Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast

America Media
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Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 3min

Bonus: Season 2 Survey + The Spiritual Life with Father James Martin, S.J.

Maggi Van Dorn, co-producer of 'Preach' and of America Media's new podcast, teams up with Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest and bestselling author, and Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, a renowned Dominican friar. They dive into the transformative power of spirituality, discussing Dominican spirituality, genuine connections with God, and faith amid life's challenges. The cardinal shares insights on vulnerability through his battle with cancer, while the group emphasizes the importance of personal narratives in enriching both preaching and spiritual life.
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Jun 16, 2025 • 43min

The Eucharist is more than ritual—it makes us what we receive

Hank Hilton, pastor at St. Joseph Parish and former Jesuit, discusses the transformative power of the Eucharist. He shares his three-step preaching method, emphasizing storytelling to connect with the congregation. Hilton highlights the importance of kindness through communion and introduces Holy Chow, a food-truck ministry that not only serves meals but also spreads the peace of Christ. His reflections draw on childhood memories and ancient philosophy, inviting listeners to contemplate how we become like what we receive.
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Jun 9, 2025 • 37min

‘There’s a monk in me’: Pope Leo's Scripture professor and an introverted preacher

Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., a renowned scholar of Hebrew Scriptures and former professor at Catholic Theological Union, reflects on her journey as an introverted preacher. She emphasizes viewing the Holy Trinity as a relationship with the Creator, urging listeners to engage with the moral dimensions of faith. Dianne shares her unique approach to preaching—without writing homilies—and fond memories of teaching Pope Leo XIV. She discusses the importance of embracing the Holy Spirit in preaching, offering strategies for introverted communicators to connect with their communities.
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Jun 2, 2025 • 43min

More wild goose than gentle dove: a surprising Pentecost homily

Say “Holy Spirit” and most picture a dove or gentle fire. But Anthony SooHoo, S.J., turns to a wilder Celtic image: a honking goose in flight—untamed and impossible to ignore. It’s how he preaches Pentecost: the Spirit who startles us into new life and calls the church to fly together—rather than just waddle along. For the Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C, Anthony draws on the physics of flight and a Kierkegaardian parable about ducks. In conversation with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., he explores imagination in preaching and the art of going off-script—especially when the Spirit honks. Guest: Anthony SooHoo, S.J., professor of ancient Near Eastern studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and pastoral staff member at Caravita, an international English-language Catholic community. Get daily Scripture reflections and support “Preach” by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine⁠⁠⁠⁠ “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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May 27, 2025 • 42min

Let art lead the homily: preaching the Ascension

Seventeen years ago, Ricardo da Silva, the host of this podcast, heard a homily that has stayed with him ever since. It was preached by his novice master, British Jesuit priest Paul Nicholson, and began with a simple but unforgettable image drawn from medieval art: Jesus’ feet dangling in the air, his body swallowed by clouds. Preaching for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year A, Paul returns to that homily, reflecting on how visual art and imagination can lead those who receive a homily beyond scriptural explanation or catechesis and into prayer. Together, he and Ricardo explore how this feast—so often understood as a moment of departure—can also reveal God’s nearness and how that insight might shape preaching at funerals and help preachers speak to grief, absence and hope. Guest: Paul Nicholson, S.J., director of the Jesuit Institute in the United Kingdom. Get daily Scripture reflections and support “Preach” by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine⁠⁠⁠ “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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May 19, 2025 • 42min

The Augustinian roots of Pope Leo XIV: preach grace, not duty

Bill Gabriel, O.S.A., an Augustinian friar and Head of Mission and Ministry at Malvern Prep, shares insights on the newfound connections with Pope Leo XIV following his election. He emphasizes the importance of grace over duty in preaching, highlighting community life in spiritual growth. The discussion revolves around Pope Leo's idea of 'disarmed peace' and how relatable examples in sermons can foster understanding and unity. Gabriel advocates for compassion and vulnerability, encouraging authentic ministry, especially in a world facing modern challenges.
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May 12, 2025 • 47min

What made Pope Francis a great preacher

“Every time I proclaim one of Francis’ homilies, my heart is filled with joy,” says Greg Heille, O.P. “It’s heart speaking to heart.” Recorded just hours before Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV—while the cardinals were still in conclave—Greg joins “Preach” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., to reflect on the homiletic legacy of Pope Francis: always on message, spoken from the heart, simple without losing depth. He proclaims a homily by Francis for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C, in 2022, where those qualities shine through. Grounded in a single verse from John’s Gospel—As I have loved you, so you also should love one another—the homily weaves together themes of holiness, simplicity and love in action. Guest: Greg Heille, Dominican friar, preaching professor at Aquinas Institute of Theology and author of The Preaching of Pope Francis. Get daily Scripture reflections and support “Preach” by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine⁠⁠ “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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May 5, 2025 • 33min

A real-life shepherd and bestselling author on why Jesus’ likens his followers to sheep

In this captivating discussion, John Connell, an award-winning author and organic farmer from the Irish Midlands, shares his profound insights from years of working with sheep. He reflects on the symbolism of sheep as care and vulnerability in the context of the shepherd’s relationship with Jesus. John emphasizes the quiet bravery of sheep and how gentle voices can guide them, drawing parallels to spiritual leadership. His journey from journalism to farming highlights the joy of reconnecting with nature and the deeper spiritual lessons that emerge from caring for animals.
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Apr 28, 2025 • 41min

A chaplain to fishermen preaches the risen Christ

When fishermen set sail, Deacon Marlowe Sabater says, they place one foot on the deck—and the other, unknowingly, “in the watery grave, because you just won’t know what’s gonna happen out there.” Born and raised in Metro Manila, Marlowe now ministers to seafarers and port workers—many of them migrant workers from his native Philippines—through the Diocese of Honolulu’s Apostleship of the Sea ministry. Facing unpredictable storms and countless dangers at sea, every safe return to shore, he says, is “an everyday miracle.” Marlowe is our guest on “Preach” for the Third Sunday of Easter. In his homily, he reflects on the Gospel story of the risen Christ meeting his disciples on the shore and connects it to the faith of those who work and live at sea today. In conversation with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., Marlowe draws even further from his ministry—meeting workers at the docks to pray with them, to minister to them and to share the trust that sustains us all amid life’s storms: “When Jesus is in our boat, he has the capability of calming the storm of our lives.” When he’s not at the ambo, on the docks or behind a desk, Marlowe finds his anchor in family life with his wife, Maggie, and their two sons. He credits Maggie as his “editor in chief,” offering the honest feedback every preacher needs. “Sometimes she’ll read my homily and say, ‘I don’t feel it,’” he says. “And it’s back to the drawing board—and she’s always right.” Get daily Scripture reflections and support “Preach” by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Apr 21, 2025 • 46min

When all feels lost, see what God is doing in Acts

Casey Stanton, co-director of Discerning Deacons, champions the role of women in the diaconate and fosters community within the Church. She emphasizes the importance of the Book of Acts during Easter as a guide for contemporary challenges. Casey challenges listeners to engage in collective faith, especially with marginalized voices, as society grapples with fear and uncertainty. Her insights inspire a call for deeper community connections and advocacy, making a powerful case for the transformative spirit of togetherness.

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