The worldwide Church is preparing to celebrate World Youth Day along with the thousands of young Catholics gathering in Sydney, Australia. American Catholic Radio continues to keep you and your radio audience informed about this important event in the life of the Church. Our interviews and features in the next two weeks will offer insights your listeners may not hear in the secular media—which is why we, and you, are together in this radio ministry!

Let us know how we’re doing. Our Web site, FranciscanRadio.org, is receiving an update. You’ll be able to more easily link to our radio features and get to know the personalities behind our programs. There are even photos of those of us with “just a face for radio.” We’d love to hear from you how we can serve you better. Write to us at letters@FranciscanRadio.org.

Father 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:

From Italy in the 19th century, we celebrate the life of St. John Bosco. He founded the Salesian Order, which has done important work in the teaching and care of youth. In fact, he is a patron saint of youth.

Producer Judy Zarick, whose daughter is among the attendees in Sydney, talks with a young adult who was a past participant of World Youth Day, Anne Marie DiBenedetto, who went to Germany for the celebration in 2005.

Father Dan Kroger, O.F.M., responds to questions:
• What is a homily?
• What does the word host mean?
• What's the significance of the snake at Mary's feet?
• What do religious brothers do in the Church?

Father Norman Langenbrunner tells us why Paul is called the “apostle to the Gentiles.”

Dr. Kathy Kleinlein is director of Catechetical Ministry for the Diocese of Venice, Florida, and serves as chair of the school board in Sarasota County. Add to her experiences in the Church, politics and the business world, her stint as a tank commander in the Army National Guard. So when Dr. Kleinlein talks about parents trying to convince their kids to attend Mass, pay attention! She’s also a mother of two and grandmother of five, and you’ll hear her thoughts on helping young people appreciate the Mass. 

Highlights from this episode include:

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati spent a good portion of his short life in service to the poor. His body has been flown to Sydney, Australia, for veneration at World Youth Day, where his life of service can inspire the young people in attendance.

Producer Judy Zarick talks with youth minister Pat Sprankle of Maryland on his experiences while taking youth groups to World Youth Day events.

Father Don Miller, O.F.M., responds to questions:
• How do I fight against temptations?
• Why didn't God answer my family's prayers?
• Does a human soul exist before conception?

Father Norman Langenbrunner tells us about Paul’s “Power to Tread Upon Serpents.”

Producer John Feister talks with Dr. Jane Regan of Boston College’s Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. Dr. Regan is a nationally known author and lecturer on faith formation and mother of two—good credentials to talk about teaching the faith to young people.