VATICAN INSIDER: JACOB STEIN, CRUX STATIONALIS (PART II)

VATICAN INSIDER: JACOB STEIN, CRUX STATIONALIS (PART II)

Welcome to Vatican Insider on what was a busy week in the Vatican with the swearing in of new Swiss Guards on May 6 and, on Thursday, May 9, the reading of the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee Year 2025 during a ceremony in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica.

After the new highlights stay right here for a Q&A and then Part II of my conversation with Jacob Stein, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, who is working on his licentiate in dogmatic theology at Rome’s Angelicum University. He has a fascinating story and passion that you heard in Part I last week. We learn more about CRUX STATIONALIS this week and Jacob will tell us about his favorite station churches in Rome and talk about his apostolate as a member of a Roman Archconfraternity that helps the poor and needy and has a special devotion to care for pilgrims.

About – Crux Stationalis (passioxp.com)

(3) Crux Stationalis: Jacob Stein – YouTube

Jacob Stein | Roman Station Church (@cruxstationalis) • Foto e video di Instagram

(20) Facebook

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

VATICAN INSIDER GETS TO KNOW CRUX STATIONALIS

VATICAN INSIDER GETS TO KNOW CRUX STATIONALIS

This week in the interview segment of Vatican Insider, I welcome Jacob Stein, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, who is working on his licentiate in dogmatic theology at the Angelicum in Rome. He has a fascinating story and passion and apostolate which he shares with us. That passion is called CRUX STATIONALIS and I am guessing many of you have seen his work on his website dedicated to that as well as what he has done for EWTN projects, ChurchPOP, etc.

Jacob talks about how he came to Rome, his studies at the Angelicum, his favorite station churches and a special apostolate with a Roman Archconfraternity that helps the poor and needy and has a special devotion to care for pilgrims.

One place to find Jacob: https://www.instagram.com/cruxstationalis/?hl=it

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

 

 

VATICAN INSIDER: MICHAEL WARSAW, THE GROWTH OF A NETWORK

Saturday, April 27 marks the 10^th anniversary of the canonization of Popes St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII.  April 27 also marks the 181^st birthday of Servant of God Joseph Dutton, born on that day in 1843 in Stowe, Vermont. The diocesan phase of his cause for canonization was closed in Honolulu, Hawaii in January and all relative documentation is now at the Dicastery for Cause of Saints in the Vatican.

VATICAN INSIDER: MICHAEL WARSAW, THE GROWTH OF A NETWORK

Welcome to Vatican Insider on this final weekend of April. I don’t know about you but I find it kind of scary how fast time flies! Tempus fugit, as my Mom used to say, especially at the end of summer vacation!

In the interview segment this week, I feature Part II of my conversation with Michael Warsaw, Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of EWTN. As you heard in Part I last week, we spoke when he was in Rome recently for the blessing of the new, additional EWTN office space. I reprise a little of that conversation by talking about the history of the EWTN Rome bureau, from a humble office in my home as the first bureau chief to the latest premises. Michael then goes on tell us about the future of EWTN. You will be amazed and delighted at what’s on the horizon!

As I mentioned last week, Bishop Steven Raica of Birmingham, AL, blessed the new office space on Via della Conciliazione. We’ve known each other for about 25 years, meeting during his years in Rome before being named the bishop of Birmingham. Such a joy to have that reunion and to share some great memories.

So, stay tuned for that informative and interesting conversation after the news highlights and the Q&A on Canon law.

Very often, as background information for something I post on my blog, Joan’s Rome, or on Facebook – or when I answer a question on Facebook – I quote official Church sources such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Canon Law. I want you to have – you deserve! – the facts from an official source, not an opinion on an important topic. This week I explain the basics of Canon Law.

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

 

VATICAN INSIDER: MICHAEL WARSAW: EWTN PAST AND FUTURE

Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope and took the name Benedict XVI on this date in 2005.

VATICAN INSIDER: MICHAEL WARSAW: EWTN PAST AND FUTURE

Welcome to Vatican Insider on a special weekend here in the Eternal City. Sunday is April 21st and that is the Natale di Roma, the birthday of Rome. This year marks the 2,777th anniversary of the city’s legendary foundation by Romulus (of Romulus und Remus) on April 21, 753 BC! Lot of great events planned for Sunday!

The interview segment this week on VI features a really special guest, Michael Warsaw, Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of EWTN. We spoke when he was in Rome for the blessing of the newest EWTN offices. In Part I we talk about the history of the EWTN Rome bureau, from a humble office in my home as the first bureau chief to the large, beautiful new premises. Next week we will look at the future of EWTN.

Bishop Steven Raica of Birmingham, AL, blessed the new offices at Via della Conciliazione, 3. We’ve known each other for about 25 years, meeting during his years in Rome before being named the bishop of Birmingham. Such a joy to have that reunion and to share some great memories. Photos of the blessing ceremony by EWTN’s Daniel Ibanez:

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Bishop Raica blessing the new EWTN offices:

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IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

VATICAN INSIDER AND THE VIA LUCIS

VATICAN INSIDER AND THE VIA LUCIS

This week, in what is normally the interview segment of Vatican Insider, I bring you on a pilgrimage with the Via Lucis!

After the news segment and the Q&A on the Paschal candle, stay tuned for the special story about the Via Lucis, the Way of Light, basically a post-Easter journey through 14 stations of light, the light that fills our life because of the Resurrection.

This devotion is also known as Stations of the Resurrection as it encourages the faithful to meditate on the Resurrection of Jesus and on his post-Resurrection appearances to the disciples and others.

The 14 traditional stations of the Via Lucis are:

Jesus Rises from the Dead-Matthew 28: 5-6

The Women Discover the Empty Tomb-Matthew 28:1-6

The Risen Lord Appears to Mary Magdalen-John 20:11-16

Mary Magdalen Proclaims the Resurrection the Apostles-John 20: 17-18

The Risen Lord Appears on the Road to Emmaus-Luke 24: 13-16, 25-27

The Risen Lord is Recognized in the Breaking of the Bread- Luke 24: 28-32

The Risen Lord Appears to the Community of Disciples-Luke 24: 36-39

The Risen Lord gives the Disciples Power to Forgive-John 20:21-23

The Risen Lord Strengthens the Faith of Thomas-John 20:24-29

The Risen Lord Forgives Peter and Entrusts Him to Feed His Sheep-John 21:15-17

The Risen Lord Sends the Disciples into the World – Matthew 28: 16-20

The Risen Lord Ascends into Heaven – Acts 1: 9-11

Mary and the Disciples Keep Vigil in the Upper Room – Acts 1: 12-14

The Risen Lord Sends the Holy Spirit – Acts 2: Source:

On the road to Emmaus –

Easter is a season so rich in wonderful stories and the Via Lucis is one of them and a favorite of mine!

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

VATICAN INSIDER: WHO IS THE MAN OF THE SHROUD? (Part II)

VATICAN INSIDER: WHO IS THE MAN OF THE SHROUD? (Part II)

Welcome to Vatican Insider on this beautiful Divine Mercy weekend!

For starters, I have an update on this week’s interview segment. On my Good Friday blog, I had announced that, in the Vatican Insider interview segment, we would air Part II of the Special I had prepared about the celebrated piece of linen known as the Shroud of Turin housed in that Italian city’s cathedral. In that special, I ask the question: “Who is the Man of the Shroud?”

Last weekend when I announced Part II of that special, I did not realize that EWTN Easter programming would pre-empt it. Well, this is the weekend that we air Part II of that special where I try to answer the question, “Who is the Man of the Shroud.” So, so stay right here after the news segment!

By the way, just a note about this weekend and why it is so meaningful.

April 7, 2024 is Divine Mercy Sunday – what a beautiful gift St. John Paul gave us! This year marks the 24^th anniversary of the canonization of St. Faustyna on April 30, 2000, and Pope John Paul’s designation of the Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday.

On January 1, 1994, Saint John Paul II had named Santo Spirito Church, just blocks from St. Peter’s Square, as the Rome center for Divine Mercy Spirituality. The church itself has a long history and today features beautiful images of Divine Mercy, St. Faustyna Kowalska, called the Apostle of Divine Mercy, and Pope John Paul.

As we all know, John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday, was beatified on Divine Mercy Sunday 2011, and was canonized with Pope John XXIII on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2014 by Pope Francis.

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

 

DATE CHANGE FOR VATICAN INSIDER, SHROUD OF TURIN (PART II)

DATE CHANGE FOR VATICAN INSIDER, SHROUD OF TURIN (PART II)

Part II of my Special on Vatican Insider, “Who is the Man of the Shroud?” will air the weekend of Divine Mercy,  April 6 and 7, instead of this Easter weekend, as I previously announced.

EWTN has prepared special programming for both radio and television for this Easter weekend. As a result, several scheduled shows have been moved to new dates.

Have a blessed Easter and come back and join me for Vatican Insider next weekend!

VATICAN INSIDER: WHO IS THE MAN OF THE SHROUD? (PART II)

Greetings! Joan’s Rome will be quiet for a few days as, with time off to participate in Triduum liturgies and those of the Easter vigil and Easter Sunday, I will be focusing on those liturgies and other Holy Week-related events. It is possible that I might post some news stories that I consider worthy of your attention and I am always here for breaking news.

In any event, I wish family and friends, EWTN colleagues and all who follow “Joan’s Rome,” listen to “Vatican Insider” and follow my TV appearances, a very beautiful and blessed Easter of the Resurrection.

VATICAN INSIDER: WHO IS THE MAN OF THE SHROUD? (PART II)

Welcome to Vatican Insider as we mark the three holy days of the Triduum and then the glorious news of the Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday.

As we approach Easter weekend, I want to give you a heads-up about the Special I have prepared for the interview segment where I try to answer the question, “Who is the Man of the Shroud?”

For decades, as worshipers gather around the world to commemorate Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. scientists have been studying the results of tests made on an object alleged to be directly connected with that passion.

The object of intense religious devotion as well as scientific curiosity is a simple strip of linen, known as the Shroud of Turin. It has been venerated by Christians for centuries as the burial cloth that wrapped the body of Jesus Christ in his tomb after his crucifixion and death.  (Photos from Wikipedia and Vatican news)

I explore the provenance and history of that relic, as well as the scientific tests that have been done over the years in order to find an answer to the question: Who is the Man of the Shroud?   It is quite an amazing story!

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

 

 

 

 

 

VATICAN INSIDER: THE SHROUD OF TURIN

VATICAN INSIDER: THE SHROUD OF TURIN

I sincerely hope you can join me on “Vatican Insider” this Palm Sunday weekend and start of Holy Week as I share a very special story about a two-millennia old piece of cloth linked to the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. Known as the the Shroud of Turin, I try to answer the question, “Who is the Man of the Shroud?”

For decades, as worshipers gather around the world to commemorate Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, scientists have been studying the results of tests made on an object alleged to be directly connected with that passion.

The object of intense religious devotion as well as scientific curiosity is a simple strip of linen known as the Shroud of Turin. It has been venerated by Christians for centuries as the burial cloth that wrapped the body of Jesus Christ in his tomb after his crucifixion and death.  (Photos from Wikipedia and Vatican news)

I explore the provenance and history of that relic, as well as the scientific tests that have been done over the years in order to find an answer to the question: Who is the Man of the Shroud?   It is quite an amazing story!

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

 

 

 

 

 

VATICAN INSIDER: THE LENTEN STATION CHURCHES OF ROME

VATICAN INSIDER: THE LENTEN STATION CHURCHES OF ROME

This weekend, in what is normally the interview segment, I offer a mini-pilgrimage of sorts as we visit some of the Lenten Station churches in Rome, very special churches that tell a beautiful story over the 40 days of Lent, a story found only in Rome. I note at the start that, every year on Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, Popes process from the Benedictine church of Sant’Anselmo on the Aventine Hill to the nearby Dominican basilica of Santa Sabina, thus renewing a centuries-old Roman tradition of celebrating Mass at what are known here as Lenten station or stational churches.

At Sant’Anselmo, there is always a moment of prayer, followed by the penitential procession to the basilica of Santa Sabina. Traditionally joining the Pope in the procession are cardinals, archbishops, bishops, the Benedictine monks of Sant’Anselmo, the Dominican Fathers of Santa Sabina and the lay faithful.

In Santa Sabina, the first of the 40 Station Churches, the Holy Father then presides at Mass and, after his homily, there is the rite of the blessing and imposition of ashes. In conclusion the Pope imparts his apostolic blessing.

And so much more!

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.