Catholic Review Radio

About Catholic Review Radio

Catholic Review Radio is a weekly radio program and podcast produced by Catholic Review Media, the news operation of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. www.CatholicReview.org/cr-radio

Publisher

Catholic Review Media

Category

news · news · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Feb 2020

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

350 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Oct. 4, 2026 | 800th Anniversary of St. Francis' Death

   In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, host Rita Buettner explores the life, legacy, and enduring spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi as the Church marks the 800th anniversary of his death. Through conversations with Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Heine, provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, and Conventual Franciscan Friar Gary Johnson, vicar provincial, listeners gain fresh insight into one of Christianity's most beloved saints. Father Heine reflects on the dramatic conversion of St. Francis, from the son of a wealthy merchant to a follower of Christ who embraced poverty, simplicity, and service to the marginalized. He discusses Francis' deep love for the Gospel, creation, and peace, as well as the saint's continuing influence on Franciscan life and ministry today. Later, Friar Gary Johnson shares how Franciscan friars inspired his own vocation and explains the spiritual themes that continue to attract people to St. Francis centuries later. He highlights Francis' profound love for Jesus, his commitment to gratitude, fraternity, and care for others, and his vision of peace in a divided world. Together, the guests reflect on Franciscan spirituality, the significance of the Transitus of St. Francis, and why the saint's message remains as relevant today as it was 800 years ago. This inspiring conversation invites listeners to discover how the spirit of St. Francis can transform lives today. Host: Rita Buettner Guests: Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Heine and Conventual Franciscan Friar Gary Johnson Producer: Christopher Gunty Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   Sept. 27, 2026 | The Surprising Surge in Priestly Vocations in Baltimore

   In the latest episode of Catholic Review Radio, Catholic Review Managing Editor George Matysek talks with Father Steven Roth, director of vocations and associate vicar for clergy for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, about the current state of priestly vocations, why more men are discerning the priesthood, and how the Church is supporting them. The conversation covers the growth in seminarians, the variety of backgrounds among new entrants, and the role of prayer, family, and parish life in encouraging vocations. With 66 men in formation this year, up from 60 last year, Father Roth emphasizes that the quality of the men matters as much as the number. Five men were ordained this past year, helping fill parish assignments that had gone without associate priests for years. New seminarians come from a wide range of backgrounds, including high school, college, teaching, biology and secular work. Their ages range from 17 to 36. Many vocations are sparked by the example of priests, eucharistic adoration, confession, and a strong relationship with the Lord. Father Roth describes a resurgence of interest among young people, especially around adoration, confession and Mass attendance at universities. Growth in vocations does not mean the need for prayer or outreach is over. Priests are still needed for evangelization, family ministry, and creative parish work. He said families are encouraged to talk about priesthood as a normal vocation option from an early age, without pressure. Seminary is described as a discernment process, not a guarantee of ordination. Some men discover they are called instead to marriage and family life. Informational and inspiration programs such as Quo Vadis and Quo Vadis Beyond help young men reflect on vocation through prayer, talks, recreation and interaction with seminarians. Host: George Matysek Jr. Guest: Father Steven Roth, director of vocations News break: Kevin J. Parks Producer: Christopher Gunty Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Archbishop Fulton Sheen, his media legacy and the road to beatification

   Christopher Gunty of Catholic Review Media talks with Monsignor Jason Gray, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, about Archbishop Sheen’s life, his rise as a pioneering Catholic broadcaster, and the miracle that led to his beatification. Monsignor Gray also explains how Archbishop Sheen’s Midwest roots, prayer life and clear teaching style shaped a ministry that reached millions. In this episode, they discuss: Archbishop Sheen’s background in Peoria and how his Midwest upbringing formed his humility and common sense His work as a scholar, teacher, diocesan priest, missionary fundraiser and Vatican II participant How obedience to his bishop led him from parish work back into teaching and eventually into broadcasting Why the radio show “The Catholic Hour” made Archbishop Sheen a national figure, reaching more than 4 million households How “Life Is Worth Living” on television drew more than 30 million viewers with a simple chalkboard, cassock, and ideas that resonated The response to Sheen’s ministry, including fan mail, mission donations, and the Emmy that now sits in the Sheen Museum in Peoria Why authenticity and substance matter in Catholic media today, especially in a crowded media landscape How miracles function in the canonization process as divine confirmation of heroic virtue The story of the miracle attributed to Archbishop Sheen’s intercession involving a child born without vital signs who later recovered fully Archbishop Sheen’s lifelong eucharistic holy hour and how prayer shaped his preaching, writing, and evangelization What comes next after beatification, including the search for a second miracle for canonization Host: Christopher Gunty Guest: Monsignor Jason Gray, executive director, Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation Producer: Christopher Gunty Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media

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