Blessed Stanley Rother refused to abandon his people, even when remaining with them placed his own life in danger. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Ed Jeep, whose family has a fascinating personal connection to the Oklahoma priest and martyr.

Ed’s father was a Catholic priest who knew and served alongside Fr. Stanley Rother before later leaving active ministry. That family connection eventually inspired Ed’s own passion for sharing Rother’s story and promoting devotion to him.

Fr. Edward and Ed discuss the political turmoil and violence that produced numerous martyrs in Central America, as well as Fr. Rother’s fear that he might be abducted and killed far from his parish. He worried that his people would mistakenly believe he had abandoned them. Ed recounts the events surrounding Rother’s martyrdom and explains why his cause, which was initially considered alongside those of other martyrs, eventually proceeded on its own.

They also explore:

• Fr. Rother’s life and ministry among the people of Guatemala
• The circumstances surrounding his martyrdom
• Fr. Edward’s missed opportunity to visit the place where Rother was killed
• Reactions to images of Rother dressed as a missionary and farmer rather than in clerical attire
• The remarkable priestly and religious vocations that emerged from the mission after his death
• The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City
• Ed Jeep’s efforts to promote devotion in Washington, D.C.
• Growing pockets of devotion to Blessed Stanley Rother throughout the United States
• An upcoming documentary narrated by Martin Sheen

Blessed Stanley Rother’s life offers a compelling example of pastoral courage, missionary dedication, and a priest’s willingness to remain with his people until the end.

Learn more about Ed Jeep’s work at stanleyrotherproject.org.

Netflix is bringing Little House on the Prairie back to television—but what should longtime fans expect?

In this interview, we discuss Netflix's upcoming reboot of Little House on the Prairie, including:

Why the series is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books rather than the classic Michael Landon television adaptation.
Whether longtime fans are likely to embrace—or reject—the new version.
How the reboot hopes to introduce a new generation to the beloved stories.
The historical background behind Dr. George Tann, the African American physician portrayed by Jocko Sims, who treated the Ingalls family during a malaria outbreak.
Whether this reboot has the potential to become a long-running television series.

If you grew up watching Little House on the Prairie or are curious about Netflix's newest adaptation, this conversation provides historical context and explores what audiences can expect.

👍 Subscribe for more interviews, film discussions, and conversations about faith, history, and culture.

In 1873, a devastating yellow fever epidemic swept through Shreveport, Louisiana. As thousands fled the city, five Catholic priests made the extraordinary decision to stay behind. One after another, each knowingly entered the fever wards to care for the sick, administer the sacraments, and accompany the dying—fully aware that doing so would almost certainly cost them their own lives.

In this episode of Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward, I welcome historian Dr. Cheryl White, one of the leading voices promoting the Cause of the Shreveport Martyrs. We discuss the remarkable story of these five priests, whose heroic charity has inspired generations of Catholics since their deaths.

Our conversation explores:

-The 1873 yellow fever epidemic and why so many people fled Shreveport.
-The courageous decision of each priest to replace the one who had just died, knowing he would likely be next.
-The moving final words of one martyr: "Write to my bishop and tell him I go to my death."
-The "Heroic Brotherhood" and the immediate reputation for holiness that surrounded these priests after their sacrifice.
-How Dr. White became involved in researching and promoting their Cause for sainthood.
-The discovery of a long-lost photograph that helped put a face to one of the martyrs.
-A striking nineteenth-century recruitment letter inviting seminarians to America with the promise of "much hard work... frequent sickness, a violent or lonely death, and an unknown grave."
-The graces reported through the martyrs' intercession and Dr. White's own experience of their spiritual companionship.
-How pilgrims can visit the martyrs' graves today, including the four buried at Calvary Cemetery in Shreveport and the fifth buried in Monroe at the request of the faithful.
-What these priests teach us today about heroic charity, priestly brotherhood, and living with eternity in view.

The story of the Shreveport Martyrs is not merely one of heroic deaths—it is a witness to the Gospel lived to its fullest. Their example reminds us that authentic Christian love is willing to lay down its life for others.

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1467150908?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Who was Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga, and why do so many people believe they encountered a saint?

In this episode of Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward, I speak with Katesy and Amy about the remarkable life and ministry of Fr. Ubald, often called the spiritual father of Rwanda.

In our conversation, we discuss:

• Who Fr. Ubald was and his ministry in Rwanda.
• Why the Rwandan government feared him and how he escaped to another African country.
• The extraordinary act of forgiveness he extended to the man who murdered members of his family during the genocide.
• How Katesy and Amy first met Fr. Ubald and became collaborators in his mission.
• What it was like introducing countless people to Fr. Ubald and witnessing graces, healings, and conversions through his ministry.
• Stories of physical, emotional, and spiritual healings obtained through Fr. Ubald's prayers to the Eucharistic Lord.
• Whether those closest to him sensed they were in the presence of a saint.

