Catholic History Trek: Recent Episodes
Scott Schulze & Kevin Schmiesing
A podcast exploring the history of the Catholic Church, especially the historical background of contemporary Catholic practices and issues. Hosted by Kevin Schmiesing and Scott Schulze.
St Leonard of Port Maurice was arguably the greatest missionary of the 18th century. In this episode Scott treks thru the life of St Leonard and his famous sermon on the little number of those who are saved.
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Mobile's current Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception traces its roots all the way back to 1703.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 26, Alabama)
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In 1966 the Dutch bishops released a new catechism with much excitement, as the first one to be published after the 2nd Vatican Council. But when the spirit of the age trumped the doctrines of the Church, problems arose.
In this episode Scott treks thru the background, history, and response to this infamous catechism.
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (Kevin Schmiesing@CatholicHistoryTrek)
Thank you for your support!
Agnus Dei is a name for Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and is a prayer said during mass. But Agnus Dei was also the name for a highly prized papal sacramental.
In this episode Scott treks thru the holy, and political, history of the sacramental Agnus Dei.
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (Kevin Schmiesing@CatholicHistoryTrek)
Thank you for your support!
Scott and Kevin venture beyond the city walls to explore the history of Catholicism and agriculture. From peasants to plantations, from hermits to homesteaders, from breeding to beekeeping, faith and farming have been companions through the centuries.
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (Kevin Schmiesing@CatholicHistoryTrek)
Thank you for your support!
Marking the halfway point in his trek across all fifty states, Kevin explores the historic churches of southwestern Illinois, especially Immaculate Conception in Kaskaskia and Holy Family in Cahokia.
("Cradles of Catholicism" series, no. 25, Illinois)
Genesius set out to please the Roman emperor Diocletian with an anti-Christian comedy act. But then things took an unexpected turn. Find out what happened in this episode of Catholic History Trek.
("Martyrs" series no. 3, Martyrdom of St Genesius)
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (CatholicHistoryTrek@gmail.com)
Thank you for your support!
In hopes of atoning for at least some of their sins, Scott and Kevin humbly offer this episode on the history of the Sacrament of Penance, aka Confession, aka Reconciliation. Is listening to it a penance or a guilty pleasure? You decide.
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (Kevin Schmiesing@CatholicHistoryTrek)
Thank you for your support!
What’s more Catholic than fasting and long, barefooted processions? Scott revisits the history and convergence of the Church’s long-forgotten Rogation Days.
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (CatholicHistoryTrek@gmail.com)
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Connecticut’s earliest Catholics worshiped in homes, barns, a Masonic hall, and finally, an Episcopalian hand-me-down, the state’s first Catholic church.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 24, Connecticut)
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (Kevin Schmiesing@CatholicHistoryTrek)
Thank you for your support!
In the 16th century, Dutch Calvinists made the Netherlands a very inhospitable place for Catholics. Not only were churches, altars, and statues attacked, but 19 Franciscans and other Catholic priests were tortured & murdered for holding firm in their belief in the Real Presence.
In this episode, Scott treks thru their story, and the background for the anti-Catholic hatred in the Netherlands.
("Martyrs" series no. 2, Martyrs of Gorkum)
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (CatholicHistoryTrek@gmail.com)
Thank you for your support!
There are a lot of items involved in the celebration of a Catholic liturgy, and each of them has a name and a history.
In this gold-plated episode, Scott and Kevin provide a rundown of the chalices, patens, and things you may not even know the name for.
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (KevinSchmiesing@CatholicHistoryTrek)
Thank you for your support!
Is returning the Jews to the Holy Land and rebuilding the temple a divine mandate for Christians, or is it working against the will of God?
I can’t answer that question. But I can take a historical look into the 4th century when the Roman emperor Julian the Apostate set out to rebuild the temple, and the divine intervention which followed that endeavor.
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (CatholicHistoryTrek@gmail.com)
Thank you for your support!
Despite its humble beginning, Mission San Antonio de Valero was the nucleus of one of Texas’s largest cities and would become one of the nation’s most famous battlegrounds. Kevin traces the tumultuous history of the Alamo.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 23, Texas)
To help Catholic History Trek, please consider donating via PayPal (Kevin Schmiesing@CatholicHistoryTrek)
Thank you for your support!
Attributed to a couple men named Bernard, but written by neither, Scott looks at the history of the Memorare prayer.
(“Catholic Prayers” series, no. 13, Memorare)
In Episode 132 Scott and Kevin trekked thru the history of priestly vestments. In this episode they follow up with a historical tour of clerical clothing - cassocks, collars, and everything else in your comprehensive guide to clerical clothing.
Even after Constantine's victory at Milvian Bridge, the Roman Empire was not free of Christian persecutions. Seven years later, a persecution in the eastern half of the empire would create the 40 martyrs of Sebaste.
On this episode, Scott treks thru their fate, their attempt to keep their number at 40, and Rome’s famous Lightning Legion.
("Martyrs" series no. 1, 40 Martyrs of Sebaste)
The “new” Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston dates to the 1870s. President John Adams was among the benefactors who enabled the construction of its predecessor, the city's first Catholic church.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 22, Massachusetts)
Was there a time when eating horse meat merited a penance comparable to committing murder? Find out in this episode, as Scott treks thru the history of the Catholic Church and her ban on consuming horses.
The Catholic Church owns a lot of property. How did that happen? Who actually owns the property? Can laypeople control Church property?
Scott and Kevin answer these questions—and a lot of others you didn’t know you had—as they explore the complicated and contentious history of Church property.
Death is not a comfortable topic for many but is a reality for all. In this episode Scott looks at the history of the Ars Moriendi, a popular Medieval text written to prepare one to die well.
Jesuit missionaries founded St. Mary’s Mission in the Bitterroot Valley, the first church in what would become the state of Montana.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 21, Montana)
Throughout the 19th century, and into the early 20th century, a popular temperance movement swept across America and Western Europe which sought to end the consumption of alcohol.
In America, this movement peaked with the passage of the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol.
In this episode Scott covers the Catholic Temperance movement and Fr Theobald Matthew, the “Apostle of Temperance”.
Liturgical vestments are the distinctive articles of clothing worn by the Catholic clergy - primarily at the holy sacrifice of the mass. In this episode, Kevin and Scott take a look look at the purpose and history of each of these liturgical vestments.
According to the Christmas carol, “Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen.”
But who was Wenceslaus, and what is the feast of Stephen?
Scott treks thru the history of these two Catholic saints, and the carol that connects them.
William Gaston, the composer of North Carolina’s anthem, “The Old North State,” was also instrumental in building the state’s first Catholic church, St. Paul’s in New Bern.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 20, North Carolina)
In the era of Vikings, King Olaf is said to have gone from a raider and pillager, to champion of Christianity and worker of miracles.
Along the way, Scott treks thru the Heimskringla and the possible origin of the nursery rhyme, "London Bridge Is Falling Down".
Kevin and Scott describe a dozen historic practices that have, to one degree or another, been forgotten in much of the Catholic world. Join them in rediscovering the holy uses of chalk, salt, and tying knots.
Scott looks at the military leaders specially recognized by the popes as “Champions of Christ” for their victories over the enemies of the Church. These 4 men boldly held to both their God and their guns
The parish of St. Peter in Mendota Heights has two church buildings, and the older is known as “The Historic Church” for good reason. Among its nineteenth-century pastors was Auguste Ravoux, who was deeply involved in one of the largest executions in American history.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 19, Minnesota)
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom this podcast commits me here?
Scott explores the history of this popular Catholic prayer which seeks the aid and protection of one’s guardian angel.
("Catholic Prayers" series, no. 12, Angel of God)
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln is commonly thought to be the result of a plot hatched by Confederate sympathizers upset by the outcome of the Civil War.
But some Americans also detected a religious dimension: a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by the Catholic Church.
Were Catholics involved in Lincoln’s death? Kevin and Scott investigate.
Scott covers the history of the Knights Templar – their rise, their fall, and their connection to the Jedi from Star Wars.
An Italian Jesuit founded the San Xavier del Bac Mission near what is now Tucson in 1692. The mission’s charming adobe church still serves the area’s Catholics, including those of the Tohono O’odham Nation on whose land the mission stands.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 18, Arizona)
Scott and his wife talk about the history of Catholic home schooling in America.
At the end of the episode, we get to hear from some home school students at the Red Barn co-op in west central Ohio.
Kevin and Scott tackle the twelve (or thirteen...) monumental figures at the genesis of Church history, the men who put the “apostle” in “apostolic.”
They sort out the Simons, Jameses, and Judes, outlining what we know from Scripture and peering into apocryphal accounts of their post-Pentecostal peregrinations.
In the 1860’s Pope Pius IX acquired nearly 16,000 of the best military firearms of their day – the Remington rolling block rifle.
In this episode Scott treks thru the history of these firearms, the Catholics who made them, and why the pope wanted them.
Still standing in the heart of historic Charleston, St. Mary of the Annunciation Church was the birthplace of Catholicism in the Carolinas.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 17, South Carolina)
Scott covers the historical differences between Heretics, Pagans, Schismatics, and other non-Catholics.
Exploding torture wheels. Flying friars. Angelic interventions.
Scott and Kevin travel across twenty centuries of Church history to collect and assess some of the most spectacular stories associated with the saints.
(This episode has been republished to edit some audio issues that arose during the creation of the MP3 file)
Hawaii may be the last of the fifty states, but its cathedral is one of the nation’s oldest. Kevin dives into the rich Catholic history of the Aloha state.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 16, Hawaii)
Not sure what the difference is between the biretta, boat, chalice, ciborium, corporal, cruet, pall, paten or purificator? Ask an altar boy.
For centuries, well-trained altar boys have assisted the priest in celebrating the sacrifice of the holy mass.
In this episode Scott treks thru the history of these young men, and their duties.
Where did the Blessed Virgin Mary’s life on earth come to an end?
Scott and Kevin examine the historical cases for the major contenders, finding testimony in the lives and writings of the apostle John, the Greek theologian pseudo-Dionysius, and the German mystic Anne Catherine Emmerich.
How did the number 40 become a Catholic devotional practice known as the 40 Hours Devotion (when the Eucharist is exposed for adoration over a period of 40 consecutive hours), and why did Catholic priests in Philadelphia oppose implementing this devotion at their parishes?
Find out in this episode of Catholic History Trek, which will cover 40 hours in a mere 11 minutes.
Another New England state, another pair of “cradles.” As with Maine, Kevin finds in Vermont two Catholic churches whose stories are entwined with the early history of the state: the Chapel of St. Anne on La Motte Island; and the Church of St. Mary in Burlington.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 15, Vermont)
Did Pope Callixtus III excommunicate Halley’s comet and order the ringing of bells to chase it away?
That is what many believe, based on the words of the author of a best-selling Medieval cookbook. But is it accurate?
In this episode Scott treks thru the real history of Pope Callixtus III and the comet.
Inject some Catholicism into your Civil War buffery! Scott and Kevin survey a few of the bishops, chaplains, nurses, and officers - North and South - who participated in various ways in the war that split the country.
For the past century Catholics have included the Fatima Prayer in their praying of the Rosary. But this prayer was only one of several given by the Blessed Virgin to the three shepherd children at Fatima.
Episode 11 in Scott's series on the history of various Catholic prayers.
In the 1830s, Kansas was Indian Territory. At the mission of St. Mary’s at Sugar Creek, Catholic Potawatomis and the priests and sisters who ministered to them laid the foundation on which the Church in Kansas was built.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 14, Kansas)
Communion in the hand or on the tongue? What about with a straw or on the eyes?
In this episode, Scott takes an unexpected journey thru the 2,000-year long history of how Catholics have received the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.
Kevin and Scott investigate several sensational papal controversies, including the “cadaver synod,” and “Hitler’s pope.” They examine the historical testimony, weigh the evidence, and issue verdicts: Guilty or Not Guilty?
Discover the origin of the prayer which is both a doxology and a stand against heresy.
(“Catholic Prayers” series, no. 10, Glory Be)
From Ven. Pierre Toussaint to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton to Cardinal John McCloskey, some of US Catholicism’s most illustrious figures have passed through the doors of St. Peter's Church in Manhattan. Kevin takes a tour of this historic structure, including its role as a shelter in the midst of disaster on September 11, 2001.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 13, New York)
With baseball season upon us, Scott looks at a pair of Catholic hall of fame players who are known not only for their baseball success, but also for how they lived their Catholic faith both on, and off, the field.
In this episode Kevin and Scott take an informal look back at the history of Catholic History Trek. They ponder the past, forecast the future, and share their thoughts on topics like favorite episodes and what their families think of the podcast.
“Death to the Pope!” gave Bruno purpose in life, until the Blessed Virgin Mary intervened.
This episode (which includes a special guest reader) brings together the martyrdom of St Paul, an Adventist’s plot to kill the pope, the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, and a modern Marian apparition.
In the latest installment in his series on the states, Kevin visits Arkansas to recount the history of St. Mary’s Church in Plum Bayou.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 12, Arkansas)
The 3 letters IHS can be found on Catholic buildings, altars, and art. But what do they mean, and what is their origin?
In this episode, Scott answers those questions, and debunks incorrect meanings associated with these letters.
Join Scott and Kevin on the via pulchritudinis, as they journey across the Church’s history highlighting a few of those Pope Paul VI called the “custodians of beauty” in our world. Learn about Catholic artists Giotto, Fra Angelico, Maria Hummel, John LaFarge, and more.
Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Scott covers the history of the penitential prayer offered at the beginning of the Catholic mass – the Confiteor.
Episode 9 in Scott’s series on the history of various Catholic prayers
The American Southwest’s Spanish past is reflected in the history of the oldest Catholic parish in the state of Colorado, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Conejos.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 11, Colorado)
The most famous of Rome’s four major basilicas, St. Peter’s has been the setting for innumerable historic events. Kevin and Scott dive deep into history - and dig deep underground - to unearth some of the stories tied to this storied church.
During Lent some Catholics skip desert, avoid soda pop, reduce screen time, and take cold showers. But in southeast Michigan one Lenten tradition included eating muskrat.
For this episode’s state, Kevin couldn’t decide between two strong claimants for the honor of “cradle of Catholicism,” so he covers both venerable Catholic communities: St. Ann in Old Town (Penobscot Nation), and St. Patrick in Newcastle.
("Cradles of Catholicism" series, no. 10, Maine)
The Purification of Mary. The Coming of the Son of God into the Temple. Candlemas. This ancient feast’s many names reflect its rich theology and history. Scott and Kevin take an in-depth look, exploring the Presentation's scriptural roots, its origin in the early Church, and its development over the centuries since.
Kevin and Scott revisit the controversial theme of science and religion in their exploration of the relationship between Catholicism and evolution.
They naturally select key topics along the way: Genesis, Darwin, Catholic scientists, and papal teaching.
Today, Robin Hood is known to rob from the rich to give to the poor, and for his devotion to the maid Marian. But the original Robin Hood was known for praying his rosary, attending mass as the risk of capture, and for a differentMarian devotion.
The Old Cathedral of St. Louis
Kevin takes a look at the historic Catholic community based at the Basilica of St. Louis, whose first church predates the American Revolution.
("Cradles of Catholicism" series, no. 9, Missouri)
The seasons of Advent and Christmas are shot through with Catholic history and symbolism. From wreaths to trees, from St. Nick to gingerbread, Scott and Kevin unwrap the stories behind many popular customs and objects associated with the celebration of the birth of Christ.
Political conflict. Conspiracy. Two centuries of civil war. And a dead pope.
In this episode Scott looks at the brief papacy and resignation of Pope St Celestine V, whose 1294 resignation was the last resignation in the Catholic Church until Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013.
The font you’re reading right now probably has something to do with the Church. Kevin and Scott explore the Catholic dimensions of the history of script, printing, and typeface.
What is Purgatory? Is it Biblical? Who was St Gregory? And what are these masses which bear his name? Find out in this episode of Catholic History Trek.
November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. In this November episode, we look at the history of a series of 30 masses offered to release a soul in Purgatory.
Scott and Kevin take a closer look at the rogues of Church history, the men who claimed to be pope but weren’t — the anti-popes.
Holy Name of Mary Church in Sault Ste. Marie is one of the nation’s oldest parishes, dating back to the 1600s. Kevin recounts the history of Catholicism in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
(“Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 8, Michigan)
Do the “magic” words Hocus Pocus, Abracadabra, and Presto find their origins in Catholicism?
In this Halloween episode Scott traces the history of these words used by illusionists and magicians.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, is a tribute to the nation’s patroness and a monument to the colorful array of people who make up the Church in the United States. Kevin and Scott recount the history of this impressive building.
Scott explains why the wording and dating of the Sub Tuum makes this little-known prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary historically significant.
(“Catholic Prayers” series, no. 8, Sub Tuum)
Kevin and Scott sift through a thousand years of history, a few battles, several religious orders, an array of popes, and a handful of saints - all to bring you the story of that most Catholic of prayers, the rosary.
Kevin recounts the founding of Mission San Diego — the first of the California missions — by St. Junipero Serra.
(Cradles of Catholicism series, no. 7, California)
After the death of Pope John Paul II, many were calling for him to be known as "John Paul the Great". But was he?
Kevin and Scott (the Devil's Advocate) take an objective look at both the acclaims and criticisms of John Paul II’s papacy.
Historically the Angelus is prayed 3 times a day - 6am, noon, 6pm. But why? Scott explores the history of this prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, including both the words that are prayed and the times that it is prayed.
(“Catholic Prayers” series, no. 7, Angelus)
Continuing his “Cradles of Catholicism” series, Kevin takes a look at Archbishop Francois Blanchet, St. Paul’s Church, and the early years of the Catholic faith in Oregon.
("Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 5, Oregon)
Its presence in the Catholic world may be enormous today, but like many other great enterprises, it started small. Scott and Kevin recount the story of EWTN and its feisty founder, Mother Angelica.
Scott attempts to answer why Popes Urban II & Innocent II would have banned the crossbow in Medieval Europe.
Continuing his series on the beginnings of Catholicism in the states, Kevin traces the history of St. Augustine, Florida, and its historic cathedral.
Who composed the Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina)? Great question! There are 4 candidates who have been proposed throughout history. Scott explores all 4 of them, and the history of this well-known Marian prayer.
(“Catholic Prayers” series, no. 5, Hail Holy Queen)
Do you prefer your observance strict or common? No matter, Kevin and Scott cover both as they travel back to the eleventh century to recount the history of the monks and nuns of the Order of Cistercians.
In this "explosive" episode, Scott covers the Franciscan Friars who developed gunpowder and invented the firearm. And the Priest who invented the bulletproof vest.
Celebrate Independence Day with Catholic History Trek, as Kevin travels to a church right down the street from Independence Hall - Old St. Joseph’s Church in Philadelphia - to recount the beginnings of Catholicism in the state of Pennsylvania.
("Cradles of Catholicism” series, no. 4, Pennsylvania)
A towering intellect, an enthralling preacher, a media celebrity — and a mediocre bishop whose remains provoked an unseemly battle after his death. Scott and Kevin explore the remarkable story of the man who’s been called “the most popular and socially influential American Catholic of the 20th century.”
On the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima in 1981 a Turkish gunman attempted to kill Pope John Paul II. One year later, a former priest also attempted to kill the pope. Scott covers this lesser known second assassination attempt.
Kevin does some Ohio Church history, finding that the state’s oldest Catholic community isn’t as “off the beaten path” as it first seems.
We’ve been mentioning it off and on since the beginning of our podcast, and now it’s finally here: A Catholic Pilgrimage through American History. Scott’s probing questions lead Kevin to reflect on all the most important aspects of his new book, including the role of firearms in protecting Catholic churches.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Seems easy enough. But is it?
Left to Right, or Right to Left? Fingers opened or closed? Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost? Scott explores the history of the usage, hand movements, and words associated with the Sign of the Cross.
In this episode Scott treks thru the papacy of Gregory IX, who battled both heresy and an obstinate emperor. And investigates whether the pontiff condemned Europe’s cat population to death.
Well, the podcast only takes twenty-eight minutes, but Scott and Kevin outline the history of the nine "canonical hours” in the Divine Office — or Liturgy of the Hours — the ancient set of prayers that has been recited daily by priests and religious during almost the entire history of the Church.
Catholic History Trek finally treks to Australia, as Scott covers the country's first canonized saint, Mary of the Cross, and the history of the Catholic apologetics book, Radio Replies.
Scott covers the history of the Lord's Prayer, also known as the "Our Father", including St. Jerome's translation challenges and the extra line some Christians add to the end of the prayer.
In this preview of his forthcoming book, Kevin tells the story of an anti-Catholic incident that temporarily brought to a halt the construction of one of America’s most recognizable landmarks.
Scott and Kevin describe the life and times of this consequential thirteenth-century cardinal and archbishop, who had a major impact on two of western civilization’s great documents: the Bible and the Magna Carta.
Kevin continues his series of sneak peeks at chapters of his book by delving into the history of St. Thomas Church near Bardstown, the “cradle of Kentucky Catholicism."
Scott covers the history of Fr Leo Heinrichs OFM, a 20th century martyr in America who was killed while celebrating the mass.
In honor of an important anniversary, Scott and Kevin revisit an early podcast topic: Titles for Mary.
Listen in as they chat about Our Lady of Covadonga, Stella Maris, the Black Madonna — and the historical reliability of Indiana Jones.
Marking Catholic Schools Week, Scott and Kevin tour the history of this venerable institution, working their way from the catechetical school of the early Church to the parochial school of the American church.
Kevin provides an update on the status of his book and offers a preview of one of the book’s chapters: St. Mary’s City, Maryland, the cradle of Catholicism in the Thirteen Colonies.
Kevin tells the story of Dolores Hart, who traded the glitz and glamor of the Hollywood film industry for the quiet obscurity of a rural New England monastery.
Scott explores the life of St Norbert, from self-absorbed cleric to holy penitent and bishop. Also covered are the religious order he founded, the Canons Regular of Premontre, commonly known as the Norbertines, who are celebrating their 900th anniversary in 2021.
Scott and Kevin use the current reorganization of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as a springboard to discuss the nature and history of the basic elements of the Church’s structure: parishes and dioceses.
Saintly Sharpshooter? Potential patron saint of handguns? Scott explores the history of St Gabriel Possenti and the religious order, the Passionists, of whom he belonged.
Although the Pilgrims were definitely not Catholic, there was at least one Catholic at the First Thanksgiving: the native guide and interpreter Squanto. Scott and Kevin examine the historical background of Thanksgiving, especially the Catholic side of the story.
Scott and Kevin converse about “the pope’s army,” the 500-year old military unit that guards the gates of the Vatican. Looking for a deep dive into Swiss Guard weaponry? Scott has it covered.
Dracula: Blood sucking vampire? Impaler? Battler of Ottoman Turks? Catholic?
Scott sorts out fact from fiction and uncovers the troubled history of Vlad of Wallachia, and how he became Dracula of popular culture.
The phrase “Italy invaded Rome” may sound nonsensical, but it happened in the 1870 — and the millennium-long existence of the papal states came to an end.
Kevin and Scott survey the history of the pope’s territories over the course of twenty centuries, ending up at the world’s smallest nation, Vatican City.
Aaaarrr, thar be pirates!
For centuries, Muslim pirates enslaved millions of European Christians along the Mediterranean Sea. A 13th century apparition of the Blessed Virgin to a Dominican, a king, and nobleman prompted the establishment of a religious community to ransom these enslaved Christians.
Scott and Kevin tell the story of St. Francis of Assisi and the founding and growth of one of the Church’s most prolific religious orders. They meet a lot of other saints along the way, as they travel through the centuries and across the world, from medieval China, to colonial Spanish America, to twentieth-century Poland.
Bonus material includes our hosts’ personal Franciscan connections and, after a long and painful absence from Catholic History Trek, a railroad reference.
Almost 500 years ago, the month of October was shortened by ten days — by order of the pope. He was Gregory XIII, and we’ve been using the “Gregorian" calendar ever since.
Cappuccino and croissants, champagne and king cake, pierogis and Dom Perignon. Scott and Kevin take a toothsome trek through the entwined histories of Catholicism and some popular foods and beverages.
Kevin and Scott dive back into the sixteenth century to explore the creation and development of an obscure but influential religious order: the Clerics Regular, or Theatines. Scott reveals that brown isn’t the only option when it comes to scapulars.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
In this episode Scott explores the history of the Anima Christi prayer, often wrongly attributed to St Ignatius of Loyola. Along the way he discusses a 14-year-old bishop, anti-popes, and provides a surprise ending.
Recounting the history of the Catholic Eucharistic liturgy is a massive task, but Scott and Kevin dust off their missals and do their best to get it rite, trekking from Justin Martyr to Pius V to Paul VI and beyond.
Is the Santo Anello, housed in Perugia, Italy the wedding ring given by St Joseph to the Blessed Virgin Mary?
In this episode Scott treks thru thefts, unpopular paintings, and mystical visions to uncover this history of the Santo Anello, or "Holy Ring".
From the Easter Vigil to excommunication, you can find candles burning brightly throughout the history and liturgies of the Catholic Church. In this episode — composed of at least 51 percent beeswax — Scott and Kevin shed some light on the Church’s candle-using traditions.
“What you are, I once was. What I am, you will be.”
Scott investigates Blessed Giovanni Giovenale Ancina and his connection to the peculiar tradition of saints who kept human skulls in the Catholic spiritual practice of Memento Mori.
Along the way, St Philip Neri makes an appearance, as does a fresco that was lost for centuries.
From the Revolution to the Know Nothings, from Bible riots to Amy Coney Barrett, Scott and Kevin trace anti-Catholicism through its long and disreputable career as a major player in the history of the United States.
Kevin describes the historical background of these responsory prayers, “multifaceted gems” of Catholic spirituality.
We know the pope as the Successor of Peter, the Supreme Pontiff, and the Holy Father. But as a Leader of Armies?
In this episode Scott presents a history of various military units which have served under the papacy.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is everywhere in today’s Catholic world, but it wasn’t always so. Scott and Kevin explore the background and development of this popular devotion, including the pivotal role of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. And Scott outdoes himself with not one, but two, train references.
Scott seeks out the history of the elusive anchorites and stylites, the Christian ascetics who went to great extremes to achieve solitude and seek a closer union with God.
The plot thickens as Scott and Kevin tread carefully through the explosive history of the conspiracy to assassinate King James I and its long lasting aftermath. The failed scheme of Guy Fawkes and his accomplices provoked anti-Catholic measures, implicated priests, and created a new English holiday.
Kevin and Scott explicate the connection between the papacy and higher education, focusing on the development of a unique institution: the pontifical university.
Shrine, basilica, cathedral - what's the difference? Kevin goes deep into the terminological weeds to sort thru the various titles for places of worship. Put on your cappa magna and join the expedition into the history and customs of Catholic nomenclature.
Scott provides a "front row seat" to the history of seating in churches, and highlights a time when pews were rented.
Scott covers Eucharistic devotion in France which grew into the International Eucharistic Congresses. The 28th such congress, which drew nearly one million Eucharistic pilgrims to Chicago, Illinois, is highlighted.
Kevin and Scott hit a few highlights in the history of one of the Church’s most illustrious religious orders, the Society of Jesus.
In perhaps the oddest reference ever made on Catholic History Trek, Scott invokes the pop singer Toni Basil to introduce the Martyrs of Nagasaki.
Kevin and Scott unveil the priest memorialized in Notre Dame's "Fair Catch Corby" statue.
In a Colombian 2-for-1, Scott unveils a pair of miraculous Colombian images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The reason-defying "Our Lady of Las Lajas" and the "Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquira" painting.
Scott and Kevin recall the life and work of Louis Pasteur, and find that Catholicism and science walk hand-in-hand through history.
Did you know that Christianity gave the world its first hospitals? Kevin takes a quick tour of the history of Catholic care for the sick, spotting a lot of saints along the way.
Scott visits the historic minor orders of the Catholic Church, including recent changes by Pope Francis.
Starting with the Psalms and ending with the Polka Mass and covering a lot of stuff in between, Kevin and Scott try to hit the most important notes in this survey of the history of liturgical music in the Catholic Church. A bonus: Kevin sings bass with the Schmiesing Family Singers.
Choo-Choo! Here comes the church. Scott shares the history of Catholic chapel rail cars.
Scott and Kevin “go to Canossa” (among other places) to describe a few of the most prominent examples of popes and bishops taking on kings, queens, and emperors in defense of Catholic doctrine and Church authority. We also learn that the 1569 Rising of the North was not led by girls.
Kevin takes a tour through some Catholic literary history by summarizing the life and work of this important twentieth-century author. Along the way, he talks about wingless chickens.
Scott and Kevin offer much food for thought in this meaty episode on the history of fasting and abstinence in the Church.
Among the delights in this smorgasbord of Catholic custom: a detailed explanation of the lost season of Septuagesima.
In this episode, Scott explores a mystic vision and changes to the mass, and shows how they are related to a popular Catholic prayer devoted to Saint Michael the Archangel.
This episode keeps Kevin and Scott close to home as they describe and provide the historical backstory for the “Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches,” a German Catholic enclave in rural western Ohio.
(Version 2.0 updated 15 March 2021 with improved audio quality)
Scott and Kevin recount the monumental 1683 battle between Christian and Muslim forces, including its background and consequences. There are a couple of relevant musical clips along the way, for which credit goes to the Swedish metal band Sabaton (“Winged Hussars”) and to Polish Eagle (“Bogurodzica”).
Scott presents the first and only Marian apparition site in the United States which has been approved by the Catholic Church.
Scott and Kevin verbally trek to Spain and England to explore two of Christendom's most popular pilgrimage destinations.
We summarize the development of the Church’s liturgical calendar and describe one traditional element in particular: Ember Days.
We highlight and explain the historical origins of a few of the many titles used by the Church and the Christian faithful for Mary, the mother of Jesus.