Podcast: Big City Catholics Podcast

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue reflect on the important themes of November, including remembrance, particularity of those who have died, and hope that we receive from God. Bishop Brennan explains that we are a diverse communion of saints, connected with each other through Jesus Christ. He urges us to unite in prayer and community as we face challenges and changes in our diocese.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue celebrate All Saints Day as they reflect on the stories of many saints and those in the process of sainthood who have been depended on Christ and shared a friendship with Him. Bishop Brennan reminds us that we all have a universal call to holiness as we strive like the saints to know the Lord Jesus and attach ourselves to Him.

Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue are joined by Dennis Poust and Kristen Curran from the NYS Catholic Conference to discuss the negative consequences of Proposition 1 on human dignity. Disguised under the name “the Equal Rights Act,” Proposition 1 is a dangerous amendment with regard to abortion, parental rights, and religious liberty. Bishop Brennan urges Catholics to Vote NO on Proposition 1. “It is a big issue for us in the Church, as well as an issue for every family in New York.”

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan speaks to Maryellen Quinn, Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People, and Elizabeth Harris, a retired NYPD Detective who has worked with sex abuse survivors and is now the Victim Assistance Coordinator.

They talk about the important work they do in the diocese, supporting abuse survivors and implementing preventative actions. They also discuss how the upcoming Mass of Hope and Healing is a source of solidarity to survivors of anyone who has suffered abuse.

On this episode of Big City Catholics, Fr. Thomas Ahern, Diocesan Director of the Propagation of the Faith, and Fr. David Costello, member of the Missionary Society of St. James the Apostle, join Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue to discuss the Church’s global celebration of World Mission Sunday. Bishop Brennan calls us to commit to a missionary spirit to build up the Church of God.

Fr. Joseph Miller joins Bishop Brennan on this special episode of Big City Catholics as they record from their retreat in Assisi, Italy. They recount the life of St. Francis and share their pilgrimage experience through the city, walking in the footprints of St. Francis, who dedicated his life to walking in the footprints of Jesus.

Tim Cecere, President of St. Francis College, joins Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue on this edition of Big City Catholics to talk about the value of a Catholic college education. They discuss how St. Francis College instills a Catholic identity by embracing people of all faiths that want to give back to the community while providing an education to students that will have an immeasurable impact on their lives.

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan is joined by two guests from religious congregations celebrating significant anniversaries, Sr. Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, member of the Sisters of Charity of Halifax, and Sr. Joanne Callahan, Provincial leader of the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk. They reflect on the founding of the congregations and celebrate their continued contributions to our diocese.

Ruth Nelson joins Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue on this episode of Big City Catholics to discuss her book, Our Lady of the World’s Fair, sharing the fascinating story of the transport of Michelangelo’s Pietà from the Vatican to the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. They talk about the positive impact this living legacy had, which brought people closer to the Lord, and its continued message of love between God and our Blessed Mother.

In this week’s episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue kick off the start of a new pastoral and school year by discussing the upcoming pastoral plans and events in our diocese as well as reflecting on the anniversary of 9/11.