Jesuitical

When the Covid-19 pandemic quarantined America’s editor at large, James Martin, S.J., he felt he had to offer some spiritual solace to people struggling with fear, isolation and uncertainty. So, he logged onto Facebook from his room in the America House Jesuit community and went live.

Father Martin’s daily “faith sharings,” as he calls them, reach tens of thousands of people around the world who are cooped up at home because of the pandemic. They include Scripture readings and his personal reflections, scholarly commentary and live Q&A, including prayer requests.

“Most of it is fun and upbeat. But in the comments from time to time you’ll see, ‘My father just died of coronavirus,’” Father Martin says. “It’s a sad time for so many people, but they’re desiring a sense of community, and that’s why so many people have tuned in.”

Ashley, Zac and Vivian discuss with Father Martin how to pray in quarantine and what life is like in a small Jesuit community in Midtown Manhattan. 

We treasure the community you all have helped to build on Jesuitical’s Facebook page. Don’t hesitate to share your experience during this difficult moment in the life of our church and the world. We cannot make this show or grow this community without your support. Please consider giving through Patreon. And thank you.

Links from the show: 

Daily faith sharing with James Martin, S.J.
James Martin's weekly newsletter
“The Examen”, a podcast for daily prayer hosted by James Martin, S.J.
“Jesus, A Pilgrimage” by James Martin, S.J.

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Father Michael Trail had administered the anointing of the sick many times in his first three years as a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Usually, he would sit at the bedside and hold the hand of a person nearing death while family and other loved ones gathered around to pray and say goodbye. In the time of the coronavirus pandemic, the essentials of the sacrament are the same but it looks very different. As part of the archdiocese’s task force of “priest-anointers” ministering to Covid-19 patients, Father Michael must now wear a gown, mask and gloves while administering the sacrament. There is no hand-holding, and no family members are allowed in the room.

We ask Father Michael about the spiritual and emotional toll of ministering to patients and families in these difficult circumstances and how he thinks about the growing calls to reopen society given the suffering he has seen up close.

In Signs of the Times, we discuss the meeting between President Trump and Catholic bishops and education leaders. Plus, a look at the annual survey of the priestly class of 2020 and how the coronavirus is affecting those without stable housing. 

We treasure the community you all have helped to build on Jesuitical’s Facebook page. Don’t hesitate to share your experience during this difficult moment in the life of our church and the world. We cannot make this show or grow this community without your support. Please consider giving through Patreon. And thank you.

Links from the show

Stories
Trump says he’s ‘best president in history of the Church’ in call with Catholic leaders
CARA study on new ordinands spots trends worth watching
Seminaries must hire, involve more women, Cardinal Ouellet says
What will happen to people who are homeless as Covid-19 crisis continues?

What’s on tap?
Miscellaneous brews from our understocked bars

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When the staff at America realized that Covid-19 could overrun the United States, the idea of drafting an original prayer was put on the table. 

The responsibility fell to executive editor Kerry Weber, who was experiencing more anxiety than most about the virus, especially on the train commuting into Manhattan from New Jersey. She is pregnant with her third child.

“I got to take something that was, frankly, genuine fear and channel that into...a conversation that was between me and God.”

That prayer has since been translated into multiple languages and made its way into the homes and hearts of hundreds of thousands of people.

Today on the show, Kerry reveals the inspiration for the prayer and discusses the joys and anxieties of journeying through pregnancy during a global pandemic (something else she’s written about).

We treasure the community you all have helped to build on Jesuitical’s Facebook page. Don’t hesitate to share your experience during this difficult moment in the life of our church and the world. We cannot make this show or grow this community without your support. Please consider giving through Patreon. And thank you.

Links from the show: 

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/02/coronavirus-prayer

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/04/09/hope-and-uncertainty-being-pregnant-during-coronavirus-pandemic

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In late February, when the coronavirus still seemed like a far-off threat to many Americans, officials in West African nations began to prepare their public health response: They brought out thermometers, protective equipment and handwashing stations. When the first cases arrived in large cities, schools and airports were quickly closed. These nations did not have a large number of cases (and still don’t). What they do have is the fresh memory of the Ebola crisis that hit the region in 2014-16, taking over 11,000 lives and crippling already impoverished countries.

This week, we talk with Jennifer Overton, the regional director for West Africa for Catholic Relief Services, which has decades of experience providing emergency health services in the region. We ask Jennifer what the United States can learn from the West African response, how the experience of Ebola changed the people of the most affected nations and what the role of the church is during the current pandemic. 

And in Signs of the Times: Ever wonder what a day in the life of the pope would be like? We discuss “Pope Simulator,” a computer game in development that lets you influence the course of world events soft papal power and “Bless units.” Next, a Catholic school uniform company is donating face masks made with that iconic Catholic plaid to health care workers. Finally, we introduce a new recurring segment, in which we take a deep dive into the different ways vulnerable populations are experiencing the coronavirus pandemic—and what we can do to help. This week, we cover the unique hardships faced by migrants in detention centers and abroad.

