Jesuitical

This week on an interview-only episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Sister Theresa Aletheia and Sister Danielle Victoria, founding members of the Sisters of the Little Way, a private association of the faithful intending to become a religious institute, who live a mission of listening and solidarity with people who have been hurt by the church. Ashley, Zac and the sisters talk about: - The ins and outs of starting a religious order - The important and complicated mission of helping abuse survivors - Crises of faith from abuse and how to overcome them  Links for further reading:  Sisters of the Little Way website Descent Into Light Podcast You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac chat with Chris Cimorelli. Chris is the director of the National Institute for Newman Studies and the editor of the Newman Studies Journal, and an expert on St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, the newest doctor of the church. Ashley, Zac and Chris talk about: - Newman’s journey from Anglicanism to the Church of Rome - Newman’s many (and lasting) contributions to Catholic thought - Why Catholics of every theological stripe love Newman In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss Pope Leo’s recent comments on the importance of providing pastoral care to migrants being held in detention centers throughout the United States. They also look at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica becoming the world’s tallest church last week. Finally, they unpack the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s new document on the proper titles for the Virgin Mary.  In As One Friend Speaks to Another, Ashley and Zac speak to Simcha Fischer about her recent article for America: “JD Vance’s immigration comments are an insult to our Catholic faith.” Links for further reading:  National Institute for Newman Studies Pope Leo’s homily declaring St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church St. John Henry Newman’s unique approach to conscience Pope Leo declares St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church and co-patron of Catholic education National Institute for Newman Studies Pope Leo says ICE should allow ‘pastoral workers’ to bring detained migrants Communion Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia becomes the world’s tallest church Vatican officially says no to controversial titles for Mary: ‘Co-redemptrix’ and ‘Mediatrix of all Graces’ JD Vance’s immigration comments are an insult to our Catholic faith You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on a special Halloween episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Micah Kiel, a professor of New Testament at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, Minn., where he teaches a class called “Apocalypse-mania.” Micah is also the author of Apocalyptic Ecology: The Book of Revelation, the Earth, and the Future.  Ashley, Zac and Micah discuss: - How Catholics should read the Book of Revelation - Where our obsession with the apocalypse comes from - Revelation’s (violent) critique of empire In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss King Charles’s monumental visit to the Vatican, Cardinal Burke saying the Latin liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica and Pete Hegseth’s decision to retain awards for soldiers who massacred hundreds of Indigenous civilians at Wounded Knee in the late 19th century. In “As One Friend Speaks to Another,” Ashley and Zac speak to Jackson Goodman, strategic program manager at America, about his and Zac’s upcoming participation in the New York City Marathon. Links for further reading:  Pope Leo and King Charles make history with first-ever joint prayer service in Sistine Chapel Cardinal Burke celebrates traditional Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Analysis: Why is Pope Leo letting Cardinal Burke say the Latin Mass at the Vatican? Bishop, Jesuits reject Hegseth decision to honor soldiers who massacred Lakota at Wounded Knee Support Cristo Rey New York High School You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac talk to Brendan Curran, O.P., a Dominican priest who leads interfaith partnerships at the Resurrection Project and serves on the International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace. Links for further reading:  The International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace website The Resurrection Project website Chicago Catholics confront ICE, fear and protests to protect migrants’ dignity, religious rights 1,200-year-old loaf of bread with image of Christ unearthed in astonishing find After altar wine becomes popular in bars, Kenya's Catholic bishops order proprietary brand Archbishop Broglio: Army’s cancellation of religious support contracts harms Catholics U.S. Army says religious support contracts to be ‘reexamined’ after Archbishop Broglio objects to their cancellation You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac sit down with Colleen Dulle, America’s Vatican correspondent and host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, to speak about her new book, Struck Down, Not Destroyed: Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter.  Ashley, Zac and Colleen discuss: - The spirituality of a Vatican reporter covering church scandals - Colleen’s experience attending—and leaving—the Latin Mass - Being present at Mass as a “professional Catholic” In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss Catholic reactions to the monumental Gaza ceasefire and the denial of religious leaders’ request to deliver Communion to detainees at the Broadview, Ill., ICE facility.  They also look at Pope Leo’s first major document, “Dilexi Te,” and the newest member of the Castel Gandolfo community: Proton, the pope’s new horse. In “As One Friend Speaks to Another,” Zac talks about his relationship with Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt in the wake of her passing, as well as her years of pastoral work at Loyola Chicago. Links for further reading:  Buy Colleen’s book “Struck Down, Not Destroyed: Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter” Amid historic deal, Gaza pastor says little is left after ‘tsunami’ of destruction Pope Leo pleads for a just peace as cease-fire in Gaza holds Eucharistic procession turned back by feds at Broadview ICE detention facility Roundtable: Pope Francis began ‘Dilexi Te.’ Pope Leo completed it. Pope Leo signs first exhortation, ‘Dilexi te,’ focused on love for the poor Pope Leo in first major document: Love for the poor is not optional for Christians Top 5 takeaways from Pope Leo’s first major document, ‘Dilexi Te’ Pope Leo ‘very happy’ to be gifted a horse from prestigious Polish stable Sister Jean’s legacy: A life of faith, service and basketball Sister Jean on Jesuitical What you don’t know about Loyola’s Sister Jean How Loyola Chicago’s Sister Jean prays—on and off the court You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Kate Williams, the vice president of sacred music at GIA Publications, publisher of the “Gather” and “Worship” hymnals.  Ashley, Zac and Kate discuss: - Why Catholics don’t sing at Mass - How the role of music in liturgy changed post-Vatican II - Why the slightest changes in language make all the difference when it comes to hymns In a brief “Signs of the Times,” Ashley points to America’s coverage of Pope Leo’s first major document, “Dilexi Te,” and calls for audience comments and questions. Links for further reading:  Latin chant or folk music at Mass? A debate on what makes liturgy ‘reverent’ The new Gather hymnal is just good enough — and that’s perfect What makes for good liturgical music? St. Thomas Aquinas has 3 criteria for what works at Mass. Pope Leo in first major document: Love for the poor is not optional for Christians Read “Dilexi Te” You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Sam Sawyer, S.J., president and editor in chief of America Magazine, to discuss the recent controversy surrounding Cardinal Blase Cupich’s decision to present Senator Dick Durbin with a “lifetime achievement award” for his work in defense of migrants. Ashley, Zac and Sam discuss: - Senator Durbin’s decision to decline the award in the face of mounting controversy - How the “consistent ethic of life” should shape Catholic political engagement - Pope Leo’s surprising, yet pragmatic, response to the situation In “As One Friend Speaks to Another,” Zac and Ashley sit down with Jim Martin, S.J., and Joe Hoover, S.J., to talk about the late Robert Redford’s Oscar-winning film, “Ordinary People.” Links for further reading:  - Sen. Durbin declines lifetime achievement award after backlash for pro-choice position - Pope Leo weighs in on controversy over Cardinal Cupich giving Sen. Durbin immigration award - Chicago archdiocese’s plan to award Senator Durbin for immigration work meets pushback over abortion - Remembering Robert Redford and ‘Ordinary People,’ his devastating, nearly perfect film You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac sit down with Dean Detloff, a research and advocacy officer at Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, to talk about the importance of foreign debt relief in the Jubilee Year. Ashley, Zac and Dean discuss: - The biblical roots of forgiving debts in a jubilee year - How foreign debt stunts the development of poor nations - Why framing matters when it comes to debt forgiveness versus relief and justice In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, including the stark juxtaposition of Erika Kirk’s and President Trump’s messages. They also talk about the recent execution of Father Mathew Eya in Nigeria, where 7,000 Christians have been killed so far this year.  Zac and Ashley also react to the recent escape attempt by three elderly Austrian nuns and the retirement of Loyola Chicago’s Sister Jean. In “As One Friend Speaks to Another,” Zac catches Ashley up on what he’s been up to and the perspective of being a new father. Links for further reading:  Dean’s writing for America Caritas Canada’s Jubilee Debt Campaign Jubilee People’s Forum at the G7 in Kananaskis, Alberta Peruvian Cardinal speaks at People’s Forum in Alberta Pope Francis lifts suspension imposed on Nicaragua’s Ernesto Cardenal Charlie Kirk’s widow says she forgives husband’s alleged killer at memorial attended by Trump, Vance Who is being served by making Charlie Kirk a saint: God or Caesar? ‘Nuns on the run’ in Austria offer a complex picture of aging in religious life You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley sits down with Sam Sawyer, S.J., president and editor in chief of America Media, and J.D. Long-Garcia, senior editor for America to respond to the murder of Charlie Kirk. Ashley, Fr. Sawyer and J.D. discuss: - Why this is a difficult (but necessary) conversation - Why people rush to say, "This is terrible, but..." - Significance of the murder in national political life In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Sebastian discussed some more of the reactions in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death from prominent Catholics on both sides of the political aisle, including Pope Leo’s prayers for Kirk and his family.  They also discuss the recent “Grace for the World” concert in St. Peter’s Square and how Pope Leo celebrated his 70th birthday.  Links for further reading:  - Sam’s article: The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination: If we have to look at violence, let’s do it the right way. - Bishops and Catholic leaders call for prayer after conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot and killed - Charlie Kirk, free speech and the danger of politics without God - Pope Leo said he is praying for Charlie Kirk and his family - How Pope Leo plans to govern the church: From Rome to China to Gaza - Pope Leo calls out billionaires and income inequality in first interview You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian sit down with Jack Bentz, S.J., a Jesuit priest and the host of the “Catholics in Ordinary Time” podcast and Substack. Father Jack also works in campus ministry at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Ashley, Sebastian and Father Jack discuss: - What kids are looking for in campus ministry and parish settings - Surprise lessons from a Jordan Peterson talk - The ways parishes can get people coming back to Mass In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Sebastian discuss the recent canonizations of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, the “Grace for the World” concert being hosted at the Vatican with notable A-listers and Pope Leo’s upcoming 70th birthday. In a new expanded version of our faith sharing segment, “As One Friend Speaks to Another,” Jack Consolie, Outreach’s communications and development associate, discusses his recent article: “Carlo Acutis and I: The (complicated) spiritual connection of a shared cancer journey.” Our faith sharing segment is a project funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc.  Links for further reading: - Fr. Jack’s podcast: Catholics in Ordinary Time - Fr. Jack’s Substack - Jack Consolie’s article: “Carlo Acutis and I: The (complicated) spiritual connection of a shared cancer journey” - Pope Leo XIV declares Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati saints in a celebration of youthful devotion - On the ground for the canonization of Saints Acutis and Frassati: Crowds, communion and Cheez-Its You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian unpack the trend of “hot priests” on social media with Maggie Phillips, a contributing writer for Tablet Magazine. Maggie recently published an article exploring the phenomenon of the “hot priest”: Thou Shalt Not Scroll Past a Hot Priest. Ashley, Sebastian and Maggie discuss:  - What the “hot priest” trend says about the cultural status of the Catholic Church  - Is there a benefit to being recognizably religious? - The dangers of conflating social media engagement and evangelization In Signs of the Times, Colleen Dulle, America’s Vatican correspondent and host of “Inside the Vatican,” sits down with Ashley and Sebastian to discuss Pope Leo’s response to the tragic shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis as well as his recent meeting with Father James Martin. They also take a look back at his summer activities and discuss what Leo’s talkative brother, John Prevost, has revealed about our new pope. In a new expanded version of our “As One Friend Speaks to Another” segment, Emma Camp, an assistant editor at Reason magazine, discusses her Faith in Focus article “The case for showing up to church—even if you don’t believe in God.” Links for further reading:  “Thou Shalt Not Scroll Past a Hot Priest” Maggie’s article in America: "Lay volunteers are often the backbone of Catholic parishes. But they need support, too" Emma’s article: “The case for showing up to church—even if you don’t believe in God” “Pope Leo calls for stop to ‘the pandemic of arms’ after Minnesota Catholic school shooting” “Pope Leo’s response to the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting: 3 takeaways” “Father James Martin: Pope Leo wants to continue Francis’ approach to LGBTQ Catholics” “Pope Leo just extended his vacation. What do popes do to relax?” “14 Things We Learned About Pope Leo From His Brother’s Latest Interview” What’s on tap? Aperol Spritz You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this last "best of" episode of summer 2025, Zac and Ashley resurrect an interview with the always entertaining Father Dave Dwyer, the executive director of Busted Halo, a media outreach of the Paulist Fathers, and the author of the book “Mass Class: Your Questions Answered.” Is there a question you have about the Catholic Mass that you’ve always been too embarrassed to ask? Like: When we say, “Only say the word and my soul shall be healed,”...what’s “the word”? Well, you’re in luck. Press "play." Mass Class: Your Questions Answered, by Father Dave Dwyer What’s on tap? Pick your poison: Negroni You can follow us on ⁠X⁠ and on ⁠Instagram:⁠ @jesuiticalshow You can find us on Facebook at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/jesuitical⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a ⁠⁠digital subscriber⁠⁠ to America magazine at⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jesuitical is bringing back a poignant yet hopeful conversation with Sister Donna Dodge, the president of the Sisters of Charity of New York, which recently decided to embark on a “path to completion.” That means the over 200-year-old congregation will no longer accept new vocations (though their ministry continues). We discuss: - How religious life has changed since Sister Donna joined in 1966 - How the sisters discerned that it was time to let go—and how their charism of charity will live on in the work of lay collaborators - Why the church needs to change the way it talks about “vocation” with young people You can follow us on ⁠X⁠ and on ⁠Instagram:⁠ @jesuiticalshow You can find us on Facebook at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/jesuitical⁠⁠⁠ Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a ⁠digital subscriber⁠ to America magazine at⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis' 2021 decree, Traditionis custodes, which limited the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, set off a heated and at times toxic debate between more traditionalist Catholics and those who want to see the reforms of the Second Vatican Council more fully implemented. Is there a way for us to talk about the liturgy without it turning into a war? On this "best of" episode, we're revisiting a conversation with Rev. Pierre Amar, a priest in the Diocese of Versailles in France. Father Amar grew up attending the Latin Mass and was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, an order dedicated to the celebration of the pre-Vatican II Mass rite. But he also loves and celebrates the novus ordo or ordinary form, and does not think the two forms of the liturgy need to be in conflict. You can follow us on ⁠X⁠ and on ⁠Instagram:⁠ @jesuiticalshow You can find us on Facebook at ⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/jesuitical⁠⁠ Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forget what you think you know about Saint Augustine. Maybe you only know the cities that take his name, or you had a tough experience in your introduction to philosophy class and found him medieval (in the pejorative sense) and scrupulous. But what if Augustine was actually the first to hone in on and clearly express our human desire for authenticity, that restlessness that all of us have felt at one point in our lives? What if, “Augustine might make Christianity believable for you even if you’ve heard it all, been there, done that, and left the stupid Christian t-shirt at home.” On this "best of" Jesuitical episode, James K.A. Smith talks about his book “On the Road with St. Augustine: A Real World Spirituality for Restless Hearts.” Read Smith's article on the election of Pope Leo XIV: "What to expect from an Augustinian pope": https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/05/12/smith-augustinian-pope-leo-250662 On the Road with Saint Augustine: A Real-World Spirituality for Restless Hearts by James K. A. Smith You can follow us on ⁠X⁠ and on ⁠Instagram:⁠ @jesuiticalshow You can find us on Facebook at ⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/jesuitical⁠⁠ Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hot weather couldn’t keep Ashley and Zac away from the mics, so they’re back with a summer “best of” series, featuring some of the most interesting and engaging interviews from the past few years. What does it mean to be a mystic in the modern age? Many of us think of mysticism as something for spiritual masters who lock themselves away from the world in monasteries and convents and dedicate their lives to constant prayer. But we are all called to a close and yes mystical relationship with God and to lead lives of contemplation. And today's guest, Kelly Deutsch, wants to help people do just that. After entering a convent, Kelly came down with an illness that left her bedridden for 18 months—and spurred great spiritual desolation and growth. She went on to found Wanderlust, a center for contemplative formation, which provides podcasts, courses and other spiritual resources to those hunger for a closer union with the divine. What’s on tap? Seltzer Water with Lime You can follow us on ⁠X⁠ and on ⁠Instagram:⁠ @jesuiticalshow You can find us on Facebook at ⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/jesuitical⁠ Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at⁠ ⁠⁠americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hot weather couldn’t keep Ashley and Zac away from the mics, so they’re back with a summer “best of” series, featuring some of the most interesting and engaging interviews from the past few years. In this episode, Professor Kenneth Bartlett, a renowned Renaissance historian and author from the University of Toronto, explores the enduring legacy and allure of the eternal city of Rome for Catholics. Why did Peter go to Rome? Is he actually buried under St. Peter’s Basilica? And why has Rome remained the center of the Roman Catholic Church for 2,000 years? What’s on tap? Brunello di Montalcino (of course!) You can follow us on ⁠X⁠ and on ⁠Instagram:⁠ @jesuiticalshow You can find us on Facebook at ⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/jesuitical Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at ⁠⁠americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley chat with Christopher White, the former Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter. Next month, Chris will start a new position as the associate director for strategic engagement and a senior fellow at Georgetown University’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life. Chris’s forthcoming book is, Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy. Zac, Ashley and Chris discuss:  - Chris’s background as a Vatican reporter and the experience of covering the Vatican bureaucracy - Why Chris argues that the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was the most important conclave in 60 years - What Chris’s extensive research has revealed about the kind of person Pope Leo is  In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley chat with Connor Hartigan, Leilani Fuentes and Grace Lenahan as they end their 2024-25 Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., Postgraduate Media Fellowships at America. Click here to learn more about the program. If you’re interested or know someone who might be interested in the fellowship, applications for the 2026-27 year open in September 2025. If you’d like more information, email us at jesuitical@americamedia.org. Links for further reading:  - Take the 2025 Jesuitical Listener Survey!  - Learn about the Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., Postgraduate Media Fellowship - Pre-order Pope Leo XVI: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy. - NCR’s Vatican correspondent to join initiative at Georgetown University  - Christopher White at National Catholic Reporter  What’s on tap? Chris: Gin martini Fellows: Sauvignon Blanc You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are thrilled to speak with their friend and colleague Father James Martin about his new podcast, “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.,” which launched this week. We then share Jim’s conversation with actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg. Whoopi is known for playing a larger-than-life nun in “Sister Act,” but did you know she was also raised Catholic and educated by nuns until the eighth grade? Jim and Whoopi talk about her struggles with organized religion, the importance of laughter in a life of faith and her bold request to Pope Francis when they met in 2024. Links from the show: Listen to (or watch) “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J., on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Whoopi Goldberg on God, authenticity and ‘acting the fool’ Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and the importance of friendship in the spiritual life LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THE FIRST-EVER JESUITICAL RETREAT! Join us at the studio and headquarters of America Media in New York City for two days of community, prayer and sharing stories of faith. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how we make the podcast, meet fellow young Catholics, pray with America staff and editor in chief Sam Sawyer, S.J., share meals and craft your own faith story with accompaniment from our team. There are only a few spots left, so sign up here today! We can’t wait to meet you. Jesuitical Young Adult Retreat: What’s Your Story? Open to ages 21-39 Friday, June 27th (evening) + Saturday, June 28th (all day) New York, NY Friday: America Media Office – 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 Saturday: Jesuits USA East Province – 39 E 83rd St, New York, NY 10028 Cost: $100  Housing: Participants are responsible for their own lodging in NYC Capacity: The retreat will be capped at 30 participants. First come, first served. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley talk with U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat who has served as a senator from Delaware since 2010.  Zac, Ashley and Senator Coons discuss:  How the senator’s Protestant upbringing and the example of his parents shaped his perspective on service Why Democrats need to be more open about their faith in the public arena  How Senator Coons feels about having the first American pope In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the recent removal of mosaics by alleged abuser Father Marko Rupnik from the Vatican News website and an op-ed in America by Archbishop John Wester on why President Trump’s “big beautiful bill” betrays the poor.   BE PART OF THE FIRST-EVER JESUITICAL RETREAT! Join us at the studio and headquarters of America Media in New York City for two days of community, prayer and sharing stories of faith. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how we make the podcast, meet fellow young Catholics, pray with America staff and editor in chief Sam Sawyer, S.J., share meals and craft your own faith story with accompaniment from our team. Sign up here! We can’t wait to meet you. Jesuitical Young Adult Retreat: What’s Your Story? Open to ages 21-39 Friday, June 27th (evening) + Saturday, June 28th (all day) New York, NY Friday: America Media Office – 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 Saturday: Jesuits USA East Province – 39 E 83rd St, New York, NY 10028 Cost: $100  Housing: Participants are responsible for their own lodging in NYC Capacity: The retreat will be capped at 30 participants. First come, first served. Links for further reading:  Jesuitical Storytelling Retreat Senator Chris Coons - Press Releases Prayer, not Politics, on Wednesday Mornings, by Chris Coons  Mosaics of alleged abuser Father Marko Rupnik removed from Vatican News website Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ betrays the poor. The church must oppose it. You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices