Podcasts

Jason Berry’s new book, Render Unto Rome, looks at the financial structure of the Catholic Church from the parish level to the Vatican. What happens when a Catholic puts money in the collection plate? What kind of financial reports are offered by diocesan leaders? How big of a problem is embezzlement? Berry, a longtime investigative […]

The first in a series of podcasts featuring the editors of America discussing items of cultural and political interest. This week Tim Reidy, Fr. Jim Martin and Regina Nigro talk about the weighty themes addressed in the film “The Tree of Life”; “The Astral,” a new novel by Kate Christensen set in Brooklyn; and a […]

Is there an inverse relationship between effective leadership of the bishops’ conference and that of individual bishops? Or is it possible the stronger the voice of the bishops collectively, the stronger the voice of most bishops individually and locally? Peter Steinfels explores these questions in the May 30 issue of America, and here on our […]

It’s not uncommon to hear “Abba” or “Shepherd” as names of God. But what about “Voice of Freedom” or “You Who Question Souls”? In her new book Fragments of Your Ancient Name, Joyce Rupp, O.S.M., explores these names and 361 others—one for each day of the year. Rupp spoke with America following her talk “Exploring […]

The Indian Jesuit Anthony DeMello died in 1987 but his spiritual writings still have wide appeal. In this discussion, Thomas G. Casey, S.J., a professor at the Gregorian University in Rome, and Margaret Brennan Hassett, one of his students, discuss their love for the work of “Tony” DeMello, and explain his teachings. Among DeMello’s insights: […]

Students and faculty at Fordham University talk about eloquentia perfecta, a course of study that dates to the early days of the Jesuits. Read Kevin Clarke’s article on EP in the May 16 issue.

April 14 marked the last day of Father Daniel J. Coughlin’s tenure as chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives. Fr. Coughlin was the first Catholic priest to serve in that role, and he held the position for 11 years. Here he speaks about some of his most difficult moments as chaplain, notably the tragedy […]

Richard Rohr’s newest book is Falling Upward, in which he writes about the “two halves of life,” our evolving identities and the significance of redemptive suffering. Rohr spoke with America during the 2011 L.A. Religious Education Congress following a talk about his book. He is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in […]

At the age of 13, Bethany Hamilton, an up-and-coming surfer, lost her arm in a shark attack. But with the help and encouragement of friends and family, she was back on a board within a month, and went on to become a nationally ranked professional in the sport. In the new film adaptation of the […]

Kenneth R. Himes of Boston College talks about his article, “Divided on Torture,” from the April 18 issue, which examines U.S. attitudes toward torture and explains why a public commission is still necessary to account for the moral panic unleashed by the war on terror. The tolerance of torture may stem from a humanitarian impulse—the […]