Catholic Theology Show

Presented by Ave Maria University, Dr. Michael Dauphinais, Chair and Professor of Theology, sits down with colleagues and friends to discuss Catholic theology. Ave Maria is a Catholic University located in Southwest Florida. This Catholic podcast covers themes such as the value of a Catholic higher education, religious liberty, how to pray, the philosophies of Thomas Aquinas and more!

  1. 3D AGO

    What does Jesus Teach Us About Masculinity w/Dr. Paul Gondreau | Ep. 178

    In this episode of The Catholic Theology Show, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Paul Gondreau, professor of theology at Providence College, for an in-depth conversation on the full humanity of Jesus Christ and its implications for Christian anthropology, masculinity, femininity, and moral life. Drawing on St. Thomas Aquinas, Scripture, and the Catholic tradition, Dr. Gondreau explains how affirming Christ as fully human—and fully male—counters ancient and modern forms of docetism and defends the goodness of creation, embodiment, and sexual difference.The discussion explores Christ’s human emotions, passions, and affectivity, the scandal of particularity in the Incarnation, and why Jesus’ maleness matters without marginalizing women. Together, they examine how Jesus radically reorients relationships between men and women, elevates women as disciples, and calls men to moral self-governance, chastity, and rightly ordered aggression. The conversation also addresses contemporary cultural confusion around sexuality, masculinity, and femininity, showing how Christ reveals authentic human flourishing through virtue and grace. Dr. Gondreau shares personal insights from his work in Catholic moral theology, his experiences as an extra on The Chosen, and his teaching on marriage and sexual ethics. The episode concludes with reflections on the beauty of the Church’s vision of marriage, the role of virtue in healing disordered desires, and how Christ fully reveals the human person by perfecting, not negating, our humanity. Resources: Links to Paul Gondreau's Books https://a.co/d/01MM7FGg https://a.co/d/08XpAmlC Catholic Mass Times App | Find Catholic Churches Near Me: The most popular app worldwide for finding Catholic Mass times near me. Confession times. Adoration. 110,000+ churches. Updated in 2025:https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...https://catholicmasstimes.com/ ▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL: ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL ▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu ▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/ ▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/ Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.

    1h 1m
  2. FEB 10

    How to Pray the Seven Sorrows w/Immaculée Ilibagiza | Ep. 177

    In this episode of The Catholic Theology Show, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Immaculée Ilibagiza, survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and author of A Blessing in Disguise: Miracles of the Seven Sorrows Rosary. Drawing from her harrowing experience of hiding for three months while much of her family was murdered, Immaculée reflects on how suffering became a place of encounter with God rather than abandonment. She shares how meditation on the Passion of Christ and the sorrows of Mary sustained her hope, preserved her dignity, and anchored her faith amid profound darkness.The conversation centers on the Seven Sorrows Rosary and the Marian apparitions at Kibeho, Rwanda, officially approved by the Church. Immaculée explains how this devotion leads believers more deeply to Christ by contemplating His suffering through the heart of His mother. She emphasizes the distinction between accepting suffering and approving the evil that causes it, showing how forgiveness and prayer freed her from hatred, healed her mind, and restored her capacity to love. Together, Dr. Dauphinais and Immaculée explore prayer as a living relationship, the dangers of faith without ongoing prayer, and Mary’s role as a spiritual mother who guides souls toward healing, hope, and redemption. The episode offers a profound meditation on suffering transformed by grace, rooted in lived testimony and Catholic theology.Resources:Link to Immaculee's Book: Left to Tellhttps://a.co/d/0hE6penS The Power of Faith in Suffering w/ Immaculée Ilibagiza | Ep. 92https://youtu.be/dh8YOvoZ018Why Do We Need Marian Consecration? with Dr. Mark Miravalle:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=603zUdzyYmY&pp=ygUlbWFyayBtaXJhdmFsbGUgY2F0aG9saWMgdGhlb2xvZ3kgc2hvdw%3D%3DCatholic Mass Times App | Find Catholic Churches Near Me:The most popular app worldwide for finding Catholic Mass times near me. Confession times. Adoration. 110,000+ churches. Updated in 2025:https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...https://catholicmasstimes.com/

    1h 18m
  3. FEB 3

    Augustine's City of God and Christian Hope w/ Dr. Gerald Boersma |Ep. 176

    In this episode of The Catholic Theology Show, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Gerald Boersma, professor of theology at Ave Maria University, for an in-depth conversation on St. Augustine’s City of God. Together they explore Augustine’s historical context, writing in the aftermath of the sack of Rome, and his enduring vision of the two cities: the City of God and the City of Man. The discussion highlights Augustine’s critique of pagan religion, political power, and the illusion of earthly peace, as well as his response to Pelagianism and Donatism. Dr. Boersma explains how Augustine understands history, politics, virtue, and grace through the lens of love, contrasting the self-centered love that defines the earthly city with the love of God that animates the heavenly city. They examine Augustine’s insights into pride, domination, and false notions of justice, as well as his insistence that true righteousness and peace are gifts of grace rather than human achievements. The conversation also addresses why The City of Godremains especially relevant today, in a cultural moment tempted to seek ultimate meaning in politics, technology, or human progress. The episode concludes with a reflection on Augustine’s powerful vision of heaven, particularly his teaching on the resurrection and the beatific vision at the end of The City of God. Drs. Dauphinais and Boersma emphasize Augustine’s call to hope, humility, and perseverance, encouraging listeners to rediscover heaven as the true end of human life and the key to understanding both personal history and the destiny of the world. Catholic Mass Times App | Find Catholic Churches Near Me:The most popular app worldwide for finding Catholic Mass times near me. Confession times. Adoration. 110,000+ churches. Updated in 2025. https://catholicmasstimes.com/ ▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80 ▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL:▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL ▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu ▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/ ▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.

