Episodes
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Episode 227 - Facing Mental Health Challenges with Courage
Longtime CBS 2 New York anchor Cindy Hsu joins Bishop Robert Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics for a powerful discussion on mental health, focusing on breaking the stigma and encouraging people to have the courage to ask for help. In October 2026, Pope…
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Episode 226 - Respecting God’s Gift of Life
This week on Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue reflect on the value and dignity of every human person at all stages of life, from conception to natural death. During Respect Life Month, they discuss issues that challenge the sanctity of human life, including...
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Episode 225 - Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko: Priest and Martyr for the Truth
On this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan is joined by members of St. Frances de Chantal Parish in Brooklyn to discuss the life and legacy of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko. The conversation honors a priest who gave his life in defense of his faith and the truth. The parish recently...
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Episode 224 - The Saints Among Us
This week on Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue, pastor of St. Joan of Arc in Queens, reflect on our individual call to sainthood and the lives of holy men and women, including Blessed Fulton Sheen, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Michael, St. Jerome, and St.…
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Episode 223 - St. Francis of Assisi: The Legacy of His Faith
This week on Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan is joined by Father Joseph Miller, Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Star of the Sea-St. Gertrude in Far Rockaway and Brother Damian Novello, OSF, Superior General of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn. They reflect on the life, legacy, and...
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Episode 222 - Blessed Fulton J. Sheen: Broadcasting the Good News
This week on Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan is joined by Archbishop Nelson Perez of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Monsignor Jim Vlaun, President and CEO of Catholic Faith Network, who also serves in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Together, they reflect on the life and legacy of...
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Episode 221 - Human Beings Are Not Political Footballs
This week on Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan is joined by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Brooklyn, and Bishop Brendan Cahill of the Diocese of Victoria, Texas, who currently serves as Chair of the Migration Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic…
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Episode 220 - In Remembrance: 25 Years After September 11
Former FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano joins Bishop Robert Brennan and Father Chris Heanue on Big City Catholics for a powerful conversation about remembering September 11, 2001. On the 25th anniversary, they reflect on those who lost their lives that day and those who have since died from...
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Episode 219 - Trailblazers of Faith: Defending Human Dignity for All
This week on Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue welcome Father Alonzo Cox, Vicar for Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn, to reflect on the upcoming Feast of St. Peter Claver and the powerful legacy of his life and ministry. They also discuss the good works and...
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Episode 218 - The Universal Prayer: For Ourselves & Each Other
On this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue reflect on the power of prayer amid the environmental and political turmoil affecting our world. As Catholics, we unite in prayer for those in need, both locally and globally, asking God to strengthen them…
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Episode 217 - Tremors of the Heart: Praying for Colombia
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan is joined by Father Carlos Agudelo, pastor of St. Leo’s Church in Corona, who shares his firsthand experience of being in Colombia when the devastating earthquake struck. Father Carlos reflects on the fear and vulnerability he felt as…
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Episode 216 - United with Our Haitian Brothers and Sisters
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan is joined by Father Hilaire Belizaire, Coordinator of the Haitian Apostolate, to discuss the growing challenges facing the Haitian community both in Haiti and here in Brooklyn and Queens. They reflect on the political unrest and…
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Episode 215 - Catholic Faith and Education in Nigeria
This week on Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Father Cosmas Nzeabalu, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Apostolate for the Diocese of Brooklyn, discuss their recent visit to the Archdiocese of Onitsha in Nigeria. They highlight the growth of Catholic education in Nigeria, including the...
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Episode 214 - Moments of Hope at the World Cup and Beyond
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan’s guest is Barbara Freitas, a missionary with the Shalom Catholic Community in Brooklyn. She reflects on how chance meetings during her recent volunteer work at the World Cup opened doors to share her faith, and she also speaks to the profound...
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Episode 213 - An Experience of Prayer, Paintball and Purpose
In this week’s episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Father John Hwang visit and speak with three young adults from Mary of Nazareth Parish in Brooklyn at the Damascus Summer Camp in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The campers representing the Diocese of Brooklyn share what makes this...
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Episode 212 – Encountering Jesus at Summer Camp
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan discusses the power of the Damascus Summer Camp experience. Young adults taking part in the camp encounter Christ through daily Mass, Adoration, Confession, and weekly Eucharistic Processions. Tune in for a conversation about a new generation…
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Episode 211- Praying with Venezuela and A Summer of Milestones
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue engage in a conversation full of faith, community, and hope as they reflect on the Diocese of Brooklyn's prayerful response to the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, and the relief efforts through Catholic Relief Services....
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Episode 210 - The Catholic Roots of American Independence with Father Michael Bruno
Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue host Father Michael Bruno, Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life of our diocese and Professor of History at St. Joseph’s Seminary, for a special July 4th episode of Big City Catholics, marking America's 250th anniversary. They trace the history of Catholics in the...
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Episode 209 - Faith in the Fields
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan visits South Carolina, where Sister Migdalia “Meggie” Flores, of the Farmworkers Ministry Coordinator for the Diocese of Charleston, along with the Vincentian Daughters of Charity, brings the Church directly to the fields. For workers who…
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Episode 208 - Embracing Our Consecrated Nation with Humility, Gratitude, and Hope
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joins Father Heanue, fresh from the USCCB meeting in Florida, where the U.S. bishops consecrated America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Their conversation touches on the beauty of that ceremony, the meaning of Juneteenth, and Pope Leo's recent...
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Episode 207 - Building Faith, Community, and Purpose Through Young Catholic Professionals
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan co-hosts with Lucero Manzanares, Associate Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, as they welcome Kiana Carrington, President of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) Brooklyn, to discuss the successful launch of the chapter and the growing...
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Episode 206 - A Year in Ministry
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue welcome four members of the Diocese of Brooklyn's 2025 priest ordination class. Each priest shares the joys and graces that have shaped their early ministry, offering an inspiring glimpse into what it means to serve the…
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Episode 205 - What Pope Leo Wants You to Know About AI
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Father James Kuroly and Father Joseph Zwosta join Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue to discuss the encyclical by Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas: Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence. They unpack how the Church grounds its...
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Episode 204 - The Love of God That Knows No Bounds
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue explore the Church's pastoral response to assisted suicide legislation and the call to accompany the dying with compassion and dignity. They also discuss Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi, as well as the upcoming...
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Episode 203 - YCP Is Coming to Brooklyn
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan sits down to talk about the brand-new Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) Brooklyn chapter and how young adults are connecting faith with professional life through mentorship, community, networking, and authentic Catholic fellowship. Lucero...
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Episode 202 - One Year of Pope Leo XIV with Fr. John Hwang
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father John Hwang reflect on Pope Leo XIV's first year as Pope, highlighting his defining themes of peace, care for the poor, and social justice, all rooted in his missionary experience and Augustinian spirituality. Bishop Brennan…
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Episode 201 - War No More
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on Pope Leo’s call for peace—“War No More”—linking pro-life values to the dignity of every human life. They also examine the rising acceptance of political violence among young adults, while offering hope in the...
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Episode 200 - Reflecting on Bishop William Murphy’s Life and Ministry with Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez
In this second of a two-part episode of Big City Catholics, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez joins the conversation to share personal and heartfelt memories of Bishop William Murphy — a globally connected yet deeply humble leader who helped shape both his own ministry and that of Bishop Brennan....
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Episode 199 - Remembering Bishop William Murphy
In this two-part episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue remember Bishop William Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Msgr. Joseph DeGrocco, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst, joins Bishop Brennan for a warm conversation about Bishop Murphy's life and...
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Episode 198 - He Is Risen
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan shares his Easter homily, which centers on the Resurrection of Jesus and the theme of being “fearful yet overjoyed.” He acknowledges the real anxieties of modern life and encourages us to hold fast to the hope and courage that come from faith…
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Episode 197 - Called by His Unconditional Love
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan shares his Chrism Mass homily, reflecting on a young Confirmation candidate’s statement that he “can’t imagine life without God” as a witness to God’s constant love. He connects this to the Gospel and Pope Leo’s call to be “fishers of men,”...
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Episode 196 - The Way of the Cross: A Public Witness of Faith
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan highlights the 30th Annual Way of the Cross—a powerful public witness of faith that processes across the Brooklyn Bridge into Lower Manhattan, with a stop at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Featuring guests from the lay Catholic movement...
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Episode 195 - Carrying the Cross Today
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue welcome Edward Clancy, Director of Outreach for Aid to the Church in Need, an organization dedicated to supporting Christians through funding, education, and rebuilding efforts. Together, they raise awareness about the global...
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Episode 194 - Called to Serve
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on vocations to the priesthood and religious life, sharing their own stories and the influence of joyful priests and Eucharistic Adoration in their discernment. They highlight encouraging signs of young people…
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Episode 193 - Journeying Through Lent
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the Lenten season and recent diocesan activities. Bishop Brennan shares highlights from the Lenten Pilgrimage and explores the meaning of the Lenten scrutinies and their connection to baptism. As we continue our...
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Episode 192 - The Pilgrims’ Journey to the Lord
Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue record this episode of Big City Catholics from St. Joan of Arc parish, one of the station churches for the Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage. They explore how pilgrimage is a sacred act of sacrifice, prayer, and charitable giving of one's time—one that draws pilgrims…
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Episode 191 - Catholic School Transitions & Child Safety
Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, joins Bishop Brennan on Big City Catholics to discuss transition plans following the news of seven school closures. While announcing the pursuit of global settlements in sexual abuse cases, Bishop Brennan introduces Maryellen Quinn,...
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Episode 190 - Preparing for the Lenten Season
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the approach of Lent and the need for thoughtful, intentional preparation rather than last-minute resolutions. They emphasize that Lent is meant to foster true spiritual growth, not simply physical sacrifice, and...
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Episode 189 - A Legacy of Faith and Service: Inside the Cathedral Club
Cathedral Club President Harry D’Onofrio and spiritual director Father Michael Falce join this episode of Big City Catholics to explore the Cathedral Club’s legacy of lay Catholic leadership. The conversation highlights the club’s bipartisan community, expanding scholarship support for Catholic...
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Episode 188 - From Brooklyn to Palm Beach: A Bishop's Call
In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop-Elect Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez shares the story of his unexpected appointment by Pope Leo XIV to lead the Diocese of Palm Beach, reflecting on the surprise call and his vision for the growing Florida diocese. The conversation touches on youth…
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Episode 187 - Celebrating Diversity and Defending Human Dignity
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the cultural life of the Diocese, from Bishop Brennan’s missionary experience in Peru to celebrations like the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia and the Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They highlight…
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Episode 186 - The Call to Human Dignity
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue center their conversation on human dignity. With the upcoming March for Life events, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Bishop Brennan reflects on the enduring call to defend civil rights and…
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Episode 185 - Faith on the Road: SEEK Conference Reflections
This special edition of Big City Catholics features Bishop Brennan and diocesan priest Father John Hwang, on the road at the SEEK Conference. Joined by two Queens College students, the group reflects on their experiences, highlighting the enthusiasm and faith of the young Catholics present, the...
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Episode 184 - Carrying Christ Forward As We Close the Jubilee Year
In this episode of Big City Catholics, we hear Bishop Brennan’s homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, which marks the close of the Jubilee year for the local church. He reflects on Joseph and Mary as the first pilgrims of hope, fleeing Herod’s persecution while carrying the Christ child and...
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Episode 183 - Behold, God is with Us
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation as we celebrate the Octave of Christmas. Bishop Brennan shares his Christmas homily, reminding us that when we truly behold God’s presence in our lives, we can find the courage...
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Episode 182 - Defying the Darkness by Seeking and Sharing the Light of Christ
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on hope and light amid darkness. The discussion addresses recent acts of violence and hardships both locally and globally. Bishop Brennan encourages us during Advent to acknowledge the darkness in the world, the…
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Episode 181 - Faith, Culture, and Community: Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe with Lucero Manzanares
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Lucero Manzanares, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the diocese, joins Bishop Brennan to share her background engaging youth and young adults through holy hours, youth days, and community-building activities. Lucero shares personal...
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Episode 180 - The Enduring Power of the Nicene Creed with Bishop James Massa
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop James Massa, Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Together, they explore the significance of the Nicene...
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Episode 179 - Youth, Faith, and a Conversation with the Pope: NCYC Highlights
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan reflects on his recent trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis. He is joined by four young participants from our diocese who share their experiences and insights from the event, touching on the sense of community...
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Episode 178 - Respecting Life at Every Stage
In this special edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joins The Respect Life Podcast to speak with Kat Talalas about authentic, compassionate care at the end of life. He reflects on his own family’s experience, contrasting true dignity with the despair often linked to assisted suicide....
About this show
Explore questions of faith that impact your everyday life as a parent, friend, and professional. In every role we have, Christ has a special purpose in mind for us. What’s Christ calling you to do today?
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