Jesuitical

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are joined by Megan Nix, the author of Remedies for Sorrow: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth. The memoir details Megan’s journey after her daughter, Anna, contracted a little-known but relatively common congenital disease, cytomegalovirus, or CMV, during Megan’s pregnancy. They discuss:  Megan’s experience of her daughter’s diagnosis and the lack of awareness and support surrounding CMV The tension of loving Anna as she is and wanting to improve her quality of life How St. Thomas Aquinas’s five remedies for sorrow helped Megan understand the joys and sorrows of raising a child with disabilities In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley talk about a recent proposal out of Baltimore that would cut the number of parishes from 61 to 21. They also cover an imposter priest wreaking havoc throughout the New York area and Pope Francis’ plans to reinstate Pope Benedict XVI’s former secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, as an apostolic nuncio. What’s on tap? A mojito (with fresh mint!) Links from the show: Baltimore archdiocese proposes cutting 61 parishes to 21 in the city Imposter Priest Who Robbed Catholic Churches Nationwide Arrested in California After public rift, Francis restores Benedict XVI’s former secretary to Vatican service Remedies for Sorrow: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are joined by Amir Hussain, a theology professor at Loyola Marymount University. Amir shares his insights about navigating life as a Muslim teaching theology at a Catholic university, prompting a conversation ranging from the imperative and blessings of interfaith dialogue to life without a cell phone. They also cover: Amir’s experience completing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius The history and diversity of Muslims in the United States Finding common ground and sharing experiences with people of different faiths In Signs of the Times, Jesuitical’s producer, Sebastian Gomes, and “Inside the Vatican” host Colleen Dulle join Ashley to break down “Dignitas Infinita,” the recent declaration from the Vatican covering issues surrounding human dignity like gender theory, human trafficking, surrogacy and more. What’s on tap? Boulevardier Links from the show: New Vatican doc ‘Dignitas Infinita’: What it says on gender theory, surrogacy, poverty and more Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss Dignitas Infinita on “Inside the Vatican” What meeting John Wooden taught a Muslim theologian about Jesuit education Muslims and the Making of America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Aug. 19, 2014, the world watched in horror as the American journalist James Foley read a script prepared for him by ISIS terrorists, who filmed him from an unknown location in the Syrian desert. Mr. Foley, who had been in ISIS captivity for almost two years, was then beheaded by his captors. That is how Diane Foley learned that her son, who had been kidnapped in Libya on a previous reporting trip, would not be coming home this time. In the new book, American Mother, Diane teams up with Colum McCann, an award-winning and international best-selling author, to tell her and her son’s story. Both authors join Zac and Ashley this week for a powerful conversation about grief, forgiveness and perseverance. They discuss: How Diane’s son James discovered his vocation as a journalist  Why Diane decided to meet with one of her son’s killers  How her Catholic faith sustained her through James’s years of captivity and after his death In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a new book of interviews with Pope Francis, in which he discusses his relationship with Pope Benedict XVI and the conclave that elected him and his predecessor. Plus, Cardinal Wilton Gregory calls President Biden a “cafeteria Catholic” during an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Easter Sunday, and the Society of Jesus releases a strongly worded statement on the war in Gaza. Links from the show: Pope Francis opens up about Benedict XVI, past conclaves and more in new book Important U.S. cardinal says Biden is a ‘cafeteria Catholic’ ‘We cannot be silent’: A statement from the Jesuits on Gaza American Mother, by Colum McCann with Diane Foley Bonus episodes available now through Patreon: ​​The quirky history of papal conclaves Cardinal Gregory on young people, politics and becoming a listening church Live show! If you live in the Cincinnati area, you’re invited to join Zac, Ashley and Father Eric Sundrup (Jesuitical’s spiritual director) for a live show at Xavier University, on Tuesday, April 9, 6:30-7:30 pm. The event will be held in the Conatan Board Room in Schmidt Hall and will be followed by Mass.  What’s on tap? Cielo prosecco, a.k.a, Easter Bubbly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although “Jesuitical” is often recorded over drinks, longtime listeners know that the hosts abstain from alcohol during Lent, which means there’s no better time to welcome Derek Brown to the show. He’s an award-winning mixologist, the founder of Positive Damage Inc., and an expert on no- and low-alcohol cocktails and mindful drinking. Derek joins Zac and Ashley for an enlightening conversation about drinking, its place in our culture and evaluating its place in our lives. They discuss:  Derek’s journey from award-winning bartender to mindful drinking advocate—and how his faith informed that decision Why it seems like so many people today are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol Tips for taking a more mindful approach to drinking Links from the Show Confessions of a Catholic Bartender Derek’s Positive Damage substack What’s on tap? Pinch hitters (0% ABV—it’s still Lent!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s an election year, and like it or not, the race is heating up, so “Jesuitical” went to Washington, D.C., to hear from an expert about the state of play. A long-time friend of the show, N.P.R.’s Scott Detrow, is the weekend host of “All Things Considered” and a co-host of the podcasts “Consider This” and “Trump’s Trials,” N.P.R.’s weekly recap of the former president’s multiple court cases. He joins Zac and Ashley for a refreshing conversation about politics and faith as we gear up for November’s election. They discuss:  Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who both recently clinched their respective parties’ nominations The ethics of covering politics in today’s polarized climate The role of religion in U.S. politics In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley cover the diplomatic dust-up caused by the pope’s recent comments about the war in Ukraine before moving into a conversation about Francis’ 11th anniversary of his election, which was on March 13. The hosts talk about continued criticism of Pope Francis, as well as their own opinions about Francis’ papacy. Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at jesuitical@americamedia.org. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with the award-winning TV newscaster Carol Costello. 7:30 p.m. PST in LMU’s Life Science Auditorium. All are welcome! Links from the show: After backlash, Vatican clarifies Pope Francis’ call for Ukraine to have ‘courage of the white flag’  Spanish bishop rebukes priests who joked about wishing pope goes to heaven soon Attacking Pope Francis, anonymous cardinal seeks to curb the influence of his papacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Oscars are this Sunday, so Zac and Ashley welcome John Dougherty, the moderator of America’s Catholic Movie Club, to unpack the state of play—and the Catholic themes—in some of this year’s Best Picture nominees. John, who is also the director of campus ministry at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, is an expert in finding God in all films. He guides the hosts through a fun-filled conversation on the best stories and performances of 2023. John, Zac and Ashley discuss: - How movies can help us to better understand ourselves and our culture - Thoughts on Best Picture nominees like “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “The Holdovers,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and more (plus, Zac gives his pick for St. Ignatius Film of the Year) - Predictions and hopes for this year’s Oscar winners In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent lawsuits against Catholic migrant shelters, Church Militant’s announcement that they will cease operations in April after losing a defamation lawsuit and Pope Francis’ announcement that he will wash the feet of inmates at a women’s prison on Holy Thursday.  Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at jesuitical@americamedia.org. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with the award-winning TV newscaster Carol Costello. 7:30 p.m. PST in LMU’s Life Science Auditorium. All are welcome! Links from the show:  John Dougherty’s writing The return of the Catholic Movie Club: Why going to the movies is a sacred act Hard truths, Catholics and women in Hollywood: takeaways from this year’s Oscar noms Catholic charities and religious freedom are under fire at the border Church Militant will cease publication in April after losing defamation suit Pope Francis to do Holy Thursday feet washing at women’s prison Support Jesuitical on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the question every college senior dreads when they’re back home for Christmas break: What are you going to do after graduation? At a live recording of Jesuitical at Loyola University Chicago, Zac and Ashley talk with Paddy Gilger, S.J., about how students (and the rest of us) can use the tools of Ignatian discernment when making more life decisions. They discuss: Whether college is a bubble—and if that is a good or bad thing How they saw God working in their lives as they made the leap from college to careers The importance of doing discernment in community Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at jesuitical@americamedia.org. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley welcome Meg Kissinger, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence. Meg’s memoir employs her journalistic skills to tell a tale of a Catholic family navigating mental illness. It serves as a great foundation for a profound, personal conversation about faith, tragedy, and trusting in an institution even when people in it have failed you. They discuss: Meg’s family’s experience with mental illness and suicide The evolution of the church’s pastoral care for those impacted by suicide How community life can help us to have better conversations about mental health In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the recent news that the prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Archives, Archbishop Sergio Pagano, is retiring—and dishing Vatican secrets on the way out. They then cover the recent controversy over the funeral of activist Cecilia Gentili, which was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York last week. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. What’s on tap? Coffee—it’s still Lent! Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at jesuitical@americamedia.org Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Links from the show: When my siblings died by suicide, the church failed us. Now, it’s finally listening. The keeper of the Vatican’s secrets is retiring. Here’s what he wants you to know. Cardinal Dolan on St. Pat’s funeral for transgender activist: ‘I think our cathedral acted extraordinarily well’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To ring in the Lenten season, “Jesuitical” is talking Exodus 90, a 90-day ascetic spiritual practice for men centered around three pillars: prayer, fasting and fraternity. Terence Sweeney, an assistant teaching professor in the Honors Program and Humanities Department at Villanova University, joins Zac and Ashley to chat about the hugely popular program—why people love it, what it leaves out and what Catholics who don’t participate can learn from it. They discuss: - The absence of communal Lenten practices in today’s church and how Exodus 90 tries to fill that void - Exodus 90’s shortcomings and the dangers of spiritual meritocracy in ascetic practice - What all Catholics can take from Exodus 90 this Lent In this week’s Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley are joined by Christine Lenahan, one of America’s O’Hare Fellows. They discuss controversial depictions of Christ, from the “He Gets Us” Super Bowl ads and a new painting of Jesus that caused quite an uproar in Seville, Spain. What’s on tap? Water. Happy Lent. Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at jesuitical@americamedia.org Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Links from the show: - Fasting, praying and working out: What ‘Exodus 90’ gets right—and wrong—about asceticism for men - Controversial artistic depictions of Jesus are nothing new - In defense of the ‘He Gets Us’ Super Bowl ads - 101 Things To Give Up For Lent - Terence Sweeney's podcast episode, "A Medieval Anti-racist" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re still Catholic, there are presumably things you love about the church. But it can be tempting to focus on the negatives: the scandals, the boring homilies, the lackluster music. This week, Zac and Ashley are doing something a little different: talking about why they love the church with Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, Wis. at a special live recording at St. Thomas Aquinas parish, they discuss: - How Bishop Hying’s love for the church changed when he became a bishop - The saints, the sacraments and the Catholic imagination - How to balance love and hard truths in pastoral work In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a street artist known for his paintings of Pope Francis (and who now has the Vatican’s official stamp of approval) and a new document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith that reminds priests that when it comes to administering the sacraments, they need to stick to the script. Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at jesuitical@americamedia.org Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Links from the show: - Street artist of ‘Super Pope’ fame gets official Vatican stamp of approval - Vatican to priests: Stick to the script for Sacraments - Bishop Hying: Why I Love the Church What’s on tap? Fernet Branca on ice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are joined by Matthew Cressler, a scholar of Catholicism and race. Matthew created “Bad Catholics, Good Trouble,” a webcomic series about anti-racism and struggles for justice across American Catholic history, which frames an enlightening discussion about racial justice in the Catholic Church. They discuss: - Institutional and individual Catholic responses to the civil rights movement - The history of white supremacy in American Catholicism - What it means to be a “good” or “bad” Catholic in the face of injustice In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss allegations of sexual misconduct against Quebec’s Cardinal Archbishop Gérald Lacroix; a summit in Rome that brought together pairs of Catholic and Anglican bishops from 27 countries; and Martin Scorsese’s latest meeting with Pope Francis. Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your parish, diocese, center or school, send us an email at jesuitical@americamedia.org Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Drink: Old Fashioneds Links from the show:  - Bad Catholics, Good Trouble - Anglican, Catholic bishops travel, pray, work together - Québec’s Cardinal Lacroix, named in sex abuse lawsuit, will temporarily step aside from duties - Martin Scorsese Meets Pope Francis, Announces Film About Jesus - The Joan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage at Loyola University Chicago Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy-Jill “AJ” Levine, a Jewish scholar of the New Testament and author of The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus, sits down with Zac and Ashley at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, an Anglican Cathedral in New York City. It’s a dynamic interfaith conversation in an ecumenical setting, and AJ helps break open Jesus’ Jewish identity and context for the hosts. They discuss:  AJ’s Jewish upbringing in Massachusetts and how she became interested in studying the New Testament Common anti-Jewish tropes and misconceptions in New Testament interpretation How interfaith dialogue can help Catholics and Jews better understand each other and ourselves And a final reminder that the deadline to apply to the O’Hare Fellowship is fast approaching. O’Hare Fellows spend a year living in New York City and working at America’s offices in midtown, where they will generate content for America’s multiple platforms: print, web, digital, social media and events. If you or someone you know might be interested in the O’Hare Fellowship, the final deadline to apply is February 1, 2024. Apply here! Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. Please email us if you plan to attend any of the events below at, jesuitical@americamedia.org Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 18, the Vatican’s doctrinal office released “Fiducia Supplicans,” a declaration that allowed priests to give simple or pastoral blessings to couples in irregular situations, including those in same-sex relationships. This week on “Jesuitical,” Father Alex Santora, pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph parish in Hoboken, N.J., joins Zac and Ashley to explain how “Fiducia Supplicans” is being received in his parish. They discuss: - Father Santora’s reaction to “Fiducia Supplicans” and how he plans to discuss the declaration and enflesh it in his parish - Taking a pastoral approach to complicated situations and accompanying people even when you have to tell them “no” - The importance of listening in pastoral ministry In an infernal Signs of the Times segment, Zac and Ashley cover Pope Francis’ recent comments that he hopes hell is empty, the subsequent criticisms from some Catholics, and why an empty hell might not be such a crazy idea, even if it’s not a dogma of faith. They also dive into a recent poll from Gallup on Pope Francis’ approval ratings in the U.S. (it is an election year, after all) and explore how our country’s ideological divides might impact our view of the pontiff. After the interview, Ashley and Zac welcome another one of Jesuitical’s assistant producers, Delaney Coyne, to share about her experience as an O’Hare Fellow at America. She talks about how her love for social justice led her to apply to the fellowship, the work she does at America and finding God in disagreement. If you or someone you know might be interested in the O’Hare Fellowship the final deadline to apply is February 1, 2024. Apply here! Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. Please email us if you plan to attend any of the events below at, jesuitical@americamedia.org Jan 22: Vintage Brewing Company (Madison West) from 7-9 pm. Meet and greet with Zac and Ashley, over drinks! Location: 674 South Whitney Way, Madison, WI 53711 Jan. 23: St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Madison, Wisconsin. Mass at 5:30 pm followed by a live interview with Bishop Donald Hying on “Why we love the church” from 6:30-8:30pm. Jan. 25: Loyola University Chicago (Ignatius House) in Chicago, IL. Live discussion with Patrick Gilger, S.J. on, “What the hell should I do with my life?: God, discernment and vocation outside the college bubble” from 7-9 p.m. Student Mass to follow at 9pm (Note: This event has limited capacity. Please RSVP to jesuitical@americamedia.org) Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Links from the show: - The Editors: Vatican document on same-sex blessings does not confuse church teaching—it deepens it - Pope Francis says he hopes hell is ‘empty’ - 58% of Americans, 77% of U.S. Catholics View Pope Favorably What’s on tap? White Claws Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley welcome John Martens, a professor of theology and director of the Centre for Christian Engagement at St. Mark’s College at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver to shine a light on the Bible passages that have shaped Pope Francis’ papacy. They discuss: - How the Call of Matthew and the Parable of the Good Samaritan shape the pope’s view of a church that is a “field hospital” for sinners - Debates over the connection between justice, truth and mercy - Criticisms of Pope Francis’ approach, especially in the U.S. Church In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley cover a Vatican official’s recent call to reconsider mandatory priestly celibacy in the church. They also discuss Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, who has come under fire for a book he wrote 25 years ago on spirituality and sensuality. And after the interview they welcome another friend to share about his faith: Michael O’Brien, one of America’s O’Hare Fellows who helps produce “Jesuitical.” He shares what drew him to the fellowship and how his post-grad year at America has enriched his faith. If you or someone you know might be interested in the O’Hare Fellowship the final deadline to apply is February 1, 2024. Apply here! Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. Please email us if you plan to attend any of the events below at, jesuitical@americamedia.org Jan 22: Vintage Brewing Company (Madison West) from 7-9 pm. Meet and greet with Zac and Ashley, over drinks! Location: 674 South Whitney Way, Madison, WI 53711 Jan. 23: St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Madison, Wisconsin. Mass at 5:30 pm followed by a live interview with Bishop Donald Hying on “Why we love the church” from 6:30-8:30pm. Jan. 25: Loyola University Chicago (Ignatius House) in Chicago, IL. Live discussion with Patrick Gilger, S.J. on, “What the heck should I do with my life?: God, discernment and vocation outside the college bubble” from 7-9 p.m. Student Mass to follow at 9pm (Note: This event has limited capacity. Please RSVP to jesuitical@americamedia.org) Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Links from the Show Pope Francis’ focus on the Bible and mercy—and why so many Catholics are uncomfortable with it Apply to the O’Hare Fellowship RSVP to our event in Arlington, Virginia! What’s on Tap? New Fangled Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas is a time for traditions. From the quirky to the classic, every family has a favorite holiday movie, dish or custom. This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley talk to four of their colleagues about their Advent and Christmas traditions—some old, some aspirational, some completely made up but all filled with the joy and anticipation of the season. This is Jesuitical’s last episode of 2023—unless you become a member of the Patreon community. Next week, members will get a bonus mail-bag episode in their feeds. Zac and Ashley answer listener questions about the synod, the future of the parish and more. Sign up today! Links from the show: The perfect imperfections of the Nativity pageant, by Heather Trotta, vice president for advancement What my mother’s Advent gift tradition taught me about the true meaning of giving, by Molly Cahill, associate editor A (Midwestern) discussion about Advent traditions, by Joe Hoover, S.J., poetry editor I love my Advent wreath. I just keep forgetting to light it, by Kerry Weber, executive editor What’s on tap? Prosecco with pomegranate seeds…and eggnog with orange Fanta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley interview Stephanie Saldaña, the author of What We Remember Will Be Saved: A Story of Refugees and The Things They Carry. Stephanie lives with her family in Bethlehem, where the economy has long relied on tourism around Christmas time as Christian pilgrims flock to the site of Jesus’ birth. But as one might imagine with the war raging in Gaza, Advent in Bethlehem looks different this year. Stephanie helps the “Jesuitical” team to enter into that reality. They discuss: Stephanie’s experience on and after Oct. 7 as a Christian living in the West Bank The challenges Bethlehem residents are facing during the war and how that’s impacted Advent celebrations Stephanie’s spirituality and the importance of closeness amid these difficult times In a funeral-focused Signs of the Times segment, Ashley and Zac get into Pope Francis’ recent announcement that he won’t be buried at the Vatican as well as recent Vatican guidelines about scattering ashes. They also talk about the recent lawsuit brought by a group of nuns against gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson. Plus, Zac shares his quibbles with this year’s liturgical calendar. Links In war zones, hospitals are holy ground. The explosion of one in Gaza is a tragic turning point. When dancing turns to mourning: A wedding hall fire brings tragedy to Qaraqosh Pope Francis says he will not be buried at the Vatican, simplifies papal funeral rite Vatican says no to scattering ashes, but approves families keeping ‘minimal’ part of cremated remains in a ‘significant’ place Group of nuns sue gunmaker Smith & Wesson over assault weapons What’s on tap?  Arak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are honored to welcome Rachel Goldberg, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the hostages taken into Gaza following Hamas’s massacre at the Nova music festival in Southern Israel on Oct. 7. In the weeks since Hersh and 240 other hostages were brutally kidnapped, Rachel has met with a host of people, including the pope and the president, to share her son’s story. She was gracious enough to bring that story to “Jesuitical,” and she and the hosts shared a moving conversation. They discuss: Rachel’s family life and Hersh’s passion for reading and adventure The last time Rachel saw Hersh on Oct. 6 and her experience learning about the massacre on Oct. 7 Rachel’s meeting with Pope Francis and the power of dialogue in sustaining hope How Rachel’s Jewish faith has been challenged and served as a source of strength in the wake of unthinkable tragedy Support Jesuitical on Patreon or become a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even though Pope Francis recently canceled his trip to Dubai for COP28 on doctor’s orders, the meeting still represents a huge initiative in Francis’ papacy; in “Laudate Deum,” Francis writes that the meeting has the potential to be “a historic event that honors and ennobles us as human beings” (“Laudate Deum,” No. 59). So Ashley and Zac welcomed Jose Aguto, the executive director of Catholic Climate Covenant, on this week’s episode of “Jesuitical” to discuss Catholic climate advocacy at this pivotal moment. They discuss: Pope Francis’ commitment to climate justice throughout his papacy How Catholics should understand climate change as both a systemic and spiritual issue, and where we can find hope The history and current state of climate action in the U.S. church In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley check in with Maggi Van Dorn, host of the “Hark!” podcast, which explores the meaning and making of our favorite Christmas carols. The first episode of season three, which came out on Sunday, dives into “O Holy Night” and features Greg Boyle, S.J. Maggi takes the “Jesuitical” team behind the scenes of “Hark!” production and helps to usher in the Advent season. Links from the show: ‘Our ecological crisis is fundamentally a moral one’: Catholic Climate Covenant’s new executive director hopes to inspire care for creation Jose Aguto, Catholic Climate Covenant Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue Prudence and the Common Good Laudate Deum Laudato Si’ The abolitionist history of ‘O Holy Night’ “Hark!” Podcast  What’s on tap? (knock-off) Chartreuse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ten years ago, Pope Francis released his first papal document, “Evangelii Gaudium,” which lays out his vision for the church in the 21st century. To help break down this inaugural document of Francis’ papacy, Zac and Ashley welcome Rafael Luciani, an associate professor of practice at the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College. They discuss: Pope Francis’ call to “pastoral conversion” and “missionary discipleship” How Pope Francis’ Latin American roots guide his vision for the church The foundation for a synodal church put forth in “Evangelii Gaudium” Links from the show: Evangelii Gaudium What’s on tap? Wine from Mendoza, Argentina Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley welcome Lee C. Camp, a professor of theology and ethics at Lipscomb University, the author of Scandalous Witness: A Little Political Manifesto for Christians and the host of “No Small Endeavor,” a podcast that explores what it means to live a good life. They discuss: Lee’s upbringing as a Protestant Christian in Alabama, and how his studies at the University of Notre Dame changed his views on the Catholic world Moral theology and the value of asking, “What does it mean to live a good life?” The importance of good, wholesome arguments in religious tradition In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac talk about Pope Francis’ controversial decision to remove Bishop Joseph Strickland from his duties overseeing the diocese of Tyler, Tex. They then discuss the U.S. bishops more broadly, focusing on this week’s U.S.C.C.B. meeting in Baltimore and the conflicting assessments of the U.S. church put forth by various leaders. Links from the show: Pope Francis removes Bishop Strickland of Diocese of Tyler, Texas Archbishop Broglio and Cardinal Pierre offer competing visions of synodality at bishops’ meeting Zac and Ashley’s appearance on “No Small Endeavor”  What’s on tap? Chimay Trappist ale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does a 25-year-old woman from Salt Lake City end up facilitating peace negotiations during a civil war in South Sudan? This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are joined by Elizabeth Boyle, an International Relations Officer in the Community of Sant’Egidio, a lay social movement of the Catholic Church whose mission focuses on three “P”s: “prayer, peace, and the poor.” Zac and Ashley talk to Elizabeth about: The journey that brought Elizabeth to peacebuilding and the work she’s doing with the Community of Sant’Egidio in Rome What her work in South Sudan reveals about the challenges and possibilities of peacemaking How Catholics (and the church) can integrate peace into their spirituality In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss Pope Francis’ recent announcement that he would travel to Dubai to attend COP28. Then, they get into a most pressing issue facing the church: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather” music video, which caused an uproar after being filmed in the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn. Links from the show: Interview: Pope Francis’ presence at COP28 climate conference in Dubai is ‘without precedence’ Brooklyn bishop ‘appalled’ over music video shot in Catholic church, will investigate Podcast: When Catholic doctrine can change—and when it can’t The Community of Sant'Egidio What’s on tap? Lambrusco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special crossover episode of Jesuitical and Inside the Vatican, Zac Davis speaks with his colleagues Gerard O’Connell, Sam Sawyer, S.J., and synod member James Martin, S.J., about the concluding document of the recent synod on synodality in Rome. They discuss: The open debate about women’s ordination to the diaconate Why reference to L.G.B.T. Catholics was not included in the synthesis document What the synthesis document is and how it can be read and used widely Was this really a synod of bishops? Plus, new paths for appointing bishops and performance reviews Links: Father James Martin: What happened at the Synod on Synodality Cardinal Cupich on the synod, women deacons, giving bishops job reviews and why ‘LGBTQ’ was left out of the final doc Synod publishes final report and votes: Calls for more discussion on synodality, women deacons and more Full text: Pope Francis’ homily closing the 2023 Synod on Synodality Support Jesuitical and Inside the Vatican by becoming a digital subscriber to America! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley discuss a, if not the, big question hanging over the synod: Can it change church teaching? They unpack the place of authority, doctrinal development and the synod with Richard Gaillardetz, the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College and the author of a foundational text on the levels of church teaching: By What Authority?: A Primer on Scripture, the Magisterium, and the Sense of the Faithful. They ask Dr. Gaillardetz: What’s the difference between a dogma, doctrine and teaching? What do I need to believe to be Catholic? Is it O.K. to disagree with church teaching? How has church teaching developed throughout history? In Signs of the Times, the synod enters its final week with discussion on the synthesis report, and an Australian theologian addresses concerns some synod delegates have about tradition and the development of doctrine. Links from the show:  Purchase By What Authority? Foundations for Understanding Authority in the Church, by Richard Gaillardetz Synod: Fr Ormond Rush's theological reflection on Synthesis Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a young adult, José Manuel de Urquidi had a lot of questions about faith but couldn’t find satisfying answers. He went to law school, opened a craft brewery and started a family, but it wasn’t until he started podcasting that he found his purpose as a digital missionary. José is a voting member in the synod on synodality at the Vatican this month and his advocacy for evangelizing–or rather listening–in digital spaces is turning heads. Leading up to the synod, he worked closely with the synod secretariat to get the word out on dozens of digital platforms. The result is the digital synod “continental” document, which centers previously unheard voices of those who are or feel excluded from the traditional structures of the Church. In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac break open the final thematic module of the synod that’s currently being discussed: Participation, governance and authority.  Links Synod Diary: Will the synod change its members? Synod cardinal from Brazil: In the Amazon ‘everyone votes, except the bishop’ The digital synod continental document What’s on Tap? Lokita Mezcal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley turn their attention to the Middle East. Their guest is Olivier Poquillon, O.P., a French Dominican priest who, until recently, served as the pastor of a Catholic Church in Mosul, Iraq. That church was almost completely destroyed by ISIS in 2014 when the terrorist group took over one of the few remaining religiously diverse communities in the country. After ISIS was driven from the city, Father Poquillon returned to oversee the reconstruction of the church. He was recently named the director of the École Biblique in Jerusalem—the oldest biblical and archaeological research center in the Holy Land—and is on the commission for methodology for the Synod on Synodality here in Rome. Zac and Ashley talk to Father Poquillon about: The history of religious diversity and violence in Mesopotamia, the birthplace of the Abrahamic faiths What Pope Francis’ 2021 visit to Iraq meant to the people of Mosul What he heard from the Catholics living in the Middle East during their local synodal sessions In Signs of the Times, the hosts discuss the latest Catholic developments related to the war between Israel and Hamas, including the news that Pope Francis might know one of the Argentine victims of the Oct. 7 massacre. Next, they talk about the pope’s new apostolic exhortation on St. Thérèse of Lisieux, “the Little Flower.” Links from the show: Pope Francis: My friend could be a victim of Hamas attack Jerusalem cardinal offers himself in exchange for Israeli hostages Pope Francis publishes new apostolic exhortation on St. Thérèse of Lisieux What’s on tap? Chianti Classico Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this full bonus episode on Patreon! Ashley and Zac are joined by their colleagues, Sebastian Gomes and Colleen Dulle to break down the curious media strategy around the Vatican's synod on synodality. Synod members are "fasting" from public speaking after Pope Francis decried what he perceived to be distorted media narratives around previous synods. But this media blackout strategy brings very real risks. Support Jesuitical and access bonus content–including this full episode–on Patreon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley and Zac get schooled in social justice from a Latin American perspective. Emilce Cuda, the Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and the highest ranking lay woman working in the Vatican, joins the podcast to explain how “el pueblo”—ordinary, working class people—are at the forefront of a burgeoning synodal church. They also discuss: Populism in Latin America versus North America Pope Francis’ vision for a church that does social justice What it’s like working as a lay woman in the Vatican In Signs of the Times, the hosts share updates about the synod on synodality, including some of the hot topics emerging from inside the hall: concern for the poor, the environment, welcoming marginalized groups including women and LGBT Catholics, formation and a lot more. They also discuss Pope Francis’ remarks concerning the terrorist attack on Israel last Saturday. What’s on tap: Malbec (from Argentina!) Links: Cardinal Tobin at the synod: the church is ‘most beautiful when the doors are open’ Pope Francis calls for end to conflict in Israel and Gaza: ‘Every war is a defeat’ Israel condemns Jerusalem Christian churches over ‘immoral linguistic ambiguity’ in statement on Hamas attack Pope Francis calls for ‘the immediate release’ of all hostages taken by Hamas, expresses concern for Gaza civilians America’s synod coverage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The synod on synodality learned a lot from the young people who attended the youth synod in 2018, says Julian Paparella, who was 25 years old when he addressed hundreds of bishops in that assembly. Now studying in Rome, he joins Zac and Ashley to shed light on the dynamic at work inside synods and how the process has evolved over the past five years to truly listen to lay—and especially younger—people. They also discuss: The young people’s call in 2018 for greater inclusion of women in the church The balance between learning synodality and tackling the hot-button issues that matter to many people who feel excluded from the church How conversion happens inside a synod among the participants In Signs of the Times, the part of the show where the hosts sift through Catholic news of the week, the hosts discuss the complicated process of the discussions in the synod on synodality. Links Julian Paparella’s Synodal Intervention America’s synod coverage What’s on Tap? Birra Moretti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello from Rome! Ashley and Zac are joined by their colleague Gerard O’Connell, a journalist who has covered the Vatican since 1985. They bring questions from listeners about the Synod on Synodality, which began this week: How will the discussions inside the synod hall work? How will the synod deal with internal polarization? What will determine the success of this synod? They also discuss: The changes that Pope Francis has brought to the synod, making it more open and inclusive. How to listen and remain open to the Holy Spirit. Lay involvement in the synod, especially of women and young people. Links from the Show Analysis: The synod is not Vatican III. It’s Pope Francis’ implementation of Vatican II. America’s synod coverage What’s on Tap? Falanghina (Italian white wine) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley are joined by Chris Hadley, S.J., to talk about the oft-overshadowed third person of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit. Father Hadley, an associate professor of systematic theology at Santa Clara University, uses his expertise in pneumatology to guide us through a great discussion about: How Catholics understand the Spirit, from biblical times to today Signs of the Holy Spirit at work in the world How Catholics can open themselves to the Holy Spirit—at the Synod and beyond In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley announce that they will travel to Rome to cover the Synod on Synodality, which is shaping up to be the biggest church event since Vatican II. Jesuitical will cover the broader themes at the synod and welcome guests from around the world to share their insight and experience. They will be recording twice a week, with some episodes exclusive to Patreon, so subscribe for all of our coverage. Links from the Show Christopher M. Hadley, S.J. America’s synod coverage plans What’s on Tap? Old-Fashioneds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley are talking about the migrant crisis in New York City and the work Catholics are doing to respond. They are joined by Richard Slizeski, the senior vice president for mission at Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens. They talk to him about: Migrants’ often harrowing experiences coming to the United States What’s missing in the political debates around the migrant crisis in New York How Catholic Charities’ mission and Catholic identity informs their work on the ground In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss recent revelations about what World War II-era Pope Pius XII knew about the Holocaust as it was occuring, as well as Pope Francis’ recent conversation with Bill Clinton. Links from the Show As New York’s migrant crisis makes headlines, Catholic Charities gets to work Letter Found in Vatican Archives Confirms Church Was Told About Death Camps; more info Conversation between Pope Francis and Bill Clinton What’s on Tap? Dark beer—Guinness stout, specifically Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Zac and Ashley are talking about the psychological care that seminarians (i.e., priests-in-training) receive as part of their formation. They are joined by Maribel Laguna, the founder and owner of Cor Sacrum Counseling and Consulting. They talk to Maribel about: The Catholic Church’s relationship with psychology and counseling, historically and today The unique challenges seminarians are facing The type of psychological screening that goes into the decision to accept someone into a seminary program In Signs of the Times, they discuss Pope Francis’ new pick to lead the Vatican’s doctrinal office and the best thing to go on tour in the United States this year: the relic of St. Jude’s arm. Links from the show: Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez as the new head of Vatican office for doctrine St. Jude’s arm is on tour in the US; tour schedule Become a member of Jesuitical’s Patreon community Invite Jesuitical to your college, parish or community! Send us an email: jesuitical@americamedia.org What’s on tap? Grapefruit Margarita  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the season premier of Jesuitical’s seventh season, Zac and Ashley talk with their friend and colleague James Martin, S.J., who is out with a brand new book, Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus's Greatest Miracle. They ask Father Martin: If Jesus actually raised Lazarus from the dead (and do Catholic have to believe it) What Mary, Martha and Lazarus can teach us about friendship And how we can all come forth into new life in our daily lives In Signs of the Times, we discuss the “DJ Priest” who made headlines at World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, and ask: Were Pope Francis’ criticisms of “reactionary” Catholics in the United States fair (or helpful)? Links from the show: The (not so) curious case of priests who DJ in the history of electronic music Pope Francis speaks out against his critics in the U.S. Catholic Church Pope Francis’ criticisms of ‘reactionary’ U.S. Catholics are counterproductive Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus's Greatest Miracle Exclusive Excerpt: What can the story of Lazarus teach us about new life? Become a member of Jesuitical’s Patreon community What’s on tap? Corpse Reviver No. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a great summer bonus episode, all about baseball! To listen to the full episode, become a patron of Jesuitical! This is the first season with a pitch clock in Major League Baseball, which was implemented to try to speed up the game and appeal to younger viewers. But to some longtime baseball fans the rule change feels gimmicky and disrespectful to the grand tradition of America's pastime. If the debate sounds familiar, that's because the Catholic Church is at a similar pivotal moment in its history. Younger people are not filling the pews as previous generations have, and Catholics are grappling with how to reform itself without compromising its authentic tradition.  On today's episode, two past guests and baseball fanatics return to debate the pitch clock and draw analogies between the game and the church they love. J.D. Long-Garcia is a senior editor at America and Greg Hillis runs the Aquinas Center of Theology at Emory University. You can read their takes on the pitch clock here: J.D. Long-Garcia, "The pitch clock is a travesty. The Catholic Church must learn from baseball’s mistake." Greg Hillis, "Quit Trying to ‘Fix’ Baseball" and "In Praise of the Pitch Clock" Help support the production of Jesuitical by becoming a patron! It's simple, easy, and you can listen to bonus episodes on your podcast app! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the season finale of “Jesuitical,” Zac and producer Sebastian Gomes talk with Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., who leads the Vatican’s department for social justice and human development. (Ashley was out of the country at the time of the interview). Cardinal Czerny is also the co-author of the new book Siblings All, Sign of the Times: The Social Teaching of Pope Francis. We talk to him about: The disputed legacy of Vatican II How Pope Francis has developed the church’s social teaching How the church should relate to the outside world In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley point ahead to some stories to look out for this summer. And in As One Friend Speaks to Another, they look back at the season and the many graces it held. Links from the show: Jesuitical listener survey Learn more about the O’Hare fellowship Vatican confirms Pope Francis will enjoy a ‘staycation’ in July Pope Francis’ prep advice for World Youth Day: talk to your grandparents first Siblings All, Sign of the Times: The Social Teaching of Pope Francis by Cardinal Michael Czerny and Father Christian Barone Ignatian Wisdom Fellowship from Loyola University Chicago Sacred Heart Major Seminary’s online course "An Introduction to Spirituality” What’s on tap? Rum sunset, prepared by outgoing O’Hare fellow, Chris Parker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Jesuitical, Ashley and Zac chat with Bryan McCarthy, who teaches philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and is the author of a new paper, “Christianity and Psychedelic Medicine: A Pastoral Approach.” They discuss:  What the church teaches about drugs and intoxication How psychedelic drugs are being used in therapeutic settings, and how Christians should respond Bryan’s own religious experiences while using psychedelic drugs  During Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac give initial reactions to the new working document for the Synod on Synodality and discuss a curious story involving a fake priest and serious labor violations out of California.  Links from the show:  Bryan’s paper Vatican releases Synod document calling for discussion of women, LGBT Catholics, church authority and more California restaurant had fake priest hear workers’ confessions, Labor Department says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this year, Pope Francis called most Catholic homilies “a disaster.” Well, we’re doing something about it. This week, Ashley and Zac welcome Ricardo da Silva, S.J., their colleague and the host of the brand new podcast from America Media, “Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast.” “Preach” releases weekly and features a diverse cast of the finest Catholic preachers. On each episode, preachers open up their hearts and minds, sharing their spiritual lives, approaches to interpreting Scripture and techniques for preparing the best homilies. Whether you’re curious about preaching methods, or you’re a preacher looking for inspiration and best practices, “Preach” is here to accompany you through the liturgical year with great homilies and conversations about them. Follow “Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast” on your podcast app! Or at AmericaMagazine.org If you know a priest, deacon or lay preacher who would benefit from “Preach,” please share it with them! And, if you want to recommend a great preacher for “Preach,” let us know here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley chat with Linda K. Wertheimer, a journalist and the author of the book Faith Ed: Teaching about Religion in an Age of Intolerance. In a recent article in The New Republic, Linda explores renewed efforts in some parts of the country to get prayer back into public schools. They discuss: Linda’s experience of being the only Jewish student in a public school with weekly Christian Bible classes The history of school prayer at the Supreme Court How to balance religious freedom and inclusion in an increasingly diverse country In Signs of the Times, the hosts give an update on Pope Francis’ recovery after his three-hour abdominal surgery and discuss the approval of what would be the first publicly funded religious charter school in the nation. Finally, Ashley reflects on her vision of heaven. Links from the show: Surgeon: Pope Francis is ‘alert’ and cracking jokes after hernia operation Catholic virtual school approved by Oklahoma board would be first religious charter in the U.S. Inside the Christian Legal Crusade to Revive School Prayer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac are joined by Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix to talk about losing several members of his family to suicide, a groundbreaking new mental health ministry in his diocese and how the church can better support those struggling with mental health issues.  They are also joined by America colleague James Martin, S.J., who serves as a consultor for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication. They discuss the dicastery’s new document “Towards Full Presence: A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media.” Finally, Zac brings a question to discuss: Does God take bribes?  Links from the show:  Bishop Dolan: How losing family to suicide led me to start a mental health ministry Office of Mental Health Ministry of the Diocese of Phoenix National Suicide Prevention Lifeline American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Towards Full Presence: A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media Vatican tells the bishops of Catholic Twitter: be reflective, not reactive God doesn’t accept bribes in prayer. Or does he? What’s on tap?  Maker’s Mark Support Jesuitical by becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/americamedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jesuitical is joined by Sister Donna Dodge, the president of the Sisters of Charity of New York, which recently decided to embark on a “path to completion,” meaning the over 200-year-old congregation will no longer accept new vocations (though their ministry continues). We discuss: How religious life has changed since Sister Donna joined in 1966 How the sisters discerned that it was time to let go—and how their charism of charity will live on in the work of lay collaborators Why the church needs to change the way it talks about “vocation” with young people And in Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley chat with America’s national correspondent, Michael O’Loughlin, about the controversy sparked by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to include a group of “drag queen nuns” in their Pride Night this June. Links from the show: Drag queen ‘nuns’ will be included in LA Dodgers Pride Night. I have complicated feelings about it. The end of an era for the Sisters of Charity of New York  Nerves, tears and chanting: What I saw during the New York Sisters of Charity vote to stop accepting members What’s on tap?  Scotch on the rocks Support Jesuitical by becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/americamedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Can we consider Toni Morrison a Catholic novelist,” Nadra Nittle asked in an article for America in 2017. Since Morrison’s passing in 2019, Nadra has been exploring that question in more depth, and the result is her new book: Toni Morrison's Spiritual Vision: Faith, Folktales, and Feminism in Her Life and Literature, out this month from Fortress Press. This week, Zac reintroduces this popular interview with Nadra Nittle from 2021 which explores the Catholic sensibilities and love for aesthetics of the acclaimed writer Toni Morrison. Support Jesuitical by becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/americamedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jesuitical is joined by Pete Davis to talk about his new documentary “Join or Die,” “a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it.” They discuss: Why Americans join fewer clubs and associations than they used to Why churches are suffering the same fate The work of Robert Putnam in his groundbreaking book, Bowling Alone During Signs of the Times, Zac highlights a new transcript of Pope Francis in conversation with Jesuits in Hungary. Links from the show:  “Join or Die” ‘This is God’s Style’: Pope Francis’ conversation with Hungarian Jesuits How could a country that was 90 percent Catholic “disappear” Catholic priests and seminarians? Who is the real Bergoglio? What’s on tap?  Tank 7 American Saison Ale from Boulevard Brewing Company Support Jesuitical by becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/americamedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Jesuitical, we’re joined by Luke Russert, the author of the new memoir Look for Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself. Luke is the son of Tim Russert, the legendary host of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” and served as an NBC News correspondent from 2008 to 2016. We talk to Luke about: What it was like to lose his father and hero Tim Russert the year he graduated from college Why he decided to leave a successful career in journalism to travel the world The limits of travel when it comes to processing grief and finding yourself And during Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss the following news stories:  The historic participation of Catholic cardinals and bishops at the coronation of King Charles III this weekend The Sisters of Charity of New York’s decision to no longer accept new members and to embark on a “path of completion” The maiden voyage of a Staten Island Ferry named for Dorothy Day Links from the show: Look for Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself British Catholics will attend a coronation for the first time since the Reformation Sisters of Charity of New York Vote on Congregation’s Path to Completion Onboard the first journey of a Staten Island ferry named for Dorothy Day What’s on tap? Guinness  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything is on the table: immigration and racism, women's ordination, abortion, sexual abuse, pornography, gender identity and dating apps. We’ve never seen a conversation with the pope like this. In Hulu’s “The Pope: Answers,” Francis sits with a group of 20 to 25-year-olds to discuss their most profound questions and struggles with faith and the church’s teachings. The young people also get practical, asking if the pope gets a salary. Ashley and Zac are joined by two Jesuit colleagues, Ricardo da Silva, S.J., and Jim McDermott, S.J., to discuss the new documentary and how Catholics can process this profoundly honest conversation that seemingly raised more questions than answers. Read more: In Hulu’s ‘The Pope: Answers,’ Pope Francis talks abortion, gender identity, dating apps and more with 10 young adults by Ricardo da Silva, S.J. Hulu’s ‘The Pope: Answers’ is the most thrilling movie out right now by Jim McDermott, S.J. Listen to the full conversation here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jesuitical is joined by Sam Sawyer, S.J., the new editor in chief of America Media to talk about:  How Sam went from working as a software developer to joining the Jesuits The Catholic Church’s approach to technology, and what A.I. and ChatGPT have in store for it His latest essay in America: “Catholicism, authentic communion and the way out of our polarization trap” And during Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss the following news stories:  Pope Francis has given women the right to vote at the synod for the first time in history Pope Francis losing his blue verification checkmark on Twitter Two events in Catholic-Anglican relations: A gift from Pope Francis to King Charles III and a “breakdown in communication” between a visiting Anglican group in Rome and the Basilica of St. John Lateran  Links from the show Support America’s Anniversary! “Catholicism, authentic communion and the way out of our polarization trap” Does ChatGPT have a soul? A conversation on Catholic ethics and A.I. Pope Francis gives relics of the True Cross to King Charles III for his coronation Over 50 Anglicans celebrate liturgy at Pope Francis’ cathedral after “breakdown in communication” What’s on tap?  Negronis and Aeropress Coffee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s face it: talking about climate change can feel depressing and futile. It seems like every few years there’s a new dire report, another agreement signed, and little progress is made. This week’s guest, Dorothy Fortenberry, is a writer and executive producer of “Extrapolations,” a new show from Apple TV+ that aims to shake us from our complacency by showing us what the world might look like in 10, 20, 30 years if we stay on our current trajectory. We talk to her about getting people to care about climate change, her love of Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical “Laudato Si’” and the ethics of having kids in a climate crisis. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a controversy between a group of Franciscans and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and talk about how Catholics should react to SatanCon, a gathering of members of the Satanic Temple in Boston next week. Links from the show: Military archdiocese: The end of Walter Reed’s pastoral care contract is ‘incomprehensible’ Boston 'SatanCon' prompts Catholics to respond with prayer and the Gospel Watch “Extrapolations” on Apple TV+ I was at the first Earth Day. And I carry what I learned about care for creation to this day by James Martin, S.J. This Earth Day, meet the artist making beautiful icons of God’s endangered creatures by Jim McDermott, S.J. What’s on tap? Micheladas Support Jesuitical! Become a digital subscriber to America Media! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jesuitical chats with Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I., spiritual master and the author of many books, including “The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality.” Ashley and Zac talk to Father Rolheiser about the importance and universality of spiritual energy, sex, isolation and the differences between therapy and spirituality. During “Signs of the Times,” the team is joined by Michael O’Louglin to unpack an FBI memo that seems to be targeting “traditionalist Catholics.” Later they discuss Hulu’s new documentary, “The Pope: Answers.” Links from the show:  RonRolheiser.Com House committee alleges FBI used undercover agent to produce analysis on ‘radical traditionalist’ Catholics In Hulu’s ‘The Pope: Answers,’ Pope Francis talks abortion, gender identity, dating apps and more with 10 young adults What’s on Tap? Sparkling wine, with bubbles that are rising (like Jesus) Support Jesuitical! Become a digital subscriber to America Media! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this special triduum edition of Jesuitical, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of a regular interview, we’re sharing an episode from the America Media podcast “Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer,” by our friend and colleague Tucker Redding, S.J. In this episode, Tucker guides us through an imaginative prayer focusing on the Way of the Cross, the time between Jesus’ trial under Pontius Pilate and his crucifixion. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley give an update on Pope Francis’ health and time in the hospital, and then they share their favorite parts of the Easter Triduum. Happy Easter everyone! Links from the show: Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer After hospital pizza party and baptizing a baby, Pope Francis expected to return to Vatican Saturday The Easter Vigil is the longest liturgy of the year. And it’s so, so worth your time. More Easter content from America The best way to support Jesuitical is to become a digital subscriber to America Media and access all of our digital content! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, B.V.M., captured the heart of America during Loyola Chicago’s Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2018, she was Zac’s hero and mentor while he was attending Loyola. To be fair, she had been many things to many people in 100 years of life. Sister Jean is out with a new book (written with help from ace basketball writer Seth Davis) titled Wake Up With Purpose!: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years. She joins the podcast to discuss that magical Final Four run, why she loves being around young people and where she believes the Catholic Church is headed. During Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley give an update on Pope Francis’ health and discuss why an A.I.-generated image of him in a puffer jacket went viral. Finally, Zac explains where he found God during jury duty. Links from the show:  “Wake Up With Purpose!” What you don’t know about Loyola’s Sister Jean How Loyola Chicago’s Sister Jean prays—on and off the court Vatican: Pope Francis’ condition improving after resting overnight in hospital AI-generated images of Pope Francis in puffer jacket fool the internet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could pray with the Black Madonna of Montserrat, on the banks of the River Cardoner or the cave in Manresa where St. Ignatius developed the Spiritual Exercises—from the comfort of your couch? Today’s guest, Vivian Richards, S.J., wants to help Catholics do just that. Father Vivian is a Jesuit priest of India’s Karnataka province and part of the team of Jesuits who developed the JesuitPilgrimage app. The app provides photos, prayer and audio guides and interactive maps to bring users to the significant spots in the life of St. Ignatius and the Society of Jesus. We talk with Father Richards about how smartphones can help (and hurt) our prayer life, what it’s like to work at the Jesuit curia (a.k.a the home office) and what it means to take a “digital pilgrimage.” And in Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss President Joe Biden’s asylum policy being at odds with Catholic teaching, the five lucky cousins who will receive an inheritance from the late Pope Benedict XVI and Georgetown University poaching the star coach of Providence College’s men’s basketball team. Links from the show: Bishop Seitz on Biden’s new asylum policy: Death cannot be the cost of our immigration laws Five cousins of late Pope Benedict XVI may receive small inheritance Georgetown hires Ed Cooley to revive Hoyas men's basketball JesuitPilgrimage App Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bishop Robert Brennan leads the most diverse diocese in the country: Brooklyn-Queens. Every Sunday, you are able to find Mass in over 25 languages throughout the diocese. Before coming to Brooklyn, Bishop Brennan was bishop of Columbus, Ohio (Zac’s hometown). This week, we talk to Bishop Brennan about the differences between Ohio and Brooklyn, what it’s like to switch dioceses as a bishop and the future of parish life in an era of church closings and reorganization. In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac look at St. Patrick’s Day dispensations around the country and a new “cannabis studies” certificate offered by St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Links from the show:  Bishop Brennan Podcast: Big City Catholics St. Joseph’s University has a cannabis certificate program, and some Catholics aren’t pleased When St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday in Lent, should we eat the corned beef? Jesuitical March Madness: Facebook What’s on tap?  Scotch! (We have a St. Patrick’s Day dispensation ourselves) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each year, during Holy Week, Catholics hear the story of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper and the washing of the apostles’ feet, and finally, the betrayal, trial and crucifixion of Jesus. These events at the heart of our faith can become familiar, even sanitized after a while. But this year, we can hear them all anew thanks to “The Passion,” a new musical production from the Notre Dame Folk Choir. Zac and Ashley talk with J.J. Wright, the director of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir, and Tristan Cooley, the creative director and librettist for “The Passion,” about the origins of the album, how spending so many hours with these Gospel passages affected their faith and how current realities—clergy sex abuse, police brutality and ongoing discussions about the place of women in the church—shaped the production. In Signs of the Times, we mark International Women’s Day by discussing the record number of female employees at the Vatican—as well the hope expressed during synod consultations for greater inclusion and leadership for women in the church. Next, newly discovered asteroids were named for three Jesuits and a pope. Why are there so many monuments to Catholics in space? And finally, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis and share what we remember most from his historic papacy. Make sure to check our Facebook page to vote in the Jesuitical Saint Sixteen (and shout out to our organizers Chris Kinkor and Jeff Johnson!) Links from the show: 10 years of Pope Francis: Significantly more women working at the Vatican Synod working document for the continental phase New asteroids named for 3 Jesuits and pope of ‘Gregorian calendar’ fame Everyone has an opinion about the pope. But how does Pope Francis understand his past 10 years? A Big Heart Open to God: An interview with Pope Francis Tour dates for “The Passion” Stream “The Passion” on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catholics love their saints. But it's not easy to become one. On this special Deep Dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” we take you inside the grueling process of saint-making, which starts at a local diocese and involves dozens of people, a long paper trail with the Vatican, travel for miracle verification and a lot of money. We’ll hear from Vatican historians and journalists about how the process evolved from folks being devoted to holy people in their cities to a codified Vatican process. We’ll talk with individuals who are working on Dorothy Day's canonization cause in New York about how the significant cost and local politics can lead to causes being delayed indefinitely. And finally, we’ll look into how miracles are verified—and why some people think that ought to change. Support Inside the Vatican! Become a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Zac and Ashley join forces with the hosts of the universe’s leading Jewish podcast, “Unorthodox,” for our annual Lenten conversation. As is custom, Mark Oppenheimer, Stephanie Butnick and Liel Leibovitz offer the hosts of “Jesuitical” their annual Lenten practices.  Links from the show:  Unorthodox Tablet Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catholics probably won’t hear hip-hop at Mass anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean the genre doesn’t have a lot to say about God and the plight of God’s people. Much like liberation theology starts from the experience of the poor when talking about God, hip-hop, which originated in the South Bronx in the 1970s, expresses the struggles for justice and freedom of people living on the margins of America. That’s the case this week’s guest, Alex Nava, makes in his new book, Street Scriptures: Between God and Hip-Hop. Zac and Ashley ask Alex about the history of liberation theology and about the liberating potential of hip-hop. In Signs of the Times, we give an update on the crackdown Catholics and other opponents of the Ortega regime in Nicaragua and discuss the slick “He Gets Us” ads for Jesus at the Super Bowl. Were they an effective way to evangelize—or a massive waste of money? Links from the show: Pope Francis denounces imprisonment of Nicaragua’s Bishop Rolando Álvarez What the Jesus Super Bowl ads get right (and wrong) about evangelization Street Scriptures: Between God and Hip-Hop What’s on tap? French 75 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jean Vanier was the founder of L’Arche, a network of intentional communities where people with and without disabilities live alongside one another in mutual friendship. While he was considered a “living saint” up until his death in 2019, allegations that he had sexually abused six adult, nondisabled women sent shockwaves throughout the L’Arche Community. And more recently, a nearly 900-page report was released last Monday shed more light on the scope of the abuse. Jenna Barnett has been following this story since it broke. She is the host of the new podcast “Lead Us Not” from Sojourners. We talk to Jenna about Vanier and how L’Arche is responding, as well as larger questions about how we hold in tension the good works created by deeply flawed, charismatic founders. During Signs of the Times, we talk about the developing situation between the church and the government in Nicaragua, where four priests were sentenced to 10 years in prison, as well as Notre Dame’s new food delivery robots. (After we recorded, news broke that the four priests were part of a group of 222 political prisoners who were deported from Nicaragua and will take refuge in the United States.) Links from the show:  Listen to “Lead Us Not” New report finds evidence Jean Vanier founded L’Arche to reunite a religious sect with ‘mystical-sexual’ practices Explainer: The Catholic Church’s fraught relationship with the Nicaraguan government Robot food delivery launches at the University of Notre Dame Remembering Rachel Held Evans What’s on tap? Champagne for Zac’s 30th  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would it take to build a radically inclusive church? That is the question Cardinal Robert McElroy took up in a recent article published by America. In it, he called on the church to dismantle the “structures and cultures of exclusion” that alienate some Catholics, including women, the poor, divorced-and-remarried couples and L.G.B.T. Catholics. Most controversially, he argued that people who do not conform to the church’s teaching on sex and marriage should not be excluded from receiving Communion. The article sparked a wide range of reactions online, and this week on “Jesuitical,” Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless bring on Cardinal McElroy on to the podcast to continue the conversation. They ask the cardinal whether he is in favor of open Communion, if the inclusion he’s advocating for requires a change in church teaching and if he’s worried that disagreements over the place of women and L.G.B.T. Catholics in the church could lead to schism. Cardinal McElroy shares his view that “judgmentalism is the worst sin in the Christian life,” and says his “pastoral vision here in San Diego is to make—and it’s hard to accomplish this—to make L.G.B.T. people feel equally welcome in the life of the church as everyone else.” Read, "Cardinal McElroy on ‘radical inclusion’ for L.G.B.T. people, women and others in the Catholic Church" Read the full transcript of Jesuitical's interview with Cardinal McElroy here. Watch: Why Pope Francis is going to South Sudan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The human person is an autonomous, self-governing and self-actualizing being. It has individual rights that no government or obligation should infringe upon. At least, that is the traditionally American, classically liberal way of viewing a human being. But does this view match up with a Christian anthropology? And what does that mean for how Christians should engage in the public sphere? This week, Ashley and Zac are joined by Susannah Black Roberts to discuss all of this and more. Susannah is a senior editor at Plough Quarterly and Mere Orthodoxy and the co-host of “The Ploughcast” podcast. During Signs of the Times, the hosts give an overview of a new interview with Pope Francis and talk about his disdain for “long homilies.”  Links from the Show:  Pope Francis gives major interview on his critics, sex abuse, decriminalizing homosexuality and more Pope Francis: Long homilies are ‘a disaster’—keep it under 10 minutes Our post-liberal moment: What do we want? The common good! When do we want it? Now! Susannah Black Roberts and Christian Post-Liberalism Is Christianity Opposed to Liberalism? Plough Quarterly The Anchored Argosy: Alastair & Susannah Roberts' freight of wonders What’s on tap? Cosmopolitan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re changing things up a bit today and bringing you a preview of a new podcast we’re enjoying and think you will, too. Where There’s a Will searches for the surprising places Shakespeare shows up outside the theater. Host Barry Edelstein, artistic director at one of the country’s leading Shakespeare theaters, and co-host, writer and director Em Weinstein, ask what is it about Shakespeare that’s given him a continuous afterlife in all sorts of unexpected ways? You’ll hear Shakespeare doing rehabilitative work in a maximum security prison, helping autistic kids to communicate, shaping religious observances, in the mouths of U.S. presidents, and even at the center of a deadly riot in New York City. Join Barry and Em as they uncover the ways Shakespeare endures in our modern society, and what that says about us. In this preview, Barry and Em take a deep dive into how Shakespeare informs contemporary religious practices and faith traditions, and explore one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays—The Winter's Tale. Hear more from Where There’s a Will: Finding Shakespeare here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many Christians, the prevalence of the religious imagery at the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol—crosses, rosary, a flag proclaiming “Trump Is My President—Jesus Is My Savior”—came as a shock. But not for this week’s guest, Brad Onishi, who joined (and eventually left) an evangelical church that combined the conservative politics and “God and country” faith embraced by many who sought to overturn the 2020 election that day. Brad is a co-host of the “Straight White American Jesus” podcast and the author of the new book, Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism – And What Comes Next. We discuss the history of white Christian nationalism, how Catholics and evangelicals became allies in our political and culture wars, and if there’s a non-toxic way to mix faith and politics. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley mark the passing of Sister André, a French nun and oldest known person in the world, who died this week at the age of 118; the late Pope Benedict XVI’s custom-made cologne; and the future of the March for Life on its 50th anniversary. Links from the show: Sister André, a French nun and oldest known person in world, dies at age 118 Pope Benedict Has Custom-Designed Cologne The March for Life has always had one message: End Roe v. Wade. What is its mission now? Podcast: The future of the March for Life now that Roe v. Wade is gone Straight White American Jesus podcast Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism--and What Comes, by Brad Onishi What’s on tap? Aperol Spritz Music: City Girl by Flux Vortex Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has been no shortage of commentary on the life of Pope Benedict XVI since his death on Dec. 31. But one aspect of Benedict’s legacy that many Americans miss is his contributions to Catholic social teaching. John Carr would know. John is the founder of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University and for 20 years served as director of the Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. John has more than five decades of experience working in the Catholic Church to help promote its public witness to justice. We talk to John about Pope Benedict, the perception of the church and politics as well as his personal and professional experience with the sexual abuse crisis. As you can probably tell from Ashley’s voice in the interview, we decided to give her vocal cords a rest. So you’ll hear an abbreviated version of the rest of the show.  What’s on tap Orange Fanta Links from the show:  Pope Benedict’s greatest disconnect from U.S. elites wasn’t about sex. It was over economic justice. I helped write the bishops’ first document on Catholics and voting. Here’s why I’m voting Biden, not Trump. Eight lessons to help us move forward from the sex abuse crisis. Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life A timeline of Pope Benedict XVI’s life and papacy: From humble beginnings to historic resignation Pope Benedict XVI, defender of orthodoxy defined by historic resignation, dies at 95 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac turn over the keys to their listeners. In their first ever mailbag episode, they answer listener-submitted questions on a range of topics, from what it's like being a professional Catholic in a parish, to what theological mystery they struggle with the most and who they cheered for in the World Cup.  What's on tap? Rosso di Montalcino, combined with a great story! Note: This episode was recorded on Dec. 20, 2022. Early access to this episode was available to Patreon supporters. Join the community at: www.patreon.com/americamedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas drinks, Christmas carols, Christmas movies–it's the Jesuitical Christmas special! On today's festive episode, Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis are joined by two colleagues, Maggi Van Dorn, the host of America Media's podcast "Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols" and associate editor Jim McDermott, S.J., to discuss the making of "Hark!", the incredible history of the Ukrainian classic, "Carol of the Bells", and why carols are so meaningful year, after year, after year. They also channel Mr. Grinch and discuss their least favorite carols. Merry Christmas to all! The story of ‘Carol of the Bells,’ a Christmas classic born in Ukraine Don't forget to follow Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols on your podcast app! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a question you have about the Catholic Mass that you’ve always been too embarrassed to ask? Like: When we say, “Only say the word and my soul shall be healed,”...what’s “the word”? You’re in luck. This week, we’re talking to Father Dave Dwyer, the executive director of Busted Halo, a media outreach of the Paulist Fathers, and the author of the new book Mass Class: Your Questions Answered. Zac and Ashley ask Father Dave their own burning questions about the liturgy, what he would say to Catholics who lost their “Mass habit” during the pandemic and how to make sure Mass etiquette does not get in the way of true reverence. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley talk with Carol Zimmerman, who has worked for Catholic News Service for 30 years reporting on education, health care and the Supreme Court. What will the church in the United States lose when the domestic operations of CNS close on Dec. 30? Finally, it’s your last chance to submit questions for Zac and Ashley mailbag episode! Post your questions on Twitter, Facebook, Patreon or to jesuitical@americamedia.org by Monday, Dec. 19. Links from the show: U.S. bishops announce Catholic News Service to cease domestic operations at year’s end Catholic News Service provides vital context that secular media misses. Shutting it down is a mistake. Mass Class: Your Questions Answered, by Father Dave Dwyer What’s on tap? Pick your poison: Paloma or Negroni  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac are joined by Matt Maher. Matt is a nine-time-GRAMMY nominee and three-time-GMA Dove Award winning musician. His latest album is “The Stories I Tell Myself.” They talk to Matt about his connection with the hit TV show “The Chosen” and how the events of the past couple of years influenced his new album. They discuss how the pandemic affected his art, why he decided to write songs about racial justice and polarization and they get Matt’s take on the liturgy wars. During Signs of the Times, the hosts discuss new allegations of sexual abuse against a prominent Jesuit artist. Plus, how should we think about lifting Covid-19 protocols at Mass around the Communion cup and sign of peace? Links from the show: Prominent Jesuit artist restricted from ministry after allegations of sexually abusing women religious U.S. dioceses begin to bring back Communion Cup Italy's Catholic Church reintroduces handshakes during Mass Matt Maher's tour dates and the new album, "The Stories I Tell Myself" What’s on tap? Thoroughbred Mule Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not every day your colleague gets to interview—and share a laugh with—Pope Francis. So this week we’re talking to Kerry Weber, an executive editor at America, who was one of five America editors who spent two hours speaking with the pope on Nov. 22. We ask Kerry what surprised her most about the Holy Father and what it was like to be a woman asking Francis about women’s ordination, a question considered by many to be off the table, within the walls of the Vatican. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the appointment of a Chinese bishop to a diocese not recognized by the Holy See—and the Vatican’s unusually harsh response. And finally, stick around after the credits for a preview of America Media’s new season of its Advent podcast “Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols.” Links from the show: Exclusive: Pope Francis discusses Ukraine, U.S. bishops and more Behind the scenes: What it’s like to interview Pope Francis Vatican statement suggests China violated agreement over appointment of bishops China vows more ‘friendly consensus’ after unusually harsh Vatican statement The Catholic Church in China | A Short Documentary The story of ‘Carol of the Bells,’ a Christmas classic born in Ukraine What’s on tap? Champagne  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone! Jesuitical is taking a break for Thanksgiving, but if you’re looking for something new to try, we’d love to suggest “How God Works”, a podcast from PRX. "How God Works” is a rare combination of cutting edge science and ancient wisdom as psychology professor Dave DeSteno helps us grapple with some of life’s biggest questions. We're delighted to share with you this great episode about gratitude—and why every day should feel like Thanksgiving! If you like it, make sure to follow our friends at “How God Works” on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get podcasts! Follow "How God Works", wherever you listen to podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why most Catholics practice their faith in a local parish church? Is it simply to attend Mass and participate in the sacraments? Is it to find a meaningful community? Is it just because their family has always attended there? With the church facing serious demographic challenges across the United States, and amid a rapidly shifting religious culture, the established parish model can no longer be taken for granted. In this fourth and final discussion on America Media’s new, groundbreaking documentary, “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States,” Ashley and Zac, together with Jim McDermott, S.J., and Sebastian Gomes, try to answer the overarching and critical question in the face of the uncertain future of parish life: What’s the point? Watch “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States” Follow on your podcast app: Hark! The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols, an all-new season releasing Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all been there. You need to buy something random and a bit urgently. You hop in the car and drive to a nearby Walmart, or open your Amazon app and get a next-day delivery through Prime. No doubt that these regular fixtures of our modern economy have brought convenience and expedience to our lives, but what are the tradeoffs that we aren’t considering? Kathryn Judge is the author of Direct: The Rise of the Middleman Economy and the Power of Going to the Source. We talk about how “middlemen” became part of our everyday consumer lives and whether or not the way we shop necessarily lines up with our Catholic values. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley talk with Kevin Clarke, America’s chief correspondent, about what happened at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ annual meeting in Baltimore. Links from the Show:  Direct: The Rise of the Middleman Economy and the Power of Going to the Source Archbishop Broglio, questioned on abuse, homosexuality and whether he’s a ‘Pope Francis’ bishop in first press conference as USCCB head Jesuitical Litany of the Saints What’s on tap?  Fancy Free (Luxardo liqueur Old Fashioned) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Covid-19 pandemic closed churches, many parishes began streaming Mass for their communities. That opened up a whole new digital world for Catholics near and far searching for great preaching and a meaningful sense of community. Today, as people return to their parish churches, some Catholics want to stay connected to the digital communities they discovered during the pandemic. What does the rise of these remote parishioners mean for a church that is sacramental to its core? Today, Ashley and Zac welcome Jim McDermott, S.J., and Sebastian Gomes to discuss Part Three of America Media’s new, groundbreaking documentary, “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States.” Watch “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s no secret that the priesthood in the United States is aging, quickly. But what if part of the solution to the priest shortage is actually ordaining more older priests? Deacon Steve Kramer thinks the church should get serious about late-in-life vocations—recruiting men in the 40s, 50s or even 60s who have had another career, who maybe have been married and lost their spouse, for the priesthood. On the other hand, he thinks we should be encouraging men in their 30s and 40s to consider becoming a deacon—a vocation usually associated with more “mature” gentlemen. During National Vocation Awareness week, we ask Deacon Steve about the growing role of deacons in the U.S. church, his experience joining the diaconate in his 30s (and with four young kids!) and what questions someone discerning a call to the priesthood or diaconate should ask themselves. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley talk with Colleen Dulle, the host of America Media’s “Inside the Vatican” podcast, about French Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, the former head of the French bishops’ conference who admitted to abusing a 14-year-old girl 35 years ago. They ask: Have reforms aimed at combatting clerical sexual abuse really brought accountability to the highest levels of the church? Links from the show: French cardinal admits to abusing teen girl 35 years ago Report: 330,000 child victims of sex abuse in France’s Catholic Church Pope Francis issues new rules for accountability and response to allegations of sexual abuse Pennsylvania report documents over 1,000 victims of priest abuse Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick laicized by Pope Francis Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States What’s on tap? Barolo  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In many parishes across the United States, churches are closing, there’s a shortage of priests and many younger Catholics are leaving the faith. That has forced some dioceses to "cluster" parishes, a process that asks communities to tighten budgets, share resources and, in many cases, share priests. One such parish cluster sits in the small city of Antigo, Wis., where the local pastor, the Rev. Joel Sember, is about to incorporate a fourth church into his three-parish cluster. Today, Ashley and Zac welcome Jim McDermott, S.J., and Sebastian Gomes to discuss Part Two of America Media’s new, groundbreaking documentary, “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States.” Is parish clustering a longterm solution or a bandaid fix to a much deeper crisis in the U.S. church? Watch “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to be a mystic in the modern age? Many of us think of mysticism as something for spiritual masters who lock themselves away from the world in monasteries and convents and dedicate their lives to constant prayer. But we are all called to a close and yes mystical relationship with God and to lead lives of contemplation. And today's guest, Kelly Deutsch, wants to help people do just that. After entering a convent, Kelly came down with an illness that left her bedridden for 18 months—and spurred great spiritual desolation and growth. She went on to found Wanderlust, a center for contemplative formation, which provides podcasts, courses and other spiritual resources to those hunger for a closer union with the divine. And in Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a new report on clergy burnout and the at-times deceptive ways Catholic political groups try to sway voters. Links from the show New study of priests shows a distrust of bishops, fears of false sex abuse allegations and widespread burnout ‘The Catholic Church is always politically nonpartisan’: Arizona bishops warn voters of groups claiming to represent the church Spiritual Wanderlust People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States What’s on tap? Seltzer Water with Lime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catholic parishes are growing quickly in the Southwest, and that’s raising important questions for the U.S. church: How are Anglo and Latino communities integrating on the ground? Why aren’t Latinos adequately represented in parish, diocesan and national church structures? Ashley and Zac welcome Jim McDermott, S.J., and Sebastian Gomes to discuss Part One of America Media’s new, groundbreaking documentary, “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States.” The film begins in the suburbs of Phoenix, Ariz., where one parish built a second church to accommodate the new families joining the parish on an almost daily basis. Watch "People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States" Stay tuned to the Jesuitical feed for more bonus episodes on the film! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To get in the sPoOkY spirit, this week’s episode of Jesuitical is getting a little macabre. Zac and Ashley are joined by Candida Moss, a columnist for the Daily Beast and the Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at University of Birmingham. We talk to Professor Moss about how the church and the culture’s understanding of hell has changed over the centuries, what some sure signs of demonic possession are, and why the church teaches what it does about cremation and burial practices.  After the conversation with Candida Moss, stick around for a special new episode of “Voting Catholic,” which is out with a brand new season ahead of the midterm elections. Links from the show:  The church forbids ‘human composting’ at death. But what about ‘green’ burials? When Did Satan Go From Inmate to Warden? Why Did the Catholic Church Ban the Spreading of Ashes? Listen to the Voting Catholic podcast from America What’s on tap? Moscow Mule Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast episodes and YouTube videos featuring Father Michael Schmitz rack up thousands, even millions, of views. His latest project, “The Bible in a Year,” has even made it to the top of the Apple Podcast charts since it debuted in 2021. But for students at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Father Mike isn’t just another celebrity priest. He’s their chaplain. This week, we talk to Father Mike about the big questions Catholics (and non-Catholics) on campus are asking today, the challenges and opportunities of ministering at a big state school and how he balances life in the public eye and being present to his students. And in Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley chat with Colleen Dulle about Inside the Vatican’s latest deep dive into the synod on synodality. The global church has just finished up the listening phase of the synod and reports from at least 112 of the 114 bishops’ conferences around the world are in. What have we learned so far from this yearlong consultation? And what comes next? Topics: 04:10 - Colleen Dulle of "Inside the Vatican" breaks down the Synod on Synodality at the end of phase one 14:55 - A day in the life of Fr. Mike Schmitz 20:55 - The joys and challenges of doing campus ministry on a secular university campus 32:53 - How 'The Bible in a Year' project changed Fr. Mike's engagement with Scripture 42:07 - How Fr. Mike balances being a celebrity priest and a chaplain to his students Links from the show: Podcast: Synod reports from all over the world are in. What happens next? The Bible in a Year podcast Watch America’s new documentary, People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States What’s on tap? An IPA that was not made in Father Mike’s brother’s brewery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most Catholics these days don’t think there is a conflict between the theory of evolution and their faith. But it’s harder to wrap our heads around the idea that we’re still evolving—and that God might be, too. This week, we talk with Sister Ilia Delio, a theologian who thinks we can’t separate the evolving nature of our universe and consciousness from our faith. We ask Sister Delio what it’s like to work at the cutting edge of theology, where rapidly changing technology and artificial intelligence might be taking us as a species, and what that means for the church. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the still-open questions about the legacy and implementation of the Second Vatican Council, which opened 60 years ago this week. Did the council fail? What would success look like, and what would the church look like today if Vatican II hadn’t happened? Links from the show: Did Vatican II fail? Are we allowed to ask the question? Pope Francis marks 60th anniversary of Vatican II by warning against worldly ‘progressivism’ and backward-looking ‘traditionalism’ The Emergent Christ, Ilia Delio People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States What’s on tap? Pinot Noir  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac are joined by Father Thomas Joseph White, O.P., of the all-Dominican bluegrass group, The Hillbilly Thomists. They discuss what the Order of Preachers could teach the wider church about preaching, liturgically appropriate music as well as The Hillbilly Thomists new album, Holy Ghost Power.  During Signs of the Times, America’s national correspondent, Michael O’Loughlin, discusses a shakeup at the Newman Center at The Ohio State University.  Links from the Show:  Holy Ghost Power (Spotify) Who owns the Newman Center? Shake-up at Ohio State highlights the tension between students and older parishioners Pope Francis: The devil knows the passwords to our heart. We must know them too. What’s on tap?  High Screamer: 2 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. Cointreau, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 1/2 of a lime, juiced. Best served on ice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zac and Ashley are unpacking from their recent pilgrimage to Italy. So, they're bringing back an interview from 2021 with the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J. Behind the mic, Ashley is joined by Colleen Dulle, host of America Media's "Inside the Vatican" podcast to discuss with Fr. Sosa his relationship with Pope Francis (another Jesuit!) and how he interprets the pope's reforming agenda. They also discuss how the Jesuits are increasing their collaboration with women around the world. Links: Read the transcript of this interview here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does it seem like the economic deck is stacked against young people today? Inflation, debt, the cost of living and an overvalued housing market can be soul-crushing to younger generations trying to get on their feet and start their lives. The feelings of helplessness and isolation are not lost on Pope Francis, who is calling young Catholics working to transform economic systems to Assisi, Italy, this week. It’s the first ever in-person meeting of The Economy of Francesco! Elizabeth Garlow, an American economist and new mom, will be there, and she joins Zac and Ashley on the podcast to discuss why the current system is failing young people. She’s convinced that it is not enough to tweak the current system; a bold reimagining is necessary. And with the help of Pope Francis, these young Catholics are moving to the frontlines of the movement. Links from the show:  Wondrium The Economy of Francesco Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future, by Pope Francis and Austen Ivereigh Anna Rowlands on Catholic Social Teaching Humanizing the Economy: Co-operatives in the Age of Capital, by John Restakis Francesco Collaborative What’s on tap? Oberon Ale from Bell’s Brewery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Zac and Ashley are putting the Rome in Roman Catholic. Why did Peter go to Rome? Is he actually buried under St. Peter’s Basilica? And why has Rome remained the center of the Roman Catholic Church for 2,000 years? To help answer these questions, they are joined by Professor Kenneth Bartlett. Professor Bartlett is a Renaissance historian, author and professor at the University of Toronto. He is also the guide of “Smithsonian’s: The Guide to Essential Italy,” which is available for streaming on Wondrium, our partners who provided support for this episode. Links from the show:  Wondrium What Catholics need to know about Kazakhstan before Pope Francis’ visit Diocese of Phoenix creates Office of Mental Health Ministry What’s on tap? Brunello di Montalcino  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears and Shia LaBeouf have in common (besides being famous)? All four of these celebrities made waves by announcing they had become Christian in recent years. Rightly or wrongly, we ordinary Christians often celebrate when a high-profile figure joins our “team.” But what should we think when our church leaders become celebrities? It’s a question Katelyn Beaty explores in her new book Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church. Katelyn looks at the phenomenon of “celebrity Christians” in the evangelical church, but the trend of priests and pastors gaining massive followings—online and IRL—exists across many denominations and in the Catholic Church. (After all, who’s a bigger celebrity than the pope?) We ask her the dangers of having a faith that is centered on charismatic individuals, how social media is changing the ways we relate to church leaders and how people in the pews can build real community in our celebrity-obsessed era. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley break down some of the top Catholic news stories you might have missed while on summer vacation. Links from the show: Support Jesuitical by subscribing to AmericaMagazine.org! Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church Pope Francis releases new letter on liturgy: Catholics need a better understanding of Vatican II’s reforms Full text: Pope Francis’ apology to Indigenous Peoples in Canada ​​Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego Lessons for evangelization from Britney Spears’ journey with the Catholic Church The missing piece of Shia LaBeouf’s conversation with Bishop Barron: the stories of abuse victims What’s on tap? Dirty gin martinis  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac chat with Rebecca Jennings, a senior correspondent at The Goods by Vox, who is the author of a new article, “How Catholicism became a meme: One of the world’s most powerful religions is now an alt status symbol.” Rebecca explains why Catholicism’s aesthetic is popping up across the internet, and what that says about the church’s place in wider culture. During Signs of the Times, the hosts discuss the murder of two Jesuit priests in Mexico and the launch of a three year Eucharistic revival in the United States. This is Jesuitical’s last episode of the season—we’ll be back in your feeds this fall! In the meantime, follow Jesuitical on Facebook and Twitter, and you can support the show on Patreon. Links from the show:  TRAVEL TO ITALY WITH JESUITICAL Jesuitical Listener Survey! How Catholicism became a meme Two Jesuit priests killed in Mexico Interview: What is the bishops’ eucharistic revival, and why should Catholics care? What’s on tap? The Jennings: Vodka soda with a splash of St. Germain and a lime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesuitical 2022 Reader Survey That the Catholic Church is firmly opposed to abortion is not news to anyone. However, what Catholics in the pews think and feel about the issue is not as clear—and we don’t ever talk about it. In this special episode of Jesuitical, we try to change that. In this show, you’ll hear from three guests on a few topics related to abortion. First, Tricia Bruce, a sociologist affiliated with Notre Dame who authored a landmark study about how Americans (including Catholics) understand the abortion issue. Next, Rachel Lu, a moral philosopher and contributing writer for America, who believes that the next focus point after Roe v. Wade will be about motherhood and honor. Finally, you’ll hear an excerpt from a conversation we had last year with Caitlin Flanagan, who considers herself a pro-choice Catholic but still grapples with both sides of the issue.  Links from the Show:  How Americans Understand Abortion a comprehensive interview study of abortion attitudes in the U.S. The next issue in the abortion debate after Roe v. Wade: Do we really honor motherhood? The Dishonesty of the Abortion Debate: Why we need to face the best arguments from the other side Jesuitical 2022 Reader Survey Join Jesuitical in Italy  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last July, Pope Francis issued a document restricting the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, setting off a heated and at times toxic debate between more traditionalist Catholics and those who want to see the reforms of the Second Vatican Council more fully implemented. Is there a way for us to talk about the liturgy without it turning into a war? To find out, we brought on the Rev. Pierre Amar, a priest in the Diocese of Versailles in France. Father Amar grew up attending the Latin Mass and was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, an order dedicated to the celebration of the pre-Vatican II Mass rite. But he also loves and celebrates the novus ordo or ordinary form, and does not think the two forms of the liturgy need to be in conflict. We ask Father Amar why people today are still attracted to the Traditional Latin Mass over 50 years after the council and what he thinks about Pope Francis’ move to restrict the celebration of the older rite. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley are joined by Colleen Dulle, host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, to discuss speculation that Pope Francis is preparing to resign.  Links from the show: Will Pope Francis resign? Here are some reasons to believe it—and some to be skeptical Explainer: What is the history of the Latin Mass? I once fell in love with the Latin Mass—which is why I understand why Pope Francis restricted it. Pope Francis on Pentecost: ‘The Holy Spirit creates harmony with division.’ Join Jesuitical in Italy! We want to hear from you ! Please take our survey! What’s on tap? Pre-Vatican II Dewars scotch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If we are what we eat, how could our consumption habits not be morally fraught? This week’s guest, Robert Cruz, believes they are, and he wants Catholics to be more intentional about what goes on their dinner plates. Working in the meat department of his local grocery store opened Robert’s eyes to the way meat is processed, marketed and sold—and inspired him to start a small regenerative farm on his own property. We ask Robert what Catholic social teaching says about ethical eating, how eating chickens he raised himself changed his relationship to food and animals, and why fake meat is not the morally superior option many vegetarians assume it to be.   In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley weigh in on Archbishop Salvator Cordileone’s decision to bar Speaker Nancy Pelosi from Communion because of her “aggressive” support for abortion rights. Plus, Pope Francis has named a new U.S. cardinal: Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego. Links from the show: Archbishop Cordileone on barring Nancy Pelosi from Communion: ‘I cannot in my conscience allow the situation to continue.’ ​​Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego Dear Catholic vegetarians: Eating fake meat isn’t going to save the planet. Regenerative Farmers of America Join Jesuitical in Italy! What’s on tap? Old Fashioned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, an 18-year-old in Uvalde, Tex., killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School. The massacre came less than two weeks after a white supremacist killed 10 people at a supermarket in a majority-Black neighborhood of Buffalo, N.Y. We’ve been here before. This happens all the time in America. And it feels like we have the same reactions, the same conversations, read the same tweets. Which is why instead of a normal show this week, we’re revisiting a conversation from 2018 about gun control. In the aftermath of a shooting that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., we brought on Patrick Blanchfield, who writes about gun violence in the United States. We discussed what gets missed in our gun control conversations, the familiar debate over “thoughts and prayers” and how violence in American schools and on our streets is connected to American violence abroad. Links from the show: Catholic leaders react to Texas school massacre: ‘Don’t tell me that guns aren’t the problem.’ Cardinal Cupich: The Second Amendment did not come down from Sinai How the Catholic Church in Uvalde is helping a devastated community grieve and heal Sad, tired and angry: A prayer in the face of gun violence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of our lives, and our religious practices were no exception. How this period of uncertainty affected the spiritual lives of young people is the subject Springtide Research Institute’s latest report, “The State of Religion & Young People 2021.” We talk with Springtide’s executive director, Dr. Josh Packard, about why young people have lost faith in the church and its leaders—and what older Catholics need to do to meet Gen-Z where they’re at.  In Signs of the Times, producer Sebastian Gomes joins Ashley as a guest host this week to discuss the U.S. bishops’ decision to cease the domestic operations of Catholic News Service. What does this closure mean for Catholic journalism and the people in the pews? Links from the show: Pope Francis’ recipe to heal his painful knee? A shot of tequila Catholic News Service closure opens the door to partisan and ideological church coverage, Catholic journalists warn The State of Religion & Young People 2021 – Catholic Edition Join Jesuitical in Italy! What’s on tap? Tequila! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the surface, Jane Austen’s classic novels like Pride and Prejudice and Emma might seem to be about courtship and marriage, manners and the social hierarchies of Regency England. But while weddings and ballrooms abound in her books, so do lessons about how to live a virtuous life.  This week on Jesuitical, we speak with Haley Stewart, a self-described Jane Austen evangelist and the author of the new book, Jane Austen’s Genius Guide to Life: On Love, Friendship, and Becoming the Person God. We ask Haley how virtues like humility and patience are cultivated in Austen’s fiction; what Jane would say about modern dating and romance; why Catholics (and men) should take her novels seriously. In Signs of the Times, Cardinal Joseph Zen, the 90-year-old former bishop of Hong Kong, was arrested and briefly detained for his involvement in pro-democracy protests. Zac breaks down what this arrest means for the (very complicated) situation of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong and mainland China.  Links from the show: Join Jesuitical in Italy Cardinal Joseph Zen, 90, arrested in Hong Kong Jane Austen’s Genius Guide to Life: On Love, Friendship, and Becoming the Person God Created You to Be What’s on tap? Balcones bourbon, distilled by our guests’s husband! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last month, FemCatholic published an investigation on the maternity leave policies at diocesan offices around the United States. What they found wasn’t flattering. Two of the report’s authors, Kelly Sankowski and Renée Roden, join the show this week to talk about their findings.  During Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac are joined by Gloria Purvis to give their off-the-cuff reactions to the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that appears to signal the court’s readiness to overturn Roe v. Wade this summer.  Links from the show:  Podcast: Is a better abortion debate possible? What's the State of Maternity Leave in the US Catholic Church? FemCatholic Investigates FemCatholic Mother’s Day petition to U.S. bishops U.S. bishops respond to Supreme Court abortion opinion leak: We ‘stand ready to help all pregnant women’ Have Catholics been praying the Our Father all wrong? What’s on tap?  Margaritas, sans lime, simple syrup and contrieua  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At a time when young people are leaving the Catholic Church, and those who remain are less likely to attend Mass, evangelizing may not seem like a top priority. It can be tempting for Catholic leaders to think: We need to stop the internal bleeding first, then we can worry about the rest of the world. Bishop William Wack disagrees: In every age and place, Catholics are called to “make disciples of all nations,” and our time is no different. Named the head of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee in Florida in 2017, Bishop Wack recently authored a pastoral letter on evangelization, titled “Sharing the Gift.” Ashley and Zac talk to Bishop Wack about praying in public, talking to friends (and strangers) about Jesus and what makes evangelization different from proselytizing.  In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley talk with their colleague Jim McDermott, S.J., about how Catholics should think about wearing masks—even when they are not required. What Catholic principles can help us discern our way through what is hopefully the final stages of the Covid-19 pandemic? Links from the show: Catholics: Please keep wearing your masks. Listen to the whole conversation here. Bishop Wack: We need more evangelical Catholics Pastoral Letter, Sharing the Gift Join Jesuitical in Italy What’s on tap? Threes Brewing Logical Conclusion IPA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you had a chance to ask Pope Francis one question, what would it be? That was not a hypothetical question for this week’s guests. Emily Burke and Henry Glynn are two of the students who were selected to take part in “Building Bridges North-South: A Synodal Encounter Between Pope Francis and University Students,” hosted by Loyola University Chicago. The conversation centered on migration, and Emily and Henry used their time with Francis to talk about climate change refugees.  We ask these young climate activists what it was likely to speak with the pope, how they hope to get more members of the U.S. church, including priests and bishops, to make the climate a priority and how they stay hopeful in their fight for the planet. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the German Synodal Path—and the bishops who are concerned it could lead to schism.  Links from the show: The German Synodal Way, Explained 74 bishops sign open letter warning of German Synodal Path’s ‘potential for schism’ Join Jesuitical in Italy Join Jesuitical's Patreon community! Learn more about Catholic Climate Covenant What’s on tap? Champagne—Christ is risen and so are our glasses! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father Joshua Whitfield is a priest of the Diocese of Dallas and the author of The Crisis of Bad Preaching. He’s also a married man and a father of six. This week, Father Joshua joins Ashley and Zac to talk about his vocation as a husband, father and father, why most Catholic homilies are just plain awful and why he still has hope for the upcoming synod on synodality. Ashley and Zac also discuss a recent semi-secret gathering of bishops, theologians and journalists and whether or not God still speaks to us in our dreams.  Links from the Show:  Register to join Ashley, Zac and Father Eric in Italy this September Not many Catholics care about the synod. But I’m not ready to give up on it yet. Father Josh: A married Catholic priest in a celibate world Bishops have frank conversations with lay theologians about Pope Francis, U.S. Church and Vatican II in semi-off-the-record meeting The Crisis of Bad Preaching Join Jesuitical in Italy! Wondrium special offer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The sexual revolution and second-wave feminism were supposed to empower women in society—and in the bedroom. So why are so many millennial women miserable when it comes to their dating and sex lives? Even after the #MeToo movement enshrined “enthusiastic consent” as the baseline requirement for sexual encounters, women (and men) continue to have sex they don’t really want and don’t enjoy.  This week, we talk to Christine Emba, herself a millennial woman, who has surveyed this bleak landscape and think we need to build a new sexual ethic based on empathy and “seeking the good of the other.” Christine is a columnist for The Washington Post and the author of Rethinking Sex: A Provocation. We ask her why consent is not enough to guarantee ethical sex, how young Catholics can have conversations around these fraught issues and what values a healthier sexual culture would uphold.  No Signs of the Times or faith-sharing this week—but that doesn’t mean there was not a lot of Catholic news! Check out some of the great work being done by our America colleagues in the links below.  Links from the show: Rethinking Sex: A Provocation  Bishops have frank conversations with lay theologians about Pope Francis, U.S. Church and Vatican II in semi-off-the-record meeting What it means to be a woman — from a Catholic perspective Roundtable: Indigenous abuse survivors on truth, reconciliation and the need for a papal apology Former Jesuit superior of Ukraine: ‘Putin is destroying the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine.’ Join Jesuitical in Italy! Wondrium special offer What’s on tap? Coffee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During his historic address to a joint session of Congress in 2015, Pope Francis raised up four virtuous Americans as models of citizenship: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. That last name was certainly familiar to Catholics who came of age after Vatican II, but do young Catholics know much about this mid-century Trappist monk and author? Thomas Merton is best known for his spiritual autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain. But he was also a prolific letter writer and, though living in a monastery, engaged with the most pressing social and political issues of the 1950s and ’60s: the civil rights movement, nuclear proliferation and the Vietnam War. In his new book, Man of Dialogue: Thomas Merton's Catholic Vision, Greg Hillis introduces Merton to the next generation of Catholics. We ask Greg why some question Merton’s Catholicity, what we should make of the monk’s brief affair with a nurse and why his writing is still relevant today. In Signs of the Times, we discuss Pope Francis’ major overhaul of the Roman Curia and what it means for the mission of the church.  Links from the show: Join Jesuitical in Italy! Pope Francis is drawing on Vatican II to radically change how the Catholic Church is governed Man of Dialogue: Thomas Merton's Catholic Vision Wondrium special offer What’s on tap? Something. Anything!—feel free to pour yourself a glass if you’re listening on Friday since it’s the Feast of the Annunciation. Fasting dispensed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jesuits, from their founding, have always been heavily involved in education. And in the last 50 years, they’ve made it their mission to expand access to their world-class schools to the poor who have traditionally been excluded and left behind. This week, Ashley and Zac talk with Steve Katsouros, S.J., founder of the Come to Believe network, “a results-oriented, affordable 2-year commuter program offering associate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, designed to ensure that students complete their degrees with little to no debt and are prepared for either a 4-year higher educational institution or the workforce.” During Signs of the Times, Matt Malone, S.J. comes on the show to talk about America Media’s new marketing campaign, #OwnYourFaith. And then they get into the question: Where does accountability end and cancel culture begin?  What’s on tap: Manhattan (dispensed for St. Patrick’s Day) Links from the show:  Join us in NYC: Film screening, “POPE FRANCIS IN IRAQ” Come to Believe: How the Jesuits Are Reinventing Education (Again) Come to Believe Network The Catholic Church belongs to all of us. It’s time to #OwnYourFaith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you think meatless Fridays or forgoing sweets for the duration of Lent is hard, imagine giving up English—or whatever your primary language is. This week’s guest, Jimin Kang, did just that last year. Jimin speaks five languages but is most comfortable in English. We ask her how giving up English affected her relationship with her family and with God, and how people who only speak one language can adapt this Lenten practice to open themselves up to new people and cultures.  In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley talk with their colleague Jim McDermott, S.J., about the Arizona priest who performed thousands of baptisms that have been declared invalid because he used one wrong word. How should the church respond when priests make mistakes like this?  I Gave Up English for Lent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As is our custom, Jesuitical asked our friends from the Unorthodox podcast to suggest some additional Lenten penances. Stephanie, Liel and Mark did not hold back this year, so Zac and Ashley get creative about how to incorporate these new sacrifices into their Lenten journey.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac talk to Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J., a Jesuit in formation, an assistant professor of psychology and a student therapist at Creighton University. Patrick is the author of a new book, The Crucible of Racism, as well as The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice: A Month of Meditations with Ignatius of Loyola. We talk with Patrick about why anti-racism isn’t optional for the spiritual life, his experience with racism in the Jesuits and what young people should be looking for this Lent.  During Signs of the Times, we look at how Pope Francis is responding to the war in Ukraine, and what it means to pray for peace, even if it feels useless sometimes.  Links from the show:  The Crucible of Racism The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice Podcast: Can Pope Francis negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine? Praying for peace in Ukraine—even when it feels useless What’s on tap? Nothing for Lent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices