Catholic Review Radio

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty interviews Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda, promoter of the canonization cause of Father Stanley Rother, a priest from Oklahoma who became a martyr in Guatemala. They discuss Father Rother's upbringing, his journey to the priesthood and his deep connection with the local community in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. The conversation highlights Father Rother's advocacy for the people during a time of civil unrest, his efforts to learn the local Tz’utujil language, and the impact he had on the community. Scaperlanda also shares insights about the documentary “An American Martyr: The Father Rother Story,” which aims to bring Blessed Stanley Rother's story to a wider audience. The documentary will be in theaters nationwide Aug. 25-26 in English and Aug. 27 in Spanish.Hots: Christopher GuntyGuest: Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda, promoter of the cause of Blessed Stanley RotherProducer: Christopher GuntyCopyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media

Kevin Brown shares a powerful story of transformation from addiction, incarceration and homelessness to a life defined by service, faith and hope. Growing up in Maryland, he faced poverty and insecurity before alcohol and drugs led him into years of substance abuse, repeated imprisonment and life on the streets.After the loss of his brother to a fentanyl overdose, Brown made the life-changing decision to enter Helping Up Mission's faith-based recovery program. Today, he serves as the mission's food warehouse manager, is a certified peer support specialist and volunteers with Be More Caring, helping people experiencing homelessness and addiction find hope and a path to recovery.Host Mark Viviano sits down with Brown to discuss his journey, the role faith and community played in his recovery and why he believes every person — regardless of their circumstances — deserves compassion, dignity and the opportunity to rebuild their life.Host: Mark VivianoGuest: Kevin BrownProducer: George Matysek Jr.

Rita Buettner speaks with Ilka Knüppel, author of "Finding Ruth: A Personal Story of Hitler’s Secret Euthanasia Program, Action T4."Knüppel recounts the life of her great-aunt Ruth Muehlmann, a young woman with a disability who was murdered in 1941 as part of the Nazis’ secret program that systematically killed people with disabilities. She shares her years-long search through German archives, her visits to the institutions where Ruth lived and died, and the emotional journey of uncovering long-hidden family history.The author also reflects on how her Catholic faith sustained her while researching such profound evil and why remembering these forgotten victims is essential today. This conversation offers a powerful reminder of the dignity of every human person, the importance of confronting history honestly and the responsibility to protect the most vulnerable.Host: Rita BuettnerGuest: Ilka KnüppelProducer: George Matysek Jr.Copyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Father J. Collin Poston shares his deeply personal journey through severe illness, faith and recovery. His story highlights how attentiveness, faith, and community support can transform suffering into a source of strength and hope for others.Christopher Gunty, associate publisher and editor of Catholic Review Media, talked with Father Poston about his life-saving surgery and the importance of faith and prayer during critical health crises. He also discusses the power of the sacrament of the sick, experienced multiple times, as a source of divine strength and how his faith deepened through suffering and his new compassion for parishioners facing difficulties. Father Poston thanked his staff at St. Bartholomew Parish in Manchester, Md., for how they upheld the community in his absence. His brush with serious illness helped him learn about being present to others and recognizing hidden crosses in everyday life

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Archbishop William E. Lori is inviting Catholics and all people of goodwill to reflect on the relationship between faith, civic life and the common good. In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, we share excerpts from the first installment of Archbishop Lori’s new podcast series, "In Charity and Truth," inspired by his pastoral letter, "In Charity and Truth: Toward a Renewed Political Culture."Archbishop Lori is joined by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York for a wide-ranging conversation about the Catholic Church’s role in American history and its continuing contribution to democracy. Drawing on the examples of Archbishop John Carroll and Cardinal James Gibbons, Cardinal Dolan reflects on how Catholics have balanced faithful citizenship with religious conviction. The discussion also explores the importance of history as a teacher, the Church’s commitment to welcoming immigrants, the role of bishops in fostering civil discourse, and how the practice of synodality can model respectful listening and dialogue in a divided society.Together, the two church leaders offer a hopeful vision for renewing civic friendship through truth, charity and mutual respect.Host: Archbishop William E. LoriGuest: Cardinal Timothy DolanNews: George Matysek Jr.Narrator and producer: Christopher Gunty

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Christopher Gunty explores with Taylor Black the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, its cultural and ethical impacts, and the Catholic perspective on technology. Black is director of AI and Venture Ecosystems at Microsoft. Discover how AI is shaping society, the importance of human dignity, and what the future holds.The conversation talks about the significance of Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas in the context of AI and technological shifts. Other key topics are the balance between technological advancement and environmental sustainability and the role of AI in developing nations and concerns around inequality.Black also discusses the ethical considerations and the importance of maintaining human relationships in the age of AI, and makes some predictions for the next few years in AI development and its societal integration.Host: Christopher GuntyGuest: Taylor Black, Microsoft and Catholic University of AmericaNews announcer: George Matysek Jr.Producer: Christopher GuntyCopyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media

Welcome to Season 7 of Catholic Review RadioCelebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a fascinating look at the often-overlooked Catholic roots of the nation on Catholic Review Radio. Host Rita Bittner speaks with Dr. Dennis Castillo, professor of Church history at St. Mary’s Seminary, to explore how a small but influential Catholic community helped shape the founding of the United States.From the remarkable story of Charles Carroll – the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence – to the quest for religious freedom that inspired many Catholics to support independence, this episode uncovers key contributions that defy their minority status at the time. Castillo also highlights the pivotal role of Maryland, early struggles against anti-Catholic laws, and the establishment of the first U.S. diocese in Baltimore under Bishop John Carroll.The conversation covers surprising moments of Catholic influence, including how missionary leadership in the Midwest helped secure American territory. The podcast offers rich historical insight into faith, freedom, and the fragile beginnings of a nation and a summary of U.S. history, Catholic heritage and the enduring meaning of independence.Host: Rita BuettnerGuest: Dr. Dennis Castillo, St. Mary's SeminaryProducer: Christopher GuntyCopyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media

Covering the Vatican and the popes full time brings opportunities to share information about the Church with readers all around the world. Carol Glatz, Rome Bureau chief for Catholic News Service, has been working in that field for more than two decades, covering four popes. In this episode of Catholic Review radio, Glatz sat down with Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty for a wide-ranging discussion on the joys and hardships of covering such an important news beat. She shares insights on Pope Leo’s first year and how he differs from previous popes. Her trips with popes have taken her all around the world, but she recalls one of the most memorable incidents when Pope Benedict XVI had a spider crawling on him. Glatz also talks about a new project for CNS Rome, a podcast available in audio and video, called Vatican Access, and about plans for what’s next for the bureau. Host: Christopher GuntyGuest: Carol GlatzVideo: Mitzy DerasProducer: Christopher GuntyCopyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

On Father's Day, Rita Buettner speaks with Deacon Keith Chase, a permanent deacon at Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville, and his son, Deacon Andrew Chase, a transitional deacon preparing for priestly ordination in 2027. The father and son reflect on their faith journeys, from Deacon Keith’s unexpected call to the diaconate while praying the rosary to his son's experience growing up in a family deeply rooted in parish service. They share memories of parish life, the influence of a parent’s witness and the unique bond created by serving the Church in different vocations. The conversation explores discernment, family support and the joy of watching God’s call unfold across generations.Host: Rita BuettnerGuests: Deacon Keith Chase and Deacon Andrew ChaseNews Break: George Matysek Jr.Producer: George Matysek Jr.Copyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media

An outreach program at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore is changing lives on city streets.George Matysek speaks with two missionaries from Source of All Hope — Erin Kelter and seminarian Daniel Otto — about their work accompanying people experiencing homelessness. Rather than acting as social workers, they build genuine friendships, offering presence, prayer and the simple dignity of being seen and known by name.Later, Father Brendan Fitzgerald, rector of the Baltimore Basilica, joins the conversation to discuss the program's growth, including a $2 million grant and interest from other dioceses hoping to replicate the model. Father Fitzgerald explains what makes Source of All Hope distinctive: it is rooted in a parish, making it a mission for the whole community.Host: George P. Matysek Jr.Guests: Erin Kelter, Daniel Otto, Father Brendan FitzgeraldNews Report: Kevin J. ParksProducer: George P. Matysek Jr.Copyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media

Host Rita Buettner speaks with Christopher Wesley, executive director of Marathon Youth Ministry, about faith, family and raising the next generation of Catholics. Drawing on more than two decades of youth ministry experience, Wesley discusses how parishes can help young people find belonging, purpose and identity, while encouraging parents to build strong faith-centered communities around their families. Wesley also shares insights on the vital role fathers and other trusted adults play in nurturing faith, the challenges facing lay ministers and the importance of creating welcoming parishes for young people.Host: Rita BuettnerGuest: Christopher Wesley, Marathon Youth MinistryNews Anchor: Kevin J. ParksProducer: George Matysek Jr.

Bishop Adam J. Parker, auxiliary bishop of Baltimore, returns for another installment of Catholic Review Radio's popular "Ask a Bishop" series. In this episode, Bishop Parker takes on a wide range of listener questions gathered from Catholic events across the Archdiocese of Baltimore.He offers practical advice for college students on peer-to-peer evangelization, guidance on approaching friends struggling with underage drinking and tips for defending the Catholic faith with confidence and humility. A father of a seminarian asks how to encourage vocations — and Bishop Parker's answer is both personal and pastoral. Other topics include whether Catholics should kiss the bishop's ring, what drives Bishop Parker's ministry and what he does on a day off (hint: pack your hiking boots).Host: George Matysek Jr.Guest: Bishop Adam J. ParkerProducer: George Matysek Jr.

In the early years of the Catholic Church in the United States, few figures were as unlikely — or as fascinating — as Prince Demetrius Augustin Gallitzin. Born into Russian nobility with Catherine the Great as his godmother, Gallitzin became a Catholic priest on the American frontier, earning the title "Apostle of the Alleghenies."Catherine O’Donnell, a historian at Arizona State University, joins host George Matysek to discuss the extraordinary life of one of the most fascinating figures in the early U.S. Catholic Church.Gallitzin arrived in Baltimore in the late 18th century and came under the guidance of Bishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in the United States. After serving briefly at St. Joseph in Taneytown, he ministered in even more remote areas of rural Pennsylvania.O’Donnell discusses Gallitzin’s unusual upbringing, his difficult relationship with his strong-willed mother and the deep faith that drew him to the priesthood. The conversation also explores his tensions with Bishop Carroll, his efforts to build a distinctly Catholic community in frontier America and his writings defending the faith.Guest: Catherine O'DonnellHost: George P. Matysek Jr.Producer: George P. Matysek Jr.Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

Gregg Landry, founder of Blue Rock Productions and president of the Catholic Business Network of Baltimore, didn't set out to be a faith leader. He came to UMBC to play baseball and ended up doing suicide crisis counseling and working in Baltimore's most troubled neighborhoods. Looking back, he sees God's hand in all of it.Mark Viviano talks with Landry about how saying yes has shaped everything since. They discuss how a single reflection question at a men's faith group — what have you said no to that could have been a blessing? — led Landry to eucharistic ministry at Good Samaritan Hospital and, eventually, prison ministry.Whether filming celebrities, praying with hospital patients or gathering teammates before an ultimate Frisbee tournament, Landry's message is the same: bring Christ into every interaction.Guest: Gregg LandryHost: Mark VivianoProducer: George P. Matysek Jr.Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

He was once a rising concert pianist, performing for audiences around the world—until he answered a call he could not ignore. Catholic Review Managing Editor George Matysek speaks with Sulpician Father Paul Maillet about his journey from the concert stage to the priesthood.A former student of the legendary Leon Fleisher, Father Maillet reflects on the discipline and demands of a professional music career – and how a vocation first sparked in high school gradually took hold through prayer, service and discernment.Now a faculty member at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Roland Park, he continues to integrate music into his life and ministry, describing it as a powerful form of prayer. He also previews his upcoming concert at the Baltimore Basilica and offers practical insight on listening for God’s call and finding lasting peace.

What do monks, monasteries and a great bottle of Bordeaux have in common? More than you might think. On this episode of Catholic Review Radio, host Rita Buettner speaks with Emily Stimpson Chapman, a bestselling Catholic author who has spent years tracing the deeply intertwined histories of winemaking and the Church in her new coffee table book, "Sacred Wine: The Holy History and Heritage of Catholic Vintners."Chapman explains how monks preserved and elevated winemaking after the fall of the Roman Empire – and why the Mass was central to their motivation. She also discusses her remarkable recent output of four books in six months, including "The Story of All Stories," a salvation history Bible for young Catholics, and "Around the Catholic Table," a cookbook rooted in her family's charism of hospitality and adoption.Throughout, Chapman reflects on how motherhood, prayer and a lifelong sense of calling have shaped her life as one of Catholic publishing's most prolific voices.

When white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel last year, Elise Ann Allen was one of the few journalists who already knew the man stepping onto the balcony. The Rome-based correspondent for Crux had first met Cardinal Robert Prevost in Peru years earlier while covering the Church's response to the abuse crisis — an encounter that eventually led to a dinner with the future pope and, after his election, the first in-depth interview with Pope Leo XIV.George Matysek talks with Allen about her new biography of Pope Leo XIV, published this April in English. She traces how his years as an Augustinian missionary in crisis-torn Peru shaped his pastoral vision, his instinct for synodality and his quiet but effective leadership style. She also reflects on his evolving relationship with Pope Francis, his approach to the Latin Mass debate, and his recent, pointed calls for peace.

On this episode of Catholic Review Radio, host Christopher Gunty speaks with architect Mauricio Cortés Sierra, one of the lead designers guiding the completion of Barcelona’s world‑famous Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Cortés Sierra shares the remarkable story of a church begun in 1882, shaped by Antoni Gaudí’s visionary faith, and carried forward by multiple generations of artisans. He reflects on the recent completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ – the basilica’s highest point – and its deep spiritual symbolism, designed to remain humbly below the height of God’s creation. The conversation also explores how Gaudí used architecture to proclaim the Gospel, turning the basilica’s exterior into a “Bible in stone” and its interior into a luminous forest of prayer. With Pope Leo XIV set to help inaugurate the tower, this interview offers rare insight into how beauty, faith, and architecture come together to evangelize the modern world.

Our God is a merciful God, and that is ever-present especially in the sacrament of reconciliation or confession. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with Father Michael DeAscanis, pastor of St. Louis Parish in Clarksville and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fulton, about his great joy in bringing people back into communion with God through confession. They also discuss St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy devotion promoted by the woman who saw Jesus with mercy pouring from his heart in the early part of the 20th century. Learn more about how and why the Church celebrates the feast of Divine Mercy on the Sunday after Easter each year.

This Easter marks a remarkable moment in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, where more than 1,280 catechumens and candidates entered into full communion with the Catholic Church — a number drawn from those attending formal rites and not including several hundred others welcomed at individual parishes. In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, host Rita Buettner highlights two of these journeys.Laura Montgomery of St. Joseph in Fullerton describes how she and her family moved from a Baptist and non-denominational background in search of truth, ultimately discovering the richness of Catholic tradition, especially the Eucharist and a sense of spiritual inheritance.Colton Shumaker of St. Peter the Apostle in Libertytown shares a personal path shaped by relationships, prayer and a gradual realization that led him to pursue the sacraments.Together, their stories illustrate the power of community, formation through OCIA, and the many ways individuals are drawn home to the Catholic Church.Listen to ​​Catholic Review Radio April 5 at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on WMET 1160 AM and 103.1 FM. The show is also available Sundays on WSJF in Sykesville/Eldersburg at 11:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or streaming device the next day.

In this Earth Day-themed episode of Catholic Review Radio, host George Matysek explores how faith can inspire care for creation through the perspectives of two guests.First, Father Jim Bors, a former naval officer and widowed father ordained to the priesthood in 2022, shares how his lifelong love of nature informs his ministry. Now serving as priest-secretary to Archbishop William E. Lori, he has promoted native plant gardens at the parish level and at his home in Cape St. Clair. His work focuses on restoring habitats for pollinators and encouraging practical, faith-rooted stewardship of the environment.The episode also features Alexandra Palting, a New York-based actress, musician and writer who grew up at St. Louis Parish in Clarksville. Blending medieval chants of St. Hildegard with music generated from plant biorhythms, Palting creates a striking fusion of faith, science and art. She discusses her creative process and upcoming Clarksville concert, offering listeners a glimpse of her innovative, nature-inspired sound.

Discover the inspiring intersection of faith and America’s pastime in this week’s episode of Catholic Review Radio. Catholic Review Editor and Host Chris Gunty speaks with filmmaker John Scheinfeld, writer and director of the new documentary Baseball Beyond Belief. Inspired by John Sexton’s bestselling book “Baseball as a Road to God: Seeing Beyond the Game,” the film explores how faith, ritual, doubt, and community shape both spiritual life and baseball fandom. Scheinfeld shares stories from players, scholars, and fans of many religious backgrounds – Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and more – revealing the universal human longing reflected in the game. They discuss memorable moments, including players balancing religious conviction with professional demands and fans who treat ballparks like modern cathedrals. The conversation also highlights the film’s unique collaboration with Paulist Productions, a Catholic organization, and the documentary’s upcoming theatrical and broadcast release.

Catholic Review Associate Publisher Christopher Gunty has two guests on the program this week. First up is Deacon Kevin Cummings of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, talking about the ministry he and other members of Deacons of Hope starteed to create residential homes for unwed women experiencing homelessness. He notes how addressing all the needs – pre-natal and post-natal – saves the women and their babies.In the second segment, Joseph Schuler, development director and one-man band at WMET Radio in Washington, D.C., talks with Gunty about his journey of faith and how his son’s traumatic brain injury led Joseph to the “heroic mission” of working to spread the word of God over the airwaves.

🎬 Enjoy additional conversation with our guests on Hollywood and the movies in this special bonus episode for the 2026 Oscars season!Catholic Review Associate Publisher Chris Gunty is joined by Daughter of St. Paul Sister Rose Pacatte, OSV News media reviewer John Mulderig, and co‑host Ann Augherton of the Arlington Catholic Herald for a fast‑moving, insightful conversation about Hollywood’s biggest night, coming up March 15.From the imaginative spectacle of Sinners to the quiet beauty of Train Dreams, the panel explores why 2025’s films leaned into offbeat storytelling, ordinary heroes, and marathon running times. They break down each Best Picture contender in brief, highlight standout performances, debate moral and spiritual themes, and share their personal favorites of the year.Whether you love film, faith, or sharp cultural conversation, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives – and a few surprises – on what makes great cinema today.

🎬 Catholic Review Radio’s 2026 Oscars Special dives into the year’s most surprising, soulful, and genre‑bending Best Picture nominees. Catholic Review Associate Publisher Chris Gunty is joined by Daughter of St. Paul Sister Rose Pacatte, OSV News media reviewer John Mulderig, and co‑host Ann Augherton of the Arlington Catholic Herald for a fast‑moving, insightful conversation about Hollywood’s biggest night, coming up March 15.From the imaginative spectacle of Sinners to the quiet beauty of Train Dreams, the panel explores why 2025’s films leaned into offbeat storytelling, ordinary heroes, and marathon running times. They break down each Best Picture contender in brief, highlight standout performances, debate moral and spiritual themes, and share their personal favorites of the year.Whether you love film, faith, or sharp cultural conversation, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives – and a few surprises – on what makes great cinema today.

Mark Viviano welcomes Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cade Povich for a heartfelt conversation about faith, baseball and purpose. Preparing for his third Major League season with the Baltimore Orioles, Povich reflects on a life-changing milestone: his reception last year into the Catholic Church at age 25.Povich shares how his journey began with childhood curiosity, deepened in Catholic high school theology classes and matured amid the pressures of professional baseball. Encouraged by teammates, his wife’s faith and guidance from a priest, he completed months of formation during the grind of the MLB season. The day after his baptism, he was back on the mound for a Major League game.Povich also discusses the growing Christian fellowship within clubhouses across baseball and why he openly shares his faith to inspire others.

Exploring the beauty and challenge of Catholic marriage, this week’s episode of "Catholic Review Radio" features author and homeschooling mother Caitrin Bennett discussing her award-winning book, "Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows and Sacramental Grace." A parishioner of St. John Francis Regis Parish in Leonardtown, Bennett shares how her desire to find married saints as companions in her own vocation grew into a richly layered work on saintly couples, Catholic wedding vows and sacramental grace.

In a new pastoral letter released Feb. 9, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore takes the occasion of the nation’s 250th anniversary to address “a moment of grace and responsibility.” Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with the archbishop about the motivation for the letter, which is subtitled, “Toward a Renewed Political Culture.” Archbishop Lori notes in the interview that the extreme polarization of the current political climate is painfully evident and that we need to find common ground to work for human dignity.

Oscar Wilde once said, “Every sinner has a past. Every saint has a future.” Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Tim Jeffries and Joe Reynolds, producers of the popular video series “Sinners and Saints,” which is now filming its third season. They talk about how each of us is a broken sinner and how we should strive to become saints. Even some of the holiest saints we can think of, including St. Augustine, were notorious sinners before they changed their ways.

Catholic Review Radio this week explores faith, education and community across generations. George Matysek speaks with Dr. Mary Lou Yam, president of Notre Dame of Maryland University, and Austin Koo, development director at Brightview Senior Living, about a long-planned partnership that will bring a senior living community to the university’s campus. The project will create housing for independent living, assisted living and memory care while opening the door to intergenerational learning.Later in the program, professional performer Melissa Victor, currently touring with the hit musical "Wicked," joins the show. A graduate of Archbishop Borders Catholic School in Highlandtown and a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Baltimore, Melissa answers questions about her musical career from current students at her alma mater.

Addiction and recovery touch countless individuals and families, yet the deeper story behind the recovery movement is often unknown. On this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Rita Buettner speaks with authors Tom Adams and Joy Jones about their book, "A Marriage That Changed the World: Lois and Bill Wilson and the Addiction Recovery Movement." Their conversation reframes the familiar history of Alcoholics Anonymous by highlighting addiction as a family disease and recovery as a shared, spiritual journey.Adams and Jones shine a light on the essential but frequently overlooked contributions of behind-the-scenes partners who were critical to the founding of both Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups. The episode also examines the Christian roots of the 12-step program, the influence of Catholic leaders and the Church’s role in welcoming Catholics into recovery.

Deacon Greg Kandra is a writer, retreat leader, blogger and author. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty chatted with Deacon Kandra about his most recent book, “Peace Be with All of You: The Mission and Message of Pope Leo XIV,” from Word Among Us. He explains why service, unity and hope in Christ are hallmarks already of the new pope’s tenure, based in Augustinian spirituality. He also talks about how to prepare well for Lent.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are some of the oldest versions of the Bible that have ever been discovered, dating back even before the time of Christ. Discovered in 1947 in Qumran, a portion of the scrolls are now on display in Washington, D.C., at the Museum of the Bible. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty walked through the exhibit with Dr. Robert “Bobby” Duke to learn about how the exhibit came about, why the scrolls are important to understanding Scripture and how the scrolls are preserved today. The museum’s exhibit provides a window into the Second Temple Period in Jerusalem (538-70 B.C.), and includes a large stone from the Western Wall where visitors can leave prayers.

As a new year dawns, Rita Buettner sits down with award-winning Catholic author and columnist Laura Kelly Fanucci for a thoughtful conversation about faith, reflection, grief and hope in times of transition. Fanucci reflects on how moments such as the turn of a calendar year invite us to pause, take stock and ask where God has been present in our lives — and where God may be calling us next.Laura shares how practices such as choosing a “word of the year,” memorizing Scripture and naming both joy and sorrow can shape spiritual growth. She offers moving insights on gratitude, mortality and the grace found in everyday family life. She also reflects on how her twin daughters, who died shortly after birth, remain a living presence in her family through prayer and the communion of saints.

With the death of Pope Francis and the conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV, it's an understatement to say that 2025 was a busy year for the church. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty sat down for an extensive conversation with Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori about the papal transition and issues of concern to the local church. The archbishop talked about good news on the vocations front, the impact of Seek the City changes on parishes and the upcoming fifth anniversary of the Institute for Evangelism in the archdiocese. He also focused on the pain experienced by victim-survivors of clergy sexual abuse and the negotiations underway in the archdiocese’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore was among the first in the nation to ordain permanent deacons. Yet more than 50 years later, many Catholics still wonder how deacons serve the Church and what distinguishes their ministry.On this episode of Catholic Review Radio, George Matysek explores the diaconate from its apostolic origins to its modern-day expression. The program begins with Father Michael Foppiano, pastor of St. Mark in Fallston and director of the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, who addresses common misunderstandings about permanent and transitional deacons, explains their liturgical role at Mass and outlines the formation process for men discerning this vocation.Later in the program, listeners hear from Deacon Tim Maloney, a teacher at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, who reflects on more than 16 years of ordained ministry, and Darron Woodus, pastoral associate and director of parish operations at Holy Family in Randallstown, who is currently in formation for the diaconate. Together, they share personal stories of discernment, theological studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Roland Park and the realities of balancing ministry, marriage, family life and parish service.

George Matysek talks with Father Maurice Henry Sands, executive director of the U.S. Bishops’ Black and Indian Mission Office in Washington, D.C. A priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit and a member of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi tribes, Father Sands brings a deeply personal perspective to the Church’s long history with Native and African American communities.Father Sands reflects on his upbringing in a First Nations community, his family’s enduring Catholic roots dating back generations and the often-untold stories of Indigenous Catholics who embraced the faith with heroic courage. He also discusses the Catholic Church’s ongoing efforts toward healing and reconciliation with Native peoples, including recent gestures from Popes Francis and Leo XIV.The conversation explores the mission office’s 150-year history, its advocacy for Native and African American Catholics and its support of Catholic education across the country. Father Sands also introduces a new documentary produced by the office, highlighting the lives of African American candidates for sainthood and the vibrant faith of Black Catholic communities, including those in Baltimore.

Rita Bittner sits down with Jack Kissane, longtime board president of Our Lady’s Center in Ellicott City, and Christine Cunningham, the center’s manager. Founded in 1974 as an oratory shrine and family apostolate, Our Lady’s Center welcomes thousands each year to draw closer to Jesus through the Blessed Mother.Kissane reflects on the center’s 50-year history, including its origins with founder Frank Lancelotta, the devastating fire that destroyed the building and the faith-driven rebuilding process that followed. Christine discusses her path from homeschooling mother to center manager, highlighting the center’s worship schedule, vibrant devotions, religious goods shop and programs for children and Catholic families.

Advent is a special season for Catholics as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty is joined by two guests to talk about these days of anticipation. In the first segment, we talk with Oblate Sister of St. Francis de Sales Audrey Frances Moran, who teaches fourth grade religion at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Towson, about how she explains Advent practices to her students. In the second segment, Mike McGrew talks about his new illustrated children’s book about St. Nicholas, “The Boy Who Would Be Santa.” He talks about the things he learned about St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, as he played the saint at Christmas markets and in his research.

Mark Viviano talks with Baltimore-area attorney Mark Scheuerman, a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park, whose faith is the foundation of his legal practice. Scheuerman, founder of Scheuerman Law, discusses what it means to bring compassion, integrity and moral clarity into a profession often seen as ruthless. He shares powerful stories from his work in criminal defense, from helping clients rebuild their lives to guiding them toward healing and hope. Scheuerman also reflects on his experiences in prison ministry, the mentors who shaped his vocation and the moments of faith that led him to serve those in need through the law.

Do you know which Catholic Church in the United States has the longest main aisle or which cemetery serves as the final resting place for more Hall of Fame baseball players than any other in the country? And do you know the name of the Russian prince who became a priest in the newly formed the United States of America? Believe it or not, the answers to all of those questions have ties to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. George Matysek talks with Marion Amberg about those amazing stories and much more. Amberg is the author of "Incredible Catholic America: Smallest, Tallest, Oldest, Oddest," a fascinating collection of more than 300 stories about the people, places, and traditions that make Catholic America unique. She's also the author of two award-winning Catholic travel books and a journalist whose work appears in more than 100 markets nationwide.

What leads a parish priest to leave the busyness of ministry for a life of silence and solitude? In this episode, George Matysek talks with Father Peter of Jesus — formerly a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore known as Father Patrick Peach — about his faith-filled journey to a Carmelite Hermitage in Minnesota. Father Peter, a graduate of Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, reflects on what drew him to the contemplative life and shares how the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila can help anyone seeking a deeper connection with God amid the noise of everyday life.

How we remember our loved ones has changed over the years — but the need to grieve, honor and support one another remains timeless. In this All Souls Day episode, Michael Ruck Sr., president of Ruck Funeral Homes and parishioner of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, joins Rita Buettner for a heartfelt conversation about the evolving ways families remember those they’ve lost. Together, they explore how we can keep memories alive, walk with others through grief, and find comfort in faith and community.

The Catholic Extension Society has been helping mission dioceses in the United States since 1905. Father Jack Wall, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, has been its president since 2007. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with Father Wall about the ways that Catholic Extension helps almost half of the dioceses in the US find the resources they need to ensure the church is vibrant and transformative in those areas.

Bishop Adam J. Parker answers a wide variety of questions from our listeners on our third installment of our "Ask a Bishop" edition of Catholic Review Radio. Just a few topics he addresses include ways of inviting people into the church, changes to confirmation policies, the state of archdiocesan bankruptcy proceedings, the election of Pope Leo, eucharistic processions and how to become Catholic. Bishop Parker serves as auxiliary bishop of Baltimore, vicar general and moderator of the Curia. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 2000 and became a bishop in 2017.

Do you connect the things happening in your everyday life to your faith? Things such as taking the carrots out of your son’s soup, or watching the Olympics? Catholic Review columnist Rita Buettner has a knack for that, in her column in the print edition or in her online blog. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty sat down with Rita to talk about how she is able to find links between what’s going on at home and what the saints have to say. And listen for a special announcement about how Rita will expand her reach to Catholic Review readers and listeners.

What would you do if you found a statue of our Blessed Mother in a dumpster behind a florist shop? Former radio DJ Kevin Matthews had to face that question. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Matthews about his fateful find, and how he had the statue repaired just enough to show that Mary is the mother of all those who are broken. Now a speaker and leader of prayer services, Matthews takes Broken Mary all over the country, helping people to see how Jesus and his mother love us in spite of our sins. Matthews and the statue are the subject of a new documentary that will be in 1,000 theaters across the country for one night only, Oct. 7. Find out what makes Matthews’ journey with the Blessed Mother so special.

In recent years, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has been blessed with a significant increase in the number of men and women stepping forward to answer the call to religious life. Joining us to talk about is Father Stephen Roth, Director of Vocations and Associate Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Father Roth, a former pastor of St. Isaac Jogues in Carney, was ordained to the priesthood in 2012 and has served as vocations director since 2018.

What’s the difference between a faith-based movie and a “faith-adjacent” movie? How do producers and directors ensure they are creating films that inspire and uplift viewers? Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with writer and director Sean McNamara about these topics, and about his new movie, due in theaters Sept. 26, “Bau: Artist at War.” The new film is based on a true story of love that emerged from the concentration camps in Poland. At its heart is the relationship between Joseph, a cartographer who forged passports and other documents that allowed many Jewish Poles to be saved, and Rebecca, whom he met at married in the camp.

Now in his 18th season with the Ravens, head coach John Harbaugh is celebrated for championships and playoff runs. But his Catholic faith and family values shape him even more. Mark Viviano talks with Harbaugh about purpose, prayer, parenting and how faith fuels life on and off the field.