Episode 373: Abbot Bradley Vanden Branden on Becoming the New Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey

Episode 380: Blessed Stanley Rother’s Martyrdom, Mission, and Growing Devotion | Ed Jeep

Blessed Stanley Rother refused to abandon his people, even when remaining with them placed his own life in danger. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Ed Jeep, whose family has a fascinating personal connection to the Oklahoma priest and martyr. Ed’s father was a Catholic priest who knew and served alongside Fr. Stanley Rother before later leaving active ministry. That family connection eventually inspired Ed’s own passion for sharing Rother’s story and promoting devotion to him. Fr. Edward and Ed discuss the political turmoil and violence that produced numerous martyrs in Central America, as well as Fr. Rother’s fear that he might be abducted and killed far from his parish. He worried that his people would mistakenly believe he had abandoned them. Ed recounts the events surrounding Rother’s martyrdom and explains why his cause, which was initially considered alongside those of other martyrs, eventually proceeded on its own. They also explore: * Fr. Rother’s life and ministry among the people of Guatemala * The circumstances surrounding his martyrdom * Fr. Edward’s missed opportunity to visit the place where Rother was killed * Reactions to images of Rother dressed as a missionary and farmer rather than in clerical attire * The remarkable priestly and religious vocations that emerged from the mission after his death * The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City * Ed Jeep’s efforts to promote devotion in Washington, D.C. * Growing pockets of devotion to Blessed Stanley Rother throughout the United States * An upcoming documentary narrated by Martin Sheen Blessed Stanley Rother’s life offers a compelling example of pastoral courage, missionary dedication, and a priest’s willingness to remain with his people until the end. Learn more about Ed Jeep’s work at stanleyrotherproject.org.

Episode 379: Netflix's Little House on the Prairie Reboot: What Fans Should Expect- An Interview with Jocko Sims

Netflix is bringing Little House on the Prairie back to television—but what should longtime fans expect? In this interview, we discuss Netflix's upcoming reboot of Little House on the Prairie, including: Why the series is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books rather than the classic Michael Landon television adaptation. Whether longtime fans are likely to embrace—or reject—the new version. How the reboot hopes to introduce a new generation to the beloved stories. The historical background behind Dr. George Tann, the African American physician portrayed by Jocko Sims, who treated the Ingalls family during a malaria outbreak. Whether this reboot has the potential to become a long-running television series. If you grew up watching Little House on the Prairie or are curious about Netflix's newest adaptation, this conversation provides historical context and explores what audiences can expect. 👍 Subscribe for more interviews, film discussions, and conversations about faith, history, and culture.

Episode 378: The Shreveport Martyrs: Five Priests Who Chose to Die with Dr. Cheryl White

In 1873, a devastating yellow fever epidemic swept through Shreveport, Louisiana. As thousands fled the city, five Catholic priests made the extraordinary decision to stay behind. One after another, each knowingly entered the fever wards to care for the sick, administer the sacraments, and accompany the dying—fully aware that doing so would almost certainly cost them their own lives. In this episode of Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward, I welcome historian Dr. Cheryl White, one of the leading voices promoting the Cause of the Shreveport Martyrs. We discuss the remarkable story of these five priests, whose heroic charity has inspired generations of Catholics since their deaths. Our conversation explores: -The 1873 yellow fever epidemic and why so many people fled Shreveport. -The courageous decision of each priest to replace the one who had just died, knowing he would likely be next. -The moving final words of one martyr: "Write to my bishop and tell him I go to my death." -The "Heroic Brotherhood" and the immediate reputation for holiness that surrounded these priests after their sacrifice. -How Dr. White became involved in researching and promoting their Cause for sainthood. -The discovery of a long-lost photograph that helped put a face to one of the martyrs. -A striking nineteenth-century recruitment letter inviting seminarians to America with the promise of "much hard work... frequent sickness, a violent or lonely death, and an unknown grave." -The graces reported through the martyrs' intercession and Dr. White's own experience of their spiritual companionship. -How pilgrims can visit the martyrs' graves today, including the four buried at Calvary Cemetery in Shreveport and the fifth buried in Monroe at the request of the faithful. -What these priests teach us today about heroic charity, priestly brotherhood, and living with eternity in view. The story of the Shreveport Martyrs is not merely one of heroic deaths—it is a witness to the Gospel lived to its fullest. Their example reminds us that authentic Christian love is willing to lay down its life for others. Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1467150908?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1467150908?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback]

Episode 377: How Rwanda's Spiritual Father (Fr. Ubald) Taught a Nation to Forgive

Who was Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga, and why do so many people believe they encountered a saint? In this episode of Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward, I speak with Katesy and Amy about the remarkable life and ministry of Fr. Ubald, often called the spiritual father of Rwanda. In our conversation, we discuss: * Who Fr. Ubald was and his ministry in Rwanda. * Why the Rwandan government feared him and how he escaped to another African country. * The extraordinary act of forgiveness he extended to the man who murdered members of his family during the genocide. * How Katesy and Amy first met Fr. Ubald and became collaborators in his mission. * What it was like introducing countless people to Fr. Ubald and witnessing graces, healings, and conversions through his ministry. * Stories of physical, emotional, and spiritual healings obtained through Fr. Ubald's prayers to the Eucharistic Lord. * Whether those closest to him sensed they were in the presence of a saint. Fr. Ubald's message of forgiveness, healing, and Eucharistic faith continues to touch lives around the world. Learn more about his ministry and legacy at: SecretOfPeace.com

Episode 376: Oprah, Larry King & Jimmy Carter Knew This Kid's Name. You Should Too: Mattie Stepanek

Fr. Edward Looney welcomes Kathy Dempsey to discuss the remarkable life and legacy of Mattie Stepanek, a young poet, peace ambassador, and inspirational figure whose life touched millions. Though Mattie died at just fourteen years old, his message of hope, peace, and love captured the attention of some of the most influential people in America, including Oprah Winfrey, Larry King, and Jimmy Carter. Fr. Edward recalls being aware of Mattie Stepanek's story as a young person and discusses why Mattie's witness continues to resonate with him today. In this conversation, Kathy explains: Who Mattie Stepanek was and why his story captivated the nation. What Mattie meant by a "Heartsong" and how that idea continues to inspire people today. His extraordinary gift for poetry and the hundreds of poems he left behind. How he developed a friendship with President Jimmy Carter and became a young ambassador for peace. How Mattie spoke about living with disability while encouraging others to work for peace and understanding. How Kathy Dempsey became involved in preserving and promoting Mattie's legacy. Why Mattie's life resonates with young people, families, and the Church today. The many ways audiences respond when they encounter Mattie's story. The role of a Catholic priest, Fr. Dixon, who encouraged Mattie's mother to preserve his writings and suggested that the Church should someday examine Mattie's life for a possible cause for sainthood. How Mattie is remembered through events and commemorations throughout the year, especially around the anniversary of his death on June 22. Join us as we explore the life of a remarkable young man whose words, faith, courage, and vision for peace continue to inspire people around the world more than two decades after his death. Learn more at http://mattiematters.org [http://mattiematters.org]