Why does the Catholic Church continue to value priestly celibacy? In this episode, David DiNapoli speaks with Fr. Carter Griffin, rector of St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., about the meaning of celibacy, spiritual fatherhood, and priestly formation today. Fr. Carter completed his doctoral studies at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, where his research focused on the theology of celibacy. Drawing from decades of experience in priestly formation, Fr. Carter explains why celibacy is not simply a discipline or a practical arrangement—but a privileged way of loving, modeled on Christ the Bridegroom’s love for the Church. As he puts it, “The Church wishes to be loved by the celibate priest the way Jesus Christ her Bridegroom loves her.” Whether you’re curious about the priesthood, forming a family culture of vocation, or simply trying to understand the Church’s teaching more deeply, this episode offers a clear and hopeful perspective.

What does it actually look like to share the Catholic faith in everyday life? In this episode, David DiNapoli speaks with Fr. Nolan Lowry, pastor in the Diocese of Tyler, Texas: a Catholic convert who grew up in a Baptist home and now serves as a parish priest formed at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. Fr. Nolan reflects on what it’s like to accompany people who are exploring the Catholic Church, often with real questions, real resistance, and real sacrifices. Drawing from his own conversion, pastoral experience, and formation in Rome, he offers a refreshingly human approach to evangelization. As Fr. Nolan puts it, “The Church doesn’t impose the truth. The Church proposes the truth.” This conversation touches on:

Whether you’re a cradle Catholic, a convert, or someone who’s ever wondered how to share the faith with others, this episode offers encouragement—and a realistic vision of evangelization lived out in everyday life.

What if the biggest challenge teens face today isn’t social media, peer pressure, or even doubt—but not knowing what they don’t know? Fr. Tim Eck, theology teacher and Director of Divine Worship in the Diocese of Metuchen, has walked with hundreds of students through their questions about faith, meaning, and life. In this conversation, he shares why curiosity itself is an expression of love, the resurgence of reverence in liturgy, and why parents and teachers must start with their own formation if they want to pass the faith on to the next generation. Learn More about Santa Croce: https://puhcf.org/

Have you found success but still feel empty? In this conversation, Fr. Austin Gilstrap (Our Lady of the Lake, TN) shares a very human story of drifting, rediscovering prayer, and saying a daily “yes” that led to real joy. We talk about forgiveness that actually heals, why his parish added robust confession times, and how a family-focused church welcomes squirmy kids and exhausted parents alike. We also explore how formation in Rome shaped Fr. Gilstrap's pastoral approach back home—and why that kind of formation matters for the communities we all live in. Learn more & support scholarships: https://puhcf.org/

She’s met two Popes. She sometimes plays “judge” for the Catholic Church. And she’s the first lay alum we’ve interviewed in this series. In this episode, Dr. Susan Mulheron—Chancellor for Canonical Affairs in the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis—shares what it’s really like to serve as a canon lawyer in the Church. Canon law might sound dry at first, but Susan makes it anything but boring. She and David dive into: What it means to balance justice and mercy Why canon law is more about people than rules The surprising ways her work touches everyday Catholic life Her encounters with Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV This is a fascinating look into a ministry most of us don’t think about but deeply shapes the life of the Church. Watch, share, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. The Homily to U.S. Supreme Court Justices Dr. Mulheron mentions: https://www.mncatholic.org/with_liber... — The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Foundation supports the formation of priests, religious, and lay leaders in Rome who return to serve the Church around the world. Learn more at https://puhcf.org/

From hearing 10,000 confessions a year to welcoming crying babies in the pews, Fr. Michael Fye’s approach to parish life might change how you see the Church. In this episode, he shares what he learned in Rome at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross—and how it shapes his ministry in Nashville today. Whether preaching to toddlers or guiding couples through marriage prep, Fr. Fye shares practical wisdom for building a vibrant “domestic church” and a parish culture that’s alive. We also dive into:

Whether you’re Catholic, curious about faith, or just looking for inspiration for your own family and community, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome forms priests and religious from around the world — leaders who return home to serve in parishes like Fr. Fye’s. Learn more & support our mission: https://puhcf.org/

College students today are hungry for meaning, wrestling with loneliness, and searching for something real.

What if the answer isn’t found in another achievement or relationship, but in learning how to pray?

In this episode of our alumni interview series, we sit down with Fr. Rhodes Bolster, chaplain of University Catholic (UCat) Nashville, which serves students at Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities in Nashville, TN. A Santa Croce alumnus, Fr. Rhodes shares his own journey—from growing up in Nashville, to discovering prayer through a men’s mentorship program, to studying theology in Rome.

Along the way, he talks about the deepest challenges college students face today—anxiety, isolation, and the pressure to succeed—and how faith, community, and beauty can speak to those needs.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or simply searching for purpose, this conversation offers timeless insights on discerning God’s call and living out your faith wherever He places you.

What happens when a Sister trained in Rome goes on to form the future priests of the Church?

In this episode, David DiNapoli, President of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Foundation, sits down with Sr. Mary Katerina Masek, an alumna of Santa Croce who has gone on to teach both college students and seminarians. Sr. Mary Katerina reflects on her time studying in Rome, the unexpected path that led her there, and the kindness of professors who shaped her faith and her teaching.

From working with college students fresh out of modern culture to now preparing men for the priesthood, Sr. Mary Katerina offers an inspiring look at how a Santa Croce formation can ripple through countless lives. Along the way, she recalls powerful memories of mentors like Msgr. Glenn, the beauty of community, and how God’s providence guided her at every step.

What if Catholic morality isn’t about restriction—but freedom, joy, and becoming fully alive?

In this powerful conversation, Fr. Riley Williams shares what moral theology really is and how studying it in Rome changed the way he sees the world—and walks with people in every stage of life.

From teaching 8th graders philosophy (yes, Plato and Sophocles) to guiding parishioners through complex moral decisions, Fr. Riley brings Church teaching into real-life situations—with clarity, humility, and compassion.

Hear him tell stories from:

He also reflects on how the culture has changed around marriage, why we can’t assume people will get married—and what we can do to minister in our culture.

Whether you’re just trying to live your faith in today’s world or a theologian like Fr. Riley, this episode will help you see Catholic morality not as a burden—but as the path to joy.