Podcast: Religion to Reality

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on Pope Leo’s call for peace—“War No More”—linking pro-life values to the dignity of every human life. They also examine the rising acceptance of political violence among young adults, while offering hope in the Church’s role—through Catholic education and young adult ministry—in forming a generation rooted in faith, respect, and true peace.

In this second of a two-part episode of Big City Catholics, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez joins the conversation to share personal and heartfelt memories of Bishop William Murphy — a globally connected yet deeply humble leader who helped shape both his own ministry and that of Bishop Brennan. Together, they reflect on Bishop Murphy’s authentic friendships and remember a compassionate mentor who showed them how to be bishops not just through words, but through the witness of his life.

In this two-part episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue remember Bishop William Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Msgr. Joseph DeGrocco, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst, joins Bishop Brennan for a warm conversation about Bishop Murphy’s life and legacy, recalling his defining traits: his infectious joy, deep love for his diocese and its people, and his ability to bring people together across all walks of life.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan highlights the 30th Annual Way of the Cross—a powerful public witness of faith that processes across the Brooklyn Bridge into Lower Manhattan, with a stop at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Featuring guests from the lay Catholic movement Communion and Liberation—Christopher Vath, John Ronan, and Luca Lupi—who reflect on the meaning and impact of this tradition founded in 1996.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue welcome Edward Clancy, Director of Outreach for Aid to the Church in Need, an organization dedicated to supporting Christians through funding, education, and rebuilding efforts. Together, they raise awareness about the global persecution of Christians ahead of ACN’s Courage and Faith Week, highlighting the sharp decline of Christian populations and ongoing violence. Bishop Brennan invites listeners to pray, learn more, and stand in solidarity with the persecuted Church during Lent.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on vocations to the priesthood and religious life, sharing their own stories and the influence of joyful priests and Eucharistic Adoration in their discernment. They highlight encouraging signs of young people exploring vocations today. The conversation also explores the many forms of ministry within the diocesan priesthood and the call for priests to strive for holiness, not perfection.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the Lenten season and recent diocesan activities. Bishop Brennan shares highlights from the Lenten Pilgrimage and explores the meaning of the Lenten scrutinies and their connection to baptism. As we continue our Lenten journey and celebrate the Jubilee year honoring St. Francis, Bishop Brennan invites listeners to become instruments of peace in their own communities.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the approach of Lent and the need for thoughtful, intentional preparation rather than last-minute resolutions. They emphasize that Lent is meant to foster true spiritual growth, not simply physical sacrifice, and highlight how prayer, fasting, and almsgiving work together to deepen our relationship with God. Bishop Brennan also encourages concrete Lenten practices and taking part in the Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage as meaningful ways to live the season more intentionally.

Cathedral Club President Harry D’Onofrio and spiritual director Father Michael Falce join this episode of Big City Catholics to explore the Cathedral Club’s legacy of lay Catholic leadership. The conversation highlights the club’s bipartisan community, expanding scholarship support for Catholic education in Brooklyn and Queens, and its mission to mentor young people and live out faith through service.

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop-Elect Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez shares the story of his unexpected appointment by Pope Leo XIV to lead the Diocese of Palm Beach, reflecting on the surprise call and his vision for the growing Florida diocese. The conversation touches on youth ministry, Catholic education, pro-life advocacy, and answering God’s call to serve.