Podcasts about archbishop jose gomez

A visit to the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese gives the opportunity to enter a world envisioned by the L. A. Archbishop Jose Gomez, and Pope Francis just days after his passing. And how can we describe that vision? One way is to picture the great power of a Church with a following of five million across the expanse of Parishes in Southern California, dedicating this power to making a better life for all, Catholic and non-Catholic. The vision manifests itself clearly in the subject of this episode - the Archdiocese Office of Life, Justice and Peace. Michael Donaldson, Office Director, and Jeanette Gomez Senerviatne, Director of the Whole Person, are carrying forward all that Pope Francis and Archbishop Gomez would hope for. They are addressing the most pressing issues in every community they serve, giving voice to the voiceless, collaborating with and creating partnerships to bring supportive resources to individuals and families. Listen to how their programming acts as a showcase for good emanating from a global city like Los Angeles. At this time, as the three of us sat together in conversation, grateful for Pope Francis, we are dedicating the episode to him, and remembering the way he brought us to focus on the suffering while celebrating the joy of life. The Office of Life, Justice and Peace will continue developing projects and activities in that spirit. “Hope never disappoints”, is what he said in his last Easter message to the world. TO CONTACT: Mpdonaldson@la-archdiocese.org - for Michael Donaldson JSeneviratne@la-archdiocese.org - for Jeanette Seneviratne

This week in religion, Fred Bodimer reports on the Roman Catholic Church's historic $880 million settlement for over 1,300 child sex abuse victims in Los Angeles, the largest of its kind. With over 300 priests accused, the total settlements have now surpassed $1.5 billion. The settlement follows a new California law extending the statute of limitations and applying treble damages for cover-ups. Archbishop Jose Gomez expresses hope that the settlement will aid in healing for the victims.

Exclusive: L.A. Archbishop Jose Gomez' homily and Litany to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in reparation for the Dodgers' sacrilege; Cale's conversation with Cardinal Thomas Collins on this Feast, and more!

Today's Topics: 1)  Tempus Fugit, Memento Mori is a motto of the Knights of Columbus and is Latin for, "Time Flies, Remember Death."  After the murder of the Most Reverend David G. O'Connell, the Episcopal Vicar of the San Gabriel Pastoral Region in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Knights of Columbus hosted a novena for the repose of his soul.  Per the Spiritual Works of Mercy we are called to pray for both the living and the dead, 2)  Bishop David G. O'Connell joined the Knights of Columbus in the San Gabriel Valley Chapter.  He and his fellow Brother Knights participated in demonstrating their "Faith in Action" and prayed many a times at abortion facilities located throughout the San Gabriel Valley, 3)  Sir Knight Joe Corona, a Brother Knight who had an untimely death during the Covid pandemic, participated in many a good works with and for Bishop David G. O'Connell including organizing barbeques to honor the priests and deacons in the San Gabriel Pastoral Region.  As is the case with the Bishop, we Knights for the repose of the soul of Brother Knight Joe Corona, 4)  Immediately following the death of Bishop O'Connell, the month of March was filled with many spiritual  blessings for his region, the San Gabriel Valley.  It began with the "I Thirst" Eucharistic Revival at St. John Vianney in Hacienda Heights, CA.  Bishop David was to be the keynote speaker at this event which was held a block away from home.  The following weekend was the "I Thirst" Young Adult Eucharistic Revival at the Santiago Retreat Center in Silverado, CA, which is not far away from the Valley.  On the third weekend in March a Knights of Columbus Charity, Unity and Fraternity Exemplification was held in the Bishop's honor at St. Anthony Church in San Gabriel. On the final weekend in March was the Virgin Most Power Network's Spiritual Warfare Conference in Pomona, CA.  While this was happening a Eucharistic Procession with over 1,000 people took place from San Gabriel Mission to St. Luke Church in Temple City and back.  This was led by Archbishop Jose Gomez. https://www.spiritfilledevents.com/i-thirst-los-angeles https://www.spiritfilledevents.com/i-thirst-young-adults https://virginmostpowerfulradio.org/events/2023spiritualwarfareconference/ https://lacatholics.org/archdiocesan-eucharistic-procession-gallery/ Theme: "Salve Regina" performed by Floriani. All rights reserved. Used with permission. For more information please visit Floriani.org

Friends of the Rosary: This week, we celebrated Our Lady of Guadalupe. This feast highlights, as Archbishop Jose Gomez, said that “who we are, the dearest sons and daughters of God Our Lord.” We remember the words she addressed to St. Juan Diego: ‘Am I not here, I, who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and shelter? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms?' “When we look into her eyes, we experience the love she has for each one of us, for our families, the Church, and the society in which we live,” Archbishop Gomez said. “Mary of Guadalupe opens her arms with tenderness and compassion and embraces us all with motherly love.” Ave Maria! Jesus, I Trust In You! + Mikel A. | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • December 15, 2021, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

