Pope Leo XIV was formally inaugurated as the successor of Peter in a Mass May 18 in St. Peter’s Square. Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori was among the concelebrants of the Mass, and he shares his reflections about being there for the historic event, and his hopes for the future of the church with Pope Leo. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gun…

May is traditionally celebrated as a month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church — a time for special devotions, prayers and reflection on her role in salvation history.George Matysek talks with Father Brian Nolan, pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Ijamsville, about why Catholics have such love for Mary and ways for drawing …

Millions of people around the world watched or listened to the funeral of Pope Francis live from Rome on April 26 — a solemn and historic moment for the Catholic Church.One of the voices heard during that liturgy was Kielce Gussie, a Vatican journalist who had the honor of proclaiming the first reading at the Mass.A graduate of Mount St. Mary’s Uni…

As the College of Cardinals prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope May 7, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty gets some inside info from Monsignor Richard Hilgartner, pastor of St. Joseph parish in Cockeysville, Md., and former executive director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Monsignor …

As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis April 21 at age 88, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with people who have experienced the pope personally. Baltimore Archbishop William Lori recalls his encounters with the pope. Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, former archbishop of Baltimore and retired grand master of the Equestrian Order of th…

Earlier this year, Archbishop William E. Lori announced that the standard age for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation will be lowered to 9 in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The previous age had been set at 14-16.George Matysek discusses the reasons for the change with Stacy Golden, director of the Office of Family, Youth and Young Adult Ministry…

It’s a books and authors episode of Catholic Review Radio. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with authors of two new books. First up is Cheryl C.D. Hughes, whose book “Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker” talks about how the famed televangelist brought people to the Catholic faith – sometimes in well-attended revivals and rallies…

Holy Week calls attention to the death penalty, since Jesus Christ himself was an innocent put to death by capital punishment. The topic is top-of-mind these days as the new presidential administration wants to increase the use of the punishment, and some states are using new methods of execution, including lethal gas/suffocation and firing squads.…

Dante’s "Inferno," the first part of "The Divine Comedy," is widely regarded as one of the greatest poems ever written. The epic journey through hell explores the nature of sin and virtue in a way that remains relevant today.In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, host George Matysek speaks with Jason M. Baxter, a professor and executive director…

As we come to the final weeks of Lent, a new movie takes a look especially at that seminal event for the church – “The Last Supper” – where Jesus showed his disciples what it means to serve and established the Eucharist. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with Mauro Borrelli, the director of the new movie from executive producer Chris …

Mark Viviano chats with his big brother, Father Tony Viviano, about his unique journey to the priesthood. Father Viviano is a priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo., who discerned a call to the priesthood later in life. Father Viviano, a father of a daughter and grandfather of five, was ordained a priest at age 49 in 2012, and now serves as p…

Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop Adam J. Parker returns for another round of questions from our listeners in our second-ever "Ask a Bishop" episode of Catholic Review Radio. He fields topics including how to encourage young people to attend Mass, the bishops' presence in Western Maryland, abortion, bringing anger to God and more.…

Fasting practices for Lent are not just about giving up chocolate. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Deacon Greg Kandra of the Deacon’s Bench blog about his new book, “A Handy Little Guide to Fasting” from OSV Books. They discuss the essential practices of Lent for Catholics – prayer, fasting and almsgiving – and how to enhance yo…

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first-American born saint and one of the great heroines of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.Joining us to talk about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and some special events that are coming up to honor the anniversary of her canonization is Rob Judge, executive director of …

The Oscars are coming, the Oscars are coming! It’s time to take a look at nominees for the top film honors and other trends in Hollywood before the Oscars broadcast March 2, 7 p.m. on ABC and streaming on Hulu. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty, along with guest co-host Ann Augherton of the Arlington Catholic Herald, had a wide-ranging, some…

Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty, along with guest co-host Ann Augherton of the Arlington Catholic Herald, have a wide-ranging, sometimes wild, conversation with two Catholic movie experts: Pauline Sister Rose Pacatte and John Mulderig, film reviewer for OSV News. Hear their recommendations for the winners, and what they wished the entertai…

Kathy Wandishin’s youngest child, John, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just 10 years old. For more than five years, he and his family would undergo many unbelievable trials before the young Archbishop Curley High School student ultimately died just one day before his 16th birthday in 2005.In a new book, “Climbing the Rainbow,” Kathy shares…

What does authentic Catholic male spirituality look like? Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with two experts on the topic to get their take on how best to encourage and support men looking to develop and enhance their Catholic faith, so they can be better men, able to serve others, whether as husbands, fathers, priests or single lay m…

Are you comfortable sharing your faith with family and friends? What about people you might encounter on the street? St. Paul Street Evangelization grew out of encounters Steve Dawson had with people at a street festival in Portland, Ore., detailed in the book “Catholic Street Evangelization: Stories of Conversion and Witness.” Catholic Review Edit…

As pro-life supporters prepare to gather in Washington Jan. 24 for the 52nd annual March for Life, the March for Life organization is preparing to welcome Jennie Bradley Lichter as its new president. Lichter, who takes office in February, will be among those speaking at this year’s march. She previously served as deputy general counsel at The Catho…

As the United States prepares to swear in a new president, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty takes a look at the state of politics and elections. His first guest is Peter Sonski, who was the American Solidarity Party nominee for president in 2024. Sonski talks about how his party’s platform is more fully aligned with the spectrum of Catholic…

Rev. Johnny Shelton serves as the official team chaplain for the Baltimore Ravens. He joined the Ravens in 2013 after serving in fulltime ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in North Carolina (he was team chaplain at Elon University) and Virginia Tech (he was team chaplain at Virginia Tech). Rev. Shelton was ordained by Bishop George…

As we come to the end of 2024, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty sits down with Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori to look at the year that is ending, which included the World Synod of Bishops, lots of activity around the Seek the City to Come initiative that reshapes ministry in Baltimore City with an emphasis on evangelizing communities,…

With the holidays upon us and all the many expectations that come with them, many people can feel overwhelmed at this time of the year. In this encore episode of Catholic Review Radio, Paul Jarzembowski offers inspiration and some practical advice for celebrating the holidays in a meaningful, hope-filled way. Jarzembowski, a parishioner of St. Eliz…

Have you ever felt the call to pray with your whole heart, soul and voice? On this episode, we dive into charismatic prayer – a powerful and expressive form of worship that’s just alive in the Catholic Church as it is in some Protestant faith traditions.What is it? How does it connect us more deeply with the Holy Spirit? And how can it transform yo…

Jubilee years are a tradition from the Old Testament. In the church today, jubilees are declared every 25 years, with some special jubilees in between. Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Jubilee of Hope, and that will be an opportunity for celebrations in your home parish or diocese and by visiting Rome to walk through specially designated Holy Do…

It’s time for holiday movies on TV and all your favorite streaming services, with some stations running Christmas films 24 hours a day. Are you ready for the classics and the new movies? Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Jason Cherubini, an executive-in-residence at Loyola University Maryland about the business behind holiday movi…

St. Thomas Aquinas, a doctor of the church, was known for being able to make the teachings of the church clear to anyone who asked. Known as “The Common Doctor” because he could address all people and any topic, St. Thomas is considered one of the greatest thinkers of all time. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Dominican Father Am…

Two Daughters of St. Paul have published new books geared to children. In our first segment, we talk with Sister Orianne Pietra René Dyck about “Dive Deep: Forty Days with God at Sea,” a children’s devotional that traces salvation history from creation until today through Bible stories that take place at sea.In our second segment, we talk with Sist…

From humble beginnings serving a small Catholic health dispensary in Baltimore, Mercy Health Services has grown over 150 years to a full-service system serving thousands of people each year, continuing with a special effort to serve women and those who are poor. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with Sister Helen Amos, RSM, chair of t…

In a world where noise seems to reign supreme, what’s the value of silence? How do we make room for silence in our lives? And how can silence help us in our spiritual journey?George Matysek talks about it with Dominican Father Dominic Koester.Father Koester is the associate pastor of Ss. Philip and James in Baltimore and the assistant chaplain for …

Where can you go these days to find movies that lift up human values of goodness, truth and beauty? Look no further than Family Theater Productions, a ministry of the Holy Cross fathers, inspired by the legacy of Venerable Father Patrick Peyton, famous for the axiom, “The family that prays together stays together.” Catholic Review Editor Christophe…

Delegates from all around the world are gathered this month in Rome for the second session of the World Synod of Bishops on Synodality. Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori is among them, participating in the prayerful discussions about how the Holy Spirit moves in the Church and the World. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with Archb…

Catholics may be in a quandary as they approach the voting booth this season, because there are no candidates who are completely in line with Catholic social teaching and the values the church holds. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, about how Catholics are “hom…

Listeners of Catholic Review Radio get their chance to ask Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop Adam J. Parker whatever questions are on their mind in this first-ever “Ask a Bishop” episode of the program. Bishop Parker was ordained to the priesthood in 2000 by Cardinal William H. Keeler. From 2001 to 2005, he served as associate pastor of three parishes in …

Beginning Oct. 1, Ascension Press offers a 28-day podcast designed to guide listeners through a reading of “Story of a Soul,” the much-loved spiritual autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. George Matysek talks about the project with one of the hosts of the new podcast, Carmelite Father Michael-Joseph Paris of St. Thérèse. Father Michael-Joseph i…

Earlier this spring, the Sexton’s Lodge Café opened at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. Blessed by Archbishop William E. Lori in April, the café is envisioned as a place where people from throughout the region can gather for fellowship over free coffee.It is especially geared toward welc…

In June, Archbishop William E. Lori ordained six men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Baltimore at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. The year before, he ordained eight to the priesthood, which was the biggest class of new priest in the Baltimore Archdiocese in more than four decades. And in 2022, there were five new priests.George Matysek ta…

Why should parents make the investment in Catholic education? Christ-centered values, excellent academic instruction and safe places to learn are some of the elements highlighted by Gregory Farno chancellor of education for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and his counterpart on the academic side, Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens. Catholic Review Edit…

Did you know that Catholics were influential in starting the first parades to commemorate laborers, back in the 1880s? Or that we celebrate a secular Labor Day in September and a Catholic Labor Day May 1 on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker?Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Bill Droell, author, teacher and longtime editor for the…

The cross and medal of St. Benedict is considered one of the most powerful sacramentals of the Catholic Church. But where did this spiritual object come from, and how did it derive its power?George Matysek talks about it with Benedictine Father Robert Nixon, a monk with the Abbey of the Most Holy Trinity in Western Australia. Father Nixon is the au…

Mark Viviano has covered everything from the Orioles and Ravens to high school sports - breaking the story of the move of the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore in the 1990s. Recently, the five-time winner of Maryland Sportscaster of the Year made the decision to step away from the camera to focus on family, community service and his Catholic faith. He …

Father John Dear has dedicated his life to promoting peace and nonviolence. The internationally known author, activist and teacher of peace and nonviolence has been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize and has worked with St. Teresa of Kolkata, Daniel and Philip Berrigan, Coretta Scott King and many others. A former Jesuit who now serves as a …

Why is communication so important to the church? The Catholic Church dedicates a lot of resources to ensuring that the enduring message of the Gospels is available. Popes and other leaders have said that the church must use all means of communication possible to spread the Word of Jesus. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with two stal…

In May, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori announced the final plan for Seek the City to Come, a parish planning initiative designed to strengthen the Catholic Church’s presence in Baltimore City and some neighboring communities in Baltimore County.Under the plan, the number of parishes in those regions will be reduced from 61 to 23, and the numb…

What is the miracle that we receive in the Eucharist - the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord? A new documentary, “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist,” looks at the practice of the Catholic faith around the world and devotion to the Real Presence. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty caught up with Jim Wahlberg, one of the p…

It’s baseball season and time for the MLB All Star Break. An Illinois priest was on his way to Major League Baseball when his life took a detour, and he’s now a priest – and the chaplain for the Chicago Cubs. Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with Father Burke Masters of the Diocese of Joliet about his book, “Grand Slam for God.” Fath…

What does the Church teach about the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Research over the last several years has shown that a majority of Catholics don’t believe that the Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Jesus. One researcher wanted to find out if wording the question more accurately could affect the response. Catholic Review Editor C…

For nearly 20 years, a public health program known as “Safe Streets” has been working to reduce violence and deaths by gunfire in Baltimore City.Focusing on training community members in conflict mediation, Safe Streets operates in some of the most troubled area of the city.Catholic Charities of Baltimore runs four of the city’s 10 Safe Streets sit…

The Archdiocese of Baltimore will reduce the number of parishes in the City of Baltimore from 61 to 23, and the number of worship sites from 59 to 30. The move reflects the change of demographics in the city over several decades and aims to have vibrant, viable parishes focused on evangelizing their neighborhoods. Catholic Review Editor Christopher…