Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Lucero Manzanares, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the diocese, joins Bishop Brennan to share her background engaging youth and young adults through holy hours, youth days, and community-building activities. Lucero shares personal stories and cultural traditions surrounding the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the missionary spirit of St. Juan Diego. Their conversation touches on the importance of encounter, meeting people where they are, building relationships, and challenging them to grow in faith.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop James Massa, Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Together, they explore the significance of the Nicene Creed as a cornerstone of Christian belief. Their conversation reflects on the council’s historical context and its role in articulating essential doctrines, particularly the divinity of Jesus Christ. They also highlight ecumenism, which aims toward Christians of different denominations collaborating, strengthening relationships among their churches, and working toward greater unity in the Christian faith.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan reflects on his recent trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis. He is joined by four young participants from our diocese who share their experiences and insights from the event, touching on the sense of community and inspiration they received from speakers. This year’s conference was particularly special as it was the first digital interaction with Pope Leo XIV, live from Rome, who addressed the youth on various topics and provided relatable advice, making a strong impression on the attendees.

In this special edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joins The Respect Life Podcast to speak with Kat Talalas about authentic, compassionate care at the end of life. He reflects on his own family’s experience, contrasting true dignity with the despair often linked to assisted suicide. Bishop Brennan also touches on his perspective on abortion and Roe v. Wade, offering a message of hope for caregivers, the suffering, and all who seek to defend human life.

In this special edition of Big City Catholics, produced by the Catholic Faith Network, President and CEO Msgr. Jim Vlaun joins Bishop Brennan from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. Together, they discuss the fraternal dialogue among bishops, the missionary spirit of Pope Leo XIV, the 100th anniversary of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and the challenges facing immigrants, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to human dignity.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue sit down with Fr. Dwayne Davis, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas in Flatlands, to reflect on November as a time of remembrance. They discuss the significance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, the impact of Hurricane Melissa, and the strength that comes from community during challenging times. The episode also spotlights the Ambassador youth program and invites listeners to pray for and support those affected by the storm.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue take us to Washington, D.C., where diocesan pilgrims gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. They reflect on the powerful spiritual experience of the pilgrimage and share conversations with the faithful of all ages who represent the unity and diversity of our diocesan family. Pilgrims offer their testimonies, prayer intentions, and hopes from a grace-filled day of faith and fellowship.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue highlight a busy October in the diocese, celebrating the 375th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph and honoring religious vocations. They reflect on Polish Heritage Day and the enduring influence of St. John Paul II. They also preview the diocesan pilgrimage to Washington, DC, emphasizing the significance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, and reaffirm support for survivors of abuse at the annual Mass of Hope and Healing. Bishop Brennan spotlights the importance of staying faithful to the Gospel “in season and out of season” despite modern secularism.

Monsignor Peter Vaccari, priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who serves as the president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and Pontifical Mission, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on Big City Catholics to discuss the humanitarian crisis in the Holy Land and the Church’s mission to bring hope to those in need. Monsignor Vaccari shares CNEWA’s mission to provide supplies, increase psychosocial counseling, and send aid into the affected areas. As we celebrate World Mission Sunday, Bishop Brennan encourages listeners to support missionary work and reminds us of the effective nature of praying in solidarity for peace.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue welcome Kristen Curran, Director of Government Relations for the New York State Catholic Conference, for a Respect Life Month conversation. Bishop Brennan expresses disappointment over the legislature’s passage of the assisted suicide bill but appreciates the governor’s careful consideration. He emphasizes that life is a sacred gift from God, and warns of a radical cultural shift, calling for greater investment in elder care, hospice, and palliative care, and urging advocacy, compassion, and ongoing dialogue within the community.