Principles for Your Week: Recent Episodes
Christendom College
A podcast and video series to help you thrive as a Catholic by sharing the guiding light of faith and reason found in our Catholic patrimony. Visit principlesforyourweek.com for more information.
Examine the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas and how he championed the harmony of faith and reason. In our age where faith is divorced from reason, the wisdom of St. Thomas is more timely than ever.
Today, join me in reflecting on the words of Jesus Christ and Pope Saint John Paul II on our duty to hand on the Catholic Faith. In a culture where the Faith is being increasingly overturned and rejected, it is more important than ever to continue living and sharing our Faith boldly. If not now, then when?
Today, join me in reflecting on the exhortations of Pope St. John Paul to young pilgrims in the Eternal City. We don't need to be in Rome, however, to live out this powerful call. May this challenge inspire you to bear witness to Christ in the midst of your daily life.
In the busyness that surrounds the Advent season, it is important to spend time cultivating our relationship with God through prayer.
In a world of discontentment and anger, we must free ourselves from the cycle of selfishness to embrace a spirit of gratitude.
C.S Lewis believed in the enriching power of literature to deepen our experience of reality, as evidenced by his prolific writings.
Truth has been under fire all throughout history, and continues to be so in our own day. Despite the culture of rebellion and distortion, we are called to be joyful witnesses to the truth.
St. Justin Martyr illustrates the power of philosophy illuminated by the fire of divine love. His profound conversion reveals the transformative joy of a relationship with Christ.
Vladimir Lenin knew how to cultivate the destruction of society that was necessary for the triumph of the Marxist revolution. In his evil genius, he saw how chaos and tyranny would reign if the loyalty and patriotism of the younger generations could be undermined.
Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to education. Ronald Reagan in his autobiography elaborated on the importance of a personalized college experience.
Alexander Pope insightfully captured the ethos of the current culture in his prophetic poem The Dunciad.
St. John Henry Cardinal Newman revealed a deep understanding of the role of Catholic higher education in his often overlooked writings.
The harmony that exists between faith and reason is powerfully demonstrated each year at Christendom College during the faculty's profession of Faith and Oath of fidelity.
Tolerance is considered an essential principle of modern life. But the word has lost its original meaning, leading to misuse, as Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen points out.
In the era of relativism, the pursuit of truth seems irrelevant. However, Pope St. John XXIII in his first encyclical warned of the dangers which arise when a society rejects the existence of objective truth.
What is the role and purpose of a Catholic college in the modern world? Saint Pope John Pope II addresses this vital question in his apostolic constitution Ex corde Ecclesiae.
Christendom College holds that a fundamental harmony exists between faith and reason, a principle necessary to conquer the modern state of confusion.
C.S Lewis defended the existence of universal moral law that extends throughout all world religions. He examined the ideas of natural law, and the consequences of embracing of relativism over objective Truth.
Dr. O'Donnell reflects on the courageous faith of the young martyr little Li, whose short life was a testament of incredible devotion to Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist.
The fascinating story behind St. Anthony of Padua, the popular patron of lost items serves as a testament to the power of the love of Christ.
Throughout the dramatic events of the world countless spiritual sacrifices go unrecorded, but nevertheless quietly work to shape history.
Dr. O'Donnell reflects on St. Teresa of Calcutta's insights concerning the societal harm due to the evils of abortion.
The summer offers a period of rest and a break from routine. Pope John Paul II emphasized the importance of vacation as an opportunity to rejuvenate both body and spirit.
Amidst the frantic busyness of modern life, there seems so little time for leisure. However leisure is a vital part of life, for it opens the door for contemplation and contributes to man's happiness.
Dr.O'Donnell in reflects on the wise words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on the necessity of rest and contemplation. Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the importance of vacation, especially in the busyness of the world today.
The writings of Martin Luther King are a testament to not only his protests against segregation, but also the influence of his Liberal Arts education. In his Letter From Birmingham Jail, he makes reference to St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Martin Buber, and Socrates among others of the Liberal Arts tradition.
