This week, Paul travels to the island paradise of Molokai, Hawaii. From 1866 to 1969 thousands of men, women, and children diagnosed with leprosy were forcibly exiled to this island to die here in anonymity.  Two Catholic saints, Fr. Damien de Veuster and St. Marianne Cope ministered to them, built their houses, soothed their wounds, and helped them live lives of meaning and worth.

Join Paul in his white knuckle flight to the small Pacific island, and walk rainy and windswept paths in the rugged footsteps where St. Damien trod.  Travel across the peninsula from Kaluapapa to Kalawao, surrounded on three sides by treacherous surf, and on one side by 3000 foot cliffs.  Listen to tour guide Ian from Father Damien Tours as he recounts emotional stories of the citizens afflicted with this horrific disease, lost and forgotten on this island.

• SaintCast #58, Blessed Damien of Molokai
• SaintCast #120, Bishop Larry Silva on St. Damien
• Father Damien tours

In the wake of the 42nd annual March for Life, we revisit the life and work of Servant of God Jerome Lejeune, French geneticist and pediatrician.  The first to discover the genetic basis of a disease, Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome. Lejeune was a tireless defender of human life in its most vulnerable form, and after his incredible discovery, was vilified for his position in defense of human life.

On today's SaintCast we profile his life, and speak with the Postulator for his Cause for canonization, Aude Dugast. We learn of how he lived the virtues to a heroic degree, learn of his family life, and review his biography written by his daughter, Clara Gaymard.

Also on the SaintCast a new (old) Saint Jeopardy quiz, canonization news, and more.

•Life is a Blessing, Biography of Jerome Lejeune, by Clara Gaymard

•The Jerome Lejeune Foundation USA

•Friends of Lejeune

•Jerome Lejeune interview on YouTube, from American Life League

•Siempre Adelante, newsletter of canonization cause of Jerome Lejeune

Prior to Pope Benedict XVI, over 700 years ago, one man resigned the papacy at age 84 and was canonized a saint a short while later. Peter Angelerio, otherwise known as Pope Celestine V was a saintly monk who was chosen pope in 1294, only to resign a short 5 months later, dying a prisoner of the next man to hold the Chair of Peter in a prison at Fumone.  On this SaintCast we interview author and historian Jon Sweeney, who authored a biography of Celestine V, "The Pope Who Quit," in 2012.  He describes the difficult political and ecclesial situation in the late 13th century, the dilemma in which Celestine found himself, and the reason he believes he was truly a saintly occupant of the papal office.

Paul travels to Rome for the canonization of 7 new saints, including the North American Saints Kateri Tekakwitha and Mother Marianne Cope. Hear the excitement in the crowd of tens of thousands of pilgrims who have traveled to witness the special ceremony on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica.

Witness parts of the canonization ceremony preceding a Mass in Piazza San Pietro, with pilgrims from many nations.  The Filippino's clearly had the largest international contingent for the canonization of their second saint, and the only saint of Guam, Pedro Calungsod.  Paul interviews several of the pilgrims before heading out for lunch, at the close of a magical morning in La Citta' Eterna!

From the Cenaculum, to St. Lawrence in Rome, to Spain. . . this small stone cup has been tenaciously protected and revered for centuries. This week on the SaintCast we interview Janice Bennett, author of "St. Laurence and the Holy Grail," a book that traces the history of the Holy Chalice of Valencia, the reputed Holy Grail that Christ used at the Last Supper.  Mrs. Bennett describes her search for the Holy Grail that brought her from libraries in Madrid, across the Pyrenees to the small agate cup guarded and preserved as the sacred chalice Christ used in Jerusalem at the Last Supper.

Paul talks about his recent trip to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life.  Also, hear news of new Saint Causes from England and the story of a newly found relic cloth with 365 saint relics in Buffalo, New York.  Mail, feedback, a Saint Joke, and more on this week's SaintCast.

Paul takes SaintCast listeners on a tour of ancient Athens, touring the Acropolis, and especially the Areopagus hill, where St. Paul preached his sermon on the unknown god, found in the Acts of the Apostles.

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha miracle approved, more saints to come next year.

Feedback and Saint Jeopardy returns.  Feedback at 312-235-2278

Be my Cyril or Methodius? We naturally think of today as St. Valentine's Day. In today's SaintCast we learn of the alternate feast day patrons, Cyril and Methodius, as well as the other Saints celebrated on the liturgical calendar this week.

Today's SaintCast features one of my new patrons, eminent Baroque-age neuroscientist, anatomist, and the father of Geology, Blessed Niels Stensen.  Can love of science and religion co-exist in the same person? Tune in to find out.  Feedback, a new St. Jeopardy quiz, and more on SaintCast #141.

Back from an extended SaintCast break, Paul embarks on a trip into the New Mexico wilderness under the patronage of St. George, the patron Saint of scouting. Back with all new episodes, including stories from the back country, in 12 days.

SaintCast listener Peter Wiberg interviews Auschwitz survivor Tadeusz Raznikiewicz, from Uppsala, Sweden, eyewitness to the last days of St. Maximilian Kolbe. You won't want to miss this chilling first-hand account of life in Auschwitz, and the story of how 'Pater Kolbe' gave up his life to save a doomed young man.

Does the Catholic Church 'make' a saint? Of course not, but in this episode of the SaintCast, learn the intricate details of the canonization process from square one. Also, a profile of the great English martyr, St. John Fisher.

The Saint news segment features new on the relics of Padre Pio, Kateri Tekakwitha's cause, and the upcoming Beatification ceremony of St. John Newman.  More extras on the iPhone SaintCast App, and the Saints of the Week in the liturgical calendar on this week's SaintCast.

