Jesuitical

4.9 (41)
CHRISTIANITY
UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Jesuitical, a podcast for young Catholics hosted by two young, lay editors at America—Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless. Each episode features a guest who offers a unique perspective on faith, culture or current events. We also bring you some of the top (and maybe more obscure) Catholic news of the week. And we'll ask: Where do we find God in all this?

20 HRS AGO · BONUS

Minneapolis Catholic Bishop on ICE, immigration and human dignity

Bishop Kevin Kenney was born in Minneapolis and has ministered to Latino communities there for years. Now an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, he speaks to America about the realities facing Latino Catholics on the ground and what the Catholic Church is doing to support them. 0:00 ICE outside churches and schools 4:45 How the Catholic Church is responding 10:00 Targeting criminals only? 11:45 Preaching during the crisis 15:12 Ministering to ICE 16:45 Latinos have enriched Minneapolis 18:53 Longterm effects 23:45 Pope Leo and prioritizing immigration 34:00 What Bishop Kenney is praying for Links for further reading: ⁠Twin Cities pastors preach on the killing of Alex Pretti: ‘We are walking in darkness and living in fear’ ⁠ ⁠I’m a Minnesota Catholic mom. Here’s what my neighbors are saying about ICE⁠ ⁠No more funding for ICE without reform. Congress must act⁠ ⁠Bishop Tyson: Not all are called to be martyrs like Alex Pretti. But we can be witnesses⁠ Support Jesuitical by ⁠becoming ⁠a subscriber to America Magazine⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37 min
3D AGO

Prayer in sports: healthy spirituality or superstition?

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian sit down with Patrick Kelly, S.J. Father Pat holds the Heider Chair at Creighton University and is an expert in the theology of Sports. Then, in a special faith sharing segment, the hosts speak with Patrick Hyde, O.P., a Dominican priest and the pastor of St. Paul Catholic Center at Indiana University, about recent Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza. Fernando, the quarterback of the IU football team, has been outspoken about his Catholic faith and is a frequent attendee of masses at St. Paul Center. 0:00 Olympics or Super Bowl? 5:40 Sports and the Vatican 9:02 Playing sports vs. the spiritual life 14:50 Why athletes praise God 20:20 Sports and superstition 32:30 Sports, society and polarization 39:31 Being Catholic at Indiana U 45:00 Ministering to Fernando Mendoza 52:12 Healthy (and unhealthy) fandom Links for further reading: Father Pat’s book, “Play, Sport and Spirit” These Olympic athletes are leaning on Christian faith going into the Winter Games Pope Leo adds feast day of St. John Henry Newman to universal calendar Pope Leo, Archbishop Coakley urge renewal of last US-Russia nuclear treaty You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

57 min
JAN 30

David French on Christianity and the MAGA movement

This week on a special episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Sam Sawyer, S.J., president and editor in chief of America, have a conversation with David French, political commentator and opinion columnist at The New York Times, about the complex relationship between Christianity and politics during the Trump administration. Ashley, Father Sawyer and David discuss: - David’s journey as a never-Trump evangelical Christian - The future identity of Christianity in the United States - How Christians should respond to events like the killings in Minneapolis Links for further reading: A Christian Answer to Trump and Trumpism Is Finally Here Trump Is No Longer the Most Important American David’s Podcast: “Advisory Opinions” Twin Cities pastors preach on the killing of Alex Pretti: ‘We are walking in darkness and living in fear’ You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

57 min
JAN 23

Euthanasia isn't (and shouldn’t be) a partisan issue

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian speak to Charles Camosy. Charlie teaches moral theology and bioethics at the Catholic University of America and is the author of 10 books, including Living and Dying Well: A Catholic Plan for Resisting Physician-Assisted Killing. Ashley, Sebastian and Charlie discuss: - How opposition to euthanasia transcends typical partisan camps - The disability advocates on the frontlines in the fight against euthanasia - The importance of learning to live well in order to die well In Signs of the Times, Charlie speaks to the pro-life movement’s response to the second Trump administration and the March for Life in Washington, D.C. If you are having thoughts of suicide, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can find more resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention here. Links for further reading: Order Charlie’s book: Living and Dying Well: A Catholic Plan for Resisting Physician-Assisted Killing Ahead of March for Life, pro-life movement faces key political challenges Pro-life groups push back after Trump tells House GOP to be ‘flexible’ on taxpayer-funded abortions Canada’s euthanasia regime: How many more will die in the name of ‘compassion’? Vatican reaffirms, clarifies church teachings on end-of-life care You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 12m
JAN 16

Pope Leo and Pope Francis: the similarities—and differences

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian speak with Vatican expert Thomas Reese, S.J., a Jesuit priest who is a senior analyst at Religion News Service and former editor in chief of America magazine. Ashley, Sebastian and Father Reese discuss: - The big takeaways from Pope Leo’s first consistory - 101 on the recent history of the College of Cardinals - Whether Leo is continuing on the synodal path set by Pope Francis In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Sebastian discuss Catholic reactions from Minnesota a week after the shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE officer. They also unpack the Vatican’s diplomatic involvement in Venezuela and the meeting between the new U.S.C.C.B. president, Archbishop Paul Coakley, and President Trump at the White House. Finally, the hosts explain the history and significance of Pope Leo’s new papal staff. Links for further reading: - Read more from Father Reese at RNS - Pope Leo says he will hold consistories with the College of Cardinals every year - Pope Leo XIV’s papacy began today - Pope Leo meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Machado - Trump meets with US bishops’ president at White House - Baptizing the lie about ICE and the killing of Renee Nicole Good - Leo’s new papal staff highlights Christ’s victory over death You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

56 min
JAN 9

Spiritual advice you don't want to miss for 2026!

