In this 14 minute podcast, Dr. Italy discusses with Anna Mitchell the various misconceptions people have about Mary Magdalene, and corrects them based on the gospels.  He also looks at her in the wider context of Jesus’ remarkable ministry to women, and especially the women disciples who Luke and John most especially brings to our attention 

The story of the feeding of the 5,000 teaches us much about leadership in the Kingdom of God.  The King is a shepherd who puts the sheep's needs before his own, and feeds them with truth, the nourishment they need most.  For the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.

Christianity is about receiving a free gift of salvation -- that's true. But it is also about passing it forward. But don't you need a degree and extensive training first?  God doesn't so much call the equipped; he equips the called.  We quickly move from disciples to apostles & prophets to share in the mission of the Church & the lay apostolate.  For the 15th Sunday in Ordinary time, cycle B.

In 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.

The story about Jesus' disappointing reception in his hometown of Nazareth addresses a question asked by many - if God is omnipotent, can it be said that there are some miracles that he cannot perform?  The surprising answer tells us a lot about unbelief, faith, and the nature of God.  For the 14th Sunday in Ordinary time, cycle B.

Did 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 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.

Dr. 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 the early Christians, and identifying Rome as the Church founded by the apostles Peter and Paul.

Dr. 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 the early Christians, and identifying Rome as the Church founded by the apostles Peter and Paul.

On 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.