Scholars Corner

Introduction

The Catholic intellectual tradition is founded upon two essential tenets: firstly, that the pursuit of truth that underpins faith transcends all other pursuits of truth; and secondly, that faith serves as a catalyst for inquiry by endeavoring to comprehend its own nature and its interconnections with all facets of existence.

The intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church is a complex and extensive narrative. It has been a dialogue between culture and faith for the past two millennia, during which early Christians attempted to define what it meant to be a distinct religious community. The historical account traces the development of Church establishments that functioned as hubs of learning and instruction, progressing from monasteries to cathedral schools for clergy (circa 600–1000 A.D.) and, ultimately, universities (1000–1300 A.D.) The tradition as a whole alludes to an extensive reservoir of philosophical and theological ideas, devotional practices, literary works, visual art, music, and drama, architectural styles, legal reasoning, social and political theorizing, and other cultural manifestations that have developed across diverse geographical locations over the span of two millennia in the Christian faith. Moreover, it is a living tradition that gives vitality to the future by drawing from the riches of the past.

The intent here is to offer a starting point or a point of inquiry whereby you may be inspired to contemplate questions of truth, faith, and theology, which may assist you on your journey toward holiness.

The Rosery in a Year

If you’ve ever struggled to build a habit of prayer, this podcast is for you. In Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, guides listeners in a step-by-step journey that will change the way you pray – no matter where you are in your spiritual life. By starting small and adding on over time, listeners will find themselves falling more in love with this powerful Marian devotion, becoming a source of grace for the whole world.

Listen to discover….

How to build a daily habit of prayer
How to form a relationship with Jesus and Mary
The Biblical foundations of the Rosary
How to meditate with sacred art (visio divina), saint writings, and scripture (lectio divina)
The power of Mary’s influence in your life
…and more.

The Bible in a Year

In the Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes. You won’t just read the Bible; you’ll finally comprehend how all the pieces fit together to tell an amazing story that is still happening in your life today, thanks to an exclusive reading plan based on Jeff Cavins’ ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history. Click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner of the screen to continue to the next video or to review the playlist.

The Catechism in a Year

In the Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides you through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 episodes, providing explanation, insight, and encouragement along the way.

Conceptualizing Christ, the Beauty of the Church & Miracles

In this panel Dr. Peterson, Bishop Barron, and Father Mike Schmitz delve into the intersection of faith, culture, and philosophy.

Source: Conceptualizing Christ, the Beauty of the Church & Miracles, Jordan B Peterson, YouTube Channel, November 2022

Tammy Peterson: The Power of the Rosary and Why She is Becoming Catholic

In 2019 Tammy Peterson sat in a doctor’s office where she heard the words ‘You have cancer.’ The doctor told her, and husband Jordan Peterson, that this rare type of Kidney cancer had a 0% survival rate and she had just ten months to live. But it was while in hospital that Tammy was visited by a friend who gave her a pair of rosary beads and offered to pray with her. Incredibly, today Tammy Peterson is cancer-free, defying what all the medical experts said upon her diagnosis. In this interview you will hear her explain what she thinks happened. Tammy sat down with EWTN reporter Colm Flynn at her home in Toronto for this one-on-one interview.

Source: Tammy Peterson: The Power of the Rosary and Why She is Becoming Catholic, EWTN, News in Depth, YouTube Channel, 2024

What is Hope, and Why Do We Need It?

Hope, in the Christian sense, is often misunderstood. It is not the same as optimism or presumption. It is not the blind faith that we will go to heaven or the escapist way to avoid the troubles of this world. It’s not the virtue we need to see the present moment with more positivity. It’s more personal than that. In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains exactly why.

Journeying with Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a prominent Italian Dominican friar and theologian in the Catholic Church during the medieval period. He is known for his influential works in philosophy and theology, particularly his comprehensive system of thought known as Thomism. Journeying with Thomas Aquinas, exploring his life, teachings, and writings. By delving into Aquinas’s works, one can gain insights into topics such as metaphysics, ethics, natural law, and the relationship between faith and reason. This journey can be intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching for those interested in deepening their understanding of Aquinas’s profound contributions to Western philosophy and theology.

Understanding Catholicism: Ep. 01, Amazed and Afraid

The birth of Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The kingdom of God is at hand. The ancient Israelites ardently expected Yahweh to accomplish four great things, and Christ accomplished these four things in the most unexpected way. It all starts with Christ—fully human, fully divine—becoming man, a king born in a manger, not surrounded by riches and guards.

Say the Rosary with Bishop Barron

Want to learn how to pray the Rosary? Click on the three links to review the playlist. The Church has used three sets of mysteries for many centuries. In 2002, Pope John Paul II proposed a fourth set of mysteries—the Mysteries of Light, or Luminous Mysteries. According to his suggestion, the four sets of mysteries might be prayed on the following days:

The Joyful Mysteries on Monday and Saturday
The Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesday and Friday
The Glorious Mysteries on Wednesday and Sunday
The Luminous Mysteries on Thursday.