Saint Friends: Recent Episodes
Jeremy Hearne
A podcast for Catholics, non-Catholics, or anyone interested in learning more about the lives of the Saints and how they were real people who lived real lives that everyone can relate to.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend is the daughter of two Saints, stepped around a pope, and is known as the “Little Flower.” Let’s walk the “little way” with our new friend: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a guy you’ve probably never heard of but he led a group of men to found one of the most important monasteries in France. Let’s negotiate our way to freedom with our new friend: Saint Ysarn.
Hey, friends! It’s a bonus episode as we celebrate two Doctors of the Church today. This extra Saint Friend was a bishop who made a pope and king mad and studied Church history. Let’s find out if the Earth revolves around the Sun with our new friend: Saint Robert Bellarmine, bishop and Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend is one of the four women Doctors of the Church. She was an abbess, musician, pharmacist, and about a million other things. Let’s hear the women sing with our new friend: Saint Hildegard of Bingen, abbess and Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a man that founded a famous monastery, learned from and taught a number of other Saints, and brought the work of Saint Jerome to Ireland. Let’s sit under the ancient tree with our new friend: Saint Finnian of Movilla.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a pope and a Doctor of the Church. He reformed the liturgy and the role of various clerical offices. Let’s hear the sound of the Church with our new friend: St. Gregory the Great, pope & Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend travelled around the world to convert her son to Christianity, faced challenges to her faith at home, and never gave up. Let’s see why there is always hope with our new friend: Saint Monica.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a man who led a religious community and convinced Europe to crusade again. Let’s find out guy who could debate a heretic into reconciliation with our new friend: Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, abbot and Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about the first ever antipope who had a lot of firsts and the first pope to have a complete date of his papacy known. Let’s find out how enemies became friends (and Saints) with our new friends: Pope Saint Pontian and Saint Hippolytus.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is a little different and focuses on a time when five of the biggest names in Heaven came together for a turning point in human history. Let’s celebrate the divinity of Christ on this special episode about the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was revealed to the pope as the new bishop by a dream, fought against heretics, and is known for his short but impactful homilies. Let’s hear about the man with the “golden words” on this episode about our new friend: Saint Peter Chrysologus, bishop & Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a holy woman who had visions of the life of Jesus and is the only woman to found a religious order on her own. Let’s find out more about one of the patrons of Europe with our new friend: Saint Bridget of Sweden.
Hey, friends! Today we are talking about our original Saint Friend, the Blessed Virgin Mary, as she appeared to the hermits based at Mount Carmel. Let’s find out the history of the brown scapular and how a town was spared with our returning friend: Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a series of 120 martyrs over the course of about 200 years. Let’s find out how the seeds of faith were planted in the Middle Kingdom with our new friends: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong & his Companions.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was the king’s chaplain and helped put a basket of eggs back together again. Let’s go sit in the rain with our new friend: Saint Swithun.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was an early missionary to Scotland and built three of the biggest Christian communities there. Let’s find out what’s in a name with our new friend: Saint Molaug.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend became the leader of a group of religious sisters, was friends with one of the greatest women Saints of all time, and saw numerous visions of all kinds of heavenly people and events. Let’s see what visions are all about with our new friend: Saint Elisabeth of Schönau.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend personally knew the Twelve Apostles as well as our old friend Saint Paul. He traveled with Paul “around the world” and spread the message of Christ to the Gentiles. Let’s find out why sometimes even Saints don’t agree with our new friend: Saint Barnabas, the apostle.
Another 52 Saint Friends brings us to over 150 Saint Friends! Take a moment to ask this new set of them to pray for us!
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend accidentally started a religious order because he got someone else’s mail and helped people find Jesus in the Eucharist. Let’s kick off a new season of the podcast with our new friend: Saint Francis Caracciolo.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend became the bishop of Paris after being chased out of an abbey for being too generous to the poor. Let’s find out how a bishop became a voice of reason among kings and an inspiration to one of the most powerful rulers in history with our new friend: Saint Germain of Paris.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friends are a group of priests (and three laymen) who ministered to the people of Mexico and were martyred in the early 20th century. Let’s find out how blood can heal an entire people with our new friends: Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and his Companions.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about one of the Twelve Apostles but the only one who wasn’t among the original group chosen by Jesus. Instead, he was the first new “bishop” elected to the office by others. Let’s find out why being a witness is important with our new friend: Saint Matthias, the Apostle.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend had a plan for her life and was engaged to a nice, young man when he died suddenly! She devoted her life to God and invited other women in her neighborhood to pray the rosary together. That led her to found public schools, daycares, and become a Saint. Let’s find out why Catholic education is great with our new friend: Saint Rose Venerini.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is again about one of the popes of the Catholic Church. This papal Saint Friend stood up to a pope who was wrong, excommunicated the Queen of England, and united Europe to defeat an invading force. Let’s find out why the popes wear white with our new friend: Pope Saint Pius V.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend is one of the best known in history. He was a member of the Roman army, was sentenced to death by Emperor Diocletian, and may have fought a dragon. That’s right, it’s the dragon episode about our new friend: Saint George.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about an extremely poor and uneducated girl who had an encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary that led to the creation of one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the world. Let’s find out about the Immaculate Conception with our new friend: Saint Bernadette Soubirous.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend grew up as a Muslim princess but lived a life in service to others which eventually led to her conversion to Christianity. Let’s find out how bringing daily bread (or roses) to others can lead to holiness with our new friend, Saint Casilda of Toledo.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend lived in a cave, started a religious order, and became personal advisor to the King of France. Let’s find out what it’s like to the “least in the house of God” with our new friend: Saint Francis of Paola.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a quiet convert to Christianity who organized gatherings of Christians within the imperial palace of the Roman Emperor. Let’s find out how dangerous the early Church was with our new friend: Saint Castulus.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend never had a chance to “say” anything in the Bible but was both the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster-father of Jesus Christ. Let’s find out why naps are really important with our new friend: Saint Joseph!
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is once again about one of the popes of the Catholic Church. He was know for his energetic style of leadership, defended the “primacy of Rome,” and likely helped decide which books were found in the Bible. Let’s find out why it helps to have friends in high places with our new friend: Pope Saint Innocent I.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was charged with founding a monastery and convent in the Order of Saint Francis of Assisi and was known to do his best to hide his unique spiritual ability to heal people. Let’s find out how the greatest can become the least with our new friend: Saint John Joseph of the Cross.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a young Saint who lived a short life and went from party animal to holy man of God. Let’s find out why the Passionists are so passionate about Jesus with our new friend: Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Hey, friends! This episode is all about a reluctant bishop who was elected thanks to a communal dream and fought against a heretic in a miraculous way. Let’s turn up the heat with our new friend: Saint Leo the Wonderworker.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was in the New Testament and was given the gift of prophesy on Pentecost. Let’s find out why anyone would take St. Paul’s belt with our new friend: Saint Agabus.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friends were missionaries in Japan who were persecuted by a warlord and crucified, like Jesus. Let’s find out how true Japanese martyrs live their lives with our new friends: Saint Paul Miki and his Companions.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was a martyr but brought a number of her own executioners with her into the Kingdom of God. Let’s find out why we should never let go of Christ with our new friend: Saint Martina of Rome.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend is not a Doctor of the Church, though many think he of him as one. He tried to avoid being a powerful political figure and wound up as one of the most powerful bishops in Europe. He was also personally clothed as a priest by the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let’s find out how we become closer to “the Virgin” with our new friend: Saint Ildephonsus.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was the 30th man to sit in the Chair of Saint Peter. He was given a broken and hurting Church but led as best he could. Let’s find out what we should do when we have turned away from Christ with our new friend: Pope Saint Marcellus I.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is all about a man who tried to run from the path God laid before him several times. He ended up as a bishop and helped create peace between the nobles and peasants of his time. Let’s find out why the path to holiness is always the right path with our new friend: Saint Andrew Corsini.
Hey, friends! Today, we’re meeting two new friends who are both Doctors of the Church. They were important figures when it came to defining the role of the Holy Spirit and fought against heretics. Let’s jump in and meet our two new friends: Saint Basil the Great & Saint Gregory Nazianzen, bishops & Doctors of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about the first Christian martyr whose feast day is appropriately the first day after Christmas. He was the original archdeacon of the Church and knew the Twelve Apostles very well. Let’s see how someone lives a life like Christ with our new friend: Saint Stephen.
Hey, friends! This episode is all about the 39th pope of the Catholic Church. He fought against potential heretics and was friends with a ton of other future-Saints. Let’s find out why defining doctrine is important with our new friend: Pope Saint Anastasius I.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is once again about the Blessed Virgin Mary, this time as she appeared to Saint Juan Diego on the hillside many centuries ago. Let’s find out why our oldest Saint Friend accepts all people into her loving embrace with our long-time friend: Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend tried to live a life of solitary prayer in a cave but was instead called by the Holy Spirit to be the leader of an entire community. Let’s find out how to deal with people when we really don’t want to with our new friend: Saint Sabas.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a guy who isn’t named James, converted over 250,000 people to Catholicism and is the reason we have pawnshops today. Let’s find out how we grow the seeds of faith in the hearts of others through our actions with our new friend: Saint James of the Marches.
Hey, friends! Our good friend the Blessed Virgin Mary is back again as we celebrate the feast of her presentation at the temple. This feast reminds us of Mary’s continuous holiness and on today’s episode we’ll talk about how that relates to another of Mary’s titles: Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend fought in the Third Crusade for two different kings before joining a religious order. Then he was attacked by pirates! Let’s find out why all treasure is not silver and gold with our new friend: Saint Serapion of Algiers.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a bishop of the Church who was friends with a number of other future-Saints. Let’s find out why missionary work in hostile areas is important with our new friend: Saint Willibrord.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend had a plan for his life but after every door seemed to slam shut in his face, he found a place opening the door for a monastery. Let’s find out why God always gives us entry into His kingdom with our new friend: Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend founded a religious order, became the religious “father” of Cuba, and survived multiple assassination attempts. Let’s find out how Jesus warned his disciples about persecution on the Way of Truth with our new friend: Saint Anthony Mary Claret.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is all about a bishop of the Church who was personally taught by an Apostle, likely met Jesus personally, and ended up facing the lions in Rome. Let’s find out why writing letters can be really important with our new friend: Saint Ignatius of Antioch.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend came from one of the most recognizable families in European history but gave it all up to answer the call to holiness. Let’s find out how the grandson of the pope and a king gave it all up to be friends with St. Ignatius of Loyola with our new friend: Saint Francis Borgia.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is all about a French woman who answered the call to go halfway around the world and help those she had never met in the wilderness of…Indiana. Let’s find out why those who answer the most difficult calls to holiness often end up in heaven with our new friend: Saint Theodora Guérin.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friends were twin brothers who practiced early medicine around the Mediterranean region. They never let go of their faith and were martyred for it. Let’s find out how we can live out Christ’s call to love others with our new friends: Saints Cosmas & Damian.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend is better known for his blood than his life of faith but he is still an important early Saint of the Church. Let’s find out how letting the love of God flow through your veins can protect you from terrible things, like bears, with our new friend: Saint Januarius.
