The Spirit & The Bride

Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church: Part 1

Dr. Alan Schreck introduces what is considered the central document of the Second Vatican Council: The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, or Lumen Gentium. He explores the teaching of its first two chapters on "The Mystery of the Church" and "The People of God."

Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation: Part 2

Dr. Alan Schreck discusses the last four chapters of the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, or Dei Verbum. He explains the Church’s understanding of the Bible, as well as Scripture’s role in the life of the Church. He also talks about how Catholics are called to read and study the Bible as essential spiritual nourishment and as the “soul” of Catholic theology, preaching, and catechesis.

Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation: Part 1

Dr. Schreck talks about the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, or Dei Verbum. He explores how and why God reveals himself through natural and divine revelation, as well as how this revelation is preserved and proclaimed through both Scripture and Tradition. 

Vatican II’s Constitution on Sacred Liturgy: Part 2

Dr. Schreck continues his discussion on Sacrosanctam Concilium. He explores the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist and other sacraments. He also talks about the importance of the Mass; the liturgical year and feast days; the role of language, music, and art in liturgy; and more. 

Vatican II’s Constitution on Sacred Liturgy: Part 1

Dr. Schreck discusses how Jesus Christ is present in the sacred liturgy, the role of the faithful in the Church’s worship, and the liturgy as a foretaste of heaven. He explains the structure of the Mass and how it is both the “summit” of the Church’s activity and “the font from which all her power flows.” He talks about Sacrosanctam Concilium, which reveals how the graces offered in the Mass can be most fully and fruitfully received.

The Authority of Vatican II

What is the authority of the Second Vatican Council? Dr. Schreck addresses the concerns of those who question the Council’s validity. He introduces the first document of Vatican II—the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy—and the renewal of the liturgy.

Pope St. John XXIII and the Purpose of the Second Vatican Council

Why was the Second Vatican Council held? What was its purpose? Dr. Schreck discusses the life of Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli who, as Pope John XXIII, called the 21st ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. Dr. Schreck also explores the pope’s opening speech to convoke the Council on October 11, 1962.

Intro: What is The Spirit and the Bride?

Dr. Alan Schreck, professor emeritus of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, introduces himself and his podcast series, The Spirit and the Bride. This title, taken from Revelation 22:17, refers to both the Holy Spirit—a “spring of water welling up to eternal life” (Jn 4:14)—and the Bride of Christ, which is the Church (Eph 5:21-32). Dr. Schreck introduces the podcast’s first series on the Second Vatican Council and how, under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, it addressed the nature of the Catholic Church and its mission in the world today.