All Saints Day falls at this time of year, and so it’s timely for us to touch on one of our favorite topics on American Catholic Radio: the saints. What is it about saints that Catholics find eternally fascinating (if you’ll pardon the pun!)? Perhaps we want to know that our faith journeys have a definite and happy ending. Maybe we want to assure ourselves that ordinary folks can do extraordinary things—with God’s help, of course! I like to think of saints as a grand tapestry depicting our Catholic identity. Jesuit Father James Martin has written not one, but two books recently on his favorite saints. He’ll visit with us and share his insights. Producer Judy Zarick talks to Phil McCord, who received a healing miracle attributed to Mother Theodore Guérin, canonized this October as the newest American saint.

Theologians in our Church family apply the tools of their scholarly trade to biblical study and the writings of holy men and women down through the ages. They also interact with other disciplines, such as history, philosophy and science, to deepen our understanding of our faith. We’ll talk with Burkhard Menke, editorial director for Herder Books, about Pope Benedict’s origins as scholar and writer, and reflect on the life of Blessed John Duns Scotus, a Franciscan theologian of the medieval period.

We’re happy to partner with you in helping your listeners learn and grow in faith!

Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.

Use the links below to preview the shows or download them in MP3 format for broadcast.

Highlights from this episode include:

St. Martin de Porres

Phil McCord, from Terre Haute, Indiana, received a healing miracle attributed to Mother Theodore Guérin. He talks about how his prayer life has been affected.

Are germs transmitted through reception of the Eucharist? Why do we choose a patron saint for Confirmation? Can I have a Catholic wedding before I’ve completed the RCIA program?

Miracles

James Martin, S.J., well-known author and an editor of America magazine, talks about saints and holiness. (Part II of II)

Highlights from this episode include:

Blessed John Duns Scotus

Ernie Bono, a motivational speaker, author, father, husband and grandfather from Florida, explains how he balances his faith, his family and his career.

How do I find a spiritual director? What is the Franciscan Secular Third Order? Why did we receive a slap during Confirmation?

Scholasticism

Burkhard Menke, editorial director for Herder Books, discusses Pope Benedict XVI’s origins as scholar and writer.