The Catholic Morning Show

Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda: Blessed Stanley Rother's Story Hits the Big Screen (+ more) | The Catholic Morning Show – 08/14/2026

Episode Summary

This episode of The Catholic Morning Show previews the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time with Fr. Mike Mahoney, marks EWTN's 45th anniversary, and sits down with author Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda ahead of the new documentary American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story. Deacon Mark Campbell also talks World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, with Fr. Reed Flood and Megan Schultz of the Diocese of Des Moines, covering registration, cost, and itinerary for young adult pilgrims. Rounding out the show are the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Making It Personal preview with Bishop William Joensen, and the latest Iowa Catholic Radio community events.

Episode Notes

In This Episode Bo Bonner and Deacon Mark Campbell bring you the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Sunday Gospel preview, an EWTN milestone, two feature interviews, and a full rundown of upcoming Iowa Catholic Radio events.

Sunday Gospel Preview Fr. Mike Mahoney, parochial vicar at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Des Moines, previews the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Gospel account of the Canaanite woman's persistent faith (Matthew 15:21-28). Read this Sunday's full readings at USCCB.org.

EWTN Turns 45 August 15 marks 45 years since Mother Angelica launched EWTN on the solemnity of the Assumption in 1981. Catch Teresa Tomeo's reflection on the anniversary on Catholic Connection, immediately following this show.

World Youth Day 2027 Fr. Reed Flood (Dowling Catholic High School) and Megan Schultz (Diocese of Des Moines) preview World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea (August 3-8, 2027), including the Diocese of Des Moines pilgrimage group's travel window, "Days in the Diocese" time in Uijeongbu, and the August 31 registration deadline for pilgrims ages 18-39. Learn more or reach the Diocese's young adult ministry office at dmdiocese.org or by emailing mschultz@dmdiocese.org.

Making It Personal Jeanne Thill previews this weekend's Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen, featuring a conversation with Dr. Donna Carroll, president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. Catch it Saturday at 8 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.

Around Iowa Catholic Radio

• Heartland for Kids Benefit Concert – August 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines. Nashville musicians Phoenix Mendoza and Josh Leo perform in support of Mary's Meals; $25.20 feeds a child for a full school year. Details at Heartland for Kids.
• 12th Annual Men's Stag – September 9, 5-9 p.m. at Country Lane Lodge.
• Healing Ranch Hog Roast – an annual Iowa Catholic Radio community gathering; details to be announced.
• Iowa State Fair Grandstand – John Waite headlines a free concert tonight, August 14, at 8 p.m., stepping in for Rod Stewart. More at Iowa State Fair.
• Dowling Catholic Football – the 50th season of broadcasts kicks off August 28 at 7 p.m. as Dowling faces Valley at Valley Stadium, West Des Moines.

For all Iowa Catholic Radio events, visit IowaCatholicRadio.com.

Blessed Stanley Rother On the Big Screen Author Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda joins the show ahead of American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story, in theaters August 25 and 26, discussing the life of the first American-born priest recognized as a martyr by the Catholic Church. Watch the trailer and find showtimes at rotherdoc.com, and find Scaperlanda's biography, The Shepherd Who Didn't Run, at Barnes & Noble.

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