The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints

Professor Graham's course explores the origin of the legendary healing dog, Guinefort, and its connection to Christian saints. It offers a roadmap for delving into the mysteries of these saints and their historical records.

Exploring 16th-century Florentine Philip Neri, the first saint, who developed a congregation of followers and founded the Oratory for discussion, prayer, and meditation. Discover his pragmatic teaching, wry humor, and determined independence.

Discovering early Christian saints in the New Testament, including key figures Peter and Mary Magdalene. Exploring their interpretations and comparing them to historical accounts.

The city of Carthage housed a small group of Christians in the third century. The martyrdom of Perpetua, daughter of a wealthy civil servant, and Felicity, a young slave, reveals the challenges faced by women and Christianity during its early years.

Learning about Irene of Athens, a ruler who navigated the clash between iconophiles and iconoclasts, reformed the Byzantine Church, and saved religious imagery.

Medieval Princess Radegund navigated political turmoil and established a monastery near Poitiers, France, after carving a path for female sanctity and overcoming political violence in her Germanic kingdom.

The lecture explores the concept of sainthood, tracing its evolution from local recognition to the Catholic Church's establishment of an official system for identifying and approving saints. The history of canonization is also examined.

Francis of Assisi and Louis of Toulouse, from privileged families, chose lives of poverty and served the poor through the Franciscan order. Their biographies shed light on the evolution of canonization during the 13th and 14th centuries.

Exploring the fascinating life of Margaret of Cortona, a former lover's companion turned homeless penitent. Her self-denial and mystical visions drew followers, leading her to become the patron saint of midwives, orphans and single mothers.

Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian in the Middle Ages, remains influential today. This exploration of his life explores complex matters like the connection between faith and reason, God's existence, and the soul's nature.

The Kingdom of Aksum in Ethiopia is home to the oldest Christian monastery, founded by Tekle Haymanot 800 years ago for religious training and evangelization.

Christianity has diverse perspectives on sainthood. Protestant Reformation gave rise to various religious factions, resulting in novel forms of sainthood in Europe. Examples include Teresa of Avila, Benedict the Moor, and Jesuit missionaries.

Martín de Porres, the first Black saint from the Americas, experienced social prejudice while helping the poor and sick in 16th-century Lima, Peru. His journey to sainthood highlights the plight of the marginalized under Spanish law.

Kateri Tekakwitha, a Mohawk tribe member, became a revered figure despite her short life. She is now a patron saint of Native Americans, exiles, and ecology due to her conversion and asceticism. Explore her intriguing life.

Absalom Jones, a former slave, gained freedom, became an Episcopal priest, and established one of America's earliest Black churches. Discover his role as an abolitionist and the connection between religion and freedom in Philadelphia churches.

Elizabeth Ann Seton, a widow and Catholic convert, founded the Sisters of Charity in Maryland. She is now recognized as the patron saint of widows, death of children and parents, and difficult in-laws by the Catholic and Episcopal Churches.

The saint-making process has evolved with the changing world. The 20th century introduced new methods, like medical verifications for miracles. Recently, there has been a diverse wave of canonizations, expanding the saintly choir.

Joan of Arc, a captivating enigma, led France to triumph in the Hundred Years War but tragically faced execution by burning. Discover the woman behind the myth, explore her battlefield strategies, and contemplate women's role in warfare.

Andre Rublev's art in the 14th century unveiled an exceptional era of icon painting, blending Byzantine and Russian styles. Explore his remarkable works, such as the renowned Holy Trinity icon, to gain profound insights into religion through art.

Josephine Butler, a prominent Victorian England political activist, advocated for women's rights, education, employment, and social reforms, leading campaigns against child prostitution and human trafficking.

Padre Pio's life embodies the conflict between the demand for proof and his charismatic miracles. Despite being credited with wartime miracles, the Capuchin monk encountered Vatican skepticism and fraud allegations.

Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese saint, is a symbol of freedom from slavery. Born in Sudan, she was sold to traders and settled in Italy. Despite legal struggles, she became a nun and dedicated her life to public service.

Archbishop Óscar Romero, a martyr and hero of El Salvador's popular movement, was highly acclaimed even before his assassination in 1980. His life's story explores political strife in the mid-20th century and his efforts for peace amid civil war.

The choir of saints evolves alongside Christianity, addressing new generational challenges. Reflect on saints in this course and explore popular culture saints like St. Valentine and St. Nick.