On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan journey’s from the urgency of global humanitarian response to the enduring power of faith-filled storytelling. In the first segment, he speaks with Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Country Director for CARE Nigeria, who joins us with an on-the-ground perspective on Nigeria’s escalating humanitarian and security crisis. Dr. Abdu shares how ongoing violence and instability are reshaping daily life for ordinary Nigerians, the complex forces driving this insecurity, and how CARE is working to protect and support vulnerable communities in the midst of profound need. In the second segment, he turns to Deacon Charlie Echeverry, Producer and Creator of EWTN Studios’ new adventure-documentary series Seeking Beauty, who reflects on how faith and beauty shape the mission of Catholic media. Deacon Charlie discusses the inspiration behind the series and how storytelling rooted in truth, wonder, and beauty can draw audiences closer to God’s presence in the world.

On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan explores faith, leadership, and service through two timely conversations. In the first segment, he’s joined by Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, PhD, of the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education, who reflects on how Catholic schools can thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence in ways that uphold the dignity of the human person and the values at the heart of Catholic learning communities. Fr. Nate discusses both the promise and concerns of AI use among teachers and students, and how emerging tools can strengthen relationships, support vulnerable learners, and become instruments of hope, wisdom, and integrity rather than mere efficiency. In the second segment, he speaks with Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO of the New York Foundling, about her distinguished career shaping New York City’s social service landscape—from overseeing the nation’s largest municipal budget as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget to leading major child and family welfare initiatives. Melanie shares how her decades of advocacy continue to inform efforts to strengthen safety nets, support vulnerable communities, and improve outcomes for children and families across New York City.

Today, JustLove brings together reflections on faith, service, and the dignity of human life. In the first segment, recorded on Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, Monsignor Sullivan speaks with Alexander White, a Pierre Toussaint Scholar and graduate student at Fairfield University, about the Pierre Toussaint Scholars Program and how it has shaped his academic journey in engineering while inspiring a deeper commitment to faith, service, and leadership in his professional and spiritual life. Following a brief break, the program continues with Tara Wicker, State Director of Louisiana Black Advocates for Life and co-director of ProBlack–ProLife, who discusses her efforts to reduce abortion within the Black community and to foster effective, compassionate pro-life advocacy that bridges political parties and racial divides, in anticipation of the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.

This week on JustLove, addressing justice, peace, and human dignity. Monsignor Sullivan speaks with Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, about the organization’s work supporting Latino communities, with a focus on recent developments in Venezuela following the January 3 removal of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, the implications for regional stability, immigration and humanitarian policy, advocacy for Venezuelan families amid TPS revocation, and initiatives such as La Lucha Contra El Hambre to combat food insecurity. After a brief break, the program continues with Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, a U.S. national security and foreign policy expert, U.S. Army veteran, and author of Why National Security Matters, reflecting on the meaning of peace during the early weeks of 2026 as the Church marks the World Day of Peace, and exploring the pursuit of a “Just Peace” in a world shaped by ongoing conflicts, frozen wars, and rapidly evolving, more lethal military technologies. Monsignor Kevin Sullivan.

On today’s episode of Just Love, as we enter the final weekend of Advent and prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, Monsignor reflects on how faith is lived through compassion, generosity, and service. He is joined by Tina Andrade, President & Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities Hawaii, who shares how her agency supports individuals and families during this sacred season through holiday programs, community engagement, and advocacy—ensuring that those most in need experience hope, dignity, and accompaniment at Christmas.

The episode also explores the deeper meaning of joy and generosity during the Christmas season with Prof. Christina Hymer, Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Tennessee and lead author of the study “Who’s Behind the Red Suit?” Prof. Hymer discusses her research on the sense of “calling” among professional Santas, examining why hundreds of people choose this role and how their work becomes an unexpected form of service—spreading joy, connection, and human kindness during the holidays.

On today’s episode of Just Love, Monsignor invites listeners into a thoughtful conversation rooted in our Catholic faith and open to dialogue across traditions. As we reflect on Advent—the season in which Christians prepare for the extraordinary mystery of the Word made flesh—we explore how Scripture, Catholic social teaching, and worship shape the way we see the world, respond to injustice, and care for those on the margins. From Mary’s Magnificat to the Church’s call to balance personal and social responsibility, the discussion highlights how faith informs both belief and action.

Monsignor then sits down with Dr. Ladd Serwat of ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project) to discuss the troubling rise of religiously motivated violence in Sub-Saharan Africa, with particular attention to attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria. Dr. Serwat shares insights into the scope and nature of this violence, explaining how data helps distinguish whether Christians are being targeted specifically for their faith or caught within broader conflicts. Together, they examine the regional security landscape, key actors involved, and what these realities mean for Catholics committed to solidarity with persecuted Christians and the promotion of peace around the world.

On today’s episode of Just Love, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan speaks with Prof. Henry Schwalbenberg, Ph.D., Professor of Economics at Fordham University and Editor of the Fordham Francis Global Poverty Report, to explore this year’s newly released multidimensional poverty index inspired by Pope Francis. The report measures not only material deprivation—such as access to food, water, housing, and employment—but also spiritual well-being, including education, gender equity, and religious freedom, offering a holistic vision of human dignity. They discuss how recent changes in U.S. aid policy and shifts in foreign assistance are reshaping global poverty relief and what these developments mean for the Church’s mission and global solidarity. Monsignor Sullivan then welcomes Will Wrotniak, Volunteer Vice Chair of the Catholic Charities Junior Board, and Kate McGowan, Executive Director of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation and longtime participant in Catholic Charities’ “Adopt a Family” program, for a conversation about the Saint Nicholas Shopping Day and how volunteers are helping make Christmas brighter for families across New York this season.

On this first weekend of Advent, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan welcomes Dr. Cristina Duranti, Director of the Good Shepherd International Foundation, to discuss their global campaign “Children NOT Workers,” which works to eliminate child labor and uphold the dignity of every child through education, safe spaces, and alternative livelihoods. He then speaks with Liz Kelly, writer, retreat director, and Community Leader for Women’s Formation at the Word on Fire Institute, who reflects on the spiritual call to “make a desert” during our Advent journey, drawing on her work as a retreat leader and contributor to the Magnificat Advent Companions to explore how silence, waiting, and interior openness can deepen our preparation for Christ’s coming.

On this week’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan brings together two leaders whose work reflects the power of inclusion and community. Nicholas Viselli, Artistic Director of Theater Breaking Through Barriers—the only professional off-Broadway company dedicated to advancing artists and audiences with disabilities—joins the show to discuss the theater’s 45 years of breaking barriers, especially meaningful during a season when so many families turn to Broadway. We also hear from Luz Tavarez, Vice President of Government Relations for Catholic Charities USA, who reflects on major initiatives developed during her tenure at Catholic Charities New York, including Feeding Our Neighbors, support for day laborer communities, and critical community partnerships formed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, their insights highlight how creativity, advocacy, and service build a more compassionate city for all.

On this week’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan marks the Church’s celebration of the World Day of the Poor with two powerful conversations. Eric A. Clayton, Deputy Director of Communications for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, joins the show to discuss Pope Leo XIV’s new Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te and its urgent call for the Church to more deeply embrace and love those who are poor. Later in the program, Taina Rodriguez, Associate Director of Food and Dignity Programs at Part of the Solution (POTS) in the Bronx, shares how she and her team accompany neighbors facing daily challenges with compassion, dignity, and practical support. Together, these conversations shine a light on the Gospel call to solidarity at the heart of this special day.