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

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]

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: