Today on Kresta - August 12, 2010

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Aug. 12

4:00 – The Catholic Hitchcock – Born Aug. 13, 1899
In a career that spanned six decades and more than sixty films, Alfred Hitchcock became the most widely recognized director who ever lived. His films set new standards for cinematic invention and storytelling. He is certainly one of the greatest filmmakers of all-time. He was also a devout Catholic. With the anniversary of his birth tomorrow, we examine how his faith influenced his career and found its way into many of his productions. Catholic film critic Richard Alleva is with us.

4:20 – Ann Rice: “I Quit Christianity”
Anne Rice, the bestselling novelist most popularly known for "Interview with the Vampire" and her other creepy vampire novels, announced on Wednesday via Facebook that she has officially renounced Christianity. It's a bold move for the author who has become well-known for her vehement religiosity; the majority of her frequent tweets are related to religion in some way. Rice declared on her Facebook account that she is "an outsider" in the Christian community. We analyze with Colleen Carroll Campbell and play a portion of a previous interview Al had with her when she returned to the Church.

5:00 – Pro-life Hero, Protestant Minister to Catholic Priest
On Saturday, June 12, 2010 the bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA ordained former Protestant minister and Pro-Life hero, Paul Schenck, as a Priest of the Catholic Church. In attendance were his wife, Becky, and their eight children. We talk with Fr. Schenck about his journey into the faith and into the sacramental priesthood.

5:40 – Cross International Catholic Outreach – The Kobonal Haiti Mission
Cross International Catholic Outreach is an international Catholic relief and development ministry that assists the poorest of the poor around the world, reaching countless souls with the love of Christ and the message of the “good news’ of salvation. They work in more than 40 countries throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Cross International President Jim Cavnar is here to talk about their Kobonal Haiti Mission and Ave Maria Radio’s partnership with them to meet human needs there. The mission provides good schools and clean water. Teen pregnancy is down; Voodoo has disappeared; and the village enjoys a vibrant Catholic community. But there is still a long way to go.