Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

Episode 148 – Remembering Pope Francis with Archbishop Nelson Pérez

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert J. Brennan is joined by his long-time friend Archbishop Nelson Pérez of Philadelphia. The two were ordained as bishops together and previously served as auxiliary bishops in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. In the wake of the Holy Father’s passing earlier this week, they come together to reflect with gratitude and affection on their personal encounters with Pope Francis, honoring his memory and legacy.

Episode 147 – Celebrating the Chrism Mass

In this special edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan gives his homily from the Chrism Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. He reminds us that, as Catholics, we are outwardly anointed and set apart for witness, service, and ministry. He prays that this outward sign leads to an inward transformation, drawing us deeper into the eternal salvation offered through Christ. In Jesus, we find our freedom and our hope.

Episode 146 – Sharing in the Cross of Jesus Christ

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan shares the news of Father Heanue’s new assignment as pastor of St. Joan of Arc in Jackson Heights. They also reflect on the recent Mass for persecuted Christians at St. Rose of Lima, emphasizing the power of prayer and the need for solidarity with those facing religious oppression. As we enter Holy Week, Bishop Brennan reminds us that each of us is called to share in the cross of Christ in our own way—and to rejoice in Him, our hope, our light, and our resurrection.

Episode 145 – A Time of Conversion, Renewal, and Receiving God’s Mercy

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr Heanue discuss the common Lenten themes of conversion, repentance, and forgiveness. Bishop Brennan calls us to acknowledge the need for God’s mercy and then experience it. He reminds us that God never gives up on us, even to the point of giving Himself on the cross, facing death, only to conquer it, and rise from it to give us new life.

Episode 144 – God is Doing Great Things This Lent with Fr. Joseph Gibino

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Joseph Gibino discuss an array of exciting topics. Lent, Pope Francis, the Jubilee Year, the new Order of Christian Initiation, and what the Synod on Synodality means for the Church. Amidst all of this, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Gibino take time to express their joy over the packed venue at our recent Holy Hour For Vocations. God is truly doing great things in Brooklyn and Queens, and around the world.

Episode 143 – Connecting Culture and Faith 

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue reflect on the connection of culture and faith as we celebrate St. Patrick and St. Joseph. With the upcoming Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, they focus on the celebrations’ common theme of obedience to Christ. Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue encourage us to live extraordinary lives together in our faith.

Episode 142 – Giving God a Chance with Fr. Christopher Bethge

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Fr. Christopher Bethge, Vocations Director and faculty member at Cathedral Prep, joins Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue for a conversation on discerning the priesthood. They reflect on the recent Annual Bishop’s Retreat and discuss diocesan programs that help men explore their vocation and remain open to God’s call. Bishop Brennan emphasizes the importance of youth representation in religious life, recognizing the call to serve as a profound blessing for the Church.

Episode 141 – Hearing God’s Call at Any Age with Msgr. William P. Fay and Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue visit Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary for a conversation with Msgr. William P. Fay, host of the Never Too Late podcast, and Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa, a seminarian preparing for ordination as a diocesan priest this June. Together, they share insights from their vocational journeys and encourage men of all ages to discern the call to the priesthood. Bishop Brennan reflects on the profound blessing of witnessing a man dedicate himself to formation in pursuit of following Christ.

Episode 140 – Be Pilgrims of Hope During this Jubilee Year with Fr. Joseph Gibino

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan welcomes Rev. Joseph Gibino, Vicar for the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis, for a special Lenten reflection. Lent is a season of grace, a time to encounter God’s boundless love. As part of this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope. They invite you to embark on this year’s Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage—a journey of intentional discipleship with Christ, experienced physically, spiritually, and even digitally through the free Lenten Pilgrimage App.

For more details and the full 2025 Lenten Pilgrimage schedule, visit dioceseofbrooklyn.org/Lent.

Episode 139 – Celebrating 400 Years of the Vincentians with Fr. Patrick Griffin

Fr. Patrick Griffin, Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University, joins Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics. As the Vincentians celebrate 400 years of service, they reflect on the lasting inspiration of St. Vincent de Paul in uniting people through faith and service. Bishop Brennan reminds us of the importance of being attentive to one another in our daily lives.