Bishop Wack talks with Deacon Santiago Molina, the new Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee about his background and ministry, explaining Hispanic ministry as both serving Spanish-speaking immigrants and integrating their devotions and culture into parish life.

Chez Filippini and Dr. Luke Arredondo continue their series on Catholic Social Teachings by discussing Mater et Magistra, the encyclical written by Pope John XXIII in 1961. They delve into the encyclical's themes of personal initiative, wages, agriculture, and the need for moral and spiritual growth. Also discussed are the importance of mutual trust and the role of faith in achieving global progress, emphasizing that true development must respect local cultures.

Bishop Wack reflects on the year of 2025, highlighting a series of blessings in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, which include celebrating ten ordinations, expanding schools and parish facilities, and deepening ministries such as prison outreach. He also talks about celebrating the 50th anniversary of the diocese, as well as his new role with the USCCB and the worldwide impact of Pope Francis’s death and the election of Pope Leo XIV—all framed as part of God’s ongoing work of forming disciples in Christ.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Fr. William Gibson and Fr. Peter Jutras about their ordination to the priesthood, the challenges of transitioning from seminary to parish life, building connections with parishioners, and the joy of celebrating Mass.

In this special episode, Bishop Wack is joined by Teena Easter, a long-time diocesan employee, to discuss the history of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Teena shares her faith background and her roles in youth ministry and the Bishop's office. They also talk about some of the memorable events that have happened over the last fifty years, significant changes and the evolution of youth and outreach ministries.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack concludes his discussion on the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious order that formed him as a priest. He details his four ministry placements and current role as Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and emphasizes the importance of obedience and flexibility in his assignments, which included Colorado Springs, Notre Dame, Phoenix, and Austin.

Chez Filippini and Dr. Luke Arredondo continue their Catholic Social Teaching series by discussing Pope Pius XI's 1931 encyclical "Quadragesimo Anno", a follow-up to Pope Leo XIII's "Rerum Novarum". They explore the document's key themes, including subsidiarity, labor relations, wages, and critiques of both capitalism and socialism. The encyclical emphasizes the need for a moral approach to economic life, condemns the excesses of individualist capitalism and socialist ideologies, and calls for a return to gospel principles.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack shares an in-depth look at the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious order that formed him as a priest. He explains the difference between diocesan and religious order priests, details the congregation's founding by Blessed Basil Moreau in France after the French Revolution, and highlights its missionary focus on education and serving people through difficult times.

Chez Filippini and Dr. Luke Arredondo continue their conversation on Catholic Social Teachings with a deep dive into Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum," which addresses the social and economic challenges of the Industrial Revolution.

The encyclical argues for the sanctity of private property and the responsibility of the wealthy to treat their employees with respect. It also calls for state intervention to prevent revolutionary change and ensure just labor practices, highlighting the importance of Christian principles in fostering a just society.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Jacob Hyman about his inspiring journey from being raised Jewish to becoming a Catholic convert while studying engineering at Florida State University. He also talks about becoming involved with New Polity and the Strong Towns movement, viewing his work through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, and his inspiration from Blessed Alberto Marvelli, a civil engineer who believed in creating environments that remind people they have souls.

Learn more about the Civic Leader Summit in Pensacola:

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