Best Simone Rizkallah Podcasts (2026)

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37. Bonus Episode | Nostra Aetate at 60 — and Beyond with George Weigel 28:08

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2M ago28:08

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the opening keynote address from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. Given by George Weigel, this keynote address illustrates Pope St. John Paul II as one of the greatest exemplars of Catholic-Jewish friendship and offers us ways to combat antisemitism today. This o…

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42. Bonus Episode | Why Antisemitism is Moral Pornography by Mary Eberstadt 16:09

2M ago16:09

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. My Brother’s Keeper: Christians and the New Antisemitism by Mary Eberstadt, Founding Member of the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism Support Philos Catholic…

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41. Bonus Episode | We Are Spiritual Semites: The Witness of Cardinal John O’Connor with Sister Maris Stella 55:12

2M ago55:12

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. A biographical and theological reflection on O’Connor’s legacy and what it means for the Church today. Cardinal John O’Connor, Archbishop of New York from 1984 to 2000, was one of the most courageous and compass…

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40. Bonus Episode | Why Should I Care About Jewish-Catholic Relations? 57:02

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. For many Catholics and Jews today, the idea of “interreligious dialogue” can feel abstract, irrelevant, or even suspect. And yet, at the heart of the Church’s renewed relationship with the Jewish people is somet…

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39. Bonus Episode | The Gifts and the Calling Are Irrevocable: Toward a Catholic Zionism with Dr. Gavin D’Costa 57:20

2M ago57:20

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. This presentation explores the theological foundations of “minimalist Catholic Zionism”—a position grounded in fundamental Catholic doctrinal assertions about God’s covenant with the Jewish people. Built upon fo…

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38. Bonus Episode | The Transmission of Anti-Semitism in Immigrant Communities with Luma Simms 25:41

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. This talk from Luma Simms explores the often-overlooked reality of how anti-Semitic attitudes are carried into the West through immigrant communities—both Muslim and Christian. Drawing on personal experience and…

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Catholic Conversions at UC Santa Barbara and in the US with Fr. Ryan Thornton, OFM

2M ago

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By Dr. Stuart Squires

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Reading Catholic and Non-Catholic Literature with Dr. Elizabeth Reyes

3M ago

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By Dr. Stuart Squires

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36. Holy Land, Political Territory, or Theological Promise? 48:20

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In this episode, host Simone Rizkallah speaks with Father Thomas Joseph White, O.P., Rector of the Angelicum and contributor to the new book Catholic‑Jewish Engagements on Israel: Holy Land, Political Territory, or Theological Promise? They discuss his chapter, “The State of Israel and the Holy See: A Theological and Ethical Perspective,” which off…

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35. A Hidden Legacy: Cardinal O’Connor, the Sisters of Life, and Jewish-Catholic Friendship 33:19

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In this episode, I sit down with Sr. Maris Stella of the Sisters of Life to discuss the remarkable life and witness of Cardinal John O’Connor — a champion of life, a bridge-builder with the Jewish people, and a spiritual father who left a lasting mark on the Church in America. Spoiler: after his death, it was discovered that his mother was Jewish a…

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34. Why Israel Matters 56:03

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In this episode, Simone Rizkallah sits down with Dr. Gerry McDermott to discuss his influential book Israel Matters: Why Christians Must Think Differently about the People and the Land. Together, they explore: Why many Christians misunderstand Israel and the promises of God, the persistence of supersessionism (replacement theology) and why it matte…

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33. Minimalist Catholic Zionism 55:00

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Simone interviews Dr. Gavin D’Costa about his groundbreaking work in Jewish-Catholic dialogue and the emerging idea of minimalist Catholic Zionism — a theological approach that affirms God’s enduring covenant with the Jewish people while engaging questions of land, justice, and peace. They explore: How Vatican II transformed Catholic-Jewish relatio…

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32. From Leftist to Catholic: Fighting for the Family 56:58

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Welcome to Season 2! This week Simone Rizkallah is joined by Peter Wolfgang, an orthodox Catholic from a Jewish family. They discuss the religious and political landscape of the Church, the world, and the Near East—what to be aware of and what to do, particularly as American Catholics. Peter Wolfgang is President of Family Institute of Connecticut …

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31. Canada's Antisemitism Crisis 58:25

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Fr. Deacon Andrew Bennett, founder of the Canadian Christian Declaration on Antisemitism, for a timely and urgent conversation about the growing crisis of antisemitism in Canada. Drawing from Church teaching, public theology, and his experience in public life, Fr. Deacon Andrew explores ho…

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The “Dark Passages” of the Bible with Dr. Matthew Ramage

7M ago

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By Dr. Stuart Squires

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30. Pentecost & the Power of Truth 53:12

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Dominican priest and theologian Fr. James Brent, O.P., for a powerful conversation about Pentecost and the transformative power of truth in the Christian life. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and the Church Fathers, Fr. Brent explores how the descent of the Holy Spirit reveals not only…

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29. Eastern Catholicism's Best-Kept Secret 35:56

