Father Thomas Petri joins us to share the story of his vocation to the Dominican Order of Preachers, and why the Dominican charism of study, contemplation, and preaching is uniquely suited to a culture filled with confusion about God and the human person. Father Petri weighs in on the severe abortion legislation recently signed in Massachusetts, and the need for Catholics to speak truth with conviction to bring the light of Christ into the public square.

We also talk with Mike Romano, the voice behind EWTN's beloved children's program, Tomkin. He shares his journey from stand-up comedy to voice-over production, and reflects on what he’s learning as a widowed father raising his three children following his wife's tragic passing from cancer. He shares the wisdom his children offer him in grief, the joy they continue to find, and the extraordinary gift of a recording he once made with Jen of the Divine Mercy Chaplet – allowing their children to still hear their mother's voice in prayer.

Plus, TCA Chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry shares fascinating insights into the life of Pope St. Pius X ahead of his feast day this week. Msgr. Landry highlights some of the remarkable reforms of his pontificate – from confronting modernism and reforming Church law and liturgy, to lowering the age for First Holy Communion so children could encounter Christ in the Eucharist earlier in life.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Father Thomas Petri, O.P. is a Dominican priest, theologian, preacher, and Missionary of Mercy who currently serves at St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church in Louisville. A familiar voice and face on EWTN, he was ordained a priest in 2009. His love for the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas ultimately led him to the Order of Preachers. He has a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America. Fr. Petri served as Assistant Professor of Theology at Providence College in Rhode Island and as President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies. He is a member of the Society of Christian Ethics and the secretary/treasurer of the Academy of Catholic Theology. He has published articles in Nova et Vetera and The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly and is author of Aquinas and the Theology of the Body. He was named a clergy-Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. In 2016, Pope Francis commissioned him a Papal Missionary of Mercy. Today his ministry continues to engage with the Church and culture to bring clarity to the most pressing moral questions of our time.

Mike Romano is a voice actor, radio producer, comedian, and Catholic father best known as the voice behind EWTN's animated children's program, Tomkin. He currently works with Archangel Radio where he serves as a producer for LA Catholic Morning. He is an audiobook narrator whose voiceover work includes projects for Catholic publishers. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Romano studied theater before moving to Chicago and later Los Angeles to pursue acting, animation, and stand-up comedy. His early voice-over work included MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch. He has performed at LA’s legendary Comedy Store, where his talent for celebrity impressions became part of his comedy repertoire. His career later took him to EWTN where he combines his entertainment background with his Catholic faith. Romano is the widowed father of three children. Today he speaks candidly about grief and the lessons his children teach him as they navigate life without their mother. One treasured legacy is a recording Romano and his wife, Jen, made together of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which continues to air on Catholic radio.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN during the last two papal conclaves. He serves as the New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood. In June 2026, he was appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization.

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Award-winning photographer Jeffrey Bruno joins us to share his remarkable journey from the heavy metal music industry to a profound reversion to the Catholic faith, and how an encounter with Christ in the Eucharist ultimately put a camera in his hands. Bruno reflects on documenting the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, witnessing Christ carried through the streets of America, and why he believes his mission as a photographer is simply to reveal the beauty and mission of the Church.

With a major women's conference right around the corner, Erika Bachiochi previews “A Better Way Forward for Women,” an event that will bring together leading thinkers, writers, and advocates with a vision of women’s rights rooted in human dignity. She explains the proposed “Declaration of Interdependence,” how radical autonomy has failed women, and shares insights on a renewed women’s movement recognizing men and women are made for relationship, responsibility, and service with dignity to one another.

Finally, TCA Chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry helps us prepare for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, exploring the ancient roots of the feast, and celebrating what Catholics believe about the assumption.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Jeffrey Bruno is an award-winning Catholic photojournalist, writer, and creative director dedicated to capturing the beauty and mission of the Catholic Church through imagery. He studied Baroque music before entering New York’s heavy metal scene in the 80s as a musician, engineer, and producer touring with rock bands across Europe. A profound reversion to the Catholic faith in 2004 inspired him to pass up a lucrative offer from one of the world’s most prestigious recording studios and redirect his path toward photography and family. His work has earned multiple accolades and he has served as lead photographer for major events such as the canonization of Mother Teresa, Pope Francis’s visit to the United States, and outlets including the National Catholic Register, EWTN News, EWTN TV, and Aleteia. He lives with his wife, two children and grandchildren in a Civil War-era house by the shore in the New York area. His work can also be found on his Substack, Words and Pictures by Jeffrey Bruno.

Erika Bachiochi is a legal scholar, author, and fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center focusing on constitutional law, political theory, women’s history, and Catholic social teaching. She earned a B.A. from Middlebury College, an M.A. in theology as a Bradley Fellow at Boston College, and a J.D. from Boston University School of Law, and served as a visiting scholar at Harvard Law School. She is author of The Rights of Women: Reclaiming a Lost Vision, a finalist for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute’s Conservative Book of the Year award, and the editor of Women, Sex & the Church and The Cost of “Choice”. She directs the Mercy Otis Warren Initiative for Women in Civic Life and Thought at Arizona State University where she is a Professor of Practice. She is founding editor-in-chief of the journal Fairer Disputations, and a senior fellow at the Abigail Adams Institute, founding the Wollstonecraft Project. A Catholic feminist and pro-life advocate, she co-founded St. Benedict Classical Academy. She is a happily married mother of seven children.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN during the last two papal conclaves. He serves as the New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood. In June 2026, he was appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization.

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Can a vampire novel lead readers closer to Christ? Sister Allison Regina Gliot says yes. The Daughter of St. Paul joins us to discuss her In Aeternum trilogy and explains how a story filled with vampires can be a powerful way to teach about grace, mercy, and the transformative power of the Eucharist. She also shares the remarkable story of how the idea came to her for the series, and why readers have told her the books inspired them to return to the sacraments, Eucharistic Adoration, and even RCIA.

EWTN host and travel expert Teresa Tomeo takes us on a pilgrimage through Italy to the town of Spoleto – the location where St. Francis of Assisi experienced a pivotal moment that changed his life forever. Drawing from her newest book, Italy's Shrines and Wonders, Tomeo explores the hidden treasures of Spoleto, and shares why slowing down on a pilgrimage allows God to speak to us in unexpected ways.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Sister Allison Regina Gliot is a Daughter of St. Paul, novelist, and speaker dedicated to evangelizing through modern media. A graduate of The Catholic University of America with a degree in theology, she also holds an MFA in Writing for Young People from La Salle University. She serves as an editor with Pauline Books & Media and writes fiction that invites readers to encounter Christ through compelling stories rooted in Catholic theology. She is author of the In Aeternum trilogy—The Curse He Chose, The Sin He Wore, and The Dawn We Seek—which uses vampire fiction to explore themes of sin, redemption, divine mercy, and the transformative power of the Eucharist. Through her writing and ministry, Sister Allison has inspired readers to deepen their sacramental lives, pursue Eucharistic Adoration, discern religious vocations, and even enter RCIA, demonstrating how storytelling can be a powerful tool for evangelization.

Teresa Tomeo is an award-winning Catholic author, radio host, speaker, and travel consultant. She hosts the daily Catholic Connection program on EWTN Radio and is a veteran journalist with over four decades in broadcast media. She co-hosts The Catholic View for Women, a weekly EWTN series featuring news and analysis for women from a Catholic perspective. A sought after media personality, she’s appeared on The O’Reilly Factor, Fox News, The Dr. Laura Show, and Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk Radio. She is author of numerous bestselling books, including Italy's Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces and Fascinating Places in the Life of St. Francis of Assisi, and leads pilgrimages throughout Italy through her travel consultancy, T's Italy. She and her husband speak about marriage around the world based on their co-authored book, Intimate Graces. Tomeo draws on firsthand experience living near Assisi to help travelers discover its rich spiritual heritage and beauty of Catholic history.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN during the last two papal conclaves. He is New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood. In June 2026, he was appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization.

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Joining us this week, Noelle Mering of the Ethics and Public Policy Center discusses her new book, No Contact, shedding light on the seductive ideologies driving families apart, and how to restore those broken bonds. She explains how online culture and modern individualism contributed to an epidemic of fractured families, while offering practical and hope-filled advice for parents and loved ones seeking reconciliation and healing.