On "EWTN News Nightly" tonight: Exclusive polling by EWTN News and Real Clear Opinion Research is showing what Catholics in key battleground states are focused on, ahead of the midterm elections just 2 weeks away. White House and National Political Correspondent for Real Clear Politics, Susan Crabtree, White House Reporter for Real Clear Politics, Philip Wegmann and Executive Editor and Washington Bureau Chief for EWTN News, Dr. Matthew Bunson, join to discuss the results of the latest poll. Vice President Kamala Harris has been flying around the country leading what the administration calls a "conversation on reproductive rights." At the University of New Mexico, Vice President Harris held another pro-abortion event. Meanwhile, California voters will soon decide on a measure that could remove all restrictions on abortion in the state. The state's existing laws restrict abortion after 24 weeks, or the age of viability, but advocates of Proposition 1 hold that's not enough. Archbishop Jose Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, joins to share his concerns about Proposition 1. Finally this evening, Pope Francis reminds the faithful that "peace is at the heart of religions." This afternoon, the Holy Father went to the Colosseum to pray for peace in Ukraine, together with representatives of Christian churches and communities. Rome Correspondent Colm Flynn joins to share what the Pope said. Don't miss out on the latest news and analysis from a Catholic perspective. Get EWTN News Nightly delivered to your email: https://ewtn.com/enn

Welcome to The Endow Podcast! This podcast is a forum for women to foster conversations about the intellectual life and intentional community for the cultivation of the feminine genius.On this episode, Simone Rizkallah, Director of Program Growth, interviews Sister Marie Andre on Archbishop Jose Gomez's pastoral letter "For Greater Things You Were Born" which is a quotation from Mother Luisita, founder of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. You can read Archbishop's letter "For Greater Things You Were Born" by visiting: https://archbishopgomez.org/blog/for-greater-things-you-were-bornSister Marie Andre is a Carmelite Sister of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles.  She has been with her Community since 2008, making her perpetual vows on January 13, 2019.  She hails from Atlanta, Georgia where her family currently resides.  She studied and worked professionally for a few years before discerning and entering religious life.  Sister currently serves as the Retreat Directress at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra. To learn more about the Carmelites or to register for a Made For Greater Retreat, visit:https://sacredheartretreathouse.com/made-for-greater-retreats/Support the Endow PodcastWhat's on your mind and heart? Let our host, Simone Rizkallah, know by connecting with her and The Endow Team on social media!Facebook at www.facebook.com/endowgroupsInstagram at www.instagram.com/endowgroupsWant to start your own Endow Group? Learn more by visiting our website at www.endowgroups.org or reach out to us at info@endowgroups.org. We look forward to serving you!

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - A Catholic charity announced this week that it would fund the restoration of a Ukrainian seminary looted by Russian forces. Aid to the Church in Need said on May 9 that it planned to cover the costs of building repairs and replacing stolen furniture and equipment at the Catholic seminary in Vorzel, 18 miles from the capital Kyiv. Priests and students evacuated the seminary after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. They found refuge in a neighboring diocese. The pontifical foundation's support should enable the Major Theological Seminary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to reopen in September, seven months after 25 seminarians were forced to flee the Russian advance in northern Ukraine. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251199/ukraine-war-catholic-charity-to-fund-restoration-of-looted-seminary In response to threats of violence from pro-abortion activists, the US bishops' conference is inviting Catholics around the country to join in fasting and praying the rosary on Friday, May 13, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the conference, urged Catholics to pray for the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who advocate for abortion, as well as for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Those in favor of legal abortion have staged demonstrations following the May 2 revelation of a leaked draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court, suggesting that the court is poised to overturn Roe v Wade and Planned Parenthood v Casey. If the court's final ruling does overturn Roe and Casey, the question of abortion legalization will return to the states, and more than a dozen states will largely curtail abortion, or outlaw it altogether. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251196/us-bishops-urge-fasting-and-prayer-in-response-to-pro-abortion-threats Breaking: Cardinal Joseph Zen has been arrested by the authorities in Hong Kong, according to local media reports. The 90-year-old former Catholic bishop of Hong Kong was reportedly detained on May 11 in his role as a trustee of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, a now disbanded group which helped pro-democracy protesters to pay their legal fees. Zen, who stood down as Hong Kong's Catholic bishop in 2009, is an outspoken supporter of the pro-democracy movement. Visit catholic news agency dot com for the latest on this story. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251201/report-former-hong-kong-bishop-cardinal-zen-arrested Today, the Church celebrates Saint Ignatius of Laconi, a Capuchin Friar known for his hard work and piety. He was particularly well loved by the poor and by children, and was often given alms by those who barely had anything to give. He refused them from the very poor, saying that it was better for them to keep it for themselves. He tended to the sick and to street children everyday on his rounds through town, and many miracles of healing were said to have occurred through his intercession. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-ignatius-of-laconi-457

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - The province of Quebec in Canada now requires citizens to show a COVID-19 vaccine passport to attend religious services. Bishops in the province have said they accept the requirement for now, but will continue to petition the government to end it. The vaccine passport system involves an electronic record that allows vaccinated individuals to access certain places or activities. It has been in place since September of last year. The archbishops of Los Angeles and Cincinnati have announced a friendly wager, ahead of the Super Bowl this Sunday. If the Los Angeles Rams lose, Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles will send baked goods to Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati. If the Cincinnati Bengals lose, Schnurr will send Gomez a crate of locally-made ice cream. The archbishops are also donating money to support their Catholic schools. The pope will make a two-day visit to Malta in April. The Archdiocese of Malta confirmed the visit this week. The visit is expected to include a stop at an immigration reception center for migrants from Africa. Today is the feast of Saint Scholastica, a nun who was the twin sister of Saint Benedict.

Regular guest Dr. Jon Schaff returns to the show to unpack a new address given by Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the USCCB, titled, "Reflections on the Church and America's New Religions," in which he proposes that Marxist secular ideologies must primarily be understood in spiritual terms in their quest to displace Christianity and authentic cultural forms.  Jon and Chris walk through the underlying ideas at stake and the Christian answer.  Archbishop Gomez's full address can be found https://archbishopgomez.org/blog/reflections-on-the-church-and-americas-new-religions (here).  They also briefly discuss a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V727AcOoogQ&t=1255s (recent lecture )given by Alasdair MacIntyre on human dignity and justice.  Jon also mentions a Bishop Barron video on René Girard, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSzF2OG2ejI (here).

Regular guest Dr. Jon Schaff returns to the show to unpack a new address given by Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the USCCB, titled, “Reflections on the Church and America’s New Religions,” in which he proposes that Marxist secular ideologies must primarily be understood in spiritual terms in their quest Read more…

It's bishops week on Jesuitical! Ashley and Zac unpack several stories surrounding U.S. bishops in the news: Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Ky., Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, and Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago. That all leads into a conversation with Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport Connecticut, who unpacks his understanding of what Pope Francis is after in calling for a “synod on synods,” and more broadly, what it means to have a church that listens.  Links from the show:  Archbishop Gomez: The church must confront ‘woke' social justice movements that aim to ‘cancel' Christian beliefs Interview: Archbishop Cordileone on Biden, Pelosi, abortion and Pope Francis ‘The Church Must Be Political' Cardinal Cupich: Pope Francis' Latin Mass reforms are necessary to secure Vatican II's legacy What's on tap?  Southern Comfort Manhattans   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - The president of the US bishops made a passionate call for unity, in his address opening the bishops' annual spring meeting. Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles said that only a Church that is united can heal brokenness, and challenge injustices. US bishops are meeting virtually through Friday, to deliberate and vote on several agenda items, including approving of two causes of canonization, approving a pastoral statement on marriage ministry, and authorizing statements on Native American ministry and the Eucharist in the life of the Church. Two parishes in the Archdiocese of Vancouver were vandalized last weekend. Vandals wrote ‘release the records', and ‘killers', on the front door of one parish. At another, a pro-life memorial gravestone was knocked to the ground, while the stone on which it was standing has been broken. The incidents come shortly after the discovery of the remains of 215 indigenous children in unmarked graves at a Catholic-run residential school in Canada. A group of young Catholics in Spain have launched a campaign of prayer and fasting, leading up to the day when a euthanasia and assisted suicide law goes into effect in Spain. Spain's legislature passed a law legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide in March. The Vatican is partnering in an event that will bring together scientists and religious leaders, ahead of the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. The event will take place in October at the Vatican. It was organized by the British and Italian Embassies to the Holy See. The Holy See's secretary for Relations with States has said it is highly likely Pope Francis will attend the October meeting at the Vatican, given his commitment to the issue of climate change. Today is the feast of Saint Albert Chmielowski. The Polish saint founded the Albertine Brothers and Sisters, and he was among those who inspired the vocation of the future Pope John Paul the Second.

The MN Catholic Conference's Catholics at the Capitol event went entirely virtual, but we have the audio of Archbishop Jose Gomez's talk to share with you, offering some further guidance about how we can live faithfully as Catholics, agents of the kingdom of God in this moment.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 St. Paul urges us to pray for all in authority. Cale breaks this down and also shares Archbishop Jose Gomez's statement on the Inauguration of Joe Biden as 46th president of the United States. Joe in Canada asks, “how long after the crucifixion was it when the Assumption of the Blessed […]

In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 St. Paul urges us to pray for all in authority. Cale breaks this down and also shares Archbishop Jose Gomez’s statement on the Inauguration of Joe Biden as 46th president of the United States. Joe in Canada asks, “how long after the crucifixion was it when the Assumption of the Blessed […] All show notes at Why Should We Pray for Those in Authority? - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

In this program, Jim Grant. Retired Director and current Bishop's Liaison for Social Justice Ministry for the Diocese of Fresno shares some personal reflections on the recent election of Joseph R. Biden as the 46th President of the United States. To show that the Catholic Church (whose members in the U.S. voted in equal  numbers for Trump and Biden) understands that Biden is the President-Elect, Jim shared words from Pope Francis and Archbishop Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and current President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Biden looks forward to working with the Vatican "on issues such as caring for the marginalized and the poor, addressing the crisis of climate change, and welcoming and integrating immigrants and refugees into our communities". The Archbishop congratulated Biden and Harris, and reminded everyone that "democracy requires that all of us conduct ourselves as people of virtue and self-discipline...and that we treat each other with charity and civility...In closing, he asked the Blessed Virgin Mary to help us become "one nation under God, where the sanctity of every human life is defended and freedom of conscience and religion are guaranteed." (We are politically homeless, as Bishop McElroy reminded us recently as well)

On "EWTN News Nightly" tonight: The Vatican released it's long-anticipated report into former US Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. The more than 400-page document says a series of bishops, cardinals and popes downplayed or dismissed reports the McCarrick slept with seminarians. The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Jose Gomez, says the report "underscores the need for us to repent and grow in our commitment to serve the people of God." At the White House, President Donald Trump is not giving up the fight to win reelection. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump's actions, stating "He is declaring himself to be the winner of an election that he lost." Despite the controversy, Senate Republicans are backing up the president's right to take his time, while several media outlets have already declared Joe Biden the president-elect. Don't miss out on the latest news and analysis from a Catholic perspective. Get EWTN News Nightly delivered to your email: https://ewtn.com/enn

Welcome to the bonus episode for our series on the faith and the election. I read "Immigration and the Next America" by Archbishop Jose Gomez, and wanted to share some of his Christian-based, experienced-based, and reason-based thoughts on immigration. I really respect his thoughts on this. I have a little clarification from the previous episode and just a little thought on where the US is at currently, too!

In this podcast interview, Bill and I discuss the killing of George Floyd and the ensuing protests around our country and around the world. We approach these events from a Catholic perspective, taking into account the testimony of the Scriptures as well as statements from Pope Francis, Archbishop Gomez, and our own Bishop Kevin Vann. This Biblical and ecclesial approach offers a framework out of which Catholics can further discuss this topic and take appropriate action.We also speak about the reopening of our churches on the Feast of Corpus Christi this upcoming weekend. We look at issues such as the fear that some are having about returning to church and we discuss how to manage that fear, balancing our trust in God with the gifts He has given to us of wisdom, knowledge, understanding and insight.Full Statement from Pope Francis:https://n.pr/2Uxx4m2Full Statement from Archbishop Jose Gomez:https://bit.ly/2XTC7Q4Full Statement from Bishop Kevin Vann:https://bit.ly/3cWUNT4How do Catholics Respond to the Coronavirus?:https://bit.ly/3cMW676

Pope Francis spoke out on the police killing of George Floyd last week as protests against racism spread across the globe. This week on Inside the Vatican, veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell describes the protests in Europe and the change of heart some Europeans have had about racism in their countries. Pope Francis made his position on the death of George Floyd clear as he called two American bishops to thank them for speaking out against racism. One, Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, had been photographed kneeling with a Black Lives Matter sign; the other was Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. On the show, Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle unpack the pope’s statement that “we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.” The hosts also give an update on the recent arrest of one of the two Italian real estate brokers who profited from the Vatican’s controversial London real estate deal. Gerry explains what role Gianluigi Torzi, the broker who was arrested, played in the deal and what questions remain to be answered in the Vatican’s ongoing investigation. Links from the show: Pope Francis calls U.S. bishops to offer prayers amid George Floyd protests Pope Francis on the death of George Floyd: We cannot tolerate racism and claim to defend life Vatican arrests businessman in shady London real estate deal Podcast: The Vatican’s $200 million London real estate scandal, explained

Wed. May 6th-Hour 2. Msgr. Stuart Swetland on combating Malaise during this time. Highlight of USCCB Reconsecration with Archbishop Jose Gomez. Relevant Radio Vatican Correspondent Ashley Noronha on Pope Francis’ Wednesday message and Italy regulations loosening up on visiting families and it involves 4th counsins?? Glen’s Story Corner All show notes at Combatting Malaise, Italy regulations involving visiting families and 4th cousins??, Highlights of USCCB Reconsecration - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Your hosts Dr. Grazie Christie and Andrea Picciotti-Bayer are joined by Dr. Matthew Bunson, a senior contributor to EWTN and widely respected scholar, teacher, and commentator. They discuss the recent Synod on the Amazon, as well as the fall meeting of the US Catholic Bishops and what happened at the meeting. Dr. Bunson explains to our hosts what a synod is; the reasons why the Synod on the Amazon was called in the first place; priestly celibacy and questions about the possibility of married priests in the Amazon, and the next steps after the Synod; evangelization and the importance of not turning the Church into an “NGO;” moving the modern ecological movement into a Catholic ethos; the election of Archbishop Jose Gomez as President of the US bishops; and more. Helpful links: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112419.cfm https://www.ewtn.com/special-event/amazon-synod-13871 https://twitter.com/MattBunson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/i-just-wanted-to-be-a-priest-archbishop-gomez-elected-president-of-usccb-93833 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/amazon-synod-document-calls-for-married-priests-and-increased-roll-for-women-20862

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon recap the US bishops' meeting in Baltimore, including the election Archbishop Jose Gomez; evangelization; and the 'abortion debate.' Carl Bunderson joins for a game of "Yes or No." Shownotes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/i-just-wanted-to-be-a-priest-archbishop-gomez-elected-president-of-usccb-93833 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/we-need-to-become-an-evangelizing-church-says-new-usccb-vp-97069 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/bishop-barron-on-how-to-reach-out-to-the-nones-77274 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/ukrainian-archbishop-no-amount-of-world-progress-can-replace-friendship-15994 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/in-usccb-debate-chaput-defends-prioritizing-fight-against-abortion-47695 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-us-bishops-at-odds-over-abortion-and-the-francis-test-43775

New USCCB president, new dominican saint, ISIS kills Syrian priest, Chaldeans asked to fast, Diocese of Fairbanks no longer mission territory, Canadian receives Ratzinger prize.

Archbishop Jose Gomez and Bishop Robert Deeley talk about the US bishops’ meeting in Baltimore last week. Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon analyze the meeting. For more information: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/us-bishops-authorize-reporting-mechanism-for-episcopal-abuse-cases-89584 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/usccb-passes-three-measures-in-response-to-abuse-crisis-45731 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-job-begun-not-job-done-in-baltimore-99464

Dr. Chris and Fr. Andrew discuss a recent address by Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles on the topic of immigration The post https://www.sfcatholic.org/prc-episode-64-immigration-a-catholic-perspective/ (PRC Episode #64: Immigration: A Catholic Perspective) appeared first on https://www.sfcatholic.org (Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls).

**Today's host(s):** Scot Landry **Today's guest(s):** Fr. Roger Landry, executive editor of The Anchor, the newspaper of the Fall River diocese; and Gregory Tracy, managing editor of The Pilot, the newspaper of the Boston archdiocese * [The Anchor](http://www.anchornews.org) * [The Pilot](http://www.pilotcatholicnews.com) * Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot's and The Anchor's websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links. **Today's topics:** St. John Vianney; contraceptive mandate; immigrants' contributions to US; the Knights' new priorities; the new euthanasia push **Summary of today's show:** Gregory Tracy and Fr. Roger Landry join Scot to discuss the news of the week, including Houston's Cardinal DiNardo's statement on the proposed religious exemption from a federal contraception mandate; Archbishop Gomez's remarks on the contributions of Catholic immigrants to the US; the four new initiatives of the Knights of Columbus, including the purchase of the John Paul II Cultural Center; and Fr. Roger's editorial on euthanasia. **1st segment:** Scot welcomed Fr. Roger and Greg back to the show. Susan is off this week. Scot said today is an important day in the Church's calendar for priests because it is St. John Vianney's priest. He asked why the Church has singled out this one priest to be the patron saint of priest. Fr. Roger said he showed proper priestly priorities. When he went to Ars, France, it was dead spiritually and he prayed daily in his church for 10 years asking God to convert his people and spent 18 hours per day in the confessional. There was a lot of sin in his town when he arrived, but at the end people who came to Ars were amazed at the holiness of the people of Ars. He was not a gifted man in human measurement. He was kicked out of seminary three times for his academic deficiencies, but he shows that you don't have to be as smart as Pope John Paul to be a good priest. * [St John Vianney](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Vianney) Greg said St. John Vianney really came into his consciousness when his relic came to Boston. It was available for veneration and he saw many people come to visit with him during the Year of the Priest. He was a man of deep, fundamental faith, not necessarily learned or a scholar, but truly one who has inspired millions through his humble Christian life. Scot said he's like Tom Brady, nobody's first pick, but on his way to the Hall of Fame. Scot asked everyone to pray for all priests today. **2nd segment:** Scot said earlier this week, the Department of Health and human Services proposed a religious exemption for the mandate on all new health insurance plans to include coverage of contraception. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Houston said this exemption is way too narrow. For example, Catholic Charities would have to only employ Catholics and stop serving non-Catholics. * ["Cardinal criticizes contraceptive mandate, calls exemption too narrow," CNS, 8/3/11](http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103049.htm) * ["USCCB: HHS Mandate for Contraceptive and Abortifacient Drugs Violates Conscience Rights"](http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-154.shtml) * [Full text of Cardinal DiNardo's letter](http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/religious-liberty/upload/respect-for-rights-of-conscience-act-cardinal-dinardo-letter-to-congress-hr1179-07-22-11.pdf) Greg said this follows up recent coverage on this issue. As part of the new federal health mandate, "preventative" care must be provided free of charge and contraception is considered preventative care. Planned Parenthood has said there is an "epidemic" of unplanned pregnancy, but pregnancy is not a disease. HHS issued the regulations that include the abortifacient morning-after pill and sterilizations. Greg read the religious exemption in the regulations: >Employers "that: (1) has the inculcation of religious values as its purpose; (2) primarily employs persons who share its religious tenets; (3) primarily serves persons who share its religious tenets; and (4) is a nonprofit organization." This would not include Catholic schools, hospitals, and social service agencies. While HHS said the language is taken from existing state regulations, many state regulations simply don't cover health insurance plans provided by religious employers. Federal law does not provide the same exemption. Scot said the cardinal said Catholics aren't alone in objecting to these mandates. >Cardinal DiNardo added: “Catholics are not alone in conscientiously objecting to this mandate.  The drugs that Americans would be forced to subsidize under the new rule include Ella, which was approved by the FDA as an ‘emergency contraceptive' but can act like the abortion drug RU-486.  It can abort an established pregnancy weeks after conception.  The pro-life majority of Americans – Catholics and others – would be outraged to learn that their premiums must be used for this purpose.” >“HHS says the intent of its ‘preventive services' mandate is to help ‘stop health problems before they start,' said Cardinal DiNardo. “But pregnancy is not a disease, and children are not a ‘health problem' – they are the next generation of Americans.” >“It's now more vital than ever that Congress pass the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act to close the gaps in conscience protection in the new health care reform act, so employers and employees alike will have the freedom to choose health plans in accordance with their deeply held moral and religious beliefs.” Scot said one of his biggest concerns about the Obama universal healthcare plan was how sweeping the changes to health care would be. Fr. Roger said a big concern here is that it says that taxpayers need to pay for abortifacient pills, even before we talk about religious exemptions and conscientious objection. He said for a long time the strategy of the Church was too lax because it sought just exemptions for the Church rather than saying that the principle itself of violating the consciences of all Americans by forcing them to pay for abortifacients, contraceptives, and sterilization. They're forcing their immorality on all Americans. Are we going to stand up and say enough is enough. **3rd segment:** Scot said the Anchor this week has an article called "When children are immigrants" about a recent forum in the Fall River diocese to discuss the support of children who are immigrants, especially those born to undocumented parents. Fr. Roger said the issue of immigration policy is shown in relief when we look at how we treat the kids. He recalled an immigration raid in New Bedford a few years ago in which parents were rounded up and sent off to Texas while the kids were still in school. When first- and second-graders returned home, their parents and cousins and aunts and uncles were nowhere to be found and it was up to the Catholic churches to find and take care of these kids. Often these kids are exploited in the underground system they find themselves and they are denied full legal representation and advocacy in our government system. Scot said immigrants are too often dehumanized by those opposed to some kinds of immigration, especially when their own parents were themselves immigrants. Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles is himself an immigrant from Mexico and recently spoke on immigration. * ["Archbishop Gomez: immigrations helps recover Christian origins of America," CNA, 8/2/11](http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/archbishop-gomez-immigration-helps-recover-christian-origins-of-america/) Greg said the archbishop was speaking on the important role of Hispanic immigrants in the nation. He said we have a too-New England-centric view, but "long before the Boston Tea Party, Catholic missionaries were naming this countries rivers, mountains, and lakes for Catholic saints." Catholics were here for many decades before the first immigrants on the Eastern seaboard. Scot said he liked that Archbishop Gomez said: >While the New England-focused American history tells the story of “great men” like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and also of “great documents” like the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, it is not the entire story. >“When we forget our country's roots in the Hispanic-Catholic mission to the new world, we end up with distorted ideas about our national identity,” Archbishop Gomez said. “We end up with the idea that Americans are descended from only white Europeans and that our culture is based only on the individualism, work ethic and rule of law that we inherited from our Anglo-Protestant forebears.” >The “whole story” about America starts in the 1520s in Florida and in the 1540s in California. This story also centers on New Spain and teaches that “before this land had a name its inhabitants were being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Fr. Roger said Gomez has seen this firsthand and now presides over a church with more than 5 million immigrants. He is thrilled that the archbishop has become a spokesman for the entire Church on immigration and becoming a voice for the voiceless on this issue. He agrees that the notion of our history is too New England-centric. >The archbishop said that although America was founded by Christians, it has become home to “an amazing diversity” of cultures and religions that flourishes “precisely because our nation's founders had a Christian vision of the human person, freedom and truth.” >But America is changing because of globalization, threats from abroad, and internal cultural forces. >“We have an elite culture — in government, the media and academia — that is openly hostile to religious faith,” he continued. “America is becoming a fundamentally different country. It is time for all of us to recognize this — no matter what our position is on the political issue of immigration.” Greg said it is true that there is a creeping secularism in America's elites and it is significant to him that these immigrants are coming here with a strong faith. Those most active in our Church with growing families are Hispanic. He noted that Europe is also experiencing massive immigration, but these communities are not integrating into society and hold values different from the historical values of Europe. In the United States, immigrants from Central America want to become part of our society and hold the same Christian values. Fr. Roger said the HHS mandate is a clear example of the elite openly hostile to religious faith. They do not want to accord us a right to say this is wrong. He noted that the US State Department has re-defined the right to religious belief to the right to worship; i.e. the right to attend a church, not a right to live out our faith the rest of the week. He said Archbishop Gomez speaks not just to immigration, but also the xenophobia of those who don't want those with a great religious faith to come in and renew our country. **4th segment:** Scot said the Knights of COlumbus are having their annual meeting in Denver this week. They have 1.8 million members and donated more than $150 million to Catholic causes and more than 70 million volunteer hours. The Knights also give a lot of support to the Vatican. they announced four new initiatives this year. The first is a disaster-response fund to help local councils become second-responders in providing food, clothing, and shelter in response to disasters. They are are setting up an outreach for children in Africa. The third is supporting vocations and Catholic chaplaincy in the military. And fourth the Knights are purchasing the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington and expanding it to encompass the whole 500year history of Catholic culture in North America. * ["Supreme Knight Announces New Initiatives for Knights"](http://www.kofc.org/un/en/news/releases/detail/new_initiatives_08032011.html) * ["Knights of Columbus Plan Shrine to Blessed John Paul II in Washington, DC"](http://www.kofc.org/un/en/news/releases/detail/jpii_shrine.html) * ["Preserving Blessed John Paul's Legacy," Annual Report of the Supreme Knight 2011](http://www.kofc.org/un/en/conv/2011/skreport/jp2.html) * [John Paul II Cultural Center](http://jp2cf.org/_index.php) Fr. Roger said Cardinal Adam Maida, the former archbishop of Detroit, was the leader in getting this started back in the 90s. It is a first-rate museum, but suffered from low attendance. Fr. Roger think the Knights will draw far more people there. He's very excited that there's a resolution for the center. The Archdiocese of Detroit has been trying to find a buyer for several years. A women's religious order in Michigan had tried to buy it, but that fell through. He said Catholics need a museum in the City of Museums. Greg said it's the Knights coming to the rescue once again. They have such a love for the Church and that's why the Church goes to them when there's a special need. The Knights have provided such critical support to the Archdiocese of Boston in the recent past. Greg admits he's walked by the JP2 Center many times, often because he's in town on other business and never seemed to make it inside. With the extra visibility that the Knights bring to it, especially if they make it a centerpiece of other activity there, it will draw much larger crowds. Scot said when Supreme Knight Carl Anderson was on The Good Catholic Life back in April he was much more excited about the time the Knights gave in volunteerism than the money they give. Scot said he's especially happy about the second-responder program. Fr. Roger launched a Knights of Columbus council in his parish a few years ago. He said it forms men into strong men of the Church and of their families. It calls them clearly to live up to chivalrous heroism. The Knights have four pillars, one of which is service of community. In north New Bedford, they've been very active in the community especially for disabled and deceased veterans, programs for youth, Marian pilgrimages, pro-life activity in and around New Bedford including supporting crisis pregnancy centers. The Knights overall are getting stronger in both numbers but also the quality of the men and organization. Scot said the Knights of Columbus annual gathering is important in the life of the Church, especially since so many bishops from around the US gather to express their gratitude for all the Knights do, including Cardinal Seán and Bishop Hennessey. Some of the addresses given at the meeting are available at [CatholicTV](http://www.catholictv.com), which has been covering it live. **5th segment:** Scot wanted to follow up that the reason the Knights can give so much to Catholic causes is because they provide life insurance to Catholics and because so many men join. * [Massachusetts State Council Knights of Columbus](http://massachusettsstatekofc.org/) Fr. Roger said in June the US bishops had a pastoral letter on living each day with dignity and he had not had a chance to work closely with that letter to explain it. Also Dr. Jack Kevorkian died in early June which focused attention again on the idea that killing those with terminal illness is compassionate. The bishops said that there is a movement to pass laws in certain places where they think it will be easier to set a precedent for killing people with terminal illnesses and other debilitating and chronic diseases. Economic arguments about health care costs are often cited. The US bishops are ahead of the curve. There are only two states in the US that have passed referenda allowing assisted suicide, but there is a growing movement to push the ides of "dying with dignity" through euthanasia. Fr. Roger quoted the bishops: >“The sufferings caused by chronic or terminal illness are often severe,” the bishops wrote. “They cry out for our compassion, a word whose root meaning is to ‘suffer with' another person. True compassion alleviates suffering while maintaining solidarity with those who suffer. It does not put lethal drugs in their hands and abandon them to their suicidal impulses, or to the self-serving motives of others who may want them dead. It helps vulnerable people with their problems instead of treating them as the problem.” * ["Pressured to Die: Euthanasia push continues," Zenit, 7/17/11](http://www.zenit.org/article-33090?l=english) * ["Living and Dying with Dignity," Fr. Roger Landry, The Anchor, 8/5/11](http://catholicpreaching.com/index.php?content=articles&articles=20110805anchor) * ["US Bishops approve statement on physician-assisted suicide," EWTN News/Catholic World News, 6/17/11](http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=113955) Greg notes that in Europe this issue has progressed much further than here, even to the point where the decision to kill the victim has been undertaken by others, including doctors and family members. Fr. Roger noted also in the Anchor this week that the Fall River diocese had a pro-life boot camp. The last abortion clinic in the diocese is in Attleboro and they're working to put them out of business. The boot camp gathered about 35 young people to teach them how to be advocates for life and then be witnesses themselves, including praying outside the abortion clinic. Greg pointed a story about Bishop Elias Chacour from Haifa, Israel, visiting Boston recently and being interviewed by the Pilot about the state of Christians in the Holy Land. Scot pointed out a story about the parishioners of St. Evangelist in East Bridgewater reaching out to youth.

