Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 7 March 1274), was a Doctor of the Church, Philosopher, Theologian, Jurist, Dominican Friar, and Priest. Known as Doctor Angelicus "Angelic Doctor," and the Doctor Communis "Universal Doctor" his writings serve as a defense and proof of the validity of Christ's authority over all. The Summa contra Gentiles (also known as Liber de veritate catholicae fidei contra errores infidelium, "Book on the truth of the Catholic faith against the errors of the unbelievers"). The Summa contra Gentiles consists of four books. The structure of Saint Thomas's work is designed to proceed from general philosophical arguments for monotheism, to which Muslims and Jews are likely to consent even within their own respective religious traditions, before progressing to the discussion of specifically Christian doctrine.
Book I begins with general questions of truth and natural reason, and from chapter 10 investigates the concept of a monotheistic God. Chapters 10 to 13 are concerned with the existence of God, followed by a detailed investigation of God's properties (chapters 14 to 102). When demonstrating a Truth about God which can be known through reason, St. Thomas gives multiple arguments, each proving the same Truth in a different way.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of religion, or simply curious about the impact of the Roman Catholic Church on the world, this playlist is designed to provide an informative and engaging journey through its captivating past. Subscribe to the Contemplating History channel for more educational content and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history.
17 June 2026
Summa Contra Gentiles Book I: God Hates Nothing, nor Can the Hatred of Anything Be Ascribed
From Contemplating History
Fr Michael Baggot on Superintelligence and Transhumanism from a Catholic Perspective
From
Fr Michael Baggot joins the podcast to provide a Catholic perspective on transhumanism and superintelligence. We also discuss the meta-narratives, the value of cultural diversity in attitudes toward technology, and how Christian communities deal with advanced AI.
How to Rewrite the British Royal Succession & Remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (See Note)
From History Calling
Want to know how to rewrite the British royal succession to the throne, who really controls the British monarchy and how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could lose his place in the line of succession?
In this British royal history documentary from History Calling we look at the many ways in which the succession to the English, Scottish and British thrones have been altered over the past 1000 years. This will include a look at the violent methods used to the change the succession in centuries gone by, including the Norman Conquest of 1066, the murder of Henry VI, the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower and the defeat of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth.
We’ll also look at how the English or British parliament has changed the succession on numerous occasions. For example, you’ll hear about the three Tudor Succession Acts passed in Henry VIII’s time and how they allowed him to either eliminate his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth Tudor from the succession, or use his last will and testament to alter the natural order of the succession by putting them back into it. You’ll also hear about the Glorious Revolution and how that diverted the crown away from its Jacobite claimants, the 1701 Act of Settlement which ensure they would never get it back, what happened when Edward VII abdicated in 1936 and what legislation had to be passed to prevent him ever reclaiming the throne and the Succession To The Crown Act of 2013 which ensured that Princess Charlotte did not lose her place in the line of succession when her brother, Prince Louis, was born.
I’ll tell you about failed attempts to change the line of succession to the English throne, such as Edward VI’s Device for the Succession, which nearly gave the crown to Lady Jane Grey, plus an instance when everyone ignored the line of succession and gave the crown to someone not legally entitled to it.
If you’re wondering ‘can Parliament change the royal succession?’ and ‘could the British royal succession be changed again?’, the answers are both yes and to demonstrate how, I’ll finish by explaining how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor can be removed from the line of succession, how likely it is that the former Prince Andrew, Duke of York will lose his claim on the throne and why it might set a dangerous precedent for other royals, from Charles III to Prince Harry, to Prince George and beyond. I’ll also ask is there any point in removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, given that he’s only number eight, or is it just symbolic?
Don’t worry if you don’t know what the line of succession to the throne is, or who is in the line of succession to the British crown. All will be explained!
Nota Bene ~ It's not quite as simple as the presenter makes it. Under the Statute of Westminster, 1931, changing the succession requires the consent of all the Parliaments of the Commonwealth Realms. For Canada to give consent, the agreement of all ten Provincial Legislatures is required. You can't get them to agree on the time of day, let alone something substantial like changing the Act of Settlement, 1701.
Graduate Carries Gas Cylinder To Honor His Dad’s Sacrifices
“Dad, there are no words to express how grateful I am for everything you do for me. This cylinder represents your dedication.”
From Aleteia
By Cibele Battistini
Two years after it first went viral, a young Brazilian student's tribute to his father's hard work continues to move millions around the world.
Even though it happened in 2024, the emotional story of Lorenzo Monfardini has gained traction again in recent months, going viral on social media across Europe and other parts of the world. The video of his graduation, loaded with emotion and meaning, continues to touch millions of people. It transmits a simple but increasingly rare message: sincere gratitude to parents for the sacrifices they make for their children.
Monfardini was 22 years old at the time. Receiving his degree in production engineering from the Federal University of Ouro Preto in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, the young man walked across the stage carrying a heavy gas cylinder on his back.
The object was far from being a simple prop. It represented the 26 years of work and dedication of his father, Jefferson Gomes Monfardini. His father built his career in the commercial sector of a gas company to guarantee better opportunities for his family.
Visibly moved, Monfardini transformed that instant into a public homage of gratitude. Explaining the meaning behind the gesture, he said, “Dad, there are no words to express how grateful I am for everything you do for me. This cylinder represents your dedication.” The scene moved family members, colleagues, and thousands of internet users, who rapidly shared the video on social media.
A powerful symbol of family sacrifice
The story resonated deeply because it speaks directly to the reality of millions of families. Many mothers and fathers face exhausting work hours, financial difficulties, and countless challenges to provide education and opportunities for their children; Monfardini's gesture gave visibility to this frequently silent sacrifice. Behind every diploma, there are often years of self-denial, effort, and hard work by parents who put their children's dreams above their own.
For Christians, the young man’s attitude also brings to mind the Fourth Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.” More than just using words, Monfardini chose to express his gratitude through a concrete action; he publicly recognized the love and dedication he has received throughout his life.
Our society is often marked by individualism and the constant search for personal recognition. In this context, his tribute serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, respect, and valuing the family.
Not by chance, thousands of comments praised the beauty of the gesture. One message summarized the feelings of many viewers: “Honoring your father and mother is the first step to becoming a successful human being.” The phrase echoes the lesson left by the young graduate: Personal achievements gain an even greater meaning when we recognize the people who walked by our side and made each step of the journey possible.
Two years later, the story continues to move people. This is because it speaks to universal values that never age: love, sacrifice, gratitude, and family. In times filled with so much difficult news, Lorenzo Monfardini’s gesture remains a powerful testimony that recognizing our parents' efforts is still one of the most beautiful ways to honor them.
Bombshell! Pope Leo Finally Speaks About The SSPX
Pope Leo's statement has most observers expressing shock because he is, by default, admitting that Vatican II ushered in a new religion.
Inside Dover Castle: A Perfectly Preserved Coastal Medieval Fortress
From Chronicle – Medieval History Documentaries
Discover the ultimate frontline of British history. This premium documentary uncovers the military secrets of Dover Castle, England’s mightiest coastal fortress, which guarded the realm for nearly a thousand years. From the architectural genius of its 12th-century Great Tower to the top-secret subterranean tunnels where Operation Dynamo was masterminded in Britain's darkest hour, we explore how this legendary stronghold earned its reputation as the "Key to England." Plus, journey to Belfast's historic Harland and Wolff shipyard to uncover the epic engineering legacy behind the construction of the world's most famous liner, the Titanic.
Traditional Catholic Morning Prayers in English | June
Traditional Catholic morning prayers to help start your day in a godly way! The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May our devotion to the mystery of the Sacred Heart of Jesus increase more and more each day. We've included the Memorare of the Sacred Heart and litany of the Sacred Heart. Begin your June with daily morning prayer. This video is a compilation of many traditional morning prayers Catholics say, and should not be considered a replacement for those who have an obligation to pray the Divine Office morning prayers.
200 Years Ago Mary Warned Us — In 2026 It's Happening
From Totus Catholica
In 1830, a 24-year-old French nun named Catherine Labouré was shown a vision and told to have a medal struck. Engraved on it were three specific prophecies. Within 8 days of the first apparition, the July Revolution erupted in Paris and King Charles X was overthrown. In 1871, the Archbishop of Paris was executed by name, fulfilling the second prophecy by date and document. The third prophecy is the one that names our age: the dark rays streaming from Mary's hands represent graces for which souls simply forget to ask.
The medal does not invent anything new. It visualises a promise thousands of years old. Genesis 3:15, the protoevangelium, gives us a woman, a seed, a serpent, and a crushing. Justin Martyr and Irenaeus saw it in the second century. The Catechism gathers it in paragraphs 411 and 491. The medal is not a good luck charm. It is a prompt to ask, and the gems from which no rays fall are the graces of a generation that has stopped asking.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 The Medal Most Catholics Have Never Actually Read
1:33 Why the Stakes Are Not Small
2:20 Genesis 3:15 and the Nachas
3:10 The Medal as a Picture of the Protoeuangelion
3:39 Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and CCC 411
4:30 The First Prophecy: The July Revolution
4:42 The Second Prophecy: Archbishop Darboy
5:13 The Third Prophecy: The Dark Rays
6:32 Three Practical Responses
7:36 Protestant Objection: Private Revelation
8:24 Jewish Objection: Genesis 3:15 and Israel
9:31 The Whole Story of Redemption on One Medal
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The Unlikely Holiness of the White-Collar Saint
One of them is St Gregory Barbarigo, a diplomat who decided tht diplomacy wasn't his forte and became a Priest, ending up as Bishop of Padua.
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From Aleteia
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From Aleteia
By Joseph Bottum
Sailors can be saints—as can musicians, ditch-diggers, and lawyers. Or maybe that needs to be turned around, to put sanctity in the first place: It’s the saints who can be sailors, musicians, ditch-diggers, and lawyers. Vice and corruption are out, yes. To find holiness, the assassin, thief, and blackmailer would have to quit their occupations. But all the rest of what we do, all the neutral activities of ordinary human life, can be turned to God’s service and, with grace, done in a way that expresses and complements the devotion of the saints who perform them.
St. Louis was a king. St. Crispin was a shoemaker. St. Augustine was a theologian. St. Germaine was a shepherdess. St. Gregory Barbarigo was a churchman. St. Isidore was a farmer. And why not? St. Thomas Aquinas had one of the five or six most expansive minds in the history of Western Philosophy, and he turned it to the most complete intellectual account of Christianity ever constructed. St. John of the Cross occupies a founding and inescapable place in the history of Spanish poetry, and he used his poetic gifts to sing of Christ. St. Joseph Moscati was a clever doctor and researcher who practiced medicine as a means of employing his faith.
The saints are scattered through the range of human experience like rainbows across the globe—here a sanctified bishop, there a martyred soldier. Here a blessed homemaker, there a prayerful professor. Fishermen saints and painter saints. Priest saints, and mystic saints, and nun saints, and stigmatic saints. If you do the human things well, you can do them with God. Mine coal, and Christ is there. Sweep floors, and Christ is there. Write fiction, and Christ is there, too.
This is the dignity of work, and yet, for Catholics, the fact that the saints come in so many varieties signifies something more—and maybe also something less than that idea of dignified labor. Work is not exactly made holy when done with awareness of Christ. It’s the worker, rather, who aims toward sanctification by working with God. The dignity of work is actually the dignity of the worker, who is both laboring and being with God.
All this was prompted in my mind by St. Gregory Barbarigo, whose feast day is June 17—today: a day perhaps for thinking about work. A powerful seventeenth-century cardinal from Venice, St. Gregory might be, in a sense, the most likely kind of saint: From the Renaissance to the early twentieth century, the Vatican’s official canonizations ran to a large number of Italian churchmen.
Of course, in another sense, he was an unlikely saint—a nobleman in the days of unchecked nobility. An advisor to Pope Alexander VII in the days of unapologetic Vatican nepotism. A political mover and shaker in the days when too many senior positions in the Church were considered the permanent fiefdoms of the noble Italian families, as they played the local form of Game of Thrones in their Italian principalities. Even today, it’s hard for a senior churchman to find the time, the energy, and the grace for personal sanctity in the endless press of the business at hand. But in the days of St. Gregory Barbarigo, the temptations—the lures of temporal power offered by the Church—were far greater and harder to resist.
To think about St. Gregory is to realize that you know this man—or, at least, you’ve read a profile of people of his kind in a business magazine or a Sunday newspaper supplement. He’s that senior bureaucrat the government needs regardless of the party of the president. He’s that CFO making a major corporation succeed. He’s your college president, your governor’s friend, your church’s major donor. Polished, important, organized, multi-talented, standing behind the scenes, he gives off an air that’s hard to describe, except perhaps with the word competent. A proficient man, an efficient man. A fixer.
St. Gregory Barbarigo was picked out for his powerful usefulness from early on, joining at age eighteen the Venetian delegation to the negotiations for the ending of the Thirty Years’ War in the Peace of Westphalia. After touring Europe and receiving doctoral training in both civil and canon law, he was ordained a priest in 1655—and promptly called to Rome to be domestic prelate of the pope.
The Vatican tested him at various tasks: reorganizing the papal tribunals, leading the plague relief in Rome. And at each task he proved just as competent as you might expect. Sent to be bishop of the troubled diocese of Bergamo in 1657, he successfully restructured the financing of the 279 parishes and reformed the seminary into a more serious institution that followed the decrees of the Council of Trent. And so he was elevated to cardinal in 1660 and made bishop of the major diocese of Padua in 1664. Along the way, before his death in 1697, he performed a long string of duties for the Vatican, including the diplomatic chores his polished presence aided.
He was a classical scholar, too, and musically trained, and just one of those people who seem to do well all the things they do. An important, serious, overwhelmingly competent man—who was also known for his charities, his personal devotion, his prayer life, and his sense of God. No wonder he was admired so much by John XXIII, another diplomat and churchman made pope. Beatified in 1761, St. Gregory was named a saint a long 199 years later, when John XXIII in 1960 took up his cause and made Gregory Barbarigo the first saint canonized in his pontificate.
A kind of sentimentality might tempt us to find greater sanctity, a firmer sense of the dignity of work, in the hard physical labor of the farming of St. Isidore or the life-saving medicine of St. Joseph Moscati. But St. Gregory may be the better test case. Even in a polished life of earthly success, even for a man much rewarded for the fact that he accomplished with great competence everything he undertook, there can be the dignity of the worker and a constant sense that when we work, Christ is there.
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