Author and official promoter of Blessed Stanley Rother's cause, Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda previews the upcoming documentary, American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story. She shares the remarkable journey of the humble Oklahoma farm boy who overcame academic struggles to become a beloved missionary in Guatemala, ultimately laying down his life for the people he served. She reflects on the enduring impact of his witness, the continued growth of his cause for canonization, and the powerful legacy he left behind.

TCA chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry commemorates the feast days of Blessed Stanley Rother and Blessed Solanus Casey, highlighting the extraordinary holiness of these two American blesseds. Reflecting on their humility and unwavering commitment to Christ, he encourages Catholics to imitate their example of faithful discipleship and courageous witness in everyday life.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Noelle Mering is a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in the Life and Family Initiative, where she co-directs the Theology of Home Project. She is the best-selling author of Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology, co-author of the Theology of Home book series, and author of the forthcoming No Contact: How a Seductive Ideology Broke Families and Friendships—and How We Can Repair Them. She holds an M.A. in philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and studied philosophy and theatre at Westmont College. A columnist for the Catholic Herald and contributor to outlets including Newsweek, National Review, First Things, and National Catholic Register, she has appeared on Fox News, EWTN, and Relevant Radio. She is a frequent speaker and media commentator on family, culture, and ideology. She lives in Southern California with her husband and their six children.

Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda is an award-winning American Catholic journalist, author, and retreat facilitator born in Cuba, who grew up in Puerto Rico and immigrated to the US at age 13. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.A. in English from the University of Oklahoma. A freelance writer since the 1980s, she has published widely in national and regional outlets, including The New York Times, Our Sunday Visitor, St. Anthony Messenger, Catholic Digest, and others. She has authored biographies of Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), Blessed Stanley Rother (The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run), and Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe (Sewing Hope in Uganda), as well as The Seekers Guide to Mary. She is the recipient of the Catholic Press Association’s St. Francis de Sales Award for outstanding contributions to Catholic journalism. She and her husband Michael live in Oklahoma. They share four adult children and 13 grandchildren.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN during the last two papal conclaves. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood. In June 2026, he was appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization.

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With several inspiring sainthood causes gaining momentum, "Miracle Hunter" Michael O'Neill joins us to shed light into the fascinating process of how the Catholic Church investigates miracles. He also shares updates on the causes of Rhoda Wise and Sigrid Undset, and recounts the extraordinary miracle attributed to Venerable Fulton Sheen ahead of his upcoming beatification.

Catholic Matchmaker Madigan shares her timely movement to help young Catholics find love and marriage.  Madigan discusses the challenges of modern dating, why marriage should be approached as a vocation rather than a hobby, and how her nationwide matchmaking ministry is helping faithful Catholics build lasting relationships rooted in shared values and authentic connection.

As we approach World Grandparents' Day alongside the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, TCA Resident Chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry reflects on the vital role grandparents play in passing on the faith, and offers a special prayer for all those who have impacted us spiritually and helped to shape our faith.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Michael O'Neill, widely known as the "Miracle Hunter," is an award-winning Catholic author, speaker, radio host, and EWTN television personality researching and documenting miracles, Marian apparitions, and the canonization process. Founder of MiracleHunter.com, he has spent decades compiling one of the world's largest databases of approved Marian apparitions and reported miracles. O'Neill is the host of EWTN's docuseries, They Might Be Saints, and The Miracle Hunter, where he explores the lives of holy men and women and the extraordinary signs that accompany their causes for sainthood. A graduate of Stanford University and member of the Mariological Society of America, he has been interviewed on programs like NBC Today, The Dr. Oz Show, and was featured in the National Geographic magazine cover story about the Virgin Mary, “The Most Powerful Woman in the World.”

Matchmaker Madigan is the founder of Commitmentism, a nationwide Catholic matchmaking ministry that helps faithful singles pursue marriage as a vocation. Through personalized matchmaking, relationship coaching, and Catholic dating events across the United States, she encourages singles to move beyond swipe culture and build authentic, faith-centered relationships. Her mission is to help Catholics date with greater intentionality while fostering stronger communities rooted in Christian marriage. Madigan is a cradle Catholic who also offers wedding planning services. A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, she is a former president of Young Catholic Professionals and previous Catholic radio host.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN during the last two papal conclaves. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood. In June 2026, he was appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization.

