Seeing Eternity: Michelangelo, Burgundy, and the Catholic Imagination of the Afterlife with Peter Giersch

Gotta Be Saints

Gotta Be Saints
Seeing Eternity: Michelangelo, Burgundy, and the Catholic Imagination of the Afterlife with Peter Giersch
Jun 14, 2026

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In this episode of Gotta Be Saints, Brendan sits down with Peter Giersch to discuss one of the most important realities Christians can reflect on: eternity. Through the beauty of France, the witness of the saints, the art of Michelangelo, and the Catholic understanding of death, judgment, heaven, and hell, Peter invites listeners to rediscover what so much of the modern world has forgotten.

Drawing from his book Talking of Michelangelo, Peter reflects on his experiences in Burgundy, the Catholic imagination found in medieval churches, and why generations of Christians were constantly reminded of eternity through sacred art and architecture. Together, Brendan and Peter discuss suffering, holiness in ordinary life, the vocation of marriage and singleness, the meaning of the crucifix, the Last Judgment, and why modern culture has become uncomfortable talking about heaven and hell.

This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition while remaining practical for everyday life. It is ultimately an invitation to reflect on where our lives are leading and to remember that holiness is possible in every vocation through love, sacrifice, patience, and fidelity to Christ.

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Talking of Michelangelo: Burgundy, Eternity, and the Catholic Imagination by Peter Giersch

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