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The Summa Theologica is a masterpiece in the Catholic lexicon.  St. Thomas Aquinas beautifully lays out a logical way of understanding God and our faith.  Our episode today specifically concerns his proofs of the existence of God.  Using human reasoning and our understanding of the world around us, St. Thomas expertly explains this deepest of mysteries.  To help us understand these concepts better, Fr. Hightower has joined Nicholas for an in-depth and relevant discussion.  

In 2022, St Francis Xavier Parish was blessed by the arrival of Father Paul Cochran.  In his time here he has proven vital to our community.  Whether delivering moving homilies or mentoring the faithful, his service to this parish has earned him the love of its congregation.  The path that brought him to us is a fascinating one, full of lessons and inspiration.  In this episode, Nicholas has the honor of sitting down with this wonderful man to discuss his story, his faith, and his dedication to his vocation.

Throughout history, the Holy Spirit has moved our faith to greater understanding of God's remit for us.   As our society has evolved over the last century, the ways in which women participate in and shape our faith have expanded and become more prominent.  From the heroines of the Old Testament to the devoted disciples of Christ, women have walked with the Spirit in a myriad of ways.  In this episode, Fr Pat Conroy sits down with Nicholas to look back at the contributions of women to the Church and look forward to the potentials of our future.

Catholicism has a deep tradition of faith and science, but scientific approaches rarely allow for the role of God in our observations of the physical universe.  Fr Ed Kohler proposes a new paradigm to unify hard science with our understanding of God's creation.  Part theology, part physics, Divine Mechanics provide a bridge between the two.  

Further explorations of the world of Divine Mechanics can be found at Fr Kohler's YouTube channel: Paul Francis Ministry

1.4 billion voices lifted in joy on May 8th when the announcement rang out: Habemus Papam!  Though his Papacy is only just taking form, we can see much of the character of Leo XIV in his Augustinian charism, his missionary work in the world, and his cardinalate.  The name Leo also has great historic significance that gives us a vision of his hopes for our future.  Fr Hightower joins us to give some opening analysis and impressions as we eagerly welcome our new Holy Father.

Early on Easter Monday in the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis went home to the Lord.  His legacy is sure to be one of compassion and humanity, always focusing on and lifting up the voices of the poor and disenfranchised, in the spirit of the Jesuit charism of drawing in the people of God rather than hiding behind a veil of clericalism.  The first Pope from the Americas, as well as the first Pope from the Jesuit order, Francis brought a unique perspective to the Vatican, which was clearly manifest in his addresses and encyclicals.  We at VOX remember him fondly, and with the help of Fr Cochran and Fr Conroy, we remember his impact as we proceed into the Novemdiales.

Easter is more than just a single day.  True, one Sunday a year we dedicate our joy to our risen Lord, but the Easter Season continues for the next 40 (+10) days.  During this time, we are invited to reflect on what Jesus was trying to teach his disciples after his resurrection, to transform them from followers into true missionaries.  In contemplating this within the context of our own lives, we can better live out the Gospel message for the benefit of ourselves and the world around us.  Fr. Cochran joins us to delve more deeply into the Easter mysteries and the ways in which we can allow them to inspire us to greater faith.

The third day of the Eucharistic Congress for the Diocese of Helena culminates with a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena, a Eucharistic Procession to Carroll College, and a Benediction at All Saints Chapel.  Our Eucharistic Congress commentary is capped off by an interview with Dr. Hannah Hemphill, Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies at Carroll, where we explore the origins and evolution of Eucharistic theology.

The second day of the Eucharistic Congress was by far the most busy.  From sun up to sun down there were both general presentations and more in-depth explorations concerning all manner of topics around the Eucharist.  The first of our interviews features Brooke, a high-schooler from Helena who shares with us a touching and inspirational story of conversion.  The second interview is with Dr. Charles Camosy, a professor and bio-ethicist of national renown.  He waxes into the controversial, not because what he says violates Catholic teaching, but because what he says violates the current lines drawn in the American political landscape.  Lastly, we hear from Sisters Anne Catherine and Mariana about how hope, humor, and God can help guide us during this year of Jubilee.

In our first episode covering the Eucharistic Congress for the Diocese of Helena, we set the stage for the upcoming days.  Alex Kautzky, the Diocese of Helena's Director of Pro Life, Faith, and Evangelization and one of the main organizers for this event, brings us through the preparations for an event of this scale and the Diocese's faith formation mission.  Dr. John Ries, Professor of Theology at Carroll College and one of the breakout session presenters, shares his insights into Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical Laudato Sí, its Eucharistic theology, and its message of responsible stewardship for all Catholics.  Finally, we hear from a returning participant about her experiences at past Congresses and her hopes for this session.