Noll's Nephew

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore the four  Cardinal Virtues  — Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance — the moral foundations on which all other virtues hinge. From  Aristotle’s philosophy  to  Aquinas’ theology , these timeless habits train us to act wisely, love rightly, and live freely. Discover how prudence guides, justice gives, fortitude endures, and temperance balances t...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we dive into St. Josemaría Escrivá’s  The Way  — one of the most powerful spiritual guides ever written for young men. In a world that rewards comfort and mediocrity,  The Way  calls men to discipline, prayer, and holiness in everyday life. Discover how Escrivá’s words challenge you to sanctify your work, master your passions, and live with purpose and grit. Hol...

Why do we always want more — more love, more meaning, more peace? In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore the  desire for God  as the central mystery of the human heart. Drawing on  St. Augustine’s Confessions ,  Aquinas’ teaching on happiness , and insights from the saints, we discover that our restlessness isn’t a flaw—it’s an invitation. Every longing points to the Infinite. Join us as w...

What does it mean to  have  a soul—and more deeply, to  be  a soul? In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore the Catholic understanding of the human person through the wisdom of  St. Thomas Aquinas . Drawing on Scripture, reason, and theology, we’ll uncover what the soul is, why it is immortal, and how body and spirit unite to form one human nature. Discover why your soul is not a ghost trap...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore the timeless path of  virtue —from Aristotle’s pursuit of human excellence to St. Thomas Aquinas’ vision of grace perfecting nature. What does it mean to live a truly good life? How do our habits shape our souls? We’ll examine the  seven virtues  that build Catholic character and the  seven vices  that destroy it, discovering how each choice forms who...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore the Scriptural and historical roots of  priestly celibacy  in the Catholic Church. Why does the Latin Rite continue this ancient discipline? We’ll trace its biblical foundations—from Christ’s own celibate life to St. Paul’s teaching on undivided devotion—and uncover how the early Church Fathers and councils upheld the tradition. Celibacy isn’t a rejec...

In this episode of Noll’s Nephew , we journey into the desert to meet the Desert Fathers —the early Christian monks who left everything to seek God in silence and simplicity. From the example of St. Anthony the Great to the sayings of Abba Moses, Abba Arsenius, and others, their wisdom shaped the course of Christian spirituality and continues to inspire the Church today. We’ll explore why they fle...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we dive into one of the most misunderstood teachings of the Catholic Church —  papal infallibility . What does the Church actually mean when it says the pope is infallible? When does it apply, and what conditions must be met for a teaching to be considered  ex cathedra ? We’ll look at Scripture, Church history, and the guidance of the Magisterium to understand w...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore the Catholic teaching on the  papacy —the office of the pope as the successor of St. Peter and visible head of the Church on earth. Is the papacy biblical? Was it part of the early Church or just a later invention? We look to Scripture—Matthew 16, John 21, and Luke 22—where Christ gives Peter a unique mission. We’ll also hear the voices of the early F...

n this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we take on one of the greatest debates in Christian history:  faith alone or faith and works?  Protestants often emphasize Martin Luther’s teaching of  sola fide , justification by faith alone. But the Catholic Church, grounded in Scripture and tradition, teaches that faith must be alive in works of love. We’ll examine key passages from Romans, James, and Galatia...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore Pope Benedict XVI’s first encyclical,  Deus Caritas Est , “God is Love.” Focusing on the introduction and the first chapter, we dive into Benedict’s profound teaching on  eros  (desiring love) and  agape  (self-giving love), and how together they reveal the fullness of Christian love. From Scripture to marriage, from passion to sacrifice, Benedict sho...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we step into the extraordinary life of  St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina —a Capuchin friar whose story is marked by suffering, miracles, and unshakable faith. From receiving the  stigmata  of Christ, to reports of  bilocation ,  healings , and the reading of souls, Padre Pio’s witness captivated the world. Yet he also endured doubt, opposition, and trials that teste...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore the  Jesus Prayer —one of the most ancient and powerful prayers in the Christian tradition:  “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”  We’ll uncover its origins among the Desert Fathers, its role in the Eastern Christian tradition, and its deep roots in Scripture. We’ll also walk through how the prayer is practiced, from simple rep...

In this episode of Noll’s Nephew , we dive into the Catholic Church’s teaching on the death penalty . From the traditional views of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas , to the powerful development in the Catechism of the Catholic Church , we trace how the Church has balanced justice and mercy through the centuries. We also reflect on the story of the Good Thief , who acknowledged justice yet fou...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we unpack the Catholic teaching on  indulgences —a topic often misunderstood but deeply rooted in the Church’s tradition of mercy. What exactly are indulgences, and how do they fit into our journey of holiness? Drawing from the Catechism, the writings of the saints, and the history of the Church, we’ll explore the logic behind indulgences, why they matter, and h...

In this episode of Noll’s Nephew , we explore the Principle of Double Effect , one of the most important tools in Catholic moral theology. Rooted in the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas , this principle helps us navigate difficult moral decisions where an action can have both good and bad effects. With real-life examples—from medical treatments, to end-of-life care, to self-defense—we’ll see how Cat...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew,  we explore one of the hardest commands of Jesus: to forgive. Drawing from Scripture, the teachings of Saint John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, we look at why forgiveness matters, how it frees the heart, and why it is essential to Christian life. We reflect on the parable of the unforgiving servant, the words of Christ on the Cross, and the exampl...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore the mystery of the  Cross in daily life . Why does God allow suffering? What does it mean to “take up our cross daily”? Drawing on the wisdom of  St. Augustine ,  St. Thomas Aquinas , and  C.S. Lewis , we look at how the Cross transforms pain into purpose, reshapes our relationships through sacrificial love, and brings peace in a world filled with str...

In today’s fast-paced, noisy world, silence feels almost impossible—and prayer often gets pushed aside. In this episode of Noll’s Nephew , we explore the basics of prayer : what it is, how to do it, and why it matters now more than ever. We’ll talk about practical ways to pray in the age of distraction, the peace that prayer brings in the midst of stress and anxiety, and how the witness of saints...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we look at the role of the  family as the “Domestic Church”  and why it matters so much for the future of the Catholic faith. Studies show that young people’s spiritual lives often mirror the example set at home, and parents are the first and most important teachers of faith. We’ll explore Church teaching, hear wisdom from St. John Paul II, and reflect on the le...

On September 7, 2025, the Church will canonize two remarkable young men:  Carlo Acutis  and  Pier Giorgio Frassati . Though born nearly a century apart, both show us that holiness is possible here and now, in jeans and sneakers, online and on mountain trails, in service to the poor and in love for the Eucharist. In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore their lives, their legacy, and why thei...

In this special episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we enter the world of C.S. Lewis’s  Screwtape Letters  with a modern twist. Written as if from Screwtape himself, this letter explores how the devil might use  technology and social media  to distract, divide, and enslave souls today. With biting irony, it reveals the hidden dangers of constant scrolling, envy, pride, anger, and addiction, and why silenc...

In this episode of Noll’s Nephew , we explore the hidden spiritual dangers of social media. While it connects us in new ways, it also distracts us from prayer, fuels comparison and envy, feeds pride, stirs anger and division, and can even enslave us through addiction. Drawing on Scripture and the wisdom of the saints, we’ll examine how constant scrolling impacts our relationship with God and what...

In this episode of Noll’s Nephew , we explore three key aspects of Catholic teaching: doctrine, dogma, and discipline. What’s the difference, how do they relate, and why does it matter for living the faith today? We’ll break down how doctrine guides the Church’s teaching, how dogma safeguards the core truths revealed by God, and how disciplines, like fasting or celibacy, shape our daily practice b...

In this episode of  Noll’s Nephew , we explore the life and legacy of  St. Augustine of Hippo , one of the greatest minds and saints in Church history. From his restless youth and dramatic conversion to his profound writings, such as  Confessions  and  The City of God , Augustine’s story reveals both the struggle with sin and the triumph of grace. We’ll examine how he influenced Catholic teaching...