Dr. Chris and Fr. Andrew discuss a recent address by Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles on the topic of immigration

**Today's host(s):** Scot Landry and Susan Abbott **Today's guest(s):** Gregory Tracy, Managing Editor of The Pilot newspaper, and Father Roger Landry, Executive Editor of The Anchor newspaper.  * [The Pilot](http://www.pilotcatholicnews.com) * [The Anchor](http://www.anchornews.org) **Today's topics:** Immigration reform, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Benedict on prayer, and more **A summary of today's show:** Scot and Susan talk with Fr. Roger Landry and Gregory Tracy about a Catholic response to the political question of immigration reform; Pope Benedict's advice on how dioceses should approach praying and preparing for vocations; the Holy Father's ongoing catechesis on prayer; and more in the news from The Pilot and The Anchor. **1st segment:** Scot welcomes Susan back to the show. Susan said she enjoyed yesterday's show on adult faith formation and would like to re-visit the topic of the US bishops' document on the subject again on the show some day. She's also getting involved in budget process for her office of Religious Education. The Archdiocese's fiscal year begins on June 1 and all the ministries are preparing plans and budgets for next year. **2nd segment:** Scot and Susan welcome Gregory and Fr. Roger back to the show. President Obama made a speech on May 10 in El Paso, Texas, and released a 34-page blueprint for immigration reform. He emphasized federal responsibility for immigration; to hold employers responsible for hiring illegals, create a system that provides for the demands of employment and family unification, and to hold people in the US illegally accountable for their action before enabling to get them on the right side of the law. * ["Obama launches new push for immigration reform," Catholic News Service, 5/11/11](http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20110511.htm) * ["The Catholic voice in the immigration debate," Fr. Roger Landry, The Anchor, 6/25/10](http://www.anchornews.org/editorial/2010/june_25_2010.php) Gregory said the Church has always had a great interest in immigration reform, ensuring that whatever reforms are made respect human dignity.  Scot said the President accused Republicans of moving the goal posts so that whatever Democrats offer, the Republicans always want more. Republicans shot back that the mission of securing the border has never been accomplished. Susan said we are all descendants of immigrants and need to welcome people, but we also need to be responsible. Sometimes when immigration is discussed, an elitist mindset comes out and that's not who we are as Catholics. The chairman of the US bishops' committee on immigration is Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, who is himself an immigrant. Fr. Roger said Gomez says we are talking here about brothers and sisters in Christ and we need keep that in mind in any conversation about immigration reform. He also says the Church is not a political party and we're not advocating any particular policy, but we're promoting an attitude of respect and welcoming. Archbishop Gomez also said that anti-Hispanic bias is a factor in some of the conversation about reform. Scot said Archbishop Gomez's letter last year said 10 million illegals are in the country, so what we do we do with them. While we have to uphold our laws, we have to ask what is proper and just. From a moral standpoint, he concludes that deporting immigrants is too severe a penalty. He suggests intensive long-term community service. Gregory thinks it's a reasonable suggestion and it's important to remember that this is a question of civil law, not criminal law. Susan quoted a priest from Fall River who said, "If you are baptized, you are home."  Fr. Landry said we have to treat them like human beings rather than treat then like they're doing something horrible by trying to work and feed their kids. This is their experience in New Bedford after the big immigration raid on a Defense Dept. contractor in 2007 that resulted in the arrests of dozens of undocumented aliens. **3rd segment:** Fr. Roger's editorial this week in the Anchor is on the World Day of Vocations, which is this Sunday. This year, the Holy Father's message speaks of the work of dioceses in forming and recruiting vocations. * [Pope Benedict's message of the 48th World Day of Prayer for Vocations](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/vocations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20101115_xlviii-vocations_en.html) Fr. Roger said the day normally occurs on Good Shepherd Sunday, which is now the fourth Sunday of Easter. Jesus knew there would always be a vocations crisis, which is why He told us that the harvest is great and the laborers are few. Pope Benedict describes the vitality of a local Church as being seen in the ability to foster vocations. He notes that in certain places vocations are thriving and in others they are sterile.  Pope Benedict said: 1. Pray 2. Train young people a total commitment to Christ and in love 3. Help young people to hear the voice of God in the cacophony of the world 4. Take advantage of every opportunity to promote vocations: in families, in parishes, and in our communities. Fostering vocations starts with forming your children from a young age.  Scot said Cardinal Seán always says that vocations are everyone's business, not just priests or bishops. Susan said our religious education programs promote the call to vocation at all ages. We have to ask the question of the young people we meet because God's voice is being drowned out and so they need to hear from us. One of the best advertisements for vocations is seeing a priest so in love with his ministry. But we have to raise the topic with the young men in our lives. Gregory said vocations don't come from a vacuum. It's particularly important to understand the connectedness to the vocation of marriage. When a couple truly lives the vocation of marriage, their children will see the importance of vocation, whether it be marriage or religious life or priesthood and it's not a foreign concept to them. **4th segment:** In his general audience on Wednesday, Pope Benedict gave the second installment in what will be a long series of catechetical talks on prayer in the Christian life. * [Pope Benedict's message to the General Audience on 5/11/11](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20110511_en.html) * ["Prayer reveals Man's need for God, says Pope," Zenit, 5/11/11](http://www.zenit.org/article-32548?l=english) >In our catechesis on Christian prayer, we have seen how prayer is part of the universal human experience. Our own age, marked by secularism, rationalism and an apparent eclipse of God, is showing signs of a renewed religious sense and a recognition of the inadequacy of a purely horizontal, material vision of life. Man is made in the image of God; a desire for God is present in every heart and man in some way knows that he is capable of speaking to God in prayer. Saint Thomas Aquinas tells us that prayer is the expression of our desire for God, a desire which is itself God's gift. Prayer is first and foremost a matter of the heart, where we experience God's call and our dependence on his help to transcend our limitations and sinfulness. The posture of kneeling at prayer expresses this acknowledgment of our need and our openness to God's gift of himself in a mysterious encounter of friendship. Let us resolve to pray more frequently, to listen in the silence of our hearts to God's voice, and to grow in union with the God who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ, with the One who is infinite Love. Susan recalled St. Augustine's quote: "You have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts will not rest until they rest in you" and thinks it echoes with Pope Benedict's quote of St. Thomas Aquinas. Gregory was struck by the statement that to really pray is hard work. We have to consciously listen to God. It's hard to set aside prayer time in our busy lives and it's easy to say, "I prayed" with a quick tossed off prayer, but it's hard to set aside time for serious prayer. Fr. Roger said Pope Benedict also said in his audience that man is religious by nature. He is as much homo religiosus (religious man) as he is homo sapiens. To Pray is to feel that meaning in the world is outside the world. The school exists as a school of prayer to teach them to prayer. Prayer is faith in action and sometimes it comes in the least likely of circumstances. An anecdote of a man who said: "Lord, help me I don't know how to pray." The Lord replied, "You are already doing it." Scot highlighted the Pope's further words from the audience: >Man bears within himself a thirst for the infinite," he continued, "a nostalgia for eternity, a search for beauty, a desire for love, a need for light and truth, which drive him toward the Absolute; man bears within himself the desire for God. And man knows, in some way, that he can address himself to God, that he can pray to him." >The Pontiff said that the attraction toward God "is the soul of prayer, which is cloaked in many forms and modalities according to the history, time, moment, grace and finally the sin of each one of those who pray." >He added that prayer is a mindset, and not a "series of practices and formulas." Prayer, he said, is "a way of being before God, rather than carrying out acts of worship or pronouncing words." Other great stores in the Pilot and the Anchor this week: * In the Pilot, Fr. Thomas Morgan passed to the Lord. He had been pastor in Salisbury since the mid-1970s.  * In the Anchor, 75 years after "the Little Rose" died, many people are still working for her canonization. * In the Pilot, Fr. Dick Rieman, priest of Opus Dei, reflects on his personal experience of St. Josemaria Escriva. * Also in the Pilot, more info on [Why Catholic?: Journey Through the Catechism](http://www.bostoncatholic.org/whycatholic.aspx?pid=464)

Archbishop Jose Gomez on the health care debate; CRS' Debbie DeVoe on the Kenyan drought; Our Lady of LaVang; Fr. Leo Patalinghug’s cooking ministry; the Vatican Observatory; movie review: "Love Happens."