Jesuitical

Faith is probably not the first thing you think of when you hear “Silicon Valley.” But Rep. Ro Khanna, who represents the capital of the tech world in Congress, says many people in his diverse district can be found in the pews on Sunday. The Democratic congressman is one of the four Hindus currently serving in Congress and the son of Indian immigrants. We ask him how his faith shapes his politics, his interfaith outreach and his efforts to build bridges between India and Pakistan—and within the Democratic Party. In Signs of the Times, we’ve got an update on the situation at Brebeuf, the Jesuit high school that was told it could no longer call itself Catholic after administrators refused to fire a male teacher who is married to another man. Plus: the financial effects of the sex abuse crisis, mobs at Mass, all-natural burials and the pope’s message to the press.  Let us know your thoughts about the show on Facebook or Twitter, and please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community! Patrons have access to an exclusive new newsletter written each week by one of the hosts, sweet Jesuit swag and a subscription to America magazine. Links from the show Sanctions against Brebueuf Jesuit suspended as appeal process continues at Vatican A New York diocese filed for bankruptcy. Will others follow? When a Mob Descended on Mass Dutch nuns open new cemetery for ‘natural burials’   What’s on tap? Rum and coke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As someone who never attended Catholic grammar or high school, I am not exactly the most qualified to break down what makes a Catholic school movie great. Then again, I rarely let qualifications get in the way of my opinions.  A few weeks ago, Ciaran Freeman, a former O’Hare fellow at America and member of the Jesuitical team wrote the definitive ranking of the 10 greatest Catholic school movies of all time. As you might expect, people had a lot of strong feelings about the ranking, good and bad. One person who is much, much more qualified to discuss the rankings is Hunter Harris. Hunter is a staff writer at Vulture, an alumna of Catholic education and a Catholic school movie savant. We talk about the quirks of “Superstar,” the staying power of “Doubt” and why “Lady Bird” is the greatest Catholic school film of all time.  In Signs of the Times, we preview the upcoming German “synodal journey” and the Vatican’s ongoing dialogue with German bishops. We also look at what one bishop is doing with church resources to help fight climate change and heed Pope Francis’ advice to pray for politicians in our “Being Frank” segment.  Links from the show The 10 Greatest Catholic School Movies of All Time Reader Rebuttal: The 10 Greatest Catholic School Movies of All Time Greta Gerwig’s ‘Lady Bird’ is a rallying cry for Catholic schoolgirls everywhere Hunter Harris at Vulture Remember your politicians in prayer, pope says Vatican officials offer guidance for German church ‘synodal journey’ UK Catholic bishop converts Church’s own medieval estate to wildlife sanctuary   What’s on tap? Pinot Grigio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve never been on a retreat—or if you have—this week’s guest is perfect for you. Father Joe Laramie is a Jesuit and campus minister. For years, Father Joe has been giving retreats, and this year, he published Abide in the Heart of Christ: A 10-day personal retreat with St. Ignatius Loyola. The book uses the Spiritual Exercises to “help in the formation of your heart according to Christ.”  We talk with Father Joe about the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatian retreats versus other retreats and what this ministry has taught him. In Signs of the Times, we recap Pope Francis’ recent trip to sub-Saharan Africa, including comments he made during his papal flights; Cardinal Joseph Tobin and Catholics protesting immigration in New Jersey; the new archbishop of Seattle; Pope Francis getting stuck in an elevator—for 25 minutes; and finally, our thoughts on the new trailer for “The Two Popes,” a film starring Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict and Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis.  Feel free to send us your questions, concerns, cocktail recipes or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community. If you’re not doing so already, please consider supporting us on Patreon, where we have started a newsletter exclusively for Patrons! Stay tuned for things like gifs from Ashley, advice requests from  Zac or book recommendations from me.    Thank you to those already supporting us. We would not be able to do this without you.    Links from the show:  Pope Francis visits Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius Change the world, don’t just gripe about it, pope tells young people Pope Francis to journalist: ‘I am honored that the Americans attack me.’  Cardinal Tobin joins hundreds of Catholics protesting immigration detention ‘I am a pastor, not a prince.’ New Seattle archbishop will not live in mansion   What’s on tap?  Budlight   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This summer, the hosts of this podcast learned they have something in common with Malcolm Gladwell: We all think being called “jesuitical” should be considered a compliment. Malcolm, a staff writer at the New Yorker and the author of several best-selling books, recently became obsessed with “thinking like a Jesuit” as a way to tackle new and complicated problems. In a three-part series on his podcast, “Revisionist History,” he takes a deep dive into St. Ignatius’ philosophical tradition and the unexpected ways it can be applied today. We ask him how he first encountered the Jesuits, if there are any dangers to this way of thinking and why he calls himself a “wannabe Catholic.” In Signs of the Times, Pope Francis creates news cardinals (no Americans, but three Jesuits!) and calls for swift action on climate change. Nuns in New Orleans donate land to help protect the city from flooding and a Catholic school in Tennessee donates all their Harry Potter books to the garbage bin. Finally, we discuss two tough stories: a sex abuse settlement that raises questions about the role of race and poverty in the church’s treatment of survivors and the controversy surrounding a man who sought out a priest’s blessing before choosing to die by assisted suicide. We are so happy to be back in your podcast feeds after our summer break. You can tell us what you think about the new episode on our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and help other listeners find Jesuitical by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts. And last but not least, some exciting news for our Patreon supporters: We are starting a new newsletter exclusively for patrons! Please consider becoming a member to learn important things like: What book is Zac reading these days? What music can Olga not stop listening to? What animal video is Ashley watching on repeat? And much more. You can check out the benefits of becoming a patron here. And a big thank you to everyone who supports Jesuitical. We couldn’t do it without you! Links from the show Pope to create 13 new cardinals in October, including three Jesuits Pope Francis issues new call for world leaders to act on the climate emergency New Orleans’ women religious donate 25 acres for flood control project Priest removes Harry Potter books from Tennessee Catholic school, citing ‘actual curses and spells’ Mississippi Catholic sex abuse survivors underpaid in settlement cases Seattle bishops affirm sanctity of life in wake of assisted suicide What’s on tap? Wild Basin Boozy Sparkling Water Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Millennials move in with Nuns   Every year, more people—particularly those who skew younger—opt out of identifying with a religious tradition. In many ways, the spiritual lives of the next generation will look drastically different than their predecessors.    At the same time, nearly 90 percent of all women religious (these are the much talked about “nuns”) are over the age of 60. Given these shifting demographics, the future of religious life will look wildly different too.    Could the future of these two groups be tied up somehow? This was the question first posed by Nunes and Nones, an organization that brings these two groups—both spiritually seeking, both distinctly committed to justice—together for conversation, relationship and even shared housing.    This week we talk to Katie Gordon, a national organizer of Nuns and Nones, about the impetus behind starting the organization, the benefits and challenges of intergenerational and interreligious dialogue, and why aging women religious and millennials are well-suited (or not) for community.    During Signs of the Times we talk about the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’s decision to no longer allow a Jesuit high school to call itself Catholic after the school declined to not renew a contract for a teacher in a same-sex marriage. Plus, we look at what Baltimore Catholics are doing to support and protect immigrants.   This is our final show for the summer—while we’re away, be sure to join in conversation and faith sharing with other Jesuitical listeners on our Facebook group, and be sure to write us at jesuitical@americamedia.org. We’ll be back in your feeds in September.    What’s on Tap? Ciaran Jason Freeman Jam Jar Gin & Tonic   Links from the Show:  Archdiocese pulls ‘Catholic’ label from Jesuit school for refusing to fire teacher in same-sex marriage History of slaves sold for Georgetown detailed in new genealogical website Baltimore Catholics Stand With Undocumented Families As ICE Raid Threats Loom Amazon Trolls Netflix Over Catholic Group’s Call To Cancel ‘Good Omens’ Nunes and Nones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chloe Becker was upset when she realized she could not name a single African or African-American saint. A junior at Magnificat High School in Rocky River, Ohio, Chloe was inspired to learn more about racial justice after attending a school-sponsored conference on racism. It led to the creation of a semester-long project: a mural depicting African-American saints and holy people in contemporary clothing, holding up the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Chloe took a break from her summer vacation to talk to us about using the saints to fight racism, how her community has responded and why she chose to depict the saints in contemporary dress. In this week’s Signs of the Times, we look at two new Catholic initiatives: a Vatican podcast in Latin and a new Catholic cryptocurrency backed by former Senator Rick Santorum. We also break down the U.S. bishops’ latest protocols for holding themselves accoutnable for sexual abuse and its cover up. Finally, we look at a Belgian group of monks who are changing the way they sell their award-winning beer. That’s it for us this week. Only one more show until Jesuitical goes on summer break. Links from the show: Looking for new religious art? Check your local high school. Augustine Tolton, Ex-Slave and First Black Catholic Priest in U.S., Takes Step to Sainthood Paris archbishop celebrates first Mass in Notre Dame since fire U.S. bishops adopt new protocols for holding themselves accountable for sex abuse Vatican will discuss ordaining married men as priests in Amazon region Vatican News to launch news program, podcast in Latin The Rick Santorum-backed coin for Catholics Belgian monks go digital to sell their ‘world’s best beer’   What’s on tap: “The Crisp” pilsner from Six Point Brewery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pat Gothman is committed to creating welcoming spaces for L.G.B.T. Catholics. Pat, who is gay and Catholic, is a writer and editor of Reaching Out, an online publication that highlights the stories of L.G.B.T. people of faith. In December, Pat co-launched Vine & Fig, an online community where the lives and experiences of queer Catholics are “affirmed as true, holy, and beautiful.” Vine & Fig provides community members with books, videos and other resources and gives them a digital space—via Slack—where “queer Catholics can safely get to know one another and grow together.” We talk to Pat about Vine & Fig, his experience as a gay Catholic man and why he stays in the church. In Signs of the Times, David Haas, a composer of Catholic hymns, releases a new refrain for Pride Month; 90 Catholic airport chaplains meet in Rome; Joe Biden retracts his support for the Hyde Amendment; and the Toronto Raptors forward who almost became a priest. Finally, we discuss the Vatican’s most comprehensive statement yet on gender theory. Feel free to send us your questions, concerns, cocktail recipes or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community. This week’s episode was sponsored by the Catholic Travel Centre.   Links from the show: Catholic Composer Pens Song For Pride Month Because ‘We Are Called To Love’ Vatican issues new document criticizing ‘gender theory’ Over 90 Catholic airport chaplains gathered at the Vatican this week. Airport chaplains have special ministry, pope says W.Va. bishop gave powerful cardinals and other priests $350,000 in cash gifts before his ouster, church records show Joe Biden says he no longer supports the Hyde Amendment Pascal Siakam: How a Toronto Raptors star got his start in seminary   What’s on tap? Ginger beer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dawn Eden Goldstein was born into a Jewish family, but in her teens and 20s—dealing with cycles suicidal depression—charted her own path as a journalist and devotee of the religion of punk rock. In the early 2000s, as the first round of the sexual abuse crisis was unfolding in the Catholic Church, Dawn, herself a survivor, began making her way to that very church. Since converting, she has written several books, including My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints and her new memoir, Sunday Will Never Be the Same. We ask Dawn about her spiritual journey, how the latest abuse revelations have tested her faith and what lessons the church can learn from the arduous healing process of survivors. In Signs of the Times, the U.S. church is reporting a rise in new sex abuse allegations. What’s being the recent spike? Next, the bishop in Rhode Island warns Catholics not to take part in Pride marches and an Irish archbishop tells parents not to give their kids smartphones for Holy Communion. Finally, relics are stolen from a church in Italy and the French senate votes to restore Notre Dame to its former glory. Tell us what you think about the show on our Facebook page! You can follow us on Twitter, support us on Patreon and help other listeners find Jesuitical by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening! Links from the show US Catholic Church reports big rise in sex-abuse allegations Rhode Island bishop faces backlash after tweet about Pride Month Don’t give kids smartphones as communion gifts, says Archbishop Relics of Fatima child saints stolen from Italian church French senate passes bill for preservation of Notre Dame’s original state What’s on tap? Not-fancy-enough-for-Zac office coffee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Onita Estes-Hicks has been Catholic her entire life. Men in her family were named “Nace” after St. Ignatius, a testament to the influence of the Jesuits in her family’s life. But her relationship with her faith was forever changed in 2004, when her family discovered that they were the descendents of one of the 272 enslaved persons sold by the Jesuits who ran Georgetown University in 1838. We talk to Onita about what it was like to find out about her family’s history, what Georgetown has done to ask for forgiveness and what it’s been like to form a community of other descendants. In Signs of the Times we unpack the latest developments from the case of former cardinal Theodore McCarrick (for a fuller discussion, listen to this week’s episode of Inside the Vatican) and discuss the new Archbishop of Washington, D.C. In our new segment, “Being Frank,” we talk about the pope’s advice to young travelers to focus on encounter, not consumerism (or Instagram likes). Links from the show: GU272 Descendants Association New correspondence obtained by Crux confirms that the Vatican placed restrictions on former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick In new interview that appears to have been conducted before this report was released, Pope Francis said he ‘knew nothing’ about McCarrick Washington’s black Catholic community looks to Archbishop Gregory for new leadership Pope praises Catholic tourism group dedicated to young people   What’s on tap? Goodbye whiskey from Father Eric Sundrup 😔 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For over two years, Father Eric Sundrup has provided the hosts of Jesuitical with spiritual formation. Every week, we sit and talk to him about where we found God—and where it was a little harder. Sadly, it’s Eric’s last week as an associate editor at America (though he’s sticking around as Jesuitical’s faith formator), so we decided to interview him and give listeners a behind-the-scenes look. We talk to Eric about spiritual direction and what makes it different from counseling, the role of spiritual direction for the Jesuits and the best—and most awkward—parts of talking to the hosts about their consolations and desolations. In Signs of the Times, we share some Catholic school news: a new policy from the Archdiocese of Detroit is asking Catholic parishes and schools to stop scheduling athletic games and practices on Sundays; and Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego has banned skirts. In our Being Frank section, where Pope Francis teaches us to be better Christians, the pope reminds us: “to throw food away means to throw people away.” And finally, we discuss why the latest article in The Atlantic on abolishing the priesthood isn’t helping us make the church better. Feel free to send us your questions, concerns, cocktail recipes or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community. This week’s episode was sponsored by Sunday to Sunday with Father Mike Russo. Links from the show: No more Sunday games for Detroit Catholic parish, school sports teams Skirts Banned From Dress Code at San Diego Private Catholic High School Throwing away food is like throwing away people, pope says The Case Against Abolishing the Priesthood What’s on tap? Just coffee because we had an earlier recording this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices