Big City Catholics Podcast

In this second of a two-part episode of Big City Catholics, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez joins the conversation to share personal and heartfelt memories of Bishop William Murphy — a globally connected yet deeply humble leader who helped shape both his own ministry and that of Bishop Brennan. Together, they reflect on Bishop Murphy’s authentic friendships and remember a compassionate mentor who showed them how to be bishops not just through words, but through the witness of his life.

In this two-part episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue remember Bishop William Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Msgr. Joseph DeGrocco, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst, joins Bishop Brennan for a warm conversation about Bishop Murphy's life and legacy, recalling his defining traits: his infectious joy, deep love for his diocese and its people, and his ability to bring people together across all walks of life.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan shares his Easter homily, which centers on the Resurrection of Jesus and the theme of being “fearful yet overjoyed.” He acknowledges the real anxieties of modern life and encourages us to hold fast to the hope and courage that come from faith in Christ, who walks with us each day. Bishop Brennan calls us not to be afraid, but to go and tell the Good News that Christ is risen.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan shares his Chrism Mass homily, reflecting on a young Confirmation candidate’s statement that he “can’t imagine life without God” as a witness to God’s constant love. He connects this to the Gospel and Pope Leo’s call to be “fishers of men,” reminding priests to remember their “first love” and all the faithful to bring hope and God’s presence to the world.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan highlights the 30th Annual Way of the Cross—a powerful public witness of faith that processes across the Brooklyn Bridge into Lower Manhattan, with a stop at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Featuring guests from the lay Catholic movement Communion and Liberation—Christopher Vath, John Ronan, and Luca Lupi—who reflect on the meaning and impact of this tradition founded in 1996.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue welcome Edward Clancy, Director of Outreach for Aid to the Church in Need, an organization dedicated to supporting Christians through funding, education, and rebuilding efforts. Together, they raise awareness about the global persecution of Christians ahead of ACN’s Courage and Faith Week, highlighting the sharp decline of Christian populations and ongoing violence. Bishop Brennan invites listeners to pray, learn more, and stand in solidarity with the persecuted Church during Lent.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on vocations to the priesthood and religious life, sharing their own stories and the influence of joyful priests and Eucharistic Adoration in their discernment. They highlight encouraging signs of young people exploring vocations today. The conversation also explores the many forms of ministry within the diocesan priesthood and the call for priests to strive for holiness, not perfection.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the Lenten season and recent diocesan activities. Bishop Brennan shares highlights from the Lenten Pilgrimage and explores the meaning of the Lenten scrutinies and their connection to baptism. As we continue our Lenten journey and celebrate the Jubilee year honoring St. Francis, Bishop Brennan invites listeners to become instruments of peace in their own communities.

Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue record this episode of Big City Catholics from St. Joan of Arc parish, one of the station churches for the Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage. They explore how pilgrimage is a sacred act of sacrifice, prayer, and charitable giving of one's time—one that draws pilgrims ever closer into the presence of the Lord. As Lent is a season of transformation and preparation, we are encouraged to become closer to God.

Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, joins Bishop Brennan on Big City Catholics to discuss transition plans following the news of seven school closures. While announcing the pursuit of global settlements in sexual abuse cases, Bishop Brennan introduces Maryellen Quinn, Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People, and Elizabeth Harris, Victim Assistance Coordinator, who emphasize the diocese's collaborative efforts of dedication and continued commitment to child protection and safe environment practices. The discussion frames these difficult situations through a Lenten perspective of confronting painful realities while trusting in God's grace for healing and renewal.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the approach of Lent and the need for thoughtful, intentional preparation rather than last-minute resolutions. They emphasize that Lent is meant to foster true spiritual growth, not simply physical sacrifice, and highlight how prayer, fasting, and almsgiving work together to deepen our relationship with God. Bishop Brennan also encourages concrete Lenten practices and taking part in the Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage as meaningful ways to live the season more intentionally.

Cathedral Club President Harry D’Onofrio and spiritual director Father Michael Falce join this episode of Big City Catholics to explore the Cathedral Club’s legacy of lay Catholic leadership. The conversation highlights the club’s bipartisan community, expanding scholarship support for Catholic education in Brooklyn and Queens, and its mission to mentor young people and live out faith through service.

In this edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop-Elect Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez shares the story of his unexpected appointment by Pope Leo XIV to lead the Diocese of Palm Beach, reflecting on the surprise call and his vision for the growing Florida diocese. The conversation touches on youth ministry, Catholic education, pro-life advocacy, and answering God's call to serve.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the cultural life of the Diocese, from Bishop Brennan’s missionary experience in Peru to celebrations like the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia and the Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They highlight upcoming events that celebrate diversity and affirm the Church’s commitment to human dignity. The episode also contrasts a recent religious liberty victory, exempting Catholic institutions from providing abortion coverage, with concerns over the newly signed euthanasia law.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue center their conversation on human dignity. With the upcoming March for Life events, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Bishop Brennan reflects on the enduring call to defend civil rights and uphold the sanctity of human life. He calls us to be instruments of peace and solidarity, to defend human life at all stages, and to recognize that every person is created in God’s image.

This special edition of Big City Catholics features Bishop Brennan and diocesan priest Father John Hwang, on the road at the SEEK Conference. Joined by two Queens College students, the group reflects on their experiences, highlighting the enthusiasm and faith of the young Catholics present, the global diversity of attendees from around the world, and the inspiration drawn from seeing young families and religious vocations. The episode touches on the broader experience of being a young Catholic in New York City, the temptation to feel isolated in faith, and the value of virtuous friendships. Bishop Brennan encourages us to live out the fruits of the SEEK experience in daily life and parish communities.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, we hear Bishop Brennan’s homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, which marks the close of the Jubilee year for the local church. He reflects on Joseph and Mary as the first pilgrims of hope, fleeing Herod’s persecution while carrying the Christ child and facing life’s realities with strength from God. Though the Holy Year has ended, Bishop Brennan reminds us that the pilgrimage of life continues, emphasizing the importance of hope, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, the value of family and community, and the need for God in our daily lives. Bishop Brennan encourages us to support one another by drawing strength from our faith.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation as we celebrate the Octave of Christmas. Bishop Brennan shares his Christmas homily, reminding us that when we truly behold God’s presence in our lives, we can find the courage to overcome our fears. He encourages us to draw comfort and strength from Emmanuel — God with us.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on hope and light amid darkness. The discussion addresses recent acts of violence and hardships both locally and globally. Bishop Brennan encourages us during Advent to acknowledge the darkness in the world, the reality that our existence is finite, and the longing for eternity in Heaven. He motivates us as Christians to be agents of the light and to inspire each other by walking together on the journey of life, pointing in the direction of hope.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Lucero Manzanares, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the diocese, joins Bishop Brennan to share her background engaging youth and young adults through holy hours, youth days, and community-building activities. Lucero shares personal stories and cultural traditions surrounding the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the missionary spirit of St. Juan Diego. Their conversation touches on the importance of encounter, meeting people where they are, building relationships, and challenging them to grow in faith.