Fr. Ubald's message of forgiveness, healing, and Eucharistic faith continues to touch lives around the world.
Learn more about his ministry and legacy at: SecretOfPeace.com

Fr. Edward Looney welcomes Kathy Dempsey to discuss the remarkable life and legacy of Mattie Stepanek, a young poet, peace ambassador, and inspirational figure whose life touched millions. Though Mattie died at just fourteen years old, his message of hope, peace, and love captured the attention of some of the most influential people in America, including Oprah Winfrey, Larry King, and Jimmy Carter.

Fr. Edward recalls being aware of Mattie Stepanek's story as a young person and discusses why Mattie's witness continues to resonate with him today.

In this conversation, Kathy explains:
Who Mattie Stepanek was and why his story captivated the nation.
What Mattie meant by a "Heartsong" and how that idea continues to inspire people today.
His extraordinary gift for poetry and the hundreds of poems he left behind.
How he developed a friendship with President Jimmy Carter and became a young ambassador for peace.
How Mattie spoke about living with disability while encouraging others to work for peace and understanding.
How Kathy Dempsey became involved in preserving and promoting Mattie's legacy.
Why Mattie's life resonates with young people, families, and the Church today.
The many ways audiences respond when they encounter Mattie's story.
The role of a Catholic priest, Fr. Dixon, who encouraged Mattie's mother to preserve his writings and suggested that the Church should someday examine Mattie's life for a possible cause for sainthood.
How Mattie is remembered through events and commemorations throughout the year, especially around the anniversary of his death on June 22.

Join us as we explore the life of a remarkable young man whose words, faith, courage, and vision for peace continue to inspire people around the world more than two decades after his death.

Learn more at http://mattiematters.org

Why would a Catholic priest buy a school bus and drive it himself?

In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney introduces listeners to Fr. Charles R. Carroll, a beloved West Virginia priest whose extraordinary ministry left a lasting impression on generations of Catholics.

Fr. Carroll served one parish, six mission churches, a Catholic school, and several mission territories from 1933 until 1980. In places where there were no church buildings, he celebrated Mass in homes, theaters, and even bars. Determined to strengthen Catholic education, he purchased a school bus and personally transported children to school.

Listeners will also hear how a lack of a driver's license altered one of his priestly assignments, how the Fr. Carroll Guild came to be, and why so many people continue to remember him as a holy priest decades after his death.

Among the many stories shared is the testimony that Fr. Carroll would sometimes weep before the tabernacle, overwhelmed by the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. His love for Jesus inspired countless people and continues to bear fruit today.

Could Fr. Charles R. Carroll one day be declared a saint? Discover the remarkable life and enduring legacy of this rural missionary priest.

Learn more at fathercharlescarroll.org.

Who was Ruth Pakaluk?

A wife, mother, Harvard graduate, pro-life leader, and faithful Catholic whose inspiring life is now being examined by the Church as a possible future saint.

In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Meghan Tallarita, Vice Postulator for the Cause of Ruth Pakaluk, about the remarkable life and legacy of this extraordinary woman. Meghan shares how she became involved with the cause and how learning about Ruth has deeply influenced her own life as a wife and mother.

The conversation explores Ruth's conversion to Catholicism while at Harvard, her leadership in the pro-life movement as president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, her devotion to her family, and the faith that sustained her through a battle with breast cancer.

They also discuss:
• What Ruth's family thinks about her sainthood cause
• The mission of the Ruth Pakaluk Foundation
• Visitation House and its outreach to women facing crisis pregnancies
• Reports of favors received through Ruth's intercession
• Why so many people feel connected to Ruth despite never having met her
• The current status of her cause for canonization
• What readers discover in Ruth's personal writings and correspondence
• Whether Opus Dei supports the cause
• Where Ruth is buried and why pilgrims visit her grave
• What patronage she might one day be known for

Discover why an increasing number of people believe the witness of Ruth Pakaluk is exactly what the Church and the world need today.
For more information about Ruth Pakaluk and her cause for canonization, visit the Ruth Pakaluk Foundation.

https://ruthpakaluk.com
The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God:

Abbot Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was elected the eighth abbot of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI on January 15, 2026, and received his abbatial blessing on April 18, 2026.

In what may be his first longform sit-down interview outside of print media, Abbot Brad joins Fr. Edward for a wide-ranging conversation about his vocational discernment, Norbertine spirituality, and the mission of the Canons Regular of Prémontré in the United States.
The conversation explores the life of St. Norbert of Xanten — including the famous “spider incident” and his title as the Apostle of the Eucharist — while also introducing listeners to the unique charism and communal life of the Norbertines.

Abbot Brad reflects on the Chapter of Election and shares what was going through his mind as it became clear he would be chosen as abbot, including the prayers that sustained him in that moment. He also discusses the meaning behind his episcopal motto and newly designed coat of arms.

Along the way, Fr. Edward asks a series of personal and spiritual questions:

• Which Norbertines most inspired him?
• If he had taken a religious name, what would he have chosen?
• Which spiritual books would he recommend?
• What Marian title is closest to his heart?
• Which saintly intercessor does he turn to most?

This episode offers a rare and personal introduction to the new abbot of one of America’s most historic Norbertine communities.