Catholic Saints Augustine Institute

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. Explore how his commitment to both study and service continues to inspire believers today, offering a timeless example of integrating faith with intellect and compassion. Tune in to gain insights into the life of this extraordinary saint and his enduring relevance in the modern world.

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 journey through history and faith, where every detail reveals the timeless pursuit of holiness.

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.