Catholic Heritage with Dr. Italy
276 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsDr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Church historian, speaker, and author, delivers highly interesting and engaging reflections on Catholic tradition, teaching, and cultural heritage. Find out more about his ministry and discover countless free Catholic resources at www.dritaly.com.
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Episodes
Jairus' Daughter, Miracles and the Enlightenment
June 29, 2024 10:00 - 5 minutes - 2.64 MBDid Jesus really raise the daughter of Jairus and perform other miracles? The Deists, including several American founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson, said no, and their Enlightenment skepticism still influences us today. For the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.
Peter, Paul & the Church of Rome
June 28, 2024 10:00 - 13 minutes - 6.16 MBPeter and Paul died in the persecution of the emperor Nero. Peter was crucified and buried on Vatican hill – the present St. Peter’s basilica was erected over his tomb. Paul was beheaded and buried outside the walls of the city. The basilica of St. Paul’s outside the walls covers Paul’s tomb. The tombs of these two apostles in Rome made Rome the pre-eminent site of Christian pilgrimage from the 4th century to the present, second only to Jerusalem in importance.
St. Irenaeus - Link to the Apostles
June 26, 2024 10:00 - 15 minutes - 21.9 MBDr. Italy and Matt Swaim in this podcast point out that anyone who is interested in the Bible or Christianity needs to know about the early Christian bishop remembered on June 28 by the Catholic Church. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons is actually honored also by the Orthdox Churches, the Anglican Church and many Protestant communities and scholars. Listen to this podcast and find out what Irenaeus haw to do with naming the four gospels, helping us know what books were regarded as Scripture by th...
John the Baptist's Birthday - Cause for Celebration
June 24, 2024 10:00 - 8 minutes - 4.05 MBOn June 24, the Church observes a solemn feast in honor of the birth or nativity of John the Baptist. No other saint's birthday is celebrated with such solemnity. The unique role of the Forerunner, the Voice crying out in the Wilderness, in the history of salvation is part of the reason. But also the Church wants to draw our attention to the witness of John's character. It teaches us much about the path to holiness and the Kingdom of God.
The Calming of the Storm and the Socratic Method
June 22, 2024 10:00 - 4 minutes - 2.2 MBOne of the most famous bible stories of all time is Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Mark, the evangelist, uses the story to ask the reader a question that elicits a clear answer on the identity of Christ. This approach is often called the Socratic method. Reflection on the gospel for the 12th Sunday in ordinary time, cycle B.
St. Thomas More, Courage, & Integrity
June 20, 2024 10:00 - 14 minutes - 6.69 MBIn the Roman liturgical calendar, St. Thomas More shares his feast of June 22 with St. Paulinus of Nola and St. John Fisher. Often, he is overlooked or forgotten. But he is one of the most inspiring models for fathers, husbands, and statesmen, indeed for just about anyone living in a society that finds the teaching of Jesus inconvenient and annoying. Listen to this podcast and find out how this man managed to carry on an amazing spiritual and family life in the midst of the most crushing ...
Why Call God "Father"?
June 14, 2024 10:00 - 8 minutes - 3.95 MBFather's Day brings up a very good question -- in this post-feminist era, why should we stick to calling God "Father"?? Isn't this just a relic from a bygone, patriarchal culture. After all, if God is spirit, he is neither male nor female. Sonrise Morning show host, Anna Mitchell asks such questions of Dr. Italy who shares from the bible, the Tradition, and the teaching of the Catholic Church just what it means when we say God is Father as well as what we don't mean. You'll love his insi...
The Mustard Tree and the Growth of the Kingdom of God
June 12, 2024 10:00 - 6 minutes - 3.11 MBOne of the Parables of the Kingdom of God is that of the tiny mustard seed that grows into the largest of shrubs. What can this parable mean for growth in our church today which appears to be contracting, not growing, at least in the Western World?
Meaning of the Sacred Heart
June 05, 2024 10:00 - 6 minutes - 3.07 MB7 minute podcast by Dr. Italy focusing on the true meaning of the Sacred Heart of Jesus based on the chief scriptural text connected with this feast and devotion.
Tabga, Site of the Multiplication of the Loaves & Fish
June 01, 2024 10:00 - 7 minutes - 3.35 MBIn this 7 minute podcast, Dr. Italy paints a verbal picture of the site called Tabga, between the Sea of Galille shore and the Mt. of Beatitudes. Here Jesus multiplied loaves and fish.
Holy Thursday - Eucharist, The Body of Christ
May 30, 2024 10:00 - 6 minutes - 3.18 MBHoly Thursday, the night of the Last Supper aka the Lord's Supper, the institution of the Holy Eucharist -- why did Jesus do what he did and say what he said? What did he mean when he said "This is my body and this is my blood" and "Do this in Memory of Me"? And what does the Catholic Church mean by talking about transubstantiation and the body of Christ? All this is remembered & celebrated on the Feast of Corpus Christi.
The Magnificat - Mary as Queen of Humility, Queen of Praise
May 28, 2024 10:00 - 8 minutes - 3.7 MBIn this 7 minute podcast, Anna Mitchell of the Sonrise Morning show interviews Dr. Italy on the profound meaning of the Magnificat, Mary's canticle uttered on the occasion of the Visitation, and how it manifests her as the Queen of Humility and the Queen of Praise. Also discussed is the beautiful place where this event took place, Ein Karem and the Church built there to commemorate this blessed event.
Holy Spirit, Promise of the Father
May 18, 2024 10:00 - 8 minutes - 3.93 MB6 minute podcast in which Dr. Italy explains why Jesus called the Holy Spirit “the Promise of the Father” and how God’s promises are fulfilled in the gift of Pentecost which is repeated in every baptism and confirmation.
Pentecost Power
May 15, 2024 10:00 - 15 minutes - 7.13 MBWithout the Pentecost, the gospel is not really "Good News." Many people actually experience Christianity as bad news. The Ten Commandments were impossible for even King David to keep. Though Christians are justified by grace through faith and receive friendship with God as a pure gift, they are still called to live the gospel lifestyle, as portrayed by the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. Trying to do this on will-power alone is a pure recipe for guilt and frustration.
Fatima & Camino Pilgrimage Cruise to Portugal & Spain
May 13, 2024 10:00 - 5 minutes - 2.71 MBIt's been a long time that travel and freedom have been restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But restrictions are about to be lifted so it will be soon time to celebrate.
The Ascension - He who Humbles Himself will be Exalted
May 08, 2024 10:00 - 8 minutes - 3.93 MB6 minute podcast on the Ascension of Jesus Christ as the illustration of Jesus' words - he who exalts himself shall be humbled and he who humbles himself shall be exalted. Featuring Dr. Italy and Sonrise Morning show hostess Anna Mitchell.
Love Unlimited - Cornelius & the Business of a Universal Church
May 03, 2024 10:00 - 5 minutes - 2.68 MBSome view the Catholic Church as multi-national corporation. If so, its DBA should be love unlimited. In contrast to ever natural love, the love that should categorize the life of the church is charity, agape, God's love which is, like God, universal, infinite, without limits or boundaries. This is illustrated by the story of the centurion Cornelius, a reading for the 6th Sunday of Easter B.
Holy Family during hidden years
May 01, 2024 10:00 - 12 minutes - 5.54 MB12 minute podcast that describes the lifestyle of the Holy Family in Nazareth during the “hidden years” before Jesus launched his public ministry. The four gospels tells us very little about the life of Jesus between his birth and his baptism besides his presentation forty days after his birth, the flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth, and his pilgrimage to Jerusalem with his family at age 12.
Saul of Tarsus - From Sour Grapes to Fruit of the Spirit
April 26, 2024 10:00 - 5 minutes - 2.55 MBSaul of Tarsus the Pharisee to Paul, the apostle - both life and fruit were transformed when he met the Risen Lord . His story tells us where the sour grapes of egoism and violence comes from, and how it can be changed into the fruit of the Spirit.
Portiuncula & San Damiano-Assisi Chapels Rebuilt by St Francis
April 24, 2024 10:00 - 6 minutes - 3.06 MB7 minute podcast by Dr. Italy discussing the two churches rebuilt by St. Francis that still stand in Assisi, his home town. To be visited on his upcoming pilgrimage to Italy.
Why the Trinity Matters
April 22, 2024 10:00 - 15 minutes - 6.9 MBThe Trinity is the central dogma of the Catholic faith and is equally important to Orthodox and most Protestant Christians. Yet it is a mystery, something that we as limited human beings can never understand. So does that mean we can just believe it but basically forget about it and focus on more practical things, like morality? Not at all, says Marcellino D'Ambrosio (Dr. Italy) on this episode of the SonRise Morning show. If we fail to make progress in understanding the Trinity, we will...
Is Jesus, the Good Sheperd, the Only Savior?
April 17, 2024 10:00 - 5 minutes - 5.39 MBThe image of Jesus as the Good shepherd is a comforting one in the minds of many. But some of those who first heard Jesus describe himself in this way were deeply disturbed. For it seems that Jesus is setting himself up as the only true Shepherd and savior. People still find this claim disturbing. "What about other religions?," they ask. For the 4th Sunday of Easter, cycle B.
He's no Ghost - Easter and the Gnostic Gospels
April 10, 2024 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MBOn the first Easter, the Risen Lord makes clear to his frightened disciples he not a ghost or specter and in so doing shows why the gnostic gospels are bogus and did not make it into the Bible.
Feast of the Annunciation, God Becomes Man
April 08, 2024 10:00 - 5 minutes - 2.41 MBThe Solemnity or Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord is celebrated on March 25. Here, in his typically lyrical language, Leo the Great ponders the unfathomable mystery of God becoming man in the womb of a Virgin, at the moment of conception. Through the Father's love and Mary's faith, the divine Word became flesh and dwelt among us, assuming a full human nature.
Divine Mercy Sunday and the Sacrament of Mercy
April 05, 2024 10:00 - 5 minutes - 2.67 MBDivine Mercy Sunday or the Octave of Easter presents us with one of the most famous of gospel stories -- the story of Doubting Thomas. But it shows us how and when the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, aka "confession," was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ -- and why.
Celebrating Easter - the Octave & the Season
April 02, 2024 10:00 - 5 minutes - 2.72 MBEaster is not a day but a season of 50 days. The octave - eight days of high celebration beginning on Easter Sunday - is followed by 42 more days of rejoicing concluding on Pentecost. Here are some ideas for a fruitful celebration of the joy of Eastertide during this extraordinary time while Churches are closed due to COVID-19.
Easter, the Resurrection, and the Eucharist
March 31, 2024 10:00 - 10 minutes - 4.69 MB6 minute Podcast by Dr. Italy showing the connection between Easter, the resurrection, and the Eucharist through an examination of the road to Emmaus story from Luke 24.
Visiting the Tomb of Christ
March 30, 2024 10:00 - 12 minutes - 5.83 MBThe Gospel of John tells us that, after the body of Jesus was taken from the cross, it was laid in a new tomb, close to the place where he was crucified. Yet, when people visit the Holy Land, they are surprised to find out that the tomb is only a stones throw away from the top of Golgotha. Dr. Italy shares what it is like to visit both places, both inside the same massive Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built in the 12th century by the Crusaders.
Good Friday & the Via Dolorosa
March 29, 2024 10:00 - 14 minutes - 6.82 MBOn Good Friday, Christians remember the passion of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. This podcast is the second in a three part interview of Dr. Italy, theologian, historian and Holy Land pilgrimage leader, on the events of Holy Week. This segment focuses on the events of Good Friday, when Jesus is dragged from the house of Caiaphas to the Praetorium of Pontius Pilate, most likely the Fortress Antonia located at the Northeast corner of the Temple. Dr. Italy shares what it is like to descend belo...
Passover, Thanksgiving and the Eucharist
March 27, 2024 10:00 - 8 minutes - 7.74 MBBefore thanksgiving was an American holiday, it was a hallmark of the Judeo-Christian tradition. All ancient peoples gave thanks for creation; only Jews and Christians believe that God acted decisively in history to secure our liberation from slavery. Eucharist simply means thanksgiving -- and it is the supreme act of worship and thanks for the sacrifice that won our ultimate liberation.
Holy Week, Holy Land
March 25, 2024 10:00 - 12 minutes - 5.92 MBIn this podcast from the Sonrise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell begins by observing that virtually half the Gospel of Luke is taken up by Jesus and disciples journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. Holy Land Pilgrimage host and theologian Marcellino D'Ambrosio (Dr. Italy) describes what this journey would have been like for the Lord and his followers and what Jerusalem would have been like in the days before the Passover. He goes on to explain the distinctive location of the Last Supper high ...
Mount of Olives and the Palm Sunday Road
March 22, 2024 10:00 - 8 minutes - 4.12 MB6 minute podcast in which on the journey of Jesus and his disciples from Bethany, over the top of the Mount of Olives to Bethphage, & down the Palm Sunday Road from there into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey amidst cries of hosanna.
Saint Benedict & the Benedictines, Stability Amidst Chaos
March 20, 2024 10:00 - 14 minutes - 6.7 MBIn this 14 minute podcast recorded on the occasion of the Feast of St. Benedict on July 11, host Sonrise Morning show host Anna Mitchell interviews Dr. Italy about the significance that Benedict and the Benedictine way of life holds for Christians today.
St Joseph Model of Faith
March 18, 2024 10:00 - 14 minutes - 6.5 MB14 minute podcast in which Dr. Italy discusses St. Joseph as an often overlooked hero of the Advent – Christmas story. He shows how St. Matthew’s gospel presents him as a model of faith. In the Advent and Christmas season, all eyes turn to the Holy Family. Jesus is the primary, focus, of course, with Mary getting secondary attention. Often, Joseph remains for us a background figure in the Nativity scene, getting less attention than even the Magi.
How Can a God of Love send People to Hell? John 3:16 & Judgment
March 08, 2024 11:00 - 5 minutes - 2.4 MBIf "God so loved the world." how can he possibly send people to hell? Is he a loving Father or a stern judge? Jesus helps us reconcile love & grace with hell & judgment in perhaps the most famous worlds in the Bible, John 3:16.
Value of Fasting
March 06, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 6.62 MBFasting is what most people first think of when they think about penance in general and Lent in particular. But surprisingly, fasting, as valuable as it is, is probably the least important of the three main groups of Lenten Spiritual Exercises: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (or mercy). In this podcast, Dr. Italy points out that the real value of fasting is when it is combined with either prayer or almsgiving into a sort of one-two punch at sin and spiritual lethargy. Some practical examp...
Cleansing of the Temple - an end to Business as Usual
February 28, 2024 11:00 - 5 minutes - 2.63 MBReligion is not supposed to be the opposite of spirituality. But sometimes religion becomes a cold routine, even a business. The Lord's cleansing of the Temple spells the end of business as usual. Our religion must be a matter of living faith, zeal and fidelity to the Ten Commandments.
Isaac, Abraham & the Meaning of Lenten Sacrifice - 2nd Sunday of Lent B
February 23, 2024 17:00 - 6 minutes - 2.75 MBOn the Second Sunday of Lent, the church places together the story of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah with the story of Jesus and three disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration. Together, these stories teach us the meaning of Lenten sacrifice.
Polycarp, Disciple of Apostles
February 22, 2024 11:00 - 8 minutes - 4.11 MB7 minute interview of Dr. Italy by Anna Mitchell of the Sonrise Morning Show, on St. Polycarp, one of the most fascinating of the Apostolic Fathers, those who pass on to us what they heard from the apostles of Jesus.
Fresh Ways for the 40 Days - A New Lenten Approach
February 20, 2024 11:00 - 5 minutes - 2.68 MBIn this Lenten podcast, Matt Swaim asks Dr. Italy about his new book, 40 Days, 40 Ways, A New Look at Lent (Servant Books). In response, Marcellino D’Ambrosio explains the book’s aim to help people break out of "same old" stale Lenten patterns. The book does this by offering forty fresh ideas of how to combine prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The goal is to make us new people by the end of the season.
Lent, Noah's Ark, and Baptism - First Sunday of Lent B
February 16, 2024 11:00 - 5 minutes - 2.65 MBWe begin the forty days of Lent with the memory of a previous 40 days when sin was cleansed from the face of the earth. This occurred through a flood which spared only 8 people - Noah & his companions on the ark. This gives us a hint about the meaning & purpose of Lent and its mysterious link to baptism. For the first Sunday of Lent, cycle B.
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization: The Monks
February 15, 2024 11:00 - 6 minutes - 2.9 MBIn this 6 minute radio interview with Anna Mitchell of the Sonrise Morning Show, Dr. Italy begins a discussion on the vast topic of how the Catholic Church built Western civilization. Starting with the indomitable missionary monks of Ireland, he illustrates how they not only saved but helped build Western civilization by preserving and spreading literacy and literature across Europe. He also discusses how his upcoming Rhine pilgrimage will focus on this theme, and how many of the sites to ...
Why Lent has 40 Days - Catholic Connection
February 13, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes - 4.04 MBThis 18 minute Lenten podcast from the Catholic Connection addresses the forty days of Lent and the hidden symbolism behind the number 40 which reappears in so many places throughout the Sacred Scriptures. Show host Elena Rodriguez, pinch hitting for Teresa Tomeo, asks Dr. Italy to uncover the mystery of why Lent has 40 days and what this tells us about how we are to approach the season.
Lowly Lourdes - Reflections on the Apparitions
February 10, 2024 11:00 - 6 minutes - 9.12 MBPodcast excerpted from radio interview in which Dr. Italy offers some reflections on the apparitions of Mary to lowly shepherd girls in Lourdes in 1858.
Lessons from the Leper - How to Deal with Suffering
February 07, 2024 11:00 - 5 minutes - 2.37 MBThere is much more to Jesus' healing of the leper in Mark's gospel than first meets the eye. Hidden in the story are lessons on the role of suffering and how to respond to it in our lives and the lives of others.
We're on a Mission from God
February 03, 2024 11:00 - 5 minutes - 2.66 MBThe Bible is not just for Churches and Synagogues. Portions of it are read as literature, even in secular university classrooms. Invariably, when you look at the syllabus of such courses, you find Job.
The Presentation - Simeon sees the Light
January 31, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 6.76 MBIn this 15 minute podcast, Dr. Italy discusses the meaning of the ancient feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the temple by Joseph and Mary. The righteous Israelite, Simeon, being advanced in years, rejoices to see the child he recognizes to be the one to bring the light of truth & salvation to all people.
Thomas Aquinas, Faith & Reason
January 27, 2024 11:00 - 6 minutes - 9.16 MBIn this 7 minute podcast, Dr. Italy discusses St. Thomas Aquinas and what he teaches us about the roles of faith and reason. For his feast day on January 28.
Authority over Demons - Spiritual Warfare
January 26, 2024 11:00 - 5 minutes - 2.68 MBDemons. Satan. Beelzebub. Lucifer. The Devil. Known by various names, evil spirits are to be found in the Bible, both New and Old Testaments. Jesus casts them out and has authority over them. What do we now make of this, living as we do in a scientific age?
Conversion of St. Paul
January 24, 2024 11:00 - 5 minutes - 8.16 MB7 minute Podcast on why the Church celebrates the Conversion of Saul of Tarsus, aka St. Paul, with a special feast. Dr. Italy on the Sonrise Morning Show of EWTN.