Catholic History Trek

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 different Marian 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)

Scott tracks the history of the pope's unique head topper, the Papal Tiara.

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. 6, 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 covers the history of Fr Leo Heinrichs OFM, a 20th century martyr in America who was killed while celebrating the mass.

Scott attempts to answer why Popes Urban II & Innocent II would have banned the crossbow in Medieval Europe.