The America Magazine Podcast

Timothy A. Byrnes talks about his new book Reverse Mission, which looks at three religious communities and the unique ways they have shaped U.S. foreign policy. Byrnes, a professor of political science at Colgate University and a panelist on the Ivory Tower Half Hour, focuses here on the story of the six Jesuits who were killed in El Salvador by military forces and the coordinated response of Jesuits in the United States.

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There’s been a change of leadership this month at Catholic Relief Services, the relief and development arm of the U.S. Catholic Church, but will that mean a change of direction? Kevin Clarke recently spoke with Catholic Relief Services new CEO Carolyn Woo. Ms. Woo comes to CRS after a lengthy tenure as dean of The University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business. View a slideshow highlighting the work of CRS.

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This week we spoke with Mary Meehan, a freelance writer and public speaker, who is sought after to give talks about life issues at universities and other locations across the country. Her recent article for America, "In Harm's Way," looks at the effects of war on children, both born and unborn. Mary spoke to us by phone from her home in Maryland. Her writing and reporting on life issues can be found at meehanreports.com.

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Rev. Brendan Leahy, professor of theology at St. Patrick's College in Maynooth, Ireland, talks about his new book, Ecclesial Movements and Communities, which traces the origins and significance of movements such as L'Arche, Focalare, Communion and Liberation and the Community of Sant'Egidio. Fr. Leahy discusses the unique charisms of these communities and the ways in which they were shaped by the Second Vatican Council. He also explains how they serve as an important form of church life for both priests and lay people at a time when vocations are dwindling and parishes attendance is in decline.

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The Rev. David Beckmann, the president of Bread for the World, discusses the plight of hungry people in the United States and abroad, and how his organization works to lobby Congress to maintain financial support for those less fortunate. He also explains how government support is essential to fighting hunger—charities alone are not sufficient—and how U.S. aid for the poor has had a real impact during these difficult economic times.

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John P. Schlegel, S.J., describes his journey from president of Creighton University to president and publisher of America Press, Inc. A native of Iowa, Fr. Schlegel has spent most of his ministry in university administration. He is a longtime reader of America, and here describes some of his hopes for the magazine as it navigates the new media environment and seeks to attract the next generation of readers.

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When John Endres, S.J., and Julia Prinz, V.D.M.F., traveled to Asia in 2009 with a delegation from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, they were not sure to expect. Their trip gave them unique insights into the lives of their students, in particular women religious, who travel from the Pacific Rim to study theology in Berkeley. They witnessed women working closely with the poor and practicing a theology that grew from the culture. Sr. Prinz and Fr. Endres recently spoke about their journey at a "Theology in the City" lecture sponsored by JSTB.

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The editors discuss the PBS Frontline documentary, "Syria Undercover"; George Packer's analysis of inequality in America from Foreign Affairs; and Karen Sue Smith's essay from the November 21 issue on the life of Leonard Woolf.

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Michael F. Suarez, S.J., describes his role as director of Rare Book School, and discusses the moment of crisis and opportunity facing the book industry. Father Suarez is also a poet, who won the Foley Poetry Prize in 2008 for his poem "Going."

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Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York recently spoke with James Martin, S.J., about his new book Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life during the the archbishop's weekly radio program on The Catholic Channel. Audio courtesy Sirius Satellite Radio.

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