The Gaudium et Spes Podcast

Host Chez Filippini talks with Dr. Christopher Gawel, Director of Liturgy and Sacramental Practice, about his first year in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and the rich diversity and Eucharistic devotion he has witnessed across the diocese. They also discuss the newly released diocesan guidelines for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, exploring how this ministry flows from baptismal g...

Bishop Wack reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas", which addresses the dignity of the human person and the Church’s social teaching in the age of artificial intelligence. Drawing on scripture, Catholic social doctrine, and powerful images like the Tower of Babel, he encourages sharing discernment and to help build a “civilization of love” amid rapid technolog...

Chez Filippini and guest host Dr. Tom Neal welcome Dr. David Whidden for a deep dive into Pope Leo XIV's encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas". They discuss how it fits into 135 years of Catholic social teachings, why AI is not morally neutral and how the Eucharist offers the true path to a “magnificent humanity.” Chez and Dr. Neal also pay their respects to Bishop John H. Ricard, refle...

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Fr. Tom Collins, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Perdido Key, about how God led him from a promising career in the Air Force as a chemical engineer to the priesthood through a powerful moment of prayer, and reflects on nearly 33 years of ministry—from campus ministry at Florida State to opening preschools and shepherding a diverse coastal parish.

Olivia Hepworth, youth minister at St. Ann Parish in Gulf Breeze and co-founder of Live Well Water, talks with Chez Filippini about how her family’s love of surfing and a childhood prayer led to a mission providing clean water and wells in rural Nicaragua, her unexpected call into parish ministry, and the way small, faithful steps can become something far bigger through God’s grace.

Chez Filippini and Dr. Luke Arredondo sit down to discuss Pope St. John Paul II's first social encyclical from 1981, "Laborem Exercens." They talk about John Paul II's remarkable biography, his overall theological perspective and his specific outlook on work as it had developed in the late 20th century.

Bishop Wack continues the podcast’s pastor series by sharing the stories and virtues of his favorite priest and bishop saints—from St. Peter and St. John Vianney to St. Philip Neri and St. Vincent de Paul—and how they inspire his own ministry and the life of the Church today.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini travel to St. Rita Catholic Church to talk with Fr. James Valenzuela about his vocation story, twenty-one years of priestly ministry, and his experiences serving in diverse pastoral assignments—from campus ministry to parish life. They also discuss what it means to be a pastor and spiritual father, touching on themes of presence, family life, crisis, parish...

Bishop Wack begins a new series on the role and theology of the pastor. Drawing from scripture, tradition, and canon law, he traces how God shepherds His people through chosen leaders, explains Holy Orders and the priest’s threefold office of sanctifying, teaching, and governing, and highlights both the challenges and the spiritual heart of pastoral ministry, urging the faithful to support and pra...

Chez Filippini and Dr. Luke Arredondo travel to Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL to discuss Pope Paul VI's 1967 encyclical "Populorum Progressio" with Dr. Aline Kalbian, a former professor and current Associate Dean at Florida State University. They talk about how Pope Paul VI links economic and political progress with spiritual growth, cultural integrity, and the Church’...

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Andrea Rosenbaum about her role as Director of Mission Advancement for the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, her faith journey and the importance of planning for the future. Andrea introduces the diocese’s new legacy giving initiative, the Lumen Christi Legacy Society, inviting Catholics to leave a lasting, faith-filled impact for future generatio...

Bishop Wack talks with Deacon Santiago Molina, the new Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee about his background and ministry, explaining Hispanic ministry as both serving Spanish-speaking immigrants and integrating their devotions and culture into parish life.

Chez Filippini and Dr. Luke Arredondo continue their series on Catholic Social Teachings by discussing Mater et Magistra, the encyclical written by Pope John XXIII in 1961. They delve into the encyclical's themes of personal initiative, wages, agriculture, and the need for moral and spiritual growth. Also discussed are the importance of mutual trust and the role of faith in achieving global p...

Bishop Wack reflects on the year of 2025, highlighting a series of blessings in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, which include celebrating ten ordinations, expanding schools and parish facilities, and deepening ministries such as prison outreach. He also talks about celebrating the 50th anniversary of the diocese, as well as his new role with the USCCB and the worldwide impact of Pope Francis...

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Fr. William Gibson and Fr. Peter Jutras about their ordination to the priesthood, the challenges of transitioning from seminary to parish life, building connections with parishioners, and the joy of celebrating Mass.

In this special episode, Bishop Wack is joined by Teena Easter, a long-time diocesan employee, to discuss the history of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Teena shares her faith background and her roles in youth ministry and the Bishop's office. They also talk about some of the memorable events that have happened over the last fifty years, significant changes and the evolution of youth an...

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack concludes his discussion on the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious order that formed him as a priest. He details his four ministry placements and current role as Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and emphasizes the importance of obedience and flexibility in his assignments, which included Colorado Springs, Notre Dame, Phoenix, and Aus...

Chez Filippini and Dr. Luke Arredondo continue their Catholic Social Teaching series by discussing Pope Pius XI's 1931 encyclical "Quadragesimo Anno", a follow-up to Pope Leo XIII's "Rerum Novarum". They explore the document's key themes, including subsidiarity, labor relations, wages, and critiques of both capitalism and socialism. The encyclical emphasizes the...

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack shares an in-depth look at the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious order that formed him as a priest. He explains the difference between diocesan and religious order priests, details the congregation's founding by Blessed Basil Moreau in France after the French Revolution, and highlights its missionary focus on education and serving people thr...

Chez Filippini and Dr. Luke Arredondo continue their conversation on Catholic Social Teachings with a deep dive into Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum," which addresses the social and economic challenges of the Industrial Revolution. The encyclical argues for the sanctity of private property and the responsibility of the wealthy to treat their employees with respect. It also...

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Jacob Hyman about his inspiring journey from being raised Jewish to becoming a Catholic convert while studying engineering at Florida State University. He also talks about becoming involved with New Polity and the Strong Towns movement, viewing his work through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, and his inspiration from Blessed Alberto Marvelli...

Bishop Wack reflects on the papal transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo XIV. He shares the experience of watching Pope Leo XIV's introduction with the Pastoral Center staff, how he hoped for a pope who would continue Pope Francis's pastoral approach of mercy and love, and highlights Pope Leo XIV's first words of "Peace be with you" as a powerful moment.

Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini talk with Dr. Christopher Gawel and Michele Kenaga about their respective roles as Director of Liturgy and Sacramental Practice and Director of Faith Formation, their faith journeys, the importance of family catechesis and the shift from traditional classroom-based faith formation to more organic, family-centered approaches.

In his latest teaching episode, Bishop Wack continues his discussion on the Council of Nicaea. He breaks down each line of the Nicene Creed, emphasizing the Creed's theological depth, its historical context, and its continued relevance in contemporary Christian practice.

Host Chez Filippini welcomes Dr. Luke Arredondo back to continue their conversation on Catholic Social Teachings. They discuss the concept of the "City of God" by Augustine, the Roman Empire's conversion to Christendom, the role of the Church in society and the upcoming focus on Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum."