Love & Speak the Truth

This week on Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda welcomes Janet Palafox, IBVM, NGO representative to the United Nations, for an enlightening discussion on social justice, poverty and global disparities. Together, they unpack the historical and systemic roots of poverty, exploring how colonization and enslavement have shaped the modern world. Janet introduces the concept of reparations, framing it as a necessary repayment for exploitation rather than a charitable act. She offers a fresh perspective on how global development has disproportionately benefited the Global North at the expense of the Global South. The episode concludes with an introspective discussion on the role of religious advocates at the UN and their potential to influence meaningful change in addressing these pressing issues. Enter this powerful and reflective conversation!

Join Sister B in this episode of Love & Speak the Truth as she welcomes Father Anthony Taschetta, lovingly known as Fr. Tony. After retiring in 2014, Fr. Tony now says mass at various churches in the western suburbs of Chicago including Our Lady of the Angels Chapel within the Wheaton Franciscan community. With decades of experience as a Roman Catholic priest, Father Tony shares his heartfelt wisdom on preaching, emphasizing his role as a conduit for the message of faith. He shares personal anecdotes about his adopted children and grandchildren, showcasing the deep connection between faith and family. In navigating today's challenges, Father Tony encourages listeners to seek comfort and strength in the divine presence within. His reflections provide a refreshing perspective on faith in an often tumultuous world.

In this episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda is joined by Annette Haseneder, Congregation of Jesus (CJ) formation consultant and a proud alumna of a Mary Ward school in Munich Nymphenburg, Germany. Annette shares her inspiring journey from a boarding school student to an advocate for Mary Ward's enduring legacy. She reflects on how the all-female environment of her school nurtured boldness and freedom, empowering young women to embrace their voices and passions. A fusion of past and present, a 17th century woman in the modern world, Annette becomes a living testament to Mary Ward's vision and values. We delve into Mary Ward's visionary approach, particularly her groundbreaking belief in women that positions her as a key figure in feminist history. Annette passionately discusses how these lessons remain profoundly relevant in today's world. Join us to discover just why, “Women in time (indeed) will do much!”  

This week on Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda sits down with Trish Cassidy, a seasoned healthcare strategist and administrator for a thought-provoking conversation about the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare. Trish sheds light on the industry's most pressing challenges—rising technological demands, increasing expectations and financial pressures—and their unintended impact on the human side of care. With heartfelt insights, Trish advocates for a return to patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of compassion, connection and establishing a baseline of preventative care services. Don't miss out on this powerful and inspiring discussion encompassing navigating change while staying true to the fundamental mission of healthcare: caring for people. Listen and learn!  

On Love & Speak the Truth, Sister Brenda leads a thought-provoking conversation with Pauline Little, Dave Schmitz, and John Dimucci about the tangled realities of immigration, justice, and diversity in today's world. With Pauline and John grounding their perspectives in Catholic teachings and Dave bringing insights from management consulting, they explore the tensions between equity and merit, the ups and downs of diversity efforts, and the fears that hold society back. There are no easy answers—just an honest attempt to understand one another and navigate these complex issues together.

This week on Love & Speak the Truth, Dr. Khalilah Gates explores the nuanced concept of "wokeness," unpacking its societal significance and its intersection with race, gender, religion, and ethnicity. Taking a positive and inclusive approach, Dr. Gates tackles the complex issue of gentrification, focusing on its effects through the lens of Chicago's west side. She highlights the transformation of communities and emphasizes the critical role of patience, kindness, and enduring love in fostering harmony. Dr. Gates dispels the misconception that wokeness contradicts these values, instead advocating for mutual respect, understanding, and open communication as vital tools for peaceful coexistence amidst change. You will wake up to the realization that we have been here before. Don't miss out on this authentic conversation of truth, hope, resilience and real-time honest “wokeness.”  

In this contemplative episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda engages in a heartfelt conversation with Fr. John Dardis, a Jesuit ministering in Rome, about the transformative roles of discernment and prayer in our lives. Drawing on his personal journey and leadership experience with the Society of Jesus, Fr. Dardis shares powerful insights on putting aside biases, embracing openness and truly listening to one another. His reflections on spiritual conversations and thoughtful decision-making offer timely wisdom and guidance for navigating today's divisive world. Listen now, for an inspiring discussion that invites us all to seek deeper connections with faith, love and one another.

In this vibrant episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda is joined by the dynamic and inspiring Paula Marr, a trailblazing bass player, percussionist and music enthusiast who has dedicated her life to spreading joy through music and laughter. From discovering her father's old drum set to forming an electrifying all-girl band, The PriSSillas, Paula shares her remarkable journey of defying societal norms and embracing her passions. Join us as we delve into Paula's story—a testament to courage, creativity and the power of following your heart. Her journey will encourage you to face your fears, celebrate your unique talents and connect with others through the universal language of music. 

In this powerful episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda sits down with Natalie Rivera (they, them) to explore the intersections of their cultural heritage, personal identity and faith. Natalie shares their deeply personal story of growing up in a biracially diverse family and the ways their unique background shaped her perspective of the world. She speaks candidly about her experiences being raised in the Catholic faith and attending Catholic school, where navigating an environment less accepting of her black, queer (LGBTQ+) identity posed significant challenges. Through these struggles and personal healing, Natalie discovered the importance of self-care, embracing their true, authentic self, reframing and challenging their thoughts and belonging to a supportive community. You won't want to miss Sr. Brenda and Natalie for a therapeutic and empowering conversation about resilience, self-discovery and beauty found in life's grey areas.

In this inspiring episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. “B” is joined by Sr. “Bea.” Sr. Brenda welcomes Sr. Beatrice Hernandez, OSF, as she shares her profound wisdom as a physician and a justice advocate. Reflecting on her experiences during the AIDS pandemic and ministry, Sr. Bea highlights the transformative power of accurate information, kindness and compassion when dispelling myths, combating discrimination and fostering unity. She emphasizes the vital role of consciousness and identifying one's biases in order to bridge divides and create connections. Tune in to discover how the courage to speak, the courage to listen and the courage to move toward those on the margins can pave the way for greater understanding and unity in our world today.

In this thought-provoking episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda chats with Dr. Jillian Scherer who explores the need for deeper understanding and a slower pace in today's fast-moving, divided society. She discusses how the culture of immediacy and the lack of genuine connection have created barriers, advocating for patience, listening and inclusion as key steps toward healing and unity. Dr. Scherer shares her unique journey as both a practitioner of 'slow medicine' and a lay minister, blending her medical expertise with her faith to care for the whole person. Join us as she inspires us to prioritize understanding others over being understood and to create a culture of compassion as wide and welcoming as Jesus' embrace, WWJD!

This week on Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda changes the pace welcoming, not one, but three guests, the Trinity Sisters, Jean Okroi, IBVM, Johanna Schulenburg, CJ and Mary Theresa Kane, IBVM for a conversation about the viability of religious life in a rapidly evolving world. Drawing from their experiences across different parts of the globe, they discuss the challenges posed by war, poverty and homelessness. Together, they explore themes of hope, resilience and compassion. Each reflects on the profound significance of the CJ's and IBVM's “Becoming One” and their Mary Ward-driven mission of, “going where the need is greatest.” Tune in for three times the joy!

This week on Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda chats with Noelle Corscadden, IBVM, (former Institute Leader) about the surprising and transformative experiences that shaped her leadership journey. Reflecting on their eight years in Rome and the unifying mission of "Becoming One" with the Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus (CJ), Noelle reveals how her varied life experiences prepared her for each role she took on. From her Irish upbringing to her impactful inter-congregational mission in the refugee camp in Tanzania to her current mission in South Sudan, Noelle's journey beautifully embodies Mary Ward's charism and the profound power of embracing the unexpected. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about faith, leadership and the courage to say, “yes.”

This week on Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda engages in an insightful conversation with Heidi Cerneka about faith, justice and the courage it takes to act on your convictions. Heidi shares riveting stories from her work in Belize, Brazil, Kenya and along the US-Mexico border, offering a firsthand look at the challenges and triumphs of serving marginalized communities.Through her journey, Heidi explores the transformative role of faith, the importance of recognizing privilege and the courage required to follow your inner compass toward justice. This heartfelt discussion will challenge you to reflect on your own impact and inspire you to contribute to a more compassionate and equitable world. Listen now to this transformative episode!

In this episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sister Brenda welcomes Marianne Solorio, director of Mary Ward Center. Located in South Chicago, the center provides a range of educational services for immigrants and local residents. Marianne recounts her personal journey from the corporate world to community service, highlighting the transformative impact of the center's programs on individuals' lives. She discusses the challenges faced by recent migrants and the center's mission to offer not just education but a sense of family and belonging, fostering empowerment along the way.

In this episode, Sister Brenda talks with Sister Xiomara Mendez Hernandez, an Adrian Dominican sister who advocates for  the marginalized and voiceless. Sister Xiomara serves as the executive director of the Dominican Sisters Conference in the United States, where she brings together the voices of Dominican sisters and coordinates collaboration for a better world. She also delves into the impact of religious women, their efforts in promoting justice and peace, and their work in advocating for immigrants and addressing social concerns such as climate change. It emphasizes the need for unity and inclusivity among sisters to create a ripple effect of love and change.

In this episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sister B and her guest Sister Cecilia O'Dwyer delve into the world of the JPIC. Sister Cecilia, a dedicated advocate for justice and inclusivity, shares about her journey from Madrid to the United Nations and her involvement in various initiatives. She discusses the interconnectedness of spirituality and activism, emphasizing the importance of deep listening and understanding in fostering positive change. Sister Cecilia highlights the need for leaders to recognize the vulnerabilities of different communities and cultures, to promote unity, and to seek truth in a world that is constantly evolving. She also shares her personal truth of being a seeker on the way to truth and the transformative power of continuous love.

In this episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sister Brenda and her guest, Dr Katrina Wright, delve into Katrina's life as a Nephrologist and the lessons she has learned from her patients. They discuss the importance of love, authenticity and self-care in navigating struggles and sharing vulnerabilities with compassion. Katrina emphasizes the holistic approach to life, where the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects are intertwined. The conversation highlights the significance of loving oneself as a necessary foundation for loving others and God. The episode concludes with a reflection on finding strength and healing through the power of love, and the transformative potential it holds in overcoming life's hardships.

In this episode, Sister Brenda engages in a conversation with Father Tom McQuaid, a great preacher, mentor and role model. They delve into the human experience through the lens of wisdom-sharing and faith. Father Tom shares his vocation story and reflects on the changes and challenges in the church over the years. He emphasizes the importance of serving the marginalized, learning from the poor and being bold and honest in expressing one's perspective. The podcast also addresses the sensitive issue of priest abuse and the institutional secrecy that has perpetuated it. Father Tom advocates for greater inclusion and leadership roles for women in the church and urges younger priests to see women as equal partners. The conversation concludes with Father Tom's guiding truth of living justly, loving tenderly, and walking humbly with God.

The Relevance of Religious Life with a True Mary Ward Woman Gemma Simmonds, CJIn this episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sister Brenda engages in a deep conversation with Sister Gemma Simmons, CJ. Sister Gemma reflects on her upbringing in a diverse and faith-focused family. She recalls her time at a Mary Ward school and the impact of the sisters' freedom and inclusivity on her young mind. They discuss the relevance of religious life today and the great issues facing religious communities, such as consumerism and the call to love and serve others. Sister Gemma emphasizes the importance of being attentive listeners, creating spaces for others to live life to the fullest and building bridges in a divided world. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the journey towards unity as one Institute, inspired by the dying wish of Mary Ward.

This episode of Love & Speak the Truth features a heartfelt conversation with Therese Barbato, a mother, wife, actor and seeker. The discussion explores the human experience and delves into topics such as love, loss, grief and the journey of motherhood. Therese shares her profound insights on how she has navigated the challenges of parenting and the grief of losing her parents. The conversation highlights the importance of living in the present moment, finding strength in the face of adversity and embracing the interconnectedness of life. The episode also touches on the concepts of the Paschal Mystery and the power of choice in shaping our perspective on life and love.

In this episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sister Brenda welcomes Sister Lorraine, a 92-year-old IBVM sister, who shares her perspective on love, faith and the changing world. Reflecting on her 74 years as a sister, she discusses the importance of respect and understanding society today as well as the need for compassion towards both people and the environment. Sister Lorraine also touches on the current political situation in the United States and the role of hope in navigating through dark times. She emphasizes the value of voting with integrity and bringing one's own values to the voting booth. With a lifelong commitment to serving others, Sister Lorraine encourages young people to be women of service and joy, reminding them of the importance of nurturing beauty while addressing brokenness in the world.