Jesuitical

In the first major interview of his papacy, Pope Francis said, “The challenge today is this: to think about the specific place of women also in those places where the authority of the church is exercised for various areas of the church.” Eight years later, has the place of women in the church changed—and is it enough? This week, we talk to Colleen Dulle about the rise of women leaders at the Vatican. Are their voices being heard at the highest levels of the church? Do they feel empowered—or limited by the “stain-glassed ceiling”? And in Signs of the Times, we speak with America’s chief correspondent Kevin Clarke about the latest crisis at the border and why Catholics should care.  Links from the show: Women are rising to new heights at the Vatican. Could they change the church forever? by Colleen Dulle Horrified by images of Border Patrol abusing Haitian migrants? Blame decades of dangerous immigration policy by Kevin Clarke Catholic women feel called to be deacons. The church should listen to their stories.

The debate about whether the Catholic Church should ordain women to the diaconate often focuses on theological and historical arguments. Rarely, though, do we hear from women who themselves feel called to this ministry. Meet Casey Stanton, co-director of Discerning Deacons, a project to engage Catholics in the active discernment of the church about women and the diaconate. We talk to Casey about how and why she feels like she’s called, and how she tempers feelings of frustration with a commitment to staying in the church.  Links from the Show:  America’s special women in the church issue Avery Dulles on women and the priesthood (from 1996) Learn more about Discerning Deacons. And read their new study: Called to Contribute: Findings from an In-depth Interview Study of US Catholic Women and the Diaconate What’s on tap? Hope Punch: The church is a pomegranate–service to the many in the one Rum for fortification Champagne for joy in the midst Lemon with sugar to balance the pastoral with the prophetic Garni

"The classics" have been in the news recently—and not always in a good way. From colleges shutting down classics departments as students flock to more “practical” majors to criticisms that books written by “dead white men” cannot be separated from the legacies of slavery and colonialism, works that have stood the test of time are being tested anew.  This week’s guest, Jeremy Tate, argues that not only are the classics worth studying for their own sake but that abandoning the Western canon will have disastrous effects for our (already toxic) public discourse. And he has some advice for continuing your classical education—even if you’re out of school. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley give their first reactions to Pope Francis’ recent comments on the debate over the Eucharist and pro-choice politicians.  What’s on tap? Kim’s Grapefruit: 1.5 ounces Empress Gin, .5 ounces St. Germain elderflower, juice of half a grapefruit, sugar-rimmed glass. (Modification: Don’t like—or can’t find—grapefruit? Use an orange

