Today, we commemorate the anniversary of the death of G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936), a distinctive figure in the great Catholic tradition who is popularly known as the “Apostle of Common Sense.” He was the author of many books, including Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man.

Chesterton is one of the most sparkling and effervescent figures in the great Catholic tradition. He gave an articulate defense of Christianity particularly at a time when it was under attack by the advocates of the Enlightenment. In this environment, Chesterton emerged with great joy and great clarity, precisely in opposition to these criticisms. This makes him very much an evangelist for our time, which is why he had such a lasting impact on other evangelists of the modern world.

G.K. Chesterton is one of Bishop Barron’s favorite writers and one of Word on Fire’s Pivotal Players. In commemoration, we are making his Pivotal Players episode available to view at no cost. Click here to watch Bishop Barron’s documentary on G.K. Chesterton.