In American Catholic Radio (ACR) program #08-25, Judy Zarick again fills in for regular host Father Greg Friedman. This week we highlight authentic Christianity. Blessed Luigi and Maria Quattrocchi are featured for their authentic and heroic faith in our “Saint of the Day” segment. It’s not often you hear about a married couple who are both declared blessed and on their way to being proclaimed saints by the Church. In “Living Faith,” Judy Zarick speaks to Ted and Mona Lewis, an inspiring couple who sold their home and most of their possessions, and rolled up their sleeves to work with Catholic Relief Services in Zambia, Africa. In “Exploring Our Faith,” producer John Feister talks with Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe, who addresses the question, “Why be Christian today?” This second of a two-part interview reveals that before we can share the relevance of the gospel for today we must exemplify the Good News within loving communities of faith.

In program #08-26, host Father Greg Friedman returns from his Middle East trip, sharing some of the details and insights gained through his travels. In “Living Faith,” Judy Zarick introduces us to Margaret Iuculano, a child-rights advocate, mother, wife and entrepreneur who has overcome insurmountable obstacles as a neglected, abused and abandoned foster child. In “Exploring Our Faith,” John Feister introduces us to Dominican Sister Jamie Phelps, a cradle Catholic originally from Chicago and now serving as director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies in New Orleans, Louisiana. She shares her unique perspective and strategy for Catholic evangelization.

Matt Wielgos, producer, American Catholic Radio

Use the links below to preview the shows or download them in MP3 format for broadcast.

Highlights from this episode include:

Blessed Luigi and Maria Quattrocchi.

Ted and Mona Lewis put their faith into action, giving up everything to embrace the call to work in the missions with Catholic Relief Services.

Franciscan Father Dan Kroger answers the questions:
• Why should we be Catholic if other Christians can also be saved?
• Where did the rosary originate?

Father Ronald Witherup, S.S., author of 101 Questions and Answers on Paul (published by Paulist Press), reflects on the example and words of St. Paul and what it means to be “in Christ.”

Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe joins John Feister in this second installment of a two-part interview on authentic Christianity, focusing on its signs, including hope, true freedom, happiness and courage.

Highlights from this episode include:

Fathers Demetrius Gallitzin and James Fitton.

Margaret Iuculano, a child-rights advocate, mother, wife and entrepreneur, has written an inspiring book chronicling her life experiences as a neglected, abused and abandoned foster child.

Franciscan Father Don Miller answers the questions:
• Can sins be absolved by just thinking about them in confession, or must they be spoken aloud?
• How should we deal with street people who beg for money?

Dr. Sarah Melcher of Xavier University shares from the Old Testament Book of Exodus (6:2-4) in which God reveals his name to Moses. To the ancient peoples, to share one’s name with someone was a significant gesture.

Dominican Sister Jamie Phelps is a cradle Catholic, originally from Chicago and now serving as director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sister Jamie shares what she calls “our criteria for judgment” and the effective witness we present in the work of evangelization.