Among The People

In this episode of Among the People, we had two very special guests calling in from Brazil, Fr. Dennis Moorman and Sr. Euphrasia Nyaki, also goes by Sr. Efu. They speak about their journey to becoming part of the Maryknoll community and their call to dedicate their life to mission. Sr. Efu talks about her passion to serve with women who have gone through trauma and her calling to work with them to heal their wounds. Fr. Dennis, said his experience with alcohol addiction and other mental illnesses have been the motive for his want to heal people. Fr. Dennis connects his vocation to the priesthood with his call to heal those with mental illness by asking, “What did Jesus do?  He traveled around and he healed people. Made people whole and he integrated them back into the community.”   Sr. Efu and Fr. Dennis have been invited to work with organizations all around the world to educate individuals and groups who have gone through trauma on how to heal themselves and be better connected to their bodies. Learn more about Fr. Dennis and Sr. Efu’s work here: Fr. Dennis and Sr. Efu. 

On today's episode of Among the People, Fr. Joe and Luna sit down with Fr. Jim Najmowski, M.M. He worked for a number of years in South Korea and North East China and is currently working on the causes for sainthood for our Maryknoll Founders, Fr. Price Fredrick Price and Bishop James A. Walsh. In today’s discussion, Fr. Jim will share some of his insights on the life, spirituality and mission vision of Fr. Price. Visit us at https://maryknollsociety.org

In this episode of Among The People, we sit down with Maryknoll Missioner, Fr. Doug May. Growing up in a small town near Buffalo, NY, Fr. Doug now serves as a missionary Priest in Cairo, where he has been for more than two decades. He is the only United States-born, English-speaking priest in Egypt. He provides pastoral care for several communities in the Cairo area. He also works as the international coordinator for the Center for Intercultural Dialogue and Translation and the Center for Arab-West Understanding, a nongovernmental organization that fosters dialogue between Christians and Muslims and sociopolitical pluralism in Egypt and in the Middle East. Please visit us at https://maryknollsociety.org

In this episode of Among the People, Fr. Joe and Luna site down with Deacon, Gregory McPhee who will be ordained as a Maryknoll Priest on Saturday, August 22nd.  Deacon Gregory shares his incredible, mystical experience of how he came to find his vocation as a missioner, along with his story of mission around the world.  If you are interested in learning more about Maryknoll, please visit https://maryknollsociety.org Interested in learning more about a life of mission? https://maryknollvocations.org  

There's no question that today's episode of Among the People is going to leave you in awe as we sit down with Maryknoll Brother, Marty Shea. He's a missionary from Chicopee Falls, who's worked with the indigenous poor of Guatemala for over 50 years. His missionary journey since 1985 has taken him through the massacres in the jungles of El Peten to exile in Mexico to return with the people to their homeland in 1998. In today's episode, Brother Marty talk’s about his life with the people in Guatemala and in the Mexican refugee camps, and his unique reflections on the refugee crisis that we face in America, Guatemala, Mexico and realities of those refugees.

Interview with award winning author, Lynn Monahan In this episode, Fr. Joe Veneroso and Megan Fleming sit down with Maryknoll Magazine editor-in-chief and award winning author Lynn F. Monahan. You will be inspired by Lynn’s reflections from reporting in Central and South America, along with his time spent with missioners in Asia and Africa. Only someone in his unique role at Maryknoll can share with us such a range of transformational experiences from the lives in service of Maryknoll missioners in the field. We are also excited to share with you details about his recent award-winning fiction novel, Pistaco: A Tale of Love in the Andes, which was inspired by his time living in Peru. His book received the 2018 Catholic Press Association first-place award for novels. We know you are going to enjoy this interview with Lynn F. Monahan.   SHOW NOTES Contact Lynn: lmonahan@maryknoll.org Book: Pistaco: A Tale of Love in the Andes or directly from the publisher at https://actapublications.com/pistaco/   Visit Maryknoll Magazine

When I got there, this reality was already present. I just happened to be assigned there, because the Bishop learned that given my Central American background, being born in El Salvador, I speak Spanish, come into the United States, becoming an American, I learned English ... Eventually I was sent to the Philippines by Maryknoll before this assignment, and I learned the language of the south of the Philippines, and also Japanese, which I studied as soon as I got there. I studied it for three years, full time. And so with that in mind, he said that he needed to move me to this particular new assignment, so that I will pay attention to the new reality of the Catholics in Japan, because that's what is happening. The Japanese Catholic population is declining, due to the aging population, and the low birth rate, but the Catholic population of migrants is making it to go up. So we have now a different reality than let's say right after the war, where everyone was Japanese Catholic. Now we have 56% of the Catholic population is foreign-born migrants, who came to Japan, and 44% born Japanese. So that's the new reality of the Catholic church. It's not everywhere, but primarily in the metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Saitama, Nagoya, Osaka. And so the people that are responding to the needs of the migrants are basically the missionaries from diverse communities,  because they come not only with the need to be tending to, let's say their spirituality, the celebration of the Eucharist, the sacrament, but also with other necessities such as in occasion legal assistance, because they broke the law, or they lost their job, or they were injured and they are not being compensated, or sometimes they just get into trouble.

Today we’re joined by Fr. Daniel Kim, one of our newest Maryknoll Missioners, who was ordained in 2017. You might know Fr. Daniel from our Lenten Reflections on Social Media.  Fr. Daniel is originally from Southern California and recently served in Mission in Hong Kong.  In this episode you’ll learn how our own Fr. Joe Veneroso is Fr. Daniel’s “Spiritual Grandfather,” and we’ll also discuss how a traumatic event at the age of 22, influenced his vocation to the priesthood. ­

We're here today with Karen Bortvedt, who is the Recruitment and Relationship Manager for the Maryknoll Lay Missioners.  Karen coordinated various immersion trips while in college – including one to Nicaragua. She served with the Border Servant Corps for one year and has since worked with various non-profit organizations.  She worked at the Deaf Development Program as the Communication Coordinator. On any given day, she was found developing the communications strategy; documenting DDP’s many activities through photos and videos; visiting the provinces to document the field work of DDP; ‘playing Facebook’ as they say in Cambodia to share DDP’s work; writing blogs; creating mini-videos about the Deaf community; welcoming visitors; or coordinating volunteers. You can check out more of Karen’s work by liking the DDP Facebook page, following them on Twitter, or reading the weekly blog updates.

For those of you who are fans of Maryknoll, you know Fr. Finch from the weekly Journey of Faith reflection he sends you every Sunday.  Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Fr. Finch was inspired by one of Maryknoll’s first priests and fellow Brooklynites, Bishop Francis Xavier Ford, who was martyred in China in 1952.  Fr. Finch was one of the first students to attend the school in Brooklyn named in honor of the martyr, Bishop Ford High School.  Journey with us to the highlands of Peru, where Fr. Finch worked with the indigenous Aymara community for over 20 years.   Fr. Finch reminds us that in mission we have to meet people where they are, not where we want or expect them to be. 

Newly ordained Maryknoll Fr. Jonathan Hill's path to mission began when he was very young. Influenced by his jet-setting grandparents who read bedtime stories to him from the Encyclopedia Britannica, Jonathan knew early in his life that he wanted to help people - with childhood dreams of becoming a Veterinarian in the Serengeti, living as a cowboy in Wyoming, or becoming a missionary. Fr. Jonathan, who was raised a Baptist, was inspired by the work of St. Teresa of Calcutta and found a strong calling to Catholicism. As he shares with us the details of his journey following signs from God, we see Fr. Jonathan’s dreams of helping others and living near the Serengeti coming true as he prepares for his life in mission in Tanzania.  To read the transcript of this episode, please go to Maryknoll Podcasts Maryknoll Magazine article: Called To Share God's Grace and Love

In this episode we sit down with Fr. Robert Wynne who celebrates his 50th Jubilee as a Maryknoll Missioner this year.  His 50-years of Mission work have included Hawaii as well as Cambodia, an active missionary country of which Fr. Wynne requested to join at the age of 68 in 2007.  Fr. Wynne share's stories of his missionary work and the transformative qualities of the people he’s worked with during his career as a Maryknoll Missioner.  

In this episode of Among The People, we are excited to welcome the newly ordained Maryknoll Brother, Br. Ryan Thibert.  Although Br. Ryan recently took his permanent oath to a life of service with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, he has already had a substantial amount of experience as a missioner. With life changing experiences situations in Jamaica and Bolivia, Br. Ryan learned early in his mission experience that 'being present' for those most in need has helped not only those he serves, but also himself during the most difficult times in mission.    About Br. Ryan Thibert, M.M. Brother Ryan Thibert acknowledges that he felt an attraction to religious life growing up in a strong Catholic family. He sought direction from his parish priest, who knew Maryknoll and thought it might be a good fit for his mission-oriented parishioner. Brother Ryan Thibert is a native of Ontario, Canada. He was born a minute after his twin brother, Aaron, and four years after their sister, Jennifer. He credits his parents, Larry and Rox-Ann Thibert, for his love of service because of their unconditional love. Having met Society members like Brother Robert Butsch has helped Ryan. He says it is by witnessing how passionate they are about their work and seeing how the Holy Spirit seem to work through them inspired him. He became aware that he can use his own educational background and artistic talent to help people be the best they can be. “I realize that it is in living for others through Christ where I feel truly happy and at peace.” ~ Brother Ryan Thibert, M.M. A short-term mission trip to Jamaica with three other prospective Maryknoll candidates sealed his decision. Working at the Blessed Sacrament Orphanage in Montego Bay, and remembering the Franciscan brother who had come to console his family when his grandfather died made him realize that being present, giving life to those who need love is the essence of the brother’s vocation. That is what he felt the Holy Spirit was calling him to do. So in 2011, he decided to join the Maryknoll Brothers’ formation program. He completed his undergraduate degree in art at St. Xavier University in Chicago all the while deepening his spirituality through prayer and theological studies. He underwent his overseas training program in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where young missioners are immersed in language study and life in another culture as well as various pastoral works as they continue to discern their call to cross-cultural mission. He will return to Latin America where he has been assigned to work in mission.

Fr. John Bath has been a Maryknoll Missioner for 28 years and has extensive mission experience working with refugees in Cambodia and South Sudan.  In this episode, you will hear how Fr. Barth built a successful program in Cambodia to train the blind in massage therapy. This program was so successful that it is still active in both Cambodia and now Peru.  Seventeen years later, Fr. Barth is now working with the South Sudanese refugees in Uganda, delivering food and supplies to villages and schools.  Join us as Fr. Barth shares his journey from an unfulfilling government job in Albany, NY to his Calling to make the world a better place through his ministry. 

We are joined by Gerard O'Connell, associate editor and Vatican correspondent for America Magazine, who recently authored Orbis Books' the Election of Pope Francis, an Inside Account of the Conclave that Change History. Gerry, who's covered the Vatican for nearly 35 years, brings special insight into the current pope as he and his wife, who's also a Vatican correspondent from Argentina, were friends with Cardinal Bergoglio before he was elected in 2013. Contrary to the predictions of most Vatican watchers, both Gerry and his wife predicted Bergoglio might well become the next pope. We hope you enjoy this fascinating and detailed perspective of the historic 2013 Vatican conclave.  Gerard O'Connell is an associate editor and Vatican correspondent for America magazine.  He has covered the Vatican since 1985, reporting for a number of English-speaking news outlets, including The Tablet (UK), Our Sunday Visitor, The National Catholic Reporter, and Inside the Vatican.  He is the author of Do Not Stifle the Spirit: Conversations with Jacques Dupuis (Orbis).

Hello everyone, it's Father Daniel Kim here. Thank you so much for your questions. According to this list, it seems like the most common question is, surprise, surprise, why do we give up things for Lent? Well, I'll give you the short answer. It's because Christians, we are called to imitate the life of Christ, and that involves the time he spent in the desert, where for 40 days he was not only tempted by the Devil, but through self denial prepared himself for the ministry, the very public ministry that lay ahead. As baptized faithful, we do believe that God has a specific calling for each and every one of us. By not indulging in the things that we normally do, helps us reexamine our spiritual lives, the quality of our spiritual lives, and to really get closer to Christ, which is basically what we are all called to do, ultimately. One Lent I remember, I gave up meat. Not just on Fridays, but for 40 days. It was tough, but during the process, especially when I got cravings, I was like, 'If Christ could give up not eating for 40 days, I think I can give up not eating meat". You know, through that self denial, it really connected me closer to Christ. It was a pretty meaningful Lenten season, and Easter was awesome too, because ... You know what? I actually remember it right now. Some of the funny things that I found that people gave up, this is according to The Daily Express, it's a U.K. Magazine. The most common things were chocolate, social networking, alcohol, Twitter, Facebook, school ... Okay ... Meat, sweets, coffee, and soda. The funny thing is, it says social media here. One of my Lenten observances this year is to actually engage in social media, and I ended up creating an Instagram and Twitter account to connect with all of you. Yeah, I guess it could kind of go both ways. It depends on what leads you into getting closer to Christ. Anyway, that's kind of my answer for why do we give up things for Lent. For next week, I was thinking we could do something fun. I just listed the many things that people gave up, were the popular things that people gave up for Lent. Why don't we share that amongst ourselves? I'll create a poll following this post, and in it you could share what you have given up, and if you're successful this far. I'll share the results with you next week. Thanks again for listening, and have a wonderful rest of the Lenten season. God bless.

On this episode of Among The People, we sit down with Father Russ Feldmeier, a Maryknoll missioner who spent 36 years on foreign mission assigned to Korea following his time with the Peace Corps. He is currently heading the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers formation house in Chicago. Our co-host, Fr. Joe Veneroso and Fr. Russ have a deep history with each other, both serving in the Peace Corps in Korea prior to joining Maryknoll. We will also talk about the Catholic Church’s past and future in Korea. The interview also touches on how the acceptance of international seminarians are shaping the future of Maryknoll and how it can serve a better world.

Father Mike is an actor. Always has been, always will be. He’s also a missionary with a vast array of experiences in Latin America, Asia and Africa.   Turn your dial up and learn about the versatile and spiritually gifted Father Michael Bassano, M.M., who currently works with refugees in a UN-run camp in South Sudan. Follow his exciting and remarkable journey from Chile to Thailand to Tanzania and beyond as a Maryknoll missioner of unshakable faith and calling.   In this deeply moving podcast, the ebullient priest gives his testimony as to how God tugs on us until we answer; how He prepares us for our real calling through everything we do beforehand, and how “…all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)   From his humble days in the Diocese of Syracuse, the small town pastor felt a nudge—no, a shove—to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). But just how would that happen in the context of his cozy parish?       So, in 1987, he decide to join the ranks of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers—the Catholic Foreign Mission Society—with the understanding that he would return to his duties Stateside after five years.   Well, God had other plans. Moved by the sacrifices of the Church martyrs of El Salvador, he mobilized himself for the poor and voiceless, and remains a Maryknoll missioner to this day.       But, let’s go back to “Act One, Scene One” of this real-life play for a moment.   Some actors are shy in real life; others have a boldness that crosses over from the stage to the street. Father Mike possesses that boldness. His journey with Maryknoll started out with an unannounced visit to the Maryknoll campus, when he asked to see “a priest” and stated his case for apprenticeship. After securing his bishop’s permission, he was assigned as an associate to Chile.   Fear ran through Father Mike’s veins as he disembarked the plane, entering into the dangerous territory of the Pinochet regime. But he wasn’t as afraid for his own safety as much as he was of his perceived inadequacy for the calling that burned within him. “If you’re working with the poor, you must be communist!” he says of the military junta’s perception of him.   During his reign as president and then Supreme Head of the nation, Augusto Pinochet had incarcerated 80,000, tortured tens of thousands and executed 3,095 souls.   Even when teargassed, arrested, and finding himself in the midst of a post-coup volatility that could have resulted in his death, Father Mike sang songs of justice for those who vanished mysteriously, never to return to their families.   He took to the streets, a wandering minstrel of sorts, with guitar, cross and basket in hand to perform the Gospel of Saint Matthew for anyone who would listen. Dramatizing reality was a means of survival for many Chilean youth; it brought healing from growing up in alcoholic homes, witnessing neighbors being tortured and feeling the uncertainly of their future. The tenacity of the human spirit in these “poblanos” astounded the early missioner.   “It's like God had been preparing me for all the theater I did before, to do something as a missioner that would really impact the hearts of people,” said Father Mike.He continues to take his show on the road in other parts of the world where Maryknoll missioners serve.   You won’t find stories like Father Mike’s in any history book or documentary. Listen and learn—as they say—to what a real-life missioner with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers has to share, because we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface here.

From the streets of Chile, during the protest demonstrations against torture, to caring for HIV/AIDS patients in Thailand and now serving the people of Sudan, Fr. Mike Bassano share his reflections and stories as a Maryknoll missioner.

On this special episode of Among The People, we recognize the celebration of International Children's day by interviewing Father Frank Breen, M.M. Father Breen shares with us his extensive work in Africa and here in the United States serving immigrants and refugees. 

In this episode we speak with Fr. Alejandro Marina M.M., one of the newest Maryknollers, though he celebrated twenty five years as a priest prior.  Coming from Argentina, Fr. Alejandro offers a unique perspective on the growing challenges of doing mission throughout Latin America. He explores the reasons why in a part of the world where most of the people are christian, many face terrible situations of injustice, poverty and oppression. Fr. Alejandro also shares many of his thoughts on such topics as mission in Latin America, Cuba and his feelings on Pope Francis.   About Padre Alejandro Marina, M.M. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Maryknoll Father Alejandro Marina was ordained a priest in 1993 in the Diocese of San Isidro. He was director of missions in his diocese and, as part of that work, he was sent as a missionary to Holguín, Cuba, for four years. He has a degree in Dogmatic Theology and has specialized in the area of Missiology. He is currently the director of the Maryknoll Mission Center in Latin America, based in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Nacido en Buenos Aires, Argentina, el Padre Maryknoll Alejandro Marina fue ordenado sacerdote en 1993 en la Diócesis de San Isidro. Fue director de misiones en su diócesis y, como parte de dicho trabajo, fue enviado como misionero a Holguín, Cuba, por cuatro años. Es Licenciado en Teología Dogmática y se ha especializado en el área de la Misionología. Actualmente es el director del Centro Misionero Maryknoll en América Latina (CMMAL), con sede en Cochabamba, Bolivia, y enseña Antropología en la Universidad Católica Boliviana.

“Its a good feeling knowing that the universal church is recognizing his life as a prophet, as a priest, and as a martyr.” This is how Franciscan Br. Octavio Duran describes soon-to-be canonized Archbishop Oscar Romero. Br. Octavio personally knew Bishop Romeo, often interviewing him at the Catholic Radio Station in San Salvador, accompanying him in pastoral visits, and documenting the Bishop’s life and work in photographs. In addition to this episode, you’ll be able to read more about Br. Octavio’s time and work with the soon to be canonized Archbishop in Romero: Saint for the World found in our September/October issue of Maryknoll Magazine. Brother Octavio is a dear friend of Maryknoll and we’re honored to have had him on “Among the People” and hope you enjoy his unique story and tales of Bishop Romero.    Episode Notes: Romero: Saint for the World

It’s a beautiful September morning. Maryknoll Fr. Ray Nobiletti had just celebrated 8 o’clock Mass in Transfiguration Church in Lower Manhattan. The primary election for the Mayor of New York City was that day and the elementary school at Transfiguration was buzzing with the start of brand new school year. In fact it was the children’s 2nd day of school. The date is September 11, 2001. After Mass Fr. Nobiletti received a phone call and was informed that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center, a building he always enjoyed looking at from his bedroom window, and he was asked if he could go immediately to the burning building to help minister to the   wounded. Barely having time to collect his thoughts, let alone his stole, prayer book, and holy oils, Fr. Nobiletti proceeded into the chaos of what would become known as one of the worst tragedies the United States has ever seen. As tens of thousands of people are trying to escape Lower Manhattan, Fr. Nobiletti is walking in that direction. With people grabbing on to him, screaming, and crying it didn’t matter whether you were Catholic or not that day. He didn’t know it at the time but his presence became a beacon of light in the blackness, dust, and tragedy of that day.    

On September 7, 1918, the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers sent four Missioners to China, including Maryknoll co-founder Fr. Thomas F. Price, Fr. James E. Walsh, M.M., Fr. Francis X. Ford, M.M., and Fr. Bernard F. Meyer, M.M. This year as we prepare to celebrate 100 years of Mission Sending on September 7th, we had the privilege of sitting down with Fr. John Cioppa, M.M., an 86-year-old Maryknoll Missioner, who knew one of the original 4 Maryknoll Missioners to China - Bishop James E. Walsh.  In fact Fr. John was there in 1970 when Bishop James E. Walsh was released from a Shanghai prison after spending 12 years of his 20-year sentence primarily in solitary confinement.   After the Communist takeover of China in 1949, Bishop Walsh was arrested on charges that he had spied for the Vatican and the United States in 1958.  It is believed that he was the last of 7,000 foreign Roman Catholic and Protestant missionaries to have been expelled from China.    Most of Fr. John’s Missionary career was spent in Hong Kong, a former British Colony, and in 1978, he was the first Maryknoll priest to be able to re-enter China since the communist takeover.  Join us as we learn more about Fr. John’s adventures in Hong Kong and China in this episode of Among the People! 

We’re joined in studio by Fr. Ed Dougherty M.M., former Superior General of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers and representative of Maryknoll in Rome to the Holy See – Pope Francis. Fr. Dougherty shares his story of growing up in the Kensington section of Philadelphia to riding motorcycles, learning Swahili, and how he would hunt for his own food in the rural region of Musoma, Tanzania. He discusses his mission work teaching theology in Tanzania as well as his work in the United States including in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. Fr. Ed was good friends with the late Maryknoll Sister Ita Ford, who was murdered in El Salvador on December 2, 1980. He shares his stories of their friendship and celebrations and how he received a letter from her just days after her death, a moment he takes as a Sign from God.

On this episode of Among the People we sit down with Heidi Cerneka, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner who's career has been spent serving incarcerated women in the United States, Brazil and Kenya. In this episode, Heidi shares how women are generally overlooked in prison policy and advocacy as well as the social and economic justice issues that are leading Women to be in prison in the first place. Heidi defines the difference between Women incarceration versus Male incarceration and how when Women get out of prison there’s nothing to go back to; no family, no work, no life.  Heidi will also talk about her decision to go back to law school at the age of 49 and how that’s helped her ministry.

Today we're here with Kevin Ahern, Orbis Books Author and Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Manhattan College.  In this episode we dive into the challenges and opportunities the Church offers from the perspective of young people as it relates to today's social movements and the current political and religious divisions that exist not only in western society, but throughout the world.    As a young Professor, Kevin truly has his finger on the pulse of young people in the Catholic Faith. Not only from a domestic perspective but from a global one, with his extensive experiences with small Christian communities around the world.   Episode Notes   A Brief Bio 'Kevin Glauber Ahern, PhD is an assistant professor of religious studies at Manhattan College. He defended his doctoral dissertation in theological ethics from Boston College in 2013. His dissertation was entitled “Structures of Grace: Catholic NGOs and the Church’s Mission in a Globalized World.” From 2003 to 2007, Kevin Ahern served as the President of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS-Pax Romana), an international network of students in over eighty countries. He continues to be active on the boards of several national and international networks, including he Catholic Common Ground Initiative, the board of directors of America Press and as a Vice-President of the ICMICA-Pax Romana, He has edited the Radical Bible and Visions of Hope: Emerging Theologians and the Future of the Church, both with Orbis Books. When not teaching, writing, or going to international meetings, Kevin enjoys hiking, Cape Cod, and spending time with his wife.' Manhattan College Website   Orbis Books Titles by Kevin Ahern God's Quad (Kevin Ahern and Christopher Derige Malano) Structure's of Grace (Kevin Ahern) Visions of Hope (Kevin Ahern) Public Theology and the Global Common Good:The Contribution of David Hollenbach (Ahern, Clark, Heyer, Johnston)   Connect with Kevin Ahern Twitter: @kevin_ahern Daily Theology

Today we sit down with Maryknoll Missioner, Fr. Rick Bauer. Fr. Rick spent time in Mission in Namibia and is now introducing palliative care – the care of the spiritual and emotional aspects of those who are sick and suffering - overseas. After his residency and certification as a Chaplain from New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital, Fr. Rick is now in east Africa introducing palliative care to those with health issues including a large majority of those directly affected by HIV/AIDS.   Fr. Rick also talks about the transformative experiences he’s had in his Chaplaincy and how being an ordained, Catholic priest is aiding his ministry in helping patients understand that what’s happening to them is not a punishment from God and that it’s ok to be angry at God. As well, Father Bauer explains how you don’t have to be religious to be spiritual and receive palliative care.   “Before my arrival, integrated spiritual care was not really part of medical care. Now it will be. And I will be able study how spiritual care impacts treatment and outcomes. This will take 18-24 months but I believe the results are going to alter the delivery of healthcare in Kenya, and maybe all of Africa.” Father Rick Bauer, M.M.

In this episode, Father Fred Hegarty, M.M. joins us to share his incredible story of mission in Chile during his 65 years as a missioner priest. At 91 years of age, Fr. Fred is able to take us back to his early days in Chile when he started out as a parish priest navigating dirt roads and mountain trails to share the Gospel with poor farmers and ended up becoming their advocate. Today, Fr. Fred continues to enliven the lives of all those around him.  If empowering people with God's love is the measure of a missioner's success, it's safe to say, "Well done, Father Fred, keep up the good work."  

Today we sit down with one of the most recognizable and respected Maryknoll Missioners and U.S. Air Force Veteran, Fr. Robert Jalbert, M.M.. Fr. Bob heads the Church Engagement Division here at Maryknoll where he and his team are creating and supporting a “culture of mission” in the Catholic Community in the U.S. During his Missionary career, Fr. Bob served in East Africa in both Kenya and Tanzania and today is actively involved in forming communities of missionary disciples around the world.   Fr. Bob, whose fluent in Russian, served in the Air Force in Italy and rural Turkey during the Cold War. What’s interesting is how his assignment and time overseas lead to his Vocational calling with Maryknoll.   Episode Notes The following prayer is referenced by Father Bob toward the end of this interview. We want to share it with you here:   A Step Along the Way: Archbishop Romero’s Prayer It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the Church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything. This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own. Amen.

Maryknoll missioner, Father David La Buda joins Among The People, discussing his dynamic stories from Latin and Central America. From his ministry work with Honduran and Nicaraguan gang member tattoo removal, building radio stations and being taken prisoner in the jungle of Guatemala, Father La Buda’s reflections on a life of mission go far beyond ‘adventure’.  

Today we sit down with missioner, author and Maryknoll priest, Fr. John P Martin.    Fr. Martin shares experiences from his missionary work in Mexico and Bangladesh. He reflects on his struggles with his Vocational calling as a Missionary versus the traditional calling of being a Sacramental Minister.  Father John also talks about his deep culture shock experiences during his time in Bangladesh, then in India where he fulfilled his dream of further understanding the Hindu Bengali culture.    "a transformative journey as a Maryknoll missionary with cross-cultural and inter-religious ramifications, into realms of spiritual growth beyond imagining." It's hard to summarize this incredible episode of Among The People into a short intro, but we know you'll be enriched by the life story of Fr. Martin and the many paths he has travelled.     Episode Notes   His book: A Transformative Journey Out, Beyond, and Back: My Evolving Relationship with Tradition   His website: JohnthePMArtin.com Find John P Martin on: Facebook About John P Martin   John Patrick Martin was born of Irish immigrant parents in New York City in 1939, partaking of their Irish culture, proudly, along with his four sisters, Kitty, Mary, Maggie and Ellen. At age twelve his inspiration to become a foreign missionary carried him through 11 years of seminary to ordination in 1966 and a first assignment to Mexico. He dedicated himself to his priestly ministry including a variety of social and spiritual developmental activities until 1975. He then answered his leadership’s invitation to join the new Bangladesh Unit for insertion, through Christian testimony, into the Muslim environment as brother and friend. Through the influence of Father Bede Griffiths, he became enamored of the many opportunities for living dialogue with believers of other religious traditions in South Asia. ​He relished the call to share the fruits of this rich life with folks in Mexico again for fifteen years, for more of the same as above, and at home through mission education programs, inter-religious forums, and his new career as a writer.

From his ministry during the apartheid in South Africa, serving in both Nigeria and Namibia, to his mission work in Venezuela, Fr. Richard Albertine shares his incredible reflections on life as a Maryknoll missioner overseas.   

We sit down with Jeannine Hill Fletcher, professor at Fordham University, a theologian and author of The Sin of White Supremacy (Orbis Books). Get ready as we take a deep dive into the inner section of theology and issues of diversity as it relates to gender, race and religion.   We'll be discussing how Jeannine was able to step back from her suburban, predominantly white catholic environment and upbringing to see the work that still needs to be done.  As you listen to this episode, we want you to think about how we as christians and catholics can take a look at the lense we use to think through these things for change. We can't change history, but how are we called to transform and change these perceptions and reality.   About the Jeannine hill Fletcher Jeannine Hill Fletcher is a professor at Fordham University and a constructive theologian whose research is at the intersection of systematic theology and issues of diversity (including gender, race, and religious diversity).  Her books include Monopoly on Salvation?  A Feminist Approach to Religious Pluralism (2005) and Motherhood as Metaphor: Engendering Interreligious Dialogue (2013).  Episode Notes The Sin of White Supremacy (Orbis Books)

In this episode, Father Mike Snyder joins us to share his story about his foreign mission work in East Africa, how he saw the face of Jesus Christ in an old lady named Stella and how the music he plays on his guitar has united people from all parts of the world. About Father Mike Fr. Mike Snyder M.M. is a native of Rutherford and Wayne, New Jersey. After ordination, he was assigned to Tanzania, East Africa where he served for a total of 26 years. During that time he was stationed in various mission parishes and most recently he served as the chaplain at the Muhimbili University of Health & Allied Sciences (the national medical university of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam).   Fr. Mike has served in various leadership positions with Maryknoll, including as Vocation Director from1999-2006.  He was re-assigned to vocations in Oct. 2015. Episode Notes Watch Father Mike Snyder play and sing the Tanzanian National Anthem in it’s native Swahili language, click here.

On this episode of Among the People, we interview our Director of Music, Worship, & Ritual, Chris Reilly. Chris, a leader in pastoral music, gives us a glimpse into the world of someone whose made music for the Church for decades! We’ll cover his life, how he was influenced by music, a brief history of sacred music, as well as the shifts he's seeing in the Church including, a surprising shift towards a more traditional celebration of worship.  Chris will also give us his expert insights and thoughts on the future of music in the Church! If you're a big fan of Maryknoll's Christmas Concerts or a fan of Music in general, you won't want to miss this episode.

In this episode we are joined by Orbis Books Author, Jim Forest. Jim takes us through his early years that inspired his writing, from childhood to his time in the United States Military and into his lifelong work as an activist for peace.  He reflects on his call to christianity, his time working with Dorothy Day at the Catholic Worker and how he was first introduced and inspired by Daniel Berrigan. About Jim Forest Jim Forest is an internationally renowned peacemaker and spiritual writer. His many books include biographies of Dorothy Day (All is Grace) and Thomas Merton (Living with Wisdom). His most recent book is The Root of War Is Fear: Thomas Merton’s Advice to Peacemakers. He lives in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. Episode Notes Jim Forest on Facebook Jim and Nancy Forest Join Jim on the new Orbis Book Club Facebook Group. When you join, all book club members will receive 35% off At Play in the Lions' Den: A Biography and memoire of Daniel Berrigan. Orbis Book Club

Today, we’re joined in the studio by award winning Author and recent speaker at Maryknoll, Jana Laiz. As you will hear in this interview, Jana’s mission is to change the world, one book at a time. You will hear how the topics she is so passionate about such as climate change, the global refugee crisis, equal rights are woven into her stories; stories that are not only take her readers on a captivating journey, but also speak to critical issues of our time… You may even learn a thing or two about faeries. More About Jana Laiz Fascinated by other cultures, Jana studied anthropology and Chinese language at University. She is a teacher, a writer, an editor, a mom, an animal lover, a sea glass collector, a musician and a dreamer. She is passionate about our beautiful planet and endeavors to make a difference in the world and to work with others who feel the same. Jana is the very first Writer-In-Residence at Herman Melville's beloved Arrowhead where she is working on a new novel. She lives in a 205-year-old farmhouse in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.   Episode Notes: Learn more about Jana: JanaLaiz.com Find her on Facebook Discover her books on Amazon Berkshire Historical Society at Herman Mellville's Arrowhead

