As we celebrate our nation’s independence with fireworks, parades and picnics, we may be thinking about how our ancestors came to this part of the world seeking religious and economic freedom. Catholics are a part of that story, and the migration of European Catholics to this country is a rich part of it. In our Southwest, Spanish missionaries—some of them Franciscan—came with Europeans seeking territory and riches. The story of faith is interwoven with the story of the movement of peoples.

Our American Catholic Radio lineup celebrates the 4th of July with an interview with Holy Cross Father Daniel G. Groody, an expert on the issue of immigration—a problem touching many communities, not only the US-Mexican border; a conversation with Mexican Brother Andres Gallegos, O.F.M., who’s been working with us here at St. Anthony Messenger Press for the past year and a half; and a profile of the late Catholic labor activist, Cesar Chavez.

“Pilgrimage” is another topic familiar to ACR listeners. Father Richard Roos, a Jesuit spiritual teacher, will talk about a life-changing pilgrimage that he made many years ago. He traveled to the Franciscan missions of California as pilgrim on foot, during the season of Lent. We’ll also profile Blessed Junipero Serra, who journeyed from Spain to Mexico and, from there, into the territories that would later become California, where he helped found the Franciscan mission of California.

Let us journey in faith with your listeners!

Fr. Greg Friedman, O.F.M.

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

Highlights from this episode include:

Cesar Chavez

Franciscan Brother Andres Gallegos talks about his vocation as a Franciscan Brother and his ministry as an IT professional.

Where does the Bible explain the Trinity? Is there a contradiction in the Gospels regarding the identity of John the Baptist? Did a different person write the Gospel of John and the Letters of John?

Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Father Daniel G. Groody, C.S.C., talks about the issues facing our Church and nation surrounding immigration.

Highlights from this episode include:

Blessed Junipero Serra

Jesuit Father Richard Roos talks about his 800-mile journey visiting each of the 21 missions founded by Blessed Junipero Serra in California.

What is the significance of the altar stone? Is it permissible to drape the flag over the casket of a U.S. military veteran? How soon after Mass must Communion be brought to the sick and homebound?

Franciscan Missions of California

Pegge Bernecker discusses spiritual direction.