From Rome, Matthew Bunson and Fr. Raymond de Souza discuss the Synod for the Amazon, including the debate over proposals to ordain married men to the priesthood and evangelizing indigenous peoples. Fr. Thomas Petri offers spiritual direction on “badgering God,” the importance of persistent intercessory prayer.

The Church Alive originates from Rome this week ahead of the canonizations of Blessed John Henry Newman and four holy women. Fr. Hermann Geissler, director of the John Henry Newman Institute, discusses this great English saint with Matthew Bunson. Charles Cole, Director of the London Oratory Schola Cantorum Boys Choir talks with Brian Patrick about the great opportunity and honor of singing at the canonization Mass Sunday in St. Peter’s Square.

Susie Pinto, Executive Producer for EWTN News, previews next week’s Synod on the Amazon Region from Rome. Fr. Thomas Petri is also at the Vatican this week. He reflects on the powerful images in St. Peter’s Basilica that remind us that the Church is much bigger than us and all the challenges she faces.

Dan Burke, President of EWTN News discusses the global news resources of the world’s largest religious media network. He also talks about faithful Catholic spiritual direction and assisting seminarians on their path to the priesthood.

German bishops clash with The Vatican over their plans for a “Synodal Path” to address hot button issues. Ed Condon, Catholic News Agency Washington, DC Editor, delves into the conflict and its implications for the Universal Church. Dominican Fr. Thomas Petri teaches on the relationship between prudence and “reckless abandon” in our faith lives.

National Catholic Register Rome Correspondent Edward Pentin, who traveled with Pope Francis to Africa, retraces the pope’s steps through Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius. Dominican Fr. Thomas Petri urges Catholics to follow the ancient tradition of having Masses said for loved ones who have died.

Hannah Brockhaus, Senior Vatican Correspondent for EWTN’S Catholic News Agency discusses this week’s papal trip to Africa and the naming of 13 new cardinals from all corners of the world. Fr. Thomas Petri teaches on the cost of discipleship as it relates to this Sunday’s Gospel.

The Catholic News Agency’s Christine Rouselle discusses the controversy in the Archdiocese of Seattle where a terminally ill man was given a public blessing after Mass before taking his own life. Dominican Fr. Gregory Pine explores The Thomistic Institute’s new video offering “Aquinas 101.”

Dr. Chad Pecknold, a professor of theology at The Catholic University of America, discusses the clergy sex abuse scandal and its ramifications for The Church. He delves into an Australian court’s decision to uphold its conviction of Cardinal George Pell and offers commentary on this coming week’s memorials of St. Augustine and his mother, St. Monica.

Kate Scanlon, EWTN Pro Life Weekly Producer, discusses legal challenges that are keeping state-level prolife legislation on hold. Dominican Fr. Thomas Petri warns against adding anything to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that may detract from its primary purpose of preparing the faithful to receive Jesus in Holy Communion.