Advent and Christmas

Many cultures have special traditions for the celebration of Christmas. Polish Catholics celebrate with the sharing of opłatki. Austrian and German Catholics await the coming of the Christkindl. New traditions are also being established – for example, the Christmas Pickle. Links: You can purchase opłatki from here and here and here. An example of the […]

The Mincemeat pie has a long history with connections to the history of Christmas and Thanksgiving, the history of England and the United States, the history of Catholics and Pilgrims. Mincemeat pies have been praised and cursed and banned..promising a taste of heaven and/or hell in every bite. Links: Fascinating pages on the history of […]

From the earliest days of the Christian Church, periods have been set aside for a “joyful fast” in remembrance of the gifts of God. Not only would these days increase Christian devotion through prayer and fasting, they would also have a significant influence on Japanese cuisine. Ember Days for 2010: February 24, 26, and 27 […]

When Fr. Josef Mohr wrote the words “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht” in 1816, little did he know how it would become one of the most inspirational Christmas songs of all time and even bring a bit of peace in the midst of WWI. Links: Information on Silent Night, Holy Night including traditional German .mp3 versions […]

Hear why some call the Jesuits the first multinational pharmaceutical organization (and what that has to do with their bark) also music appreciation and a visit from the Magi. Links: Mongol Beach Party The Austrian Dreikönig Tradition and the Sternsingen tradition of Epiphany Send e-mail questions and comments to [email protected] or leave voice mail at […]

Austria was in very bad shape after the end of WWII but a renewed devotion to the Rosary brought hope and freedom. Plus, the celebration of Silvester/Sylvester and some great music. Links: Website for Rosary Crusade for World Peace [in German] Mary in Monmouth – the blog/podcast for information on Catholic history in England “O […]

Hear a famous story of someone who was too busy during Christmastime and a history of the Catholic Church’s care for unwanted children. Link: “Have come the 3 kings to Christ with gifts” by Drevo from magnatune.com Send e-mail questions and comments to [email protected] or leave voice mail at 1 740 936 4354 To listen, […]

The history and devotion of the early Nativity Scene, the story of St. Francis and Greccio, and the Neopolitan Presepio show the great importance of the Christ child in the life of the Church. Links: Photo by Howard Hudson Send e-mail questions and comments to [email protected] or leave voice mail at 1 740 936 4354 […]

Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on the 25th of December, is that really when Christ was born or is there a different reason? Plus, Fr. Seraphim tries to sing again. Links: Vox clara ecce intonat Austrian Krampus/Perchten Send e-mail questions and comments to [email protected] or leave voice mail at 1 740 936 4354 To […]

We round up the Christmas and post-Christmas season with humor and song as we look at an interesting French medieval tradition known as the Festum Asinorum and learn not only what it had to do with the Christmas message but also why your not likely to see it celebrated today! Plus, there appears to be […]

A return to the history of the papacy with a talk about the first antipopes Natalius and Hippolytus as well as some of the antipopes of today. Evelyn Nicholson provides more information about Boy Bishops and other British traditions of the Christmas season. All this plus cold Austrian churches and striving for tastier tea. Links: […]

Twelfth Night is on its way and CUTH has suggestions for making sure that your celebration truly reflects the spirit of a world gone upside down. Plus, an Irish tradition that the women might want to learn about! Recipies – Bolo Rei, Gateau de Roi, King Cake Play The Great Dalmuti available from amazon.com Women’s […]

Listen to me sing the Boar’s Head Carol while talking about how to make your children into bishops and other traditions for celebrating Christmastide. Links: House Blessings Boy Bishops Boar’s Head Carol DVD for That Catholic Show – It’s fun, educational and a great way to learn the faith! Advent Meditations “Here we come a-caroling” […]

This week, I finish my look at different prayer traditions within the religious orders of the Catholic Church – the Jesuits, the Dominicans and the Franciscans. I also answer a listener question about the role of government in society. Links: St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises St. Dominic’s Nine Ways of Prayer Franciscan Crown DVD for That […]

Culinary cultures collide on this week’s episode of Catholic:Under The Hood. Plus, hear about my Austrian Advent adventures and comments about the Holy Father’s recent encyclical Spe Salvi. Links: Spe Salvi – Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical DVD for That Catholic Show – It’s fun, educational and a great way to learn the faith! Article from […]

It’s Advent season which means snow, Advent Markets, and some advice on getting more out of your prayer life this Advent! In this podcast, I talk about Lectio Divina and Mental Prayer. Links: Advent Market Pictures Advent Podcast Meditations Lectio Divina and Lectio Divina Podcast Mental Prayer and Meditations from Carmel Podcast Advent suggested reading: […]

Merry Christmas to all the Catholic:Under The Hood listeners! Join us as we answer a listener question about “corpse obedience” and hear a Russian Christmas story. Links: The story of the Babushka Prayer to the Venerable Cross Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered; and let those who hate Him flee from His […]

We begin this week’s episode with a sound seeing tour of some of the very interesting artwork that can be found in the Plaza, one of the most popular tourist sites in Kansas City as well as a brief look at the relationship between art and Catholicism. You can find more photos from the plaza […]

On this week’s episode we have an interview with Damian Lenshek of Project Dominic. Project Dominic is a new organizations established to help Catholics understand their faith and to present that faith to the wider world. Join us as we hear about how Project Dominic is spreading the Gospel to a world in need. You […]

This week we look at proclaiming the faith in the Modern World. We will hear from Joe Campo of Grassroots Films about their work promoting the Gospel and answering Pope John Paul II’s call to use film in better way. Grassroots has produced really good work and showed the vast possibilities of modern media in […]

In this week’s episode we have a great interview with Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR about the importance of story in our lives and in the spread of the Gospel. Fr. Brian has published several books with the stories he has collected called The Sower Seeds and a book on the Miracle of the Poinsettia. He […]