Hey, friends! Can we ever get tired of our original Saint Friend, the Blessed Virgin Mary making another appearance on the podcast. Just a few days after the celebration of her birth, today we remember the name of our old Saint Friend being given to her. Let’s find out why this name is so important with our longtime friend: the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is all about someone who took the example of Jesus being a servant to the poorest of the poor seriously. She founded a world renowned religious order of women in white and blue bordered saris and is one of the most well-known modern Saints. Let’s find out about the “call within the call” with our new friend: Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
There are only three holy people whose deaths the Church celebrates: Jesus, our old friend and his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and today’s Saint Friend. Though some thought him crazy for his way of life, he was the final herald of the coming of the Savior of the World. Let’s find out about the end of the life of our new friend: John the Baptist.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is a back-to-back sequel with our previous episode about our original Saint Friend, Mary. On this octave day of the Assumption, the Church celebrates Mary’s queenship as she sits beside her Son in Heaven. Let’s find out more about the Holy Queen enthroned above with our friend: Mary, the Queen of Heaven.
Hey, friends! Our original Saint Friend returns once again as we celebrate the end of her life on earth and beginning of her eternal life in heaven. Let’s find out why God took Mary’s body and soul to heaven on this special episode about the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about one of the better known Saints who fought against a dangerous heresy and, with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, gave us what we call the Rosary. Let’s find out how to set the world on fire with our new friend: Saint Dominic.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was mostly blind but led those around him to a life of redemption in Christ. Let’s find out more about how someone who writes Christmas carols can reform the Church and fight heretics with our new friend: Saint Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was one of the closest friends Jesus had, was brothers with another Apostle, and was taller than at least one other Apostle! Let’s talk about the other “Son of Thunder,” our new friend: Saint James the Greater, the Apostle.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was the Vatican Librarian who got in trouble with the pope and still managed to be a spiritual leader for many. Let’s talk about our new friend: Saint Bruno.
Hey, friends! What do you do when your twin sister is a Saint? You also work to become a Saint! Today’s Saint Friend fundamentally changed the life of Western monks and gave them a Rule to live by. Let’s find out why monks live in community with our new friend: Saint Benedict.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was a prince-bishop of the Holy Roman Empire but didn’t let it go to his head. Instead, he led others on the path toward Heaven. Let’s find out how with our new friend: Saint Ulrich.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a bishop who was a kind of bad guy that didn’t know when to not pick a fight. He eventually turned himself around and became one of the most important Doctors of the Church. Let’s find out how that why all Saints are ordinary people with our new friend: Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today's quick episode is about a priest who escaped certain death, trained missionaries and whose help was requested by a princess. Let's find out how even when we think we have a plan, the Holy Spirit can take us in entirely new directions with our new friend: Saint Adalbert of Magdeburg.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend changed his name in honor of a Saint, preached to a pond full of fish and can help you find something that is lost. Let’s find out where the lost things go with our new friend: Saint Anthony of Padua, priest and Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a noble and very bad priest who had a conversion story very similar to Saint Paul. He took his vocation seriously (eventually) and continually worked to bring people to Christ. Let’s find out how all conversion stories turn out good with our new friend: Saint Norbert.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about one of the best known women Saints outside of the Bible. She was visited by three Saints, helped the French during the Hundred Years War before being burned at the stake. Let’s see how anyone, even a young French girl in armor, can change the course of history with our new friend: Saint Joan of Arc.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a man that did everything he could to care for the people most in need around him. His love for them and faith in Jesus led him to a life of service, even in the face of crippling illness. Let’s find out why not all canons are explosive with our new friend: Saint John Baptist de Rossi.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend is considered one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and went on a seven year-long voyage to find the Land Promised to Saints. Let’s find out more about another important Irish Saint not named Patrick on this episode about our new friend: Saint Brendan the Navigator.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend is not someone typically thought of as a Saint. He was an Old Testament prophet who was God’s messenger for those in the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel and wrote the second longest book in the Bible. Let’s find out how an angel with a hot coal can send us on a mission with our new friend: Saint Isaiah, the prophet.
Hey, friends! On this special 100th episode of the podcast we are going to meet a truly great Saint Friend. He grew up in the Church, became a bishop, fought against heretics (the heretic, really), and was exiled five different times by Roman Emperors. Let's find out how to put up with the regular inconveniences of life with our new friend: Saint Athanasius, bishop & Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about the author of the oldest of the four Gospels in the Bible. He was friends with the original heads of the Church and is connected to a flying lion. Let’s find out how we are called to use our talents with our new friend: Saint Mark, the Evangelist.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was an example of “ordinary holiness” since he lived a pretty normal life (despite becoming a Cardinal). He stood up against an antipope and the Holy Roman Emperor to defend the Church. Let’s find out how a single person’s efforts can make a huge difference with our new friend: Saint Galdino.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about an Italian girl who suffered with and for Christ, having been one of the few historically to receive wounds like Jesus. Let’s find out more about the girl no one would allow to be a nun, our new friend: Saint Gemma Galgani.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is again about one of those “special” Saint Friends who is known as a Doctor of the Church. He was born to a family of future-Saints, served as the bishop of Seville and was one of the most influential voices of the Middle Ages. Let’s find out how an ancient bishop became the patron Saint of technology and the Internet with our new friend: Saint Isidore of Seville, bishop and Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a Polish bishop who took his call to care for others very seriously. Let’s find out about what was called the “ideal life of sacrifice” with our new friend: Saint Józef Sebastian Pelczar.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend is the patron Saint of an entire country and, had he not lived the live that he did, that country might not have the reputation of neutrality or even exist today. Let’s find out why all of Switzerland is celebrating the life of our new friend: Saint Nicholas of Flüe.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is all about a queen who played an unexpectedly important part in world history. Despite all of that, she held firm to her faith and her conviction to help those most in need. Let’s find out how even royals are called to holiness with our new friend: Saint Matilda.
Hey, friends! Today, we are talking about two extraordinary moms who loved their children and Christ with every ounce of their being, Let’s find out about the amazing martyr moms on this episode about our new friends: Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is about another one of the popes. This one defended the power of the Chair of Saint Peter even to the point of making others (including a few popes) mad. Let's find out how to find moments of humor in our daily life with our new friend: Pope Saint Hilarius.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend hoped for a life as a solitary monk and ended up being a “fixer” bishop for three different popes. Let’s find out how an orphan boy can make his was into the line of Apostolic Succession with our new friend: Saint Peter Damian, bishop and Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today is one of the best known Saint feast days in the world but despite that, we know very little about today’s Saint Friend. Let’s find out the real story of the Saints known as Valentine as well as the “official” story of today’s feast with our new friend: Saint Valentine.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is a quick one about a man surrounded by Saints in his life and often mistaken for a king. Let’s find out how important prayer is with our new friend, Saint Richard!
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend was a child magician turned theologian and youth workers’ right activist. How could someone have such an interesting life? Let’s find out how as well as how God’s love is found in all aspects of life with our friend: Saint John Bosco.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is about the "Gentleman Saint" who was called to the priesthood in an unusual way and radically claimed that everyone was called to holiness. So let's find out more about the Doctor of the Church who said it was good to dance with our new friend: Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and Doctor of the Church.
Hey, friends! Today's friend was the founder of the modern monastic lifestyle and lived in a literal fortress of solitude for 20 years. He was also one of the oldest Saints ever. Let's find out why it's sometimes a good idea to shut the world out and just pray with our new friend: Saint Anthony the Great.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is once again about a pope - the oldest pope in history! He also fought against heretics and helped bring an entire empire back into unity with the Church. So let's find out how age really doesn't matter with our new friend: Pope Saint Agatho.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is all about a woman who took a vow as a young girl and, through prayer, seems to have stopped Attila the Hun from invading Paris. So let's find out what happens when another Saint encourages you to a life of holiness with our new friend: Saint Genevieve.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend is another of the original Apostles of Jesus. He and his brother were part of Jesus' innermost circle of friends and unlike all the other Apostles, today's episode is all about the one who didn't die a martyr's death. So let's find out how to become the disciple whom Jesus loved with our new friend: Saint John the Apostle.
*Note: This episode was scheduled for 12/27/2022 but got held up due to technical issues.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is about a Saint you have probably never even heard of. He not only helped people in need before he became a bishop, but also fought off heretical thought trying to make its way into the minds of his flock. So let's find out how to make the great speakers of the Church compliment you with out new friend: Saint Philogonius.
Hey, friends! Today’s episode is about a young girl who pledged her life to God and did everything in her power to stick to that vow for the rest of her life. Despite opposition from family and government officials, our Saint Friend today was immovable in her vocation. So let’s see how to plant our feet firmly in Christ with our new friend: Saint Lucy.
Hey, friends! In the lead up to Christmas, there is no better Saint Friend to meet than the one on today's episode. He was a bishop with a list of stories about him longer than any naughty or nice list. So let's find out how the whole world knows the name of our newest friend: Saint Nicholas.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is all about a bishop who made the demons go silent before he had one of the worst encounters with a bull in history. Let's find out how to have faith in the face of real danger with our new friend: Saint Saturnin of Toulouse.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is all about the patron Saint of the universal language that brings all of us together: music! She was crowned by an angel, survived two execution attempts in a bath house and converted hundreds of people to Christianity. Let's find out why music is a gift from God with our new friend: Saint Cecilia.
Hey, friends! Today’s Saint Friend tried being a bishop but realized that teaching was his true passion - something that led him teach one of the greatest scholarly writers in Church history. Let’s find out how to teach the great teacher of the Church in the classroom of our new friend: Saint Albert the Great.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend became famous for the way he communicated official messages to people and is still the method used by the pope today. Let's find out how to be a great communicator with someone you've probably never heard of: our new friend, Pope Saint Adeodatus I.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is what this podcast is all about: All Saints! As the Church celebrates the lives of all Saints, named and unknown, today, we also celebrate by talking about the storied history of this very old Feast Day in the Church. So let's have a party with all our Saint Friends on this All Saints Day Special!
Hey, friends! On this episode we are talking about twins who became Saints together. They weren't twin witches or siblings trying to get their parents back together but they were missionary martyrs near the end of the third century. So let's find out how many twin references are too many for a podcast episode with our new friends: Saints Crispin and Crispinian.
Hey, friends! Today's new Saint Friend has the special distinction of having written two books of the Bible but is the only Gentile to even have a single book in there as well. He was friends with our old Saint Friend Paul and traveled with him. So let's hear about why women were important to the ministry of Jesus with our new friend: Saint Luke, the Evangelist.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend is yet another man elevated to sit in the Chair of Saint Peter. He was almost 78 when elected and was expected to do nothing before he died a few years later but he not only helped save the world from destruction but also started the biggest reform of the Church in the last 500 years. Let's find out how to do any job to the best of our ability with our new friend: Pope Saint John XXIII.
Hey, friends! Today we are talking about one of the most well known Saints of all time. He has a great conversion story and was partially the inspiration for a character in the works of J.R.R. Tolkein. So let's learn how a little guy in a brown sack can help repair the Church with our new friend: Saint Francis of Assisi.
Hey, friends! Mama Mary is back again this season and is showing us how asking for her prayers can completely change the course of history. So let's dive in the deep end and hear about one of the greatest naval battles of all time with our returning friend, Mary, today as: Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
Hey, friends! Today we get to hear the amazing story of the birth of the Church in Korea. Our Saint Friend today played a pivotal role in that history because even though there had been Catholics there for over 300 years, he was the first priest. We'll talk about him and his hundred or so friends who were all martyred for the faith. Come find out how hardship leads to happiness with our new friends: Saints Andrew Kim Taegŏn & His Companions.
Hey, friends! Today we get to hang out with a convert to the faith who ended up as a bishop in one of the most difficult spots, physically, to be one. He wrote and spoke so well that his "golden mouth" helped him be named as one of the Doctors of the Church. So let's sit down for a quick chat about why you shouldn't give a two hour sermon, no matter how good it is, with our new friend: Saint John Chrysostom.
Hey, friends! Today we are spending time with an Old Testament prophet who brought hope to the Israelites when the really didn't have any. He wrote almost an entire book in the Bible and had some crazy dreams. So let's find out what it means to cheer on a defeated people with our new friend: Saint Zechariah, the prophet.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is about someone who could pretty much be considered as the patron Saint of this podcast. That's because, even though he was just an ordinary guy, he surrounded himself and was friends with so many other future-Saints. So let's join their ranks and become his friend as well. It's time for ancient Roman politics with our new friend: Saint Pammachius!
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend is special for a number of reasons but she was also the first person born in the Americas to ever be named as a Saint. So let's find out why the city of Lima, Peru smells so good sometimes with our new friend: Saint Rose of Lima.
Hey, friends! Today we get to spend some time with not just a king, but the first king of Hungary. He began life as a pagan and ended putting his emerging nation on the path to unity through Christianity. So let's find out how that happened with our new friend: Saint Stephen I, King of Hungary
Hey, friends! Today we will spend some time learning about a Jewish girl who abandoned faith in God, earned a PhD in Philosophy, and converted to Catholicism. Fair warning: her story ends at Auschwitz. So let's find out more about our phenomenal new friend: Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.
Hey, friends! Today we remember the life of an early bishop of the Church who stood up to emperors and heretics and defended bishops and the faith. So let's take a short trip into exile with our new friend: Saint Eusebius.
Hey, friends! Today we celebrate Catholic Grandparents' Day and the feasts of our new Saint Friends. They are not only the parents of one of our oldest Saint Friends, the Blessed Virgin Mary, but are also the two grandparents of Jesus! No pressure to come up with good birthday gifts. Let's get to celebrating with our new friends: Saints Joachim and Anne.
Hey, friends! Have you ever had a time in your life when no one will listen to you even when you know you are right? Well, that was what happened for almost the entire 15 years that today's friend sat on the Chair of Saint Peter. Let's find out how to deal with seemingly unending division with our new friend: Pope Saint Symmachus.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend started out his life as a "bad guy" who sought revenge until meeting Jesus in a dark alley on Good Friday. Let's find out how to turn our lives completely around with our new friend: Saint Giovanni Gualberto
Hey, friends! Today we meet a strong early voice of the Counter-Reformation who had a love for the poor and the Eucharist. Through his love for the teachings of Saint Paul, he founded a few religious orders that still exist today. Let's see how devoted to something we can really be with our new friend: Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria.
Hey, friends! Today we are talking about one of the oldest Saints who is also one of the newest Doctors of the Church. He survived an imperial persecution and told us all about how to fight against heretics! Find out how with our new friend: Saint Irenaeus.
Hey, friends! Today we are hanging out with a royal boy who threw it all away to care for those God called him to help, even in the face of death. Find out how to fight all kinds of plagues with our new friend: Saint Aloysius Gonzaga.
Hey, friends! Did you know that there are some holy people from the Old Testament that are also considered to be Saints? Well, today's Saint Friend is one of them. So let's find out what to do when your boss takes off to Heaven in a flaming chariot with our new friend: Saint Elisha, the prophet.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend is an ordinary, everyday son of a poor farming family who, through prayer and devotion to the Church found his way into the bishop's chair while trying over and over to start a religious order. So let's start this new season off with our new friend: Saint Anthony Mary Gianelli.
Hey, friends! Today we are revisiting the most blessed of all Saint Friends. Using the typology found in Luke's Gospel, we'll uncover the meaning behind this very special title given to her. I hope you have your Bible ready for a journey that spans generations as we talk about our old friend and spiritual mother: Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant.
Hey, friends! Women in the Bible don't get featured a lot but when they do, you know they are important. Today's Saint Friend was personally healed by Jesus and ended up as one of the first people to find out he had been raised from the dead. Let's go to the empty tomb with our new friend: Saint Joanna the Myrrhbearer.
Hey, friends! How does a poor shepherd boy from Spain end up as the patron Saint of groups devoted to the Eucharist? Can you get in trouble for being too generous to the poor? Find out as we meet our new friend today: Saint Paschal Baylón.
Hey, friends! Today we are meeting a priest who inherited a huge fortune, wanted to travel to Mexico, and became close friends with a number of other people who all are named as Saints today. Let's go to early-Renaissance Spain and meet our new friend, Saint John of Avila.
Hey, friends! Today is a special two-for-one episode about two more of Jesus’ Apostles. One had a number of documented interactions with Jesus in the Bible while the other seems to be barely a footnote in history but they are both equally important. Let’s walk among the original Twelve with our new friends: Saint Philip and Saint James the Lesser.
Hey, friends! Today we learn about the growth of the earliest days of the Church under the guidance of the third pope ever. Walk the ancient streets of Rome today as we meet our new friend: Pope Saint Cletus.
Hey, friends! Today we are learning all about a Saint who was one of the most popular in the world for a time but today, we aren't even sure if we actually know his name. Either way, let's find out how God can work through someone even if they are anonymous with our new friend: Saint Expeditus.
Hey, friends! Today we are meeting a pope who did more to fight against heretics that almost any other pope but that's not what he's known for. Instead, he is remembered for making one of the biggest decisions about the calendar ever and it still affects us today. So let's find out how the decision was made as to when the angels were really heard on high with our new friend: Pope Saint Julius I.
Hey, friends! Today we are finding out how a good person - a future Saint - can still make a pretty big mistake for a long time and still turn out good in the end. Our Saint Friend today is that person and he was caught up in one of the biggest arguments in Church history that didn't result in a few hundred new denominations being formed. So let's jump into Church politics with our new friend: Saint Vincent Ferrer.
Hey, friends! Today, we are meeting someone you have probably never heard of but he cared deeply for orphans, the sick, and slaves. He also started a religious order that sparked a global movement. It's a short but good story about our new friend: Saint Ludovico of Casoria.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is about a Saint you have probably never heard about and even if you have, you have probably only heard about the person he is frequently mistaken for. He was one of 7 bishops on a missionary "dream team" and he had a moving encounter with a frog! Dive in and find out more about our new friend: Saint Paul of Narbonne.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is all about another pope-turned-Saint and he's a great one! He was an expert politician who went toe-to-toe with the Lombard Kings, was a master theologian who translated some of the Church's best works into languages people could read, and was a gentle and loving pope. So what can this triple-threat Saint teach us? Let's find out as we learn about our new friend: Pope Saint Zachary.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is about a man who completely turned his life around and found a new way of living through God. He loved the poor, worked in hospitals and even fell through the roof of a burning building. Let's find out how someone could live such a radical life for Christ as we talk about our new friend: Saint John of God.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is about a man who had no time for heretics and lots of time for meetings. He stood up to Roman Emperors and anyone else who stood in the way of the mission of the Church. Oh, and he was also pope for almost nine years. Let's see why all these meetings were so important with our new friend: Pope Saint Felix III.
Hey, friends! Today we are learning all out a woman who was hesitant to live a holy life because she was already living a comfortable life. Eventually she found her way into life as a religious sister and cared deeply for the poor in her community as she worked to discover what her deepest desire was in her life. Let's find out what that was alongside our new friend: Saint Margaret of Cortona.
Hey, friends! It's a "two for the price of one" day for the Saint Friend's Podcast! In this BONUS Episode, we are going to finish up the story of our old Saint Friend, Peter as well as discuss a very special piece of furniture that (in a way) has its own feast day! Let's celebrate the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter together!
Hey, friends! Today we are talking about a man who was a slave and delivered a letter from a big name Saint to his master asking for freedom. He continued to deliver letters for Saint Paul afterwards and even became a bishop. Let's find out how someone can go from slave to Saint with our new friend: Saint Onesimus, the disciple of Paul.
Hey, friends! Today's episode focuses on one of the most inspiring examples of a Saint imaginable. She was born in South Sudan, was kidnapped and forced into slavery, ended up as a nun in Italy and, likely due to her own holiness, a ton of other Saints make cameos throughout her story. She's definitely one of my all-time favorite Saints so let's learn how the Lord desires us to be alongside our new friend: Saint Josephine Bakhita.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is all about the patron Saint of Ireland but not the "Shamrock Bishop." Our Saint Friend today was born into a tricky situation spiritually and ended her life as one of the most influential Catholic nuns from the Emerald Isle. Come walk among the clovers with our new friend: Saint Brigid of Ireland.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is about one of the best known Saints of all time. He wrote more books in the Bible than anyone else and occasionally fought (verbally) with the other Apostles. His life is too detailed to cover in one episode so today we are looking at his early life through conversion to Christianity. Come travel the road to Damascus with our new friend: Saint Paul, the apostle.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend is an example of what it means to live our faith courageously. How many other people can say that they stood up for their beliefs in front of an emperor and a lion? And how many of those did it when they were younger than 10 years old? Come inside the Roman arena with our new friend: Saint Prisca.
Hey, friends! Today, we are talking about a Saint who was born as to a small farming family and found his way into the royal court of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. Along the way, he became a priest, bishop and fought against heretics. Let's learn about how faith can lead us to climbing up the social ladder with our new friend: Saint Paulinus of Aquileia.
Hey, friends! (cue the patriotic flute music) Today we are talking about a literal Daughter of the American Revolution and our new Saint Friend. She converted to Catholicism after some of those closest to her died and helped found Catholic schools and orphanages in the early United States. She's also the first American-born person to ever be named as a Saint! Come walk the streets of the post-colonial U.S. with our new friend: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Hey, friends! Today's Christmas-themed episode is all about a group of boys you have probably heard about but never given much thought to. They died so that the baby Jesus could escape to Egypt with Mary and Joseph. Today, we are learning about how even the shortest life can be a life lived for Christ as we meet our newest Saint Friends: the Holy Innocents.
Hey, friends! Did you know that there are certain people from the Old Testament of the Bible that the Church considers to be Saints? They are people who lived extra-ordinary lives and answered God's call to holiness and they are in heaven so the boxes are all checked to call them Saints. Today's Saint Friend is one of those Old Testament people and prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem, the death of thousands due to their turning away from God, and about something important that was going to happen in Bethlehem. Come back in time and see what the world was like for our new Saint Friend: Micah, the prophet.
Hey, friends! Today, we are talking about a really special new Saint Friend. He was friends with Teresa of Avila, one of the only people to be given the title "mystic-poet," and his body did some pretty crazy stuff after he had died. We are learning what it means to take up your own cross and follow Jesus with our new friend: Saint John of the Cross.
Hey, friends! On the first episode of Season 2, we are talking about one of the most Catholic Christians to have lived before the year 500. He was one of the smartest people to have ever lived and has way too many things happening in his life to do them all justice. Today we are learning alongside this amazing Saint Friend: Saint Ambrose.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint friend is the fourth of Jesus' Apostles to make an appearance on the podcast. He was a fisherman who was called to become a "fisher of men" and seems to have traveled to a lot of different places in order to do so. He was extremely close to Jesus and is the older brother of Saint Peter, the first pope. Come find out what real fishing is like with our new friend: Saint Andrew, the Apostle.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is all about the fourth person to sit in the Chair of Saint Peter. He personally knew Peter and Paul along with some other really cool early Christian Saints. Today, we are looking at the early Church through the eyes of our new Saint Friend: Pope Saint Clement, the First.
Hey, friends! Today, we are spending some time getting to know the lesser known of the "Saints of Assisi." She personally knew Saint Francis and was the younger sister of Saint Clare. Today's episode is all about our new Saint Friend: Saint Agnes of Assisi.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend is very different than others we have met on the podcast because John Lateran isn't a person. Saint John Lateran is a building! How can a building be our friend and have a Saint Feast day like the other Saints? Find out as we celebrate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.
Hey, friends! We've got a special episode for you today. Every year on November 2nd, the Church celebrates the lives of all of those who have died but are not yet Saints. We call this All Souls' Day and, by tradition, there is no Saint with a Feast Day today. So this episode is all about the process of becoming an officially named Saint. We'll walk you through the process from the moment of death all the way through having your own Feast Day and learn about a lot of people who are currently on their way to Sainthood. It's a fun new type of episode we are calling: The All Souls' Day Special.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend is probably somebody you have never heard of but they were one of the most popular Saints at one point in time. He has a lot of different titles that he goes by but we know him by one simple name. Come march into battle with our new friend: Saint Demetrius.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend was a part of a group of Jesuit priests and missionaries who worked with the Native Americans along the present-day Canada/New York border region. They were all martyred for their missionary work but their story is very different from most of the colonial missionaries. Come find out about faith, courage, and how to learn a language with our new friend(s): Saint John de Brebéuf and his Companions
Hey, friends! Today we have our first returning Saint Friend and there is no better person than the one featured in Episode 01. It's Mary, the mother of Jesus. We heard all about how she is the Mother of God but now it's time to hear how she is also the Mother of the Church (and a mother to each of us). Come cozy up next to the nicest lady you'll ever meet. It's time for Mary, Mother of the Church!
Hey, friends! Our new Saint Friend today is someone who had a huge influence on the Catholic Church in modern times. They were from Poland, had a deep devotion to Jesus' Divine Mercy as well as his mother, Mary, but they were not a pope. She was a girl from a poor family who changed the face of devotions in the 20th century. Join us as we see Jesus' mercy alongside our new friend, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.
Hey, friends! I hope you are ready for an adventure because today's Saint Friend was at the center of a medieval political saga that involves noble families, rival factions, and murder! He's also the subject of an old Christmas song so come step into the royal courts of Bohemia and learn more about our new friend, Saint Wenceslaus.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend was a close friend of Jesus and was called to be one of the Twelve Apostles despite not being a very good person before then. He also wrote one of the most read books of all time: the first of the Gospels found in the New Testament of the Bible. Come sit at the table full of sinners with our new friend, Saint Matthew.
*Note: For some reason, I said that Saint Matthew's Feast Day is September 16th but it's actually September 21st.*
Hey, friends! Today's new Saint Friend was a bishop who helped resolve a dispute between the pope and the Holy Roman Emperor, managed to not be martyred by the Muslims in Jerusalem, and helped create one of the most famous Catholic religious orders of all time. Come walk in the procession of the Holy Cross with our new friend: Saint Albert, the patriarch of Jerusalem.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend is a young girl martyred for never renouncing her faith. In the face of persecution, prison, and torture, she never stopped showing those around her how she wanted to live as a "little Christ." Today we are spending time in prayer with our new friend: Saint Regina.
Hey, friends! Today's episode is about TWO new Saint Friends. They were some of the final people to minister to the human Jesus and are always tied together when it comes to talking about their lives and their faith. Learn about overcoming the dangers of faith with our new Saint Friends: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
Our Saint Friend today is the second of Jesus' apostles that we are meeting on the podcast, but how much do we really know about him? Are we even calling him by the right name? Do we even know how he died? All questions and more as we learn about Saint Bartholomew!
What does a Saint have to do with Polish comfort food? Find out in today's episode about one of the first real Dominican priests and co-founder of more than a handful of monasteries and churches. Come eat some pierogies with Saint Hyacinth of Krakow.
Hey, friends! It's the middle of summer so today we are hanging out with the patron Saint of barbecue. This Saint has one of the oldest recognized feast days in the history of the Catholic Church and in an inspiration to those wanting to do the work Jesus called Christians to here on earth as well as my personal hero when it comes to sarcasm as a second language. Come light yourself on fire with love for Christ alongside our new Saint Friend: St. Lawrence.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend is one of the lesser-known women who is a Saint and actually appears in the Bible by name. She was one of the first recorded baptisms in Europe and invited Saint Paul to stay in her house while he was in town. Let's sit at the feet of Paul together and learn about the woman sitting right there with us: St. Lydia
He's a pope! He's a Saint! He's our first Pope Saint! Our Saint Friend today was a pretty normal pope. He was friends with other Saints, he fought against the heresies of his time, and he is partially responsible for the conversion of Ireland to Christianity. Today we are talking about Pope Saint Celestine I.
Hey, friends! Today's Saint Friend was a friend and disciple of Saint Peter. He was a bishop who faced persecution from those who didn't want him or his Christian theology anywhere near them. His story is one of risking your life to follow Christ, even to the point of death. Let's learn about the perseverance of this Saint Friend and the virtue of patience together as we get exiled from a small Italian city alongside Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna.
Are all Saints perfect? No. Do they sometimes do very human things? Yes. Today's Saint Friend was one of the most "royal" people of his time even before he became the King of Germany or the Holy Roman Emperor. How could someone who abused their power so openly and so often be named a Saint? Let's find out by visiting the royal court of our new Saint Friend: Saint Henry II.
Today's Saint Friend is a little girl who died living out her faith in a very intense way. While she isn't the first martyr mentioned on this podcast, she is the first heartbreaking story we've heard. She never got to learn or experience a lot of the things many of us take for granted in our daily lives. Today we walk in the garden with the little holy girl, our new Saint Friend, St. Maria Goretti.
In the first of multiple episodes about this Saint Friend, we look at the life of Simon, called Peter, as it appears in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). How did Jesus come to choose this buff but obedient fisherman to lead the Church in the world? If he's as close to Jesus as we think, why does he deny him publicly so many times? Today we begin talking about one of the earliest Saint Friends: Saint Peter, the Prince of the Apostles.
How does a man go from being the son of a Roman prefect to the bishop of an Italian city? Well, it involves marriage, conversion, baptism, death, a surprise ordination on Christmas and a lot of writing. Oh, and he retired from his original job at the age of 26. Along the way, he became pretty good friends with six or seven other people who would all later be named Saints. Today, we are talking about our new Saint Friend, Saint Paulinus of Nola.
What does it mean to be a “canonized Saint?” Who was the first Saint that we knew made it to heaven? Well, we don’t really know his name but he was there with Jesus at the crucifixion because he was on the cross next to him. Tradition tells us that this friend’s name might be Dismas.“Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus, as the head of the Christian Church, tells the man next to him that he will join with the angels in heaven that day and BOOM! the first canonized saint.
But what does that mean for us apart from some weird Catholic theological trivia? Well, come sit at the foot of the Cross with me and we’ll learn about what this Saint Friend’s life can teach us.
“Behold, your Mother.” With these words from on the cross, Jesus entrusts Mary to us, his beloved disciples, as our spiritual mother. There is a lot to unpack with Mary, especially from a Catholic perspective, but today we will focus on what we know of Mary’s early life in the Bible.
How would you react if an angel came to you on a Saturday afternoon and said God wanted you to give birth to His Son? Oh, and that child will be the savior of the world. No pressure, right? Can you even say “No?” We’ll begin to look at that situation as well as all those things Mary held “in her heart” while constantly being “full of grace.” Join me on a walk through ancient streets and gardens with one of my best Saint Friends, Mama Mary.
Who are Saints and why are they our “Friends?” Check out this brand new podcast about the lives of the Saints and learn how they are great examples for how we should live our lives today.