On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Sofia Carozza, a developmental neuroscientist working in research and a co-host of “The Pilgrim Soul,” a Catholic podcast about the journey of faith in the modern world. Sofia is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Human Network Initiative at Harvard Medical School, where she uses computational modelling to study the role of the early-life environment in the development of the human brain. 

Zac, Ashley and Sofia discuss:

- The brain as a “relational organ” linking body and spirit

- The neuroscientific response to the question, “What does it mean to be human?”

- Sofia’s experience as a person of faith in a “secular field”

- Digital technology’s effects on our brains (and faith)

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley give an update on Pope Francis’ health after doctors lifted their “guarded prognosis,” meaning they no longer believe the pope is in imminent danger; next they discuss the lowering the standard age for confirmation in the Archdiocese of Baltimore to 9.

Jesuitical is coming to Philadelphia! Join the Jesuitical team in Philadelphia for a Holy & Happy Hour at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Topic: How to talk to your friends about your faith

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Location: 1166 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146

Time: 6:00pm adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; 7:00pm group faith sharing and happy hour

Links for further reading: 

“The Pilgrim Soul: A Catholic Podcast” 

“An Appraisal of the Neuroscientific Revolution’s Promise of New Theological Horizons” by Sofia Carozza

The Religious Sense by Luigi Giussani

“The Faith of Fr. Luigi Giussani”

Chest X-ray confirms improvements in Pope Francis’ condition

Pope Francis is out of imminent danger. What’s next?

Confirmation age lowered to 9 years old in Archdiocese of Baltimore

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