The little-known St. Adomnán had a profound impact on early medieval Irish culture. He worked tirelessly as a writer, statesman and jurist, and was related to the great St. Columcille.
St. Jerome serves as inspiring example of the power of asking Christ for his grace. Like St. Jerome, we do not have to go through life alone, all we have to do is turn to Christ.
Authentic womanhood plays a vital role in civilization. As Archbishop Fulton Sheen notes, women set the standard of society.
Very easily, we can lost perspective what is important in the spiritual life. Fr Walter Cizek who heroically celebrated Mass in Russian prison camps, writes of the tremendous joy the Eucharist brought to the prisoners.
The family is a divine institution, which is reflected by Christ coming into the world through the family. Because no human family is perfect, we must continually pray for our families that we grow in holiness.
Every Catholic is indebted to the great gift of the priesthood. St. Gregory Nazianzus in his writings reflects on the incredible grace of the priesthood, and what priests must do to fulfill their priestly obligations.
In the penitential season of Lent and Advent fasting offers a valuable opportunity to practice self-denial. The anonymous piece titled "The Fast Life" captures the spiritual rhythm of fasting and feasting.
Rapid change often obscures the value and goodness of past generations. By reflecting on history, we can gain valuable insights and reevaluate our perspective.
Dr. Warren Carroll was in part inspired to establish Christendom College by a six-week program in Spain where he taught. Through his founding vision and commitment to furthering the pursuit of faith and reason Christendom Colleges continues to thrive today.
Poetry often expresses beauty and truth in such a way that cannot articulated in the confines of prose. The poem "The Trimmins on the Rosary" by John O'Brian captures the rich and melancholic spirit of traditional Irish Catholic culture.
Catholic education, through commitment to the faith and reason, plays a vital role to reinstating order in society. In his apostolic constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae, St. Pope John Paul II outlines the essential characteristics Catholic colleges must follow in the pursuit of truth.
A powerful form of spiritual practice is the Divine Office. More recent Popes especially encourage the laity to practice the Divine Office, which is an incredible source of blessing and grace.
Our life inevitably involves suffering, which we can offer up as powerful sources of grace. St. Bernadette serves as a profound witness of humble acceptance of suffering.
Pope Benedict XVI recognized the vital importance of Catholic education. At his historic address in 2008 at the Catholic University of America he emphasized that the priority of Catholic higher education should be encountering the love and truth of Christ.
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen by extensive outreach served as a guiding light to the nation. He wrote insightfully on the problems besetting America, and how to overcome them through love.
Today in Principles, Dr. O'Donnell shares an original song that was the result of the the night of January 2, 1973.
St. Leo the Great not only protected the Church from the evils of heresy, but also shed light on the mystery of the Incarnation.
St. Joseph watching over baby Jesus in Bethlehem offers a special moment of contemplation for Catholics, which the Poem entitled "While Mary Sleeps" beautifully describes.
The teaching and tradition of Pope Saint John Paul II holds enormous wisdom for Catholics today. In particular, he understood the evils which threaten to destroy the family.
The beauty and innocence of children is especially witnessed when they are resting. Sleep plays an essential role in our lives, and holds a special place of rest and contemplation.
The Jedeo-Christian faith is deeply grounded in history. Christianity empathizes the importance of history, which is seen in a special way around Christmastime.
In order to combat the darkness, we must embrace the light of the gospel, even as secular culture shuns the truth.
As Fr. Patrick Peyton says, the family that prays together stays together. The rosary is a powerful way to strengthen the family as domestic Church.
Throughout history and up into the present day there have been repeated assaults on religious liberty and freedom of conscience. The Roman centurion St. Marcellus, serves as an inspiring defender of the faith in oppressing times.
The family is meant to be a center of prayer. One of the most powerful ways to strengthen the family is having parents praying together, which serves as a model to the children the importance our relationship with Christ.
The father plays a crucial role as the model of faith within the family. Statistically, if the father is the first to convert to the Christian faith, there is a 93% probability that the rest of the family will follow suit, testifying to meaningful influence that the father has as a figure of devotion and holiness.
In times of great social unrest, the the role of the father in the family is more important than ever. Having a real and meaningful relationship with parents is essential for children to feel loved and valued as a person.
Pope Saint John Paul II emphasizes the complementary nature of man and woman as necessary in the role of raising children.
John Paul II recognizes in his writings the unique and indispensable place of the mother in the family.
The human dignity of disabled children is under attack in modern times, which is especially manifested in the evil of abortion.
St. Claude exports us on the importance of the Eucharist in deepening the spiritual life.
When faced with difficulties or hatred, Divine love offers transformative power through mercy and forgiveness.
Dr. Donald diMarco emphasized the importance of humor in face of chaos and the ridiculous.
Remembering that life is a journey toward eternity is essential when facing death as an inevitable part of the human experience.
Tragically, divorce has become a commonplace event the lives of many children, eroding the very foundations of a stable society.
Beloved Christendom College professor Brendan McGuire had a tremendous impact through his brilliant lectures and passionate love of life, even while battling against cancer. His passing was a heavy loss to the college and the whole of the community.
Despite not being a Catholic himself, British historian Thomas Babington Macaulay was convinced of the importance and historical impact of the Catholic Church.
In order to combat the feverish consumer culture, Catholics must work to observe Sunday as a holy day of rest.
As the encroaching society grow increasingly hostile toward the faith, enthronement of the Sacred Heart within the home is a source of spiritual strength and protection.
Literary genius J.R.R. Tolkien wrote extensively, including letters to his son on deep influence and importance of the Eucharist.
A moving reflection on the profound beauty and meaning of marriage from the first Synod of the Family in Rome.
Prayer is essential to growth in the spiritual life, especially for the family as the domestic Church.
The family is a prayer community, and as such, it is vital that children witness the power of prayer through their parents .
With a life full of adventure and spiritual growth, St. Godric of Finchale serves as a reminder that sainthood is never boring.
The life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga is a potent reminder the fleetingness of this life and the ultimate end of man.
Dissertation director of Pope Saint John Paul II theologian Rev. Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange masterfully wrote on the the spiritual life and the power of the Mass.
Little-known but deeply influential L. Brent Bozell Jr. touched the lives of many through his passion and faith, including that of Dr. Warren Carroll.
A beautiful prayer composed by one of the Sisters of Life, a religious community exercising a powerful and compassionate ministry helping women chose life.
Catholic geneticist Jérôme Lejeune challenged the idea that faith and scientific reason are incompatible, and defended the intrinsic dignity of human life.
Coventry Patmore wrote poetry celebrating the joys of married life, which contain many elegant spiritual insights.
Pope Pius XII has been much maligned in recent history for his supposed silence during World War Two. In reality however, Pope Pius heroically acted to hide and protect Jewish lives, and spoke decried the encircling evils of the time.
Blessed Solanus Casey displayed incredible joy and wisdom throughout his life, and serves as a remarkable model of humility.
Fr. Lawrence Lovesick wrote inspiringly on the power of kindness, and how we to change our mindset to become more kind and charitable.
Doctor of the Church St. Peter Chrysologus stands as a lesser-known but powerful figure of devout evangelization and defender against heresy.
The light of faith illuminates reality and transcendence in a particular way through beauty.
St. Joseph stands unique among the saints as husband of the Virgin Mary and father-guardian of Jesus, and thus is a fitting patron of the universal Church.
Human dignity is under assault in current times, particularly through the obscuring of the human face, which is a special reflection of the goodness and beauty of God.
The remarkable figure Charlie Rice bestowed on the world deeply profound insights of law, morality, and the authority of the Church.
Religious faith is under fire from secular society, and we must combat the pressure to abandon morality.
Amidst the noise and confusion of the modern world, prayer offers a vital path of conversation with Christ.
Pope Saint Damasus I worked tirelessly to strengthen the Church, even while beset by heresies and a rival anti-pope.
Through his gentleness and compassion, St Aidan of Lindisfarne won the pagans of Northumbria to the Christian faith.
The great intellectual giant C.S. Lewis foresaw that fear could potentially dominate society, and offered a timely remedy.
Fr. William Doyle who valiantly served as a military chaplain in World War One, stands an a heroic model of charity, humor, and sacrifice in the midst of the horrors of war.
In her short and young life Antonietta Meo lived out a saintly acceptance of suffering and maturity of faith, and by the time of her death at six years old she displayed incredible devotion and spiritual depths.
The story of how St. Boniface gave us the ubiquitous symbol of Christmas, the Christmas tree.
Frank Sheed –outstanding apologist, publisher, street preacher, and lecturer– is a much forgotten Catholic scholar of the twentieth century. Armed with profound energy and humor, his prolific writings and lectures are hidden gems of timely insight.
St. Columcille stands as an inspiring witness to the power of fervent devotion to Our Lady.
In the midst of confusion and chaos, it is more crucial than ever not to lose hope and to work to redeem society.
Life is full of suffering. Cardinal Văn Thuận shines as a beacon of how to joyfully confront suffering even in the most dire circumstances.
The story of how Irish Priest Fr. Micheal Meehan created a mobile church in order to cleverly work around the threat of Catholic oppression.
The Blessed Virgin Mary miraculously appears as a fount of consolation in times of suffering and darkness.
In times of difficulty, we can look to the heroic witness and devotion of Irish Catholics.
Throughout history, the Catholic faith has often been repressed through abuses of the law. In 1697 Irish law became an instrument of persecution, with what become known as the Penal laws aggressively oppressing Catholic citizens.
The Divine Mercy devotion given to the world through St. Faustina Kowalska offers a path to the mercy and compassion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Historian Christopher Dawson experienced the incredible power of Catholic writings, and wrote insightfully on the power of prayer in changing the fate of nations.
Rev. Walter Ciszek serves as an inspiring example of how to overcome and transform the darkness of cynical secularism.
Chesterton prophetically foresaw the dangers of reason uncoupled from faith, resulting in the skepticism and relativism we see today in modern culture.
The writings of history are under assault as never before, and Warren Carroll responded to the crisis of history and education by producing insightful volumes of historical narratives.
St. Pius X valiantly defended the Church from various heresies, serving as a much respected figure of pastoral courage and devotion.
St. Lawrence serves as a special witness to the importance of humor and courage when dealing with conflict.
The nuns of Compiègne refused to abandon their faith and chose to courageously die at the hands of the French Revolution which proclaimed liberty and equality.
Dr. Carrie Gress discusses the powerful devolution of the rosary, which can deepen and strengthen our spiritual life.
In the face of the current moral corruption and decay, Dr. Carrie Gress offer a path of hope through the Marian option.
St. John Henry Cardinal Newman brilliantly defended the belief that faith and reason work harmoniously together in the pursuit of truth.
Nietzsche, who has profoundly influenced secular ideologies throughout recent history, held that belief is incompatible with the pursuit of truth. Contrary to his idea, belief and truth complement and strengthen each other, for faith illuminates the truth of reality.
In times of uncertainty and fear, St. Patrick serves as a courageous inspiration of evangelization.
Hatred and anger run rampant in the modern age -- and the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the remedy.
In times of religous persecution in Ireland, Irish Catholics took to secretly celebrating Mass in the wilderness, serving as incredible witnesses to the faith.
Early Christian apologist and philosopher St. Justin the Martyr serves as an incredible witness to the pursuit of truth through his martyrdom.
In the midst of difficulties, we can draw grace and spiritual protection from the sacramental of holy water.
What we can learn of the power of repentence from the devastations of Rome in 589 AD. Pope Gregory the Great led the city in prayer for deliverance of pestilence, and was granted a vision of the mercy of God.
The power of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which enables us to enter into the three-fold love of God.