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This week, James O’Reilly is joined by Fr. Chris to explore the life and legacy of St. Ephrem of Syria—the only Syriac Christian recognized as a Doctor of the Church. A prolific hymnographer, theologian, and poet, St. Ephrem’s writings continue to shape both Eastern and Western Christian thought. The conversation also dives into the beauty of Easte…

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Antisemitism and the Catholic Church with Simone Rizkallah

7M ago

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By Dr. Stuart Squires

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New Law Forces Priests to Break Seal of Confessional with Andrea Picciotti-Bayer

8M ago

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By Dr. Stuart Squires

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28. Too Jewish for Catholics, Too Catholic for Jews 38:19

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This week James O’Reilly is joined by David Moss, president of the Association of Hebrew Catholics (AHC), to discuss how Hebrew Catholics live and express their faith within the universal Church. The conversation also addresses the special challenges and role of Jewish Catholics in the 21st century. The Association of Hebrew Catholics works to pres…

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27. Armenia: Can She Be Saved? 33:16

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Matias Perttula and Dan Harre of Save Armenia to discuss the recent and ongoing events in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia, as well as the history and importance of the Armenian people. Matias Perttula is the Director of Save Armenia. Previously, Perttula served as the Director of the Center for …

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The Cristero War and the Mexican Martyrs with Dr. Julia Young

9M ago

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By Dr. Stuart Squires

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The Council of Nicaea: 1700 Years Later with Dr. Daniel Keating

9M ago

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By Dr. Stuart Squires

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26. Bonus Episode | A Blessing to One Another: John Paul II and the Jewish People 27:03

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the closing keynote address from Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future, our conference with the Catholic Information Center in Washington DC, March 10, 2025. Given by George Weigel, this keynote address illustrates Pope St. John Paul II as one of the greatest exem…

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25. Bonus Episode | How to Respond to Rising Rates of Catholic Antisemitism 58:08

10M ago58:08

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the third panel from Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future, our conference with the Catholic Information Center in Washington DC, March 10, 2025. This panel discussion explores practical strategies and tools to address and combat antisemitism within Catholic circl…

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24. Bonus Episode | A Historical Look at Catholics and Antisemitism 1:08:14

10M ago1:08:14

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the second panel from Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future, our conference with the Catholic Information Center in Washington DC, March 10, 2025. This panel discussion examines the historical roots and evolution of Catholic antisemitism, providing context for our…

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23. Bonus Episode | Catholics and Antisemitism—Is It Still a Problem? 1:32:58

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As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the first panel from Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future, our conference with the Catholic Information Center in Washington DC, March 10, 2025. This panel discussion explores the contemporary relevance and presence of antisemitism within Catholic communities. Mo…

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22. The Catholic Obligation to Combat Antisemitism 48:24

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Maggie Phillips to discuss an essay she wrote for Word on Fire last May, titled Christians Have an Obligation—and a Way—to Stop Antisemitism. We also ask Maggie about her job as the only Christian working at a Jewish outlet and what inspired her to write her essay for Word on Fire. Maggie …

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21. Pope St. John Paul II in the Holy Land 31:50

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are once again joined by Dr. George Weigel to discuss Pope St. John Paul II’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2000 and his exemplary witness to Catholic-Jewish relations despite the always changing geopolitical climate. George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, is…

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20. Who is the New Israel? Two Catholic Heresies 41:13

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Andre Villeneuve to discuss how Catholics should navigate between the two heresies of Supersessionism (or Replacement Theology) and Dual Covenant Theology. Dr. André Villeneuve is a Catholic theologian, biblical scholar, and Associate Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages at Sa…

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The Crisis of Catholic Identity in Catholic K-12 Schools with Eric Rubalcava

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By Dr. Stuart Squires

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19. From Zion to Rome: An Israeli’s Leap of Faith 53:04

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Yarden Zelivensky to discuss his journey to Catholicism and his life as a Jewish and Hebrew speaking Catholic in Israel. Yarden is a husband and father of three. A Jewish convert to the Catholic faith (via Jehovah’s Witnesses), Yarden is working with the Association of Hebrew Catholics in …

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18. Pope Paul VI’s Pilgrimage: Rome to Jerusalem with Charles Malik 34:19

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Habib Malik of The Philos Project to discuss his father Charles Malik’s role in Pope St. Paul VI’s historical 1964 pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Habib C. Malik is a Senior Research Fellow at The Philos Project, where his work focuses on mapping out Lebanon's current challenges and the best …

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17. A Gen Z Jew and Catholic Walk Into a Bar 42:14

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In this week’s episode of Beyond Rome, Simone Rizkallah interviews both her co-host James O’Reilly and Phillip Dolitsky, a friend and colleague who serves as strategic advisor at The Philos Project. Together Phil and James share about their friendship with each other despite the fact that Phillip is an observant, Orthodox Jew and James is a practic…

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John Dewey and the Destruction of Education with Dr. Hank Edmondson III

1y ago

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By Dr. Stuart Squires

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16. Do Muslims, Jews, and Christians Worship the Same God? 35:00

