SJS Podcast

In this episode of the SJSPodcast, Fr. Stanislaus Achu sits down with Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss. R., to explore the art and mission of Catholic preaching in today’s world. Drawing from pastoral experience and the Church’s rich tradition, Bishop Lewandowski reflects on how preaching is meant to lead people into a deeper friendship with Christ—meeting them in moments of joy, struggle, and longi...

In this episode of the SJS Podcast, Dr. Michael Coughlin is joined by Fr. Stanislaus Achu for a thoughtful and timely conversation on the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s 2025 doctrinal note Mater Populi Fidelis . Together, they explore how the Church understands Mary’s role in salvation—and why clarity in language matters more than ever. Grounded in Scripture, the discussion examines key...

In Episode 9 of the SJSPodcast, Fr. Stanislaus Achu and Dr. Coughlin reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Letter A Fidelity that Generates the Future (December 8, 2025), issued on the 60th anniversary of Vatican II’s teaching on priestly formation. The conversation centers on fidelity as the foundation of priestly life—rooted in a living relationship with Jesus Christ and lived out in communion wit...

In this episode of the SJS Podcast, Saint John’s Seminary hosts AI expert Matthew Sanders for a timely conversation on Artificial Intelligence and the Church’s mission. Sanders explains how tools like Magisterium AI and Volgate AI are grounding answers in authentic Church documents while expanding global access to theological resources. The discussion also confronts the real risks of AI—from anthr...

In this episode, fourth-year seminarians Ryan Henderson and Liam Warner reflect on Saint John’s Seminary’s Pro-Life Committee and its prayer-centered mission. They discuss organizing overnight adoration vigils, joining local sidewalk prayer efforts, and making the annual pilgrimage to Washington, DC for the March for Life. The conversation highlights the march’s distinctly prayerful witness, its c...

What can basketball teach seminarians about fraternity, virtue, and priestly ministry? In this episode, seminarian Joe Jasinski shares how seminary basketball—though not formally one of the pillars of formation—has become a powerful space for human and spiritual growth. Through early-morning practices, national tournaments, shared victories, and hard losses, the court becomes a place where charact...

In this Fourth Week of Advent reflection, Father Joseph Briody continues the St. John’s Seminary Advent series Awaiting the Blessed Hope, the Coming of Our Saviour . Drawing from the prophecy of Isaiah and its fulfillment in the Gospel, he invites listeners to pause and “behold” — to see anew by grace the mystery of God’s saving plan. Fr. Briody explores the promise of Emmanuel, “God with us,” ful...

In this third installment of our special short Advent series, Fr. Joseph Briody reflects on the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent , traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday —a day marked by joyful expectation as the coming of Christ draws near. Fr. Briody guides listeners through the rich scriptural themes found in Isaiah’s vision of renewal and healing, the Psalm’s proclamation of God’s steadf...

In this week’s Advent reflection, Fr. Joseph Briody explores the scriptural promise of hope found in Isaiah’s prophecy and the call to conversion proclaimed by John the Baptist. Isaiah’s image of “a shoot from the stump of Jesse” anchors the episode, revealing God’s faithfulness to David and the promise of new life after desolation. The prophet’s vision of a peaceable kingdom—where all creation li...

Join Fr. Joseph Briody for the first episode of a special four-part Advent reflection series. Over the four weeks of Advent, Fr. Briody will guide listeners through each Sunday’s Scripture readings, helping us enter the Word of God and let it transform our hearts and lives. In this episode, reflecting on the First Sunday of Advent (Year A) , we explore Isaiah’s vision of inclusion, peace, and God’...

In this episode, Fr. Denis and Alex open the doors to the world of priestly formation, guiding listeners through what makes the seminary experience unique. They unpack why formation is more than academics, why it can take up to seven years, and how it differs from a typical college education or career track. From daily life and spiritual growth to human, pastoral, and intellectual development, the...

In this episode, Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran reflect on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, exploring the spiritual and symbolic weight of the moment. Together, they examine the role of the papacy, the profound legacy of Pope Francis, and the significance of welcoming an American pope to the Chair of Saint Peter. Highlights include: The Pope’s Role : As the visible sign of unity f...

In this episode, Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran reflect on the timeless parable of the Prodigal Son. Their conversation highlights the deep spiritual truths behind this familiar story—truths that resonate even more profoundly during the Easter season. As the prodigal son rises from his place of despair and walks back to the father, we’re reminded that Easter is about rising with Christ,...

In this episode, Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran reflect on Paragraph 2843 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church , which calls us to forgive from the depths of our hearts. Drawing from the Parable of the Merciless Servant (Mt 18:23-35), they explore our own need for God’s mercy and the challenge of extending that same forgiveness to others. How can we move beyond hurt and resentment? W...

In this episode, Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran dive into the Gospel from the First Sunday of Lent, reflecting on Jesus’ time in the desert and the significance of fasting in the Christian life. They explore how fasting is more than just a tradition—it’s a powerful spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God, strengthens our faith, and prepares our hearts for renewal. Join the conv...

In this episode of the SJS Podcast , hosts Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran explore Operation Loreto , a movement dedicated to fostering Catholic faith, community, and joyful witness. They discuss how Operation Loreto encourages engagement with the sacraments—especially the Eucharist —as the foundation of family life. Through Holy Mass, Adoration, Confession, the Rosary, and Christian Fra...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Saint John's Seminary podcast, hosts Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran are joined by Dr. Pete Kilner to explore two essential and interconnected aspects of leadership: character and moral injury. The conversation begins with an examination of character —the foundation of effective and ethical leadership. Together, they discuss how a leader’s values,...

In this episode of the SJS Podcast , hosts Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran kick off with a brief recap of the unforgettable Saint John’s Seminary 140th Anniversary Gala, held at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The heart of the episode dives into the Be, Know, Do leadership philosophy, exploring how it aligns with the cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Mike and...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the SJS Podcast, hosted by Saint John's Seminary. In this session, our hosts Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran embark on a thought-provoking and open-ended discussion covering a variety of topics. Fr. Denis kicks off the conversation by introducing himself and sharing his background. He delves into themes of identity, culture, and vulnerability, explorin...