What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith

by Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Andrew Swafford

212 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2022

About the author

Raised in Italian/Irish neighborhood in Providence, RI, Marcellino D’Ambrosio never thought about being anything else but Catholic. But like other Catholic teens, his faith was the last place he looked for fulfillment. Following in the footsteps of his parents, both professional performers in their single years, Marcellino set his sights on stardom, playing bass guitar in several popular rock bands by the time he was 16. At that time he encountered a group of Catholics whose Christian life was an exciting adventure, an adventure worth living for. So he laid his bass guitar aside and embarked on a road that led to a Ph.D. in historical theology from the Catholic University of America. His doctoral dissertation, written under the direction of the renowned Jesuit theologian, Avery Cardinal Dulles, focused on one of the theological lights of the Second Vatican Council, Henri Cardinal de Lubac, and his recovery of biblical interpretation of the Early Church fathers.

Though a specialist in the interpretation of scripture and tradition, Dr. D’Ambrosio’s teaching has covered a broad range of subjects from historical, dogmatic, and sacramental theology to evangelization, ecumenism, and Vatican II. Yet throughout his academic career, Dr. D’Ambrosio always remained deeply involved in pastoral work, especially teen evangelization and Hispanic ministry, assuring that his teaching remained relevant to the challenges of everyday life.

Dr. D’Ambrosio, the father of five and a business owner, brings to his teaching a practical, down-to-earth perspective that makes his words easy to understand and put into practice. Audio and video recordings of his popular teaching are internationally distributed. He often appears on the international Eternal Word Television Network is regularly heard on nationally syndicated radio shows such as "Catholic Answers Live." Dr. D'Ambrosio has been repeatedly called upon to serve as an expert commentator on religious and moral issues for Fox News Geraldo Rivera, At Large and Bill O'Reilly's radio show.

In 2001 Dr. D’Ambrosio left his position at the University of Dallas to develop the work of Crossroads Productions, the apostolate of Catholic renewal and evangelization that he co-founded twenty years ago, and to more directly oversee the growth of Wellness Opportunities Group a company dedicated to helping people improve the quality of their lives physically, mentally, and financially. He, his wife Susan, and their five children, reside just outside of Dallas, TX.

Reviews

[Veronica Basel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duh, 5 stars for Dr. Italy! Does a great job of explaning Catholic teaching in a comprehensive yet easily understandable way, using history and scripture. He goes deeper than surface level but not Scott Hahn Lambs Supper depth. Great for anyone, Catholic or not, wanting to learn a bit more substance on why Catholics believe what we believe, the history and truth behind it!

[Cynthia Wheelehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a part of the Ascension Press "What We Believe" online course - it also includes a workbook and a video lesson series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this short book - there are alot of hidden gems of concise explanations - particularly in the chapters on prayer and fasting.. The audience seems to be for new Catholics (me) or those returning to the faith.

It was well worth my time and I will be referring back to specific sections frequently.

[awesome.nerd.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the workbook what went with the book and it was great. It had great art photos and in each chapter a few questions for reflection. It also had information on some of the churches and basilicas.

Here’s one by of the questions and answers: In Luke 16, the rich man does no harm to the beggar. So why is he condemned? The Christian life is not only about “do no harm” but about love and the works of mercy - action taken to relive the suffering of those around us.