Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT

It’s the first mailbag of 2025!

On Let Me Be Frank this week, Bishop Frank answers questions like:

…what do think has been the greatest accomplishment of your ministry so far?

…can a transgender person be ordained a priest?

…how do you choose whose feet to wash on Holy Thursday?

And… do you like cheese?

Tune in to hear Bishop Frank’s answers to these, and many more, questions!

In this episode of 'Let Me Be Frank,' Bishop Frank Caggiano and Steve Lee discuss their holiday celebrations, reflections on hope, and the significance of the New Year and Epiphany. They delve into the theme of hope in the context of the upcoming Holy Year, the importance of vocational discernment through the 'Called by Name' program, and the role of fasting as a spiritual practice. The conversation also emphasizes the need for evangelization and sharing faith stories with the younger generation.

Bishop Frank and Steve explore the significance of sharing biblical stories, the lives of various saints, and the lessons they impart. They delve into the inspiring life of St. André Bessette, the humble miracle worker, and St. Anthony, the father of monasticism, highlighting their sacrifices and devotion. The discussion also covers St. Sebastian's martyrdom and the importance of standing firm in one's faith. Finally, they address the protocols surrounding the Eucharist, emphasizing the responsibilities of both clergy and laypersons in safeguarding this sacred element.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As the calendar flips to 2025, here’s a practical book that you should definitely buy and use – it’s A Year of Daily Offerings, featuring a short but insightful reflection for you to begin each day. The daily meditations help you offer your day – your works, prayers, sufferings, and joys – to the Lord… getting each new day off on the right foot.

Bishop Caggiano talks to the book’s author, Fr James Kubicki SJ, who is a spiritual director for seminarians and retreat director… and also has years of experience working with Lakota Sioux populations in South Dakota. Fr Kubicki tells Bishop Caggiano about what he’s seen in those communities and what he’s learned from them.

In the dark days of the reign of Herod, the descendants of King David lived under the radar in humility even as they awaited the imminent arrival of the Messiah. A (probably young) man named Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth and would become the earthly father of Jesus - the child of Mary & the Holy Spirit.

Mike Aquilina has written a book that places us in Nazareth, Jerusalem, and the region to see what day-to-day life was life among David’s descendants. Mike and Bishop Caggiano talk about St Joseph and His World on Let Me Be Frank… detailing Joseph’s four interactions with angels, his silence, the 1000-mile flight to Egypt, his life as a carpenter in Nazareth, and much more.

As the Feast of the Holy Family approaches, this is a fascinating conversation about Joseph and his relationship with Mary & Jesus.

We are joined this week by Fr Brian Gannon, who is the executive director of Courage International. Courage International, through its 280 chapters around the world, provides accompaniment and support for people with same-sex attraction who desire to live in fidelity with the Church's teachings. Fr Gannon is also the pastor of St Theresa Church, which recently opened a classical school, so he spends some time talking about classical education as well. Enjoy this weeks episode of Let Me Be Frank! 

We caught up on some current events today, including:

…the appointment of 21 new cardinals

…the re-opening of Notre Dame in Paris

…the fall of the Assad regime in Syria

Bishop Caggiano also did a deeper dive on the upcoming Jubilee Year, plus his tip for evangelization and a reflection for the third week of Advent.

Keep sending in your questions and suggestions!

In this episode of Let Me Be Frank, Bishop Frank Caggiano and Steve Lee reflect on their Thanksgiving experiences, discuss the significance of Advent and the Novena to the Immaculate Conception, and emphasize the importance of listening in evangelization. They explore the biblical meanings of the numbers 12 and 40, the rules surrounding the bread and wine used in Mass, and Bishop Frank shares what he would ask Pontius Pilate.

In this engaging conversation, Bishop Frank answers more listener questions, ranging from the significance of Easter to the historical context of the Coptic Church and the authorship of the Gospels. They delve into the symbolism of the sign of the cross, the reasons behind Jesus' crucifixion, and the traditions surrounding the chalice veil during Mass. Their discussion culminates in Bishop Frank's reflection for the second week of Advent. 

In this episode of 'Let Me Be Frank,' Bishop Frank Caggiano speaks with Dr. John Bergsma about his journey of faith, the importance of teaching scripture, and the challenges faced by young Catholics today. They discuss the significance of Advent, the role of John the Baptist, and the Virgin Mary in salvation history, emphasizing the need for structure and guidance in the modern world. In this conversation, John and Bishop Frank explore the rich theological and historical context surrounding the figures of the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and the Magi. They discuss the royal lineage of Mary, her perpetual virginity, and her significant role in the early Church. St. Joseph's humility and rightful kingship are highlighted, along with the Magi's journey and their recognition of Jesus' divinity. The conversation concludes with practical tips for evangelization during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of sharing personal faith stories with family and friends.

As the weather cools, Bishop Frank’s thoughts turn to… Thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving’s my favorite holiday, I am always happy to talk about Thanksgiving. Much of what I’d like to talk about is food, but Bishop Frank gets us back on track by asking, “What are you thankful for?”

Our conversation goes from Thanksgiving to Advent, which begins on December 1st. Many people (including me) don’t use Advent adequately as a time to prepare well for Christmas, so Bishop Caggiano offers us some questions to reflect upon throughout Advent… to prepare us for the three-fold coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

And Bishop also asked me, “Where do you see God’s presence actively in your life?”

Enjoy the podcast or watch us on YouTube!

Also… before we head off for Thanksgiving, we are in the midst of our “Thanks for giving” pledge drive. Veritas Catholic Network is listener-supported, so we rely on your support to keep our work of evangelization going. Please partner with us.

Fr. Dave Tomaszycki joins Let Me Be Frank to discuss the book by Ven. Fulton Sheen he compiled On the Demonic. They discuss the Church's teaching on the demonic, what inordinate fear of the demonic looks like, how the devil is able to influence us and how the Lord is much more powerful and protects us! They also discuss Fulton Sheen's three signs of the demonic, how the demonic has attacked the Church throughout history, the weapons against the demonic, and the importance of the Holy Hour!