Jesuitical

Pope Francis’ reforms of the Catholic Church are, depending on whom you ask, a long-awaited breath of fresh air or a slippery slope toward surrender to the modern world. Austen Ivereigh, who has already written one biography of Pope Francis and closely documented the historic events of his papacy, is out with a new book, Wounded Shepherd: Pope Francis and His Struggle to Convert the Catholic Church. We ask Austen about why exactly some in the church are resistant to or skeptical of the pope, what Francis’ biggest reforms have been and what complaint Pope Francis had with his first book. 

In Signs of the Times, we look at an exciting new initiative in San Diego, where Bishop Robert McElroy proposed that by the end of 2022, 25 percent of parish leadership positions should be filled by young adults. We also talk about the U.S. bishops’ meeting in Baltimore, where they elected their first Latino president, and what it could mean for the present and future of the church. Plus: a look at the falling number of Latino Catholics in the United States and Georgetown University’s plans to make reparations to the descendants of slaves sold by the Jesuits in 1838.

Tell us what you think about the episode on our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and help other listeners find Jesuitical by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts. Please consider supporting the show by becoming a member of our Patreon community. Patrons get access to an exclusive newsletter written by one of your hosts each week!

Links from the show
Archbishop Jose Gomez elected first Latino president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Study finds US Latinos are no longer majority-Catholic. Here are some reasons why.
San Diego’s Catholic Church works to recruit more millennials
Georgetown reparations plan for slaves sold by university draws criticism from students
Pope Francis on prison systems: ‘We will be judged on this’
USCCB Statement on Wounded Shepherd

What’s on Tap? 
Iranian Earl Grey Tea

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We’ve all heard Jesus’ command to “love your enemy.” But can you love your enemies if you don’t know who they are? On the podcast “Know Your Enemy,” hosts Matthew Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell—self-described Bernie Bros—try to understand their political rivals on the right’s own terms, providing “a leftist’s guide to the conservative movement.”

We sat down with Matt, an associate editor at the Catholic magazine Commonweal, to talk about his own political conversion (he was a conservative well into his 20s), what the left can learn from the conservative movement and how the Trump era is reshaping Catholic politics.

In Signs of the Times, we discuss the decision of a South Carolina priest to deny Communion to former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Marco Rubio’s challenge to Republicans to take up the cause of working people and to build a “common good capitalism.” Plus, seven anti-nuclear activists are convicted for their acts of civil disobedience and a church in Arizona has its first sensory-friendly Mass for people with disabilities.

Tell us what you think about the episode on our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and help other listeners find Jesuitical by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts. Please consider supporting the show by becoming a member of our Patreon community. Patrons get access to an exclusive newsletter written by one of your hosts each week!

Cardinal Dolan: I would not have denied Joe Biden Communion
Explainer: When can someone be denied the Eucharist?
Marco Rubio calls for an ‘economics of the common good’
Catholic peace activists Kings Bay Plowshares 7 convicted
Chandler Catholic church to host first sensory-friendly Mass

Bulliet Bourbon

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This week Ashley and Olga interview Ruth Graham, a staff writer at Slate who consistently reports on religion with sensitivity and nuance. Ruth isn't afraid of tackling the most difficult topics—she recently got an interview with former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick by traveling all the way to Victoria, Kansas. She talks about what she learned about the small town where the former cardinal now lives, why the former cardinal still won't confess and more.

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The Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is underway in Rome. This week, we welcome Luke Hansen, S.J., a former associate editor at America and special correspondent for the synod, to discuss why the synod is so significant. Since the start of the synod on Oct. 6, Luke has been reporting on the ground. He has written on indigenous leaders sharing their experiences with bishops in Rome, ministries for women in the Amazon and the possibility of ordaining married men. 

We talk to Luke about why Catholics all around the world should care about the synod, Pope Francis’ involvement at the gathering, the influence of laypeople and more. (You can find all of Luke’s reporting and all of our coverage on the synod here.) 

In Signs of the Times, we talk about Pope Francis going viral on Twitter, and how he is asking us to stop being hypocrites; New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio squaring off in the latest edition of Cabrini-Gate; the $3,000 “Jesus Shoes” that sold out in 24 hours; a church bingo scandal in New Jersey; and, finally, how Democratic presidential candidates discussed faith at a CNN town hall. 

Feel free to send us your questions, concerns, cocktail recipes or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.  You can help other listeners find the show by leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

If you’re not doing so already, please consider supporting us on Patreon, where we have started a newsletter exclusively for Patrons! Stay tuned for things like gifs from Ashley, advice requests from Zac or book recommendations from me.

Thank you to those already supporting us. We would not be able to do this without you.

— Olga

Links from the show: 

Pope gives New Orleans Saints unexpected boost on Twitter

Pope at Mass: Learn to point the finger at yourself, to be freed of hypocrisy

Cuomo Swoops In On Columbus Day, Says State Will Help Build Mother Cabrini Statue

$3,000 Nike sneakers that are filled with HOLY WATER and blessed by a priest sell out just minutes after the ‘Jesus shoes’ were released

Church bingo players charged with cheating

Democratic presidential candidates talk faith at CNN Equality Town Hall

What you need to know about the 2019 Synod on the Amazon

What’s on tap? 

Post-wedding detox: Pedialyte from Zac’s wedding gift bag

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Loneliness: When you’re experiencing it, it can seem like you are the only person in the world who feels this way. But when you say it out loud, you find out almost everyone, at some point, has had the feeling that they are missing out or that they don’t belong. 

That is why I am so grateful that this week’s guest, Gabriella Jeakle, was willing to write so openly about being lonely in college in an article for America magazine. She writes not from the perspective of having graduated and knowing “things will get better” but as someone in the thick of it—a freshman at a Jesuit college, determined to get her degree but unsure if she will ever really feel like she belongs. 

We ask Gabriella how she is learning to live with loneliness and how her faith has helped her in this time of transition.

In Signs of the Times, the Synod of the Bishop on the Amazon opens in Rome and Pope Francis creates 13 new cardinals. Stateside, the Supreme Court opens its new term and a big abortion case is on the docket. Next, was Mother Frances Cabrini snubbed in New York City’s She Built NYC initiative, which is meant to bring gender balance to the city’s public monuments? Finally, Molly Burhans (a former guest!) was recognized by the United Nations for her work mapping the Catholic Church worldwide. 

You can tell us what you think about the episode on our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and help other listeners find Jesuitical by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts. Please consider supporting the show by becoming a member of our Patreon community. 

— Ashley

Links from the show

Pope Francis opens Amazon synod, says to ‘light the fire of the Gospel’ in the region

Here’s what happened on the first day of the Amazon Synod

Pope Francis creates 13 new cardinals, emphasizes the need for ‘compassion’ and ‘loyalty’

New Supreme Court agenda features abortion, immigrants and L.G.B.T. rights

Chirlane McCray accused of ‘anti-Catholic bias’ over Mother Cabrini statue snub

U.N. honors Catholic activist using data to fight climate change

What’s on tap?

Boozy Fall Tea: Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Herbal Tea + a shot of Jim Beam (I swear it’s better than it sounds)

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Forget what you think you know about Saint Augustine. Maybe you only know the cities that take his name, or you had a tough experience in your introduction to philosophy class and found him medieval (in the pejorative sense) and scrupulous. 

But what if Augustine was actually the first to hone in on and clearly express our human desire for authenticity, that restlessness that all of us have felt at one point in our lives? What if, “Augustine might make Christianity believable for you even if you’ve heard it all, been there, done that, and left the stupid Christian t-shirt at home.”

James K.A. Smith is not the first to write a book explaining Augustine’s relatability, but he is perhaps the best at communicating it. This week we talk to Smith about his new book On the Road with St. Augustine: A Real World Spirituality for Restless Hearts. 

In Signs of the Times we preview the upcoming Synod for the Amazon region and talk about how the Vatican marked the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. We also look at one of Philadelphia’s newest permanent deacons: longtime NBA referee Steve Javie. Oh, and it’s not every day that a friend and coworker sits down with Pope Francis for 30 minutes. James Martin, S.J., did just that this week. 

Links from the show:

On the Road with Saint Augustine

Refugee advocates decry Trump administration’s plan to cut refugee cap

Pope Francis reminds Christians that migrants and refugees should be welcomed around the world

Synod for the Amazon

Pope Francis meets with Father James Martin in private audience

He Was the NBA’s Best Ref. Then He Went to a Catholic Seminary.

Image Journal

What’s on tap? 

To quote our guest this week: “Negroni in the summer, Manhattan in the winter. Does that mean a Boulevardier for the fall?!”

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Faith is probably not the first thing you think of when you hear “Silicon Valley.” But Rep. Ro Khanna, who represents the capital of the tech world in Congress, says many people in his diverse district can be found in the pews on Sunday. The Democratic congressman is one of the four Hindus currently serving in Congress and the son of Indian immigrants. We ask him how his faith shapes his politics, his interfaith outreach and his efforts to build bridges between India and Pakistan—and within the Democratic Party.

In Signs of the Times, we’ve got an update on the situation at Brebeuf, the Jesuit high school that was told it could no longer call itself Catholic after administrators refused to fire a male teacher who is married to another man. Plus: the financial effects of the sex abuse crisis, mobs at Mass, all-natural burials and the pope’s message to the press. 

Let us know your thoughts about the show on Facebook or Twitter, and please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community! Patrons have access to an exclusive new newsletter written each week by one of the hosts, sweet Jesuit swag and a subscription to America magazine.

Links from the show

Sanctions against Brebueuf Jesuit suspended as appeal process continues at Vatican

A New York diocese filed for bankruptcy. Will others follow?

When a Mob Descended on Mass

Dutch nuns open new cemetery for ‘natural burials’

What’s on tap?

Rum and coke

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As someone who never attended Catholic grammar or high school, I am not exactly the most qualified to break down what makes a Catholic school movie great. Then again, I rarely let qualifications get in the way of my opinions. 

A few weeks ago, Ciaran Freeman, a former O’Hare fellow at America and member of the Jesuitical team wrote the definitive ranking of the 10 greatest Catholic school movies of all time. As you might expect, people had a lot of strong feelings about the ranking, good and bad. One person who is much, much more qualified to discuss the rankings is Hunter Harris. Hunter is a staff writer at Vulture, an alumna of Catholic education and a Catholic school movie savant. We talk about the quirks of “Superstar,” the staying power of “Doubt” and why “Lady Bird” is the greatest Catholic school film of all time. 

In Signs of the Times, we preview the upcoming German “synodal journey” and the Vatican’s ongoing dialogue with German bishops. We also look at what one bishop is doing with church resources to help fight climate change and heed Pope Francis’ advice to pray for politicians in our “Being Frank” segment. 

Links from the show

The 10 Greatest Catholic School Movies of All Time

Reader Rebuttal: The 10 Greatest Catholic School Movies of All Time

Greta Gerwig’s ‘Lady Bird’ is a rallying cry for Catholic schoolgirls everywhere

Hunter Harris at Vulture

Remember your politicians in prayer, pope says

Vatican officials offer guidance for German church ‘synodal journey’

UK Catholic bishop converts Church’s own medieval estate to wildlife sanctuary

What’s on tap?

Pinot Grigio

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If you’ve never been on a retreat—or if you have—this week’s guest is perfect for you. Father Joe Laramie is a Jesuit and campus minister. For years, Father Joe has been giving retreats, and this year, he published Abide in the Heart of Christ: A 10-day personal retreat with St. Ignatius Loyola. The book uses the Spiritual Exercises to “help in the formation of your heart according to Christ.” 

We talk with Father Joe about the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatian retreats versus other retreats and what this ministry has taught him.

In Signs of the Times, we recap Pope Francis’ recent trip to sub-Saharan Africa, including comments he made during his papal flights; Cardinal Joseph Tobin and Catholics protesting immigration in New Jersey; the new archbishop of Seattle; Pope Francis getting stuck in an elevator—for 25 minutes; and finally, our thoughts on the new trailer for “The Two Popes,” a film starring Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict and Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis. 

Feel free to send us your questions, concerns, cocktail recipes or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community.

If you’re not doing so already, please consider supporting us on Patreon, where we have started a newsletter exclusively for Patrons! Stay tuned for things like gifs from Ashley, advice requests from  Zac or book recommendations from me. 

Thank you to those already supporting us. We would not be able to do this without you. 

Links from the show: 

Pope Francis visits Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius

Change the world, don’t just gripe about it, pope tells young people

Pope Francis to journalist: ‘I am honored that the Americans attack me.’ 

Cardinal Tobin joins hundreds of Catholics protesting immigration detention

‘I am a pastor, not a prince.’ New Seattle archbishop will not live in mansion

What’s on tap? 

Budlight

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This summer, the hosts of this podcast learned they have something in common with Malcolm Gladwell: We all think being called “jesuitical” should be considered a compliment. Malcolm, a staff writer at the New Yorker and the author of several best-selling books, recently became obsessed with “thinking like a Jesuit” as a way to tackle new and complicated problems. In a three-part series on his podcast, “Revisionist History,” he takes a deep dive into St. Ignatius’ philosophical tradition and the unexpected ways it can be applied today.

We ask him how he first encountered the Jesuits, if there are any dangers to this way of thinking and why he calls himself a “wannabe Catholic.”

In Signs of the Times, Pope Francis creates news cardinals (no Americans, but three Jesuits!) and calls for swift action on climate change. Nuns in New Orleans donate land to help protect the city from flooding and a Catholic school in Tennessee donates all their Harry Potter books to the garbage bin. Finally, we discuss two tough stories: a sex abuse settlement that raises questions about the role of race and poverty in the church’s treatment of survivors and the controversy surrounding a man who sought out a priest’s blessing before choosing to die by assisted suicide.

We are so happy to be back in your podcast feeds after our summer break. You can tell us what you think about the new episode on our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and help other listeners find Jesuitical by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts.

And last but not least, some exciting news for our Patreon supporters: We are starting a new newsletter exclusively for patrons! Please consider becoming a member to learn important things like: What book is Zac reading these days? What music can Olga not stop listening to? What animal video is Ashley watching on repeat? And much more. You can check out the benefits of becoming a patron here. And a big thank you to everyone who supports Jesuitical. We couldn’t do it without you!

Pope to create 13 new cardinals in October, including three Jesuits
Pope Francis issues new call for world leaders to act on the climate emergency
New Orleans’ women religious donate 25 acres for flood control project
Priest removes Harry Potter books from Tennessee Catholic school, citing ‘actual curses and spells’
Mississippi Catholic sex abuse survivors underpaid in settlement cases
Seattle bishops affirm sanctity of life in wake of assisted suicide

Wild Basin Boozy Sparkling Water

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