I approached this Catholic podcast hoping for thoughtful reflection, faithful teaching, and pastoral wisdom rooted in the richness of the Church. Unfortunately, what I encountered was deeply troubling.
The tone of the priests hosting the podcast is consistently irreverent and unserious in a way that undermines the gravity of their vocation. While humor and personality certainly have a place in evangelization, they must never come at the expense of charity, humility, or reverence for the faithful. At several points, the commentary crossed from casual conversation into open judgment of others.
A particularly concerning example occurred when the priests mocked parishioners who attend a more traditional form of the Mass, characterizing them as “insufferable.” This statement is not only dismissive but stands in direct contradiction to Catholic teaching. The Church explicitly affirms the legitimacy of both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Mass, emphasizing unity rather than division among the faithful. To ridicule Catholics for their sincere expressions of worship fosters contempt where there should be communion.
Catholic priests are called to be spiritual fathers to all members of the flock. As Scripture reminds us, “There is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:11). The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that priests act in persona Christi and are therefore called to reflect Christ’s charity, humility, and pastoral concern (CCC 1551, 1567). Judgment, mockery, and derision have no place in authentic priestly ministry.
Christ Himself modeled patience and compassion. He corrected with gentleness, welcomed those on the margins, and reserved His strongest rebukes not for differences in worship but for pride and contempt. When clergy publicly demean segments of the faithful, they risk fracturing the unity of the Body of Christ they are ordained to serve.
A priest’s words carry particular weight. They shape consciences, influence faith formation, and either draw souls closer to Christ or push them away. This responsibility is amplified when those words are spoken on a public platform and consumed by thousands.
I was also deeply disappointed that Bishop Fernandes did not correct these young priests or provide visible pastoral guidance. Bishops are entrusted with the duty of teaching, sanctifying, and governing, and part of that responsibility includes ensuring that priests under their care speak and act in a manner consistent with the Church’s call to unity and charity. Silence in moments like this can unintentionally signal approval and allows harmful rhetoric to persist unchallenged.
I fear for the flock entrusted to these priests, not because of theological error, but because of a pastoral posture that appears dismissive rather than shepherding. The faithful deserve priests who reflect the heart of Christ: kind, patient, slow to judge, and eager to understand.
As Pope Francis has often reminded the Church, pastors are called to accompany, not alienate. In an age when many Catholics struggle to remain connected to the Church, our clergy must be builders of bridges, not contributors to division.
True evangelization flows from charity. Without it, even accurate theology rings hollow. My hope is that these priests and their shepherd reflect more deeply on the weight of their office and recommit themselves to the humility, reverence, and pastoral love that Holy Orders demands. The Church does not need more commentary. It needs shepherds who lead with compassion.
