Podcasts

Rev. Brendan Leahy, professor of theology at St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth, Ireland, talks about his new book, Ecclesial Movements and Communities, which traces the origins and significance of movements such as L’Arche, Focolare, Communion and Liberation and the Community of Sant’Egidio. Fr. Leahy discusses the unique charisms of these communities and the ways in […]

The Rev. David Beckmann, the president of Bread for the World, discusses the plight of hungry people in the United States and abroad, and how his organization works to lobby Congress to maintain financial support for those less fortunate. He also explains how government support is essential to fighting hunger—charities alone are not sufficient—and how […]

John P. Schlegel, S.J., describes his journey from president of Creighton University to president and publisher of America Press, Inc. A native of Iowa, Fr. Schlegel has spent most of his ministry in university administration. He is a longtime reader of America, and here describes some of his hopes for the magazine as it navigates […]

When John Endres, S.J., and Julia Prinz, V.D.M.F., traveled to Asia in 2009 with a delegation from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, they were not sure to expect. Their trip gave them unique insights into the lives of their students, in particular women religious, who travel from the Pacific Rim to study theology […]

The editors discuss the PBS Frontline documentary, “Syria Undercover”; George Packer’s analysis of inequality in America from Foreign Affairs; and Karen Sue Smith’s essay from the November 21 issue on the life of Leonard Woolf.

Michael F. Suarez, S.J., describes his role as director of Rare Book School, and discusses the moment of crisis and opportunity facing the book industry. Father Suarez is also a poet, who won the Foley Poetry Prize in 2008 for his poem “Going.”

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York recently spoke with James Martin, S.J., about his new book Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life during the the archbishop’s weekly radio program on The Catholic Channel. Audio courtesy Sirius Satellite Radio.

Daniel Hendrickson, S.J., reports on Contemplative Leaders in Action, an initiative of the Jesuit Collaborative. CLIA “is designed to nurture faith-centered leaders so they can impact society and culture.” The program comprises retreats, lecture, study, and service work, and brings together young people from a variety of professions. Fr. Hendrickson is chaplain to the CLIA […]

John W. O’Malley, S.J., the esteemed Georgetown University historian, compares the role of theologians at the Council of Trent to the Second Vatican Council. At Trent, the theologians were not pre-selected by the pope, and represented a wide array of theological opinion. Theologians gave extended lectures to the assembled bishops, who then made decisions based […]

The editors discuss the coming Mass translations and whether or not Catholic are allowed to criticize them; the outpouring of grief following Steve Jobs’ death and what it says about the spiritual needs of our society; and the surprising religious language used to describe the Occupy Wall Street protests. Read Fr. Jim Martin’s blog post […]