If you attended a Jesuit university or high school in the last decade, you were most likely at some point assigned Father Greg Boyle’s first book (and a New York Times best-seller—so, you didn’t need to have attended a Jesuit school to encounter it) Tattoos on the Heart. Father Boyle is a Jesuit priest, the founder of Homeboy Industries and the author of the a new book, The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness, which is scheduled to be released this fall. Ashley and Zac talk to Father Boyle about how Covid and the pandemic restrictions affected his sense of identity and Homeboy Industries’ work, what he’s learned looking back on his years in ministry, and why he is becoming more mystical as he gets older. To support Jesuitical and access all of America's content, get a digital subscription today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On our season finale, Zac and Ashley talk to Dr. Paul Farmer, the co-founder and chief strategist of Partners in Health (PIH). Founded in 1987, PIH has pioneered an approach to medicine that actually resembles Catholic social teaching’s preferential option for the poor. They talk about the challenges of bringing the Covid-19 vaccine to the poorest and sickest countries and how to salvage hope in desperate times.  In Signs of the Times, we break down exactly what is happening with the U.S. Bishops and the debates around whether or not President Biden should receive Communion. What’s on tap: Duckhorn Chardonnay  Links from the show: Take the Jesuitical Listener Survey! Partners in Health Dr. Farmer’s latest book: Fevers, Feuds, and Diamonds: Ebola and the Ravages of History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zac and Ashley break down a story that’s been dominating headlines inside and outside of the Catholic Church this week: The U.S. bishops overwhelming vote to draft a document on “eucharistic coherence,” and what it does and does not mean for President Joe Biden and other politicians.  This is an excerpt from this week’s full episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley talk with Brittany Barnett about unjust sentencing laws, the experience of visiting her own mother in prison and her work fighting to get clemency for men and women sentenced to life without parole for drug offenses. Brittany is an attorney and the author of the Christopher Award-winning book A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom.  Links from the show: A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom Sign up for your free trial of Wondrium! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac are joined by Gloria Purvis, the host of America Media’s latest podcast “The Gloria Purvis Podcast.” They discuss conversations about racism in Catholic spaces, the consistent life ethic, her hopes for the podcast, and more. During Signs of the Times, they examine the discovery of 215 bodies buried on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School run by the Catholic Church and unpack why Cardinal Marx of Germany asked Pope Francis to accept his resignation (since the time of recording, Pope Francis has declined Cardinal Marx’s request).  Links from the show: The Gloria Purvis Podcast Pope Francis calls for abandonment of colonial mentality after discovery of buried Indigenous children in Canada Pope Francis rejects Cardinal Marx’s offer of resignation, calls on all bishops to take responsibility for the abuse crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Zac and Ashley talk with Eve Tushnet about her recent feature article for America magazine, “Conversion therapy is still happening in Catholic spaces—and its effects on L.G.B.T. people can be devastating”. During Signs of the Times, they unpack a major overhaul to the church’s legal code and wonder: is basketball the holiest sport? What’s on tap? White Claw  Links from the show: Conversion therapy is still happening in Catholic spaces—and its effects on L.G.B.T. people can be devastating Pope Francis overhauls church’s criminal code to punish the sexual abuse of adults by priests Pope: Basketball helps young people to ‘look up’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Zac and Ashley discuss how Christians have fueled Islamophobia and what we can do to combat anti-Muslim bias in ourselves and in our communities with Jordan Denari Duffner. Jordan, a scholar of Muslim-Christian relations, has faced pushback for her work from fellow Catholics—but says her study of Islam and friendships with Muslims have strengthened her own faith.  Our Guest: Jordan Denari Duffner, author of Islamophobia: What Christians Should Know (and Do) about Anti-Muslim Discrimination Related Links:  Father James Altman, who said Catholic Democrats would ‘face the fires of hell,’ asked to resign by his bishop Pope Francis asks the Vatican’s media department, its most expensive office: Who actually reads your news? Buy Jordan’s book! What’s on tap: Water and lime for Zac; Lemon ginger tea for Ashley Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're dropping the first episode of "The Gloria Purvis Podcast" from America Media! Gloria's show centers the voices of people who have been marginalized in the Catholic Church and in society. On this first episode, Gloria reflects on the murder of George Floyd one year later and speaks to a priest ministering in a historic Black Catholic community in Minnesota about the traumatic experience and how Catholics responded across the country. Search and subscribe to "The Gloria Purvis Podcast" wherever you listen to Jesuitical! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s going on in the Holy Land—and what’s at the root of the problem? Why should Catholics care? This week, Zac and Ashley have an urgent conversation with Father David Neuhaus—an Israeli Jesuit who brings a unique, on-the-ground perspective to the situation.    Our Guest: Father David Neuhaus, superior of the Jesuit community in Jerusalem Related Links:  Former Jerusalem archbishop: How long will Catholics keep ignoring the suffering of Palestinians? Israeli Jesuit Father David Neuhaus: The first step to peace in the Holy Land is ending the occupation Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Inside the Vatican’s Colleen Dulle chat with Arturo Sosa, S.J., the 31st Superior General of the Society of Jesus. In other words, he’s got St. Ignatius Loyola’s old job. In other words, he leads the world’s Jesuits.    Our Guest: Father Arturo Sosa, superior general of the Society of Jesus  Related Links:  What the conversion of St. Ignatius can teach us 500 years later Lay people have been passing on the Catholic faith for 2,000 years. Now Pope Francis has made it an official ministry Vatican sends letter to U.S. bishops: Don’t rush the debate on Communion, politicians and abortion Bishop McElroy: The Eucharist is being weaponized for political ends. This must not happen. For the church to live in eucharistic coherence, we must be willing to challenge Catholics persisting in grave sin. What’s on tap: The Cannonball (the official cocktail of the Ignatian Year) Ingredients: Mezcal, 2oz Lime juice, 3/4oz Blackberries, 6 (reserve one for garnish (this is the ‘cannonball’)) Jalapen

This week, Zac and Ashley take you behind the scenes of Jesuitical in an exit interview with our amazing outgoing editor, Noah Levinson. Noah has been with the podcast since day one, and we could not be more grateful for everything he’s done for the show.  Our Guest: Noah Levinson, the outgoing audio editor extraordinaire of Jesuitical  Related Links:  Learn more about the Camphill Movement (Noah’s new gig!) What’s on tap: Cherry kijafa of unknown provenance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Zac and Ashley talk with Pete Davis about the case for putting down roots and committing—to a relationship, a job, a social cause—in a world that tells us to always keep our options open.  Our Guest: Pete Davis, author of Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in an age of Infinite Browsing (out May 4) and co-founder of the Democracy Policy Network. Sings of the Times:  Who is Father Swamy, and why is he (still) sitting in jail?  US Catholic bishops to vote on pressuring Joe Biden to stop taking Communion over abortion views Related Links:  DedicatedBook.org  What’s on tap: Advent Calendar Wine (long story)  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Zac and Ashley discuss the spiritual and liturgical elements of protest movements with Nathan Schneider. Nathan wrote a feature article for America marking the 10-year anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street and Arab Spring protests, entitled, “Our world is ripe for revolution. 10 years after Occupy and the Arab Spring, what have we learned?” Our Guest: Nathan Schneider, a reporter and professor of media studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Sings of the Times:  Catholic Church leaders react to Derek Chauvin verdict in killing of George Floyd Why did the Biden administration have to be reminded of its commitment to refugees? The Nuns are going to the border Related Links:  Our world is ripe for revolution. 10 years after Occupy and the Arab Spring, what have we learned? Who was Ben Salmon and why should he be considered for sainthood? What’s on tap: Absinthe Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac discuss the intersection of Christian purity culture and racism with Flora X. Tang. Flora wrote a piece for America in the aftermath of the Atlanta killings of eight people, including six women of asian descent, entitled “Purity culture, racism and the violence against Asian women in Atlanta”.  Our Guest: Flora X. Tang, doctoral student in Theology and Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, where she studies post-traumatic sacramental theology.  Sings of the Times:  Pope Francis accepts resignation of US bishop for the first time under new sex abuse protocols Archbishop Hebda prays for peace following police shooting of Daunte Wright Related Links:  Purity culture, racism and the violence against Asian women in Atlanta What’s on tap: Live Free or Die, from Death & Co Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stina Kielsmeier-Cook had a plan. Or more accurately, she thought God had a plan: She would marry her college sweetheart, and their shared love for Jesus and radical Christian commitment to serving the poor would anchor their marriage in something real and eternal.  But a couple of years into their marriage, her husband, Josh, lost his faith, and now Stina is navigating an increasingly common reality: mixed-faith marriage. We talk to Stina about her new book, Blessed Are the Nones: Mixed-Faith Marriage and My Search for Spiritual Community, in which she grapples with the challenges (and opportunities) of sustaining a marriage, raising kids and nourishing her own faith life in a new state of “spiritual singleness.” Along the way, she meets women saints, Catholic nuns and religious “nones” who point the way to a reimagined Christian community for an increasingly secular world.  In Signs of the Times, the influential (and controversial) Vatican II theologian Hans Küng has died at 93 and a look back at the Vatica

Why does an all loving God allow evil and suffering in the world? The theodicy isn’t just a problem for popes and theologians—at some point in any believers life it’s a question that seizes and stops a prayer in the throat. Yet we try to offer inadequate answers all the time: God only gives us what we can handle. This is a test. Everything happens for a reason. Push any of these responses a bit, and the unraveling begins. Perhaps the only real answer is in asking the questions. In poetry. In prayer. Joe Hoover, S.J., America’s poetry editor, is out with a new book O Death, Where is Thy Sting?, which is a meditation on all of this and more. In this week’s show, Zac and Ashley sit down with Joe to talk about suffering—fitting for Good Friday.  Links from the show:  Joe’s book: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? The Great Courses Plus (Get a month of unlimited access for free!) Subscribe to America  Join our Patreon community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father Casey Cole, a Franciscan priest and popular YouTuber, has pulled off what few before him have: garnered a massive Catholic following while remaining faithful, truthful and, above all, charitable on social media. We talk to Father Casey about how he deals with internet toxicity, generational differences among Catholics and whether St. Francis would be on Twitter if he were alive today.  In Signs of the Times, the Loyola Ramblers (and their 101-year-old chaplain Sister Jean) are back in the NCAA tournament and heading to the Sweet 16. Plus, Pope Francis has appointed Juan Carlos Cruz—a sex abuse survivor, advocate and gay man—to the Pontifical Council for the Protection of Minors.   This episode of Jesuitical is brought to you by The Great Courses Plus. Sign up for The Great Courses Plus and get an entire month of unlimited access to thousands of video and audio courses from the world’s best professors by visiting http://thegreatcoursesplus.com/jesuitical. As always, thanks for listening. You can support