Contemplatives in the World

The Priest Who Left It All Behind and Ended Up at the Center of the World

David DiNapoli — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 23:41:56 +0000

What happens when a Harvard graduate, political speechwriter, and aspiring psychologist leaves it all behind to become a priest in Rome? In this fascinating conversation from the heart of the Eternal City, I sit down with Fr. John Wauck, an Opus Dei priest, professor at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, author, media commentator, and longtime Vatican insider. Having spent more than 30 years in Rome, Fr. Wauck has witnessed historic papal transitions, advised journalists covering the Vatican, and taught generations of students who now serve the Church around the world. We explore his remarkable journey from Chicago to Harvard, from writing speeches for U.S. political leaders to teaching literature and communications in Rome. Along the way, Fr. Wauck shares profound insights on why beauty, storytelling, and friendship remain some of the most powerful paths to truth in an increasingly secular world. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the ideas and experiences that have shaped one of Rome's most respected Catholic communicators. If you enjoyed this interview, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves great conversations about faith, culture, and the search for truth. Sign up for our newsletter to receive future episodes, reflections, and stories of impact from Rome and beyond: https://mailchi.mp/puhcf/newsletter-s... The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross forms priests and leaders who serve the Church around the world. Your support helps make these conversations—and that formation—possible: https://puhcf.org/donate/

How to Share the Faith in a Divided World

David DiNapoli — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:18:08 +0000

While in Rome, we sat down with Daniel Arasa, Dean of the School of Church Communications at Santa Croce and a communications advisor to the Vatican, for a fascinating conversation about the future of Catholic media, the challenges facing the Church, and why charity may be the most powerful communication strategy of all. From his journey as a journalist in secular media to becoming one of the Church's leading voices on communications, Daniel shares lessons on polarization, misinformation, digital ministry, crisis communication, and why Catholic communicators must learn to "defend the faith without raising their voice." As storm clouds gathered over Rome during our rooftop interview, Daniel offered a message that feels more relevant than ever: truth must be communicated with professionalism, conviction, and genuine love for others. If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe for more interviews on faith, leadership, and culture. Sign up for our newsletter to receive future episodes, reflections, and stories of impact from Rome and beyond: https://mailchi.mp/puhcf/newsletter-s... The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross forms priests and leaders who serve the Church around the world. Your support helps make these conversations—and that formation—possible: https://puhcf.org/donate/

He Had a Successful Career. He Wanted to Become a Priest

David DiNapoli — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:53:33 +0000

What would make a young American leave behind a promising career, move to Rome, and dedicate his life to faith, theology, and service?

In this conversation, Patrick Friddle, a numerary with Opus Dei and student at Santa Croce, shares his remarkable journey from growing up near Washington, D.C., to studying in Rome at the heart of the Catholic Church.

We talk about how Patrick discerned his commitment to a life of celibacy, his search for wisdom and truth in theology, and the emotional story of his grandfather’s conversion before death. This is more than a conversation about Rome. It’s about purpose, belonging, and the search for truth in the modern world.

If you’ve ever wondered what could inspire someone to give everything to God, this episode is for you!

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The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross forms priests and leaders who serve the Church around the world. Your support helps make these conversations—and that formation—possible: https://puhcf.org/donate/

He Was in a Rock Band. Now He's a Catholic Priest.

David DiNapoli — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:51:45 +0000

Sometimes, the biggest moments in our lives don’t look dramatic at all.

In this conversation, Father Marty Miller shares how an ordinary moment (one that didn’t go as planned) became part of the path that led him to the priesthood.

From his early love of music and life in Illinois, to studying theology in Rome and Spain, to serving today as a priest of Opus Dei, his story is a reminder that God often works in quiet, unexpected ways.

Whether you’re deep in your faith or just beginning to ask questions, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and hope.

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When in Rome… They Didn’t Expect This to Happen!

David DiNapoli — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:54:36 +0000

What started as a simple trip to Rome quickly became something much deeper.

In this heartfelt conversation, Ron and Christina Friddle share their experience of joining a pilgrimage to the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, and why it turned out to be far more than they expected. From walking the streets of the Eternal City, to learning in the streets instead of the classroom, to being guided through sacred places with new eyes, this journey brought their faith, family, and friendships to life in a powerful way.

