Each year, during Holy Week, Catholics hear the story of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper and the washing of the apostles’ feet, and finally, the betrayal, trial and crucifixion of Jesus. These events at the heart of our faith can become familiar, even sanitized after a while. But this year, we can hear them all anew thanks to “The Passion,” a new musical production from the Notre Dame Folk Choir.

Zac and Ashley talk with J.J. Wright, the director of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir, and Tristan Cooley, the creative director and librettist for “The Passion,” about the origins of the album, how spending so many hours with these Gospel passages affected their faith and how current realities—clergy sex abuse, police brutality and ongoing discussions about the place of women in the church—shaped the production.

In Signs of the Times, we mark International Women’s Day by discussing the record number of female employees at the Vatican—as well the hope expressed during synod consultations for greater inclusion and leadership for women in the church. Next, newly discovered asteroids were named for three Jesuits and a pope. Why are there so many monuments to Catholics in space? And finally, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis and share what we remember most from his historic papacy.

Make sure to check our Facebook page to vote in the Jesuitical Saint Sixteen (and shout out to our organizers Chris Kinkor and Jeff Johnson!)

Links from the show:

10 years of Pope Francis: Significantly more women working at the Vatican

Synod working document for the continental phase

New asteroids named for 3 Jesuits and pope of ‘Gregorian calendar’ fame

Everyone has an opinion about the pope. But how does Pope Francis understand his past 10 years?

A Big Heart Open to God: An interview with Pope Francis

Tour dates for “The Passion”

Stream “The Passion” on Spotify

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