The Catholic Morning Show

| The Catholic Morning Show - 10/22/2026

Episode Summary

On the memorial of St. John Paul II, Deacon Mark Campbell hosts a Thankful Thursday show. Fr. Greg Leach recalls serving at the Pope's 1979 Mass at Living History Farms, Very Rev. David Esquiliano invites Siouxland to the White Mass and Red Mass, Deacon Randy Kiel explores this Sunday's readings, and Pope Leo XIV invites young people to World Youth Day in Seoul.

Episode Notes

It's Thankful Thursday on the memorial of St. John Paul II. Deacon Mark Campbell and Brian Egan reflect on gratitude in the midst of life's storms, share what they're thankful for, and remember the Pope who came to Iowa.

In this episode:

• Sunday readings preview with Deacon Randy Kiel (Christ the King Parish, Des Moines) — In Exodus, God reminds his people where they came from and calls them to protect the alien, the widow, and the orphan. In 1 Thessalonians, St. Paul thanks a church that imitated the Lord and spread the word even in great affliction. Readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
• Very Rev. David Esquiliano, Cathedral of the Epiphany, Sioux City — The cathedral rector and diocesan judicial vicar explains what makes a priest "Very Reverend," shares his journey from southern Mexico to northwest Iowa, and invites health care workers to the White Mass (Tuesday, Oct. 27) and those in law and government to the Red Mass (Thursday, Nov. 5), both at 5:30 p.m. Event details
• Fr. Greg Leach remembers St. John Paul II — As a seminarian in 1979, Fr. Leach was assigned to hold the papal staff at the Mass at Living History Farms and ended up standing right behind the Pope. He reflects on what that day taught him about belonging to something much bigger than the local church, and leaves us with a joke.
• Pope Leo XIV's invitation to World Youth Day Seoul 2027 — On the feast of the saint who founded World Youth Day, Pope Leo invites young people on a pilgrimage of faith, friendship, and hope under the theme "Take courage! I have overcome the world." WYD Seoul 2027
• Also: Iowa and world news, sports, weather, and St. John Paul II as our Saint of the Day.

What are you grateful for? Text the show at 515-223-1150.

Catch Dowling Catholic football's Senior Night against Marshalltown Friday, October 23, on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network. Pregame at 6:30 p.m., kickoff at 7:00 from Valley Stadium.

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