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As news breaks of the tragic killing of British Catholic politician Ann Widdecombe, National Catholic Register Rome correspondent Edward Pentin joins to share the latest details surrounding what police are calling a targeted attack. He reflects on Widdecombe's courageous public witness, her conversion to Catholicism, unwavering defense of life and religious freedom, and why many believe her legacy will continue inspiring a new generation of faithful Catholics.

Catholic author and blogger Amy Welborn discusses The Atlantic's recent feature on the so-called "end of reading," offering a hopeful perspective on how readers of all ages continue to engage with stories through books and audiobooks amidst a screen-saturated culture. She shares practical advice for parents seeking to foster a love of reading, and explains why reading Scripture remains one of the most important and overlooked forms of deep engagement with the written word.

TCA chaplain Monsignor Roger Landry reflects on the remarkable life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint. He highlights her extraordinary devotion to Eucharistic Adoration, her perseverance through suffering, and the lasting impact her witness continues to have on the Church in North America.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Edward Pentin is a senior correspondent for the National Catholic Register and a regular contributor to EWTN programs, with over 20 years’ experience as a Rome correspondent covering issues on the Vatican, the papacy, and the Catholic Church. Formerly a producer and presenter on Vatican Radio, he has reported for publications such as Newsweek, Newsmax, and National Catholic Register among others. He has appeared on a variety of Catholic and secular broadcasts including CNN, Fox News, and BBC World Service. He is the author of The Rigging of a Vatican Synod? An Investigation into Alleged Manipulation at the Extraordinary Synod on the Family and The Next Pope – The Leading Cardinal Candidates. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and a Masters in Applied Theology.

Amy Welborn is a bestselling Catholic author, speaker, and longtime journalist whose writing explores faith, Scripture, the saints, Christian living, and the intersection of Catholicism with contemporary culture. A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a master's degree in Church History from Vanderbilt Divinity School, she has served as a theology teacher and parish director of religious education before becoming a full-time writer. Welborn is the author of more than twenty books for children, teens, and adults, including Wish You Were Here, A Catholic Woman's Book of Days, The Loyola Kids Book of Saints, the Prove It! series, and the bestselling Great Adventure Kids Catholic Bible Chronicles series. Her articles have appeared in publications such as Our Sunday Visitor, Catholic News Service, Commonweal, and The New York Times, and she continues to write through her website, blog, and Substack.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN during the last two papal conclaves. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood. In June 2026, he was appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization.

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The team opens this week’s show by reflecting on Catholic economist Catherine Pakaluk’s recent New York Times essay, celebrating the beauty of siblings and large families amid America's historic decline in birth rates. Drawing from their own experiences as mothers, the TCA team discusses the unique joys of growing up with siblings, the blessings of raising large families, and the lifelong relationships that develop between brothers and sisters—including how a young sibling can be a balm to older teens struggling with depression or anxiety.

Next, we sit down with Catholic mother Keishera Joubert to hear the harrowing, beautiful story of her son, baby Cassian. Known as the "miracle baby born twice," Keishera shares her ordeal of keeping her son alive against all odds. Keishera reflects on months of hospitalization, the power of prayer, the support of the Catholic community, and the spiritual transformation her family experienced through the ordeal.

Following the appointment of TCA chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization, we talk with the Pontifical Missions Director about his new call. Msgr. Landry also addresses the recent SSPX excommunications and explains the Church's teaching on ordinations, the importance of remaining in full communion with the Holy See, and Pope Leo's continued desire for reconciliation

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Keishera Joubert is a Catholic wife, mother, and writer whose family's remarkable journey through a life-threatening prenatal diagnosis has inspired thousands around the world. After her unborn son, Cassian, was diagnosed with a rare condition known as Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome (CHAOS), Keishera and her husband chose to pursue an innovative fetal surgery while placing their complete trust in God's providence. Her powerful testimony of faith, perseverance, and the sanctity of human life has been featured by Word on Fire and other Catholic media outlets. Their saga helps pave the way for future medical breakthroughs that could save countless other children diagnosed with similar life-threatening conditions. Keishera and her husband hope to use their journey to encourage parents facing difficult prenatal diagnoses and advocate for every child's inherent dignity.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN during the last two papal conclaves. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood. In June 2026, he was appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Evangelization.