He's responsible that nearly 2 million Catholic men are closer to their faith and families today - He's Venerable Michael McGivney and today on the SaintCast we learn about the founder of the Knights of Columbus from the postulator for his canonization cause in Rome, Father Gabriel O'Donnell.

Yes, don't the Saints always win?  Chalk up another win for the saints. This week we profile St. Paul Miki and companions, and discuss the moving story of the Catholic Church in Japan. New book on John Paul II, and a new Blessed from the Spanish Civil War . . A new Saint Jeopardy question, saintly jokes, an appearance by the iPadre, and more giveaways on SaintCast #136.

• SaintCast #25 on Saint Agatha from Catania, Sicily

It's called the largest religious festival in the America, St. Anthony's Feast in Boston's North End. Paul takes you there to witness the sights, sounds, and festivities on the last weekend in August, simultaneously celebrated in Montelfalcione, Italy.

Saint news on a possible Pius XII miracle, a new movie on His Holiness, and feedback on San Onofre.

• Pius XII movie site
• Deacon Tom from the Catholic Vitamins Podcast
• If Saints Wrote Conversation Hearts
• Music from Notre Dame Basilica Schola Choir

Ever wonder to whom to pray to help you get through the daily grind? Here's the man - a saint for the rest of us. No visions, miracles while alive, no extraordinary penances - just did his daily duty with love for God. Get to know St. Benildus. Is Mary now appearing in Egypt? Try your luck at the new St. Jeopardy. Saints of the Week, feedback, and more. . .

• ROMCAL.net Catholic calendar site
• SaintCast on Anthony the Abbot
• Mary appearing in Egypt blogpost/video
• www.sqpngear.com
• Camino of St. Vincent
• The iPadre

839 years ago today, the murder of St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, inside Canterbury cathedral has been memorialized by T. S. Eliot, Jean Anouilh, and many others. Today we take an in depth look at the life and times of Henry II's close friend and confidant, whose life change and resulting martyrdom spawned years of miracles and pilgrimage.

A St. Jeopardy quiz winner and a new quiz on St. Lucy in this extended SaintCast on the 5th day of Christmas.

• New story approval of miracles and heroic virtues
• Becket the Movie

What do Elvis Presley, Enrico Caruso, Dante Alighieri, and Venetians have in common? They all have a special love for Santa Lucia. On December 13th we celebrate the Feast of St. Lucy. Special traditions take place all over the world.

• Becoming Italian blog on St. Lucy
• Magnatune.com
• Catholic Roundup Advent Calendar

Today, in honor of the Feast of All Saints (and Halloween) we recount a true ghost story as told by St. John Bosco, whose best friend who came to visit after his death.

• Our Sunday Visitor "What about Ghosts?"
• Writings of St. John Bosco

Paul wishes a belated 'Happy St. Crispin's Day' to all, recalling the famous speech from Shakespeare's Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt.  We highlight the lives of 4 of the 5 new saints from October 11, the Mills Brothers, New Orleans, a Catholic Pilot and more.

• The Catholic Foodie with Jeff Young
• The Mills Brothers 'Basin Street Blues' with famous vocal trombone
• Kenneth Branagh's St. Crispin's Day speech from Henry V
• The Catholic Pilot with Jeff Nielsen
• The Catholic Laboratory with Ian Maxfield

Paul and daughter Laura walk above the Coliseum in Rome, combing the Celian hill for Saint-related sites, and stumble upon the magnificent Basilica of SS. John and Paul, and the former home of Pope St. Gregory the Great. Also hear news of the miracle of San Gennaro in Naples this week.

• YouTube video of St. Januarius blood liquefaction miracle
• Bishop Fulton Sheen foundation

In one of the fiercest Catholic persecutions of the last 100 years, 'God's jester,' Miguel Augustin Pro, was executed for his witness to Christ among the faithful of Mexico.  Learn about his many disguises, his pranks, and his faithful ministry to the poor in SaintCast #128. Also, Paul takes to the street in St. Louis to ask St. Louisians 'who is their patron saint?'

• www.shopphilomena.com
• Fr. Serra's newsletter
• Brother Dominic's biography of Miguel Pro
• Patrick Madrid's DVD on Mexican persecution in 1920's
• In Between Sundays podcast page
• The Catholic Foodie with Jeff Young

The bones found in the tomb in the catacombs of St. Priscilla were moved to Naples, and shortly thereafter amazing miracles began happening. What do we know of St. Philomena? Padre Pio generates solar power?

• www.SaintsforSinners.com
• Dr. Mark Miravalle on St. Philomena
• SaintCast on St. Laurence and the Holy Grail
• Dennis Schaefer's column on wine

High in the mountains of Lazio, south of Rome, young Benedict took refuge in the silence of a cave to come to know God, an inauspicious beginning to a man called the "Father of Western Monastacism." The story of Benedict, his Rule, and an interview with a Benedictine monk. Therese goes to space, Jesus, Tiger Woods, and more. News of miracles through the intercession of Father Kapaun and Blessed Marmion. Saints of the week, and Happy St. Swithun's Day!

• St. Benedict links
• Our Lady of Vailankanni
• St. Bonaventure SaintCast

Fresh from the CNMC, we pose the question, "Who is the Patron Saint of San Antonio?" We ask that question "on-the-street" (well, really, on the Riverwalk) and you'll be surprised at the answers! More on Anthony of Padua, and news on the bones of St. Paul. The oldest image of St. Paul ever discovered unveiled this week, feedback on "the Mind of Jesus," and Monsignor Mangan answers questions on the patrons of those discerning religious vocations. This and more on SaintCast #125.

• Story of St. Margaret Marie and confession
• Story on St. Paul fresco discovery
• Monsignor Charles Mangan at Mary's Project
• Institute on Religious Life

The sacred brain of Jesus? Never heard of that devotion? On today's SaintCast we review the life of Margaret Marie Alacoque, the saint largely responsible for the devotion to Jesus's Sacred Heart, and Paul ponders why there's no devotion to Jesus's mind.  Also, learn about Saint Shemp.

• Catholic New Media Awards Vote Early and Often :)
• Saint Shemp in iconography
• The Catholic Laboratory
• Wandering Fool and the Sacred Brain of Jesus

A saint reference in Nacho Libre? Play along with St. Jeopardy to find out what that's about. We profile an early Church martyr, philosopher, and Father, Justin Martyr, as we go soundseeing at the Aracoeli Basilica in Rome, Italy.

Does a saint's body have to be found to be canonized?

• Catholic New Media Awards Vote Early and Often :)
• Santa Maria in Aracoeli Wikipedia site
• iBreviary iPhone/iPod Touch app review

Today we profile the Venerable Bede, a huge influence in the world from 'the Dark Ages,'all from a small monastery in England. From the timing of Easter to English translation of the Bible and other works, to tables of the tides, Bede left his mark on the world. Hear Fr. Z. from 'What Does the Prayer Really Say,' and from Fr. Reginald Foster, 'the pope's Latinist,' from Radio Vatican.

• Catholic New Media Conference registration
• Fr. Rick Lobs blog
• Fr. Johannes's YouTube channel
• Fr. Z. at "What Does the Prayer Really Say"

Five new Saints were canonized in Rome, among them a Portuguese soldier, known in Portugal as the Father of the Nation. Also learn about Saints and the pets they loved.

• www.blessednuno.org
• Saints and their Pets

Today we welcome Honolulu's Bishop Larry Silva to the SaintCast to discuss the upcoming canonization and life of Blessed Damien de Veuster. He talks of the upcoming celebrations and pilgrimages and what Fr. Damien means to Hawaii and the world.

"Who is St. Bede" and what does he have to do with Dante Alighieri?

• Blessed Pedro Colungsod website
• Notre Dame liturgical choir website/CD's

Today Paul emerges from 2 weeks of hibernation (while recuperating from a respiratory illness) to highlight a new DVD on the life of Servant of God John Paul II. This new DVD reveals never-before-revealed secrets about events in the life of His Holiness that come to us via the memories of his long-time secretary, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz.

• Testimony the DVD website
• Mary's Project with Msgr. Charles Mangan
• News of brain injury miraculous healing
• Fr. Jim Martin, humor & religion

Man-on-the-street segment returns with Paul asking "What do you know about St. Patrick?" You'll be surprised at the answers. Fr. Jim Martin returns to talk about his DVD "Who Cares about the Saints?" Listeners questions, feedback, a possible patron saint for chemists, and your chance to win Fr. Jim's DVD on this week's Jeopardy quiz.

• Phedippidations running podcast with Steve Runner
• "Who Cares About the Saints?" at Loyola Productions
• Catholic Vocations Podcast
• Saint Patrick DVD "Apostle of Ireland"
• Research any saint at Saints.SQPN.com

Travel with Paul today to southern California to the "jewel" of the California missions, as he visits Mission San Juan Capistrano, on this the 3rd anniversary of the SaintCast.  Follow along with photos at saintcast.org while learning about the mission founded by Blessed Junipero Serra, and the swallows of Capistrano.

• Follow pictures while you listen here
• Jeff Wahl at Magnatune.com
• Official Swallow Day celebration website
• Print your SaintCast flyers for posting here

Great news from Rome this week, that Blessed Fr. Damien de Veuster, the priest to the lepers of Molokai is to be canonized in October. On this SaintCast we interview Ken Bath of the ROMCAL.net website, about his program to bring the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar to the masses. St. Raphael and the fish, SQPN giving campaign, Catholic New Media Conference, and saintly quote from Francis Xavier on this week's SaintCast.

• ROMCAL
• St. Benedict Abbey
• The Divine Mercy Podcast with Greg Keuter
• Magnatune.com
• Print your SaintCast flyers for posting here

Today on the SaintCast live (well almost) from San Diego, we learn about the 7 Florentine noblemen who started the Servite Order 775 years ago. Also, St. Dominic goes to the dogs. More on relics in the altars of listeners' parishes, Jeopardy answers, a new St. Jeopardy quiz, and a touching account of the martyrdom of St. Paul Miki. What is an antimension? Listeners sound off on a number of topics on this new SaintCast.

• International Servite website
• Magnatune.com
• Print your SaintCast flyers for posting here

Do you understand Aquinas? OK. . I'm not the only one with that difficulty. But today on the SaintCast, two medieval philosophy scholars, Joel Lonfat and Bettina Kreissl-Lonfat tell us why he's so important to the Church, what his major writings meant, who influenced him, and even take us through the Five Ways to come to know God's existence. We also learn of the approval of a miracle in the cause of a Trappist monk, architect, and photographer from Spain, Blessed Brother Rafael. More on relics in the altar from Brazil, and why is St. Anthony the patron saint of lost objects? These topics and more on today's SaintCast.

• Bettina and Joel's website
• Books on Aquinas by Kenny and Torrell, Torrell on the Summa
• Patron Saint of diabetics, St. Paulina of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus
• Print your SaintCast flyers for posting here

High on a rocky ledge in what was once the kingdom of Sicily, this cousin of the emperor Frederick II contemplated his future while a prisoner in his own family's castle. Who would have thought that he would come to be recognized as one of the greatest minds of the Catholic Church. . .The quiet demeanor of this humble giant of a man led others to believe he was a dunce.  But Aquinas's theology and writings were anything but simple. Tune in to hear the life story of "the Angelic Doctor" of the Catholic Church, author of some of the Church's most beloved hymns, and perhaps the greatest theologian in the history of Christianity.

Try your hand at this week's St. Jeopardy quiz, and win a T-shirt. Feedback and more.

• Catholic Under the Hood Podcast with Fr. Seraphim Beshoner
• Relic of St. Desiderius
• Magnatune.com
  
• Print your SaintCast flyers for posting here

This is a brief podcast part of the 12 days of Christmas for the Catholic New Media Roundup Advent calendar, on the traditions of midnight Mass and Mass at dawn on Christmas, in Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the 4th century.

Music in this episode: O little town of Bethlehem by Kathy Fisher at fishertheband.com

This is a brief episode aired as part of the Catholic New Media Roundup's Advent calendar, on the Feast of Juan Diego, 2008.

Music in this episode:  O Come Emmanuel sung by Kathy Fisher. Susan Tangâs music comes courtesy of Magnatune.com.

He died nearly alone, on tiny Sancian island, within sight of China - only 10 km from the land of his life's dream. His dream. . to evangelize the East.  On today's podcast we explore the life and work of Francis Xavier, directly responsible for baptizing the most converts since St. Paul. We know much about Xavier from his touching letters, and the letters of those around him. A carefree college kid in Paris, he had a conversion experience that led him, along with Ignatius Loyola, to found the Jesuits. Steadfastly obedient to his mission, he traveled to India, Japan, and Indonesia, and almost to China to bring the message of Christianity to thousands.

• Mary in Monmouthshire Podcast - Welsh Saints
  
• Print your SaintCast flyers for posting here

Have you killed the wren today?  How about bleeding your horse? These are traditions around the world celebrated in honor of the Feast of St. Stephen, the Church's first martyr, celebrated on the day after Christmas. You've heard of the Way of St. James, how about the Way of St. Vincent? Our only source about the life of St. Stephen is from St. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles. However, we learn of the whereabouts of his tomb from an apocryphal work of the 6th century.

• The Way of St. Vincent
  
• Magnatune.com
• music.podshow.com
• Print your SaintCast flyers for posting here

150 years ago, a 14 year old girl saw another 'girl' in the niche of a grotto along the River Gave. She said she was 'the Immaculate Conception.' Today Paul takes you there to experience the 'sights' and sounds of the sanctuary at Lourdes. Come experience a visit to the Grotto at Massabielle, visit the tiny Cachot where she lived in a one room former prison with her family, and hear the candlelight procession of thousands. There's still time to respond with the answer to the question of which relics are in your church's altar. . and win some SaintCast swag.

• Catholic Family Podcast
• Catholic New Media Roundup's Advent Calendar
• Song of Bernadette

Is the Santo Caliz of Valencia the Holy Grail that Christ used at the Last Supper? Tune in to part II of our series on the Grail to trace it's history from Christ to St. Lawrence to it's place in a small chapel in Valencia, Spain today. Paul throws down the gauntlet in a new St. Jeopardy Challenge, Speeding Saints, a possible British Columbia saint cause, St. Dymphna, and words of wisdom from a Vietnamese Saint on today's SaintCast.

• Link to St. Laurence and the Holy Grail, by Janice Bennett
• Music by Leyenda Werner K at Garageband.com, and Monks and Choirs of Kiev from Magnatune.com

Today on the SaintCast, in the first of a 2 part series on the Holy Grail of Valencia, the story of the life and martyrdom of St. Laurence, and how he saved the chalice used in the last supper for posterity. A recent book by Janice Bennett traces the history of the Santo Caliz of Valencia, Spain, believed by many to be the true chalice used by Jesus Christ at the last supper.  We follow it's early history from the Upper Room to the hands of the Church's deacon, St. Laurence of Spain.  We read from a stirring and graphic account of the Saint's martyrdom from a 6th century priest, St. Donato.

• Link to St. Laurence and the Holy Grail, by Janice Bennett
• Music by Leyenda Werner K at Garageband.com, and Monks and Choirs of Kiev from Magnatune.com

The first Saints of 2008 canonized last weekend in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI are profiled in this SaintCast. Paul's off to Spain to visit the Holy Grail, Lourdes, and other saintly places. Stay tuned! Three religious and a laywoman from Ecuador were canonized by the Holy Father last weekend. A huge response with many correct answers to the last St. Jeopardy quiz.  Test your mettle at a more complicated question that will require a bit more thinking and research. . . on the Holy Grail of Valencia, Spain.

• Journey into the Land of the Spirit podcast
• Adam the Catholic's Theotokos podcast
• Terry Jones's Saints.sqpn.com saint compendium

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the death of Saint Padre Pio, whose Feast was celebrated September 23rd, Paul walks us through Padre Pio's shrine where his recently disinterred remains are exposed for public veneration. Paul talks to daughter Gina half a world away, visiting Saintly sites in Spain including the reputed Holy Grail in Valencia.

• Pictures from the SaintCast in San Giovanni Rotondo

Listener feedback from Canterbury and St. Thomas More, Archbishop Chaput on a German martyr for the faith, and much more. High school Physics has derailed the SaintCast, but not for long :) Coming to you live (well almost) from Orlando, Florida, the SaintCast returns with a new St. Jeopardy related to a Hollywood actor and the Universit of Notre Dame. We summarize a recent talk by Archbishop Chaput during World Youth Day activities, on an incredible German martyr for the faith, and hear the final words of St. Andrew Kim Taegon.

• "A Man for All Seasons," at Amazon.com
• Magnatune.com and music from Ensemble Vermillian
• Archbishop Chaput's talk in Sydney - Theology on Tap

Today Physics threatens to derail the SaintCast, a reading from St. Augustine on the death of his mother, Monica, and more. . . Canada storms the St. Jeopardy feedback lines, Saint of the Week, and more saintly stories on this week's SaintCast.

• Catholic New Media Roundup with Sean McGaughey
• Magnatune.com and music from Robert Rich
• ebreviary.com - The Liturgy of the Hour

Today we profile one of the most beloved and influential Saints of all time, a 13th century Spaniard, known as Domingo de Guzman. Those of us who've known Dominican priests or nuns will love learning about the life of their founder. Jason keeps the "Canadian streak" going in the answer to St. Jeopardy from last week, plus a new timely St. Jeopardy trivia question, and Terry Jones introduces his new segment on Saints of the Week in the Roman calendar.

• Saints.SQPN.com

Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, star of Catholic Under the Hood, joins Paul "in the Hood" in Overland Park for a uStream recording of the SaintCast, discussing Russian Tsar Alexander I, reputed to be a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church. Did the Russian emperor Tsar Alexander I fake his death in 1825, and spend the last years of his life as a holy monk in Tomsk, Siberia, as Feodor Kuzmich? Fr. Seraphim, a Russian historian, helps us understand the story in its historical context, discusses the recent book about the subject, and tells us what he believes of the legend.

• Imperial Legend, book on the Alexander/Kuzmich story
• Catholic Under the Hood Podcast
• Link to recorded uStream of this podcast

Fr. Jim Martin answers a listener's question on suffering and mortification in the lives of the saints. What is it, and why do they do it? Plus news on an Australian saint-in-the-making. Pope Benedict says that Blessed Mary MacKillop will be the first Australian saint. Hear about her life, feedback on confirmation saints and conversion, and more on SaintCast 101.

• Inge's podcast A Journey into the Land of the Spiritual
• Doug with The Manly Catholic podcas
• "Australian backdrop" from MidiMusick at Garageband.com

In honor of the 100th SaintCast, a special song about . . . what else, The Saints, written and performed by Dr. Paul. Plus more SoundSeeing from the Eternal City. Paul and daughter Laura are fortunate to be in Rome for the moving Eucharistic procession through the streets in honor of the Feast of Corpus Christi.

• Adam from the Theotokos podcast
• The iPadre Catholic podcast with Fr. Jay Finelli
• OntheU podcast with Steve Nelson
• Deacon Tom from CatholicMoments

Did you ever read about saints who spoke with Jesus, their guardian angels? Here's the story of a young Italian woman, the first saint of the 20th century, and how and where she lived in the beautiful walled city of Lucca. Paul and daughter Laura explore the ancient city of Lucca in Tuscany, and discuss the young Italian saint, Gemma Galgani. Our saint profile today courtesy of listener Bob D'Aurelio. Pictures at www.SaintCast.org

• Music from Magnatune.com, Ensemble Vermillian, Stolen Jewels

Feedback direct from the Boston Marathon, Catholic New Media conference wrap, and what's with the Saints and mortification? Tune in to SaintCast #98 for more. Today we cover feedback from Paul's time abroad, and play a small sample of a coming podcast live from the Corpus Christi procession in Rome. A listener asks about corporal mortification and it's presence in the lives of many saints. New audio series on the letters of St. Ignatius, and a preview of next week's Saint. All this plus a new Saint Jeopardy.

• St. Ignatius Audio Series with the CatholicHack
• Theotokos podcast with Adam

Enjoy the singing, cheering, jostling, and electric atmosphere of a papal audience in the Paul VIth hall, Vatican City.
Paul's wife can't believe he let his youngest daughter wander through the papal audience hall alone in search of a bathroom. Follow Paul and daughter Laura to more 'saintly sights' from Assisi to Lucca in weeks to come.

• Funny Italian cartoon, Italy vs. the rest of Europe

Paul and his youngest daughter Laura explore the wonders of La Citta' Eterna. The first installment takes us to beautiful St. Peter's basilica. More to follow from such saintly places as Assisi, Lucca, Venice, and San Giovanni Rotondo.

• Funny Italian cartoon, Italy vs. the rest of Europe

A listener poses the question, "Is it necessary to believe in miracles to be Catholic?" We turn to saint expert, Fr. Jim Martin, of "My Life with the Saints." Saint news on Blessed Fr. Damien, Padre Pio, and St. George's Israel connection, and Paul goes to Italy, follow him on Twitter.

• Fr. Damien's miracle
• Catholics United for the Faith blog
• PilgrimCast
• St. Francis lessons

Today Paul visits the New Orleans studios of Rob Clemenz of SaintsforSinners.com who spreads the stories of the Saints with beautiful hand-painted medals.
We learn about St. Fink, why St. Gabriel plays the trumpet, and pay a visit to a particular grave in a storied New Orleans cemetery.

• SaintsforSinners.com
• St. Gabriel and the trumpet
• John Williams at Magnatune.com

Paul travels to New Orleans, Louisiana to talk with the Vice-postulator of the cause for sainthood of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos. Tune in to learn about 'The Smiling Ascetic.'  Another T-shirt out to the St. Jeopardy winner, and a new quiz this week. Pier Giorgio Frassati's relics to Sydney? Feedback from Jamaica, and more.

• SaintCast #75  on Pier Giorgio Frassati
• Official site of Francis Xavier Seelos
• Curandero at Magnatune.com

We at SQPN are incredibly proud to announce the association with SQPN of Terry Jones and the Patron Saints website at Saints.SQPN.com.  This is believed to be the most comprehensive website devoted to saints on the web. 

• Saints.SQPN.com

Today we bring you to the sunny, southern California town of San Diego to visit the first of the California missions founded by Blessed Junipero Serra.    A look at some special episodes to come . . later this week.

• Mission San Diego

Today we discuss Orthodox Saints with an Orthodox priest, a SaintCast man-on-the-street interview in New Orleans, Bl. John XXIII and Saint Jokes of the Week, and the Saint who invented "Atonement" with a new St. Jeopardy on this week's SaintCast.

• Fr. Jervis's book on Msgr. Quinn
• Manly Catholic Podcast with Doug Mumphrey
• Shepherd of Souls and Facing East Podcasts with Fr. Peter Preble
• Fr. Jim Martin's Laughing with the Saints

Finally, a new SaintCast to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin at Lourdes, France.  We discuss a number of new Saints-in-the-News stories, including a new document about how the Church proceeds in Causes of Saints.  Why St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's Day celebrations in America will be moved in many cases, a recent trip to New Orleans, and a new St. Jeopardy with an Oscar tie-in on this edition of the SaintCast.

Today we discuss the plenary indulgence announced by Pope Benedict on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France. Join Paul and son Chris in a tour around the Campo dei Miracoli, the Field of Miracles that contains the immense Duomo of Pisa, the beautiful Baptistery, the Campo Santo (cemetery), and of course, the Leaning Tower. Visit the SaintCast.org website for pictures of the day. Fr Jim Martin answers listeners questions and more on SaintCast #88.

Today on the SaintCast, we interview Fr. Jim Martin, author of "My Life with the Saints," and his new book "A Jesuit Off Broadway." Fr. Jim talks about his work in an Off Broadway Production about the last days of Judas Iscariot, a work directed by Oscar winning actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman, starring Sam Rockwell, and currently in production in London and elsewhere. He talks about Judas, actors, and his experience in helping all to a greater understanding of Jesus and the Saints. A few Saints In the News items, and Fr. Jim meets Stephen Colbert, on SaintCast #87. 

* Fr. Jim Martin - Laughing with the Saints
* Fr. Jim with Stephen Colbert

My facebook page
Join the SaintCast Souls facebook group
Follow Paul on Twitter

Today we learn about the Saint who has been called the founder of Christian monasticism, Anthony of the Desert. What prompted him to live a solitary life of virtue, as a hermit in the harsh Egyptian desert? Paul and Chris post an iPhone commercial parody that you can see by clicking the above video link. Terry Jones of the Patron Saints Index joins us for a look at the week's saints. A saint's car recently sold in Italy - find out who in this week's St. Jeopardy quiz. And next week, we interview Fr. Jim Martin of My Life with the Saints, on his new book, A Jesuit Off Broadway.

Join Paul and SaintCast listener Jonathan on a journey to the Carmel of the Infant Jesus Monastery in Santa Clara, California, and a brief visit to One Infinite Loop, Cupertino (Apple HQ). Were they able to discover any secrets, and new projects, before having their podcasting equipment confiscated? Tune in to find out. Pictures available at the link below, in case you'd like to follow along while listening.

Find out what a Third Order Franciscan Friar and a podcasting neurosurgeon do for fun on a snowy midwestern night on this SaintCast. Fr. Seraphim of Catholic Under the Hood pays a visit to the SaintCast and answers questions ranging from Austrian food, to Notre Dame Irish football, to how Catholics should view Orthodox Saints. A SC mug to whomever shows proof of making St. Basil's bread this year. iPhone geek news, news of some new Blessed's this year, a new Saint Jeopardy, and news of the exhumation of Padre Pio on this week's SaintCast.

What's the connection with St. Clare, television, and Christmas? Why would a girl wishing to marry throw a shoe at the door around midnight on November 29th? Why is St. Thomas remembered on the longest night of the year? These are just a few of the many Saint traditions associated with the Christmas season. We've got beautiful Christmas songs from someone I discovered on a TV commercial (!) and St. Francis and Greccio on the SaintCast"After Christmas Special." Music from Magnatune.com, podshow.com, and Garageband.com

What do a physics professor, Philmont Boy Scouts, a Dominican friar at Midway Airport, college students from Milwaukee, Penn State, and Fordham have in common? They've all sent in feedback that has yet to be played on the SaintCast - until now! Listen in on the Feedback special, some biographical notes on St. John of the Cross, and a preview of a new podcast from Wales, as well as the Saint JOKE of the WEEK.

On today's SaintCast we travel with the Camarata Clan to the Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, getting lost along the docks on the way. A great week for Saint Feast Days with St. Juan Diego, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucy, and more! Tell us about your favorite saint, a favorite patron, or a favorite saintly tradition this Advent Season.

Fact or Fiction, Legend or History - who was the real St. Cecilia? And why is she the patron saint of Music? Tune in to SaintCast #80 to find out. Special Indonesian greetings from a listener in Perth. A new Blessed, whose writings were previously condemned by the Church. The resting place (s) of St. Josaphat, and a new podcast on vocations.

Yes, even the Dynamic Duo turned to the saints for intercession. Today we learn of the Slavic cleric who hoped and fought for union between Latin and Eastern churches, and whose body was found to be incorrupt, years after suffering a brutal martyrdom. Was Zacchaeus a saint? Marathon training, tapering, struggling, words of wisdom from an Orthodox Saint, SQPN giving, and a new St. Jeopardy quiz and winner on SaintCast #79.

