CNA Newsroom

Please listen as host and producer Jonah McKeown makes an important announcement regarding the CNA Newsroom podcast. Listen to our entire catalog of over one hundred original episodes (for free) by visiting www.catholicnewsagency.com/podcasts, or on any podcast app. See you soon!

For Holy Week 2022, we explore a few of the Church’s earliest Easter pilgrimage traditions in Rome, and investigate the hymns you may not hear at Easter Mass this year. This episode first aired in March 2021. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/holy-week-2021-vatican-issues-guidelines-for-catholics-facing-coronavirus-restrictions-70744 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/beauty-drama-and-pinpoint-silence-easter-triduum-memories-from-rome-93027 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/a-vatican-ambassador-is-visiting-romes-most-ancient-churches-this-lent https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/all-are-welcome-not-a-welcome-hymn-at-mass-usccb-committee-says-54933 https://www.sourceandsummit.com/

An anonymous Ukrainian journalist has been speaking with the help of a Catholic radio station in Norway, as Russia continues its assault on her country. On this episode of the podcast, we learn about how this Ukrainian journalist found a worldwide platform for her spiritual reflections and observations amid the chaos of war. Shownotes: https://www.stritaradio.no/ https://feeds.transistor.fm/diary-from-kiev-by-st-rita-radio https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250609/catholic-journalist-flees-ukraine-capital-the-war-brings-me-closer-to-god https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250796/pope-francis-consecrates-russia-and-ukraine-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250570/why-is-st-michael-the-archangel-the-protector-of-kyiv

In honor of the Feast of St. Joseph, we’ll tell you the story of how St. Joseph helped to facilitate an unexpected connection between a teacher in Denver, Colorado and a priest in Soroti, Uganda. Shownotes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250242/from-denver-to-uganda-st-joseph-facilitates-an-unexpected-connection https://www.soroticatholicdiocese.org/ https://mysoundwise.com/soundcasts/1634757979029s https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfRnJcVgM5YuK9cDTT2wrzvwYaiknoC33 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250609/catholic-journalist-flees-ukraine-capital-the-war-brings-me-closer-to-god

“The Bible in a Year” podcast with Father Mike Schmitz touched hundreds of thousands of lives beginning in 2021. We speak with the creators of the hit podcast, as well as with several people whose lives were forever changed by listening. Shownotes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bible-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1539568321 https://youtu.be/bq27RZERjrc www.thebibleinayearstudyguide.com https://ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250039/bible-in-a-year-father-mike-schmitz-next-podcast

Why do we associate St. Valentine with cards, chocolate, and romance? Who was this guy anyway? We speak to a historical expert about the real St. Valentine. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/246487/the-rome-church-where-you-can-venerate-st-valentines-skull https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/43515/st-valentine-how-a-beheaded-martyr-became-the-poster-child-for-romantic-love

A Catholic scientist talks about his groundbreaking work with a massive space telescope, as well as his thoughts on the relationship between faith and science. http://theleaven.org/benedictine-professor-helps-discover-new-molecules-in-space/ https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/the-pillars-of-creation https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_15081990_ex-corde-ecclesiae.html

Our Lady of Guadalupe convent in St. Louis has an unlikely neighbor: an abortion clinic. Since the convent opened in 2017, the number of surgical abortions at the clinic has dramatically decreased. https://www.archstl.org/respect-life-apostolate/programs/spiritual-support/our-lady-of-guadalupe-convent https://www.archstl.org/house-for-life-2018 https://fscc-calledtobe.org/2019/02/12/franciscan-sister-reflects-on-st-louis-our-lady-of-guadalupe-convent/

An innovative prayer hotline at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has seen a lot of success since its launch at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. You can reach the prayer hotline at 1-866-202-4934. https://setonshrine.org/prayer-requests-2/?gclid=CjwKCAiAtouOBhA6EiwA2nLKHx0UID9v-XJxrSoG8if6dofYhSvaQ9OwDA94TQL09f4b6X6tXQcuexoCOcIQAvD_BwE https://www.catholicsun.org/2021/04/22/shrine-prayer-hotline-spurred-by-pandemic-is-so-successful-itll-continue/

John Kraemer is a disability advocate from Michigan who has, for the past 20 years, built giant Catholic churches out of Legos. Shownotes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249934/lego-master-catholic-church https://www.facebook.com/LegoChurchProject https://twitter.com/Kc8wzm

Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green leads the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes in the Australian Outback. He tells us about the extraordinary challenges and blessings that come with his role. https://www.facebook.com/BishopColumba https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249139/catholic-school-named-for-blessed-carlo-acutis-will-have-the-eucharist-at-its-heart https://cruxnow.com/church-in-oceania/2019/07/bagpipe-playing-australian-bishop-faces-challenges-with-a-joke-and-a-smile/ https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/bishop-columba-macbeth-green-life-in-a-landscape-that-elevates-the-heart-to-god/ https://www.wf.catholic.org.au/our-diocese/our-history/

Pablo Tac was a young Luiseño Indian man who wished to become a missionary priest. A petition to open his sainthood cause is gaining traction. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we learn more about Pablo’s story, and revisit the stories of Squanto and Nicholas Black Elk. https://www.ncregister.com/news/unveiling-potential-saints-for-the-americas https://www.change.org/p/bishop-mcelroy-petition-to-nominate-pablo-tac-for-the-cause-of-canonization?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=custom_url&recruited_by_id=1b8d1700-7350-11e9-a007-51c2eb51b7c0 https://www.californiafrontier.net/pablo-tac/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXhYcUFe3bg https://www.ncregister.com/news/us-catholic-bishops-approve-development-of-native-american-pastoral-plan

Monsignor Stephen Rossetti has been an exorcist in the Archdiocese of Washington for more than a dozen years. He shares his experiences and how Catholics can avoid crossing paths with demons. https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/diary-of-an-american-exorcist https://www.catholicexorcism.org/home https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/sacramentals-blessings/exorcism https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/45345/exorcism-is-a-ministry-of-joy-light-and-peace-new-guide-says

Molly Burhans is a scientist and cartographer who is using high-tech maps and data to make the Catholic Church more sustainable and more effective in Her mission. https://good-lands.org/ https://catholic-geo-hub-cgisc.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/9a8178c2d52d403d93a94317de653951_0/explore?location=-3.188195%2C0.000000%2C0.13 https://catholic-geo-hub-cgisc.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/9eec40e60282428e94f5e1f7825b6970_0/explore https://catholic-geo-hub-cgisc.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/f3ff97c8f55a41049513979729e607d8_0/explore?location=42.348091%2C-71.058806%2C16.67 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247831/santa-fe-archdiocese-continues-to-list-hundreds-of-unused-pieces-of-land-for-sale https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/2/8/18317337/much-of-100-million-from-sale-of-holy-name-lot-to-go-to-church-sex-abuse-debts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3uc_06oQLE

Harvard University’s more than 40 chaplains elected an atheist, humanist “chief chaplain” last month. We talk with one of Harvard’s Catholic chaplains about the appointment, and how the Harvard Catholic Center evangelizes a demographic that increasingly identifies as non-religious. A student and recent Harvard alum talk about living their faith on campus. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248833/harvard-catholic-center-responds-to-spin-on-atheist-chaplain https://anchor.fm/theharvardcatholic/episodes/Catholic-On-Campus-e17bf9g https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/26/us/harvard-chaplain-greg-epstein.html https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/41080/nones-rise-amid-declining-church-attendance-survey-shows https://www.focus.org/missionaries/benjamin-eliza-kelly

We revisit Iraq, six months on from Pope Francis’ historic visit, and talk to Iraqis on the ground to hear about the impact of the pope’s visit and the flourishing of the Catholic faith in the Middle East. Shownotes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/ebooks/pope-francis-in-iraq.pdf https://www.sistani.org/english/archive/26509/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct2d31 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/tags/8095/pope-francis-trip-to-iraq-2021 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248898/international-eucharistic-congress-2021-cardinal-sako-says-pope-francis-historic-visit-changed-iraq

A young Christian, desperate to flee Afghanistan, exchanges frantic messages with a CNA employee, pleading for help as the Taliban closes in on him. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248918/afghan-christians-plea-to-cna-you-are-my-last-hope

Today, Fr. Tom Colucci is a priest in the Archdiocese of New York. But back in 2001, he was a lieutenant with the NYC Fire Department. He shares his memories of 9/11, and how the tragedy encouraged his vocation. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/32605/911-when-john-paul-ii-grieved-with-america https://youtu.be/mV7RMz8ihwc https://youtu.be/uFYNr85RWIg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RauUv-_7kN8 https://www.911memorial.org/visit/memorial https://t2t.org/ [WARNING: CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGE] https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/for-five-men-tragedy-remains-over-photo-of-911s-first-casualty/article592945/

