Catholic Saints
Augustine Institute
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the men and women the Catholic Church officially recognize as saints? In these interviews, scripture scholars from the Augustine Institute dive into the lives of the Saints to help all the faithful come to a deeper understanding of those heroic men and women who have been transformed by the love of God. In this Catholic podcast, learn about St. Augustine, St. Monica, St. Philip Neri, St. Catherine of Siena, and many more.
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Help us share the truth and beauty of the Gospel and reach Catholics worldwide. Become an Augustine Institute Mission Circle Partner. Join the Mission Circle today!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 20, 2026 • 23min
St. Cuthbert
Dr. Elizabeth Klein, a Scripture scholar, offers historical and theological context on St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne. She explores his life as monk, hermit, and bishop. Topics include Lindisfarne’s monastic world, beloved miracles with otters and birds, surviving relics and writings, and lessons on patience, pastoral care, and trusting providence.
Mar 19, 2026 • 21min
St. Joseph, Part 1: Old and New
A four-part dive into Saint Joseph begins by pairing him with his Old Testament namesake. They trace shared themes: dreams as divine guidance, betrayal and providential rescue, chastity and protective fatherhood, and Joseph’s growing veneration in Church history. Conversations link Genesis images to New Testament portrayals and explain why devotion to Joseph is surging today.
Mar 17, 2026 • 22min
St. Patrick
Dr. Elizabeth Klein, a scripture scholar and theologian, offers scholarly commentary on St. Patrick. She traces his capture and conversion, his return to preach in dangerous territory, and his writings like the Confession. The conversation also tackles myths about snakes and the shamrock, Patrick's Trinitarian witness, and how suffering shaped his ministry.
Mar 10, 2026 • 17min
St. Simplicius
Dr. Jean-Paul Juge, a scholar of patristics and early Christological debates, provides concise historical perspective. He explores Pope Simplicius navigating the fall of the Western Empire, dealing with an Arian ruler, and defending Rome's primacy after Chalcedon. He also covers Simplicius's role in the monophysite conflict, the violent aftermath in Constantinople, and lessons of courage and fidelity.
17 snips
Mar 7, 2026 • 24min
Sts. Perpetua & Felicity
Dr. Elizabeth Klein, a Scripture scholar who specializes in early Christian texts, explores Perpetua and Felicity. She traces their North African context and why that region shaped early theology. She highlights Perpetua’s rare prison diary, vivid visions, and the Passion text’s uniqueness. She also examines baptism, Eucharist, and the image of martyrdom as a second baptism.
12 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 21min
St. David
Dr. James Prothro, a New Testament and biblical interpretation professor, explains why Old Testament figures are venerated and how David models faithful leadership. He discusses David as a precursor to Christ, the Goliath story as bold faith, David’s sin and repentance, and practical ways to read David and pray the Psalms.
9 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 28min
St. Polycarp
Dr. Ben Akers, Scripture scholar and Augustine Institute leader, offers historical and theological perspective on St. Polycarp, a second-century bishop and martyr. He explores Polycarp's link to John the Apostle, battles with early heresies, the Easter dating dispute with Rome, the preservation of early letters, and the vivid eyewitness account of Polycarp's martyrdom.
Feb 14, 2026 • 21min
Saints Cyril & Methodius
Dr. Elizabeth Klein, Scripture scholar and Augustine Institute professor, guides listeners through the lives of brothers Cyril and Methodius. They discuss the invention of the Glagolitic/Cyrillic script to translate Scripture. Conversations cover missions to the Khazars, debates with German missionaries, papal approval in Rome, and how language shapes liturgy and mission.
Feb 12, 2026 • 17min
Abitinian Martyrs
Dr. Elizabeth Klein, a Scripture scholar of early Christian martyrdom and North African Christianity, explores the 49 Abitinian martyrs. She recounts their arrest during Sunday worship and the centrality of the Eucharist. The conversation traces Diocletian's persecution, Roman trial practices, and why communal liturgy mattered to these Christians.
6 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 11min
St. Scholastica
A lively look at St. Scholastica, sister of St. Benedict, and her monastic life. Short stories about twin monasteries and their yearly farmhouse meetings. A dramatic retelling of her final prayer and its meaning. Reflections on charity, hospitality, and how holy families shape vocations.
