The Good Catholic Life

Today’s topics: Council of Cardinals; Assisi; Marriage Synod; Cardinal to meet lawmakers; My Brother’s Keeper Summary of today’s show: Our usual Thursday panel looks at the news headlines of the week, including the first results of Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals; the remarkable visit of Pope Francis to Assisi; the announcement of an extraordinary synod of bishops to discuss marriage issues; Cardinal Seán’s invitation to lawmakers within the Archdiocese of Boston to an informal breakfast; and the expansion of the My Brother’s Keeper ministry to North Dartmouth. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today’s guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today’s show: The Anchor The Pilot Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot’s and The Anchor’s websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links. “Pope, cardinal advisers looking at major overhaul of Roman Curia”, CNS, 10/3/13 “Pope, in Assisi, calls on church to renounce ‘spirit of the world’”, CNS, 10/4/13 “Pope calls synod to discuss families, divorce and remarriage”, CNS, 10/8/13 “Cardinal plans informal private meeting with Massachusetts lawmakers”, The Pilot, 10/10/13 My Brother’s Keeper Program #0105 for Wednesday, August 3, 2011: My Brother’s Keeper

Today’s topics: St. Mary’s After-School Program Summary of today’s show: The After-School program at St. Mary’s Parish in Waltham may be the first of its kind in the Archdiocese of Boston. Fr. Michael Nolan and Jennifer Acuna join Scot Landry and Michael Lavigne to talk about how the program came to be, the services it provides in homework assistance, faith formation, and physical activities, in addition to bilingual literacy programs. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Michael Lavigne Today’s guest(s): Fr. Michael Nolan, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Waltham, and Jennifer Acuna, co-director of St. Mary’s After-School Program Links from today’s show: St. Mary Parish, Waltham St. Mary’s After-School Program The After-School Program’s Facebook Page Video about the After-School Program

Today’s topics: Cardinal George’s Lumen Gentium Talk at St. John’s Seminary’s new Presentation Hall Summary of today’s show: Msgr. James Moroney of St. John’s Seminary joins Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor to discuss the seminary’s new Presentation Hall and Library in the former Our Lady of the Presentation church in Brighton’s Oak Square, as part of a new strategy to expand the seminary’s presence in the community that also includes new social media tools and the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization. The first major event for the new Presentation Hall will be a talk by Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George on “Lumen Gentium and Episcopal Governance” as part of a Year of Faith series commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vatican II, and our panel discusses the significance of the document today, epecially as Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor Today’s guest(s): Msgr. James Moroney, rector of St. John’s Seminary Links from today’s show: St. John’s Seminary Theological Institute for the New Evangelization The Rector’s Blog Information on Cardinal George’s lecture: Saint John’s Seminary Forum for the YEAR OF FAITH and 50th Anniversary of Vatican II welcomes Francis Cardinal George, OMI who will present on “Lumen Gentium and Episcopal Governance” on Tuesday, 15 October 2013, 7pm, at Our Lady of the Presentation Lecture Hall, Oak Square, Brighton, MA 02135. Please call 617-746-5423 for Information There is no admission fee and no RSVP is required.

Today’s topics: Lino Rulli’s new book, “Saint: Why I Should Be Canonized Right Away” Summary of today’s show: Catholic media personality Lino Rulli followed up his first book of a few years ago, “Sinner”, with his new book, “Saint”. Lino explains to Scot Landry and Fr. Chip Hines that “Saint” is all about how we’re all called to saints and how accessible it truly is to all people. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chip Hines Today’s guest(s): Lino Rulli, author of the new book “Saint: Why I Should Be Canonized Right Away” Links from today’s show: The Catholic Channel CatholicGuy.com Lino Rulli’s website Saint: Why I Should Be Canonized Right Away Saint: Why I Should Be Canonized Right Away

Today’s topics: World Apostolate of Fatima in Boston and the month of the Holy Rosary Summary of today’s show: The Boston chapter of the World Apostolate of Fatima is 25 years old and in this annual month of the Rosary, Fr. Ed Riley joins Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O’Connell to talk about the message of Fatima, a Eucharistic holy hour for children, and Pope Francis’ plans to consecrate the world to Our Lady of Fatima next weekend. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O’Connell Today’s guest(s): Fr. Ed Riley, Dean of Men at St. John’s Seminary Links from today’s show: Program #0112 for Friday, August 12, 2011: Fr. Andrew Apostoli Program #0143 for Monday, September 26, 2011: National Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima World Apostolate of Fatima Boston World Apostolate of Fatima USA Holy Family Rosary Program #0042 for Friday, May 6, 2011: Fr. John Phalen, CSC, of Holy Cross Family Ministries

Today’s topics: Council of Cardinals; Pope Francis’ Latest Interview; Canonizations of Popes; Phase Two of Disciples in Mission Summary of today’s show: Our Thursday panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, Gregory Tracy, and Fr. Roger Landry discusses the news headlines of the week, including the meeting of Pope Francis’ new Council of Cardinals this week; his latest bombshell interview, this time with Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper; the date set for the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII; and the announcement of the Phase Two parish collaboratives in the Archdiocese of Boston’s Disciples in Mission pastoral plan. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today’s guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today’s show: The Anchor The Pilot Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot’s and The Anchor’s websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links. English translation of Pope Francis’ interview with La Repubblica newspaper “The Pope said what? Nine insights from Pope Francis’ interview with La Repubblica that hint at upcoming reforms of the Church”, Scot Landry, CatholicVoicesUSA “Pope and advisory council discuss synod reform on first day”, Catholic News Service, 10/2/13 “Pope, cardinal advisers looking at major overhaul of Roman Curia”, Catholic News Service, 10/3/13 “Pope to canonize Blessed John XXIII, John Paul II April 27”, Catholic News Service, 9/30/13 Disciples in Mission - Phase Two Collaboratives

Today’s topics: When Faith Feels Fragile Summary of today’s show: Fr. Scott Hurd, vicar general for the Anglican ordinariate in North America, talks to Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams about his background as an Episcopalian priest, husband, and father who converted to Catholicism and was ordained in the Church. Fr. Hurd also discussed his new book, “When Faith Feels Fragile: Help for the Wary, Weak and Wandering,” Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams Today’s guest(s): Fr. Scott Hurd Links from today’s show: The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter When Faith Feels Fragile: Help for the Wary, Weak, and Wandering

Today’s topics: Theological Institute Certificate Programs and Mass. Citizens for Life Summary of today’s show: The Certificate Programs of the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization provide a graduate-level education in the Catholic faith in a format designed for every Catholic in the pew. Dr. David Franks joins Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor to discuss the new semester at TINE and the expanded opportunities to take the courses. They also discuss David’s volunteer role at Massachusetts Citizens for Life and its upcoming annual banquet at which they will honor noted pro-life activist Lila Rose. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor Today’s guest(s): Dr. David Franks of the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization Links from today’s show: The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization Foundational Certificate Program at TINE Register for the Certificate Programs Massachusetts Citizens for Life The MCFL Fundraising Banquet

Today’s topics: Secrets of Confession Summary of today’s show: Vinny Flynn shares with Scot Landry his top 7 secrets of Confession, including the fact that no confession is truly private (see what he means in the book of the same name); nothing we can do will turn away God’s love; confession is the way we “log on” to “download” God’s love that He’s already “emailed” to us; and the real goal of Confession. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry Today’s guest(s): Vinny Flynn, author of “& Secrets of Confession” Links from today’s show: Vinny’s website Vinny Flynn’s books on Amazon.com “7 Secrets of Confession”, by Vinny Flynn “7 Secrets of the Eucharist” by Vinny Flynn

Today’s topics: Celebration of the Priesthood; Jean Valjean and immigration reform; Sunday Readings Summary of today’s show: During the Station of the Cross/WQOM fund drive, Scot Landry, Fr. Mark O’Connell and Chris Kelley took time to discuss the 5th annual Celebration of the Priesthood dinner on Thursday night to raise funds for the health and retirement needs of priests; an article by John Garvey, president of Catholic University of America, who compared Jean Valjean, the main character from the book/play/movie “Les Miserables”, to immigrants in the US today; and the Gospel reading for this upcoming Sunday. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O’Connell Today’s guest(s): Links from today’s show: 2013 Celebration of the Priesthood Dinner Video Jean Valjean and immigration reform By John Garvey Les Miserables, the musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel, has been running in London since 1985. Last Christmas, it was released as a movie that won three Academy Awards. By the time of the DVD release, the film had grossed more than $440 million worldwide. The music and the all-star cast (including Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman) had a lot to do with the movie’s success, but the story is the real attraction. Jean Valjean, the protagonist, spends 19 years in prison for stealing bread to feed his sister and her seven children. Upon his release, he is issued a yellow feuille de route, a kind of domestic passport that identifies him as a former convict, making travel and employment difficult. Inevitably, he violates his parole. For this, Inspector Javert, the righteous embodiment of the law, pursues him throughout the novel. Living under an assumed name, Valjean becomes a successful entrepreneur and the mayor of his town. He adopts the orphaned child (Cosette) of one of his factory workers. But then Javert finds him again. The rest of the novel is an account of the effort to bring Valjean to justice. Hugo meant for the reader to sympathize with Valjean. His petty crime, committed out of desperate need and generosity rather than cruelty or selfishness, cost him 19 years of his life, plus other years on the run from Javert. In the meantime, Valjean lived an exemplary life, did much good for his town and his employees, and took in Cosette. In the end, (spoiler alert) even Javert is overcome by Valjean’s goodness. My mind returns to this story when the issue of illegal immigration arises. The main argument against providing some form of relief for undocumented immigrants -such as a path to citizenship -is the problem of “rewarding” people who broke the law by entering the U.S. without permission or who stayed without permission. I’m not enough of a romantic to believe that every undocumented immigrant has the soul of Jean Valjean, but the crime they have committed (crossing the border without going through customs) is often motivated by a desire to feed a family. I don’t mean to minimize or excuse breaking the law. It’s wrong to jump the immigration queue, especially when so many must wait years for U.S. residency. It’s also wrong for undocumented immigrants to presume on another nation’s hospitality. But we must be careful of adopting a resolute, unforgiving, uphold-the-law-at-all-costs approach, like the one taken by Javert. He spent his last days hell-bent on ruining a model citizen who posed a threat to no one and in fact made his world a better place. As long as we’re going strictly by the book, it’s worth mentioning that federal law treats the act of illegal entry into the U.S. as a mere “administrative offense,” less serious than theft. It makes perfect sense to say that those who sneaked in should have to get in line behind legal applicants. Make them pay a fine and back taxes for the period of their illegal stay. And just to make sure they are the kind of people we want to allow to reside here permanently, make them wait 10 years for permanent residency, then three more years before they can apply for citizenship -nearly as long as Javert spent pursuing Valjean. These are the terms proposed in the bill the Senate passed in June. I don’t think anyone could fairly accuse us of coddling criminals if we adopted that kind of settlement. At the end of the day, we have to stop hounding people for something they did long ago, often for generous reasons.