The Pillar Podcast

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Ep. 220: A false sense of mercy Jul 18, 2025

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How can we measure the success of the Eucharistic Revival? Then, JD and Ed talk about the case of Father Carlo Alberto Capella. JD asks if more accused priests should be assigned to life of prayer and penance? But Ed has another suggestion.

JD tests Ed’s knowledge of cowboy phrases.

This episode is brought to you by the Leonine Forum, cultivating Catholic professionals for virtuous leadership.

Now with new chapters in Dallas and Denver!

To learn more, visit leonineforum.org.

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Bonus: Unity not uniformity Jul 12, 2025

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A bit of hat chat. Then, what will become of Traditiones custodes?

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Ep. 219: Un problème américain Jul 12, 2025

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A French archbishop has appointed a priest convicted of rape as chancellor. JD and Ed talk about the archbishop’s response to criticism of the appointment, the nature of mercy, and the office of chancellor.

This episode is brought to you by the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology.

Rising college seniors can apply for a full scholarship to earn your MA on campus.

Learn more at graduate.christendom.edu

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

No podcast this week, and a recommendation Jul 04, 2025

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There’s no Pillar Podcast this week.

Check out the latest episode of The Pillar’s weekly readings podcast Sunday School here: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

You won’t regret it!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Bonus: Pilgrimage, and softball dreams Jun 27, 2025

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JD wants to start a softball team at his parish.

No video podcast this week!

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Ep. 218: Jeff Bezos got married. Is it valid? Jun 27, 2025

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Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are throwing a three-day wedding extravaganza this weekend— including a ceremony at a Venetian basilica. JD and Ed discuss the validity of the marriage.

This episode is brought to you by the Saint Meinrad Graduate Theology Program.

With flexible course offerings, the Graduate Theology Program equips lay students from across the country to evangelize and serve the needs of the Church.

To learn more, visit saintmeinrad.edu and click on “Graduate Theology."

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Ep. 217: Territorial parishes, and the US Church of tomorrow Jun 20, 2025

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Ed is joined this week by Pillar columnist Stephen White to talk about U.S. bishops’ efforts to regulate liturgy in their dioceses, and the viability of territorial parishes.

Then, they talk about the shifting demographics of the U.S. Church.

This episode is brought to you by the MBA program at the University of Mary.

Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.

Learn more today at pillar.umary.edu

Show notes:

First Things: Putting an End to the Liturgy Wars

Column: What the bishop never sees

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Bonus: Where is Cardinal McElroy? Jun 13, 2025

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Immigration protests are catching steam across the United States. Ed wonders why Cardinal Robert McElroy has not weighed in?

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Ep. 216: Playing God, and a functioning Vatican-China deal Jun 13, 2025

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Ed explains the significance of this week’s appointment of a new auxiliary bishop to an archdiocese in mainland China. JD responds to some feedback to last week’s episode by victim-survivors of clerical sex abuse. Then, JD and Ed talk about protests along the route of the National Eucharistic Congress’ walking pilgrimage.

This episode is brought to you by St. Vincent Fellows, a faith formation and employment program for young adults.

To learn more, visit saintvincentfellows.org

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Bonus: Character-builder or catastrophe? Jun 07, 2025

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JD and Ed talk about the value of liturgical diversity— and summer!

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