Deacon Mark Campbell leads listeners in prayer for Pope Leo XIV after the Vatican confirmed lung cancer following his successful surgery, invoking Saint Peregrine, patron of cancer patients, on the Memorial of Pope Saint Callistus. Msgr. Frank Bognanno shares how the Purify Project is bringing clean drinking water to children and families in Tanzania, and author Emily Jaminet offers practical tips for making your home a house of prayer during October, the Month of the Holy Rosary. It's news, sports, and weather for Wednesday, October 14, plus upcoming Catholic events across central Iowa.
Deacon Mark Campbell and Brian Regan open Wednesday on the Memorial of Pope Saint Callistus I, the former slave and deacon who became pope in 217, gave his name to the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus on the Appian Way, and was martyred around 222.
With Pope Leo XIV recovering at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after surgery confirmed early-stage lung cancer, Deacon Mark shares the latest on the Holy Father's condition and leads a prayer for his healing through the intercession of Saint Peregrine, patron saint of cancer patients. For Respect Life Month, Deacon Mark and Brian also reflect on the dignity of human life from womb to tomb and on the welcoming Catholic community Brian has found in parishes across central Iowa.
Msgr. Frank Bognanno, who served the Diocese of Des Moines as a priest for more than six decades and now lives near family in Georgia, joins to share how a trip to Tanzania about ten years ago, where he couldn't even brush his teeth with the tap water, opened his eyes to the need for clean water. Through the Purify Project, about 60 purification systems are now installed and monitored by a full-time local engineer, with roughly 25 more sites still waiting for clean water. The inaugural Water for Life Gala honoring Msgr. Bognanno (Saturday, October 17, 6–9 p.m., Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk) is now sold out, but you can still learn more and support the mission at PurifyProject.com.
Emily Jaminet, mom of seven and executive director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network, joins for her monthly visit to talk about making your home a house of prayer during October, the Month of the Holy Rosary. She shares how to set a peaceful tone for family prayer, keep the weeknight rosary simple, invite each family member to share an intention, and start small if prayer hasn't been part of your home yet. Find rosary resources and a monthly live rosary at WelcomeHisHeart.com, and Emily's book Holy Habits from the Sacred Heart at Ave Maria Press.
Upcoming events: a Women's Healing Retreat at Saints John and Paul in Altoona and the Catholic Medical Association's Saint Luke feast day event at St. Augustin with Dr. Matthew Breuninger (hear him on the show Friday) this weekend; the 65th annual Dowling Catholic Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, October 25, 8 a.m.–noon in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds (DowlingCatholic.org); and Tap Into Faith with Amy Harriman of Pulse Life Advocates, October 25, at 1610 SW Main St. in Ankeny's Prairie Trail. Registration is open for the Iowa Catholic Radio Women's Conference in January 2027. See all events, or submit your own parish or community event, on the Iowa Catholic Radio events page.
Coming up on Iowa Catholic Radio: Katie Patrizio previews Sunday's readings on Sunday Dive; Greg and Lisa Popcak on letting go of grudges and finding freedom through forgiveness at 9 a.m.; and Catholic Answers Live with Joe Heschmeyer on the early Church, 5–7 p.m.
Listen live weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on Iowa Catholic Radio, or catch up anytime at IowaCatholicRadio.com.
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