InPrincipio Podcast

St. Francis Borgia (1510–1572) was a Spanish nobleman who, after a brilliant career at the court of Emperor Charles V, underwent a profound conversion that led him to renounce his titles and dedicate his life entirely to God. Originally the Duke of Gandía and viceroy of Catalonia, he was deeply moved by the sight of Empress Isabella’s lifeless body, which stirred in him the resolve to “serve no ma...

Saint Dionysius the Areopagite was a first-century Athenian judge of the Areopagus who, according to the Acts of the Apostles (17:34), was converted to Christianity through the preaching of Saint Paul and became the first bishop of Athens. Renowned for his deep intellect and mystical insight, he composed theological works exploring the celestial hierarchy, divine names, and the soul’s ascent to Go...

Saint Bridget of Sweden (c. 1303–1373), also known as Birgitta Birgersdotter, and the 'Princess of Nericia', was a noblewoman, mystic, and founder of the Bridgettine Order. Born into a prominent Swedish family, she was married to Ulf Gudmarsson, with whom she had eight children, including Saint Catherine of Sweden. After her husband’s death, Bridget devoted herself entirely to prayer, pena...

The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on October 7, commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession through the praying of the Rosary, particularly in connection with the Christian victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Pope St. Pius V attributed this miraculous triumph over the Ottoman fleet to the power of the Rosary, which had been fervently prayed by the faithful throughout Eu...

Saint Bruno of Cologne (c. 1030–1101) was a German priest, scholar, and founder of the Carthusian Order, celebrated for his devotion to silence, solitude, and contemplative prayer. Born in Cologne, he became a renowned teacher and chancellor at the Cathedral School of Reims before renouncing worldly honors to pursue a life wholly dedicated to God. In 1084, with six companions, he founded the first...

Dom Prosper Guéranger's The Liturgical Year, a monumental fifteen-volume work, offers a comprehensive exploration of the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar, guiding readers through the spiritual and historical richness of the Church’s worship. Written in the 19th century, the series provides daily meditations, historical context, and liturgical texts for the Mass and Divine Office, covering...

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/82–1226) was the son of a wealthy merchant in Umbria, Italy, who renounced his riches after a profound conversion and chose a life of radical poverty, humility, and service to Christ. Embracing simplicity, he founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), inspiring others to live in poverty, preach the Gospel, and show reverence for all creation. Known for his joy,...

In Chapter 6 of Book I of the Century of Columbus, James J. Walsh describes the remarkable rise of Italian sculpture in the 15th century, rivaling ancient Greece in creativity and technical mastery. He highlights Donatello, Verrocchio, Luca della Robbia, Cellini, and John of Bologna (Giambologna), noting their landmark innovations in bronze, marble, and terracotta. The Century of Columbus by James...

Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, also known as St. Thérèse of Lisieux or the “Little Flower,” was a French Carmelite nun (1873–1897) whose short but radiant life left a profound mark on the Church. Entering the Carmelite convent at Lisieux at only 15, she embraced a hidden life of prayer and sacrifice, perfecting what she called her “little way” of spiritual childhood—doing small things with grea...

The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, observed on October 2, celebrates the Church’s teaching that every person is entrusted by God to the care of a guardian angel, who offers protection, guidance, and prayerful intercession. This belief, drawn from biblical passages such as Matthew 18:10 (“See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always beh...

Saint Remigius, known as the Apostle of the Franks, was born around 437 in northern Gaul and became bishop of Reims at a young age, renowned for his learning, eloquence, and holiness. His most enduring legacy was the baptism of King Clovis I around 496, a decisive moment that brought the Frankish people into the Catholic faith and set the foundation for Christian France. Remigius guided Clovis and...

St. Jerome (c. 347–420) was a Dalmatian-born priest, monk, and scholar best known for his monumental work translating the Bible into Latin, producing the Vulgate, which became the standard biblical text of the Western Church for over a millennium. After studying rhetoric and classical literature in Rome, he embraced Christianity more fully, pursued ascetic life in the Syrian desert, and developed...

St. Michael the Archangel is honored in Christian tradition as the leader of the heavenly hosts, the great defender of God’s people, and the conqueror of Satan. His name means “Who is like God?”—a battle cry affirming God’s supremacy against pride and evil. In Scripture, he appears as a protector of Israel in the Book of Daniel, the commander of heaven’s armies in the Book of Revelation, and the g...

Dom Prosper Guéranger's The Liturgical Year, a monumental fifteen-volume work, offers a comprehensive exploration of the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar, guiding readers through the spiritual and historical richness of the Church’s worship. Written in the 19th century, the series provides daily meditations, historical context, and liturgical texts for the Mass and Divine Office, covering...

Saints Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers and physicians from Syria who lived in the 3rd century and became renowned for practicing medicine without charging fees, earning them the title of anargyroi (“the silverless” or “unmercenary”). Known for their skill, compassion, and miraculous healings, they not only treated physical ailments but also drew many to Christianity through their charity and...

The Golden Legend, compiled by the Dominican friar and later archbishop of Genoa, Blessed Jacobus de Voragine, around 1260, was the single most popular religious text of the Middle Ages after the Bible itself. Encompassing over 170 chapters, it offered vivid accounts of the lives of saints, explanations of feast days, and meditations on the mysteries of the liturgical year, drawing on Scripture, a...

Saints Cyprian and Justina were early Christian martyrs venerated together for their dramatic conversion story and steadfast faith. According to tradition, Cyprian was a pagan magician and philosopher from Antioch who was commissioned to use sorcery to corrupt the Christian maiden Justina, but her fervent prayers defeated his spells, leading him to renounce magic and embrace Christianity. Inspired...

The Feast of Our Lady of Ransom, also known as Our Lady of Mercy, is celebrated on September 24 and honors the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role in the redemption of Christian captives during the Middle Ages. It originated with the foundation of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (the Mercedarians) in 1218 by St. Peter Nolasco, with support from St. Raymond of Peñafort and King James I of Arag...

Pope St. Linus, traditionally regarded as the second Bishop of Rome after St. Peter, served as pope from around AD 67 to 76. According to early Christian writers such as Irenaeus and Eusebius, Linus was appointed by Peter himself and helped lead the Church during the dangerous years of persecution under Emperor Nero. He is sometimes identified with the Linus mentioned in St. Paul’s Second Letter t...

St. Thomas of Villanova (1488–1555) was a Spanish Augustinian friar, theologian, and archbishop renowned for his learning, humility, and deep commitment to the poor. Born in Fuenllana and raised in Villanueva de los Infantes, he studied at the University of Alcalá, where he became a professor of philosophy before joining the Augustinian Order. Known as the “Almsgiver” and the “Father of the Poor,”...

Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and author of the Gospel of Matthew. Originally a tax collector in Capernaum, he was called by Christ to leave his occupation and follow Him, demonstrating the transformative power of Jesus’ call. Matthew faithfully accompanied Jesus, witnessing His ministry, miracles, death, and resurrection, and later devoted himse...

Dom Prosper Guéranger's The Liturgical Year, a monumental fifteen-volume work, offers a comprehensive exploration of the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar, guiding readers through the spiritual and historical richness of the Church’s worship. Written in the 19th century, the series provides daily meditations, historical context, and liturgical texts for the Mass and Divine Office, covering...

Chapter 5 of Book 1 of James Joseph Walsh's 'The Century of Columbus' explores some of the renowned Renaissance painters from the regions beyond Italy, from Hans Memling of Bruges, to Albrecht Dürer of Nuremberg, and many others. The Century of Columbus by James Joseph Walsh offers a comprehensive exploration of the late 15th to early 16th century, emphasizing the pivotal role of Catho...

St. Eustace, also known as Placidus before his conversion, was a Roman general under Emperor Trajan renowned for his military skill and noble character, who, according to legend, experienced a miraculous vision of a stag bearing a radiant cross between its antlers while hunting, leading to his conversion to Christianity along with his wife and children. Despite his newfound faith, he endured great...

St. Januarius, also known as San Gennaro, was a 3rd–4th century bishop of Benevento in southern Italy, venerated as a martyr and one of the most beloved saints of Naples. According to tradition, he was arrested during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian and, after enduring imprisonment and attempted execution by wild beasts, was ultimately beheaded around 305 AD. His fame rests...