In this episode, Megan and Father Joe interview Kevin Foy,  National Team Leader of Teacher and Catechist Outreach at Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. They discuss Kevin's experiences as a former teacher working with youth, his life as a catechist and a lay person who is helping to promote and transform the church in the US among young people.  Kevin has more than fifteen years experience ministering to and with ethnically and economically diverse communities across the United States, has worked as a middle school teacher and curriculum consultant in multiple dioceses, and has led mission immersion experiences in North, Central, and South America. Episode Notes You can reach Kevin Foy at: KFoy@Maryknoll.org Discover Your Neighbor: Classroom education program.  

Recently, Jesuit Father James Martin, Orbis Books author (Essential Writings and This Our Exile), editor-at-large of America magazine and consultant to the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communication, shared his thoughts on prayer, forgiveness and more with our senior marketing technologist, Adam Mitchell. Father Martin is an American Jesuit priest, a writer, and editor-at-large of the Jesuit magazine America. He grew up in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and now lives in the America House Jesuit Community in midtown Manhattan.  On April 12, 2017, Pope Francis appointed Martin and EWTN leader Michael Warsaw as consultants to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communications.  Episode Notes  Father Martin's articles and information can be found at America The Jesuit Review, by Clicking Here Published work is available from Orbis Books, follow the links below. James Martin, Essential Writings This Our Exile Father Martin's books can also be be found on Amazon.com, by Clicking Here Follow Father Martin on Facebook and Twitter  

In Episode 2 of Among The People, Father John Dear joins us to discuss how he has committed his life to promoting world peace, social justice, non-violence and awareness to the extreme dangers we face with climate change. His empowering message will motivate you to deeply consider your personal role in ending violence, racism and poverty as he shares his own accounts of non-violent activism, incarceration, protest and putting himself in harm’s way for the promotion of peace and justice. “To be a Christian, is to be a person of non-violence. Which means to be a christian you cannot have anything to do with war, racism, greed, nuclear weapons, environmental destruction … you have to be continuing Jesus’ life of revolutionary non-violence.” His profound stories range from hitch-hiking through war ravaged Lebanon, where from the Sea of Galilee he witnessed Israeli bombs drop upon the place where Jesus spoke. Father Dear goes on to share his reflections from his life-long work that has taken him around the world, from the most dangerous war-zones to the streets of the largest cities, spreading his message in protest to violence and social injustice. Father Dear is an author and sought after lecturer on the topics of peace, disarmament and nonviolence throughout the United States, and around the world, including national speaking tours of England, Australia and New Zealand. Father Dear has received several peace awards, including the 2010 Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award and has been nominated several times for the Nobel Peace Prize. In January 2008 he was nominated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and with Leo Rebello in 2015. Today, Father Dear lives completely off the grid on a remote mountain top in the desert, but continues his busy schedule of education people on the necessity of creating a new culture of peace throughout the world. “We all have to become activists, we all need to stand in opposition to the culture of war.”

We are proud to bring you the first episode of "Among The People", with an impactful interview with Maryknoll Brother, John Beeching. In this Episode, Brother John shares: • His time with Mother Teresa, a story we're sure you've never heard. • His war experiences in Beirut and Yemen. • Managing the trauma of war. • His selfless work with the Mon refugees of Myanmar and Thailand. • Christian love and Buddhist compassion. About Brother John: Much of Brother Beeching's work in Thailand has involved accompanying Mon refugees and monks, who have taken shelter at Wat Prok, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. The Mon are indigenous Burmese people, who have been brutalized by the ruling military regime of Burma (Myanmar, as the military government now refers to the country). Brother Beeching joins the Mon and other Burmese ethnic groups in demonstrating in front of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok, helps them secure visas and passports, and assists them in getting supplies to some of the refugee camps along the Burmese/Thai border. He writes: "Despite differences in belief, these fellow refugees and I have grown through the experience of service as a shared sense of community. Together we break the bread of compassion. Together we sit in silence trying to be present to the gift of the moment, and are drawn ever deeper into the ineffable mystery of God." Prior to Bangkok, Brother John served first in Chile and then in the Middle East, working in Egypt, Yemen and Lebanon. In war-ravaged Beirut he experienced numerous narrow escapes with mortar attacks and terrorist bombings. It was also a time when he became involved in interfaith dialogue, an interest that has grown within the old walls of Wat Prok, Thailand. For him, Christian love and Buddhist compassion comprise the same call to action. "Buddhists say you are a brother to the mosquito you slapped on your wrist. The tree, the water-it's all part of what is happening in you. It's a brotherhood that embraces all life."