Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward

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]

Episode 375: The Priest Who Bought a School Bus and Drove It: The Story of Fr. Charles R. Carroll

Why would a Catholic priest buy a school bus and drive it himself? In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney introduces listeners to Fr. Charles R. Carroll, a beloved West Virginia priest whose extraordinary ministry left a lasting impression on generations of Catholics. Fr. Carroll served one parish, six mission churches, a Catholic school, and several mission territories from 1933 until 1980. In places where there were no church buildings, he celebrated Mass in homes, theaters, and even bars. Determined to strengthen Catholic education, he purchased a school bus and personally transported children to school. Listeners will also hear how a lack of a driver's license altered one of his priestly assignments, how the Fr. Carroll Guild came to be, and why so many people continue to remember him as a holy priest decades after his death. Among the many stories shared is the testimony that Fr. Carroll would sometimes weep before the tabernacle, overwhelmed by the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. His love for Jesus inspired countless people and continues to bear fruit today. Could Fr. Charles R. Carroll one day be declared a saint? Discover the remarkable life and enduring legacy of this rural missionary priest. Learn more at fathercharlescarroll.org.

Episode 374: She Went to Harvard an Atheist. Now She Could Be a Catholic Saint. Meet Ruth Pakaluk

Who was Ruth Pakaluk? A wife, mother, Harvard graduate, pro-life leader, and faithful Catholic whose inspiring life is now being examined by the Church as a possible future saint. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Meghan Tallarita, Vice Postulator for the Cause of Ruth Pakaluk, about the remarkable life and legacy of this extraordinary woman. Meghan shares how she became involved with the cause and how learning about Ruth has deeply influenced her own life as a wife and mother. The conversation explores Ruth's conversion to Catholicism while at Harvard, her leadership in the pro-life movement as president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, her devotion to her family, and the faith that sustained her through a battle with breast cancer. They also discuss: • What Ruth's family thinks about her sainthood cause • The mission of the Ruth Pakaluk Foundation • Visitation House and its outreach to women facing crisis pregnancies • Reports of favors received through Ruth's intercession • Why so many people feel connected to Ruth despite never having met her • The current status of her cause for canonization • What readers discover in Ruth's personal writings and correspondence • Whether Opus Dei supports the cause • Where Ruth is buried and why pilgrims visit her grave • What patronage she might one day be known for Discover why an increasing number of people believe the witness of Ruth Pakaluk is exactly what the Church and the world need today. For more information about Ruth Pakaluk and her cause for canonization, visit the Ruth Pakaluk Foundation. https://ruthpakaluk.com [https://ruthpakaluk.com] The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God:

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

Abbot Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was elected the eighth abbot of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI on January 15, 2026, and received his abbatial blessing on April 18, 2026. In what may be his first longform sit-down interview outside of print media, Abbot Brad joins Fr. Edward for a wide-ranging conversation about his vocational discernment, Norbertine spirituality, and the mission of the Canons Regular of Prémontré in the United States. The conversation explores the life of St. Norbert of Xanten — including the famous “spider incident” and his title as the Apostle of the Eucharist — while also introducing listeners to the unique charism and communal life of the Norbertines. Abbot Brad reflects on the Chapter of Election and shares what was going through his mind as it became clear he would be chosen as abbot, including the prayers that sustained him in that moment. He also discusses the meaning behind his episcopal motto and newly designed coat of arms. Along the way, Fr. Edward asks a series of personal and spiritual questions: * Which Norbertines most inspired him? * If he had taken a religious name, what would he have chosen? * Which spiritual books would he recommend? * What Marian title is closest to his heart? * Which saintly intercessor does he turn to most? This episode offers a rare and personal introduction to the new abbot of one of America’s most historic Norbertine communities.

Episode 372: How to Find the Graves of Saints (And Why Visiting Them Changes You) with Brian O'Neel

Fr. Edward sits down with Brian O’Neel, founder of the website dedicated to locating the burial places of saints, blesseds, and holy men and women, to explore a question many Catholics have never thought to ask: Where are the saints buried—and how can I find them? Brian shares how his passion for the saints led him to document their tombs and create a resource for pilgrims seeking these sacred places. Together, they discuss shrines, sanctuaries, and pilgrimage opportunities—especially those hidden in plain sight across the United States. Drawing from his own travels, Fr. Edward reflects on experiences in Rome, where nearly every church holds the relics or remains of a saint, and shares stories from his visits to graves and tombs throughout the country—and the graces he has encountered along the way. Why visit a grave if you can pray anywhere? What makes these places spiritually significant? And what should you actually do when you arrive? Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage or simply curious about deepening your devotion to the saints, this conversation offers practical guidance and spiritual insight. The episode even concludes with Brian helping Fr. Edward plan a future pilgrimage to New York. [ Visit his website: saintstombs.com](saintstombs.com) Buy His Book: Saint Who? https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Who-39-Holy-Unknowns/dp/1616362421 [https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Who-39-Holy-Unknowns/dp/1616362421]