Catholic Saints

Dr. Chris Mooney shares about St. Gregory of Nazianzus, a 4th-century saint who served as the Bishop of Constantinople during the second ecumenical council in 381. Tradition has assigned him the title The Theologian, as he lived, wrote, and preached during the golden age of patristic theology.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

On this episode of Catholic Saints, Taylor Kemp interviews Dr. James Protho on the life, traits, and lessons we can learn from St. John the Apostle. Son of Zebedee, evangelist and gospel writer, St. John experienced the privilege of serving in Jesus’ inner circle. We celebrate the feast of St. John during the Christmas season on December 27.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

After joining the Jesuits in the mid-16th century, St. Peter Canicius is sent to Germany and Austria to combat the rising tide of Lutheranism. St. Peter sees tremendous success by balancing intellectual teaching, writing, and formation with simple acts of charity. Join Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp as they discuss the life and impact of this great saint and Doctor of the Church.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Join Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp as they discuss the life and impact of a little-known Saint, St. Gatian of Tours. In the middle of the third century, St. Gatian was sent from Rome to the far reaches of the Christian world, modern day France, to preach and evangelize to the pagan Gauls. By following the example of St. Gatian, we can learn how to give of ourselves in a way that contributes to the patrimony of holiness in our Church.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Dr. Ben Akers sits down with Dr. Scott Hefelfinger to discuss Doctor of the Church, St. John of the Cross. This discussion touches on St. John of the Cross's life, his teaching on prayer, and his example of holiness.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Dr. Ben Akers sits down with Dr. James Prothro to discuss Mary's apparition to Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac hill under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This important apparition played a historical role in the conversion of the Mexico to the Christian faith and the miraculous tilma worn by the saint is still venerated by millions today.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

St. Ambrose (c. 340–397 AD) was the Bishop of Milan and a Doctor of the Church, known for his defense of Nicene Christianity against Arianism. Born into a prominent Roman family, he pursued a career in law and governance before his unexpected election as bishop, despite being unbaptized. A skilled theologian and eloquent orator, he influenced both church and state, famously calling Emperor Theodosius I to repentance after the massacre at Thessalonica. Ambrose’s hymns, writings, and pastoral work left a lasting legacy, including his role in the conversion and baptism of St. Augustine. His feast day is celebrated on December 7.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

St. Nicholas of Myra, born around 270 AD in Patara, Lycia (modern-day Turkey), was a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and devotion to helping the poor. He famously provided dowries for three impoverished sisters, saving them from slavery, and became a symbol of compassion and charity. Celebrated as the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants, his life inspired countless legends and traditions. St. Nicholas passed away on December 6, 343 AD, and his feast day is marked by acts of giving and remembrance of his selfless spirit.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

St. John Damascene, born around 675 AD in Damascus, was a monk, theologian, and hymnographer known for his eloquent defense of Christian doctrine. A staunch opponent of iconoclasm, he championed the veneration of holy images and wrote extensively to uphold orthodox teachings. His works, including The Fountain of Knowledge, profoundly shaped Christian theology and philosophy. St. John passed away in 749 AD, and his feast day is celebrated on December 4 as a tribute to his wisdom and devotion.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

St. Francis Xavier, born in 1506 in Navarre, Spain, was a Jesuit missionary and one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus. Renowned for his zeal in spreading Christianity, he traveled extensively, preaching in India, Japan, and Southeast Asia, baptizing thousands. Known for his humility and dedication, he learned local languages and adapted to cultures to effectively share his faith. Francis Xavier passed away on December 3, 1552, near China, and is celebrated as the patron saint of missions and missionaries.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

All saints had a story before they met Jesus. For St. Andrew, he was a fisherman. Hearing the call of Christ, Andrew and his brother Peter left everything behind to follow Jesus. Join Dr. Ben Akers and Mary McGeehan as they discuss St. Andrew, his life, and the example he provides to all Christians.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century Christian martyr, was known for her intelligence, beauty, and steadfast faith. She boldly debated Emperor Maxentius and his scholars, converting many before being imprisoned and martyred for refusing to renounce Christianity. Venerated as the patroness of philosophers and scholars, her legacy inspires courage and devotion.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Sit down with Dr. Ben Akers and Dr. Carl Vennerstrom as they discuss Pope St. Clement of Rome, who was an early Church Father and the third successor to St. Peter. He wrote an original letter to the dissentient church of Corinth that we can still read and access today! His feast day is November 23. St. Clement, pray for us!   See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Join Dr. Tim Gray and Paul McCusker as they discuss St. Cecilia and the role of Art and Beauty in the New Evangelization.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769–1852) was a French missionary and a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart who dedicated her life to education and service on the American frontier. After enduring the hardships of the French Revolution, she answered the call to missionary work, establishing schools for Native Americans and settlers in the United States, particularly in Missouri and Kansas. Known for her deep spirituality and devotion, she was called the “Woman Who Prays Always” by the Potawatomi people. Canonized in 1988, her life exemplifies perseverance, cultural bridge-building, and an unwavering commitment to Christ.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

St. Albert the Great (1200–1280), also known as Albertus Magnus, was a German Dominican friar, bishop, scholar, and one of the most influential figures of the medieval Church. Renowned as a "Doctor Universalis" (Universal Doctor), he was a polymath who made significant contributions to theology, philosophy, and the natural sciences. A pioneer in integrating Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, St. Albert was a mentor to St. Thomas Aquinas and a key figure in the development of Scholasticism. His vast knowledge spanned subjects such as biology, chemistry, astronomy, and ethics, earning him recognition as the patron saint of scientists. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1931, St. Albert's legacy continues to inspire those who seek harmony between faith and reason.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Saint Didacus of Alcalá (c. 1400–1463), also known as Diego de San Nicolás, was a Spanish Franciscan lay brother celebrated for his humility, charity, and deep spirituality. Born in San Nicolás del Puerto, Andalusia, he initially lived as a hermit before joining the Franciscan Order. Didacus served as a missionary in the Canary Islands, where he was appointed guardian of the Franciscan community on Fuerteventura, an exceptional role for a lay brother. In 1450, he traveled to Rome for the canonization of Saint Bernardine of Siena and remained there to care for friars afflicted by an epidemic, reportedly performing miraculous healings. After returning to Spain, he spent his remaining years in contemplation and service, passing away in Alcalá de Henares on November 12, 1463. Canonized in 1588, he is the patron saint of the city of San Diego, California, which was named in his honor.    See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Join Dr. Ben Akers and Dr. Carl Vennerstrom as they discuss St. Leo the Great, who served as pope during the tumultuous time of the Council of Chalcedon. With the heart of a pastor, St. Leo modeled Christian charity amidst the debates and controversies on the divine and human nature of Jesus. He blessed the Church by using his gift of administration to create a healthy bureaucracy where brotherly love could flourish. Watch Catholic Saints on FORMED.Sign Up for FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Saint Martin de Porres (1579–1639) was a Peruvian lay brother of the Dominican Order renowned for his profound humility, charity, and dedication to the marginalized. Born in Lima to a Spanish nobleman and a freed African slave, he faced societal discrimination due to his mixed-race heritage. Despite these challenges, Martin devoted his life to serving others, working as a barber-surgeon, caring for the sick, and establishing an orphanage and hospital for abandoned children. He was known for his deep spirituality and was attributed with miraculous abilities, including healing and bilocation. Canonized in 1962, he is the patron saint of social justice, racial harmony, and mixed-race people.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Dr. Tim Gray and Dr. Elizabeth Klein, professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute Graduate School, discuss the importance of remembering the dead in purgatory, celebrating the Saints in heaven, and the Catholic perspective on Halloween.  See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceWatch Catholic Saints and other great content on FORMED.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of FORMED.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.