This month Megan sits down with two representatives of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, a missionary organization that transforms the lives of vulnerable children in Central and South America and the Caribbean both inside and outside of NPH homes, ensuring that they have a safe and nurturing place to live and a strong family support system. Megan meets Juan Manuel Pineda, a musician who grew up in the NPH home in El Salvador, and Heather Anderson, the Director of Donor Relations for NPH USA here in their Chicago national office. They discuss the history and current work of NPH, and Juan Manuel tells his story of tragedy and resilience and what brought him to live at the NPH home in El Salvador.

This month Megan meets with Mother Leena Cherian, Superior General of the Benedictine Sisters of Christu Jyothi, who minister in India, and Mr. Victor Kuchar, a lay missionary from the U.S. who has visited India more than 20 times to work with many local Church leaders. They join Megan to share about the difficult realities of the most vulnerable in India, and how the Benedictine Sisters and other missionary leaders have worked to protect and affirm the dignity of so many in India. The Benedictine Sisters have committed themselves to caring for the poor and the weak. Vic tells his own story about how he felt called to work for the betterment of his brothers and sisters in India.

In his first ever opportunity to host "Dare to Love" alone, Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD invites us to reflect upon the meaning of the Advent season and also the "Simbang Gabi" tradition, now celebrated widely throughout the Archdiocese. Fr. Adam's guest is Sr. Maria Brizuela, a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart who shares with us some thoughts and reflections on what Advent means to her, recollections of celebrating Simbang Gabi in her native Philippines, and her unique vocation story as well as some words of encouragement to those who feel God may be calling them to consider religious life. Truly Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of the Lord, but it's also a time to act in responding to God's call!

Welcome to our December Fully Alive program with your host, Raymund Pingoy. This episode places focus on our young adults in the ministry and the importance of intentionality in building up community life. Kevin O'Gorman joins us to talk about his experience so far as an intern for the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity and as a fellow from Amare House. Happy Advent Season to everyone!

Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston break open the Season of Advent and the new Liturgical year.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz talks with Dr. Mary Amore about her new book titled Everyday with Jesus.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz spends the hour talking with Dr. Edward Gordon about the current status of the Covid-19 pandemic and also the Israel/Hamas War.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz interviews Michael Jolls, the director of the documentary, "Holy Ground"

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. The Knights of Columbus are Catholic men who lead, serve, protect and defend. They share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors and role models and to put charity and community first. The Knights of Columbus Council #12173 is made up of current and former police officers. Also known as "The God Squad", they assemble and maintain the Nativity Scene in Daley Plaza.

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Grounded in our faith in Jesus Christ and in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism and Declaration on Non-Christian Religions, the Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs works to foster Christian unity and to deepen our relationships with Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of other religions through initiatives that resonate on a local and global scale. Joining us for today’s program from the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs are Dan Olsen and Susan Pudelek.