On this episode of Catholic Forum, Father Michael Newman, OSFS, Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Adrian, Michigan, discussed the history of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Founded in 1875 by Blessed Louis Brisson, the Oblates first came to the United States in the early 1900s and started their first school - Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware. Thus began their decades of service to the community in the Diocese of Wilmington and beyond. Father Newman, an Oblate Priest, looks back at their amazing history and previews the exciting future of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. You can see a video of the interview with Father Newman on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe.
Merry Christmas! On this special Christmas Catholic Forum we feature Bishop William Koenig's annual Christmas message to the people of Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore and present an interview we talk with Boglárka Sztancs, International Relations Coordinator for EWTN Global Services. Boglárka, a native of Hungary, has been living and working in Rome for many years and shares what it is like to experience Advent and Christmas in the Eternal City. Also, we are happy to present some great Christmas music from the Philadelphia Orchestra under the direction of Eugene Ormandy's The Glourious Sounds of Christmas CD, John Michael Talbot's The Birth of Jesus CD and John Angotti's Welcome Home for Christmas CD. You can see videos of Bishop Koenig's Christmas message and Bob Krebs' interview with Boglárka Sztancs on the Diocese of WIlmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe!
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and a song from the CD "Songs of Angels: Christmas Hymns & Carols" from the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers, we meet talented singer, songwriter and performer, Bradley Banning who is bringing the Catholic faith to country music. Bradley tells of his love for country music, his conversion to Catholicism, and how he strives to live his faith in the music industry. As an added bonus - he performs a Christmas song that he wrote with his father and a friend, titled "Christmas on Main." You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, local author and retired school psychologist, Mike McGrew, will discuss his new book, "The Boy Who Would Be Santa." In this historical fiction picture book, the story of Saint Nicholas is told in his own words. Relatable to children of all ages, this book tells the true story of how kindness and overcoming obstacles can lead to sainthood. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTubd channel, YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe! Santa is watching! :)
“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk to Sister Ann David Strohminger, OSF, Delegate for Religious for the Diocese of Wilmington. Sister tells us about all the ways that religious women and men are vital contributors to the life of the Church in Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore. Sister also highlights how the money raised during the Retirement Fund for Religious Collection - held this year on Dec. 13/14 - helps the religious of our diocese to have a more secure retirement. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe!
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from Joe Owens of The Dialog and a cut from the CD "Songs of Angels" by the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers, we talk with Notre Dame professor and author, Catherine Cavadini. Catherine's new book - with artist, Anastassia Cassady - is titled, "Behold the Wonder: The Coming of Christ Through Mary's Eyes" and is a beautifully illustrated book of meditations for Advent and Christmas. Learn Lectio Divina and Viseo Divina as you experience the wonder that Our Lady experienced leading up to and during the birth of Jesus. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Diocese of Wilmington's Office of Communications. Please like, subscribe and share
“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we are honored to introduce Father Joseph F. Chorpenning, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales priest, author, scholar and teacher. His latest book is titled, "Saint Joseph and the Carmelite Reform of Saint Teresa of Avila: Father, Teacher of Prayer, Intercessor in Every Need" available from Catholic University of America Press. We learn about Father Chorpenning's early life, his vocational calling, his ministry as an Oblate and how he became an expert on Saint Joseph and the Holy Family. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, subscribe and share!
“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we meet Carol Ripken, Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Wilmington. For 50 years, Carol has been a dedicated Catholic school teacher, administrator, and key member of the Catholic Schools Office team. Carol tells about her extraordinary journey in Catholic education, explains what makes Catholic schools great, and shares her reflections on the future of Catholic schools. You see a video of Carol's interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk with Leo Sticinski. Leo tells us about the Blue Hen Rosary Cenacle that takes place each Friday at 5:00 PM in the chapel of Immaculate Conception Church in Elkton, Maryland. All are invited to join in-person or via Zoom and pray 15 decades of the Rosary for the young Catholics at the University of Delaware and throughout the Diocese of Wilmington and beyond. Email bluehenrosary@gmail.com for information. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel, YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Please like, share and subscribe.
On episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we learn about the growing phenomenon of faith travel with Marion Amberg, an award-winning journalist and author. She’s written for over 100 publications, ranging from Catholic Digest to Family Motor Coaching to Texas Highways. Her new book it titled, “Incredible Catholic America: Smallest, Tallest, Oldest, Oddest.” What is the smallest chapel? Where is the tallest statue? What sites are right here in Delaware? We find out with Marion Amberg. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe.
“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.
Everyone has experienced distractions during Mass. Imagine how big of a challenge that would be if you have ADHD. On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk with Lauren Enriquez, a communications strategist/consultant and owner of Corbella Communications. Her recent article, “3 Tips for Participating in Mass With ADHD” has gotten a lot of attention. Lauren also comments on the state of the prolife movement and offers suggestions for residents of states that have assisted suicide laws. Please Like, Share and Subscribe! Read Lauren's article here: https://aleteia.org/2025/08/16/3-tips-for-participating-in-mass-with-adhd/
Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wimington.
“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and The Dialog.org, we talk to Ms. Michele Linder, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Wilmington. Michele and her staff see their work as more than a job, but a ministry to grieving families of all denominations. We learn about the three diocesan cemeteries, why pre-planning is important and more. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington YouTube channel. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, subscribe and share.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk with the president and co-founder of Red Bird Ministries, Kelly Breaux. Kelly and her husband, Ryan, did not find the help they needed from their church when their two children passed away. With God's help, they decided to form Red Bird Ministries, an organization that systematically guides individuals and couples through the complexity and trauma that happens with the loss of a child through miscarriage and stillbirth or as an infant, child, adolescent, or adult. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Please like, subscribe and share!
On this episode of Catholic Forum after a news update from The Dialog, we talk with Sister Betty Ann McNeil, D.C., a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, author, editor, speaker and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton expert. Sister recently wrote the introduction to and edited the classic book on Seton's spirituality, "Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Spiritual Portrait" by Father Joseph I. Dirvin, C.M. as the world recently marked the 50th anniversary of the canonization of the first American-born saint. Why is St. Elizabeth Ann Seton such a relatable saint for both women and men? How did her spiritual journey take her from New York to Italy to Baltimore to Emmitsburg? What roll did the Eucharist and Our Lady play in her conversion? We find out on this episode of Catholic Forum. You can see an video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Please like, subscribe and share!
“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.
On this extended episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk to Father John Aurilia, OFM Cap, who as a young Franciscan in the 1960s, served as one of the secretaries of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. Father John tell us about the extraordinary mystical gifts of the saint, how is most outstanding gift was his humility and what Padre Pio was like in his day-to-day life. We also learn about Father Aurilia's book, "Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio." You can see a video of this wonderful interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Search Diocese of Wilmington on YouTube. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe and follow us at FaceBook.com/CatholicForum.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog and a song from the More Than 50 Most Loved Hymns CD, we talk to Father Brian Lewis, Pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes, Delaware, Dean of the Ocean Deanery and Coordinator of the Diocese of Wilmington's Annual Marian Pilgrimage. This year, the pilgrimage will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Basilica Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The day will feature Mass with Bishop Koenig and priests and deacons of the Diocese of Wilmington, Confession, Rosary, Holy Hour and more. Catholic Forum is a production of the Diocese of Wilmington Office of Communication. You can see a video of this interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel - www.YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm. Please like, share and subscribe. Visit us at Facebook.com/CatholicForum.
“One of Us” is a brief snapshot of people who support the Catholic church in various ways in the Diocese of Wilmington. We regularly feature people who may be recognizable within their parish or school communities.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk to the founder and executive director of the Ministry of Caring, Brother Ronald Giannone, OMF Cap. In 1976, Brother Ronald came to Delaware with the desire to serve the poor. Today, the Ministry of Caring has 19 different ministries and a $10 million annual budget. How did the Ministry of Caring get started? What motivates its founder and executive director, what does the future hold? We find out on this edition of Catholic Forum. You can see a video of Bob's interview with Brother Ronald on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe.
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk to Joe Owens, editor and general manager, and Mike Lang, long-time reporter for The Dialog and TheDialog.org, the official news source for the Catholic community of Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore. First published in 1965 as a result of the Second Vatical Counsel's call to modernize the Church, The Dialog is celebrating 60 years of journalistic excellence in service to the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington with a special anniversary edition to be published on September 19, 2025. A video of the interview with Mike and Joe is available on the Diocese of Wimington's YouTube channel. Please like, share and subscribe.