American Catholic Radio’s mission is to help Catholics form their faith. Adult faith formation involves the whole sweep of human life—beginning with God’s Word and Church teaching, but extending beyond into the richness of human life. Our current programs capture this panorama.

The Church has always been a patron and promoter of the arts. From the stained-glass windows of medieval cathedrals to the sculpture and painting of the Renaissance to the contemporary filmmakers who give us films such as The Nativity Story, art has found a home within the Church. Two ACR guests tell us about their personal involvement with art that explores values of faith.

Brother Louis from the Catholic Underground talks with producer Judy Zarick on our “Living Faith” segment. Catholic Underground is a cultural apostolate of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal that showcases Catholic artists and combines their music, poetry, visual art, dance, film and  drama with an evening of prayer.

Brother Robert Lentz, O.F.M., is another Franciscan whose work encompasses art and faith. He is well-known for his icons depicting holy persons spanning the centuries, including figures from our own time, such as Thomas Merton, Archbishop Romero and Mahatma Gandhi. He shares some of his latest work, exploring the relationship between Francis and Islam.

As Christians, we’re in solidarity with men and women all over the world and with holy people who have lived in ages past. That spiritual relationship inspires and empowers us through powerful stories from then and now.

Fr. Greg Friedman, O.F.M.

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Highlights from this episode include:

John Boyle O’Reilly

Brother Lewis is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal based in New York. He is part of a new outreach to young people called the Catholic Underground.

Has the Bible been corrupted by numerous translations? Does the Letter to the Romans oblige us to obey all civil authority? Who was Sirach, and where in the Bible is his book found?

Icons

Robert Lentz was born in Colorado, where his parents had immigrated in the early 1900s. He recently rejoined the Franciscans after a 20-year absence and has the reputation of being an amazing iconographer and spiritual mentor.

Highlights from this episode include:

Orestes Brownson

Edel Horvath and her husband have a ministry called Project Pro-Life. She talks about the decision to carry her baby to term after being sexually assaulted.

Is there a separate reception service for adults previously initiated in other Christian Communions? What is the biblical background for annulments?

Solidarity

Benedict Assoro talks about the great needs present in Africa and appeals for solidarity with the Christian world to come to the aid of those who suffer.