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This year, two of St. Augustine's homilies were discovered, and while the details have not yet been publicly shared, Mike Aquilina argues that they highlight the unique Augustine moment that the Church is currently experiencing. Get Your Copy of: Aquilina's “Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins” https://ignatius.com/rabbles-riots-and-ruins-rrrp/ St. Augustine's “Confessions” https://ignatius.com/the-confessions-saint-augustine-of-hippo-7cp/?searchuuid=e147758e-c4e3-4308-9060-b26c58678b8c&search_query=confessions Watch “Restless Heart” here https://ignatius.com/restless-heart-rhrtm/ St. Augustine is quoted in the catechism more than any other theologian; the newly elected Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian; and now two of St. Augustine's homilies are discovered. We are truly living through an Augustinian moment, and so we are delighted to have Mike Aquilina back on the podcast to discuss this Father of the Church as we celebrate his feast day and the end of August. In this episode. Mike and Andrew discuss why everyone should read St. Augustine, where to begin with his works, and why his writings are so relevant for us today. Mike beautifully captures the heart of St. Augustine, and Mike's passion for this great saint is infectious to all who listen. We highly recommend this episode and Mike's books for those who know little about St. Augustine or for those who are lifelong devotees and want to learn more. SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode of the Ignatius Press Podcast. You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignatiuspress Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignatius_press/ Music from Pexels, Gregor Quendel. https://www.classicals.de/legal
7:00 - Fr Pat Driscoll continues his close examination of the Mass7:20 - Dr. Jennifer R Morse on her article "Are the kids alright?"7:40 - Mike Aquilina on the early church fathers
Romans 12: 3-5: From Pieces to Purpose - Pastor Bryan Thiel-Aquilina (07/19/2026) by Word of Life Assembly of God
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7:00 - Open Mic7:20 - Dr Randall Smith on his latest article7:40 - Mike Aquilina on St Leo
In light of Pope Leo XIV publishing the first encyclical of his pontificate, "Magnifica Humanitas," Father Dave welcomes church historian Mike Aquilina to unpack the importance of papal encyclicals through the years.
Staff Meeting: The Difference Made From Serving With Determination - Pastor Bryan Thiel-Aquilina (06/09/2026) by Word of Life Assembly of God
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor reflect on St. Joseph as a model of prudence, describing him as a man whose prayerful reflection naturally led to decisive action. The post SJ9 – A Brief Reflection on Prudence – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss St. Joseph and the role he had in Jesus' religious formation and "the finding in the Temple." The post SJ8 – Handing on the Passover – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
7:00 - Todd and Ellen discuss the news from a Catholic perspective7:20 - Mike Aquilina highlights the life of St Cyril of Alexandria7:40 - Adriana Gonzalez covers "That They May Be One.'
Joseph and His Work – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore how St. Joseph's life reveals the sacred dignity of ordinary labor and the spiritual meaning of daily work. Through the example of St. Joseph, Christianity transformed the understanding of work into something noble and holy. ... Read more The post SJ7 – Joseph and His Work – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss St. Joseph and his the Holy Family's flight into Egypt this Discenring Hearts Podcast The post SJ6 – Flight from Herod – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina joins me again, this time to discuss St. Stephen in our "Great Men of the Bible" series. Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulus - Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio - The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mike Aquilina explores the four angelic visitations to St. Joseph in Matthew's Gospel, presenting them as unusually sustained encounters that guide Joseph's decisions at critical moments. The post SJ5 – Joseph and His Angels – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina, one of the foremost experts on the Church fathers, joins me to discuss our first Pope, St. Peter, in our "Great Men of the Bible" series. Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe - Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulus - Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio - The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle Want to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Mary and Joseph's marriage and his challenge with her pregnancy in this Discenring Hearts Podcast The post SJ4 – Marriage Amid The Madness – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Todd and Ellen look at the news from a Catholic perspective, Mike Aquilina covers St. Augustine, and Gina Christian talks on how the Artemis mission inspired unity.
Prosperity and It’s Price – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina explores the broader world Joseph lived in, including the complex figure of Herod the Great—an accomplished but deeply troubled ruler whose achievements brought prosperity while his paranoia and cruelty alienated his people. He also explains the challenge of reconstructing Joseph's ... Read more The post SJ3 – Prosperity and It’s Price – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the historical and cultural setting surrounding the birth and early life of St. Joseph, placing him within a small, quiet Nazareth shaped by hope and rooted in the promises to Israel. The post SJ2 – Joseph and His King – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor begin this series on the life and times of St. Joseph with a discussion on his ancestry. The post SJ1 – St. Joseph’s World – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina discusses how early Christian leaders upheld the dignity of human life in a culture where infanticide and abortion were common and widely accepted. The post ROF10 – Defending Human Life – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss how the Church Fathers presented marriage and family life as sacred gifts in sharp contrast to pagan Rome, where women were often treated as property, children could be discarded, and marriage was frequently marked by exploitation, instability, and distrust. The post ROF9 – Sexuality, Marriage, Contraception – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina on the biblical foundations of the papacy, the witness of the Church Fathers, and how the authority of the bishop of Rome developed and was recognized in the early Christian Church. The post ROF8 – The Papacy: The Apostolic Throne – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Todd and Ellen take a look at the news from a Catholic perspective, Mike Aquilina on the early Church Fathers, and Gina Christian covers 'No priests left.'
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the origins of Holy Orders in the early Church, apostolic succession, and the teachings of the Church Fathers on the dignity and responsibility of the priesthood. The post ROF7 – The Clergy – Love’s Earthly Form – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina on the biblical and early Church foundations of purgatory, drawing from Scripture, the Church Fathers, and historical Christian practice to reveal its meaning as a gift of divine mercy and hope. The post ROF6 – Purgatory: Love Stronger than Death – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina explores the communion of saints, early Christian devotion to relics, biblical foundations for intercession, and evidence from the Church Fathers and the Roman catacombs. The post ROF5 – Saints in Heaven – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast Copy appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina on how the early Church received Scripture, formed the biblical canon, responded to heresies, and understood the Bible within the liturgical life of the Church. The post ROF4 – From the Scriptures to the Bible – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Open Mic, Mike Aquilina on St. Valentine's, and Kay Trattles covers the Mary's Shelter Valentine's Day Event
Hekk kif nhar il-Ġimgħa 13 ta' Frar, 2026, infakkru l-Jum Dinji tar-Radju, niċċelebraw il-wirt dejjiemi tax-xandir Malti u l-kontribut straordinarju ta' Victor Aquilina, pijunier tar-radju Malti.
Mike Aquilina explores the history of mercy, confession, and penance in the early Church through the writings of the Church Fathers. The post ROF3 – Confession: The History of Mercy – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
A reflection on the Mass and the Eucharist through Scripture and the early Church, exploring how the first Christians understood Christ's real presence, reverence in worship, and the continuity of the Mass from the apostles through the Church Fathers. The post ROF2 – The Mass: the Universal Sign – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina on the Church Fathers as the living roots of Christian faith, illuminating Scripture, tradition, martyrdom, and the enduring continuity of the Church from the earliest centuries to today. The post ROF1 – Witnesses to Tradition – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this Discerning Hearts conversation, Kris and Bruce McGregor speak with Mike Aquilina about St. Anthony of the Desert and why his life became a defining witness for Christian monasticism. Drawing from St. Athanasius' Life of Anthony, the discussion traces how Anthony's radical response to the Gospel shaped generations. Though untrained and simple by worldly ... Read more The post St. Anthony of the Desert – Mike Aquilina In Conversation with Bruce and Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina on Nestorius, the Council of Ephesus, and how early Church controversies clarified Christology, Marian doctrine, and the call to holiness through lived witness. The post VEC12 – Nestorius – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Pat Driscoll on why waiting isn't just inconvenient, it's essential, Mike Aquilina continues the early church fathers series, and Jonathan Liedl on why 2026 will be the year of Leo.
Staff Meeting: Determined to Make a Difference Even in The Fire - Pastor Bryan Thiel-Aquilina (01/06/2026) by Word of Life Assembly of God
Mike Aquilina on Julian the Apostate, exploring his rise to power, rejection of Christianity, efforts to revive paganism, and the lasting lessons drawn from his life and legacy. The post VEC11 – Julian the Apostate – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina on Arius, the Arian controversy, and how early Church conflicts clarified the doctrine of the Trinity, the Nicene Creed, and Christian understanding of divine love. The post VEC10 – Arius – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 9 - Diocletian - "Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians" In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Diocletian and the threat of a "police state" to religious freedom. Mike makes suggestions on what the Christian can do to stay true to the faith in times of religious persecution. The post VEC9 – Diocletian – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor on Celsus, early critics of Christianity, and how ancient challenges continue to shape Christian thought, faith, and the relationship between reason, history, and science. The post VEC8 – Celsus – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano's Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
Original broadcast 12/25/2024... In the dark days of the reign of Herod, the descendants of King David lived under the radar in humility even as they awaited the imminent arrival of the Messiah. A (probably young) man named Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth and would become the earthly father of Jesus - the child of Mary & the Holy Spirit. Mike Aquilina has written a book that places us in Nazareth, Jerusalem, and the region to see what day-to-day life was life among David's descendants. Mike and Bishop Caggiano talk about St Joseph and His World on Let Me Be Frank… detailing Joseph's four interactions with angels, his silence, the 1000-mile flight to Egypt, his life as a carpenter in Nazareth, and much more. Check out the Veritas mobile app
Tom Riello covers the Pope's letter on Archaeology, Mike Aquilina continues his early church fathers series, and Fran Maier on Advent AD 2025!
Mike Aquilina's discussion on Valentinus, an early Gnostic teacher whose exclusive doctrines challenged the Church and helped clarify core Christian beliefs about the incarnation, the body, Scripture, and the communal nature of the faith. The post VEC7 – Valentinus – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Discover how second-century figure Marcian used wealth and personal interpretation to reshape Christianity, creating a parallel movement that rejected the Old Testament—and what his story teaches about doctrine, humility, and spiritual responsibility. The post VEC6 – Marcion – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina's discussion of Nero from the Discerning Hearts podcast, examining early Christian persecution, the witness of martyrs like Peter and Paul, and how historical villains reveal spiritual lessons for today. The post VEC5 – Nero – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 4 - Simon the Magician - "Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians" In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Simon the Magician and learning pride and hubris. An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church: IF THERE had been supermarket tabloids in Rome of the first century, Simon Magus, or Simon the Magician, would have been on the front pages every week. His story gives us zombies, levitation, a talking dog, a jewel heist, and a prophesying baby, just to name a few of the highlights. But it all begins with a true story in the Acts of the Apostles. The post VEC4 – Simon the Magician – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina explores the complex figure of Pontius Pilate and offering thought-provoking questions that invite deeper courage, truthfulness, and fidelity to Christ in daily life. The post VEC3 – Pontius Pilate – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Caiaphas and the temptation of unholy compromises. An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church: CAIAPHAS IS mentioned everywhere in the Church Fathers, but almost as furniture—“ and Jesus was brought before Caiaphas.” If the early Christian writers are interested in anything about him, it's that he could prophesy truly because of his office. Otherwise, they don't seem to find much remarkable in him. He's the banality of evil. A bureaucrat. Yet, Caiaphas, like many of the characters caught up in the Passion story, was in a complicated position—more complicated than we may realize when we hear the story in the Gospels. The post VEC2 – Caiaphas – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 1 - Judas - "Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians" In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss the "mystery of Judas." An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church: What happened to Judas? Was it simple greed that snapped him? That seems unlikely. Thirty pieces of silver was a good bit of money, but Judas was doing all right with his embezzling racket. The Gospels don't tell us his motivation most likely because their writers just didn't know. It was a mystery to them as it is to us. And a lot of the Christian legends that later grew up about Judas seem like popular attempts to psychoanalyze him. Judas was also present for the Last Supper, having a miserable time as Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray him: “The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:24). John tells us that the disciple whom Jesus loved—John himself—asked Jesus who the betrayer would be. “It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it,” Jesus responded, and then dipped the morsel and handed it to Judas. Yet the others still didn't understand what Jesus meant when he said to Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:26–27). Was he sending Judas out to buy more food? Or to make a donation to the poor from the money box? “So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out,” John says, adding the significant detail “and it was night.” Judas walked out of the Last Supper and into the very symbolic darkness (John 13:30). But he knew where to look for Jesus when he came with the police. Judas and the rest of the disciples had often been with Jesus in that pleasant park across the Kidron Valley, the garden of Gethsemane (see John 18:2; Mark 14:32). That was where Judas led the soldiers to arrest Jesus. The post VEC1 – Judas – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.