Everybody knows the story of Santa Claus, the red–suited figure who lives at the North Pole and distributes gifts to good children every Christmas eve. But is there any historical evidence on which this jolly old character is based? Was there a real Santa Claus? To answer that question, host Mark Wilson, a distinguished historian and archeologist travels not to the North Pole but to modern day Turkey and Italy. There he uncovers clues that lead to the truth about the man behind the legend.
This moving investigation looks at five heroic martyrs—Augustus, Clement, Cecilia, Apollonius, and Agnes—who lived during years when Christians were cruelly persecuted and martyred.
Join Rainer Wälde as he sets out on a fascinating journey through Europe on the trail of the Celtic saints. Discover the origins of Christianity in Ireland and journey with the Irish monks as they embark on their great adventure through France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
Crossing Rome takes us back into the intriguing and inspiring first centuries of the Christian faith and the experience of the Early Church at Rome.
One of the most influential and yet little known figures of eighteenth-century American evangelicalism.
In this major two-part BBC documentary series, beloved actor David Suchet, best known for his role as Detective Hercule Poirot on PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery, goes on a compelling journey in search of Simon bar Jonah, better known as St. Peter.
For those who want a close and intimate portrait of Bonhoeffer. This video follows the life of the martyred theologian as vividly recalled by those closest to him: his friends, family, and students. Included are Bonhoeffer family photographs that have never been shown before.
The extraordinary story of Catholic priest and missionary, Father Clemente Vismara, is told in this compelling documentary.
Francis and Clare of Assisi — two figures of the Middle Ages who went against all conventions of the times and whose way of life is still a challenge. With both beautiful photography that takes you to the places frequented by Clare and Francis and original music with medieval melodies, their extraordinary tale is told.
A delightful and kaleidoscopic presentation of the great composer's music with dramatic biographical sketches from Bach's life.
The amazing story of missionary Maria Prean is told in this award-winning documentary by Janina Huettenrauch. Maria was 60 years old when she decided to start a new life. She moved from Austria to Uganda, a country with more than two million orphans.
Discover the secrets the beauty of the ancient Irish church as host Rainer Walde goes on the trail of Celtic Saints.
In this incredible documentary film, Padre Pio tells his story. The voice of the simple friar lives on through his own writings, recalling various moments from his remarkable life.
This program looks at Augustine of Hippo, a bishop in North Africa in the 4th century and one of Christianity's most influential thinkers.
A German nun and abbess, Hildegard was an intellectual, writer, composer, and artist. She wrote about music, art, medicine, natural history and theology. Her musical compositions are being played to this day. Hildegard is remembered also for her visions, which she wrote about in great detail. She was a renaissance woman far ahead of her time.
This program looks at Teresa of Avila, one of the most colorful mystics of the Medieval Period.
This documentary is a profile of the life and times of Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI.
The story of Roger Williams, who founded the state of Rhode Island and the Baptist movement in America.
Explore the conversion story of one of the most significant figures in church history and learn about his struggle to find answers amid a sea of competing voices. Travel with host Mike Aquilina to fourth-century Rome and Milan to discover why St. Augustine has become a “Voice for All Generations.”
It's an idea inspired by Pope John Paul II. “Be the saints of the new millennium,” he told us. But before we can be saints, we need to know the saints. And so, it began: a pilgrimage through Germany and Italy with almost 100 Canadian university students, with visits in the towns, homes, and places of prayer of some of the saints of the Catholic Church. And the more we traveled, the more clear the picture became - there is a resemblance between holy lives lived and lives living for the holy.
Since the early 1990s Christians all over the world have been singing the songs of modern-day psalmist, Dennis Jernigan. His music and ministry, sparked by his lifelong struggle with homosexuality and the healing that came through his relationship with Jesus Christ, have led him on a remarkable journey of redemption.
For the first time an exclusive visit behind Vatican walls records the history, traditions and daily life of the smallest army in the world, the Swiss Guard, whose duty is to defend the Holy Father at any cost, giving their own lives if necessary. The film captures the highlights of a typical year for the Swiss Guard, including their ceremonial duties as well as some more intimate moments. Here is their story through the lives of the members of the Swiss Guard, offering a window on the Vatican not seen before.
This documentary features two programs. First, St. Clare of Assisi reveals the extraordinary life of St. Clare, a woman who reached the highest summits of Christian mysticism, who knew how to defend her decisions alone and who built a social reality that still challenges the centuries. The second program, included as a bonus, is Poor Clares: A Hidden Presence. More than twenty thousand women today follow the example of Clare of Assisi in monasteries scattered throughout the world - the cloistered convent, a city in prayer and a hidden presence with a love with reserve for all of humanity.
Dave Tennant takes the viewer on an emotionally moving and visually dramatic rendition of the life of Ireland's Patron Saint.