Great Catholic Scientists: Discoveries and Lives of Faith

By: Guy Consolmagno, Michelle Francl-Donnay

Narrated by: Guy Consolmagno, Michelle Francl-Donnay

Two leading scientists from the Vatican Observatory explore profound questions of faith and science through the lives of contributions of great Catholic scientists.

Tracing back across 1,000 years of history, you'll reflect on the role of faith in science with Dr. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, nicknamed the "Pope's Astronomer", and his friend and colleague Dr. Michelle Francl-Donnay, an award-winning professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College.

Beginning with a brief overview of the history of science, Consolmagno and Francl-Donnay highlight Catholic contributions to medicine, mathematics, computer science, astronomy, and chemistry before arriving at the question of our place in the cosmos.

While some of the figures they discuss, like Gregor Mendel, are famous for their discoveries, Consolmagno and Francl-Donnay introduce you to a host of fascinating Christians whose work you may be less familiar with: St. Hildegard of Bingen, a beloved mystic and visionary who is also considered a pioneer in natural history; Albert the Great, a Doctor of the Church and patron saint of scientists; a pair of popes who trained as scientists before their election as Bishop of Rome; and Mary Poonen Lukose, the first woman Surgeon General of India in 1938.

The conversational format of Great Catholic Scientists offers you a wealth of insight without the stuffiness of a traditional lecture. Muse on the interplay of faith and discovery with this pair of accomplished scientists and teachers.

©2018 Now You Know Media Inc. (P)2018 Now You Know Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"Totally immersed in their overlapping worlds of science, chemist Michelle Francl and astronomer Guy Consolmagno are at the same time grounded in Ignatian spirituality. Their shared enthusiasm for science as a catalyst for mystical knowing is contagious. As a team, they are dynamite!" (Kathleen Duffy, SSJ, PhD, Chestnut Hill College)

“Dr. Michelle Francl is the guide the world needs to the integration of the material world, ruled by the laws of physics, and the immaterial world, nurtured by the Spirit of God. With the mind of a scientist, the heart of a mystic, and a sense of humor that comes straight from God, she sees to the depths of the transcendent ordinary. With her help, we can find the mystery in the quantum structure of a burning atom, the human meaning of dirty dishes, or the poetic history of dust on a desk.” (Dr. Kimberly Belcher, prof. of liturgical studies at Notre Dame University)

“Br. Guy Consolmagno is a gifted scientist, writer, and leader in helping people bridge their scientific and religious understandings of the cosmos. An engaging and entertaining speaker, Br. Guy has a rare talent for communicating abstract concepts to public audiences with remarkable clarity.” (Dr. Grace Wolf-Chase, astronomer, Adler Planetarium)

Pondering the marvels of creation

This audiobook is like a collection of podcasts. Dr. Consolmagno and Dr. Francl-Donnay chat together about science and religion through the stories of Catholic scientists from all over the world and throughout history. They are collected in twelve chapters of 20-25 minutes each, focused on areas like medicine or mathematics, but freely wandering in the discussions.

Some of the featured scientists are saints. Some are famous. All of them are examples of real people doing science - showing up at work and persevering through mundane day-to-day activities.

Dr. Consolmango and Dr. Francl-Donnay talk often of the characteristics that make a good Catholic scientist (spoiler alert - they are the same ones that make a good scientist), but they also talk about some of the characteristics of a Catholic that provide a foundation of education, learning, and curiosity which allows a scientist to explore God's creation with joy. There are instances where their faith allowed a scientist to ask questions and be comfortable in areas of uncertainty.

I use this book in my homeschool with my late middle school or early high school students as an introduction to their higher level science classes (so late in 8th grade or early in 9th grade). It's a great overview of lots of different scientific disciplines and a way to think about how learning about science will be useful for students.