    1h 1m
  4. JAN 27

    How to Suffer without Losing Your Mind or Your Soul w/ Dr. Aaron Kheriaty |Ep. 175

    Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, psychiatrist and author, discusses his upcoming book "Teach Me Your Suffering" and shares insights on how contemplating Christ's passion can transform our experience of personal suffering. The conversation explores the prayer "doce me passionem tuum" (teach me your suffering) as a spiritual practice that helps people move from isolation to communion with Christ during difficult times. Dr. Kheriaty explains how Christ suffered throughout his entire earthly life, not just during the crucifixion, making him relatable to all human experiences of pain. The discussion covers practical approaches to prayer, forgiveness, and finding meaning in suffering, emphasizing how focusing on Christ's wounds can provide healing for our own wounds. The conversation also addresses how to experience Mass more deeply as a participation in Christ's sacrifice and offers guidance on accepting suffering without approving of it, while still seeking appropriate treatment and remedies. ▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80 ▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL:▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL ▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu ▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/ ▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/ Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.

    1h 9m
  5. JAN 20

    How to Discern God's Will with the Spiritual Exercises w/Fr. James Mason | Ep. 174

    In this episode of the Catholic Theology Show, host Michael Dauphinais interviews Father James Mason, pastor and vicar of clergy for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, who has been giving Ignatian retreats for seventeen years. Father Mason shares his personal conversion story as a late vocation who entered seminary at thirty after a career in law, describing his spiritual struggle as fighting God until he finally surrendered. The conversation explores the four stages of Saint Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises: beginning with recognizing God's love and the reality of sin, journeying through Christ's life, contemplating the passion and death, and finally the resurrection. Father Mason emphasizes how these exercises are universal tools for spiritual growth, not just for religious but for all Catholics seeking deeper union with Christ. The discussion covers practical aspects of prayer, dealing with suffering redemptively, the challenge of evangelizing family members who have left the faith, and living with holy indifference to God's will. Father Mason concludes by sharing his daily spiritual practices and reflecting on how his understanding of faith deepened from a superficial teenage concept to a total surrender to Christ. ▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL:▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.

    53 min
  6. JAN 13

    Is There a Benedict Option for Today's Healthcare w/Dr. James Breen | Ep. 173

    How can faithful Catholics reclaim the healing mission of medicine in an era of ideological pressures and fragmented care? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. James Breen, family physician, author of Benedict Medicine: A Catholic Response to Rescue the Profession's Healing Mission, and founder of the Benedict Medicine practice in Fort Myers, Florida, to explore the tensions between Catholic anthropology and contemporary medical systems. During their conversation, they also discuss practical solutions like independent primary care models and the vital role of physicians in accompanying patients through suffering, illness, and end-of-life decisions. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community):https://www.avemaria.edu/annunciation-circle/ Ave Maria University website: https://www.avemaria.edu/ Dr. James Breen’s Website, including access to his recent book, Benedict Medicine: A Catholic Response to Rescue the Profession's Healing Mission: https://www.jamesobreen.com/benedict-medicine-book Dr. James Breen's profile on Doximity, which includes details about his professional background, publications, and affiliations such as the Catholic Medical Association: https://www.doximity.com/pub/james-breen-md-e2417e72 Benedict Medicine website, founded by Dr. James Breen, offering details on his family medicine services and Catholic approach to healthcare in Fort Myers, Florida: https://www.benedictmedicine.com/ ▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80 ▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL: ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL ▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu ▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/ ▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/ Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.

    59 min
  7. 12/30/2025

    Tolkien's Liturgical Imagination in The Lord of the Rings w/Dr. Ben Reinhard | Ep. 171

    How does J.R.R. Tolkien's Catholic faith infuse his tales with sacramental wonder and redemptive hope? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Ben Reinhard, professor of English at Franciscan University of Steubenville and author of The High Hallow: Tolkien's Liturgical Imagination, to uncover the liturgical foundations of The Lord of the Rings. During their conversation, they also discuss the fairy-story mindset as a gateway to an enchanted, Eucharistic worldview, the hobbits' Magnificat-like humility, and the dangers of false liturgies like the palantíri that tempt us toward idolatrous control.Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)https://www.avemaria.edu/annunciation-circle/Ave Maria University website: https://www.avemaria.edu/Dr. Ben Reinhard's faculty page at Franciscan University of Steubenville, which includes details about his work and publications:https://shss.franciscan.edu/faculty/reinhard-dr-ben/Dr. Ben Reinhard’s book, The High Hallow: Tolkien's Liturgical Imagination, published by Emmaus Road Publishing:https://stpaulcenter.com/store/the-high-hallow-tolkiens-liturgical-imagination▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL:▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.

    1h 4m
5
out of 5
119 Ratings

About

Presented by Ave Maria University, Dr. Michael Dauphinais, Chair and Professor of Theology, sits down with colleagues and friends to discuss Catholic theology. Ave Maria is a Catholic University located in Southwest Florida. This Catholic podcast covers themes such as the value of a Catholic higher education, religious liberty, how to pray, the philosophies of Thomas Aquinas and more!

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