Jesuitical

  Sister Helen Prejean has been the face of the anti-death penalty movement for decades. A member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, Sister Helen has been accompanying inmates on death row and lobbying against capital punishment in the United States (and in the church) for decades. She blew up on the national scene for her book Dead Man Walking, which was adapted into an Oscar-winning film, and she was crucial to the Vatican’s eventual decision to ban the death penalty in the Catechism. We talk to Sister Helen about how she became an anti-death penalty activist and how the fight against the death penalty has changed throughout the years—and how “sneaky Jesus” changed her life forever. In Signs of the Times, we talk about two Jesuit provinces releasing the names of more than 150 priests and other ministry leaders who were found to have “credible allegations” of sexual abuse. We break down a few “nun” stories and ask an important question before we go on break for Christmas: How can parishes welcome newcomers at Christmas Masses? On that note, we just wanted to thank everyone in the Jesuitical community: Whether you are a Patreon supporter, Facebook group poster (or lurker), or a casual listener—the whole Jesuitical team wishes you the peace and joy of the baby Jesus this Christmas. We’ll see you in the New Year. Links from the show: Two Jesuit provinces release 153 names of accused abusers Dear @POTUS: The Nun Who Tweets a Daily Prayer to President Trump 2 Nuns Accused Of Embezzling $500,000 From Catholic School Pope Francis will visit Abu Dhabi ‘Of Gods and Men’ monks beatified Detroit’s Back to Christmas Campaign     What’s on tap? Bob Dylan’s Double Barrel Rye Whiskey, courtesy of our colleague Ed Schmidt, S.J. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Reflecting on death is not a morbid affair,” believes Sister Theresa Aletheia, “it is a healthy and often healing practice that helps us accept the inevitable with hope.” Sister Theresa is a self-proclaimed #MediaNun with the Daughters of Saint Paul and the founder of the Memento Mori Project, an online revival in which she offers daily reflections about death.   This week, we talk to Sister Theresa about her faith journey and why Catholics should imagine their deaths, especially during Advent. Inspired by Blessed James Alberione, the founder of her order, Sister Theresa placed a ceramic skull on her desk and began tweeting about memento mori, Latin for “remember you will die,” in 2017. She says it’s impossible to value life without paying proper attention to what it means to die, and that the practice has enabled her to be more present in her daily life. In Signs of the Times, investigators in Texas executed a search warrant at the offices of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, headed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, following complaints from survivors on how DiNardo and his staff handled their abuse allegations. In a soon to be published book, Pope Francis is quoted as saying that he is worried about homosexuality in the priesthood. Catholic priests in England and Wales received new identification cards.   Finally, we discuss Pope Francis’ thoughts on consumerism: “Consumerism is a great disease today. I am not saying that we all do this, no. But consumerism, spending more than we need, is a lack of austerity in life; this is an enemy of generosity.” How should we reflect on these words during the Christmas season?   Feel free to send us your questions, concerns or cocktail recipes to jesuitical@americamedia.rog, or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community. And, if you’re looking for some last minute Christmas gift ideas, check out some Jesuit Swag.   Links from the show: As investigation hits home diocese, can Cardinal DiNardo continue to lead on the abuse crisis? In new book, Pope Francis says he is worried about homosexuality in the priesthood Catholic priests issued with photo cards to confirm their identities Consumerism is the enemy of generosity, pope says   What’s on tap? Bon Appetit Best Masala Chai made by America’s own, Vivian Cabrera Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Juan Carlos Cruz was abused by the notorious predator Fernando Karadima, a Chilean Catholic priest. For years, the Catholic Church in Chile disregarded the abuse allegations against the powerful cleric. One cardinal even told Juan Carlos it was hard to believe he was a victim because he is gay and “might have liked it.” When Pope Francis visited Chile earlier this year, he initially dismissed as “slander” allegations from Juan Carlos and other victims that a bishop had covered up Karadima’s abuse. Yet Juan Carlos persisted and, by sharing his story, has changed the church in Chile and given hope to many other survivors.   We ask Juan Carlos: What it’s like to feel betrayed by the pope—and to have the pope ask for your forgiveness? What concrete steps do Pope Francis and the church need to take to protect and bring healing to survivors of sexual abuse?   In Signs of the Times, the International Union of Superiors General is urging sisters who have been abused to report the crimes to police and their superiors, more details emerge about February’s global summit on sex abuse at the Vatican and Catholics respond to the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Plus, we discuss the U.S. bishops’ new pastoral letter on racism. It’s been 40 years since the bishops have spoken together on racial justice. Does this statement go far enough?   Let us know what you think about our conversation with Juan Carlos or any of these stories on our Facebook page or Twitter. And please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community.   Also: If you want to learn more about the Vatican’s meeting on sex abuse, check out the latest episode of Inside the Vatican, a new podcast from our colleague and friend of the podcast, Colleen Dulle.   Links from the show: Catholic Nuns Urge Sisters Around the World to Report Sexual Abuse to Police Exclusive: Archbishop Scicluna says February meeting start of ‘global approach’ to fighting sex abuse Caravan migrants join long queue of asylum seekers in Tijuana U.S. bishops adopt new anti-racism letter, first in almost 40 years   What’s on tap? Holy Water, courtesy of Zac’s mom and future in-laws: Peach schnapps, vodka, blue curaçao, Crystal Lite lemonade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Catholic Church is failing to engage Catholic women. A groundbreaking survey of Catholic women published by America earlier this year found that 26 percent rarely or never attend Mass; 27 percent only attend a few times a year; and 67 percent of Catholic women have never served in a parish in any ministry. The GIVEN Institute is trying to fix that. This week we chat with Elise Italiano, the group’s executive director, about what they’re doing to help Catholic women lead inside and outside the church. On Signs of the Times, our weekly Catholic news roundup, we scratch our heads at the U.S. bishops’ inaction on sexual abuse at the annual meeting in Baltimore, look at the next U.S.-born #Blessed, see how an N.B.A. rookie is helping out his Catholic high school, and more. Links from the show: Given Institute Vatican tells U.S. bishops to delay votes on new sex abuse protocols Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Scicluna to top role in addressing abuse crisis Jesuits to release names of accused priests in the west Pope recognizes martyrdom of U.S. Christian Brother Kevin Knox’s deal with Puma also benefits Tampa Catholic’s basketball program What’s on tap? Trappist Ale from Spencer Brewery, courtesy of listeners (and Patreon supporters!) Stephen and Dina Grant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen P. Millies is the author of Good Intentions: A History of Catholic Voters’ Road from Roe to Trump. In his book, Stephen analyzes the history of the Catholic vote, from the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade to the presidential elections of 2016.   We talk to Stephen about the role of Catholics in U.S. politics and why so many Catholics feel politically homeless and the 2018 midterm elections. (Full disclosure: Our interview with Stephen happened a week before the elections.)   In Signs of the Times, first up, November just started, but Christmas is already making headlines: Bishop Edward Braxton of Belleville, Ill., tells kids at Our Lady of Peace that Santa Claus isn’t real. Next, The Boston Globe and the Philadelphia Inquirer co-published an article on Nov. 4 analyzing the second wave of the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.   And finally, we discuss the decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the death sentence of Asia Bibi, a 47-year-old Pakistani Catholic who has been in prison since 2009 and was sentenced to death in November 2010 on charges of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed. Following the court’s decision, Bibi remained in prison due to safety concerns; however, since Tuesday’s recording, Bibi has been freed.   Links from the show: Parents angry after Illinois bishop tells Catholic school kids that Santa isn’t real Pakistani Christians fear violence after Asia Bibi’s blasphemy death sentence is overturned Newspapers examine U.S. bishops’ responses to abuse allegations   What’s on tap? Yuengling Lager Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family separations, the caravan, birthright citizenship—immigration stories have dominated the headlines in the lead-up to the 2018 midterms. But for Sister Norma Pimentel, who has worked on the U.S.-Mexico border for decades, migration is not a political issue; it is a human issue. As the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, Sister Norma accompanies migrants who cross the border seeking asylum and a better life for their families.   We ask Sister Norma how her work has changed under the Trump administration, who is really traveling with the migrant caravan and why, and what we can do to help our immigrant brothers and sisters at the border and in our communities.   [Explore America’s in-depth coverage of immigration]   In Signs of the Times, Pope Francis denounced as “inhuman” the anti-Semitic attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburg that left 11 dead and six injured and prayed that we may overcome “hotbeds of hate.” And in Kentucky, a white man shot and killed two African-Americans at a grocery store after failing to gain access to a predominantly black church.   Next, the synod on young people came to a close on Oct. 28; we bring you the top takeaways from the synod’s final document. Finally, a new app is being described as Pokémon Go for Catholics. Is this what synod participants had in mind when they said the church needs to reach young people online?   Let us know what you think about our conversation with Sister Norma or any of these stories on our Facebook page or Twitter. And please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community.   Links from the show Pope Francis denounces attack on Pittsburgh synagogue, expresses closeness to Jewish community On Squirrel Hill by The Unorthodox podcast Kroger Shooting Suspect Tried to Enter Black Church Before Killing 2, Police Say Closing the synod, Pope Francis highlights “the three fundamental steps on the journey of faith”   New app blends Pokemon Go with catechesis for young users Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley What’s on tap? Birthday Girl’s Choice: Luna Nuda Pinot Grigio   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nuns are back (on the bus). Headed by Sister Simone Campbell, the executive director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, the almost-annual campaign (they’ve traveled six of the last seven years), is traveling across the country to raise awareness about the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act and its impact on social services and local communities.   The nuns stopped at the Church of the Redeemer in Morristown, N.J., where we caught up with Sister Simone, S.S.S. and Sister Richelle Friedman, P.B.V.M., about what’s wrong with the new tax bill, what’s at stake in the upcoming midterm elections and why good Catholics should “meddle” in politics.   This episode of Jesuitical is proudly sponsored by Catholic Women Preach, celebrating two years sharing the wisdom and witness of women breaking open the Word. Visit catholicwomenpreach.org for video, text and podcasts of weekly preaching on the Sunday Scriptures.   Links from the show: Nuns on the Bus Faith in Focus with Fr. James Martin Inside the Vatican Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Clarke is the chief correspondent at America. Recently, he traveled to Iraq for 12 days where he met with Iraqi Christians and other religious minorities. We talk to Kevin about why he decided to take this trip and the future of Christianity in that region. (You can check out Kevin’s reporting here.) In Signs of the Times, we discuss the canonization of Saint Óscar Romero, the resignation of Cardinal Wuerl, the archbishop of Washington, D.C., and why women aren’t allowed to vote at this year’s Synod on Young People. As always, you can email us at jesuitical@americamedia.org or tweet us on Twitter. You can also join our Facebook group and consider supporting us on Patreon!   P.S. This episode is brought to you by Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago. For 23 years, Cristo Rey has educated Latino students with limited means, preparing the leaders of tomorrow today. Learn about their mission at cristorey.net.   Links from the show: Pope Francis declares Pope Paul VI, Óscar Romero saints Pope Francis accepts the resignation of Cardinal Wuerl Jesuit, Dominican, Franciscan leaders see no reason why women shouldn’t vote at synod   What’s on tap? This week, we are drinking a gift from listener Bridget: a special blend, Cafe St. Joe, from Furnace Hills Coffee, a fair- and direct-trade coffee roaster who employs adults with disabilities. You can buy your own here!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m sure I am not the only city dweller who sometimes fantasizes about putting in my two-weeks notice and escaping to a dude ranch in Wyoming or an organic pumpkin farm in Nebraska (or wherever they grow pumpkins). The ever-increasing rent, the dirty, dysfunctional subway, the nonstop noise and pressure to not just keep up but get ahead—it all makes me question why I moved to New York. Well this week’s guest Haley Stewart and her husband did drop out of the rat race and move to a farm (without flush toilets! with three young kids!)—but she thinks you can build a simpler and more intentional life in the city or the suburbs, out in the country or right on campus. We ask Haley about her escape from the “throwaway culture,” how to pray through drastic life changes and why she loves Molly Weasley (yes, that Molly Weasley). In Signs of the Times, Pope Francis gets invited to North Korea, but his favorability is dropping in the United States. The synod on young people is underway at the Vatican, the Nuns on the Bus are back on tour and Lady Liberty may get a West Coast (Catholic) counterpart. As always, you can keep in touch via our Facebook group and Twitter @jesuiticalshow or emailing us at jesuitical@americamedia.org. Please consider helping Jesuitical keep the mics on by supporting the show on Patreon—every little bit helps! Links from the show Kim Jong Un invites Pope Francis to North Korea Pew Poll: Pope Francis’ favorability numbers drop, and worse for handling of abuse Synod 2018 Day 1: Migrants, sex abuse and church credibility ‘Nuns On The Bus’ For ‘Tax Justice Truth Tour’ En Route To Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Diocese of San Diego launching statue of Mary Inspired by Lady Liberty for San Ysidro   What’s on tap? Maple whiskey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“My hope is that we can learn that we can be indigenous and all these other things: Catholic, worldly, a diplomat, a scientist, etc. My hope is that being indigenous is not limited,” said Maka Clifford in the pages of America last year. Maka is the director of curriculum and assessment at the Red Cloud Indian School, a Catholic school led by the Jesuits and the Lakota people. Maka was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation and graduated from Red Cloud in 2005. After studying in California, New York and Japan, Maka realized his calling to be involved in indigenous studies and human rights. He returned to Red Cloud in 2013. We talk to Maka about what it means to be a Lakota Catholic, the controversial history of Jesuit-run and boarding schools, Lakota spirituality and teaching indigenous students in 2018.   Last week, the editors of America stated that the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court should be withdrawn. We discuss the magazine’s previous support of the nomination and why the editors decided to withdraw it.   In sexual abuse news, Pope Francis laicizes Chile’s Fernando Karadima. “The Better Church Governance Group” is a new organization founded by wealthy Catholics to investigate the College of Cardinals. And for the feast of St. Francis, we have a story about a dog that completes the Camino de Santiago.   As always, you can email us at jesuitical@americamedia.org or tweet us on Twitter. You can also join our Facebook group and consider supporting us on Patreon!   This episode is brought to you by Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago. For 23 years, Cristo Rey has educated Latino students with limited means, preparing the leaders of tomorrow today. Learn about their mission at cristorey.net.   Looking for an event in your neighborhood? Check out when the Ignatian Solidarity Network is hosting a “Solidarity On Tap” near you!   Links from the show: The Editors: It is time for the Kavanaugh nomination to be withdrawn Pope Francis defrocks Chilean priest at center of sexual abuse scandal Wealthy Catholics to target Cardinals with ‘Red Hat Report’ A dog that has completed the Camino de Santiago comes to Rome Jewish husband and wife to be first married couple knighted by the Vatican   What’s on tap? Mulled cider (on the rocks), Jack’s Winter Cider whiskey, one cinnamon stick, one star anise, ice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices