Catalog
Episodes
A Conversation on Faith, Pride, and Parish InclusionJun 27, 2026During this weekend when communities across the country commemorate the Stonewall uprising back in 1969 and LGBTQ Pride, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, has a conversation with Catholic author John T. Kyler about how we might go about welcoming our LGBTQ brothers and sisters into parish life, drawing from his books Welcoming All to Christ: Reimagining Parish Hospitality and Search Me: A Way of the Cross in Solidarity with the LGBTQ Community. In the second segment, as we approach picnic season, on today’s episode Monsignor Sullivan speaks with Noel Gamboa and Pastor Joe Mantovani about the vision and development of Little Manila Park in Woodside, Queens, to honor those who were essential healthcare workers during the COVID Pandemic. They talk about what inspired the project, the challenges along the way, and the role of faith and community in bringing it to life. Furthermore, they reflect on the park’s impact on the neighborhood, upcoming community events, and how this effort can serve as a model for building stronger, more connected communities. Confronting the Past, Strengthening the FutureJun 20, 2026On this episode of JustLove with Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, two meaningful conversations highlight the themes of justice, reconciliation, and family during the Juneteenth and Father’s Day weekend. In the first segment, Adrienne Curry, former Director of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of Baltimore and a member of its Commission on Slavery, reflects on Pope Leo’s recent apology for the Catholic Church’s historical involvement in slavery and its enduring legacy. She discusses the Commission’s work to examine the sin of racism within the local Church, document the economic benefits derived from enslaved labor, and promote healing, understanding, and reconciliation. In the second segment, Monsignor Sullivan speaks with Johnny Alicea, Fatherhood Facilitator for Catholic Charities of Hartford’s Fatherhood Program, about the importance of empowering fathers to become stronger and more engaged presences in their children’s lives. Their conversation explores how the program supports men in building skills related to employment, financial stability, education, and parenting, helping families and communities thrive for generations to come. Faith, Sport, and Lifelong CareJun 13, 2026On this episode of JustLove with Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, listeners are invited into two inspiring conversations centered on faith, human dignity, and community. First, Monsignor Sullivan speaks with Prof. J.J. (Jay) Carney, Professor of Theology and African Studies and Graff Chair in Catholic Theological Studies at Creighton University, about his book On the Eighth Day: A Catholic Theology of Sport. Against the backdrop of the NBA Playoffs and the World Cup, Prof. Carney explores how sports can serve as a pathway to spiritual growth, revealing connections between athletic competition, Catholic spirituality, and theological reflection. In the second segment, Pat Tursi, Chief Executive Officer of Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center, and Stephanie Gabaud, a resident, volunteer, and international spokesperson for the Center, discuss the recent topping-off celebration for the organization’s new young adult facility in Yonkers, New York. They highlight the urgent need for specialized care and support for young adults with medically complex conditions who face the challenges of “aging out” of pediatric services, while sharing their vision for a future marked by compassion, inclusion, and lifelong care. Civic Engagement, Public Investment, and the Common GoodJun 6, 2026On this week’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan examines how communities can foster civic responsibility and promote the common good through thoughtful public engagement and policy. In the first segment, he speaks with Dr. Matthew Daniels, Professor of Law, Political Science, and Human Rights at Anderson University and author of Catholic Heroes of Civil and Human Rights, about the Palmetto Civics Project. The initiative serves students across 75 South Carolina school districts, helping young people develop the skills for empathetic civic engagement, respectful dialogue, and constructive disagreement in an increasingly polarized society. In the second segment, Monsignor Sullivan is joined by Dr. Eric Goldwyn, Program Director at New York University’s Marron Institute, for a discussion on public investment and transportation equity in New York City. Together, they explore the debate over funding free bus service versus investing in transit infrastructure and consider how transportation policy shapes economic opportunity, mobility, and quality of life for working-class communities. Through both conversations, listeners are invited to reflect on the values of citizenship, justice, and shared responsibility in building stronger communities. Confronting Islamophobia and Preserving Human Dignity in the Age of AIMay 30, 2026On this week’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan explores two timely and thought-provoking topics at the intersection of faith, human dignity, and the common good. In the first segment, he speaks with Dr. Anisah Bagasra, Associate Professor of Psychological Science at Kennesaw State University and a researcher focused on behavioral health in African American and Muslim American faith communities, about the rise of Islamophobia in the United States. Their conversation examines the personal, social, and spiritual impact of anti-Muslim prejudice and discusses how communities can respond with understanding, solidarity, and respect for human dignity. In the second segment, Monsignor Sullivan is joined by Professor Meghan Sullivan, Professor of Philosophy and Founding Director of the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good at the University of Notre Dame, for a discussion on ethics, faith, and what it means to live a “good life” in today’s world. They also explore Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, and its reflections on safeguarding the human person in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Together, these conversations offer listeners valuable insights into some of the most pressing moral and social challenges of our time. From Cans to Peace: Conversations on Community, Resilience, and ReconciliationMay 23, 2026On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan speaks with three inspiring guests about community, resilience, and the pursuit of peace. In the first segment, he interviews Ryan Castilla, Executive Director of Sure We Can, New York’s only nonprofit serving “canners,” exploring the social and environmental contributions of canners, the impact of the Bottle Bill, and how community-based efforts foster sustainability, justice, and human dignity. Next, Monsignor Sullivan sits down with peacebuilders Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon, co-CEOs of InterAct International and co-authors of The Future is Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land, as they share their personal journeys of loss, reconciliation, and dialogue, offering a powerful testament to the human capacity for hope and courageous choice in pursuit of lasting peace. Be sure to check it out here: https://thefutureispeace.com/ Faith, Identity, and Justice: Conversations with Kirsten Lesage and Hafza GirdapMay 16, 2026On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan sits down with two distinguished guests to explore faith, identity, and human rights. First, he talks with Kirsten Lesage, Research Associate at Pew Research Center, about global trends in religious identity, focusing on “religious switching” and the movement between faith traditions, especially Catholicism and Protestantism. After a short break, Monsignor Sullivan interviews Dr. Hafza Girdap, Assistant Professor at Hofstra University and spokesperson for Advocates of Silenced Turkey, about the intersection of religion, gender, and systemic discrimination in Turkey, exploring how religious identity can be used for persecution and highlighting ways listeners can support human rights initiatives worldwide. Walking with Families: Border Ministry and the Power of Faith-Based SupportMay 9, 2026On this week’s episode of JustLove, airing the weekend before Ascension Thursday and leading into Mother’s Day, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan explores ministry, family, and faith in action. First, he welcomes Father Brian A. Strassburger, S.J., Director of Del Camino Jesuit Border Ministries, to reflect on pastoral ministry at the U.S.–Mexico border, sharing how the Church accompanies migrants, deportees, and families amid shifting migration dynamics with compassion, hope, and presence. Later, Debbie Panek, Senior Director of Social Services at Mercy Center, and Adrianny Vicente, Family Worker and Parenting Skills Instructor, join the conversation to highlight how Mercy Center’s Family Skills Program strengthens families and empowers mothers in the South Bronx, nurturing healthy parent‑child relationships and embodying the Catholic call to support, uplift, and honor families in the community. Faith, Hope, and the Force: Exploring Catholic Spirituality and ServiceMay 2, 2026On this week’s episode of JustLove with Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, airing the weekend before “Star Wars Day” on May 4th, Monsignor Sullivan explores faith, imagination, and service through two inspiring conversations. First, he welcomes Eric Clayton, Deputy Director of Communications for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the USA, to reflect on the Star Wars saga through a Catholic lens, drawing from his book My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars to explore discernment, conscience, hope, and the call to choose the “light” through Ignatian spirituality. Later, Mariana Dueñas, Program Manager for Refugee Resettlement at Catholic Charities Community Services of New York, shares her journey as a Venezuelan immigrant and nearly two decades of service, showing how faith, the dignity of the human person, and the Gospel call to welcome the stranger guide her work with refugees and asylum seekers. This episode invites listeners to see how imagination, moral reflection, and concrete acts of compassion intersect in everyday Catholic life. AI, Ethics, and Conscience—Plus the Catholic Roots of RecoveryApr 25, 2026On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan speaks with