Catholic History Trek

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)

What the Hell? In this episode Scott explores the history of Hell.

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)