This special edition of Big City Catholics features Bishop Brennan and diocesan priest Father John Hwang, on the road at the SEEK Conference. Joined by two Queens College students, the group reflects on their experiences, highlighting the enthusiasm and faith of the young Catholics present, the global diversity of attendees from around the world, and the inspiration drawn from seeing young families and religious vocations. The episode touches on the broader experience of being a young Catholic in New York City, the temptation to feel isolated in faith, and the value of virtuous friendships. Bishop Brennan encourages us to live out the fruits of the SEEK experience in daily life and parish communities.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, we hear Bishop Brennan’s homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, which marks the close of the Jubilee year for the local church. He reflects on Joseph and Mary as the first pilgrims of hope, fleeing Herod’s persecution while carrying the Christ child and facing life’s realities with strength from God. Though the Holy Year has ended, Bishop Brennan reminds us that the pilgrimage of life continues, emphasizing the importance of hope, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, the value of family and community, and the need for God in our daily lives. Bishop Brennan encourages us to support one another by drawing strength from our faith.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on the mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation as we celebrate the Octave of Christmas. Bishop Brennan shares his Christmas homily, reminding us that when we truly behold God’s presence in our lives, we can find the courage to overcome our fears. He encourages us to draw comfort and strength from Emmanuel — God with us.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on hope and light amid darkness. The discussion addresses recent acts of violence and hardships both locally and globally. Bishop Brennan encourages us during Advent to acknowledge the darkness in the world, the reality that our existence is finite, and the longing for eternity in Heaven. He motivates us as Christians to be agents of the light and to inspire each other by walking together on the journey of life, pointing in the direction of hope.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Lucero Manzanares, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the diocese, joins Bishop Brennan to share her background engaging youth and young adults through holy hours, youth days, and community-building activities. Lucero shares personal stories and cultural traditions surrounding the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the missionary spirit of St. Juan Diego. Their conversation touches on the importance of encounter, meeting people where they are, building relationships, and challenging them to grow in faith.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop James Massa, Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Together, they explore the significance of the Nicene Creed as a cornerstone of Christian belief. Their conversation reflects on the council’s historical context and its role in articulating essential doctrines, particularly the divinity of Jesus Christ. They also highlight ecumenism, which aims toward Christians of different denominations collaborating, strengthening relationships among their churches, and working toward greater unity in the Christian faith.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan reflects on his recent trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis. He is joined by four young participants from our diocese who share their experiences and insights from the event, touching on the sense of community and inspiration they received from speakers. This year’s conference was particularly special as it was the first digital interaction with Pope Leo XIV, live from Rome, who addressed the youth on various topics and provided relatable advice, making a strong impression on the attendees.

In this special edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joins The Respect Life Podcast to speak with Kat Talalas about authentic, compassionate care at the end of life. He reflects on his own family’s experience, contrasting true dignity with the despair often linked to assisted suicide. Bishop Brennan also touches on his perspective on abortion and Roe v. Wade, offering a message of hope for caregivers, the suffering, and all who seek to defend human life.

In this special edition of Big City Catholics, produced by the Catholic Faith Network, President and CEO Msgr. Jim Vlaun joins Bishop Brennan from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. Together, they discuss the fraternal dialogue among bishops, the missionary spirit of Pope Leo XIV, the 100th anniversary of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and the challenges facing immigrants, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to human dignity.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue sit down with Fr. Dwayne Davis, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas in Flatlands, to reflect on November as a time of remembrance. They discuss the significance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, the impact of Hurricane Melissa, and the strength that comes from community during challenging times. The episode also spotlights the Ambassador youth program and invites listeners to pray for and support those affected by the storm.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Fr. Heanue take us to Washington, D.C., where diocesan pilgrims gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. They reflect on the powerful spiritual experience of the pilgrimage and share conversations with the faithful of all ages who represent the unity and diversity of our diocesan family. Pilgrims offer their testimonies, prayer intentions, and hopes from a grace-filled day of faith and fellowship.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue highlight a busy October in the diocese, celebrating the 375th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph and honoring religious vocations. They reflect on Polish Heritage Day and the enduring influence of St. John Paul II. They also preview the diocesan pilgrimage to Washington, DC, emphasizing the significance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, and reaffirm support for survivors of abuse at the annual Mass of Hope and Healing. Bishop Brennan spotlights the importance of staying faithful to the Gospel "in season and out of season" despite modern secularism.

Monsignor Peter Vaccari, priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who serves as the president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and Pontifical Mission, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on Big City Catholics to discuss the humanitarian crisis in the Holy Land and the Church’s mission to bring hope to those in need. Monsignor Vaccari shares CNEWA’s mission to provide supplies, increase psychosocial counseling, and send aid into the affected areas. As we celebrate World Mission Sunday, Bishop Brennan encourages listeners to support missionary work and reminds us of the effective nature of praying in solidarity for peace.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue welcome Kristen Curran, Director of Government Relations for the New York State Catholic Conference, for a Respect Life Month conversation. Bishop Brennan expresses disappointment over the legislature’s passage of the assisted suicide bill but appreciates the governor’s careful consideration. He emphasizes that life is a sacred gift from God, and warns of a radical cultural shift, calling for greater investment in elder care, hospice, and palliative care, and urging advocacy, compassion, and ongoing dialogue within the community.

In this special edition of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan joins the Beyond Damascus podcast, recorded in Columbus, Ohio, for the Damascus Speaker Series. In this conversation, he reflects on faith, the essential role of prayer, and the power of young missionaries bringing the Good News to the world. The Damascus Speaker Series continues to inspire and invite people into a deeper relationship with Christ and the Catholic faith.

Angie-Lee Vazquez, Director of Children’s Faith Formation for the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on Big City Catholics to discuss Catechetical Sunday and the vital work of catechists. She shares the joy of seeing young disciples grow in faith, the importance of partnering with families in faith formation, as well as the challenges and rewards of catechetical ministry. This episode highlights the mission to build a diverse, faith-filled community through hope, adaptability, and collaboration between catechists, families, and parish leaders.

Bishop Brennan returns to the Diocese of Columbus in this episode of Big City Catholics, joining St. Gabriel Radio’s morning show, Saint Gabriel Café, with hosts Dave Orsborn and Amanda Miller. He reflects on his personal experiences along the path from Ohio to Brooklyn, and discusses faith, community, cultural diversity, the role of young people, holiness, and his hopes for the Church’s spiritual renewal.

In this episode of Big City Catholics, Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue reflect on how the cross is present in every part of our lives. Amid suffering and sin, God’s greatness shines. We are called to embrace the cross as Jesus did, trusting that He is always with us. With Mary’s help, we remain hopeful, grow in faith, and bring comfort to one another.

Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins Bishop Brennan on this episode of Big City Catholics to discuss the start of a new academic year. In response to the recent tragedy in Minneapolis, Bishop Brennan calls us to stand in prayerful solidarity, asking God’s blessings upon our entire school community and all those who protect our children. He emphasizes that prayer is the primary means of aligning ourselves with the Lord. Deacon McCormack adds that we are called to live as people of hope, therefore rejecting apathy, cynicism, and despair.

Father Joseph Zwosta, Academic Dean of Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, joins Bishop Brennan and Father Heanue on Big City Catholics to discuss the urgent call to pray for peace. Echoing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal, Bishop Brennan highlights the start of the academic year as a powerful time to unite prayer with action for peace. He calls on all of us to serve as instruments of the Lord’s peace and to help cultivate a culture that embraces God’s will.