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In this special edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joyfully announces the election of American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. He notes that, like Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes that the Church is for all people and brings a renewed focus on being a missionary bishop. Bishop Brennan expresses his hope that the Church around the world will rejoice together, affirming that the risen Christ is at work through Pope Leo XIV. He invites all of us to unite as one Church and follow where our new Holy Father will lead.

Ed Wilkinson, Editor Emeritus of The Tablet, joins Bishop Brennan on this episode of Big City Catholics. On the threshold of the conclave, which will select the new Pope, they reminisce about the experience of past conclaves and the significance this one will have for the future of the Church. Bishop Brennan states that God will give us the Pope we need for the times, and asks for the gift of the Holy Spirit, not only on the Cardinals, but on the whole Church.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.