Professor Charles Camosy of The Catholic University of America about the ethical conflict between the U.S. War Department and Anthropic, a San Francisco–based AI company that refused to allow its Claude platform to be used in the development of autonomous weapons, exploring why Catholic moral theologians have supported the company and how AI-driven warfare challenges just war principles and human moral responsibility; in the second segment, marking Alcohol Awareness Month, he is joined by author Dr. Dawn Eden Goldstein to discuss the life and legacy of Father Edward Dowling, SJ, the spiritual mentor to Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill W., and how his pastoral care and Catholic vision of human dignity helped shape a recovery movement that continues to transform lives around the world. Gardening Faith & Serving Community: Earth Day and Volunteer WeekApr 18, 2026On this week’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan marks the weekend before Earth Day (April 22) with a conversation with Julene Jarnot, Founder and Executive Director of the Catholic Garden Network, who shares how her passion for gardening blossomed into a national ministry supporting gardens across Catholic communities as places of nourishment, prayer, and environmental stewardship; then, in recognition of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), he is joined by Catholic Charities volunteers Nick Naccari and Fran Magenheimer of LSA (Little Sisters of the Assumption) Family Health Services in East Harlem, who reflect on their work with the LSA Afterschool Initiative and College Access Program, discussing how their backgrounds in psychology and education inform their commitment to accompanying children and families, fostering academic growth and emotional well-being, and living out a mission rooted in dignity, compassion, and community building. Faith at the Ballpark and a Journey Home to the ChurchApr 11, 2026On this week’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Sullivan welcomes Father Tom Gibbons and John Scheinfeld to discuss their new documentary Baseball Beyond Belief, exploring how the rhythms and rituals of baseball reflect the deeper spiritual journey and reveal themes of wonder, community, and the search for meaning; after a brief break, the conversation turns to Michelle Benjamin of Our Saviour Parish, who shares her moving return to faith ahead of entering full sacramental life this Easter 2026, reflecting on her upbringing, rediscovery of prayer, and how she and her fiancé are building a shared future grounded in faith and the welcoming parish community that helped guide her journey. Stories of Hope and Solidarity with Kerry Robinson and Monsignor Peter VaccariApr 4, 2026On this week’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Sullivan hosts a compelling conversation beginning with Kerry Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, who joins via Zoom to discuss the launch of the inspiring “People of Hope” Museum—an initiative celebrating over a century of compassionate service and highlighting how storytelling can renew the Church’s mission to accompany those in need; following a brief break, Monsignor Sullivan continues with Monsignor Peter Vaccari of Catholic Near East Welfare Association, who reflects on his priestly journey and offers powerful insight into the humanitarian crises facing vulnerable communities across the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India, and Eastern Europe, emphasizing the enduring call to solidarity, faith, and hope in regions marked by conflict and hardship. Justice, Peace, and the Passion: Exploring Moral Theology and the Good Friday PilgrimageMar 28, 2026On today’s episode of Just Love, we have two insightful segments. First, Prof. Tobias Winright, Professor of Moral Theology at Saint Patrick’s Pontifical University in Maynooth, Ireland, joins us to discuss the intersection of Christian moral theology with public safety and social ethics. Drawing from his unique background as both a theologian and former law enforcement officer, Prof. Winright explores the Church’s Just War Theory and how its moral tradition can inform our understanding of justice, peace, and the common good in today’s world. In the second segment, Kat Stone Doyle, Director of Justice and Peace Ministries for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, reflects on the 45th annual Good Friday Stations of the Cross Ecumenical Pilgrimage. Kat shares the deep meaning of this powerful tradition, how it brings together diverse faith communities, and why the Passion of Christ continues to resonate with today’s social struggles. Faith, Courage, and Legacy: Exploring OCIA and Shahbaz Bhatti’s MartyrdomMar 21, 2026On this week’s episode of Just Love with Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, we have two powerful segments. First, Marcel LeJeune, President and Founder of Catholic Missionary Disciples, joins us to discuss the growing momentum behind the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), exploring why more adults are returning to the Catholic faith and how OCIA is playing a key role in this resurgence. In the second half, Matt Yocum, author of Blood and Water: The Life and Martyrdom of Shahbaz Bhatti, speaks about the courageous Pakistani Catholic martyr who was assassinated for his unwavering defense of religious freedom. Matt delves into Bhatti’s legacy and how his story can inspire young people today to live with purpose, conviction, and compassion. Tune in for this inspiring and insightful episode! Women of the Bible and the Gift of BelongingMar 14, 2026On this week’s episode of Just Love with Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, we explore stories of faith, dignity, and the power of human connection. First, we’re joined by Rene Echevarria, executive producer of the new Fox limited series The Faithful: Women of the Bible, who shares what inspired the project, the challenges of bringing these ancient stories to modern audiences, and why the lives of these biblical women still resonate today. Later, we speak with Juliet Evans-Nembhard, Assistant Director of Residential Support and Services at Catholic Guardian Services, and Jeffrey Wooten, a longtime resident in one of the organization’s Bronx homes. Together, they reflect on the importance of dignity, independence, and belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the life-changing work being done by Catholic Guardian Services. Catholic Social Teaching in Action: From Grassroots Advocacy to Global AidMar 7, 2026On this week’s episode of Just Love with Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, we welcome two guests to discuss faith, justice, and our responsibility to the most vulnerable. First, Lia Romero, a leader with The Dorothea Project, a grass-roots, women-led initiative inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, shares how the movement began and how Catholic women across the country are being mobilized to speak truth and act courageously in defense of human dignity. Then, Dr. Henry Schwalbenberg, economist and Director of Fordham University’s International Political Economics and Development program, joins us to reflect on U.S. foreign policy, global development challenges, and the moral dimensions of international aid, following the publication of his recent essay on foreign aid and global poverty in L’Osservatore Romano in honor of the World Day of Social Justice. Faith, Civic Legacy, and Life in New YorkFeb 28, 2026On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan speaks with New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton about the ongoing Canonization Cause of Dorothy Day. The Senator reflects on what Dorothy Day’s path to sainthood means for Staten Island and how her spiritual, social, and civic legacy continues to shape the identity and values of New Yorkers today. Later, Monsignor Sullivan welcomes Eileen Tyrrell, a Manhattan-based bookstore manager and freelance writer, for a candid conversation about affordability and daily life in New York City. Eileen shares her experience navigating housing, budgeting, and career-building as a young professional, offering insight into how many New Yorkers strive to create stability in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Sacred Seasons and a Sacred LegacyFeb 21, 2026On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Sullivan speaks with Dr. Trevor Castor about the rare convergence of Lent and Ramadan, which began just one day apart this year. They reflect on the shared spiritual disciplines of fasting, prayer, and renewal observed by Christians and Muslims around the world, and the deeper meaning of these sacred seasons. In honor of Black History Month, Monsignor Sullivan also welcomes Dr. Valerie D. Lewis-Mosley for a conversation about Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman. They discuss Sister Thea’s powerful legacy, her impact on African American Catholic communities, and the progress of her Cause for Canonization. Faith, Citizenship, and the Search for ConnectionFeb 14, 2026On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan explores questions of belonging, citizenship, and human connection across history and modern life. In the first segment, he speaks with Professor Mark E. Steiner, a leading scholar of American legal history and author of Lincoln on Citizenship, about President Abraham Lincoln’s views on citizenship and immigration amid the nativist and anti-immigrant — including anti-Catholic — sentiments of his era, and how Lincoln’s thinking continues to inform contemporary debates about civic identity and immigration policy. After a brief break, Monsignor Sullivan is joined by Daniel Hussem, co-founder of SacredSpark, a new Catholic dating and matchmaking app, to discuss the current landscape of Catholic dating, what sets SacredSpark apart from other platforms, and how faith, intentionality, and human dignity are being re-centered in digital relationship building. Education, Character, and Community Well-BeingFeb 7, 2026On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan speaks with two guests on issues shaping education and community well-being. In the first segment, he sits down with Aaron Brenner, CEO of Seton Education Partners, to discuss the founding and mission of Seton and the Brilla Schools Network, what sets the Brilla model apart within the charter sector, and how the organization is expanding its vision for academically strong, character-rich education in underserved communities. After a brief break, Monsignor Sullivan continues the conversation on this Super Bowl Sunday with Dr. Rachel Volberg, Research Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who shares insights from decades of research on sports gambling, its social and economic impacts, and community and policy approaches to minimizing gambling-related harms. From Crisis to Contemplation: Humanitarian Witness and the Power of BeautyJan 31, 2026On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan journey’s from the urgency of global humanitarian response to the enduring power of faith-filled storytelling. In the first segment, he speaks with Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Country Director for CARE Nigeria, who joins us with an on-the-ground perspective on Nigeria’s escalating humanitarian and security crisis. Dr. Abdu shares how ongoing violence and instability are reshaping daily life for ordinary Nigerians, the complex forces driving this insecurity, and how CARE is working to protect and support vulnerable communities in the midst of profound need. In the second segment, he turns to Deacon Charlie Echeverry, Producer and Creator of EWTN Studios’ new adventure-documentary series Seeking Beauty, who reflects on how faith and beauty shape the mission of Catholic media. Deacon Charlie discusses the inspiration behind the series and how storytelling rooted in truth, wonder, and beauty can draw audiences closer to God’s presence in the world. Faith, Innovation, and Service: Human Dignity at the Heart of Education and CareJan 24, 2026On today’s episode of JustLove, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan explores faith, leadership, and service through two timely conversations. In the first segment, he’s joined by Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, PhD, of the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education, who reflects on how Catholic schools can thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence in ways that uphold the dignity of the human person and the values at the heart of Catholic learning communities. Fr. Nate discusses both the promise and concerns of AI use among teachers and students, and how emerging tools can strengthen relationships, support vulnerable learners, and become instruments of hope, wisdom, and integrity rather than mere efficiency. In the second segment, he speaks with Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO of the New York Foundling, about her distinguished career shaping New York City’s social service landscape—from overseeing the nation’s largest municipal budget as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget to leading major child and family welfare initiatives. Melanie shares how her decades of advocacy continue to inform efforts to strengthen safety nets, support vulnerable communities, and improve outcomes for children and families across New York City. <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fjustloveblog.org%2F2026%2F01%2F24%2Ffaith-innovation-and-service-human-dignity-at-the-heart-of-education-and-care%2F&title=Faith%2C%20Innovation%2C%20and%20Service%3A%20Human%20Dignity%20at%20the%20Heart%20of%20Education%20and%20Care" data-a2a-url="htt Faith, Service, and the Dignity of Life Across CommunitiesJan 17, 2026Today, JustLove brings together reflections on faith, service, and the dignity of human life. In the first segment, recorded on Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, Monsignor Sullivan speaks with Alexander White, a Pierre Toussaint Scholar and graduate student at Fairfield University, about the Pierre Toussaint Scholars Program and how it has shaped his academic journey in engineering while inspiring a deeper commitment to faith, service, and leadership in his professional and spiritual life. Following a brief break, the program continues with Tara Wicker, State Director of Louisiana Black Advocates for Life and co-director of ProBlack–ProLife, who discusses her efforts to reduce abortion within the Black community and to foster effective, compassionate pro-life advocacy that bridges political parties and racial divides, in anticipation of the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Justice, Peace, and Human Dignity in a Time of Global UncertaintyJan 10, 2026This week on JustLove, addressing justice, peace, and human dignity. Monsignor Sullivan speaks with Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, about the organization’s work supporting Latino communities, with a focus on recent developments in Venezuela following the January 3 removal of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, the implications for regional stability, immigration and humanitarian policy, advocacy for Venezuelan families amid TPS revocation, and initiatives such as La Lucha Contra El Hambre to combat food insecurity. After a brief break, the program continues with Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, a U.S. national security and foreign policy expert, U.S. Army veteran, and author of Why National Security Matters, reflecting on the meaning of peace during the early weeks of 2026 as the Church marks the World Day of Peace, and exploring the pursuit of a “Just Peace” in a world shaped by ongoing conflicts, frozen wars, and rapidly evolving, more lethal military technologies. Monsignor Kevin Sullivan.
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