Catholic Forum

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from TheDialog.org, we talk with D. P. Curtin, Ph.D., the leader of The Scriptorium Project, a unique patristic (the branch of Christian theology that deals with the lives, writings, and doctrines of the early Christian theologians) organization. D. P. (or Dermot) has translated over 600 texts relating to the development of the Western World between the 5th and 15th centuries. We learn a lot from this expert antiquarian (a person who studies or collects antiques or antiquities) who has been (at least once) called the "Indiana Jones of ancient texts." Apologies for being so parenthetical (relating to or inserted as a parenthesis.) You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Please like, share and subscribe. 

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and a cut from John Michael Talbot's Table of Plenty album, we talk to the most prolific and beloved Catholic author of our time, Dr. Peter Kreeft. A professor of philosophy at Boston College and The King's College, he is a convert to Catholicism, and author of over eighty books on Christian philosophy, theology and apologetics. In his latest book - his autobiography - titled "From Calvinist to Catholic," Dr. Kreeft tells readers his own story, including the encounters, people, and ideas that led him to the Catholic Church as a young man. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk to Louisiana-based author, attorney and theologian, Scott L. Smith, Jr., about his latest book, "Near-Death Experiences." Catholic saints and mystics have been having near-death and out-of-body experiences for thousands of years, yet Scott's book is the first to approach this fascinating subject from a Catholic/biblical point of view. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Listen to Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or Amazon Music podcasts or every Saturday afternoon at 1:30 on Relevant Radio 640. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like and subscribe.

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this edition of Catholic Forum, after a news brief from The Dialog, we talk to Francis Pileggi, local attorney and past-president of the Wilmington Chapter of Legatus. We learn how this organization, founded by the one-time owner of Domino Pizza, is helping CEOs across the country and in our area, to connect with God and remain faithful Catholics while succeeding in the secular world of big business. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel, YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm.  Catholic Forum is a production of the Diocese of Wilmington's Office of Communications. Please like, share and subscribe.

On this episode or Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk with Brooke Joiner, Co-founder and CEO of Catholic Owned. She tells us why she started this Catholic business app, who can be listed, and why over 10,000 people are happily using Catholic Owned. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel, YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm.  Follow us at Facebook.com/CatholicForum. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like and subscribe.

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we share highlights from the May 17, 2025 priestly ordination of Father Dennis J. Stameza. We will hear Father Norm Carroll ask Bishop Koenig to ordain Deacon Dennis, the bishop's powerful homily, and witness Father Stameza's promises to the Bishop and the Church. You can see this beautiful ordination in its entirety at YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe. 

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we will hear three of the students winners from the 2025 Delaware Knights of Columbus Jerry Dawson Memorial Vocations Essay Contest, read their essays. First up is 7th grader Katelyn McLaughlin from St. Anthony of Padua school; then we hear 8th grader, from the St. Ann Parish Religious Education Program, Cecilia DePalma; then we finish up with St. Mary Magdalen School 8th grader, Catalina Vranic. We congratulate all the winners and thank all who participated. Catholic Forum is a production of the Diocese of Wilmington's Office of Communication. 

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

Recently, it was announced that the Daughters of Charity are leaving ministry at the Cathedral of St. Peter. On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from TheDialog.org, we speak with Sister JoAnne Goecke, DC and Sister Mary Ellen Thomas, DC, two Daughters of Charity who live at the Cathedral of St. Peter Convent. Sister JoAnne teaches religion and is the librarian at the Cathedral of St. Peter School. Sister Mary Ellen works at the Saint Patrick Center offering services to the elderly and poor on Wilmington's East Side. The Sisters tell us about the founding of the Daughters of Charity by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, how the Daughters came to Wilmington 195 years ago and about their work at the School and Center. All are invited to a Mass in celebration of the Daughters of Charity on May 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter. The Mass will be live-streamed on the Diocese of Wilmington YouTube channel, where you can also see a video of thie interview. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, subscribe and share.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from TheDialog.org and a cut from the More Than 50 Most Loved Hymns CD, the Most Reverend William E. Koenig, Bishop of Wilmington, looks back at the life and legacy of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The bishop discusses key elements of his papacy, how his Jesuit foundation helped to form him, and what Catholics can do as we wait for a new pope to be elected. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm.  Catholic Forum is a production of the Diocese of Wilmington Office of Communication. Follow us at Facebook.com/CatholicForum. Please, like, subscribe and share.

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

PLEASE NOTE: This Catholic Forum interview was recorded before the passing of Pope Francis and the announcement that Blessed Carlo Acutis' canonization had been delayed until a later date. On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and a cut from the More Than 50 Most Loved Hymns CD, we talk with Mr. Dan Pin, Director of the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry for the Diocese of Wilmington. Dan tells us about Carlo Acutis, a young man who was born in 1991 and died of leukemia at the age of 15 and will be re-scheduled for canonization shortly. Dan tells us how Carlo's dedication to the Eucharist lead him to create the first online directory of Eucharistic miracles. Listen to Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Amazon Music podcasts or Saturday afternoons at 1:30 on Relevant Radio 640. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and several tunes from the Catholic Treasures CD, we will hear the Most Reverend William E. Koenig's annual Easter message. Have a blessed Holy Week and Easter.

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, as we get ready for Reconciliation Monday in our diocese on April 14, 2025, we talk with two Daughters of Saint Paul, Sister Orianne Pietra Rene Dyck, FSP, and Sister Allison Regina Gliot, FSP about their book, "Forgiven - A Guide to Confession and the Examen Prayer." This book explains that the sacrament of Confession is a healing and life-giving encounter with Jesus. Written especially for teens and young adults - but great for people of all ages - "Forgiven" includes a guide to help you prepare for Confession, practical tips for going to Confession, a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during the sacrament, popular questions and answers, and an introduction to the examen prayer to help you grow in virtue and recognize God at work in your life. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel, YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Please like and subscribe.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk to Scott Weeman, founder of Catholic in Recovery. He shares his story, how CIR came about, how CIR is giving hope to those who suffer from a myriad of addictions, and previews the women's retreat taking place April 11 - 13 2025 in Malvern, PA. For more information, visit CatholicinRecovery.com. See a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - Youtube.com/DioceseofWilm.  Please like and subscribe.

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk with Australian journalist, Tess Livingstone, about her new biography titled, "George Cardinal Pell: Pax Invictus." We learn about the Cardinal's early life as an athlete, his calling to the priesthood, his rise to become the leader of two Australian archdioceses, his term as a Vatican official and his conviction and imprisonment due to false charges of minor abuse. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like and subscribe.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and a cut from the CD, More Than Fifty Most Loved Hymns, we talk to media personality, author and travel expert, Teresa Tomeo, about her new book, "Italy's Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces, Fascinating Places, and Destinations Off the Beaten Path," Published by EWTN Publishing. Available now at the EWTN Religious Catalogue. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Follow us at Facebook.com/CatholicForum. 

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we learn about the life and heroic death of Brother James Miller, FSC, a Christian Brother who was gunned down by the Guatemalan death squad in 1982. First we talk with Father Alan Guanella, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, a canon lawyer and expert on Blessed James Miller and his cause for canonization. Our second guest is Brother Francis Carr, FSC, a classmate of Blessed James Miller during their formation. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - Youtube.com/DioceseofWilm.  Follow us at Facebook.com/CatholicForum. Please like and subscribe.

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and a cut from More Than 50 Most Loved Hymns, we dive into some of the fascinating and overlooked aspects of the Catholic faith with the author of "Weird Catholic Handbook," Michael Lichens. This book explores the peculiar and intriguing elements of Catholic history, offering a refreshing perspective on the faith that combines humor, curiosity, and profound insights. Michael tells us about monsters, ghosts, miracles and more. See an video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel, YouTube.com/Catholic Forum. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update by Joe Owens, editor of The Dialog and a song from the album, More Than 50 Most Loved Hymns, we discuss assisted suicide with Jessica Rodgers, Coalitions Director for the Patients' Rights Action Fund. With assisted suicide bills once again introduced in both the Delaware and Maryland legislature, we put aside religious objections and take a secular look at assisted suicide and its effects on our community, our most vulnerable neighbors and medical professionals.  You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Click here. Listen to Catholic Forum in its entirety on Saturday afternoons at 1:30 on Relevant Radio 640 or anytime on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or Amazon Music Podcasts. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. 

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and a cut from the Catholic Treasures album, we talk with the founder and leader of the Saint John Institute, Father Nathan Cromly, about his new book, "Coached by Paul the Apostle: Lessons in Transformation." Is there a better coach than St. Paul? Father shares why following St. Paul's example can make us brave, strong Christian leaders. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.comDioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please, Like, Share and Subscribe and follow us at Facebook.com/CatholicForum. 

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a new update from Joe Owens of The Dialog, we are joined by Diocese of Wilmington Archivist, Susan Kirk Ryan. Susan tells us about the important work of a diocesan archives and shares some of the remarkable documents and items that make up the Diocese of Wilmington's collection. We will see the Vatican document that established the Diocese of Wilmington in 1868, a beautiful pectoral cross from one of our past bishops, a hand-written note from Saint Mother Teresa and more. You can see a video of this interview, including the historic items from our archives, on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm.  Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like and share.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a update from The Dialog, we talk to Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, author of the new book, "Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation." A popular Catholic podcaster, speaker and author; Sister Josephine tells how her book will help guide you through Lent to a more meaningful and joyful Easter. You can watch a video or this Catholic Forum interview at YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Like or follow us here and at Facebook.com/CatholicForum. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington.

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and a song from the More Than 50 Most Loved Hymns CD, we learn about natural family planning with Dr. Stephanie Kafie, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Totally Yours Family Medicine. With a passion for women's health and natural family planning, Dr. Kafie started Totally Yours Family Medicine to bring evidence-based medical care to Ontario residents. Her book is titled "Totally Yours: The Catholic Natural Family Planning Handbook” a down-to earth and practical book that uses real-life stories and experiences of over twenty couples to demystify natural family planning. Dr. Kafie also weighs in on the topic of physician assisted suicide. You can see a video of the interview with Dr. Kafie on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, subscribe and share.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, author Leisa Marie Carzon, Ph.d., discusses her new book, "Sister, Soldier, Surgeon: The Life and Courage of Sister Deirdre Byrne, M.D." Sister DeDe, as she is affectionately called, still minsters to the needs of her Washington, D.C. neighborhood offering chemical abortion reversals and other services to the needy of her community. This dauntless pro-life advocate is a member of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts community, is double board-certified in family medicine and general surgery, and retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel after served for 29 years. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel, youtube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Diocese of Wilmington's Office of Communications. Please like, subscribe and share.

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we learn about Catholic Charities' Marydale Retirement Village in Newark, Delaware. Catholic Charities' Stephanie Kelton talks with Esther Lovlie, Marydale Program Manager and Elizabeth Campbell, Marydale resident. Who can qualify to live at Marydale and what makes this community off of Salem Church Road so special? We will find out with Esther and Elizabeth. You can see a video of this interview that contains additional footage on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Diocese of Wilmington's Office of Communications. Please like, comment and follow!  

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we meet Father Sylvester Obumneme, Associate Pastor at St. Luke/St. Andrew Parish in Ocean City, Maryland. Father tells us about his home community in Nigeria and how their amazing faith, along with his family and pastor, helped encourage his vocation to the priesthood. He tells us how his journey from Nigeria to Switzerland to Italy lead him to Maryland's world-famous resort town and how the people of Ocean City are making him feel welcome. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel -  YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. Please like and follow!

Happy New Year! On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk with Deacon Bill White from the Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota. Deacon Bill is the diocesan posttulator for the cause for canonization of Nicholas Black Elk (1863 - 1950). Nicholas was an Oglala Lakota medicine man who fought with his cousin, Crazy Horse, at the Battle of Little Bighorn and survived the Wounded Knee Massacre. In the early 20th century, he converted to Catholicism and was baptized. For many years he served as a catechist to the Native People. He may be the first Native American man to be a canonized saint in the Catholic Church. We learn about him when Deacon Bill White is our guest today on Catholic Forum. You can see the interview with Deacon on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm.   

On this episode of Catholic Forum, we talk with Father Cyrille Ulrich Migyigbena, a priest of Cotonou Archdiocese in Benin Republic in West Africa and Director of the International Catholic School of Prayer and Evangelization, "Jeunesse Bonheur." This school provides a one-year program for youth and young adults focusing on prayer, formation, communion and joyful evangelization. Father is joined by local supporter, Jocelyne Guidi.  Joe Owens has the week off, but you can find current Catholic news for Delaware, Maryland;s Eastern Shore and beyond at TheDialog.org. You can see a video of this interview, here.  Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington.

Merry Christmas! On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we will present Bishop William Koenig's annual Christmas message to the people of the Diocese of Wilmington and some beautiful Christmas hymns from John Michael Talbot's The Birth of Jesus CD and The Glorious Sounds of Christmas CD by the Philadelphia Orchestra under the direction of Eugene Ormandy and the Temple University Concert Choir. 

On this Catholic Forum podcast, after a news update from the pages of The Dialog and a beautiful Advent song from Beth Neilsen Chapman's "Hymns" CD, we talk with author and teacher, Steffani Aquila, about her new book, "Festive Faith: Catholic Celebrations Through the Year and Around the World." In it, Steffani tells us how to live liturgically and bring Catholic customs to our homes and parishes, especially during Advent and Christmas. Order the book at AveMariaPress.com, use the code AQUILA20 and get your copy for only $20! You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Diocese of Wilmington's Office of Communications. Please like and subscribe!

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after Joe Owens gives us a news update from The Dialog, talented singer/songwriter, Marie Miller, talks about her music and the journey that brought her to "The Way of Love," music inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux. Marie gives an exclusive preformance of the "The Way of Love" and discusses the concert presentation that is inspiring audiences around the country. You will also hear a BONUS TRACK; the song "Woman" that honors three important women from the New Testament. Learn more about Marie, sample more of her music, and find out how you can schedule a presentation at your parish or school, visit www.MarieMillerMusic.com.  See a video of this interview (minus the bonus track) on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube Channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. 

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news Update from The Dialog, we talk with Dana Nygaard, LPC, psychotherapist, relationship coach, author and national speaker. Dana has created, "Be Smart. Date Smart," a new initiative to help guide Catholic women through dating with confidence and clarity. What red flags should women be on the lookout for? Why does it seem that some women are always attracting the wrong men? What are attachment styles and how do they impact relationships? We find out from Dana Nygaard. You can see a video of Bob Krebs' interview with Dana on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm.  Please like and Share!

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk with Heather Khym, author of "Encountering Emmanuel: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation." Heather Khym is the cohost of the internationally popular Abiding Together podcast and the author of Abide. She and her husband, Jake, are the cofounders of Life Restoration Ministries, where she serves as director of vision and ministry of the British Columbia–based apostolate. She also serves as director of the Celtic Cross Foundation. Heather has more than twenty-five years of experience as a speaker and retreat leader offering workshops and conferences in the United States and Canada. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she studied theology and catechetics. She lives with her husband and three children in British Columbia, Canada. You can see a video of Bob's interview with Heather on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Please like and subscribe. 

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after Joe Owens gives us a news update from The Dialog, we talk with popular Catholic speaker and best-selling author, Gary Zimak, about his new book, "Find Peace in Advent: 4 Weeks to Worrying Less at Christmas," from Ave Maria Press. Gary tells how to step away from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season and use Advent as a time to grow closer to Jesus. You can hear see an interview of Bob's interview with Gary on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. 

“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.

On this edition of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk with Archduke Eduard Habsburg, Hungary's ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta, about his latest book, "Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World: Habsburg Lessons from the Centuries." As a father of six and now a grandfather, the Archduke of Austria shares his own experiences and recipes for a wholesome family life, bolstered by 850 years of Habsburg family history. You can see an interview of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube page.

On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we meet Bonnie Taylor and Louise Pfarr volunteers from St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Lewes, Delaware. They have started a Stephen Ministry at their parish to accompany those in the Lewes area who are having a rough time due to the loss of a loved one, or other unexpected crisis and may need someone to talk with. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Like or follow us at Facebook.com/CatholicForum.