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

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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.