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are once again joined by Joe Heschmeyer of Catholic Answers to discuss whether or not the three major Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—worship the same God. Joe Heschmeyer is an apologist and speaker at Catholic Answers and the host of the Shameless Popery podcast. Joe's first foray int…

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15. Re-Judaizing the Catholic Faith 33:36

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Joe Heschmeyer of Catholic Answers to discuss the Marcion heresy, the history of the early Church, and what it means to “re-Judaize” our Catholic faith. Joe Heschmeyer is an apologist and speaker at Catholic Answers and the host of the Shameless Popery podcast. Joe's first foray into the w…

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14. Jewish and Pro-Life 34:02

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For episode 14 of Beyond Rome this week, James O’Reilly is joined by Cecily Routman of the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation. In this episode, Cecily shares about her journey as a pro-life Jewess, how she came to know God through her suffering, and how the Torah informs us about the dignity of each human life. Cecily founded the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation…

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13. Antisemitic Catholics are an Oxymoron 43:49

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October 28 marks the anniversary of the promulgation of Nostra Aetate, the Church’s declaration on its relation to non-Christian religions, especially with Judaism and the Jewish people. To commemorate this anniversary, Mary and Simone joined James O’Reilly to talk about their participation at a conference that was hosted last year by Philos Cathol…

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12. Does Eastern Catholicism have special gifts? 30:36

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by George Weigel for episode 12 of Beyond Rome. In this episode, George argues that Eastern Catholics offer six special gifts to the Universal Church and shares how we can learn from their faithful witness in the 21st Century. George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Publi…

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11. Traditional, Hebrew, and Catholic 38:07

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This week Simone Rizkallah is joined by Dan Burke for episode 11 of Beyond Rome. In this episode, Dan speaks about his organization, The Avila Institue, and his perspective as a Hebrew Catholic of the conflict in the Holy Land between Israel and Hamas Dan Burke is the founder and President of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, which offer…

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10. Jacques Maritain and the Passion of Israel 48:02

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Dr. Richard Crane for episode 10 of Beyond Rome. In this episode, Dr. Crane shares with us the story of French Catholic philosopher Jacques Maritain and his journey from ultra-nationalism and antisemitism to becoming one of the lone Catholic voices to speak out publicly against the virulen…

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9. Sabbath: The Basis of Culture 32:29

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Dr. John Cuddeback for episode 9 of our Beyond Rome journey. In this episode, Dr. Cuddeback addresses the meaning of Sunday, the purpose of leisure, and how we can become more fully human through rest on the Lord’s Day. Dr. Cuddeback is professor of Philosophy at Christendom College, where…

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8. From Canterbury to Constantinople 38:34

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Zac Crippen for episode 8 of our Beyond Rome journey. Zac leads international expansion for Hallow, the #1 prayer app in the world. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and the University of Oxford (where he was a Rhodes Scholar), Zac served as an active duty Air Force officer…

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7. The Jews, Religious Freedom, and Vatican II 32:21

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Dr. Russell Hittinger to speak about two declarations from the Second Vatican Council, Nostra Aetate (On the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions) and Dignitatis Humanae (On Religious Freedom). Russell Hittinger, a leading scholar of Catholic political and social thought, serv…

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6. St. Charbel: Wonderworker of the East 33:35

1+ y ago33:35

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Mother Marla Marie and Sr. Therese Maria to speak about the “Wonderworker of the East,” St. Charbel, a Lebanese priest and monk whose feast day the Roman Catholic Church celebrates on July 24! Mother Marla Marie & Sr. Therese Maria are religious sisters in the Maronite Servants of Christ t…

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5. Returning to Ninevah 30:29

1+ y ago30:29

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Fr. Benedict Kiely, the founder of Nasarean.org, an organization which advocates for and supports persecuted Christian minorities in the Near East. Fr. Ben is a Catholic priest, incardinated in the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Born in London, and ordained in Canterbury, …

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4. The New Evangelization Must Start From Jerusalem 32:05

1+ y ago32:05

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly talk to Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo, a married priest in the Melkite Church, about his journey from Roman Catholicism to the East, his founding of the Institute of Catholic Culture, and his thoughts on the urgency of Catholics to tap into their Hebraic and Near Eastern Christian roots. "The New Evangelization…

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3. Vatican II & Eastern Catholic Churches 32:44

1+ y ago32:44

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This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly talk to Canon Lawyer Nicole Delaney on Orientalium Ecclesiarum, a short decree from the Second Vatican Council on the Eastern Churches! This decree was the inspiration behind the Eastern Code of Canon Law—we do realize that inviting a canon lawyer to join us as our first special guest was a very Roman t…

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2. The Prophetic Imagination 30:19

1+ y ago30:19

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Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly discuss not just the what (last week) but the WHY of the journey they’d like to take with you on this podcast. Why do our Hebraic and Near Eastern Christian roots matter? Why duc in altum? (Luke 5) Yes, Simone studied Latin. James probably did too? Beyond Rome is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and a variet…