Religion To Reality

This is the Religion to Reality podcast, where we explore the compartmentalization that’s happening as so many Catholics file away their faith lives as something disconnected from the rest of their lives. We designed this podcast to help you live a more integrated life. Let’s bridge the gap between what we believe… and how we can realistically live it.

9 episodes

23d ago latest

weekly cadence

English language

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Episodes 10

The Universal Prayer: For Ourselves & Each Other
2d ago · 13:51
On this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue reflect on the power of prayer amid the environmental and political turmoil affecting our world. As Catholics, we unite in prayer for those in need, both locally and globally, asking God to strengthen them as they face life’s challenges. Prayer reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, we remain in communion with Jesus Christ and with one another.
Episode 217 – Tremors of the Heart: Praying for Colombia
9d ago · 28:03
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan is joined by Father Carlos Agudelo, pastor of St. Leo’s Church in Corona, who shares his firsthand experience of being in Colombia when the devastating earthquake struck. Father Carlos reflects on the fear and vulnerability he felt as the ground shook, the strength he found in prayer, and the heartbreaking impact on families, communities and the Church. Together, they discuss the deep connection between those suffering in Colombia and the Colombian community here in Brooklyn and Queens, and how moments of tragedy call us to faith, ho
Episode 216 – United with Our Haitian Brothers and Sisters
16d ago · 30:44
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan is joined by Father Hilaire Belizaire, Coordinator of the Haitian Apostolate, to discuss the growing challenges facing the Haitian community both in Haiti and here in Brooklyn and Queens. They reflect on the political unrest and violence, the uncertainty surrounding Temporary Protected Status, and the fears facing Haitian families. Through it all, they highlight the resilience, deep faith, and hope of the Haitian people—and the need for the Church’s continued prayer, advocacy, and support.
Episode 215 – Catholic Faith and Education in Nigeria
23d ago · 31:57
This week on Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Father Cosmas Nzeabalu, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Apostolate for the Diocese of Brooklyn, discuss their recent visit to the Archdiocese of Onitsha in Nigeria. They highlight the growth of Catholic education in Nigeria, including the new Catholic university, and reflect on Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, known to many as Father Tansi, the first Nigerian to be beatified by the Catholic Church. They also discuss the significance of the annual Flight to Egypt Mass held in the Diocese.
Episode 214 – Encounters of Faith at the World Cup and Beyond
1mo ago · 27:09
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan’s guest is Barbara Freitas, a missionary with the Shalom Catholic Community in Brooklyn. She reflects on how chance meetings during her recent volunteer work at the World Cup opened doors to share her faith, and she also speaks to the profound impact of the Shalom Halleluya Music Festival. Father John Hwang also joins Bishop Brennan to discuss Pope Leo XVI’s video message delivered at the festival.
Episode 213 – An Experience of Prayer, Paintball and Purpose
1mo ago · 18:55
In this week’s episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Robert Brennan and Father John Hwang visit and speak with three young adults from Mary of Nazareth Parish in Brooklyn at the Damascus Summer Camp in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The campers representing the Diocese of Brooklyn share what makes this unique summer camp experience so special as they grow in faith, worship together, and have fun along the way.
Episode 212 – Encountering Jesus at Summer Camp
1mo ago · 20:04
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan discusses the power of the Damascus Summer Camp experience. Young adults taking part in the camp encounter Christ through daily Mass, Adoration, Confession, and weekly Eucharistic Processions. Tune in for a conversation about a new generation of young Catholics who are boldly living their faith and growing in their love for the Lord this summer.
Episode 211- Praying with Venezuela and A Summer of Milestones
1mo ago · 14:53
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue engage in a conversation full of faith, community, and hope as they reflect on the Diocese of Brooklyn's prayerful response to the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, and the relief efforts through Catholic Relief Services. They also share in the upcoming summer milestones, including Bishop Brennan's travels to Nigeria and to Brazil, where he will join the Shalom Catholic Community for their 28th Annual Halleluya Festival.
Episode 210 – The Catholic Roots of American Independence with Father Michael Bruno
1mo ago · 39:55
Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue host Father Michael Bruno, Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life of our diocese and Professor of History at St. Joseph’s Seminary, for a special July 4th episode of Big City Catholics, marking America's 250th anniversary. They trace the history of Catholics in the founding and shaping of the United States. The conversation weaves personal family immigration stories with reflections on Catholic identity, patriotism, and faith in America.
Episode 209 – Faith in the Fields
2mo ago · 25:02
In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan visits South Carolina, where Sister Migdalia “Meggie” Flores, of the Farmworkers Ministry Coordinator for the Diocese of Charleston, along with the Vincentian Daughters of Charity, brings the Church directly to the fields. For workers who spend months away from their families and often lack access to Mass and other pastoral support, the ministry provides the sacraments, spiritual care, and a compassionate presence. It's a conversation about gratitude, human dignity, and seeing Christ in the face of the poor.