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As these United States commemorate 250 years this Fourth of July, TCA Chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry explores the rich Catholic roots of our country and highlights the inspiring legacy of America’s many great American saints, including the North American Martyrs. Msgr. Landry retraces the often-overlooked contributions Catholics made to the nation's founding, and reflects on the Church's lasting impact through Catholic education, hospitals, immigration, and charitable institutions.

We enjoy a sneak peek of Meghan Cox Gurdon's new book, Free Range Girl, coming to bookstores this Fall. Set in the spirit of 1976, the memoir is a "powerful and luminous look back at a childhood that could likely never happen again, providing a striking counterpoint to the screen-saturated and tightly managed childhoods of today." Recounting her unconventional upbringing in an off-the-grid homestead in rural Maine, she reflects on a childhood marked by independence, adventure, and resilience.

We also revisit a timely and memorable conversation with Andrew Laubacher, founder of Humanality, on reclaiming intentionality in a technology-driven world. Drawing from his popular digital detox presentation, Laubacher explains how smartphones and social media exploit human psychology, and contribute to rising rates of anxiety and addiction. He outlines Humanality's holistic approach to technology by helping individuals focus on habits that restore attention, relationships, and spiritual well-being.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN during the last two papal conclaves. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

Meghan Cox Gurdon is an author and longtime book reviewer and weekly columnist for The Wall Street Journal, covering children’s literature and adult titles. She is author of the best seller, The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction. She writes and speaks widely about literature, family life, and the formative power of stories in a culture saturated with screens. Meghan’s work has appeared in numerous national publications and she is a leading voice on education, culture, and children’s reading. Her forthcoming memoir, Free Range Girl, reflects on her adventurous upbringing in rural Maine, and offers a compelling reflection on the value of an unscripted childhood in contrast to today’s tech-filled youth. A former foreign correspondent and magna cum laude graduate of Bowdoin College, she has five children with her husband, English journalist Hugo Gurdon. The family divides their time between Maryland and Maine.

Andrew Laubacher is Executive Director of Humanality, a non-profit organization helping people overcome addictions to digital technology. His comprehensive Digital Detox Program was developed after extensive research into the neurological, psychological, and spiritual effects of modern technology. The program helps individuals, families, and organizations reduce screen-related anxiety, loneliness, and depression through healthier human relationships and purposeful living, with deeper forms of human connection. A speaker and worship leader who spent a decade as a Catholic touring musician, he is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and personal trainer. He is Founder and CEO of Illumined Wellness, centered on holistic health through integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. He holds degrees in Theology and Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

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After Pope Leo's historic trip to Spain, renowned art historian Elizabeth Lev joins to discuss the towering La Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, and Antoni Gaudi, the venerable architect who worked tirelessly on the project. She traces the parallels between La Sagrada Familia and St. Peter's Basilica, two monumental churches built over generations by people who knew they would never see their work completed. Lev discusses the impact St. Peter's Basilica had on her own faith life, and why cathedrals are built to turn our gaze toward Heaven.

Catholic author Emily Stimpson Chapman joins to share the story behind Joseph: Keeper of the King, her newest children's book co-authored with Dr. Scott Hahn, which presents the life of St. Joseph. She explains how Joseph's role as a true father, son of David, and guardian of Christ reveals the continuity of God's plan of salvation. She also discusses The Story of All Stories, Word on Fire's acclaimed Catholic children's Bible, that introduces children to typography and highlights the importance of creating theologically rich books to help children encounter Christ and the salvation story.

Msgr. Roger Landry helps listeners prepare for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, one of the Church's most significant celebrations honoring the two great pillars of Christianity. He explains the importance for the universal Church, the symbolism of the pallium that Pope Leo will bestow upon newly appointed archbishops, and the significance of the Holy Father's upcoming consistory with cardinals from around the world.

And don’t forget to subscribe to TCA’s daily media roundup for smart Catholic news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox.

