Catholic Review Radio

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, host Rita Buettner explores the life, legacy, and enduring spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi as the Church marks the 800th anniversary of his death. Through conversations with Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Heine, provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, and Conventual Franciscan Friar Gary Johnson, vicar provincial, listeners gain fresh insight into one of Christianity's most beloved saints.

Father Heine reflects on the dramatic conversion of St. Francis, from the son of a wealthy merchant to a follower of Christ who embraced poverty, simplicity, and service to the marginalized. He discusses Francis' deep love for the Gospel, creation, and peace, as well as the saint's continuing influence on Franciscan life and ministry today.

Later, Friar Gary Johnson shares how Franciscan friars inspired his own vocation and explains the spiritual themes that continue to attract people to St. Francis centuries later. He highlights Francis' profound love for Jesus, his commitment to gratitude, fraternity, and care for others, and his vision of peace in a divided world.

Together, the guests reflect on Franciscan spirituality, the significance of the Transitus of St. Francis, and why the saint's message remains as relevant today as it was 800 years ago. This inspiring conversation invites listeners to discover how the spirit of St. Francis can transform lives today.

Host: Rita Buettner

Guests: Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Heine and Conventual Franciscan Friar Gary Johnson

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

In the latest episode of Catholic Review Radio, Catholic Review Managing Editor George Matysek talks with Father Steven Roth, director of vocations and associate vicar for clergy for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, about the current state of priestly vocations, why more men are discerning the priesthood, and how the Church is supporting them. The conversation covers the growth in seminarians, the variety of backgrounds among new entrants, and the role of prayer, family, and parish life in encouraging vocations.

With 66 men in formation this year, up from 60 last year, Father Roth emphasizes that the quality of the men matters as much as the number. Five men were ordained this past year, helping fill parish assignments that had gone without associate priests for years.

New seminarians come from a wide range of backgrounds, including high school, college, teaching, biology and secular work. Their ages range from 17 to 36.

Many vocations are sparked by the example of priests, eucharistic adoration, confession, and a strong relationship with the Lord. Father Roth describes a resurgence of interest among young people, especially around adoration, confession and Mass attendance at universities.

Growth in vocations does not mean the need for prayer or outreach is over. Priests are still needed for evangelization, family ministry, and creative parish work. He said families are encouraged to talk about priesthood as a normal vocation option from an early age, without pressure.

Seminary is described as a discernment process, not a guarantee of ordination. Some men discover they are called instead to marriage and family life. Informational and inspiration programs such as Quo Vadis and Quo Vadis Beyond help young men reflect on vocation through prayer, talks, recreation and interaction with seminarians.

Host: George Matysek Jr.

Guest: Father Steven Roth, director of vocations

News break: Kevin J. Parks

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

Christopher Gunty of Catholic Review Media talks with Monsignor Jason Gray, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, about Archbishop Sheen’s life, his rise as a pioneering Catholic broadcaster, and the miracle that led to his beatification. Monsignor Gray also explains how Archbishop Sheen’s Midwest roots, prayer life and clear teaching style shaped a ministry that reached millions.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Archbishop Sheen’s background in Peoria and how his Midwest upbringing formed his humility and common sense
• His work as a scholar, teacher, diocesan priest, missionary fundraiser and Vatican II participant
• How obedience to his bishop led him from parish work back into teaching and eventually into broadcasting
• Why the radio show “The Catholic Hour” made Archbishop Sheen a national figure, reaching more than 4 million households
• How “Life Is Worth Living” on television drew more than 30 million viewers with a simple chalkboard, cassock, and ideas that resonated
• The response to Sheen’s ministry, including fan mail, mission donations, and the Emmy that now sits in the Sheen Museum in Peoria
• Why authenticity and substance matter in Catholic media today, especially in a crowded media landscape
• How miracles function in the canonization process as divine confirmation of heroic virtue
• The story of the miracle attributed to Archbishop Sheen’s intercession involving a child born without vital signs who later recovered fully
• Archbishop Sheen’s lifelong eucharistic holy hour and how prayer shaped his preaching, writing, and evangelization
• What comes next after beatification, including the search for a second miracle for canonization

Host: Christopher Gunty

Guest: Monsignor Jason Gray, executive director, Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Christopher Gunty, editor, talks with Greg Farno, chancellor for education for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and School Sister of Notre Dame Patricia McCarron, superintendent of Catholic Education, about the start of the school year, what makes Catholic schools distinctive, and how they support students academically, spiritually and socially. They also discuss enrollment trends, parent partnership, leadership development for educators and the role of Catholic schools in forming the whole person.

Farno and Sister Patricia describe the energy of the first day of school, from students running into classrooms to teachers and administrators welcoming nervous newcomers. They explain why Catholic schools emphasize that children are loved, especially through Christ-centered relationships among teachers, staff, and students.

The discussion highlights three common reasons families choose Catholic schools: faith, academic rigor, and safety, with opportunity and personal growth added as a major fourth value.

Host: Christopher Gunty

Guests: School Sister of Notre Dame Patricia McCarron, superintendent of schools; Gregory Farno, chancellor for education

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

George Matysek goes behind the scenes of Notre Dame football with Holy Cross Father Nate Wills, the team’s chaplain and author of "Pray Like a Champion Today: Sacred Stories from the Sidelines of Notre Dame Football." Ordained in 2006, Father Wills is also an education professor at Notre Dame and a national speaker on artificial intelligence in Catholic education.

Father Wills discusses his ministry of accompanying players and coaches through both the highs and difficult moments of football, including injuries and personal struggles. He explains the century-old tradition of giving players saint medals before games, the spiritual meaning of the team’s victory walk and how Catholic traditions are welcomed by players of different faiths.

Father Wills also shares the meaning of the team’s “choose hard” philosophy and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and constant digital distractions. He offers practical reflections on prayer, attention, silence and faith, and discusses what nearly a decade with the team has taught him about simply showing up for others and living faith boldly.

Host: George Matysek Jr.

Guest: Holy Cross Father Nate Wills

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

For years, Tom Tirpak’s mother, Therese, thought about writing a book. She had a deep love for the Divine Mercy, and she wanted to share the personal stories and miracles in her life that reflected what she called Mercy Moments. She started writing some of her stories in a notebook, and she told others to one of her grandsons, who recorded them.

After Therese passed away, Tom was moved to pull together his mother’s stories and reflections into a book, “Get on Board the Mercy Train: Journeys of a Marian Helper on the Road to Heaven.” Tom, who is an expert in business process management and Artificial Intelligence applications, is a published writer, but this book is his first major faith-based publication.

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Rita Buettner speaks with Tom about his own faith journey, describes how the book came to be, illuminates his mother’s deep Catholic faith, and talks about the impact he hopes the book will have on others. Tom also shares a powerful story of a miracle his mother recalled experiencing during the canonization of St. Faustina – a beloved family patron and the saint who awakened a love for the Divine Mercy among Catholics worldwide.

Host: Rita Buettner

Guest: Tom Tirpak

News reader: Kevin J. Parks

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media

What do animation, comic books and Catholic faith have in common? For Tim Murphy, they are all part of one creative journey.

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, host George Matysek talks with Murphy, creative services director for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, about his passion for art, his background in animation and the faith that has guided his life's work. Murphy recounts how prayer and an unexpected opportunity led him to join the archdiocese in 2016 and explains how he uses creative media to share the Gospel and engage audiences of all ages.

From developing CR Kids to writing his graphic novel, "Pirates of Padre Tiempo," Murphy discusses the projects that fuel his creativity and his mission.

Host: George Matysek Jr.

Guest: Tim Murphy

Producer: George Matysek Jr.

Copyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media

In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty interviews Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda, promoter of the canonization cause of Father Stanley Rother, a priest from Oklahoma who became a martyr in Guatemala. They discuss Father Rother's upbringing, his journey to the priesthood and his deep connection with the local community in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. The conversation highlights Father Rother's advocacy for the people during a time of civil unrest, his efforts to learn the local Tz’utujil language, and the impact he had on the community. Scaperlanda also shares insights about the documentary “An American Martyr: The Father Rother Story,” which aims to bring Blessed Stanley Rother's story to a wider audience. The documentary will be in theaters nationwide Aug. 25-26 in English and Aug. 27 in Spanish.

Hots: Christopher Gunty

Guest: Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda, promoter of the cause of Blessed Stanley Rother

Producer: Christopher Gunty

Copyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media

Kevin Brown shares a powerful story of transformation from addiction, incarceration and homelessness to a life defined by service, faith and hope. Growing up in Maryland, he faced poverty and insecurity before alcohol and drugs led him into years of substance abuse, repeated imprisonment and life on the streets.

After the loss of his brother to a fentanyl overdose, Brown made the life-changing decision to enter Helping Up Mission's faith-based recovery program. Today, he serves as the mission's food warehouse manager, is a certified peer support specialist and volunteers with Be More Caring, helping people experiencing homelessness and addiction find hope and a path to recovery.

Host Mark Viviano sits down with Brown to discuss his journey, the role faith and community played in his recovery and why he believes every person — regardless of their circumstances — deserves compassion, dignity and the opportunity to rebuild their life.

Host: Mark Viviano

Guest: Kevin Brown

Producer: George Matysek Jr.

Rita Buettner speaks with Ilka Knüppel, author of "Finding Ruth: A Personal Story of Hitler’s Secret Euthanasia Program, Action T4."

Knüppel recounts the life of her great-aunt Ruth Muehlmann, a young woman with a disability who was murdered in 1941 as part of the Nazis’ secret program that systematically killed people with disabilities. She shares her years-long search through German archives, her visits to the institutions where Ruth lived and died, and the emotional journey of uncovering long-hidden family history.

The author also reflects on how her Catholic faith sustained her while researching such profound evil and why remembering these forgotten victims is essential today. This conversation offers a powerful reminder of the dignity of every human person, the importance of confronting history honestly and the responsibility to protect the most vulnerable.

Host: Rita Buettner

Guest: Ilka Knüppel

Producer: George Matysek Jr.

Copyright © 2026, Catholic Review Media