Maren Latham shares the story of her conversion from the Mormon religion to the Catholic Church. Maren didn't provide many details about her experience in the Mormon temple in this podcast, but she is currently writing a book that will provide more detail. https://chnetwork.org/story/devout-mormon-to-grateful-catholic/ https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/inside-a-mormon-temple-1049

In honor of EWTN’s 40th anniversary, we share some of the miraculous occurrences that aided the Catholic network’s early success. https://www.ewtn.com/ https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248696/three-times-mother-angelica-trusted-god-to-provide-for-ewtn https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248692/archbishop-chaput-honored-with-first-annual-mother-angelica-award

The Latino population within the U.S. Church is booming, but is the Church ready to welcome them? We take the question to a Latino leader within the Church. Then, Iskali is a new ministry empowering young Latinos to become leaders within their communities. We’ll talk with Iskali’s founder, and a few of the young people involved. https://www.iskali.org/ https://denvercatholic.org/centro-director-calls-service-to-hispanic-ministry-an-honor/ https://www.usccb.org/committees/hispaniclatino-affairs/history-hispanic-ministry

Catholics talk about their love for the Traditional Latin Mass, and react to Pope Francis’ recent motu proprio regulating it. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248430/full-text-traditionis-custodes-pope-francis-motu-proprio-about-traditional-latin-mass https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248480/pope-francis-traditional-latin-mass-restrictions-has-your-diocese-responded-yet https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248540/two-weeks-after-pope-francis-traditional-latin-mass-restrictions-us-bishops-continue-to-respond https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/

Three Catholics talk about their infertility, and the online community that has helped them find fruitfulness. https://www.thefruitfulhollow.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thefruitfulhollow/?hl=en https://bellawellness.org/ https://aaplog.org/

We talk with the parents of priests and religious about the experience of having a child dedicate themselves to God. Show notes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247923/new-priest-blesses-his-sister-a-nun-its-been-a-real-privilege-and-a-joy http://carmelitemonks.org/

Experts talk about the need for legal protections for renters, as the national eviction moratorium ends. A priest discusses the Catholic idea of a right to a decent home. Southern Missouri is one of the areas most affected by the Delta variant of the coronavirus— we talk with the local Catholic Charities about what they’re doing to help. And then, EWTN reporter Colm Flynn brings us the story of Mario Salerno, a Brooklyn landlord who waived an entire month’s rent last year for hundreds of tenants amid the coronavirus pandemic. https://ccsomo.org/news-room/latest-news.html/article/2021/05/27/in-the-media-ccsomo-offering-help-with-safhr-rental-and-utilities-assistance-applications https://www.mohousingresources.com/safhr https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/44115/landlord-encouraged-by-prayer-waives-rent-amid-coronavirus https://open.spotify.com/show/69v7Hcxqmd5QGwoAe0fELV https://www.usccb.org/resources/right-decent-home-pastoral-response-crisis-housing

Catholics respond to the phenomenon of “Pride Month” and reflect on living out the Church’s teaching amid same-sex attraction. Two Catholics who have same-sex attraction share their stories, and their hopes for their future in the Catholic Church. https://couragerc.org/ https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-charles-lwanga-and-companions-martyrs-of-uganda-488 https://catholicspeakers.com/profiles/paul-darrow https://www.instagram.com/callmemannyyy/?hl=en https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/smartspeakers

We speak with several bishops before and after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Spring Meeting, with a particular focus on the topic of “Eucharistic Coherence.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247606/cdf-highlights-its-note-on-catholics-in-politics-in-letter-to-us-bishops-on-eucharistic-coherence https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247492/archbishop-cordileone-catholics-supporting-abortion-should-not-present-themselves-for-holy-communion https://www.sfarch.org/letters-and-statements?mc_cid=9332700d03&mc_eid=f5bd8cf3dc https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248068/eucharistic-revival-to-begin-in-2022-we-want-to-start-a-fire-not-a-program

How can people of faith respond to gun violence? We speak to a recent victim of an armed robbery, Bishop Michael Barber of Oakland; hear another bishop’s response to the recent mass shooting in San Jose; and remember Officer Eric Talley, a Catholic father of seven who died heroically responding to a mass shooting in Boulder, CO. Shownotes: https://denvercatholic.org/eric-talley-put-christ-first-boulder-police-officers-heroism-rooted-in-life-of-sacrificial-love/ https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247100/eric-talley-funeral-catholic-father-of-seven-died-a-hero https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247801/oaklands-catholic-bishop-robbed-of-cash-episcopal-ring-while-praying-near-cathedral https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247803/usccb-after-9-killed-in-san-jose-shooting-something-fundamentally-broken-in-our-society

In celebration of our 100th episode, we take a look back at just a few of our favorite moments from the first 100 episodes of CNA Newsroom. Here’s to 100 more! Check out CNA’s brand new podcast, made especially for your smartspeaker: www.catholicnewsagency.com/smartspeakers Listen to more of our favorite segments here: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/podcasts/4/cna-newsroom

What connection does sleep have to the Catholic faith? We examine an interesting new devotion to the Sleeping St. Joseph, find out why God sometimes communicates in dreams in the Bible, and finally, we’ll read you a bedtime story. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/117521/pope-francis-address-during-the-meeting-with-families http://www.cvent.com/events/lessons-from-st-joseph-husband-father-saint/event-summary-f44bb63759e0475aa423506da87476bc.aspx https://www.amazon.com/MicroShifts-Transforming-Your-Life-Step-ebook/dp/B07L8T6FXV Full sleep story: https://soundcloud.com/cnanewsroom/bonus-a-sleep-story-the-blue-cross-by-gk-chesterton/s-WO6qvt5V75y https://www.chesterton.org/blue-cross/

For your listening pleasure, Jonah reads the short story “The Blue Cross” by famed Catholic author G.K. Chesterton. Feel free to put on this episode to help you fall asleep. This bonus episode is a companion to Ep. 99. https://www.chesterton.org/blue-cross/

What actually takes place at the moment of consecration during Mass? Then, we examine a recent Eucharistic miracle in Poland. Check out our new podcast, “Catholic News”: www.catholicnewsagency.com/smartspeakers http://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/Liste/list.html https://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Feast-Lamb-Roch-Kereszty/dp/1595250069/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Roch+Kereszty&qid=1621369377&sr=8-5 https://www.lincolndiocese.org/bishops/bishop-james-conley/statements/15020-statement-03-31-21-mass-obligation www.ewtn.pl https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/44826/parish-priest-says-reported-eucharistic-miracle-has-led-to-conversions https://www.ncregister.com/news/polish-eucharistic-miracle-in-legnica https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/41997/survey-on-catholic-belief-in-the-eucharist-prompts-calls-for-better-catechesis

Four decades ago, Marvel produced several religious-themed comic books, including a comic about the life of Pope St. John Paul II. On this episode of CNA Newsroom, we criss-cross the globe to bring you the story of how— and why— one of the world’s biggest comic book companies decided to bring the stories of three beloved saints to the world. This episode first aired in May 2020. Show notes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/saintly-superhero-when-marvel-comics-told-the-life-story-of-john-paul-ii-69401 https://churchpop.com/2014/10/24/pope-st-john-paul-ii-comic-book/ https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/blog/that-time-blessed-mother-teresa-was-a-marvel-comic-book-hero https://www.amazon.com/City-Saints-Pilgrimage-John-Krak%C3%B3w/dp/0553418904 http://www.iservedasaint.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel%27s_616

What does it mean to be both physically and spiritually fit? We talk to super-athlete Sister Stephanie Baliga; Olympian Dominique Dawes; and Bishop Thomas Paprocki, the “Holy Goalie.” Shownotes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/this-three-time-olympian-wishes-she-could-dine-with-mother-angelica-10533 https://www.dominiquedawesgymnasticsacademy.com/ https://missionola.com/marathon.html https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/bishop-paprocki-explores-link-between-physical-and-spiritual-fitness-in-new-book

This Holy Week, we explore a few of the Church’s earliest Easter pilgrimage traditions in Rome. Producer Jonah McKeown investigates the hymns you won’t hear at Easter Mass this year. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/holy-week-2021-vatican-issues-guidelines-for-catholics-facing-coronavirus-restrictions-70744 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/beauty-drama-and-pinpoint-silence-easter-triduum-memories-from-rome-93027 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/a-vatican-ambassador-is-visiting-romes-most-ancient-churches-this-lent https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/all-are-welcome-not-a-welcome-hymn-at-mass-usccb-committee-says-54933 https://www.sourceandsummit.com/

Travel with us to 17th-18th century Ireland to learn about how Catholicism was nearly stamped out in Ireland...and how Catholics emerged stronger than before. https://www.amazon.com/Priest-Hunters-Story-Irelands-Bounty-dp-184717311X/dp/184717311X/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid= https://twitter.com/ColmFlynn1 https://youtu.be/3VA9vuId3ds http://www.caitrionadunnett.com/portfolio-2/mass-paths/ https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/secret-paths-ireland-catholic-forbidden-mass-photography https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/irelands-catholic-bishops-announce-national-synodal-assembly https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholic-bishops-in-ireland-apologize-for-abject-failure-at-mother-and-baby-homes-21109

We travel to Lebanon, Timor-Leste, Madagascar, El Salvador and China to hear about the foods and traditions that Christians use to mark the season of Lent. https://www.crsricebowl.org/recipe https://www.instagram.com/talkaboutaugust4/?hl=en https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/help-save-lebanon-maronite-patriarch-calls-on-international-community-lebanons-maronite-patriarch-called-on-tuesday-for-the-united-nations-to-help-arbiter-the-countrys-crisis-by-convening-an-inte-10229 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/tags/madagascar https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/insides-that-didnt-decompose-and-other-stunning-facts-about-oscar-romero-52016 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/tags/china

In honor of Black History Month, we take a look at a new personal parish in Pittsburgh in the Black Catholic tradition. Show notes: https://www.ncregister.com/blog/pittsburgh-bishop-why-i-established-a-new-black-catholic-parish https://profiles.howard.edu/profile/34901/cheryl-sanders

We head down to Louisiana to talk with some Catholics about the Mardi Gras traditions they know and love. Show notes: https://nds.edu/ https://www.pelicanpub.com/proddetail.php?prod=9781589804104#.YBCBYpNKh24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3aitqY-Ee4&t=5s&ab_channel=Rev.PatrickBroussard

How ought Christians engage in politics? On the eve of a new presidential administration, we attempt to scratch the surface of this expansive topic. On the podcast this week: a third-party presidential candidate who ran on Catholic principles; a longtime pro-life Democrat; and a Catholic priest whom President Obama tapped for a political appointment. Shownotes: https://solidarity-party.org/ https://www.lsc.gov/ https://www.democratsforlife.org/ https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/tags/dan-lipinski https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/he-wont-win-so-why-is-brian-carroll-running-for-president-24070 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/american-solidarity-partys-brian-carroll-squares-off-in-third-party-debate-16676

Catholics share the small and big blessings they experienced in 2020. Father Harrison Ayre of the podcast Clerically Speaking shares about his new book “Finding Christ in the Crisis”, and the personal spiritual renewal behind it. Catholic writer Leah Libresco describes how she maintained a sense of community despite coronavirus restrictions. Then, the head of a Catholic theater company talks about how the pandemic inspired him to bring back the tradition of radio plays. Show notes: https://www.osvcatholicbookstore.com/product/finding-christ-book-love-divine-music-cd-set https://www.clericallyspeaking.com/ http://www.leahlibresco.com/ https://themerrybeggars.com/

Celebrating Christmas in prison, the South Pole, and even space! Show notes: https://www.kalw.org/post/songs-christmas-san-quentin-media#stream/0 https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/features/4337/ https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/apollo-8-earthrise

We take a look at why the season of Advent should be celebrated - even in the darkest times. Catholic author Kendra Tierney shares how her family celebrates the Advent season at home - and how you can celebrate at home too. We’ll share the story of Father Alfred Delp, a German Jesuit who clung to the hope of Advent despite his imprisonment - and execution - by the Nazis during World War II. We’ll talk about the Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols - and even hear some beautiful music by the choir at Wyoming Catholic College. Show notes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/advent-at-home-how-catholics-are-preparing-for-a-season-of-joy---even-in-2020-28458 https://catholicallyear.com/ https://catholicallyear.com/product/christmas-novena-printable-booklet-digital-download/ https://www.amazon.com/Bound-Hands-Germany-Selected-Letters/dp/082941794X All music in the third segment courtesy of The Choir of Wyoming Catholic College, directed by Dr. Peter A. Kwasniewski. With ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ directed by Dr. Sean Lewis. https://wyoming-catholic-college.square.site/product/christmas-in-god-s-country/31?cs=true

This week we revisit an episode that first aired during Nov. 2019, and offer some pandemic-related updates. EWTN’s Father Mitch Pacwa talks about his annual Thanksgiving hunting trip; we tell the amazing stories of two Native American Catholics; a Catholic couple donates thousands of turkeys for the holidays; and much more. Shownotes: https://www.rapidcitydiocese.org/black-elk-documentary/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html https://www.whiffletreefarmva.com/ https://www.ccbq.org/ http://mindspirit.com/author/abbykowitz/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLjuKg1Oic8 Special thanks to Deacon Ben Black Bear, Jr. and Mark G. Thiel for the use of the audio of Nicholas Black Elk’s Thanksgiving prayer.

Catholic entrepreneurs talk about how they took their award-winning ideas from an inkling in their mind to a full-blown reality. Shownotes: https://www.osvinstitute.com/ https://www.edeninvitation.com/ https://www.juandiegonetwork.com/ https://catholicsprouts.com/

The deaf Catholic community in the US is eager for the faith. In this episode, we take a look at some of the latest resources available to them, and a deaf Catholic priest shares his vocation story. This episode is available in American Sign Language (ASL) at the link below! https://youtu.be/NW2deh1EEs4 Show notes: http://deafcatholicphilly.org/ https://www.archkck.org/ministries--offices/deaf-ministry/deaf-youcat https://ascensionpress.com/collections/hands-of-grace-the-catholic-sacraments-in-american-sign-language https://www.archmil.org/deaf-apostolate.htm

This week, we bring you the story of two brothers ordained to the priesthood on the same day; a young woman talks about God’s call to enter a religious life— and His call for her to leave a few years later; and a life and dating coach helping single, Catholic women who feel stuck. Show notes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/god-chose-to-call-us-the-story-of-two-brothers-ordained-catholic-priests-on-the-same-day-82640 http://www.pauline.org/ https://www.femininegeniuscoaching.com/

The persecution of Christians is by no means confined to the Middle East. In Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, to be a Christian means to suffer regular threats of violence, kidnapping, torture, and even death. In this episode, we bring you the voices of Nigerian Catholics who want the world to know— and to care— about the brutal persecution they face every day. This is the last in a three-episode series on Christian persecution. Shownotes: www.aciafrica.org https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/more-than-600-nigerian-christians-killed-in-2020-new-report-says-65880 https://www.aciafrica.org/news/1810/40-day-prayer-for-god-to-save-nigeria-announced-to-end-on-eve-of-independence-day https://www.aciafrica.org/tag/michael-nnadi https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/knights-of-columbus-to-report-on-christian-persecution-in-nigeria-42564 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/islamic-militants-kidnap-hundreds-in-raid-on-nigerian-town-41775 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/conference-highlights-forgotten-persecuted-christians-43167 http://www.catholicdioceseoyo.org/ https://www.churchinneed.org/ https://indefenseofchristians.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR5zW_-wptU&feature=youtu.be

Now more than ever, Christianity is at risk of disappearing from the Middle East. This week on CNA Newsroom, we bring you the stories of Middle Eastern Christians who are peacefully standing their ground to protect their homeland, their people, and their faith. This is the second in a three-episode series on Christian persecution. Shownotes: https://nasarean.org/ https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Disappearing-People/Stephen-M-Rasche/9781642932034 https://www.churchinneed.org/ https://indefenseofchristians.org/ http://hungaryhelps.gov.hu/en/ https://www.churchinneed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Report-on-Christianity-in-northern-Iraq.pdf https://www.wsj.com/articles/iraqi-christians-are-still-waiting-mr-pence-1528413035

In early August, something happened in Lebanon that no one expected— a massive explosion destroyed many of the city’s predominantly Christian neighborhoods. Lebanon is known as a place where Christians and Muslims live together in relative peace. What will happen next? Later in the show, Rome Correspondent Hannah Brockhaus brings us the story of St. Charbel— a saint many believe can serve as a peaceful link between Christians and Muslims. This is the first in a three-episode series on the worldwide persecution of Christians. Shownotes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-calls-for-day-of-prayer-and-fasting-for-lebanon-57609 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholic-leader-outlines-vision-for-lebanon-as-the-switzerland-of-the-east-59966 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/lebanese-scholar-the-west-cannot-afford-to-abandon-lebanon-88821 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/after-beirut-explosion-lebanon-needs-us-catholic-help-now-bishops-say-99578 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-charbel-makhlouf-534 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/after-beirut-explosion-lebanon-turns-to-st-charbel-51853 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/lebanese-man-finds-hand-of-providence-in-mystical-experience-91640 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/report-around-the-world-260-million-christians-face-persecution-33304 https://philosproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/LEBANON_Past-Challenges-Present-Calamities-Future-Prospects.pdf https://www.just-help.org/c/relieffund https://www.beitelbaraka.org/