Best Divine Mercy University Podcasts (2025)

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WOF 520: Defending Religious Freedom 36:35

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15h ago36:35

36:35

Religious freedom, especially for Christians, is under attack across the globe, including in the West–including right here in the United States. Whether insidiously in the form of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that block Christians from employment and advancement opportunities, or, overtly, like vandalism against churches, or, in some p…

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WOF 519: The Queen of the Sciences (8 of 12) 20:51

8d ago20:51

20:51

Theology is the queen of the sciences. It is not just one science among many but the principal organizing science. If it is taken out of this central organizing place, something else will take its place. In this lesson, Bishop Barron helps us understand why Newman thought theology was of crucial importance in education. Topics Covered: Theology as …

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WOF 518: What Is the Christian Way of Caring for the Poor? 42:22

15d ago42:22

42:22

Poverty is not only a complex problem to address economically–not to mention sociologically, psychologically, and culturally; it is also often caught up in political and ideological currents, both domestically and internationally, that run counter to a Catholic understanding of human dignity and the common good. So what, then, is the authentically …

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WOF 517: The Idea of a University (7 of 12) 20:40

22d ago20:40

20:40

Newman's articulation of the nature of university education in his The Idea of a University is crucial today in that a polytechnic model has replaced classical liberal education and theology has been exiled from most institutions. Topics Covered: Why theology is a science Why secularism destroys the university Oxford ideal Links: Read: Fifteen Se…

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WOF 516: How to Have a Civil Debate in a Polarized World 40:31

29d ago40:31

40:31

Charlie Kirk's assassination revealed a disturbing new cultural and political reality for those who share any of Kirk's views: it is possible, in our day and age, to be shot for speaking your mind. How can we recover from this dark event, whose effects have reverberated across the globe? How can we reclaim the possibility of disagreement with each …

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WOF 515: Developments Contrasted with Corruptions (6 of 12) 22:40

1M ago22:40

22:40

In this lesson, Bishop Barron explains how Newman distinguishes between doctrinal development and corruption. A thorough explanation of this crucial issue requires a robust presentation of Newman's seven notes. Bishop Barron does just that! Topics Covered: Doctrinal development and corruption The Seven Notes Examples of doctrinal development and co…

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WOF 514: Celebrating St. John Henry Newman Becoming a Doctor of the Church 40:31

1M ago40:31

40:31

Pope Leo XIV has recently formally declared St. John Henry Newman—who was canonized only in 2019 by Pope Francis—a doctor of the Catholic Church, a recognition given only to 37 other saints in Catholicism's over 2000 year history. This places Newman among great figures like St. Augustine, St. Gregory the Great, St. Jerome, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. T…

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On the Word of God (Dei Verbum - Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation) 1:04:06

2M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

In this session, guest presenter Dr. André Villeneuve discusses Dei Verbum, the dogmatic constitution on divine revelation issued at the Second Vatican Council. Dr. Villeneuve is Associate Professor of Old Testament & Biblical Languages at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. The music in the introduction and close of this podcast is provided by…

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WOF 513: The Play of Lively Minds (5 of 12) 21:59

2M ago21:59

21:59

Newman thinks that the fullness of an idea can best be manifested when it enters the play of lively minds. It grows and develops through the Church. Newman's organic imagery opens up an interesting way of thinking about the difference between development and corruption in matters of doctrine. Topics Covered: The unveiling of ideas through the livel…

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WOF 512: The Development of Christian Doctrine (4 of 12) 21:00

2M ago21:00

21:00

Newman's Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine is perhaps his greatest contribution to theology. In this essay, Newman considers why "development" is an important lens through which to understand the Church and her teachings. Topics Covered: How ideas and doctrines tend to evolve over time How Newman avoids historicism The inexhaustible …

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WOF 511: Newman as a Catholic (3 of 12) 21:07

2M ago21:07

21:07

In this lesson, Bishop Barron explains what led Newman to enter the Roman Catholic Church. Newman's study of Church history was part of it, giving a personal tinge to his famous quote: "To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant." Topics Covered: Newman's study of the Fourth Century theological controversies Newman's suspicion of the Via Me…

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WOF 510: Newman as an Anglican (2 of 12) 21:03

2M ago21:03

21:03

In this lesson, Bishop Barron presents Newman's autobiographical Apologia Pro Vita Sua, focusing on Newman's years as an Anglican prior to his conversion to the Catholic Church. Topics Covered: The Oxford Movement Newman's study of the Arian Controversy The Via Media Tract 90 Links: Podcast: WOF 509: The Importance of John Henry Newman Article…

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WOF 509: The Importance of St. John Henry Newman (1 of 12) 20:17

3M ago20:17

20:17

In this lesson, Bishop Barron introduces St. John Henry Newman and explains his theological significance in his own day and ours. He is a pivotal player in Church history, being compared to St. Thomas Aquinas for his brilliance. Topics Covered: Major themes in Newman's writings Biography of St. John Henry Newman Influence on Vatican II Apologia Pro…

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WOF 508: How to Build on Conversion Momentum 19:17

3M ago19:17

19:17

We recently looked at some of the reasons that may be contributing to the resurgence or interest in Catholicism out in the culture. Today, we look at five suggestions on how we can preserve that momentum and hopefully increase it. 00:00 | Introduction 00:40 | Bishop Barron's European trip to film new documentary 02:45 | The importance of a thinking…

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WOF 507: 1,700 Years of the Nicene Creed 21:41

3M ago21:41

21:41

For 1,700 years, the universal church has confessed the Nicene Creed. This anniversary year, Bishop Barron spoke at a Greek Orthodox church in Rochester, Minnesota, to reflect upon the creed's origins. Enjoy. Link: Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on …

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WOF 506: Why Are So Many Young People Becoming Catholic? 39:13

3M ago39:13

39:13

Both interest and conversions to the Catholic Church have been surging both here and in parts of Europe, especially among young adults. To be sure, secularism still dominates the culture, but the once common wisdom that an increasingly secular society would eventually lead to the death of Christianity and its evacuation from the public square doesn…

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WOF 505: Bishop Barron's Q&A with Irish Pilgrims 28:14

4M ago28:14

28:14

This week, we bring you the rich question and answer session from Bishop Barron's recent Jubilee address to Irish pilgrims in Rome. He takes on a variety of questions about faith, doubt, mission, happiness, and more. Enjoy. Link: Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE m…

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WOF 504: The Meaning and Purpose of Beauty (Part 2) 33:04

4M ago33:04

33:04

This week we bring you the second half of a recent discussion about the meaning, purpose, and objectivity of the transcendental of beauty between the Editor-in-Chief of Evangelization & Culture at the Word on Fire Institute, Dr. Tod Worner, and Bishop Barron. 00:00 | Introduction 00:38 | The deformation of beauty 08:23 | Does beauty civilize? 10:49…

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WOF 503: Our Call to Radical Self Gift 36:59

4M ago36:59

36:59

Bishop Barron gave a Jubilee address in Rome recently to Irish pilgrims in which he looked at the great Old Testament figures and examined what it looks like to be called out of one's self into radical self gift. Enjoy. Link: Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE membe…

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WOF 502: The Meaning and Purpose of Beauty (Part 1) 36:41

4M ago36:41

36:41

This week we bring you the first half of a recent discussion between Managing Editor of the Word on Fire Evangelization & Culture Journal, Dr. Tod Worner, and Bishop Barron. The two discuss the meaning, purpose, and objectivity of beauty. 00:00 | Introduction 00:56 | What is beauty? 09:24 | What is a transcendental, and why does beauty qualify? 13:…

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WOF 501: Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist 28:14

4M ago28:14

28:14

Today, we're listening to a talk Bishop Barron gave within one of his classic study programs, the Eucharist series. He addresses Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist. Enjoy. Link: Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry th…

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WOF 500: Catholic Social Thought in the Age of AI 45:51

5M ago45:51

45:51

In taking the name Pope Leo XIV, the new pope has signaled that the Church finds itself in an era marked by tumultuous social change. The question remains whether the Catholic social thought of his predecessor Leo XIII's time is still applicable today given the radically different world we now live in—a world increasingly defined by the rise and po…

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WOF 499: Four Culminating Themes of the Bible (Part 2) 27:42

5M ago27:42

27:42

We bring you the second half of Bishop Barron's keynote address at this year's inaugural international Evangelisation & Culture conference in London. In the first half, Bishop Barron focused on the first two of four themes of the Bible, namely, creation and the God of Israel. Today, we conclude his address with the final two themes, right praise an…

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WOF 498: How to Strengthen Catholic Identity in Catholic Schools 39:03

5M ago39:03

39:03

If Catholic schools are already Catholic, why would they need to become more so? The unfortunate reality, however, is that some Catholic educational institutions are not living up to their name. As some frustrated parents, priests, and even teachers who are afraid of losing their jobs for being "too Catholic" around their colleagues know well, some…

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WOF 497: Four Culminating Themes of the Bible (Part 1) 23:02

5M ago23:02

23:02

Earlier this year, we hosted Word on Fire's first international Evangelisation & Culture conference in London, at which Bishop Barron gave the keynote address. He focused on four themes of the Bible, examined the themes of creation, the God of Israel, right praise, and kingship. Today, we'll hear the first of those themes as we prepare for how thos…

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WOF 496: The Evangelical Power of the Nicene Creed 39:56

6M ago39:56

39:56

The Nicene Creed was written 1,700 years ago and is one of the earliest summations of the core doctrinal beliefs of the Christian faith. We continue to recite it to this day at almost every Sunday Mass. Yet despite its foundational importance to Catholic belief and practice, the Creed remains an underutilized resource not only for catechesis but al…

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WOF 495: The Bigger Story of the Bible with N.T. Wright (Part 2) 38:43

6M ago38:43

38:43

Today we bring you the second half of a conversation between Bishop Barron and biblical scholar, N.T. Wright, at Word on Fire's recent Evangelisation & Culture Conference in London. We hear the conclusion of the conversation and dive into some of the listeners' questions, ranging from questions on artificial intelligence and motivations for reading…

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WOF 494: What to Expect from a Pope Leo XIV Papacy 37:40

6M ago37:40

37:40

On May 8, 2025, the college of cardinals stunned the world by electing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of the South Side of Chicago, as our new pope. What kind of papacy should we expect from this American pope? How should we interpret his papal name, Leo XIV, and his background as the former head of the Augustinian religious order? Are t…

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WOF 493: The Bigger Story of the Bible with N.T. Wright (Part 1) 38:53

6M ago38:53

38:53

Today we bring you the first half of a conversation from earlier this year between Bishop Barron and biblical scholar, N.T. Wright, at Word on Fire's Evangelisation & Culture Conference in London. The two discussed approaching the Bible as a bigger story—one that's holistic, hopeful, and invitational. Enjoy. Link: Word on Fire Institute: https://in…

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WOF 492: What Catholicism Can Teach Us About Multiculturalism 36:55

7M ago36:55

36:55

The meaning and socio-political implementation of the term "multiculturalism" has become a flashpoint throughout the West. Supporters of multiculturalism argue that societies that embrace diverse norms and values are not only more dynamic and vibrant, they are also more just and represent the ideal form of the modern democratic state. On the other …

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Farewell from a Shepherd 28:53

7M ago28:53

28:53

After 21 years of service to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Archbishop Naumann says farewell to all our listeners. This conversation with Deacon Bill Scholl was recorded 2 weeks before the Archdiocese welcomed its 5th Archbishop, Shawn McKnight. Naumann reflects upon our new pope, how he became a bishop, and some of the highlight ministr…

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WOF 491: Parliamentary Address: The Rhythm of Divine Mercy (Part 2) 18:40

7M ago18:40

18:40

In February 2025, Bishop Barron returned to the Palace of Westminster in London, UK, to address religious leaders and members of Parliament. The focus of his talk was the rhythm of divine mercy—the abounding love that arises within us when we accept the grace of Christ. Today we bring you the second half of that talk. Enjoy! Link: Word on Fire Inst…

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WOF 490: Bishop Barron Responds to His Critics 45:28

7M ago45:28

45:28

We continue celebrating twenty-five years of proclaiming the Gospel; evangelizing the culture; supporting the faithful; and inviting the disaffiliated, the forsaken, and those who have fallen away back to Christ and his church. However, over the years, attacks against Bishop Barron and Word on Fire have come from many sources, including online anti…

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St. James Academy 28:01

7M ago28:01

28:01

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Andy Tylicki, president of St. James Academy. They discuss the benefits of a Catholic School formation when done in the context of growing as a disciple and a friend of Jesus Christ.

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WOF 489: Parliamentary Address: The Rhythm of Divine Mercy (Part 1) 18:26

7M ago18:26

18:26

In February 2025, Bishop Barron returned to the Palace of Westminster in London, UK, to address religious leaders and members of Parliament. The focus of his talk was the rhythm of divine mercy—the abounding love that arises within us when we accept the grace of Christ. Today we bring you the first half of that talk. Link: Word on Fire Institute: h…

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Vocations to the Priesthood 28:00

7M ago28:00

28:00

Archbishop Naumann interviews Fr. Dan Morris, Director of Vocations about how men discern God's calling in their lives and how we all can contribute to a culture of vocations.

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WOF 488: The Legacy of Pope Francis 35:59

7M ago35:59

35:59

Pope Francis passed away at the age of eighty-eight on Easter Monday. He was the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope to take the name "Francis," after St. Francis of Assisi. What stood out in his twelve-year pontificate? How does his papacy compare with those of his immediate predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and …

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The JUBILEE Year HERE 27:46

8M ago27:46

27:46

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Deacon Dana Nearmyer, Director of Evangelization about all the local opportunities to participate in the Jubilee Year. The Archdiocese along with the whole Church is celebrating 2025 as a Jubilee Year with the theme Pilgrims of Hope! This Year of Jubilee offers many opportunities for spiritual growth and sharing of…

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WOF 487: "Ipsum Esse" & Catholic Social Teaching (Part 2) 24:48

8M ago24:48

24:48

Today we conclude Bishop Barron's lecture at Charles University in Prague. During the talk, he focuses on St. Thomas Aquinas' distinctive notion of God as "ipsum esse" and its connection with some of the principal themes of Catholic social teaching. Enjoy! Link: Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcas…

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Thomas Aquinas High School, Inspiring Students to be Saints 28:16

8M ago28:16

28:16

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Brian Schenk, president of Thomas Aquinas High School about how this community forms teens to grow in their friendship with Jesus, all while striving for excellence in the arts, sports, and academics.

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WOF 486: Celebrating 25 Years of Word on Fire 41:09

8M ago41:09

41:09

Word on Fire is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. That's twenty-five years of proclaiming the Gospel, evangelizing the culture, and working hard to bring people to—or back to—Christ and his Church. It's worth pausing to look back to remember where it all began and how the ministry has grown along the way. What is Word on Fire's origin sto…

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WOF 485: "Ipsum Esse" & Catholic Social Teaching (Part 1) 22:21

8M ago22:21

22:21

Today we bring you the first half of Bishop Barron's lecture at Charles University in Prague. In this talk, Bishop focuses on St. Thomas Aquinas' distinctive notion of God as "ipsum esse" and its connection with some of the principal themes of Catholic social teaching. Enjoy! Link: Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do …

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WOF 484: Bishop Barron Joins Catholic Voices Podcast (Part 2 of 2) 16:54

8M ago16:54

16:54

Today we're bringing you the second half of a conversation between Bishop Barron and Brenden Thompson during a trip to London. Brenden is Programme Manager of the Word On Fire Institute in the United Kingdom where he works to promote the faith in a deeply secularized culture. In this conversation, they explore Bishop Barron's unique methods for pub…

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WOF 483: Bishop Barron on the Theology of Balthasar (12 of 12) 18:31

9M ago18:31

18:31

Today we conclude Bishop Barron's lecture series on one of the most important and influential Catholic theologians of the twentieth century, Han Urs von Balthasar. Throughout these lectures, we came to understand his life, his theology, and his ongoing impact on the Church and our work to evangelize the culture. Enjoy the final lesson! Links: Full …

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WOF 482: Bishop Barron Joins Catholic Voices Podcast (Part 1 of 2) 16:46

9M ago16:46

16:46

Today we're bringing you the first half of a conversation that Bishop Barron had with Brenden Thompson during a trip to London. Brenden is Programme Manager of the Word On Fire Institute in the United Kingdom where he works to promote the faith in a deeply secularized culture. In this conversation, they explore Bishop Barron's unique methods for pu…

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Divine Mercy University Integrating Psychology and Theology for Mental Health Care 27:25

9M ago27:25

27:25

Archbishop Naumann dialogues with Fr. Charles Sikorsky, L.C. President of Divine Mercy University. They examine the importance for Christians to have therapists who understand and support the Church's understanding of the human person. Divine Mercy University is a Catholic graduate school of psychology and counseling. They are dedicated to the scie…

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WOF 481: Bishop Barron on the Theology of Balthasar (11 of 12) 24:13

9M ago24:13

24:13

Here is the eleventh lesson of Bishop Barron's lecture series on one of the most important and influential Catholic theologians of the twentieth century, Han Urs von Balthasar. As we journey through these lectures, we will come to understand his life, his theology, and his ongoing impact on the Church and our work to evangelize the culture. Enjoy! …

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WOF 480: Are We Required to Love Everyone Equally? 30:29

9M ago30:29

30:29

Are Christians required to love everyone equally? This question has recently become a matter of public and even political debate. So how should we answer? It seems necessary to ask what "loving thy neighbor" means in practice; for example is the love between friends, the love between spouses, the love within a family, the love among compatriots, an…

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WOF 479: Bishop Barron on the Theology of Balthasar (10 of 12) 21:30

10M ago21:30

21:30

We bring you the tenth lesson of Bishop Barron's lecture series on one of the most important and influential Catholic theologians of the twentieth century, Han Urs von Balthasar. We will come to understand his life, his theology, and his ongoing impact on the Church and our work to evangelize the culture. Enjoy! Links: Full lecture series available…

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Guadalupe and the Flower Song Prophecy 27:44

10M ago27:44

27:44

Archbishop Naumann interviews Monique and Joseph Gonzalez, authors of Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy, How God Prepared the Americas for Conversion Before the Lady Appeared. They dialogue about Our Lady's relevance today and how the ancient Aztec Flower Song poems are a remarkable sign of God's providence in the Americas in pre-evangelizing…