The Catholic Morning Show kicks off a landmark week with guest host Sam Halligan, Des Moines director for Forge, joining co-host Deacon Mark Campbell as Bo Bonner checks in live from London, sharing highlights from a whirlwind European academic tour that included a Vatican AI conference tied to Pope Leo XIV's new encyclical. The show also features a powerful Gospel reflection from Fr. Nick Smith on turning the other cheek, a moving update from Joe Stopulus on the loss of his father, and community highlights including the Cristero Martyrs relic display at Sacred Heart in West Des Moines. From evangelization and missionary life to Catholic cosmotechnics and men's small groups, today's episode is packed with faith, mission, and timely Catholic news.
Guest Host Sam Halligan & Co-Host Deacon Mark Campbell
This week, Sam Halligan — Des Moines city director for Forge, a men's discipleship and small group organization — steps in as guest host alongside Deacon Mark Campbell. Bo Bonner returns to the studio June 29.
Bo Bonner Calls In from London
Bo Bonner joined the show by phone to share updates from a remarkable European journey. His stops included:
Bo's key takeaway from the AI encyclical discussions: "Before all else, Jesus Christ is victorious. The sure way forward in this time of a lot of questions is to rest in the heart of Jesus Christ."
📖 Learn more about the Catholic Cosmotechnics for an AI Age discussions and the Vatican Access podcast on YouTube. Stay connected at IowaCatholicRadio.com
Cristero Martyrs Relics — Sacred Heart, West Des Moines
The relics of the Cristero Martyrs will be on display this Friday at Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines.
Not familiar with the Cristeros? Watch the film For Greater Glory for an introduction to this heroic chapter of Catholic history, including the witness of 14-year-old Saint José Sánchez del Río.
Gospel Reflection — Fr. Nick Smith
Fr. Nick Smith, pastor of Saint Patrick's in Perry, reflects on Matthew's Gospel: Jesus's teaching to "turn the other cheek." Fr. Nick reminds us that this teaching only makes sense in light of eternity — God is perfectly merciful and just, and justice ultimately rests in His hands, not ours.
Joe Stopulos Update
Joe Stopulos, host of Man Up, shared that his father recently passed away from cancer — just 14 weeks after receiving his diagnosis. Today's episode of Man Up (9:00 AM, Iowa Catholic Radio Network) features Part 2 of a raw, personal interview with Dr. Bud Maher on Joe's childhood, his cradle Catholic upbringing, and his journey to deeper faith. Our prayers are with Joe and his family.
Sam Halligan on Evangelization & Forge
Sam shares his conversion moment — a Eucharistic adoration experience at a young adult Catholic conference in Nashville his sophomore year of college — and how that led to 10 years of full-time missionary work with Damascus before returning to Des Moines to lead Forge's men's small group network across the Diocese.
Saint of the Day — Saint Marguerite d'Youville
Born in Quebec in 1701, Saint Marguerite d'Youville endured profound suffering — the loss of her father, husband, and four of six children — before founding the Grey Nuns of Montreal in 1737. She is the patroness of widows and those in difficult marriages. The Grey Nuns were named after a mocking nickname referencing her husband's illegal liquor trading — a name the community reclaimed with grace.
Upcoming Event — Growing the Faith of Iowa Tour with Dr. Karlo Broussard
July 21–23 | Three locations across Iowa:
More information: IowaCatholicRadio.com
Diocese of Des Moines News
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