Jesuitical

Hans Zollner, S.J., has dedicated his life to protecting children from the horrific crime of sexual abuse. A psychologist and Jesuit priest, he has guided the church’s efforts to bring healing to survivors and to prevent such abuse from happening again. Father Zollner meets regularly with survivors and as one of the organizers of the Vatican summit on sexual abuse in February helped to lift up their voices. We spoke to Father Zollner back in March and asked him what concrete steps need to be taken after the summit, how hearing from survivors has shaped his perspective and how he maintains his own spiritual and mental health. In Signs of the Times, we discuss the new rules for reporting sexual abuse issued by Pope Francis as well as the pope’s remarks on the possibility of women deacons. Plus: the cardinal who went down a manhole to restore power to a homeless shelter, Asia Bibi finally joins her family in Canada and Louis Farrakhan makes anti-Semitic remarks in a Catholic Church. You can share your thoughts about the show in our Facebook group, and if you want to support the work we’re doing, please consider becoming a member of Jesuitical’s Patreon community.   Links from the show Pope Francis issues new rules for accountability and response to allegations of sexual abuse Pope Francis tells women religious church cannot alter revelation on women’s diaconate Hundreds in occupied building had no power for days. A Pope Francis aide climbed down a manhole to restore it Asia Bibi happy to be in Canada but ‘very tired’ after blasphemy ordeal, says friend Farrakhan refers to ‘Satanic Jews’ in speech at Chicago Catholic Church Cardinal Cupich apologizes for Farrakhan visit to Chicago Catholic Church   What’s on tap? Dark and Stormies   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like so many, we were devastated by the news of Rachel Held Evans’s death last weekend. Rachel’s willingness to write candidly and prophetically about her faith inspired countless believers and doubters. The importance of Rachel’s life and work is clear from the outpouring of grief and love that’s emerged from her death. To honor her life and legacy, we wanted to re-air our interview with Rachel from last year. We spoke to Rachel about her book, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again. Rest in peace, Rachel. In Signs of the Times, we discuss whether or not we like when priests improvise at Mass, the legacy of L’Arche founder, Jean Vanier and the new editorial director of the Vatican women’s magazine. Thoughts on this week’s show? Join the discussions happening with other Jesuitical listeners (and hosts and producers!) on our Facebook group. This week’s episode was sponsored by Sunday to Sunday with Fr. Mike Russo, a new online video series that explores the art, craft and spirituality of preaching.   Links from the show: Rachel Held Evans, Christian writer of honesty and humor, dies at age 37 Dear priests who improvise at Mass: Please don’t. Jean Vanier, ‘living saint’ who ministered to people with disabilities, dies at 90 How the University of San Francisco became the first Jesuit university to go carbon neutral Catholic officials pleased with new conscience protection rule Pope to Hairdressers: Cut Gossip, Work in ‘Christian Style’ Vatican newspaper appoints new editorial board for women’s magazine Sunday to Sunday   What’s on tap? Leftover party beer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, we talk with Kate Bowler, the author of the New York Times bestseller Everything Happens For A Reason (And other lies I’ve Loved). She just won a Christopher Award for the book. (The Christopher Awards were created in 1949 to celebrate authors, illustrators, writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”) Kate is a professor of Christian history at Duke Divinity School. For years, she has taught and written about the prosperity gospel, and, in Everything Happens For A Reason, she gives readers a personal perspective into what this theology represents. We talk to Kate about her memoir, what her stage-IV cancer diagnosis taught her about American Christianity, her upcoming book on evangelical Christian women leaders and more. In Signs of the Times, we discuss the terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka; changes to the Roman Curia at the Vatican; Peter’s Pence and how Pope Francis donates; affordable housing in New York City; and finally, we ask: Should you vote for presidential candidate because of his or her religion? Feel free to send us your questions, concerns or cocktail recipes at jesuitical@americamedia.org, 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 award-winning documentary, “Hesburgh.” The film is out in select theaters nationwide today. Visit www.hesburghfilm.com/ to learn more. Links from the show: Churches padlocked, schools closed week after Sri Lanka attacks Catholic bishops condemn Poway synagogue shooting Big changes to the Vatican’s Roman Curia are coming Pope Francis donates $500,000 to help migrants in Mexico New York archdiocese opens new affordable housing List: Catholic presidential candidates since J.F.K.   What’s on tap? Lent is over—Prosecco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zac, Olga and I have had the chance to interview some pretty incredible people over the course of 99 episodes—from Father James Martin and Sister Helen Prejean to Sarah Silverman, Audrey Assad and so many more. But this week, we’re turning the tables: To celebrate our 100th episode, former guest and CNN analyst Kirsten Powers interviews your hosts to give you a behind the scenes look at how we got here. At a live recording at the America Media headquarters in New York City, Kirsten asks us: Who’s idea was Jesuitical? What do the hosts fight about? Do we feel “censored” because we work for the Catholic Church? And what’s next for Jesuitical? A huge thank you to everyone who came out for the live show and to the Catholic Travel Centre for sponsoring the event. And thank you to everyone who listens to and supports Jesuitical. We are so grateful that we get to make this podcast, and we literally could not do it without the wonderful community that has grown up around the show over the past two years (nor would we want to). Here’s to 100 more! No Signs of the Times this week, but we’ll be back next week to sift through the Catholic news of the week so you don’t have to. Links: This episode was made possible by Catholic Travel Centre, the most trusted name in religious group travel. Visit gocatholictravel.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you care about what’s going on at the Vatican? It seems clear that you should pray for the pope and for the people making important decisions about the church’s governance, but should you follow the updates about hirings and firings, exhortations and motu proprios?   Colleen Dulle, host of America’s podcast “Inside the Vatican,” will tell you why paying attention to the Vatican regularly could become a spiritual practice and put the headlines you see about the church in context.   In Signs of the Times, we look back at Pope Francis’ trip to Morocco (his third visit to a Muslim-majority nation), ask why were there Catholic priests burning Harry Potter books in Poland and give our initial thoughts and reflections on Pope Francis’ new apostolic exhortation on young people and the church, “Christ Lives.” Oh, and we wade into the Legging Wars underway at the University of Notre Dame.   You may have heard, we’re celebrating our 100th episode this month with a live event featuring James Martin, S.J., and Kirsten Powers. You can buy tickets here. If cost is a prohibitive factor, we have complimentary tickets available thanks to a generous sponsorship from the Catholic Travel Centre. Just send me an email if you’d like one.   Links from the show: Solidarity on Tap Our Live Show!Pope Francis celebrates largest Mass in the history of Morocco Catholic priests burn Harry Potter books in Poland Northern Ireland soccer fans face ban after filmed singing anti-Catholic song Woman Begs World to Shield Her 4 Catholic Sons From Legging-Clad Butts Pope signs Apostolic Exhortation to young people   What’s on Tap? Not much. Lent is feeling extra long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matias Benitez and Matt Chen are students at Regis High School in New York City, and in February of 2018, the teenagers started HeForShe, the school’s first feminist club. Every week, a dozen or so students gather after school to discuss the treatment of women and topical, sometimes difficult topics, like the Kavanaugh hearing. We talk to Matt and Matias about HeForShe, how they define feminism and what they hope fellow students learn from their club.   In Signs of the Times, following the massacre at Christchurch in New Zealand, Bishop Kevin Doran criticizes “faith-filled” Catholics who demonize Muslims. We discuss the upcoming book by our Vatican correspondent, Gerry O’Connell, on the election of Pope Francis. The founder of Women Church World, Lucetta Scaraffia, resigns as editor in chief of the all women’s magazine. And an archbishop in New Mexico reminds Catholics that “Santa Muerte” goes against church teaching.   Feel free to send us your questions, concerns or cocktail recipes at jesuitical@americamedia.org, or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community, where you can enter to win a free ticket to our live show in April. The live show, celebrating our 100th episode, will feature an introduction by James Martin, S.J., and a panel with the hosts and Kirsten Powers, a CNN political analyst and former guest on Jesuitical.   The event will be on April 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at America Media’s headquarters. You can find ticket information and more here.   Links from the show: Bishop criticizes 'faith-filled' Catholics who spread fear of Muslims Exclusive: Inside the election of Pope Francis Founder, board of Vatican women’s magazine quit New Mexico archbishop again denounces ‘Santa Muerte’   What’s on tap? Just water. Lent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Walk together, work together, love each other.” That is how Pope Francis described the journey of building Christian unity in the 21st century. Michael Rudzena is walking that path as part of the John 17 Movement, an ecumenical group dedicated to responding to the prayer of Jesus that “all who believe in me be one.” Michael was born into a Catholic family that eventually found a new spiritual home in the Baptist church. Today, he is the founding pastor of Trinity Grace Church, a non-denominational church in New York City, and is part of a group of evangelical and Pentecostal faith leaders that has met with Pope Francis to advance “a communion of friendship and love.” We asked Michael about his encounter with the pope, the internal diversity of the evangelical Christian community and the misconceptions Catholics have about evangelicals (and vice versa). In Signs of the Times, we say a prayer for Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who recently suffered a stroke, and discuss the cases of two bishops removed from ministry over the handling of or involvement in sexual misconduct. Next, we explore what the Catholic Church says about vaccinating your children, break down which Catholic and Jesuit schools will compete in this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament and talk about the ways sacred spaces can be opened up to the wider community. As always, we want to hear from you! Joining our Facebook group is a great way to connect with other listeners, discuss the Catholic news of the day and share your own consolations and desolations. Also: If you can make it to New York City on April 24, we are going to be celebrating our 100th episode with a fantastic live event