Today is the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, aka “the Jesuits.” Gus is joined by Fr. Richard Hermes, S.J., a Jesuit priest and the former president of Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida, which both of Gus and Michelle’s sons attended. He shares some of St. Ignatius’ story and the history of how his order came together as well as their mission and charism. He also discusses and breaks down the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, which are still used today not only by the Jesuits but many other Catholic religious orders and lay groups. He also shares what drew him to the Jesuit order.
Also, Gus shares a story out of Rochester, New York where victims of clergy sex abuse agreed to a $246 million settlement from the Diocese of Rochester. Conversely, Gus shares the news that Fr. Carlos Martins, the host of “The Exorcist Files” podcast, has been cleared of all criminal charges that stemmed from an incident at Queen of Apostles parish in Joliet, Illinois where, during a discussion with students, he touched a young girl’s hair while making a joke about his own baldness. He was even accused by her attorneys of putting it in his mouth, which turned out to be untrue. Gus talks about the dichotomy between those incidences and opens up the discussion to listeners.
And Bob Dunning calls in to talk about several things with Gus, including the start of football being less than one month away. They talk about the changes in schools loading up rosters with NIL money. They also discuss contenders and pretenders for the national championship this season.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
Thank you for your 7/31/25 episode, during which you talked about both sides of the clergy abuse scandal. I appreciated your coverage of Fr. Carlos Martins, because I didn’t know that he’d been exonerated until you mentioned it. My husband and I met him in 2023 when he brought the St. Jude relic to our parish in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. During the past 10 years, there was ubiquitous coverage of several DRVC priests, accused of abuse, who were removed from active ministry. However, we never found out if they were cleared of charges, yet some of them didn’t go back into active ministry. While I wasn’t able to call in, I wanted to mention that people I know are hesitant to donate to certain diocesan collections, when in some cases, the parishes and diocese are not forthcoming that the donations are partially going to fund settlements. I agree with the idea of a special collection going specifically to victims, including falsely accused clergy. I also think the news of exonerated clergy should be published as much as the accusations are published and easily accessed online.
Gus , I have been listener since way back. I have other e mails. Bought your books and came close to visiting. Fr Steve Ryan Don Bosco friend, he taught at my high school after I left. 1978 grad sort of like you.
Keeping you in prayer, hope to catch you out speaking or somewhere.
Loved comments today on Rochester diocease and others. I attended Don Bosco Tech HS Paterson,NJ
2002 closed Started 1948 , sister Don Bosco Prep 1916 still going strong because affluent area.
Yes I never heard nor experienced abuse in my years from 1966 to 80.s at Seton Hall University.
I do believe many leeches tag on to string of suits. Many are drawn in only God knows the Truth. I will try to listen to the rest on line. You really do a valiant job explaining and not being a Lawyer Priest Dr yada yada. Bravisimo Jersey Jim jim@champtrading.com