St. Francis’ spirituality. Links Check out this three-part series on St. Bonaventure by Pope Benedict XVI (from 2010) Part 1: Part 2: Part 3: The Classics of Western Spirituality volume on St. Bonaventure: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.18 St. Albert the Great: The Miracle of His Time
08/27/2025
5.18 St. Albert the Great: The Miracle of His Time
St. Albert the Great (1206-1280) mastered every field of study available to him, from astronomy to zoology. He was called the “miracle of his time,” not because he performed miracles, but because he was considered an authority - on the level of St. Augustine and Peter Lombard - even within his own lifetime. He was the mentor and teacher of a more famous doctor of the Church: St. Thomas Aquinas. Links For a great conversation about Peter Lombard’s Sentences, check out this article, The Most Influential Theology Book Nobody Reads: For the background on Pseudo-Dionysius, listen to this Way of the Fathers episode: The Classics of Western Spirituality volume which includes Albert & Thomas: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s book on ROME is revised and updated for the Jubilee year: ROME: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Eternal City - Second Edition: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.17 St. Albert the Great: Universal Doctor
08/13/2025
5.17 St. Albert the Great: Universal Doctor
St. Albert the Great (1206-1280) was one of the real geniuses of the middle ages, and was the teacher and mentor of St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Albert had mastered virtually every field of study available to him, and he is one of the most important bridges between ancient and medieval philosophy. Links For a complete, unbiased, and very accessible overview of the Crusades, see the book God’s Battalions by Rodney Stark: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s book on ROME is revised and updated for the Jubilee year: ROME: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Eternal City - Second Edition: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.16 St. Anthony of Padua: Hammer of Heresy
07/23/2025
5.16 St. Anthony of Padua: Hammer of Heresy
St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) is actually called the Hammer of Heretics, but the truth is that even in his uncompromising critiques of heresy, he had compassion for those who were led astray by the heresies, and he refused to engage in the personal attacks and name-calling that are so prevalent in apologetics, even among some other saints. So his homiletical hammer, as it were, was aimed more at the heresies than at the heretics. Listen in to find out why he's also the patron of people who have lost something. Links For more on how the Church fathers interpreted Scripture, see Reading Scripture Like the Early Church: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Dr. Papandrea’s book on ROME is revised and updated for the Jubilee year: ROME: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Eternal City - Second Edition: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.15 St. Anthony of Padua: Doctor of the Gospel
07/09/2025
5.15 St. Anthony of Padua: Doctor of the Gospel
St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) is called the Doctor of the Gospel, or the Evangelical Doctor, because he is known as both an expert in biblical interpretation, as well as one of the greatest preachers the Church has ever produced. Links SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: Dr. Papandrea’s book on ROME is revised and updated for the Jubilee year: ROME: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Eternal City - Second Edition: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.14 The Music of St. Hildegard of Bingen w/ Margot Fassler
06/30/2025
5.14 The Music of St. Hildegard of Bingen w/ Margot Fassler
St. Hildegard of Bingen, 12th-century abbess, mystic, polymath, and Doctor of the Church, is best known to non-Catholics for something else – her music. We have more pieces of music by Hildegard than by any other medieval composer whose name we know. Her chants are beautiful, otherworldly, virtuosic and ahead of their time. Some of them were written for her morality play, the Ordo virtutum, which is also the first of its kind. Thomas Mirus (producer of Way of the Fathers and host of the Catholic Culture Podcast) interviews musicologist Margot Fassler about what makes St. Hildegard’s music so special. Links Way of the Fathers episodes on St. Hildegard’s life and works: St. Hildegard’s letter to the Prelates of Mainz Margot Fassler, Cosmos, Liturgy, and the Arts in the Twelfth Century: Hildegard’s Illuminated Scivias All music used with permission from Benjamin Bagby & Sequentia, who have recorded her complete works. The specific pieces in this episode can be found on the albums Ordo Virtutum, Symphoniae, and Voice of the Blood. DONATE to make this show possible! SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter:
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5.13 St. Hildegard of Bingen: Teutonic Prophetess
06/25/2025
5.13 St. Hildegard of Bingen: Teutonic Prophetess
St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a mystic, an anointed prophet, a reformer, theologian, poet, teacher, and preacher. Over eight centuries ago, she wrote, “Today the Catholic faith is in a state of agitation, on a global scale. The gospel limps its way around the world; the early Church fathers, who wrote so well, are ignored; people are apathetic; they refuse to read and taste the nourishment in the Scriptures.” Links To get a sense of what the Cathars were all about, here’s the Way of the Fathers episode on gnosticism: Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s Hildegard of Bingen: A Spiritual Reader: Playlist of Hildegard’s Music on YouTube: Playlist of Richard Souther’s VISION: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen: Margot Fassler’s Cosmos, Liturgy, and the Arts in the Twelfth Century: Hildegard's Illuminated "Scivias" The Camrbidge Companion to Hildegard of Bingen: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: To ask questions, make comments, or interact with Dr. Papandrea, join the conversation in the Original Church Community: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.12 St. Hildegard of Bingen: Multimedia Visionary
06/11/2025
5.12 St. Hildegard of Bingen: Multimedia Visionary
St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a visionary, teacher, Abbess, composer, theologian, painter, and the first woman in history to be given papal approval to preach in public. Four centuries before the emergence of the “Renaissance Man,” there was Hildegard of Bingen. Usually known mostly for her music (and rightfully so) there is so much more to this medieval mystic. Links To get a sense of what the Cathars were all about, here’s the Way of the Fathers episode on gnosticism: Playlist of Hildegard’s Music on YouTube: Margot Fassler’s Cosmos, Liturgy, and the Arts in the Twelfth Century: Hildegard's Illuminated "Scivias" Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s Hildegard of Bingen: A Spiritual Reader: The Cambridge Companion to Hildegard of Bingen: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: To ask questions, make comments, or interact with Dr. Papandrea, join the conversation in the Original Church Community: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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5.11 St. Bernard of Clairvaux: Arbiter of Christendom
05/28/2025
5.11 St. Bernard of Clairvaux: Arbiter of Christendom
St. Bernard of Claivaux (1090 - 1153 AD) was the founder of the Cistercians, a reform order of the Benedictines, and was one of the Church’s true mystics. He opposed the “intentionalism” of the heretic Peter Abelard with his quip: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” He also opposed an anti-pope, corrected a king, brokered peace in Europe, and had to nuance the doctrine of “just war” in the face of Christian losses in the Crusades. Links Check out this article on St. Barnard of Clairvaux and the Active Life: Here’s the Classics of Western Spirituality volume on St. Bernard: SIGN UP for Catholic Culture’s Newsletter: DONATE at: Dr. Papandrea’s Homepage: Dr. Papandrea’s YouTube channel, The Original Church: To ask questions, make comments, or interact with Dr. Papandrea, join the conversation in the Original Church Community: Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:
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