Let us know what you thought about the show and where you found God this week on our Facebook page. We are committed to accompanying you all during these challenging times both through this podcast and the larger Jesuitical community. If you can support our work by becoming a member of our Patreon community, we would be most grateful. 

Links from the show

Stories

Pope Simulator promises a 'realistic' depiction of life as the Supreme Pontiff
Catholic school uniform company now making, donating face masks
As coronavirus spreads amid deportations, bishops call for protection of migrants
Trump to Temporarily Halt Immigration Into the U.S. Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Congolese archbishop highlights double challenge of Ebola and coronavirus

Learn more and give

Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
Kino Border Initiative
Hope Border Institute
Catholic Charities USA Covid-19 Resource Center

What’s on tap?

“The real holy water” (a.k.a., Scotch)

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In early March, Patrick Gilger, S.J., boarded a plane in New York en route to Milan. He was on a research trip and going to study Italian in the historic cosmopolitan city located in Italy’s northern Lombardy region. The cross-Atlantic flight had only 12 passengers on it.

When he arrived, the city had just been shuttered. Italy was on the verge of a brutal month of suffering and death at the hands of Covid-19. Outside of his window, in the otherwise empty piazza below, a group of teenagers sat casually, drinking and singing.

“It feels different here,” he wrote in America, “It is as if Milan, under quarantine, has asked me to renounce the particular version of our American response to fear that I have made my own: the unceasing effort to control, to master, to define and thereby dictate what is really real and truly true. And thereby be secure.”

In this bonus episode, “Father Paddy” as he’s known on the popular YouTube series “Jesuit Autocomplete,” reflects on his experience living in an epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, the humiliations (and humility!) that come with learning a new language and how his isolation has connected him to God and others.

We treasure the community you all have helped to build on Jesuitical’s Facebook page. Don’t hesitate to share both the joys and challenges you experience during this difficult moment in the life of our church and the world. We cannot make this show or grow this community without your support. Please consider giving through Patreon. And thank you.

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Amateur chefs and wanna-be bakers have a lot more time to spend in the kitchen thanks to stay-at-home measures meant to slow the spread to the coronavirus. And this week’s guest has some great tips for upping your recipe game.

Brother Andrew Corriente is a Franciscan Capuchin friar and the winner of the latest season of “The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition.” Brother Andrew gives a behind-the-scenes look at the beloved reality show, tells us about the spiritual benefits of baking and shares what he’s been making for his Franciscan community under quarantine.

In Signs of the Times, we discuss Pope Francis’ Easter call for a “universal basic wage” and his decision to form a new commission to study women deacons. Plus, stories about how priests are ministering in hospitals and prisons during the coronavirus pandemic.

Today, April 17, is America magazine’s 111th anniversary! If “Jesuitical” has been a source of community or spiritual accompaniment for you, please consider supporting us on our giving day. You can become a part of our Patreon community to help with the cost of producing Jesuitical or make a donation to America Media here.

We are committed to bringing you the Catholic news of the week, informative and meaningful interviews and even bonus episodes during these uncertain times. We cannot do the work we love without your support. Thank you.

Links from the show

In Easter message, Pope Francis proposes universal basic wage 

Pope Francis has set up a new commission to study women deacons

Cadre of Chicago-area priests trained to minister to dying coronavirus patients

Related: English bishops: To lower risks, chaplains shouldn't give last rites

U.S. bishop says cellphones cannot be used to administer sacraments

Canadian priest volunteers to be incarcerated rather than leave inmates

What’s on tap?
Prosecco. Christ is risen, and so are our glasses!

What’s for dessert?

Strawberry Chantilly!

“I got the idea for a freeze-dried fruit Chantilly from Stella Parks of Serious Eats. I loved the idea and decided to play with the ratios and ended up with this recipe. Bright, sweet, and with a TON of strawberry flavor.” – Brother Andrew Corriente, O.F.M.Cap. 

70 grams Freeze-dried Strawberries (Trader Joe’s brand)

100 grams Sugar

1/8 tsp Kosher Salt

675 grams Heavy Cream

1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

1. Combine strawberries, sugar, and salt in a food processor and blend for about one minute.
2. Pour in heavy cream and extract and scrape the bottom of the processor with a rubber spatula to properly mix in everything.
3. Process until it becomes very thick and creamy. Scrape and process again to get any stray pieces. Ensure everything is homogeneous.
4. Serve.

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It’s early in the morning. Mary Magdalene is going to visit the tomb of Jesus. What does she look like? How does she feel right now? You decide to go with her.

Last week we spoke to Tucker Redding, S.J., a Jesuit in formation and a producer of “Jesuitical.” He just wrapped up a 10-episode podcast series called “Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer,” in which he guides the listener through a pivotal story in the life of Jesus as described in the four Gospels.

Today, we bring you the final episode in the series, in which you, the listener, accompany Mary Magdalene as she makes her way to the tomb on Easter morning and unexpectedly encounters the risen Jesus. “Imagine” is an emotionally charged experience grounded in a tried method of prayer handed down by the Jesuits.

Happy Easter from Ashley, Zac and Vivian!

We treasure the community you all have helped to build on Jesuitical’s Facebook page. Don’t hesitate to share both the joys and challenges you experience during this difficult moment in the life of our church and the world. We cannot make this show or grow this community without your support. Please consider giving through Patreon. And thank you.

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Laura Fanucci was up in the middle of the night with her 5-week-old newborn when the words came to her: “When this is all over....” She wrote the poem on her phone and when she posted it on Instagram the next morning it caught fire. Politicians, celebrities, corporate brands and influencers shared her words with millions of people hungry to imagine what life will look like on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.

When she is not going viral, Laura is an author and mother of five who writes about parenting, grief and the sacramentality of everyday life. We ask her why she thinks her poem resonated with so many people, what her experience losing twin girls in a miscarriage taught her about processing and sharing our grief and how she is celebrating Holy Week in her very full house.

In Signs of the Times, we discuss the acquittal of Cardinal George Pell on charges of sexual abuse. What are the implications of the high-profile case in Australia for the wider church? Next, we talk about Holy Week at home: what we are (and aren’t) doing to mark the death and resurrection of our Lord in a time of closed churches and social distancing. 

We want to see your modified Easter celebrations, too. Show and tell us what you’re doing this week over on our Facebook page. During these strange and difficult times, we are committed to accompanying you all through this podcast and the larger Jesuitical community. If you can support our work by becoming a member of our Patreon community, we would be most grateful. Thank you, and Happy Easter!

Links from the show

Australia’s high court overturns guilty verdict against Cardinal George Pell on final appeal

Vatican responds with measure to Cardinal Pell’s acquittal and release from prison

Easter Sunday Mass with America Media

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America Good Friday livestream

“When This Is Over,” by Laura Fanucci 

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What is it like to walk with the disciples through a vivid scene from the Gospels? It is possible through a spiritual practice called Ignatian contemplation that the Jesuits have been doing for centuries. That’s why our guest for this week’s bonus episode is Tucker Redding, S.J. He is the creator and writer of a new podcast retreat from America Media called, “Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer.” There is no better time than Holy Week to try this enriching spiritual practice! You can find it in “The Word” podcast feed wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Plus, Assistant Editor Vivian Cabrera is back to co-host this bonus episode! It’s the “everything you wanted to know about Vivian” edition, including what she is reading and baking (sourdough bread) while living in self-quarantine.

Now more than ever, we treasure the community you all have helped to build on Jesuitical’s Facebook page. Don’t hesitate to share both the joys and challenges you experience during this difficult moment in the life of our church. We cannot make this show or grow this community without your support. Please consider giving through Patreon. And thank you.

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It’s not really fair or responsible to draw comparisons between the Black Plague and our current coronavirus pandemic. Our situation pales in comparison to 50 million deaths, or roughly 50% of Europe’s population alone in the mid-14th century. But what was true then is true now: The Catholic Church needed to change the way that it normally operated. And, as usual, history can be an illuminating teacher.

Winston Black is a professor and medieval historian who focuses on the intersection of medicine and religion in the Middle Ages. We ask him to describe just how severe the Black Plague was, the church’s pastoral response and lessons the church can learn today.

As we mentioned on the show, Jesuitical is going to try to increase our production during this time. That means you can expect more than one episode a week in your podcast feeds. You can listen to our first bonus conversation, featuring Matt Malone, S.J., president and editor in chief of America (a.k.a. our boss), now. We talk about developing a new appreciation for the Eucharist and what real political leadership looks like in this crisis.

You can also connect with the show in our Facebook group, where members of the community are planning a Zoom meetup for other Jesuitical listeners. 

Please pray for us, and know that we are praying for you. 

Signs of the Times: 

Read: Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi address on coronavirus and Jesus calming the storm
Podcast: Inside Pope Francis’ unprecedented Urbi et Orbi blessing for the end of coronavirus
Site crashes as half million-plus watch England’s rededication to Mary
Coronavirus forces Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre to close its doors for first time since 1349: 'Very sad'
For Shut-In Pilgrims, the World’s Holiest Sites Are a Click Away
Catholic leaders praise Colorado's repeal of death penalty

Books by Dr. Black: 

Medicine and Healing in the Premodern West: A History in Documents
The Middle Ages: Facts and Fictions

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