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian sit down with Eric Sundrup, S.J., a Jesuit priest who is the vice president for mission and ministry and university chaplain at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Father Eric has also worked on “Jesuitical” since its inception (in 2017!) in a variety of roles; today, he continues to provide faith formation for the team. Ashley, Sebastian and Father Eric discuss: - What spiritual practices “worked” for them in 2025—and what they want to leave behind - How to approach Mass with fresh eyes and ears in the new year - Why you shouldn’t beat yourself up about not meeting your prayer goals In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Sebastian discuss the conclusion of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope and the next phase of Pope Leo’s pontificate. They unpack Catholic reactions to the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. forces and the recent news of Israel banning 37 humanitarian groups, including a Catholic aid group, from operating in Gaza. Finally, Sebastian and Ashley talk about supposed divine intervention on the football field during last weekend’s Pittsburgh Steelers-Baltimore Ravens game. Links for further reading: - Pope Leo says he will hold consistories with the College of Cardinals every year - Pope Leo XIV closes 2025 Holy Year with critique of consumerism and xenophobia - Pope Leo XIV’s papacy began today - Pope Leo’s first Extraordinary Consistory: What should we expect? - Venezuela, Trump and the end of ‘Pax Americana’ - Inside Venezuela’s capital after Trump administration captures Maduro - Pope Leo: ‘The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration.’ You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58 min
2025-12-19

Baby Saint names and the best pilgrimage sites: Your questions for Jesuitical, answered.

Who’s the best TV priest? Should you name your kid after a saint? And what pilgrimage sites are on our bucket list? These are just a few of the questions Zac, Ashley and “Jesuitical” producer Sebastian Gomes tackle in our end-of-year mailbag episode! Thanks to all the listeners who sent in questions for the hosts—we love hearing what’s on your minds. So don’t hesitate to reach out to jesuitical@americamedia.org or on our Facebook page to let us know what you’d like us to discuss on the show. Merry Christmas, and we’ll see you in 2026! What’s on tap? Syrah from the Northern Rhone Valley You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

55 min
2025-12-12

Evangelist or Catholic influencer? Spreading the Gospel in the digital age.

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak to Noah Banasiewicz, S.J. Noah is a Jesuit scholastic and lecturer in the School of Communication at Loyola University Chicago. Ashley, Zac and Noah talk about: - The opportunities and pitfalls of evangelizing on social media - The fine line between evangelist and Catholic influencer - How media theory can help us understand the evolution of evangelization In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss the controversial ICE nativity scene at St. Susanna Catholic Church in Dedham, Mass., and Pope Leo’s comments on Ukraine and the Trump administration. They also break down the new Vatican document on ordaining women to the diaconate. In parish announcements, Zac and Ashley announce that they will be filming a mailbag episode and call for questions from the audience. If you have a question for the “Jesuitical” team, please send your questions to jesuitical@americamedia.org by Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. In As One Friend Speaks to Another, Ashley and Zac discuss their thoughts on Pope Leo’s explanation for not praying at the Blue Mosque in Turkey. Links for further reading: Noah’s article in America, “Catholic influencers have a media theory (and evangelization) problem” Boston archdiocese tells church to remove ICE message from Nativity, but pastor refuses for now Pope Leo explains why he appeared not to pray at the Blue Mosque in Turkey Vatican report says no to ordaining women deacons—for now Women Deacons and the Catholic Church | An Explainer video from America You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58 min

See All (424)

Ashley McKinless

Host
Zac Davis

Host

4.9

out of 5

41 Ratings

Grounding

2025-01-25

tyugncfdthh

Appreciate being connected to my Jesuit upbringing via this lively, warm and informative discussion.
Great podcast

2025-01-21

Sherri A E

Informative and relevant. Excellent guests. Thoughtful interviews. Intelligent co-hosts.
Jesuitical

2025-01-18

Lynda M C

I listen to every Jesuitical podcast. Ashley and Zac are excellent hosts and their guests provide much food for thought.
Faithful and Inspiring

2025-01-18

NicWil77

I have been listening to Jesuitical for over a year. It has become my favourite, most listened to podcast. Zac and Ashley present a balanced, faithful view of the Catholic Church and all that pertains to our faith in the world today. The conversations are intelligent, faithful, and compassionate; they represent who the Church calls all of us to be. Each week I am fully engaged in listening to the conversations which leave me reflecting on the topics for days afterward. If you want to listen to a podcast that not only affirms, but challenges you in your Catholic faith, Jesuitical is the one for you.

Welcome to Jesuitical, a podcast for young Catholics hosted by two young, lay editors at America—Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless. Each episode features a guest who offers a unique perspective on faith, culture or current events. We also bring you some of the top (and maybe more obscure) Catholic news of the week. And we'll ask: Where do we find God in all this?