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 [email protected], 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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

“[The sex abuse crisis is] not something that I think can be fixed by our priests alone,” Amanda Zamora told us this week. “The pain and the harm has been caused by the church and the solution will need to come from the church—and that includes all of us.” Amanda is the chief audience officer at the Texas Tribune, which she joined in 2016. Previously, she spent 13 years on the East Coast working for organizations like The Huffington Post Investigative Fund, The Washington Post and ProPublica. She recently wrote an article co-published in the Texas Tribune and the Washington Post called “I’m a Catholic survivor of abuse. I still want to hear the church say it’s sorry.” Amanda shared her own experience of surviving abuse within her family and how that has influenced her perspective on the church’s crisis. In Signs of the Times we give an update on a couple of international stories we’ve been following and discuss a story from Chicago involving a priest burning a flag bearing a rainbow and a cross. We also look at a new policy for reporting sex abuse outlined by the U.S. bishops, and how some churches are using coffeehouse culture to evangelize and work for justice. Have you checked out our Facebook group yet? It’s a great way to talk about the episode and other Catholic news with other Jesuitical listeners. And as always, you can stay in touch via email, Twitter and Patreon. Links from the show: I'm a Catholic survivor of abuse. I still want to hear the church say it's sorry. Pope Francis recognizes Chinese bishops ordained without papal approval Indian bishop accused of raping nun is arrested U.S. Catholic Church creates new process for reporting misconduct by its bishops Flag-burning priest removed from Avondale parish by Cardinal Cupich These Catholic coffee shops take evangelization to new grounds Facebook Group Twitter Patreon What’s on Tap? Angry Orchard’s Rosé Cider, because 👏Fall 👏 Is 👏 Here!👏 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was a French novice living in a desert monastery in Syria. She was a journalist from Texas who wanted to become a nun. Then, they fell in love. I know, it sounds like a rom-com. But that is, in fact, how this week’s guest, Stephanie Saldaña, met her husband—and it’s not even the most fascinating part of her story. Today, Stephanie lives with her family in Jerusalem where she writes and teaches. In 2016, she started Mosaic Stories, a project that seeks to preserve the cultural heritage of the war-torn Middle East. We ask Stephanie what lessons the monastery has for family life, what she has learned raising children in a conflict zone and what her unique path to marriage taught her about discerning between two loves. In Signs of the Times, Pope Francis announces a summit of sex abuse and sources say the Vatican and China are close to a deal over the status of bishops; Catholics and Buddhists team up to provide green housing for seniors; a bishop skydives for donations; a new institute prepares Catholic women for leadership; and thousands of Latino Catholics gather in Texas for V Encuentro. Have you checked out our Facebook group yet? It’s a great place to keep up with Catholic news between shows and share your own consolations and desolations. You can also find us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow, support us on Patreon and send us an email at [email protected]. Also, Jesuit swag. Get some. Links from the show: An Impossible Hope: Three men in Syria showed me what Jesus looks like. Resignations, Rome meetings and investigations: A week of major developments in the sexual abuse crisis Developing Story | Pope Francis meets with bishops about the sexual abuse crisis China and Vatican to Sign Landmark Deal Over Bishops DiMarzio says ‘Laudato si’ to flower in Brooklyn with green housing Bishop takes a (sky) dive to get pilgrims to Lourdes Women’s Catholic leadership program, GIVEN Institute, officially launches More than 3,000 Latino Catholics expected at Encuentro gathering What’s on tap? Everything but the kitchen sink. Cleaning out the fridge/liquor cabinet to make room for PSL cocktails. Miller Lite for Zac, a lager for Olga and tequila for me. Cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next month, the Vatican will hold the Synod of bishops on young people. Earlier this year, in preparation for the October gathering, the Vatican hosted 300 delegates from around the world. These delegates met in Rome and produced an 11-page document, titled “Young People, The Faith and Vocational Discernment.” One of the delegates selected by the U.S.C.C.B. was Katie Prejean McGrady. She is a writer, podcaster, Catholic speaker and author of Follow: Your Lifelong Adventure with Jesus. We talk to Katie about her work at the pre-synod gathering, how the sexual abuse crisis shows we need the synod now more than ever and what the church can do to keep young Catholics in the faith. In Signs of the Times, thousands in India joined nuns of the Missionaries of Jesus congregation last week to call for the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who has been accused of rape. We also discuss the latest updates to the U.S. sexual abuse crisis, including the launching of investigations into clerical sexual abuse in dioceses across the country. Finally, some Catholic school news: the first Catholic school to open up in Baltimore in decades will be named after Mary Lange, who opened the first school in the United States for black children; and Kolbe Academy in Pennsylvania will be the first Catholic high school for students battling addiction. As always, you can email us at [email protected] or tweet us on Twitter. You can also join our Facebook group and consider supporting us on Patreon! Links from the show: Indian nuns demand arrest of bishop accused of rape Vatican officials knew of McCarrick allegations in 2000, letter confirms States Round up of newly announced investigations into clerical sexual abuse 1st Catholic high school for students battling addiction opening in Bethlehem area Baltimore’s new Catholic school to be named after African American nun What’s on tap? St. Germain spritzer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Arceneaux has stopped going to church. After growing up as a gay black Catholic in the South, he eventually decided that he could not find a way to integrate his identities into the Catholicism he grew up with. In his new memoir: I Can’t Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I’ve Put My Faith in Beoncé, Michael describes how coming out as gay led to tension and conflict with people like his mother, still a devout Catholic. But Michael hasn’t given up on God just yet. In fact, in I Can’t Date Jesus he describes taking a friend up on an invitation to go to a church service. There he met a pastor and theologian who “really understands the Bible wasn’t just repeating verses kind of like the equivalent (as I put in the book) like a talking head on cable news… He was far more informed than me so I actually learned something from the conversation. I found it elevating.” Michael told us how he wished he had been able to have conversations like that earlier in his life. “I think if you caught me much earlier around the time when I was generally trying to still be in church…you would have probably been able to keep me there.” This week in Signs of the Times we break down the explosive letter that was released over the weekend by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò accusing many church leaders—including Pope Francis—of covering up the misconduct and crimes of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Thank you all so much for sharing your thoughts and struggles and joys with us in in our Facebook group, Twitter and with your emails. A special shout out to our supporters on Patreon: Your financial support makes this show possible. Thank you. If you’ve been on the fence about visiting our Patreon page—there’s no time like right now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When was the last time you talked about faith with a friend? If you’re listening to this podcast, maybe you don’t mind dropping words like “sin,” “grace” and “confession” in casual conversations. But most Americans, according to Jonathan Merritt, have forgotten or never learned how to “speak God”—and that’s bad news for people who care about the future of the church. We ask Jonathan, an award-winning religion writer, podcast host and author of the new book Learning to Speak God from Scratch, why spiritual conversations matter, how we can save endangered sacred words and what distinguishes Catholic and Protestant approaches to language. This week in Signs of the Times we focus on one story that’s been on all of our minds: the unfolding sexual abuse crisis in the U.S. Catholic Church. We bring you up to speed on developments since the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report on Aug. 14, ask how the church got here and discuss possible ways forward as the church seeks to bring healing to victims and accountability to priests and bishops who for decades committed and covered up horrific crimes against children. Let us know how you are processing the news and let know when you are (or aren’t) finding God in all this by reaching out in our Facebook group and Twitter @jesuiticalshow or emailing us at [email protected]. Please consider helping Jesuitical keep the mics on by supporting the show on Patreon—every little bit helps! Links from the show Pennsylvania report documents over 1,000 victims of priest abuse Vatican: Pope Francis is on the side of the victims of Pennsylvania abuse Bishops around U.S. respond with ‘sorrow’ to abuse report, vow to act Pennsylvania prelate says bishops who hid abuse should resign Pope Francis issues new letter on sex abuse: ‘We showed no care for the little ones’ Don’t blame the sex abuse crisis on queer Catholics What’s on tap? Brooklyn Brewery East IPA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Being the only Latino means that while the white men get to disagree with each other and develop idiosyncratic or counterintuitive arguments, you can never just say how you feel or what you think about a story,” wrote Julio Ricardo Varela in America. “Instead, you always have to frame your comments in a way that responds to the needs of the 56.5 million people who share some part of your identity.” Julio is a Puerto Rican journalist. Along with writing for Latino Rebels, a website he founded in 2011 that provides news, analysis and commentary about U.S. Latino culture, he is the co-host of the Webby-nominated “In The Thick” podcast with Maria Hinojosa and a contributor to Latino USA on NPR. On this week’s episode, we talk to Julio about working in media as a Latino, Hurricane Maria, the sexual abuse crisis and more. In Signs of the Times, a giant Pope Francis scarecrow wins a competition in Ireland; and a 27-year-old pastor starts GodSquad Church to bring God to the gamer community. In Argentina, where abortion is illegal in most cases, the Senate voted down a bill that would have legalized abortion through 14 weeks of pregnancy. What made the difference between Argentina and the referendum in Ireland earlier this year that legalized abortion? In Peru, Jesuit priest Carlos Riudavets Montes was found murdered on Aug. 10. Finally, we bring you the latest developments on the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, including the grand jury report from Pennsylvania and reports on two Benedictine abbey schools in England. We know it has been a difficult week trying to process what it means to be Catholic during this crisis. Part of the reason we do this is to help all our listeners process moments such as these. You can email us at [email protected] or tweet us on Twitter. Please feel free to also join our Facebook group, where members this week followed a live panel featuring Ashley and Zac on an intergenerational discussion on how Catholics are responding to the sexual abuse crisis and shared their own questions and comments about the crisis. Links from the show: Giant straw Pope Francis wins annual scarecrow festival in Ireland An online church for gamers: Va. pastor draws thousands to worship on Twitch Details of second letter priest sent to Cardinal O’Malley describing McCarrick abuse Pennsylvania report documents over 1,000 victims of priest abuse New reports of sexual abuse rock Benedictine abbey schools in England The abortion debate in Argentina vs. Ireland: what made the difference? Jesuit priest murdered in Peru What’s on tap? Luna Vida pinot grigio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you miss us? Jesuitical is BACK from its summer break and we are sunsprayed, rested and ready to hit the studio for a new season. We also have some pretty big personal news to share, so tune in for some life updates. We also loved getting to spend some more time talking with listeners during the break, both on- and offline. Our online communities like Patreon, Twitter and our Facebook groupcontinue to grow, and we’ve been blessed with some visits to America’s offices over the past month. We asked the members of our Facebook group for guest suggestions for the upcoming season, and one name that came up more than once was Sister Simone Campbell. Sister Simone is the leader of Nuns on the Bus and executive director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice—and also a former Jesuitical guest! While the Signs of the Times and Consolations and Desolations segments of the show are new this week, we’re re-airing an incredibly insightful interview with Sister Simone from last year. It was a busy July for Catholic news too—during Signs of the Times we discuss the sexual abuse stories that have been coming from several parts of the Catholic world, and get into Pope Francis’ revision of the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s teaching on the death penalty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we talk with Gilbert Sunghera, S.J. He is an architectural consultant and associate professor of architecture at the University of Detroit Mercy. Gilbert has worked on projects such as the Jesuit community at Fairfield, the parish of St. Joseph the Worker in Wyoming and the Jesuit high school chapel in Sacramento. We talk with Gilbert about architecture, how he balances his dual passions and what it means to design a sacred space. Speaking of architecture, America’s new office space—including the studio where Jesuitical is recorded—was profiled in the New York Times this week. You have a look at where we work and read the profile here. We are on vacation until next month, so no Signs of the Times or Consolations and Desolations this week. However, we still want to hear from you! Come share your consolations and desolations or some interesting Catholics news in our Facebook group. You can also find us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow, support us on Patreon and send us an email at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You don’t have to have a Ph.D. in theology to write about religion (thank goodness)—but Tara Isabella Burton’s work shows it certainly doesn’t hurt. After getting her doctorate in theology at Oxford University, Tara became the first full-time religion correspondent for Vox (with a V she is quick to clarify). There she translates religious stories to a largely secular audience and brings a theologian’s lens to questions of public policy and values. Tara also published her first novel this year, Social Creature, a thrilling story about striving and sin in the decadent world of upper-class New York. We ask her about the book, how her own own faith has shaped her writing and why everyone should study theology. Jesuitical is on vacation until August, so no Signs of the Times this week, but we still want to hear from you! Come share your consolations and desolations or some interesting Catholic news in our Facebook group. You can also find us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow, support us on Patreon and send us an email at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Held Evans grew up loving the bible. Like, was on her high school’s homecoming court representing the Bible club. She was taught to honor and defend it from all its enemies, science and history included. But her Biblical worldview started to fall apart in college. Neat, pre-packaged answers that she was taught weren’t satisfying anymore. “I never had permission to challenge the Bible,” Rachel told us on this week’s podcast. “And yet when I began doing that it's like all these new layers of meaning began to unfold and it became a richer experience.” Rachel talks to us this week about her new book, “Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again.” We talk about why finding enchantment in the Bible is important, how to teach Bible stories to your kids and more. In this week’s rundown of Catholic news, we discuss what Catholic organizations are doing to help immigrant families separated at the border; Philippine priests seeking gun permits in light of recent murders; and a Kenyan priest who was suspended from ministry for rapping. Want to discuss this week’s episode with the hosts and other Jesuitical listeners? Check out our Facebook group. You can also find us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow, support us on Patreon and send us an email at [email protected]. Links from the show Donations surge at Catholic Charities border asylum-seeker center Hundreds of calls come in at USCCB HQ seeking to foster detained kids Parkland students kick off anti-gun tour with rally at Catholic church Philippine bishops hesitant about priests seeking gun permits Kenya parishioners disappointed after priest suspended for rapping Swole.Catholic helps people strengthen body and soul What’s on tap? New Jersey Beer Co.’s LBIPA, courtesy of Patron and friend of the podcast, John Dougherty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask most people what they know about black Catholic sisters, and they will probably murmur something about “Sister Act.” Dr. Shannen Dee Williams did, too, until she began digging into communities’ archives and uncovering the previously hidden lives of African-American women religious. Now she’s telling those stories in a forthcoming book (with an amazing title), Subversive Habits. Shannen tells us about the incredible resilience and deep faith of black Catholic women in the face of racism, discrimination and exclusion. We ask her how these stories affected her own faith and what racial reconciliation in the church looks like today. In our news segment this week, we talk fun Catholic World Cup facts, an update on the synod on young adults and Pope Francis’ controversial comments on abortion and Nazis. Finally, we discuss the Trump administration’s policy of separating children from their parents at the border—and what you can do to help. Have you checked out our Facebook page yet? Starting today, we’ll be asking for your consolations and desolations there. You can also find us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow, support us on Patreon and send us an email at [email protected]. Links from the show Faith and the 2018 World Cup: little-known Christian details about soccer (football!) stars Synod working document: Young Catholics need a church that listens to them Pope Francis says abortion is ‘same thing’ as Nazi eugenics Catholic leaders denounce Sessions’s asylum decision: ‘We have truly lost our moral compass.’ Father James Martin: Five things you can do to help immigrants at the border What’s on tap? Celebrating our Catholic Press Association awards with Champagne! Well, technically, prosecco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we talk with Jeremy McLellan, a comedian from Charleston, S.C. Jeremy was recently named a “New Face of Comedy” at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. He was recently baptized at this year’s Easter Vigil. We talk to the comedian about his time living in a L’Arche community, his struggles with depression and making people laugh in 2018. In Signs of the Times, Pope Francis accepts the resignations of Chilean bishops and meets with energy executives to discuss care for the poor and the environment. In Baltimore, the archdiocese is letting Catholic couples get married outside of the bride or groom’s parish. A new study claims that kids who attend Catholic schools have more self-control than those who do not. The Catholic Memes Facebook group sparks controversy after posting a meme that many are describing as anti-Semitic. Finally, last month the Catholic Women’s Forum and the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture sponsored a conference on the #MeToo movement. We discuss the conference, the church’s response and the effects of the sexual revolution on the movement. Make sure to check us out on Twitter @jesuiticalshow, and send us some feedback by emailing [email protected]. You can support the show by joining our Patreon community. And we are also on Facebook. We love hearing from all of our listeners weekly, and we wanted to give you all the opportunity to not just continue talking with us but to get to know each other as well. If you haven’t joined yet, go do that. Links from the show: Pope Francis appeals to top energy executives to care for the poor and the environment Pope begins purge in Chile church over sex abuse scandal Conference asks: Is the Sexual Revolution to blame for #MeToo? Vanity Fair ad takes ‘#MeToo’ campaign to victims of religious violence Catholic Memes controversy Baltimore Catholics can now have that outdoor wedding they’ve dreamed of Study finds Catholic school correlates with student’s self-control What’s on tap? This week, we’re drinking some fancy Malbec wine, courtesy of my mom, Francisca Segura Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a curious Tweet that came across my timeline. Was A.C. Slater really getting baptized in the Jordan River? Got baptized in the same river Jesus did...#JordanRiver #Jesus #JohnTheBaptist pic.twitter.com/WIuPtqEk9b — Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) March 22, 2018 And there was another one—this time at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation: Angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary she was going to be the mother Christ of here...#AnunciationCathedral #RomanCatholic #AngelGabriel #VirginMary pic.twitter.com/QVMEr9Gyf9 — Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) March 21, 2018 Mario Lopez is a TV host and actor. You might know him as A.C. Slater on “Saved by the Bell” or from “Dancing with the Stars.” He is currently one of the hosts of “Extra”—and a promoter of the Gospel. It’s one thing for celebrities to be privately religious; using their platforms for evangelization is quite another. This week we talk with Mario about his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, what it’s like to be faithful in Hollywood, and passing down faith to children. The Signs of the Times segment of the show comes with a cake motif: we discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Colorado “gay wedding cake” case and its impact on religion and culture; also, there was a life-sized Jesus cake—complete with icing stigmata wounds—that was maybe (or definitely) made in bad-taste. Outside of cake news, we talk about why the Vatican issued a new document on SPORTS!™; why a statue of Jesus was “too-Catholic” for one Baptist church; and how a former slave is going to be the first Catholic entombed in Denver’s Cathedral. Have you been thinking to yourself, “Friday is such a long time to wait for another episode, I wish I could listen to some of it early”? If so, I have great news for you: we’ve started posting videos of the full, uncut versions of weekly interviews to our Patreon page on Wednesdays. You can help keep us employed and get some bonus content. We also have our Facebook group—it’s a great way to meet and discuss Catholic things with other Jesuitical listeners. You can also follow us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow and send us feedback and cocktail recipes at [email protected]. Links from the show: Pope Francis asks German bishops to set aside plan on Communion for non-Catholic spouses Vatican Sports on Sundays are O.K. (except when used to skip Mass) Baptist congregation votes Jesus statue out for being ‘too Catholic’ A life-sized Jesus cake with stigmata wounds is making Christians angry Supreme Court sides with baker who wouldn’t make cake for a same-sex couple Former slave, on possible path to sainthood, to be entombed in Denver cathedral Patreon Facebook What’s on tap? Chocolate Cake Martini: vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, half-and-half, whipped cream and a cookie wafer to garnish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you change the mind of someone who thinks you don’t belong in this country because of your faith? Make them laugh, says Negin Farsad, Muslim-American comedian, actress, writer and filmmaker. And she does. Back in 2014, she took a troupe of Muslim comedians on tour in America’s heartland to talk (and joke) about Islamophobia for the documentary film “The Muslims Are Coming!” Today, she continues to work in what she calls “social justice comedy,” using humor to confront religious hatred and racism. We ask her how she walks the line between laughing with and laughing at the people she would like to convince. In Signs of the Times, the supporters of Ireland’s Eighth Amendment suffered a resounding defeat in the May 25 referendum, opening the door to abortion on demand. We talk about the future of the church and the pro-life movement in light of this setback. Plus: an archbishop in Australia faces jail time for failing to report sexual abuse; an ecumenical group of faith leaders takes on racism in Minnesota; and a new poll shows only 50 percent of Catholics support welcoming refugees to the United States. What gives? When you’re done listening, you can hop on over to our Facebook group and let us know what you think! Follow us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow and send us feedback and cocktail recipes at [email protected]. And if you haven’t yet, please consider leaving us a review on Apple podcasts—it’s a great way to help other people find the show. Links from the show: Catholics who voted Yes should consider confession, says Bishop Catholic archbishop convicted in Australia of concealing child sex abuse New Minnesota faith alliance takes on racism Only 50% of U.S. Catholics believe the U.S. Should Accept Refugees What’s on tap? Brooklyn Brewery Lager hand delivered by Patron Emilee Hunter-Maguire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cyrus Habib is the 16th and current Lieutenant Governor of Washington State. Born in Baltimore, Md., Cyrus is a three-time cancer survivor and has been fully blind since he was 8-years-old. His parents immigrated to the United States from Iran before he was born, and he is both the first and only Iranian-American official to hold statewide elected office in the United States. We ask Cyrus how his Catholic faith shapes his public service and how citizens and politicians alike can work toward the common good in these polarized times. In Signs of the Times, during the royal wedding, Bishop Michael Curry name-dropped French Jesuit, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Who was this controversial Jesuit philosopher? Next, Pope Francis is creating 14 new cardinals, and a Seattle nun is taking on the gun industry—from the inside. Plus, Irish citizens are voting today on whether or not to repeal the Eighth Amendment, which recognizes that both mothers and unborn children have an equal right to life. We discuss why repealing the Eighth Amendment will be a step back for Ireland. Finally, following an investigation into the Chilean sexual abuse crisis, 34 bishops in Chile have offered their resignation. Sexual abuse survivor Juan Carlos Cruz said that during his meeting with the pope, Francis stated: “Juan Carlos, that you are gay doesn’t matter. God made you like this and loves you like this and it doesn’t matter to me. The pope loves you like this.” We discuss the impact of the pope’s comments. Make sure to check us out on Twitter @jesuiticalshow, and send us some feedback by emailing [email protected]. You can support the show by joining our Patreon community. And we are also on Facebook! We love hearing from all of our listeners weekly, and we wanted to give you all the opportunity to not just continue talking with us but to get to know each other as well! If you haven’t joined yet, go do that. And a special shoutout to our sponsor, “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word,” written and directed by three-time Academy Award nominee Wim Wenders. Links from the show: Who was the Jesuit priest mentioned during the Royal Wedding sermon? Pope Francis announces that he will create 14 new cardinals in June Abuse victim says Pope Francis told him “being gay doesn't matter” All of Chile’s bishops offer resignations after meeting pope on abuse Meet the Seattle nun who infiltrated a gun company The Irish Exception What’s on tap?Substance, a Washington State wine, brought to us by Cyrus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not an easy position for faithful Catholics to stake out, criticizing a popular pope. But Ross Douthat is worried about where Pope Francis is leading the Catholic Church. In his new book, To Change the Church: Pope Francis and the Future of Catholicism, the New York Times op-ed columnist argues that Francis’ “truces” with the modern world—specifically his more pastoral approach on issues ranging from divorce and same-sex relationships to euthanasia—threaten to not only divide and weaken the church but betray the very words of Jesus. We ask Ross whether he thinks people in the pews share his concerns, what mercy means for Catholics who feel hurt by Catholic teachings and what gives him hope about the church. In Signs of the Times: a Catholic school showcases a caged tiger at prom. Bad idea or the worst idea? Plus, new rules for contemplative nuns, the United States’ first African-American priest gets a step closer to sainthood, thoughts on the new Pope Francis biopic and news from the Holy Land. Finally, it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, so we wanted to discuss what more the church can do to support families struggling with mental illness. As always, check us out on Twitter @jesuiticalshow, and send us some feedback by emailing [email protected]. You can support the show (and get exclusive swag and bonus content!) by joining our Patreon community. Links from the show A Catholic School in Florida Had a Caged Tiger at Its Jungle-Themed Prom and WTF? Vatican issues new rules for communities of contemplative nuns Runaway slave-turned-priest moves closer to beatification California bishops: The mental health care system is broken Pope gets an unprecedented close-up, courtesy of Wim Wenders Pope Francis denounces spiral of violence in the Holy Land What’s on tap? Wisconsin white wine from our very first in-studio Patreon V.I.P. visitor, Creede Caldwell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a Christian movie? Can you define it based on its themes and subjects? Or is it all in whom it’s marketed at? Alissa Wilkinson is a film critic at Vox, where she covers film and culture. Before writing at Vox, Alissa was critic-at-large at Christianity Today. We discuss the role of religion in film, whether “Christian” or not, what her favorite films are and more on this week’s show. During Signs of the Times, our weekly Catholic news update, we discuss whether the Catholic-imagination themed Met Gala was offensive or awesome, what some churches are doing to aid immigrants in the midst of destructive decrees from the Trump administration and whether non-Catholic spouses might be able to receive communion at Mass. Last week, we launched a Facebook group—you should join! It’s a great way to meet other young-ish, hip-ish and lay-ish Jesuitical listeners. You can also follow us on Twitter and support the show on Patreon. Links from the show: Why the Met Gala is a good thing for Catholicism Sessions: "Zero-tolerance" policy may cause families to be split at border Catholic groups decry end to Temporary Protected Status for Hondurans Dallas-area immigrants apply for Catholic church-issued IDs to ease deportation fears Pope Francis asks German bishops to find agreement on Communion for non-Catholic spouses Paul Ryan reinstates Jesuit as House Chaplain Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism What's on tap? Miami Vice, Zac's mom's favorite drink, in honor of her graduation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we talk with Wajahat Ali, a contributing op-ed writer for The New York Times, where he covers religion, family life and U.S. politics. Wajahat is also one of the producers of the Emmy-nominated series, “The Secret Life of Muslims,” which takes a look into the lives of U.S. Muslims. We talk with Wajahat about the perception of Muslim Americans in the age of Trump, and how his Jesuit education has made him a better Muslim. In Signs of the times, Cardinal Pell stands trial for sex abuse; Katy Perry visits the Vatican; Catholic leaders oppose Bavarian crucifix order; and parishes are closing in Pittsburgh, Pa. Following the forced resignation of Jesuit House chaplain, Patrick Conroy, we ask: Why did this happen And finally: Prom season in Michigan had one Catholic high-school bringing out “modesty ponchos.” We discuss whether or not this is problematic. Follow us Twitter @jesuiticalshow, send us an email at [email protected] and support our work by becoming a part of our Patreon community. You subscribe to us wherever you get your favorite podcast and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And a special shoutout to our sponsor, the Catholic Travel Centre, who made this episode possible. P.S. We are now on Facebook! We love hearing from all of our listeners weekly, and we wanted to give you all the opportunity to not just continue talking with us but to get to know each other as well! If you haven’t joined yet, go do that. Links from the show: Cardinal Pell to stand trial in sex abuse case Katy Perry Meets Pope Francis, Speaks At Vatican Conference Dr. Oz leads Vatican panel on faith and medicine Catholic leaders join criticism of Bavarian crucifix order Do reactions to the firing of Jesuit House chaplain show anti-Catholic bias? Michigan Catholic school to use ‘modesty ponchos’ at prom Bishop Zubik unveils parish reorganization plans for Pittsburgh diocese What’s on tap? Margaritas—or as my co-hosts like to say, “margs” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Any way I tell this story is a lie.” Mary Karr opens her memoir “Lit” with a warning about the inevitable unreliability of memory. But don’t be fooled. Mary Karr delivers many truths that you need to hear. Mary Karr is an award-winning poet and New York Times best-selling author. Her poems have been published in the New Yorker, the Atlantic and the Paris Review. Her trilogy of memoirs, The Liars Club, Cherry and Lit, chronicle her traumatic childhood in southeast Texas, her turbulent coming of age as a woman and poet, her marriage and motherhood, alcoholism and recovery and conversion to the Catholic faith. We were grateful to chat with Mary about all of this and more during our live event at America’s headquarters in New York City, sponsored by the Catholic Travel Centre. Before we delve into the live recording, we’re reunited with Olga (who missed the live event, succumbing to a nasty fever) to discuss the week’s top Catholic news: A surprise parish visit from a Catholic NBA all-star; Pope Francis gives out free gelato on his name day to Rome’s needy and appoints three women to consult the Vatican’s oldest congregation; a nun is being deported for living out the Gospel in the Philippines; and we discuss an alarming trend of the killing of priests in Mexico. As always, check us out on Twitter @jesuiticalshow, and send us some feedback (or just say hi! We love that too.) by emailing [email protected]. You can support the show (and get exclusive swag and bonus content!) by joining our Patreon community. Links from the show Trust the prayers: Embiid surprises churchgoers near Philly Pope Francis offers free gelato to Rome’s poor and homeless to mark his feast day Be fruitful and multiply: Threatened trees planted in Vatican Gardens Pope Francis appoints three women as consultants to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Philippines to deport 71-year old Australian nun who advocates for farmers Lay down your weapons, say Mexican bishops after second priest murdered What’s on tap? Sugar Hill Golden Ale, courtesy of Harlem Brewing Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As I write this, thousands of students across the country are walking out of their high schools to protest gun violence. April 20 marks the 19th anniversary of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Littleton, Colo., which left 13 dead. At the time, it was the deadliest school shooting in modern U.S. history. Tragically, that grisly record had been overtaken several times in the last two decades, most recently at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. After the Parkland shooting on Feb. 14, which left 17 students and employees dead, listeners asked that we dive deeper into the topic of gun violence. So this week, we are talking with Patrick Blanchfield, a writer who has covered the topic for n + 1 among other publications. We ask him why advocacy for gun control has been so ineffective; why religion and theology play such an important role in these debates; and whether the student activism following the Parkland shooting represents a new and promising front for those seeking to pass more restrictive gun laws. In Signs of the Times, Pope Francis admits that he has made serious mistakes in his handling of the sex abuse crisis in Chile; Blessed Oscar Romero finally has an official canonization date; and Catholic agencies are alarmed by the severe drop in the number of Syrian refugees admitted to the United States. Next, we discuss the state of Catholic activism: Is it a problem that the most visible Catholic protesters in peace and justice movements are often baby boomers? Where are all the millennial Catholics? Finally, need a good pump up video? Check out these boxing nuns in Poland. Need a good cry? Watch this video of Pope Francis responding to a young boy who asks: is my atheist father in heaven? Follow us Twitter @jesuiticalshow, send us an email at [email protected] and support our work by becoming a part of our Patreon community. You subscribe to us wherever you get your favorite podcast and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Links from the show Pope Francis admits ‘serious errors’ in handling of Chilean sex abuse cases Oscar Romero canonization probably in Rome in October Catholic agencies concerned by drastic drop in Syrian refugees admitted to US Bond Denied for 7 Catholic Protesters Who Prayed on Nuclear Submarine Base in Georgia VIDEO: Boxing nuns take Poland by storm ‘Is my dad in heaven,’ little boy asks pope What’s on tap? Keller Dry-Hopped Lager from Zero Gravity Craft Brewing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whoever says you have to choose between science and faith has not met Guy Consolmagno, S.J.—a Jesuit brother and director of the Vatican Observatory. We ask what projects the pope’s astronomers are working on now, if he believes in aliens and why people in every time and place look to the stars with big questions. And in Signs of the Times, Pope Francis denounces a chemical attack in Syria that killed dozens of innocent civilians. How should the United States respond? And U.S. and Mexican bishops push back on President Trump’s plan to send the National Guard to secure the border as a group of Central American migrants travels north seeking sanctuary. Next, the pope has released a new apostolic exhortation on holiness. Zac, Olga and I discuss our favorite parts of the document. Plus, updates on Catholics in France, Sweden and Brazil—where one church decided to incorporate a drone into the liturgy. As always, we want to hear from you. You can tweet us @jesuiticalshow or send us an email [email protected]. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, tell your friends about the show and check out our Patreon page to support Jesuitical. P.S., if you’re in the New York area next week, come see us talk to New York Times-bestselling author, Mary Karr, for a live recording of Jesuitical! You can buy your tickets here—drinks are on us. Links from the show: Pope Francis denounces chemical weapons attack in Syria Top Five Takeaways from ‘Gaudete et Exsultate’ Bishops on both sides of Mexico border criticize troop deployment France's Macron sparks uproar by reaching out to Catholic Church Sweden's Lutherans to let Catholic parish hold Masses in Lund cathedral Video: Jesus Saves, but Drone Delivers This Catholic Church from Boredom What’s on tap? Need. Coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You know, I don’t know about Jesuits except what I am learning,” Sarah Silverman tells us on this week’s episode of Jesuitical. “Every Jesuit I meet, I find that I adore and just love the bringing emotion and feelings and intellect together.” Every week, during the interview portion of the podcast, we feature a guest, Catholic and sometimes non-Catholic, that offers an interesting perspective on faith, culture or the news. This week, we welcome Sarah, a comedian, actress and host of “I Love You America with Sarah Silverman.” We discuss why she loves Jesuit priests even as a non-believer, whether or not hell exists and why the world desperately needs Mr. Rogers. Before our conversation with Sarah (which starts at 12:15), we discuss and analyze this week’s top Catholic news:this year’s NCAA tournament champions, Villanova and Notre Dame; and Joan Roanhauer, the first woman to lead Jesuit Refugee Services. We also discuss Pope Francis’ latest Easter message, in which he calls for an end to conflicts in the Holy Land and Syria. April 4 also marked 50 years since the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis. We talk about Dr. King’s legacy, his influence on people like Pope Francis and the whitewashing of his beliefs. We also discuss the killing of 22-year-old Stephon Clark in Sacramento. Please tweet us @jesuiticalshow or send us an email [email protected] and let us know your reactions to our conversation with Sarah. And please leave us a review on Apple podcasts and tell your friends about the show. Links from the show: I Love You, America with Sarah Silverman Pope Francis in Easter message calls for end to conflicts in Syria and the Holy Land How Pope Francis carries on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of Christian nonviolence First woman to head Jesuit agency takes on refugee crisis Nuns in Poland show ‘fighting spirit’ in boxing video to raise funds for orphanage Ogunbowale encore! Final Four hero lifts Notre Dame to title What’s on tap? Lent is over! Easter is here! So we celebrate with prosecco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week’s episode, we’re bringing you our live recording from last Friday, March 23 at Loyola University Chicago. We’re talking with a frequent guest of the show, James Martin, S.J., about his new podcast “The Examen with Father James Martin.” Now, I will admit—I have always wanted to be good at praying the Examen (like a good Jesuit-educated Catholic), but for various reasons (sloth and original sin) have not been able to. Father Martin told us all why he has never missed a daily Examen since he entered the Jesuits, and why it’s been so essential to his ministry. For Signs of the Times, we mark the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate by discussing our favorite moments from his papacy, and where he has fallen short. We know many of you might be listening in the heart of Triduum and could be looking for a show on that topic. If so, we’ve got you covered. You can check out our interview with Father Martin from last year, where we talked all things Holy Week. Once again, want to give a huge thank you to our Patreon supporters. You can check out the page here. As always, you can tweet us @jesuiticalshow or send us an email [email protected]. And please leave us a review on Apple podcasts and tell your friends about show. An extra special thank you this week to Loyola University Chicago and the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage for hosting us. It was a great consolation for me to be back on the campus of my alma mater, and especially during the middle of our Cinderella run in N.C.A.A. tournament. Have a blessed Easter, and Go Ramblers. Links from the show The Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage Five years into Pope Francis’ papacy, there is much more noise to be made. The Examen with Fr. James Martin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is a papal ninja and how do you become one? This week, we went straight to the source to find out. Sean Bryan competes on the hit NBC show “American Ninja Warrior,” where he takes on insanely difficult obstacle courses—for the greater glory of God. And that’s just his side gig. Sean also helps lead the Lay Mission Project, which forms lay people to live out their faith and transform whatever corner of the secular world they work in. We ask Sean how to pray while doing pull-ups and which church leaders would make good ninjas. And in Signs of the Times: It snowed. Again. The 427th Nor’easter to hit New York this March kept us out of the studio on Wednesday so just a couple of headlines delivered by yours truly: a Catholic school in Australia is in trouble for letting girls wear shorts; Pope Francis gives his imprimatur to tattoos; and World Downs Syndrome Day gives us time to reflect on the human dignity of people with disabilities—in and outside the womb. Once again, want to give a huge thank you to our Patreon supporters. You can check out the page here. Sign up ASAP if you want to take part in our first Jesuitical video chat at the end of the month! As always, you can tweet us @jesuiticalshow or send us an email [email protected]. And please leave us a review on Apple podcasts and tell your friends about show. Links from the show Allowing shorts at a Catholic girls' school is sensible and without hidden intent Pope Francis talks tech, sex and tattoos with young adults ‘Elimination’ of Down syndrome is a ‘great hate crime,’ says Holy See conference at the U.N. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s taken over a year for us to get our boss, Matt Malone, S.J., on Jesuitical—and we promise it was worth the wait. Matt is president and editor in chief of America, and the reason why Jesuitical exists in the first place. This week we talk to him about Pope Francis’ election five years ago, for which he was present, the spiritual side of St. Patrick’s day and his journey to working at America. In Signs of the Times we chat about our favorite topic of all time: Catholic sisters, since it’s National Catholic Sisters Week, and we also discuss how Catholics should be responding to the Parkland students’ call for gun reform. Thank you to all of our new patrons this week! To see the full unedited interview, visit patreon.com/americamedia to donate. Shout out to our VIPs: Kody Teaford and Vivian Veloso Macaspac; and our Super Fans, Jim Eraci and Ben Bartosik. As always, we want to hear from you. Write us an email at [email protected] and follow us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, due to inclement weather, we were unable to record on our usual Wednesday. This week’s episode is an abbreviated one, sans consolations and desolations, but have no fear: It’s a good one. Since Selection Sunday—the official start of the NCAA tournament and office bracket pools across the nation—is this weekend, we decided to bring in Joe Lunardi, the ESPN bracketologist and administrator at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. We talk to Joe about the art of bracketology, how his Jesuit education has influenced his career and more. Finally, in Signs of the Times, we talk “Lady Bird” getting snubbed at the Oscars, Francis’ five years and a new feast day for Mary. We want to give a huge thank you to listeners who have pledged to support Jesuitical through our new Patreon page. Shout out to Super Fans Jessica, Caroline Marcotte and Sarah Neville Jimenez and Ambassador Emilee Hunter Macguire. We are grateful for your investment in our little (but growing!) podcast community. As always, we want to hear from you. Write us an email at [email protected] and follow us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I feel the same way about poetry that I do about prayer: I know it’s good for the soul; I really respect those who have mastered the art—and I have a very hard time getting into it. To which Elizabeth Acevedo, this week’s guest, (wisely) responds: “Maybe you just haven’t found the right poet.” Liz is a slam poet and author of the upcoming novel, The Poet X, set for release on March 6. In the book and in her spoken-word poetry, Liz explores her identity as a Dominican woman and wrestles with the Catholic faith of her upbringing. We ask her what it means for Latinos and people of color to see themselves reflected in literature. In Signs on the Times, Catholic activists, including priests and sisters, were arrested on Capitol Hill this week as they voiced their support for Dreamers. Plus, why has the Catholic Church fought against attempts to extend the statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases? And why are the bishops in Texas cutting ties with the state’s largest pro-life group? Finally, some lighter stories (and great photos) coming out of Rome: Versace and Vogue go to the Vatican, and a rare snowstorm blankets the Eternal City. We want to give a huge thank you to listeners who have pledged to support Jesuitical through our new Patreon page. Shout out to Supers Fans Allison Colson, Catherine Addington, Jeff Trussel, Keith Bourgoin, Matthew Kyrish and Nicholas Frega; Ambassadors Carlos Mesquita, Claudia Macaluso and Michael Kelly; and V.I.P. Andy Stulc. We are eternally grateful for your investment in our little (but growing!) podcast community. As always, we want to hear from you. Write us an email at [email protected] and follow us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow. Link’s from the show: Dozens of Catholics arrested as they call on Congress to help 'Dreamers' Bill spurred by Nassar case concerns Catholic Church Catholic bishops cut ties with Texas anti-abortion group Vatican, Versace and Vogue team up to show Catholic influences in fashion First snow in six years: Priests have a snowball fight at the Vatican What’s on tap? Seltzer for Zac, Diet Coke for me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How’s your Lent going? Did you make it at least a few days (unlike me) before breaking your Lenten practice? If you’re trying to up your prayer game this Lent and haven’t quite figured out how to do it yet, you won’t want to miss this week’s guest. Luigi Gioia, a professor at the Pontifical University of Sant’Anselmo in Rome, is the author of Say It To God: In Search of Prayer, which the Archbishop of Canterbury has chosen for his official Lent book of 2018. “Far too spiritual, our prayer is asphyxiated by good manners,” Luigi writes in his new book. We ask Luigi about why almost everyone has a difficult time with prayer and what it means to truly find God everywhere in our lives. In Signs of the Times, we give an update on Pope Francis’ handling of the sexual abuse crisis in Chile, the U.S. bishops’ national call-in to Congress day for Dreamers, discuss the Secret Service’s new chaplain and more. In other news, we’re starting a Patreon page! We’ve been blessed to do the show for a full (liturgical) year, and we love the community that we’ve created so far. But if we want to keep it going, we’re going to need some help from our listeners. We’d also like to make this a mutually beneficial relationship. If you pledge to support the show, you can get access to full-length interviews that don’t make it into the final podcast, Jesuitical shirts and swag, and monthly video chats with Ashley, Olga and me. Check out the Patreon page for full details. Thank you so much to everyone who writes to give us adverbs and share your reactions from the show. It means a lot to us, and we want to keep hearing from you. Send us an email at [email protected] and tweet at us @jesuiticalshow. Links from the show: Chile abuse victim: story is finally heard Pope Francis revives lapsed commission on sex abuse Vatican wants to hear from young about hopes, concerns Secret Service chaplain called to the diaconate USCCB calls on Catholics to take action for Dreamers A Catholic parish in Parkland preaches love the first Sunday after the massacre Say it to God: In Search of Prayer Our Patreon page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, to celebrate our one year (liturgical) anniversary we are talking with Liel Leibovitz and Stephanie Butnick. They are two-thirds of Unorthodox, a Jewish podcast from The Tablet. Here at Jesuitical, we hold a special place in our hearts for these hosts—they are a part of our origin story. We talk to Liel and Stephanie about how we basically stole their podcast format, the differences between Jewish and Catholic fasting and more. And, because this week is also the start of Lent, we asked our guests what we should all give up for Lent. In Signs of the Times, we discuss the latest firing of L.G.B.T. Catholic church workers, focusing on why these firings have gotten so much media attention and what it means for the church as a whole. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops supports a new resolution that could label pornography a “public health risk.” In light of the #MeToo movement, we talk about why conversations about sex must include a focus on the effects of pornography, what the church can do and more. Finally, a Catholic school robotics team ranks 15th in the world. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow. Send us any questions, cocktail recipes or consolations and desolations at [email protected]. And if you haven’t already, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, and tell your friends, parents or children about the show. P.S. Hope you enjoy our amazing redesign, courtesy of Angelo Jesus Canta. And, along with Jesuitical, you can check out additional America podcasts, including “The Examen with Father James Martin, S.J.” and “The Word: Scripture Reflections from America Media.” Links from the show: Firing of L.G.B.T. Catholic church workers raises hard (and new) questions Florida resolution could label pornography a ‘public health risk' Carmel Catholic robotics team, ranked number 15 in the world, qualifies for state tournament What’s on tap? Nothing. Because Lent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in an age of opinion writers telling us that we live in an age of [insert sweeping generalization here]. The hotter the take, the more attention it gets not only from readers who already agree but pundits eager to tear it down with their own scorching rebuttal. Enter Christine Emba, an op-ed writer for The Washington Post, who traffics in nuance and explores the deeper questions beneath the latest outrage de jour. On topics from #MeToo movement and s***hole countries to Harry Potter and burritos, Christine has opinions worth reading. This week, we ask her about her vocation as an op-ed writer and what a successful column looks like. (Homilists would be wise to take notes.) And in Signs of the Times, did you know the Winter Olympics were underway? Yeah, neither did we. Next: A German cardinal seems to (maybe) open the door to pastors blessing same-sex unions, fall out from Pope Francis’ handling of clerical sex abuse continues and we dive into a potential breakthrough for the Catholic Church in China. Finally, Lent begins next week on Valentine’s Day/Ash Wednesday—and PETA wants you to go vegan. Tell us what you’re giving up (or #TakingUp) this Lent! Tweet us @jesuiticalshow or send us an email [email protected]. And please leave us a review on Apple podcasts and tell your friends, parents or children about the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It is not possible to build bridges between people while forgetting God,” Pope Francis said early in his pontificate. “But the converse is also true: it is not possible to establish true links with God, while ignoring other people.” Many U.S. Catholics have not only ignored their Muslim brothers and sisters but harbor discriminatory views about Muslims at alarming rates. Georgetown University’s Bridge Initiative, “a multi-year research project that connects the academic study of Islamophobia with the public square,” released a report in 2016 that documented how U.S. Catholics view Muslims. America’s national correspondent, Michael O’Loughlin, reported then: When asked, “What is your overall impression of Muslims?” 30 percent of those Catholics polled said they held unfavorable views, 14 percent said favorable and 45 percent said they held neither favorable nor unfavorable views... Forty-five percent of Catholics said that Islam encourages violence more than other religions while 24 percent said it encourages violence as much as other religions. Jordan Denari Duffner, an associate at the Bridge Initiative and author of the new book, Finding Jesus Among Muslims: How Loving Islam Makes Me a Better Catholic, joins us on this week’s episode of Jesuitical. Jordan discusses why she felt called to work in Catholic-Islamic dialogue, and why it’s an essential part of the Christian vocation. In Signs of the Times, we discuss President Trump’s invocation of dreamers in his State of the Union address, and a Chicago priest who is on hunger strike in support of DACA recipients. We also provide an update on Pope Francis’ handling of allegations of sexual abuse in Chile, a rise in demonic activity and a limb of St. Francis Xavier making a road trip across Canada. Links from the show: Undocumented Loyola Medical Student to Join Durbin at State of the Union Chicago priest pledges hunger strike to support ‘Dreamers’ Pope Francis sends special prosecutor to Chile to investigate charges against Bishop Barros Couple, married 70 years, renew vows—this time in church St. Francis Xavier’s severed arm to visit Calgary in relic pilgrimage Irish priest asks for back-up as demand for exorcisms rises ‘exponentially’ What’s on tap? Hot Toddy 1 cup of tea Whiskey (feel free to eyeball the amount) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is yoga cultural appropriation? Is it just stretching? Is it possible to blend yoga and the Catholic faith? This week we get into these questions and more with Bobby Karle, S.J., the founder of Ignatian Yoga, a practice that draws on Ignatian spirituality and yoga. Through Ignatian Yoga, Bobby offers classes, retreats and workshops centered around the core principles of Ignatian spirituality, like finding God in all things and living a life of self-awareness and discernment, and yoga practices like breathing meditations and vinyasa flow. In Signs of the Times, we talk Catholic dioceses suspending the sign of the peace due to flu outbreaks; priests in cassocks competing for the John Paul II Cup; and Pope Francis celebrating the marriage of two flight attendants during a papal flight. “Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics” is a new study that seeks to understand why so many young Catholics leave the faith they were born into. We get into the study, our own experiences growing up in the church and some of the study’s most interesting findings. Should older married men become priests in order to serve isolated Catholic communities? Cardinal Beniamino Stella, of the Congregation for Clergy, says yes. Finally, we get into Pope Francis’ latest handling of sexual abuse allegations against clergy. Make sure to leave us a review on Apple podcasts. If you already have, thank you! And don’t forget write us an email at [email protected], where you can share your own consolations and desolations or drink recipes, and follow us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow. Links from the show: Catholic diocese suspends ‘sign of peace’ due to flu VIDEO: Priests in cassocks take part in annual skiing competition Serving isolated parishes may mean ordaining married men, cardinal says Study asks: Why are young Catholics going, going, gone? Pope Francis explains why he celebrated the airborne marriage of two flight attendants Pope Francis asks forgiveness from sexual abuse victims but reaffirms support for Bishop Barros What’s on tap? Negronis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You have heard it said, “Who run the world? Girls” (Bey 4:12). But we ask: Who runs the church? Popes, of course. But across the country there are dedicated women of faith taking the lead in parishes, schools, social ministries—and magazines. Our guest this week is one of them. Kerry Weber is an executive editor at America and the driving force behind a groundbreaking new survey of U.S. Catholic women. We ask her why Catholic women are so often reluctant to claim the label of role model and what the church can do to lift up the important work women are already doing in the church. Make sure to check out the new special issue on women in the church, which features Kerry’s piece, “The humble, indispensable women leading the Catholic Church you’ve (probably) never heard of,” plus tons of other great articles diving into the survey data. [view:related_content] And in Signs of the Times, Pope Francis says he is “truly afraid” of nuclear war—and how Catholics in Hawaii reacted when they thought that such a war was coming. Next, we discuss what America’s findings about the politics of U.S. Catholic women might mean for the 2018 midterm elections. Finally, we tackle the history of football’s “Hail Mary pass” and the question: Should church doors ever be locked? Have you left us a review on Apple podcasts yet? We’d be eternally grateful if you did. Please. Not that we’re desperate. If you already have, thank you! Do keep in touch: Write us an email at [email protected] and follow us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow so you can take part in our unscientifically significant polls! Links from the show U.S. Catholic Women: What a New Survey Reveals Pope Francis: “I am truly afraid” of nuclear war. How our Confirmation students kept us calm during a false missile threat in Hawaii Overall, the survey found that 59 percent of Catholic women are Democrats or lean Democratic, whereas 38 percent are Republican or lean Republican. Roger Staubach, Drew Pearson hope Vikings’ miracle play makes up for 1975 Hail Mary Catholic bishop says churches should stay open like the Church of England What’s on tap? (Modified) Elderflower Thistle 2 ounces of Jameson, an ounce of St. Germain and a dash of Angostura bitters, over ice. (The original recipe calls for Scotch. Apparently, Irish whiskey is not, in fact, the same thing as Scotch. You live and you learn.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is not the first time and it is unlikely to be the last time, but President Trump’s latest racist remarks about “shithole” countries has many of asking: Who are we? What do we stand for? Who do we welcome and why? We recorded this episode on Wednesday before the news about the president’s comments broke, but nonetheless we think a lot of what we talk about with this week’s guest will help you channel the anger you might feel toward practical steps to help migrants and refugees. This Sunday the Catholic Church marks the 2018 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, and Jesuitical is marking that by talking with Giulia McPherson. Giulia is the director of advocacy and operations at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, where she works [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final Jesuitical episode of 2017, we talk with my fellow Bronxite and award-winning journalist at The New York Times, David Gonzalez. Born and raised in the South Bronx to Puerto Rican immigrants, David was raised Catholic and attended Cardinal Hayes High School. Since the 1970s, he has been snapping pictures of people and places all around New York City. Currently, he co-edits the Times’ photography and video blog, Lens, and writes the Side Street column. In Side Street, he offers his “native New Yorker take on life off the beaten path in the five boroughs” in stories such as the Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does an appointee in the Bill Clinton administration end up as a regular face of Fox News? It’s complicated. And what does a woman who has worked for decades in both politics and the media have to say about today’s sexual assault and harassment reckoning? A lot. This week we talk with Kirsten Powers, who you may recognize as a frequent on-air political analyst for CNN and an opinion writer for USA Today. We ask Kirsten whether she thinks we’ve reached a turning point in how we handle sexual misconduct in the workplace and beyond. Kirsten has also had a fascinating spiritual journey—from growing up in an Episcopal church in Alaska to straddling atheism and agnosticism in New York to becoming an evangelical Christian and, finally, entering the Catholic Church. We ask her how her faith has changed her approach to politics [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever gotten to know a priest only to discover that your conception of who he was was misguided? Too often priests have either the best or the worst assumed of them, and the result is that we, the laity, fail to see them as they are: human. Our guest this week is Chris Yates, a graduate of Loyola Marymount University who has created a fine-art coffee table book that seeks to show the Jesuits he had grown close to as they truly were. Emmaus: The Nature of the Way profiles several Jesuit priests with two portraits. One is a traditional headshot, the other is an informal composition of each Jesuit doing one of his hobbies: gardening, cooking, stand-up. It’s a beautiful book filled with over 100 portraits, some of which can be found on Yates’s site. Some housekeeping notes: you’ll notice that this week’s episode is a bit shorter than normal. A [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think about the history of American Catholicism, images of Irish, Italian, German and Polish immigrant parishes probably come to mind. Think about the future of the U.S. church, and you’ve probably been told it’s Latino. But the story of the church, in the United States—past, present and future—is the story of black Catholics. On this week’s show we talk with Mary C. Curtis, an award-winning journalist and columnist at Roll Call, who recently wrote about the African-American Catholic experience for America. We ask her how the church can address the sin of racism, about the gifts black Catholics bring to the church and what she thinks about Pope Francis five years in. In Signs of the Times: An entrepreneurial cannabis company in Canada is selling a unique Advent calendar—and the Archdiocese of Washington holds its ground in the W [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we talk with Brian Larkin of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Larkin is part of the Jesuit Basketball Spotlight. Founded in 2018, the J.B.S. is “a nationwide effort to capitalize on basketball games between Jesuit schools and, through those games, bring greater positive awareness and exposure to Jesuit education and its shared mission.” We talk about its creation, the Jesuit Player of the Week, greatest moments in Jesuit ball history and why he thinks Patrick Ewing should be canonized. No Signs of the Time this week because it’s Thanksgiving. We are super thankful for all of our listeners. As always, we appreciate your feedback, so email us at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter at @jesuiticalshow. While you’re home eating turkey, tell your family about us an [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an article that appeared in America over the summer, David Michael wrote: Hipsters are drawn to craft beer, obscure cheeses, organic farms, taxidermy and homemade preserves. They favor hand-dipped candles, old-fashioned stationery, Indian headdresses and the lamentable industrial-chic decor and exposed bricks that mark so many new restaurants and bars. Hipsters love the authentic, the craft and the obscure—which is exactly why Catholicism, in its practices and its aesthetic, is perfectly suited for them. Don’t believe me? Well, let Tommy Tighe, this week’s guest on Jesuitical, have his say. Tighe is the author of The Catholic Hipster Handbook: Rediscovering Cool Saints, Forgotten Prayers, and Other Weird bu [...] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices