Morning Air

Statue of "Homeless Jesus" outside of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland Image via Simon R B / Shutterstock. This episode of Morning Air is a mix of art, faith, surprise, and a whole lot of heart.  John Morales chats with Timothy Schmalz, a Catholic sculptor from Canada.  Be Welcoming—More Than Meets the Eye Just before Easter, Timothy’s new sculpture “Be Welcoming” was unveiled in St. Peter’s Square. John explains that at first, it looks like a worn-out traveler. When you walk around it… you can see angel wings hidden in the folds. This is straight from Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” How beautiful is that? You can sit beside the angel, grasp its hand, and literally step into the scripture. The placement is extra meaningful—near the Vatican’s clinic for the homeless—symbolizing that Christ is hidden in the poor.  Mini Angels for

7/10/25 6am CT Hour - Rob Kaczmark/ Fr. Brice Higginbotham   John, Glen and Sarah give an update on flooding victims and search in Texas, Dr. O'Connor pleading the 5th, widow of man killed in Butler Trump rally, robot umpires in MLB and What's That Sound.   Rob takes us on a tour of some of Pope Leo's favorite hangouts on the South Side of Chicago as we get to know him.   Fr. Brice breaks into why the Church has seasons throughout the year and what ordinary time is supposed to mean to us Catholics.

7/10/25 7am CT Hour - Bishop Edward Scharfenberger/ Fr. Leandro Fossa   John, Glen and Sarah give an update on flooding victims and search in Texas, Dr. O'Connor pleading the 5th, widow of man killed in Butler Trump rally, robot umpires in MLB and What's That Sound.   Bishop Scharfenberger speaks to the need for renewal and often restructuring of our churches to ensure a fruitful future.   Fr. Leandro talks about the promises of the brown scapular and devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

7/9/25 6am CT Hour - Ashley Noronha/ Dan Rigali   John, Glen and Sarah give an update on the rescue of flood victims from Texas, IRS saying that Church can endorse political candidates and National Sugar Cookie Day.   Ashley reports on Pope Leo's move to Castel Gandolfo, Italy recognizes same sex-couples on birth certificates, St. Benedict and more.   Did You Know - the legend of french fries   Dan shares why restoring the beauty of sacred art and Catholic churches is needed.

7/9/25 7am CT Hour - Shawn Carney/ Dave Durand   John, Glen and Sarah give an update on the rescue of flood victims from Texas, IRS saying that Church can endorse political candidates and National Sugar Cookie Day.   Shawn speaks to why the defunding of Planned Parenthood was better than Roe overturned and what they are up to now that 1/3 of their funds will be gone.   Did You Know - French Fries   Dave gives ideas on how we can reframe pain and suffering so that we can grow through and with change.

7/8/25 6am CT Hour - Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller/ F. Scott Pogatchnik   John, Glen and Sarah give an update on search for survivors of Guadalupe River flash flood and Wendy's called least healthy fast-food restaurant.   Archbishop speaks to the recent flooding tragedy in Texas, what support is needed physically and spiritually and the Church's response to that.   Fr. Scott shares the story of genius, Dr. YoungHoon Kim, and his journey to profess that Jesus Christ is God. https://aleteia.org/2025/07/05/heres-what-man-with-worlds-highest-iq-has-to-say-about-god/

7/8/25 7am CT Hour - Martha Fernandez-Sardina/ Harry Kraemer   John, Glen and Sarah give an update on search for survivors of Guadalupe River flash flood and Wendy's called least healthy fast food restaurant.   Martha shares her guide to enjoying a sun-filled, joy-filled and love boosting summer.   Harry speaks to what to look for in making sure your retirement is meaningful and restful from a Catholic perspective.

7/7/25 6am CT Hour - William Albrecht/ Paul List   John and Sarah chat about Flash flood in Texas, Carlos Alcarez, 4th of July Weekend and Mystery Music Monday.   William speaks to why we honor the Precious Blood in July.   Paul shares how Tolkien reveals the danger of AI and the fight to understand what sacred about humanity. https://www.readmountdoom.com/

7/7/25 7am CT Hour - Fr. Burke Masters/ Andrew Hansen   John and Sarah chat about Flash flood in Texas, Carlos Alcarez and 4th of July Weekend.   Fr. Burke comments on tennis pro Carlos Alcarez and how he stopped a match to attend to a woman in need.    Andrew shares the amazing miracles that proof that God is indeed alive today.  https://dio.org/documentary/

7/3/25 6am CT Hour - Monsignor James Shea/ Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg   John and Sarah chat about the House voting on the Big Beautiful Bill, P. Diddy case, Kershaw reaching 3,000 strike outs for Dodgers and more.   Monsignor Shea talks about St. Thomas Aquinas and his arguments for trusting in the unseen.   Bishop Mueggenborg reflects on what Jesus teaches us this Sunday through the Gospel.

7/3/25 7am CT Hour - Laura DeMaria/ Erika Ahern   John and Sarah chat about the House voting on the Big Beautiful Bill, Kershaw reaching 3,000 strike outs for Dodgers and more.   Laura breaks down what the Catechism says in regard to patriotism as we approach the Fourth of July.   Erika speaks to why American love the USA and what makes this country different than others.

7/2/25 7am CT Hour  -Fr. Marcel Taillon/ Dave Durand   John and Sarah chat about Big Beautiful Bill in the House, Riley Gaines reaction to transwomen not being allowed in women sports, wildfire firefighters and I Forgot Day.   Fr. Marcel talks about ho can make everyday holy by dedicating it to something.   Did You Know - How Lightening Helps Plants?   Dave shares the universal keys to success in life and career - spoiler they are also virtues.

7/1/25 6am CT Hour - Mark Mastroianni/ Art Wigchers   John and Sarah chat about Big Beautiful Bill, conviction of Idaho murderer, US Postage Stamps and holiday travel.   Mark breaks down where AI is going next and Pope Leo's guidelines for ethics when it comes to tech.   Art shares how he became involved with CRS and the education of girls in Ethiopia.  https://crs.donordrive.com/girlsgain

7/1/25 7am CT Hour - Andrea Picciotti-Bayer/ Fr. Bob Pagliari   John and Sarah chat about Big Beautiful Bill, conviction of Idaho murderer, US Postage Stamps and more.   Andrea explains the Supreme Courts decision to allow parents the right to opt out of programs at a public school and how this effects Catholics.   Fr. Bob speaks to the upcoming holiday and why we shouldn't forget those who sacrificed to preserve the rights we have in this country by honoring our veterans.

6/27/25 6am CT Hour - Mary Hallan Fiorito/ Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg   Glen and Sarah chat about potty training, swimming lessons, Sacred Heart of Jesus and more.   Mary shares the latest of Pro-Life news including an abortion clinic in Chicago offering abortions in third trimester and Supreme Court ruling on South Carolina and Planned Parenthood.   Bishop Mueggenborg reflects on this Sunday's gospel and the feast of Sts Peter and Paul.

6/27/25 7am CT Hour - Michael Schulze/ JL Marti   Glen and Sarah chat about weddings, potty training, swimming lessons, Sacred Heart of Jesus and more.   Michael speaks to the work of Legatus and the leadership of St. Peter of the early church.   3 Questions with Kathy   JL talks about how Opus Dei shaped his life and why St. Josemaria created this group of lay and religious men and women to sanctify their daily life.

6/26/25 6am CT Hour - Suzanne Bilodeau/ Angela Erickson   Glen and Sarah chat about door handles, handshakes and play What's That Sound.   Suzanne speaks to giving ourselves grace and hope in the midst of life as it gets messier than we planned.   Angela shares how to speak with and about those struggling with same sex attraction with truth and love.

6/26/25 7am CT Hour - Marcel LeJeune/ Bishop Donald Hying   Glen and Sarah chat about door handles, haircuts and play What's That Sound.   Marcel reveals the findings of a survey of Catholics in America and it's surprising results.   Bishop Hying speaks to embracing the Sacred Heart and his own memory of this growing up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUEhmLLng9s  

6/25/25 6am CT Hour - Ashley Noronha/ Anna Nuzzo   Glen and Sarah chat about road trips, space station launch, and more summer fun.   Ashley reports on the Pope's Weekly General Audience that focused on Jesus as our hope, Jubilee of seminarians and priests, the cast of The Chosen coming to Vatican and more.   Did You Know - Lightening Myths   Anna shares how she is inspired and creates music and shares it with other and her family on road trips.

6/25/25 7am CT Hour - Monsignor Stuart Swetland/ Dave Durand   Glen and Sarah chat about road trips, space station launch, and more summer fun.   Monsignor breaks down the Iran/Israel conflict and whether just war theory applies.    Did You Know - Where you shouldn't be when lightening strikes?   Dave talks about the core virtues that build self-discipline.