Radical Hospitality and the Love of the Poor with David Thielen -- 11/29/2025

In this edition of Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, Bishop Joensen and Jeanne Thill sit down with David Thielen, Executive Director of the Romero House in Ames — a Catholic Worker ministry dedicated to serving the homeless and those in spiritual and material poverty.Topics covered in this episode include:David Thielen’s personal journey from corporate life to a radical rediscovery of faith, reconciliation, and missionHow the Romero House embodies Dorothy Day’s principle of “radical hospitality” — welcoming guests not just for services but for fellowship, dignity, and relationshipThe reality of homelessness in Ames and the challenges and misconceptions surrounding itThe pushback and zoning battles faced in opening Romero House — and how hearts in the community have begun to changeHow the House works in cooperation with local resources like the public library and Food at FirstThe spiritual transformation that takes place not only in guests but also in volunteers, students, and future seminarians who serve thereThe teachings of Pope Leo and Pope Francis on the preferential option for the poor, and how true Christian discipleship must include solidarity with those on the marginsThe Romero House welcomes volunteers, partners, and supporters seeking to live their faith in concrete ways, offering showers, meals, laundry, and — most importantly — human connection and hope rooted in Christ.To learn more:Search “Ames Romero House” online for contact information, details on volunteering, and opportunities to support their mission. #MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #DavidThielen #RomeroHouse #CatholicWorker #DorothyDay #OscarRomero #LoveOfThePoor #CatholicSocialTeaching #PreferentialOptionForThePoor #IowaCatholicRadio #SpiritCatholicRadio Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our StationsLINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.