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

Episode 383: Where Coffee Meets Catholicism: St. James Coffee in Rochester, Minnesota with Melissa Scaccio

St. James Coffee in Rochester, Minnesota, is more than a place to grab a cup of coffee—it is a creative work of Catholic evangelization. In this episode, Fr. Edward talks with Melissa about her relationship with St. James Coffee, including the amusing story of how she learned to enjoy coffee despite not being much of a coffee drinker when she first began working there. They discuss some of the shop’s uniquely Catholic creations, including the St. Polycarp Pistachio Latte and a new drink in development called The Purgatory, which will appropriately feature a little pepper burn. Melissa also shares whether Bishop Robert Barron ever stops by—and what he orders when he does. The conversation goes deeper into the Catholic identity of St. James Coffee: why the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in a tabernacle at the shop, the role of Catholic art and decor, and how the space strives to be recognizably Catholic while still remaining welcoming to everyone. As Melissa describes it, the atmosphere is “just Catholic enough that they aren’t being imposed upon and feel comfortable.” They also explore the significance of St. James the Apostle and the Camino de Santiago to the coffee shop’s identity, and ultimately how a coffee shop can become a place of encounter, hospitality, conversation, and evangelization—even for people who might never think to walk through the doors of a church. http://stjamescoffee.com [http://stjamescoffee.com]

Episode 382: What Was Our Lady Trying to Say During Her Silent Apparition at Knock? with Patrick O'Hearn

What message did Our Lady communicate through her silent apparition at Knock alongside St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, and the Lamb of God? Fr. Edward Looney welcomes author Patrick O’Hearn to discuss his latest collaboration with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC—a beautifully illustrated book about Our Lady of Knock. Patrick shares how he first learned about the apparition and describes the book’s illustrations as “Beatrix Potter meets Catholicism.” He also explains how the artwork contains subtle expressions of Catholic faith, including the image of a priest quietly praying his breviary. Fr. Edward recalls how he acquired a picture of Our Lady of Knock as a teenager and shares a personal insight into the figures present at the apparition. Both St. Joseph and St. John welcomed Mary into their homes: Joseph took Mary as his wife after the message of the angel, and John took her into his home after Jesus entrusted her to him from the Cross. Their presence at Knock may therefore invite every Christian to welcome Mary into the home of one’s heart and life. The conversation also revisits an insight previously shared by Knock Shrine rector Fr. Richard Gibbons: Mary’s silent solidarity with the suffering people of Ireland. Fr. Edward and Patrick also discuss: * The significance of the apparition’s complete silence * The meaning of St. Joseph, St. John, the altar, the Cross, and the Lamb * Connections between Knock and other Marian apparitions * Hidden spiritual details within the book’s illustrations * How America may now be helping to re-evangelize Ireland, after generations in which Irish Catholics helped evangelize the United States Discover how the silent apparition at Knock continues to speak powerfully to the Church today. Learn more about Patrick O’Hearn and his books at PatrickROHearn.com Buy the book: https://bookstore.shopmercy.org/the-lamb-of-god-the-story-of-our-lady-of-knock.html [https://bookstore.shopmercy.org/the-lamb-of-god-the-story-of-our-lady-of-knock.html]

Episode 381: From Homeschooling to Catholic Filmmaking: The Bowen Family Story and Industrious Family Films

Can a homeschooling family make Catholic movies, bring inspiring stories from history to the screen, and even create its own streaming service? Kathleen, Mary, and Faustina Bowen of Industrious Family Films join Fr. Edward Looney to share how their family transformed a love of faith, history, and storytelling into a growing Catholic film ministry. Fr. Edward recalls how he first discovered their work and asks how filmmaker Jim Morlino influenced the young filmmakers as a teacher and mentor. The Bowens share the story that inspired their first feature film, what they have learned through years of independent filmmaking, and how they cast actors and select locations for their productions. They also discuss their short Western, End of the Santa Fe Trail, inspired by Servant of God Sister Blandina Segale. The Bowens explain how a Faith and Freedom reader first introduced them to Sister Blandina, what drew them to her remarkable life, and how they continued learning about the courageous frontier nun while making the film. The conversation then turns to their next major project, Fabiola. Set in ancient Rome, the story follows a pagan noblewoman who gradually becomes fascinated by the courage, charity, and faith of the Christians around her. The family explains why they chose this story, how they hope to bring it to the screen, and how viewers can support the film through crowdfunding. You will also hear how the Bowens: -Created Industrious Family Theater, their own family-friendly streaming platform -Produce and distribute independent Catholic stories that might otherwise go unseen -Make films that homeschooling families can use alongside history and religion curricula -Respond to encouragement from viewers who appreciate their work Chose “Industrious Family” as their company name—and introduced Fr. Edward to the virtue of industriousness -Discover how one family is working to reclaim filmmaking through stories rooted in faith, virtue, history, and the Catholic imagination. -Industrious Family Films describes its mission as producing Catholic films that inspire families through truth, beauty, heroism, sacrifice, and virtue. Support Fabiola: FabiolaMovie.com Explore Industrious Family Films and Industrious Family Theater: IndustriousFamily.com

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.