Mike Aquilina
Encyclopedia
Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics
, the study of the early Church Fathers
.
He is the author or editor of more than thirty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); The Resilient Church (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe (1999). His books have been translated into many languages, from Croatian and Portuguese to German and Braille. The Grail Code has appeared in ten languages since its publication in 2006.
Critics have praised Aquilina's work for making the Fathers accessible to non-academic readers: "Most scholars … study the paper trail — homilies, letters, teaching manuals, works of theological disputation … Aquilina loves the words, too. But he also finds the sermon in the stuff, the theology expressed in the little things that the first Christians left behind — fading murals on catacomb walls, pottery and dishware, pieces of coinage, ancient hymns and Mass prayers, common household items … The point is that for Aquilina, the little things matter — because they tell us big things about what Catholics believe and how they look at the world."
Aquilina is executive vice-president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, founded by Scott Hahn
. He blogs on the topic of early Christianity
at FathersOfTheChurch.com.
In recent years, he has hosted eight television series on the Eternal Word Television Network
. He is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio, especially KVSS and EWTN. His journalistic work has appeared in many periodicals.
Aquilina is past editor of New Covenant magazine (1996–2002) and The Pittsburgh Catholic newspaper (1993–1996).
He was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania
, in 1963. He received his elementary and secondary education in Catholic schools in Pittston, Pennsylvania
. He is a 1985 graduate of Pennsylvania State University
, and he received that university's Oswald Award for Achievement in Journalism and Mass Media. He and his wife Terri have been married since 1985. They live in the suburbs of Pittsburgh with their children, who are the subject of his book Love in the Little Things (2007).
Patristics
Patristics or Patrology is the study of Early Christian writers, known as the Church Fathers. The names derive from the Latin pater . The period is generally considered to run from the end of New Testament times or end of the Apostolic Age Patristics or Patrology is the study of Early Christian...
, the study of the early Church Fathers
Church Fathers
The Church Fathers, Early Church Fathers, Christian Fathers, or Fathers of the Church were early and influential theologians, eminent Christian teachers and great bishops. Their scholarly works were used as a precedent for centuries to come...
.
He is the author or editor of more than thirty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); The Resilient Church (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe (1999). His books have been translated into many languages, from Croatian and Portuguese to German and Braille. The Grail Code has appeared in ten languages since its publication in 2006.
Critics have praised Aquilina's work for making the Fathers accessible to non-academic readers: "Most scholars … study the paper trail — homilies, letters, teaching manuals, works of theological disputation … Aquilina loves the words, too. But he also finds the sermon in the stuff, the theology expressed in the little things that the first Christians left behind — fading murals on catacomb walls, pottery and dishware, pieces of coinage, ancient hymns and Mass prayers, common household items … The point is that for Aquilina, the little things matter — because they tell us big things about what Catholics believe and how they look at the world."
Aquilina is executive vice-president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, founded by Scott Hahn
Scott Hahn
Scott Hahn is a contemporary author, theologian, and Catholic apologist. His works include Rome Sweet Home and The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth. He currently teaches at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, a Catholic university in the United States.-Education:Hahn received his...
. He blogs on the topic of early Christianity
Early Christianity
Early Christianity is generally considered as Christianity before 325. The New Testament's Book of Acts and Epistle to the Galatians records that the first Christian community was centered in Jerusalem and its leaders included James, Peter and John....
at FathersOfTheChurch.com.
In recent years, he has hosted eight television series on the Eternal Word Television Network
Eternal Word Television Network
The Eternal Word Television Network is an American cable television network which presents Catholic-themed programming. It was founded in 1980 by Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, PCPA...
. He is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio, especially KVSS and EWTN. His journalistic work has appeared in many periodicals.
Aquilina is past editor of New Covenant magazine (1996–2002) and The Pittsburgh Catholic newspaper (1993–1996).
He was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania
Kingston, Pennsylvania
Kingston is a municipality located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, on the Susquehanna River opposite Wilkes Barre. Kingston was incorporated as a borough in 1857. Kingston has adopted a home rule charter which became effective in January 1976. It is part of the greater metropolitan...
, in 1963. He received his elementary and secondary education in Catholic schools in Pittston, Pennsylvania
Pittston, Pennsylvania
Pittston is a city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. It gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as an active anthracite coal mining city, drawing a large portion of its labor force from European immigrants. The population was...
. He is a 1985 graduate of Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service...
, and he received that university's Oswald Award for Achievement in Journalism and Mass Media. He and his wife Terri have been married since 1985. They live in the suburbs of Pittsburgh with their children, who are the subject of his book Love in the Little Things (2007).
Books
- (2011) Understanding the Mass: 100 Questions, 100 Answers, ISBN 978-0867169492
- (2011) Dion: The Wanderer Talks Truth (co-author with Dion DiMucciDion DiMucciDion Francis DiMucci , better known as Dion, is an American singer-songwriter whose work has incorporated elements of doo-wop, pop oldies music, rock and R&B styles....
), ISBN 978-0867169997 - (2011) The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition (co-author with Cardinal Donald WuerlDonald WuerlDonald William Wuerl is an American cardinal of the Catholic Church. He is the sixth and current Archbishop of Washington, serving since 2006. He previously served as Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle and Bishop of Pittsburgh...
), ISBN 978-0307718808 - (2010) The Doubter's Novena: Nine Steps to Trust with the Apostle Thomas (co-author with Christopher Bailey), ISBN 978-1592765966
- (2010) A Year With The Church Fathers: Patristic Wisdom for Daily Living, ISBN 978-1935302353
- (2010) Take Five: Meditations with John Henry Newman (co-author with Fr. Juan Velez), ISBN 978-1592768004
- (2010) Roots of the Faith: From the Church Fathers to You, ISBN 978-0867169386
- (2010) Sweet Gridlock: Selected Love Poems 1985-2010, ISBN 0-61532-163-1
- (2009) Why Me? When Bad Things Happen, ISBN 1-59276-708-7
- (2009) Sharing Christ's Priesthood: A Bible Study for Catholics, ISBN 1-59276-678-1
- (2009) Take Five: Meditations with Pope Benedict XVI (co-author with Fr. Kris Stubna), ISBN 1-59276-554-8
- (2009) Fire of God's Love: 120 Reflections on the Eucharist, ISBN 0-86716-923-0
- (2009) Praying the Psalms with the Early Christians (co-author with Christopher Bailey), ISBN 1-59325-155-6
- (2009) Angels of God: The Bible, the Church and the Heavenly Hosts, ISBN 0-86716-898-6
- (2008) Companion Guide to Pope Benedict's 'The Fathers' , ISBN 1-59276-542-4
- (2008) Signs and Mysteries: Revealing Ancient Christian Symbols, ISBN 1-59276-450-9
- (2008) Take Five: On the Job Meditations With St. Ignatius (co-author with Fr. Kris Stubna), ISBN 1-59276-403-7
- (2007) Love in the Little Things: Tales of Family Life, ISBN 0-86716-814-5
- (2007) The Resilient Church: The Glory, the Shame, & the Hope for Tomorrow, ISBN 1-59325-104-1
- (2001, 2007) The Mass of the Early Christians, ISBN 1-59276-320-0
- (2006) The Grail Code: Quest for the Real Presence (co-author with Christopher Bailey), ISBN 0-8294-2159-9
- (1999, 2006) The Fathers of the Church: An Introduction to the First Christian Teachers, ISBN 1-59276-245-X
- (2006) The Great Life: Essays on Doctrine and Holiness in Honor of Father Ronald Lawler, O.F.M. Cap. (co-editor with Kenneth Ogorek), ISBN 1-931018-32-4
- (1995, 2006) Talking to Youth About Sexuality: A Parents' Guide (co-author with Fr. Kris Stubna), ISBN 1-59276-310-3
- (2003) Living the Mysteries: A Guide for Unfinished Christians (co-author with Scott Hahn), ISBN 1-931709-12-2
- (2002) Praying in the Presence of Our Lord: With St. Thomas Aquinas, ISBN 0-87973-958-4
- (2001) A Pocket Catechism for Kids (co-author with Fr. Kris Stubna), ISBN 0-87973-722-0
- (2000) The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions (co-author with Regis J. Flaherty), ISBN 0-87973-415-9
- (2000) The World's First Christmas: Jubilee 2000 (co-author with Regis J. Flaherty), ISBN 0-87973-314-4
- (1999) What Catholics Believe: A Pocket Catechism (co-author with Fr. Kris Stubna), ISBN 0-87973-574-0
- (1999) The Way of the Fathers: Praying With the Early Christians, ISBN 0-87973-334-9
- (1997) Weapons of the Spirit: Selected Writings of Father John Hugo (co-editor with David Scott), ISBN 0-87973-608-9