Elizabeth Lev is a transplanted US art historian with degrees from University of Chicago and University of Bologna. She has been working as a guide in Rome for over 25 years and teaches at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. She has served as a commissioner of the Tourism Board of Rome and a didactic consultant for the Vatican Museums. Liz is the author of 4 books, and has commented on art and the papacy for several television networks. As a public speaker, she has taught and lectured in numerous venues in Europe, the US, Singapore, and Australia. She has addressed the United Nations in New York and given a TED talk in Geneva. Her recent projects include a series of columns for the Epoch Times on the light of art through dark times in history. She is also a certified sommelier.

Emily Stimpson Chapman is an award-winning Catholic writer, podcaster, and author of nine books, including Letters to Myself from the End of the World; Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of the Resurrection of the Body; and The Catholic Table: Finding Joy Where Food & Faith Meet. She is the co-author of children’s books, Mary: Mother of All; The Supper of the Lamb; and Lord, Have Mercy. Her latest projects include an illustrated youth Story Bible, The Story of All Stories, a fourth children’s book, and an essay-rich cookbook. A prolific writer for women’s ministry, Emily publishes a weekly newsletter on Substack, Through a Glass Darkly, and co-hosts the popular podcast, Visitation Sessions. She is the editor of the high school faith formation series Formed in Christ and the author of numerous studies for the women's ministry, Endow. She lives in Steubenville, Ohio with her husband and three children.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of  Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

The following transcript is machine generated.

Becket Fund President Mark Rienzi joins to discuss a deeply moving letter sent by Pope Leo ahead of the firm's 2026 Canterbury Medal Gala. Written as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Holy Father's message praised religious liberty as "the cornerstone of any just society" and highlighted the connection between human dignity, conscience rights, and the American founding.

Catholic psychologist Dr. Gregory Popcak breaks down a viral moment from the Holy Father’s trip to Spain, as a female survivor of childhood trauma raised two powerful questions: how to forgive and how to reconcile suffering with God. Dr. Popcak also shares lessons from his book, BeDADitudes, filled with practical insights on how to be an awesome dad this Father's Day and practice authentic leadership in our families.

Msgr. Roger Landry explains the history and symbolism of the World Mission Rosary – highlighting how women’s religious communities across the country have already pledged more than 50,000 handmade rosaries – and describes how Catholics from every continent will unite in prayer during the beatification celebrations. The effort serves as a tribute to Sheen's missionary legacy, and a powerful witness to the enduring devotion of the faithful around the world.

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Mark Rienzi is president and CEO of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and professor of law at the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. He teaches on the topics of constitutional law, religious liberty, torts, and evidence. A constitutional law expert and accomplished Supreme Court advocate, Rienzi has successfully represented clients in many of the most consequential religious freedom cases of the last decade, including landmark litigation involving conscience rights, religious schools, parental authority, and the free exercise of religion. He is a widely sought after speaker on constitutional issues, abortion, and the First Amendment.  Rienzi has represented high profile clients such as Hobby Lobby, Little Sisters of the Poor, Wheaton College, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.  He has secured numerous victories before the US Supreme Court and continues to defend the right to live out faith freely in the public square.

Dr. Gregory Popcak is founder and Executive Director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute and author of numerous books integrating Catholic theology, counseling and psychology, including BeDADitudes: 8 Ways to be an Awesome Dad. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work, and Chair of the Marriage and Family Studies program at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He serves as adjunct professor in psychology and graduate theology at Franciscan University. His work has been featured on Fox News, in the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post. He is co-host of the EWTN radio program More to Life, founder of CatholicCounselors.com, and co-creator of the CatholicHOM App, helping couples and families build stronger relationships rooted in Catholic teaching. He serves as consultant to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops on marriage and family life.

Monsignor Roger Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Harvard and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, he served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in New York. In 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the USA by Pope Francis. He writes for numerous publications, speaks on radio and TV, and served as executive editor for the Diocese of Fall River weekly paper. He is the author of  Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God, and was an on-site commentator for EWTN’s during the 2013 papal conclave electing Pope Francis. He is national chaplain for Catholic Voices USA and New York Chaplain for the Leonine Forum. Msgr. Landry traversed the 1500-mile Eucharist Pilgrimage in 2024, coinciding with his 25th year in the priesthood.

The following transcript is machine generated.