featuring Kirsten Powers and James Martin, S.J. More details here. Links from the show Cardinal DiNardo, USCCB president, ‘resting comfortably’ after suffering mild stroke Two bishops removed from ministry over allegations of sexual harassment Unvaccinated Student in Kentucky Sues After Being Barred From Playing Basketball Acoustics make Utah Catholic churches top venues for community concerts March Madness 2019: Catholic Schools Look To Maintain Winning Tradition What’s on tap? Lenten sacrifice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marquette University men’s basketball standout Markus Howard is having a banner year. He’s earned the Big East Conference Player of the Year award on his way to leading Marquette toward a (hopefully) deep run in the N.C.A.A. tournament. He’s also become a leading advocate for mental health care. We talk to Markus about why he decided to start going to therapy and why he started talking about it publically. Are we closer to ending the stigma surrounding mental health care? In Signs of the Times, we lament the Ethiopian Airlines crash that killed 157 people, many who worked for humanitarian agencies. We ask: was Pete Davidson’s joke comparing support for R. Kelly to support for the Catholic Church offensive? Why did an elementary school teacher tell her student to wash off his ashes on Ash Wednesday? Why was a child of a same-sex couple denied admittance to a Catholic school? Finally, what’s the future of religious life going to look like when fewer people are entering orders? This week I talked about how inspired I was by the community found on our Facebook group. It’s a great reminder that this podcast is a ministry and a community. Thank you. PS: If you haven’t joined our Facebook community, you can find it here. Feel free to send us your questions, concerns, cocktail recipes or let us know what you gave up for Lent at jesuitical@americamedia.org, or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community.   Links from the show: Catholic Relief Services Mourns The Loss Of Four Staff Killed In Ethiopian Airlines Crash Pete Davidson Compares R. Kelly to Catholic Church on Saturday Night Live Utah teacher facing discipline for making Catholic student remove Ash Wednesday mark Catholic School in Kansas Faces a Revolt for Rejecting a Same-Sex Couple’s Child 2 out of 3 religious orders had no entrants in 2018 Markus Howard brings awareness to his own mental health What’s on tap? Water, Seltzer, Tea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Mireille Twayigira was two, she fled Rwanda with her family after her father was killed in the country’s genocide. At the age of eight, she entered a Jesuit Refugee Service school in Malawi. After she graduated from secondary school as one of the best students in the country, she traveled to China, where she learned Chinese and, in 2016, graduated as a doctor.   We talk to Mireille about the role of education in her life, how her faith has kept her strong and what it means to be a symbol of hope in your 20s.   In Signs of the Times, during the 2016 presidential campaign, Michael Cohen threatened to sue Fordham University if they released Donald Trump’s grades or SAT scores. Pope Francis will open the secret archives of Pope Pius XII. Why is this significant? The Leadership Roundtable, a church reform group, has released a 40-page report that lists recommendations for dealing with the sexual abuse crisis. We discuss some of the takeaways.   And finally, we tell you what we’re giving up for Lent.   Feel free to send us your questions, concerns, cocktail recipes or let us know what you gave up for Lent at jesuitical@americamedia.org, or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community.   Links from the show: Fordham confirms Cohen threatened legal action if Trump’s grades became public Pope Francis will open the secret archives on Pope Pius XII Archdiocese to organize parish network of mental health resources Catholic leadership group offers plan to fight abuse and cover-up Pope Francis: Give up gossiping for Lent   What’s on tap? Coffee, because Lent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catholics love a good nun story. A chainsaw-wielding sister cleans up after Hurricane Irma? Social media gold. Nuns playing soccer? Yes please. And who can forget Sister Jean? (Not Zac). But every day and on every continent women religious are doing life-saving, cutting-edge work in hospitals, research laboratories, refugee camps and prisons. And those are the stories Dawn Araujo-Hawkins tells as a writer for National Catholic Reporter’s Global Sisters Report.   We ask Dawn what she wished more people knew about the work of women religious, especially black sisters, and about her own experience working as a person of color in the mostly white Catholic media world.   In Signs of the Times, we bring you the top takeaways from the Vatican’s historic summit on child sexual abuse and discuss the case of Cardinal George Pell, the highest-level church official ever to be convicted of abusing a minor. Next, Pope Francis plans to write an apostolic exhortation on last year’s youth synod. What is an apostolic exhortation and why should we care? And finally, a new poll shows growing support for pro-life positions.   You can let us know what you think about our conversation with Dawn or any of our stories in our Facebook group. And thanks as always to our supporters on Patreon!   Signs of the Times Vatican sex abuse summit: what you need to know Cardinal Pell, most senior Catholic charged with child sex abuse, convicted, Vatican Cardinal Pell news is ‘painful’ and he has right to defend himself to the end Pope to issue post-synod document on young people in March New poll: Big majorities of Democrats and young people reject late-term abortion   What’s on tap? Sevenhill Cellars Inigo (Jesuit-made!) Riesling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices