Big City Catholics Podcast

Father Joseph Zwosta, Academic Dean of Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on Big City Catholics to discuss the urgent call to pray for peace. Echoing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal, Bishop Brennan highlights the start of the academic year as a powerful time to unite prayer with action for peace. He calls on all of us to serve as instruments of the Lord’s peace and to help cultivate a culture that embraces God’s will.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on recent events within our diocese and around the world. They emphasize the need to turn our hearts toward God, stand together in solidarity, and rely on the power of prayer to foster lasting peace and uphold human dignity. The conversation also highlights current and upcoming diocesan events that invite us to come together in the presence of the Lord.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the recent religious vocations emerging from Brooklyn and Queens. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a source of hope and inspiration, we are reminded to focus our attention and soul on eternal life in Heaven. Bishop Brennan notes that this solemnity flows from the joy of Easter, revealing our share in Christ’s Resurrection.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joins the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, where he speaks with three diocesan pilgrims about their experiences. They share firsthand reflections, transformative moments, and their plans to live out their faith moving forward. Bishop Brennan reflects on the profound blessing of witnessing this journey through the eyes of young people and expresses his pride in the depth of their faith and sincere spiritual search—a powerful sign of great hope for the Church.

Bishop Brennan records this episode of Big City Catholics from the heart of the Eternal City, Rome, as he welcomes pilgrims from our diocese for the Jubilee of Youth. Joined by Lucero Manzanares, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, they reflect on the powerful witness of young people alive in their faith. From a moving pilgrimage to Assisi and the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, to the celebration of Mass and their highly anticipated encounter with Pope Leo XIV, every moment overflows with God’s presence. Bishop Brennan shares how being surrounded by others who are rooted in the same vibrant faith can be a true game changer.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan shares the special experience of celebrating Sunday Mass at Citi Field—a powerful way to serve those who work to create a safe and meaningful experience for Mets fans. He’s joined by James Benesh, Vice President of Ballpark Experience for the New York Mets, who shares how these Masses, much like those in a parish, bring people from all corners of the community together. Bishop Brennan also speaks with Rev. Msgr. Thomas C. Machalski, Jr., pastor of Sacred Heart in Bayside and chaplain to the Mets, who discusses Catholic Athletes for Christ, an organization that facilitates the celebration of Mass for Catholic players, coaches, and team personnel at many stadiums.

Diocesan priests Father Juan Luxama and Father Ikenna Okagbue join Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics to share their experiences on pilgrimage to Yakima, Washington, and other missionary journeys through the Catholic Extension Society. They share their joy of being witnesses of hope and bringing people together in faith. Bishop Brennan emphasizes the importance of building the Church where people are.

Bishop Brennan hosts this episode of Big City Catholics from the state of Washington in the Diocese of Yakima, as he is joined by Father Charles Keeney. They discuss the opportunities given to priests by the Catholic Extension Society which allow them to commit to the missionary work of the Church by building up Catholic communities among the poorest regions of America. Bishop Brennan explains the importance of walking in solidarity among God’s people and bringing the Church to its fullness.

Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus, Ohio joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics to talk about the Religious Workforce Protection Act. He explains concern over the current U.S. rule where those of religious service are to return to their country of origin for a full year should their visa expire before they receive judgement about a green card or permanent residency. This bill will remedy this issue to ensure stability and secure conditions for religious communities by resolving legal ambiguities. Bishop Brennan discusses how foreign missionaries are vital to our diverse diocese and expresses commitment to comprehensive immigration reform.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan reflects on the rich liturgical celebrations in June, including the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, and the feast of  Saints Peter and Paul. He talks about how the lives of Saints Peter, Paul, and John the Baptist demonstrate God’s power to work through His people in the name of the Gospel. Saint John Paul II connected to the Sacred Heart through prayer for priests. Support for our clergy is discussed by Bishop Brennan, who expresses his joy at the seven new priestly ordinations in the diocese this year, hopeful that an increase in vocations will continue.