Today we welcome Dr. Bert Ghezzi to the SaintCast. Frequent contributor to EWTN and author of 17 books, including his latest, "The Heart of a Saint," Dr. Ghezzi tells us what it takes to be a Saint. A great addition to your library just in time for the Feast of All Saints. What animal is on the San Damiano crucifix? The winner of St. Jeopardy, news of a possible cause for sainthood of a young Italian teenager, and more on this special edition of the SaintCast.

Steve Runner of the award-winning Phedippidations podcast joins us on the SaintCast to discuss his favorite patron saint, the patron saint of athletes, St. Sebastian. Here he is with his son in full SQPN regalia at the American League Baseball Championship at Fenway Park. We go over the Saints of the Week, listener feedback, saints-in-the-news including talk about a miracle for Cardinal Newman, the beatification of 498 martyrs of the Spanish Civil War, and another mug winner for the Saint Joke of the week.

Today, in honor of the Feast of St. Francis 2 weeks ago, we present another soundseeing tour of some of the sacred places in Assisi. We take you on hike down the Umbrian hillside to San Damiano, the small church where St. Francis first heard Jesusâs call, to the Basilica of St. Francis and its marvelous frescoes, and the tiny walkways and pathways through this quaint central Italian village.

It was a great weekend at the Podcast and New Media Expo in Ontario, California. We caught up with Elsie Escobar of the YoGeek Workout Podcast, and asked the question, "Who is your favorite patron saint?" We profile a young Blessed future saint, Pier Giorgio Frassati, often called "The Man of the Beatitudes," who died at the young age of 24. 

Have you ever wondered why St. Teresa of Avila is the patron saint of those with headaches, or why St. Anthony is the patron of lost things? Today we talk to Monsignor Robert Sarno of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saint in the Vatican about how the process takes place. News from the Podcast and PME convention in Ontario, California, listeners proposals about the patron of the loss of the sense of taste, the miracle of the blood of St. Januarius, and a new Saint Jeopardy.

Today on the SaintCast we have the great pleasure of interviewing the postulator for the Cause of Mother Teresa, and the editor of her new book, "Come Be My Light," Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk. Fr. Brian discusses Mother Teresa's 'inner darkness,' and the media reaction to this being brought to light in the private writings of the founder of the Missionaries of Charity. Tune in to listen to the inner thoughts through the life's journey of this modern saint, Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Mother Teresa center

Mother Teresa canonization site

Today on the SaintCast we discuss the history behind the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, and the finding of the relics of the True Cross. We go to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for another "SaintCast Man on the Street" interview to see how many know the patron saint of Milwaukee. We hear a great book review on Mother Teresa's new book, "Come Be My Light" from the Curt Jester, Jeff Miller.  Listener feedback asking about non-Catholic saints, a new St. Jeopardy, and more ways to win SaintCast mugs on SaintCast #72.

What do 'The Boss' Bruce Springsteen, Hurricane Katrina, and Saints have in common? Tune in to the latest SaintCast to find out. Paul interviews Rob Clemenz of the SaintsforSinners.com website who handcrafts hand-painted saints medals. Jamaican welcome, Fr. Seraphim Beshoner on St. Simon of Cyrene, listener feedback, and Saints of the coming week on SaintCast #71.

On today's SaintCast, we profile the patron saint of mothers with difficult children (probably all of our mothers) St. Monica. The answer to St. Jeopardy on the Irish pilgrim saint whose name is on bottles of carbonated water worldwide. Listener feedback. Is Simon of Cyrene a Saint? A new chance to win a T-shirt and new SaintCast mug, on SaintCast #70.

Paul returns from his New Mexico scouting adventure fresh with new experiences and a renewed zest for civilized life.  A look at the honored Saints of the Week for this week including St. Bernard and St. Rose of Lima.  The Spacebook-My Face community (or whatever it's called), and a Saint Joke of the week, all on the new SaintCast.

While I'm still hiking in New Mexico, we'll learn about another of the elect, Blessed Ivan Mrtz, a saint for the young people. The photo above is courtesy AJ, a scout who just returned from Philmont Scout ranch. What a beautiful testament to God's creation. 'Ask the Doctor' segment, and Saints of the Week on SaintCast 68.

• St. Ignatius Web pages
• Cure of Ars sermons
• Ivan Mrtz official website
• One of Michelangelo's Pieta's with Nicodemus (self-portrait)

While I'm in the New Mexico mountains, we recap the long pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela made recently by SaintCast listener Steve Nelson and friends.  We talk about news about a questionable apparition in Korea, feedback on the blog of someone living with cancer, and preview of SaintCasts to come on SaintCast #67.

• On the U Catholic podcast
• Bill Howdle's Dying Man's Daily Journal

Back after a busy two weeks, on this SaintCast we pray for the intercession of St. George as scouting celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first Scout Camp.  A little about the first SQPN board meeting, and more cowbell.  iPhone spoofs, the Saints of the Week, a new St. Jeopardy question, and my preparations for the a journey to New Mexico on SaintCast #66.

• Three Co-Patronesses of Europe
• Anglican Saints blog
• SNL Cowbell episode
• David Pogue's iPhone spoof

Fr. Jay Finelli, the iPadre joins us to talk about official versus unofficial apparitions. The iPhone cometh, feedback on answered prayers from patron saints, the RelicMan returns, and Saints of the Week on SC #65.

• Devotions to the Most Precious Blood
• The iPadre Catholic Podcast
• The International Crusade for Holy Relics

Frisbees over the altar? Tune in as we visit Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, and sample Chicago's own deep dish pizza. A number of great saints are celebrated this week, and Thursday Pope Benedict declare this 'the year of St. Paul.'

• Encyclical on St. Cyril
• Writings of St. Irenaeus
• Holy Name Cathedral website

Paul Calamari :-p is back with SaintCast 63 and a profile of St. Anne. A new St. Jeopardy answer and T-shirt giveaway, website for Pilgrimages, the pope's visit to Assisi, St. Peregrine and cancer, more on Iraqi Christians, and 2 Saint Jokes-of-the-Week on the latest SaintCast.

• Vatican's pilgrimage website
• St. Anne links - The Golden Legend
• The Immaculate Conception Encyclical
• ProtoEvangelium of James
• Iraqi Christian website
• Episcopalian saint blog/podcast
  
• Saints for Sinners website

On Today's SaintCast we discuss the recent death of Iraqi Chaldean priest, Fr. Ragheed Ganni, killed while returning from Mass on Pentecost Sunday. We hear a touching letter from a Muslim friend. The Saints on the Roman calendar this week, and personal notes on Eucharistic adoration.

Article written on Fr. Ragheed Ganni
Papal audience on St. Cyprian
12 promises and visions of St. Margaret Mary

The Curt Jester, Jeff Miller, joins us for our new segment interviewing podcasters and bloggers, asking "Who is your favorite Patron Saint?" Four new saints this past weekend, including a Dutch-born priest who spent most of his life in Ireland. A new St. Jeopardy quiz, a database for Saint movies, and the week's saint calendar on SaintCast 61.

The Curt Jester's blog

Paul goes to Chicago for another SaintCast "Man-on-the-Street" interview, Saints of the Week including St. Bede, Joan of Arc, and Justin Martyr.  We have a saintly profile of French Geneticist Dr. Jerome Lejeune who discovered the genetic basis of Down's syndrome.  We talk relics with  Tom Serafin-'The Relicman.'  

On today's SaintCast we explore pilgrimages. . why to we go on pilgrimage?  What is the lure? Brother Giles joins us from Valladolid, Spain, where SaintCast listeners are getting ready to embark on the arduous journey of several hundred miles.  Listener feedback on pilgrimages in the UK.

A new St. Jeopardy, with a new prize!  More saintly news, purple martins, and rebuilding data from backups on the SaintCast.

We debut a new segment on SaintCast #58, "Man on the Street" in Las Vegas, Nevada, asking 'who is the patron saint of Las Vegas.'   The answers will surprise you.  We profile an incredible man, who gave his life so others would be comforted, Blessed Damien of Molokai.  This selfless priest went to care for lepers on the Hawaiin island of Molokai, and eventually died of the disease.

On the 'Saints of the Week' segment we learn of several popes, including one who resigned his office, and was possibly relegated to a circle of hell by the Italian poet Dante because of it.

A new Saint for the New World - as Pope Benedict travels to Brazil to canonize the first Brazilian-born Saint.  We profile this holy man and priest from Sao Paulo, Frei Galvao.

We also discuss marathon training, a case of 'Blackberry thumb,' and the new Ustream technology.  Darth Vader is there on the outside of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., as a type of gargoyle.

Special Scottish greetings on this SaintCast.  We hear listener feedback of a conversion story, and anticipation of the first Brazilian-born Saint to be canonized this weekend in Sao Paolo. 

Continuing our tour of the beautiful National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., we learn of Our Lady of Mariazell, Our Lady of Peace from Vailankanni, India, and other devotions.  A listener gives us our Saint quote of the show, from the epic movie, The Mission.  Stay tunes for a special show on the new Brazilian Saint, Frei Galvao, later this week.

Paul's recent visit to Washington, D.C., takes him down Connecticut Avenue, the Metro, and out to the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the campus of Catholic University.  Join him to hear "saintly" tunes on the jukebox at a lunch stop, and to walk through the Upper Church at the Basilica, dedicated to the Patroness of the United States.

Who is the patron Saint of salmon?  Do other fish have patron saints?  A new St. Jeopardy quiz, a brief visit to the Mamertine Prison, where Sts. Peter and Paul were imprisoned in Rome, visiting Rome and Paul's Rome highlight list, more T-shirt giveaways, and more on SaintCast 54.

Happy Feast of St. George to all our British listeners.  What do we know of the real St. George?  Audio feedback from Wales and the big island of Hawaii, the return of St. Jeopardy.  Send us an audio file on your patron saint, or your favorite saint for our new segment. 

More on St. Mark the Evangelist, whose feast day falls this week.  Where are his relics?

Prayers for those lost at Virginia Tech massacre.  The Apostle of Mercy, St. Faustina.  We learn a little about her life from the rector of the Diocesan Shrine of  Divine Mercy in Kansas City, Missouri, Msgr. William Blacet. 

The Feast of St. Bernadette and one of her miracles recounted in our Miracle Minute.  The Saints of the Week and birthday greetings for Benedict XVI on this SaintCast.

Paschal greetings from all over the world in this show.  Some reflections on the Twitter phenomenon, and a cool soundseeing tour of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame.  Specifically, we visit the relics chapel where there are relics of every Saint in the Roman calendar as well as a relic of the true cross.

Pascal greetings in 250 languages - http://srbigham.com/en/index.html
Basilica of the Sacred Heart - http://www.nd.edu/~bshweb/

Are the Old Testament Prophets and Patriarchs still in heaven?  Why do Catholics not call them Saints?  Join us as Fr. Seraphim Beshoner talks us through this question, and explains why the Eastern Church does call Abraham St. Abraham.