They also share what it was like visiting their son studying in Rome, encountering seminarians from around the world, and experiencing the Church in a truly universal way.

If you’ve ever wondered what a pilgrimage is really like (or whether it’s worth it) this conversation might just surprise you.

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Watch the full video here on YouTube.

He Walks with the Brokenhearted: A Priest’s Work with Divorced Families

David DiNapoli — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:49:32 +0000

What if everything you thought about marriage… wasn’t the full story?

Father Jaimes Ponce isn’t just a priest, he’s one of the people the Church turns to when marriages break down. As a canon lawyer and judicial vicar, he helps determine whether a marriage was ever valid in the first place.

Behind the paperwork are real people, real wounds, and stories most never hear.

In this powerful and surprisingly human conversation, Father Jaimes shares his journey from losing his father before birth to helping others find healing, what actually happens in an annulment case (it’s NOT what most people think), and more. Blending psychology, pastoral care, and Church law, his work sits at the intersection of truth and compassion.

This is one of those conversations that might completely change how you see marriage, faith, and the Church.

If you’ve ever wondered how the Church handles divorce (or if you’ve lived it or know someone who had) this is worth your time.

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Come to Rome with us this October: www.puhcf.org/rome

What Fr. Chad Ripperger Wants Every Catholic Family to Know

David DiNapoli — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:46:41 +0000

Fr. Chad Ripperger is one of the most well-known priests in the Catholic world, especially for his work in deliverance and exorcism. But in this conversation, we go much deeper than headlines.

We talk about Fr. Chad’s own vocation story, his time as a student at Santa Croce, what Catholic families can do to foster vocations, how to bring loved ones back to the faith, and why so many Catholics still do not fully understand grace.

We also discuss family wounds, spiritual protection in the home, the role of fathers, friendship, Catholic education, and the hidden ways the spiritual life shapes everything. This is a practical and thoughtful conversation for Catholics who want to live their faith more deeply, especially in family life.

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Fr. Chad's book recommendation about grace: If You Knew the Gift of God by Fr. Cliff Ermatinger: http://bit.ly/4crXWMy

AI is Changing Everything. The Answer? Daily Mass.

David DiNapoli — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:43:14 +0000

AI is transforming the world faster than ever. But what does that mean for our jobs, our ambitions, and even our faith?

In this conversation, David DiNapoli sits down with venture capitalist Nuno Gonçalves Pedro, founder of Chamaeleon and co-host of the Tech Deciphered podcast, to talk about the future of technology, entrepreneurship, and living a life of purpose.

From Silicon Valley startups to daily Mass, Nuno shares how he navigates the worlds of venture capital, AI innovation, and Catholic faith.

Whether you're interested in AI, startups, business, or how it relates to our Catholic faith, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating a rapidly changing world.

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Check out Nuno's top 2.5% global podcast, Tech Deciphered: https://decipheredshow.com/

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The Shroud of Turin & What It Means for Us Today (w/ Fr. Andrew Dalton)

David DiNapoli — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:39:44 +0000

What if one of the most studied objects in Christian history could still surprise you?

In this episode, David DiNapoli sits down with Fr. Andrew Dalton, a priest and professor living and teaching in Rome, whose work has brought him deep into the study of the Shroud of Turin.

Fr. Dalton doesn’t approach the Shroud as a curiosity or a controversy, but as something far more personal: an image that draws us into the heart of the Gospel itself. From Scripture and theology to the Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery, he reflects on why the Shroud has been called “the Fifth Gospel”—not as an extra revelation, but as a powerful visual witness to Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection.

This conversation isn’t about winning arguments or proving theories. It’s about seeing Christ more clearly, loving Him more deeply, and understanding how faith, reason, and beauty converge in the life of the Church.

Learn more about the Shroud of Turin & Fr. Dalton's work: https://othonia.org/

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Protestant Missionary Becomes Surfing Catholic Priest

David DiNapoli — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 23:17:08 +0000

From missionary kid to Catholic priest… with a surfboard and a passport full of stamps.

In this episode, David DiNapoli sits down with Fr. Scott Borgman, a priest of the Diocese of Orange whose journey into the Catholic Church is anything but ordinary.

Raised in a Protestant missionary family, Fr. Scott spent his early years in Africa, later lived and studied in Europe, and eventually found himself drawn—unexpectedly—into the Catholic faith. That journey led him to Rome, close to the heart of the Church, where he was formed intellectually, spiritually, and humanly before returning to serve the Church in the U.S.

Along the way, Fr. Scott has:

Served multiple popes
Studied at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
Worked in canon law and international settings
And yes… learned to surf in Southern California

But beyond the stories, this conversation touches something deeper: why so many people today are searching for meaning—and why the Catholic Church continues to draw converts who discover that Scripture, history, and sacramental life finally come together in one place.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while Rome may feel far away, the formation that happens there has a real, lasting impact on parishes and communities around the world.

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Watch this episode on YouTube

Why Don't Priests Get Married? w/ Fr. Carter Griffin

David DiNapoli — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:43:00 +0000

Why does the Catholic Church continue to value priestly celibacy? In this episode, David DiNapoli speaks with Fr. Carter Griffin, rector of St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., about the meaning of celibacy, spiritual fatherhood, and priestly formation today. Fr. Carter completed his doctoral studies at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, where his research focused on the theology of celibacy. Drawing from decades of experience in priestly formation, Fr. Carter explains why celibacy is not simply a discipline or a practical arrangement—but a privileged way of loving, modeled on Christ the Bridegroom’s love for the Church. As he puts it, “The Church wishes to be loved by the celibate priest the way Jesus Christ her Bridegroom loves her.” Whether you’re curious about the priesthood, forming a family culture of vocation, or simply trying to understand the Church’s teaching more deeply, this episode offers a clear and hopeful perspective.

How a Catholic Convert Learned to Share the Faith in Everyday Life

David DiNapoli — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:42:00 +0000

What does it actually look like to share the Catholic faith in everyday life? In this episode, David DiNapoli speaks with Fr. Nolan Lowry, pastor in the Diocese of Tyler, Texas: a Catholic convert who grew up in a Baptist home and now serves as a parish priest formed at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. Fr. Nolan reflects on what it’s like to accompany people who are exploring the Catholic Church, often with real questions, real resistance, and real sacrifices. Drawing from his own conversion, pastoral experience, and formation in Rome, he offers a refreshingly human approach to evangelization. As Fr. Nolan puts it, “The Church doesn’t impose the truth. The Church proposes the truth.” This conversation touches on:

What helps people take the next step toward the Church
Why invitation matters more than argument
How visible witness shapes a community
What formation in Rome gives priests when they return home
Integrating faith into ordinary parish life

Whether you’re a cradle Catholic, a convert, or someone who’s ever wondered how to share the faith with others, this episode offers encouragement—and a realistic vision of evangelization lived out in everyday life.

Why Teens Leave the Church (and How to Bring Them Back)

David DiNapoli — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:40:00 +0000

What if the biggest challenge teens face today isn’t social media, peer pressure, or even doubt—but not knowing what they don’t know? Fr. Tim Eck, theology teacher and Director of Divine Worship in the Diocese of Metuchen, has walked with hundreds of students through their questions about faith, meaning, and life. In this conversation, he shares why curiosity itself is an expression of love, the resurgence of reverence in liturgy, and why parents and teachers must start with their own formation if they want to pass the faith on to the next generation. Learn More about Santa Croce: https://puhcf.org/

From Bartender to Priest: Creating a Field Hospital in Suburbia

David DiNapoli — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:38:00 +0000

Have you found success but still feel empty? In this conversation, Fr. Austin Gilstrap (Our Lady of the Lake, TN) shares a very human story of drifting, rediscovering prayer, and saying a daily “yes” that led to real joy. We talk about forgiveness that actually heals, why his parish added robust confession times, and how a family-focused church welcomes squirmy kids and exhausted parents alike. We also explore how formation in Rome shaped Fr. Gilstrap's pastoral approach back home—and why that kind of formation matters for the communities we all live in. Learn more & support scholarships: https://puhcf.org/

Justice, Mercy, and the Laws of the Church | Dr. Susan Mulheron

David DiNapoli — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:33:00 +0000

She’s met two Popes. She sometimes plays “judge” for the Catholic Church. And she’s the first lay alum we’ve interviewed in this series. In this episode, Dr. Susan Mulheron—Chancellor for Canonical Affairs in the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis—shares what it’s really like to serve as a canon lawyer in the Church. Canon law might sound dry at first, but Susan makes it anything but boring. She and David dive into: What it means to balance justice and mercy Why canon law is more about people than rules The surprising ways her work touches everyday Catholic life Her encounters with Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV This is a fascinating look into a ministry most of us don’t think about but deeply shapes the life of the Church. Watch, share, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. The Homily to U.S. Supreme Court Justices Dr. Mulheron mentions: https://www.mncatholic.org/with_liber... — The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Foundation supports the formation of priests, religious, and lay leaders in Rome who return to serve the Church around the world. Learn more at https://puhcf.org/

What Toddlers Can Teach Us About God

David DiNapoli — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:55:00 +0000

From hearing 10,000 confessions a year to welcoming crying babies in the pews, Fr. Michael Fye’s approach to parish life might change how you see the Church. In this episode, he shares what he learned in Rome at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross—and how it shapes his ministry in Nashville today. Whether preaching to toddlers or guiding couples through marriage prep, Fr. Fye shares practical wisdom for building a vibrant “domestic church” and a parish culture that’s alive. We also dive into:

Why parents are the best evangelists for their kids
How the Gospel spreads at the speed of relationships
What Rome taught him about the unity of the Church
Why “a church that ain’t crying is dying”

Whether you’re Catholic, curious about faith, or just looking for inspiration for your own family and community, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome forms priests and religious from around the world — leaders who return home to serve in parishes like Fr. Fye’s. Learn more & support our mission: https://puhcf.org/

Finding God in College: Faith, Purpose, and Real Community

David DiNapoli — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:53:00 +0000

College students today are hungry for meaning, wrestling with loneliness, and searching for something real.

What if the answer isn’t found in another achievement or relationship, but in learning how to pray?

In this episode of our alumni interview series, we sit down with Fr. Rhodes Bolster, chaplain of University Catholic (UCat) Nashville, which serves students at Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities in Nashville, TN. A Santa Croce alumnus, Fr. Rhodes shares his own journey—from growing up in Nashville, to discovering prayer through a men’s mentorship program, to studying theology in Rome.

Along the way, he talks about the deepest challenges college students face today—anxiety, isolation, and the pressure to succeed—and how faith, community, and beauty can speak to those needs.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or simply searching for purpose, this conversation offers timeless insights on discerning God’s call and living out your faith wherever He places you.

Teaching the Faith in a Complicated Culture: Sr. Mary Katerina’s Story

David DiNapoli — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:48:00 +0000

What happens when a Sister trained in Rome goes on to form the future priests of the Church?

In this episode, David DiNapoli, President of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Foundation, sits down with Sr. Mary Katerina Masek, an alumna of Santa Croce who has gone on to teach both college students and seminarians. Sr. Mary Katerina reflects on her time studying in Rome, the unexpected path that led her there, and the kindness of professors who shaped her faith and her teaching.

From working with college students fresh out of modern culture to now preparing men for the priesthood, Sr. Mary Katerina offers an inspiring look at how a Santa Croce formation can ripple through countless lives. Along the way, she recalls powerful memories of mentors like Msgr. Glenn, the beauty of community, and how God’s providence guided her at every step.

Catholic Rules: Can They Bring Joy?

David DiNapoli — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:35:00 +0000

What if Catholic morality isn’t about restriction—but freedom, joy, and becoming fully alive?

In this powerful conversation, Fr. Riley Williams shares what moral theology really is and how studying it in Rome changed the way he sees the world—and walks with people in every stage of life.

From teaching 8th graders philosophy (yes, Plato and Sophocles) to guiding parishioners through complex moral decisions, Fr. Riley brings Church teaching into real-life situations—with clarity, humility, and compassion.

Hear him tell stories from:

Six Flags, where he quietly led kids to virtue with just one question
❤️ Jail ministry, where he showed up weekly for men in crisis
⚖️ Hospital ethics meetings, navigating end-of-life decisions with care
His own journey, being sent to Rome (against his plan!) and discovering a faith that’s both rigorous and deeply human

He also reflects on how the culture has changed around marriage, why we can’t assume people will get married—and what we can do to minister in our culture.

Whether you’re just trying to live your faith in today’s world or a theologian like Fr. Riley, this episode will help you see Catholic morality not as a burden—but as the path to joy.