Posts by Bridget Richardson
Mugged by Beauty
George was perfectly happy as a faithful graduate student. He was shocked when he was mugged by the beauty of ... liturgy. Absent of rational arguments – he sat with the confusion of being overcome by experience. He launched headfirst onto a path of intellectual pursuit and exploration that would define the rest of his life. And then, the decision came.
This is Dr. George Harne. He is the president of Christendom College and former Executive Dean of Arts and Sciences at University of St. Thomas-Houston. After a path marked by humility and grace, he was accosted by a beautiful new way to grow closer to Jesus.
Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Read the Documents of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II).
I met some mothers… that’s when I understood the difference…
Melynda admits it. She joined the Catholic Church because she was pregnant (and her husband was already Catholic). But then, through the kindness and openness of a group of mothers at her church, Melynda came to know the love of Jesus in the Eucharist.
This is Melynda Ludwick. She is the First Lady at the University of St. Thomas – Houston. Hear her conversion story and the depth of joy she experiences in the Lord.
I didn’t want to go but it changed my life
Abi was merely going through the motions. Reluctant to step into that space, little did she know her life would be changed forever.
Check out the debut episode of MAX Stories.
This is Abi Bielstein. She works in Campus Ministry at the University of St. Thomas – Houston. Prepare to hear her powerful story of navigating tragedy and profound transformation through the power of the Eucharist.
Behind the Music with Taylor Tripodi
Hear Taylor Tripodi talk about how her musical journey started as well as what inspired her to write “This is Redemption” and “Take Care of Everything” on this episode of MAX Music. See the other episodes below.
MAX Music features musicians sharing their spiritual journey through song and conversation. Artists share acoustic, stripped-down versions of songs and then talk about why music matters to them.
Produced by MAX Studios, University of St. Thomas-Houston
Take Care of Everything by Taylor Tripodi
This is Redemption by Taylor Tripodi
Take Care of Everything by Taylor Tripodi
Our MAX Music series featuring singer-songwriter Taylor Tripodi continues with this song reminding us to trust in God’s plan. Take a few minutes to listen and remember that He will “take care of everything.”
Produced by MAX Studios, University of St. Thomas-Houston.
This is Redemption by Taylor Tripodi
Singer-songwriter Taylor Tripodi sings her new song, "This is Redemption." This is the first episode in a series featuring Taylor's music and a conversation about her spiritual journey through song.
MAX Music features musicians sharing their spiritual journey through song and conversation. Produced by MAX Studios at the University of St. Thomas-Houston, artists share acoustic, stripped-down versions of songs and then talk about why music matters to them.
Series Trailer for Taylor Tripodi
Introducing MAX Music. MAX Music features musicians sharing their spiritual journey through song and conversation. Produced by MAX Studios at the University of St. Thomas-Houston, artists share acoustic, stripped-down versions of songs and then talk about why music matters to them. Our first featured artist is singer-songwriter Taylor Tripodi.
Does travel make you a better person?
Billions of people travel internationally every year. We wondered, is it a need to authentically know a new place and people, or, is it all for the 'gram, aka an Instagram post?
On this episode of Can Anyone Tell Me, University of St. Thomas-Houston student Nhung Phan asks, "Does travel make you a better person?"
Host and MAX Studios Creative Director Darnell Miller talks with Dr. Hans Stockton, UST Associate Vice President of International Relations and Engagement, about travel and it's ultimate value for a person. In their conversation, they break open the difference between tourism and traveling internationally to stay for a while. Dr. Stockton tells about the importance of experience, reflection and allowing travel to surprise you. He mentions approaching it with curiosity and compassion while trying to immerse yourself in the culture around you. Finally, he shares who is his ideal celebrity traveler (spoiler alert, it's Keanu Reeves).
If the Jedi Order were a Catholic religious order, which would they be?
In a galaxy far, far away - the Star Wars Universe - the Jedi are an order of warriors, politicians, and mystics, who, at a glance, draw a remarkable likeness to some Catholic religious orders.
On this episode of Can Anyone Tell Me, University of St. Thomas-Houston student Edgardo Giron asks, "If the Jedi Order was a Catholic religious order, which one would they be?"
Host and MAX Studios Creative Director Darnell Miller talks with Dr. Thomas Harmon, UST Scanlan Foundation Chair of Theology, Director of the Masters in Evangelization and Culture program, and Associate Director of Catholic Studies, about just that - Jedi and Catholic religious orders.
In their conversation, they dig into the similarities and differences between Catholic religious and Jedi including their acts of service, healing, and obedience. Dr. Harmon describes how each understand detachment and the role of community. They also look at some specific Jedi and try to pair them with a real-life religious order. All in all, they talk about why conversations about where theology and culture meet matter.
Is laughter what makes us human?
Laughter is part of the human experience, baked into our DNA, explored for thousands of years, from the ancient Greek playwrights to our standup comics of today.
On this episode of a new series by MAX Studios, Can Anyone Tell Me, Abi Bielstein asks "Is laughter what makes us human?". Host and MAX Studios Creative Director Darnell Miller is our guide into this complex question.
Dr. Shivas Amin, associate professor of Biology at University of St. Thomas (UST), talks about whether laughter sets us apart from other animals or what he thinks sets humans apart from a biological perspective.
Then Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta, professor of Theology at UST, talks about what our laughter and humor reveals about our nature and how God created us in His image.
If you prefer a podcast version subscribe in your favorite app.
Learn more about Dr. Shivas Amin, and Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta.
