Today on Kresta in the Afternoon - November 17, 2011

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Nov. 17

Live From the USCCB Fall Assembly in Baltimore, MD

4:00 - Welcome Brothers and Sisters in Christ
The purpose of the Coming Home Network International is to provide fellowship, encouragement, and support to men and women who are considering becoming Catholic and those who have already come home. In particular, the Coming Home Network seeks to assist non-Catholic clergy who often face acute difficulties and struggles during their journeys. Founder and President Marcus Grodi sits down with us to discuss his work throughout the years.

4:40 – From Pope John Paul II to Benedict XVI: An Inside Look at the End of an Era, the Beginning of a New One, and the Future of the Church
April 2005 marked the end of Pope John Paul II's papacy and the beginning of Pope Benedict XVI's. As countless pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for, and eventually bid farewell to, the pope they had known for 26 years, millions upon millions of Catholics and non Catholics across globe waited for the new pope to be named. Sr. Mary Ann Walsh documents this pivotal moment in Church history and takes us behind the scenes to better understand the life, death, and legacy of John Paul II; the inner workings of the conclave that elected the new pope; the mind and ministry of Benedict XVI; and the challenges he and the Church face into the future.

5:00 – Project Rachel / Conscience Protection
Signaling the importance they gave to the topic, three U.S. cardinals offered a briefing Tuesday on efforts to expand and strengthen the church's post-abortion healing ministry, Project Rachel. One was Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, who said women who have had abortions, as well as the men and parents who might have encouraged it, "need to know that God forgives them and that all is not lost.” Cardinal DiNardo joins us.

5:20 – The Value of Catholic Radio in the US
Our Blessed Lord makes it clear through his holy Church that he desires to bring all people into loving communion with himself. Today, the Holy Spirit exhorts each and every one of us to participate in proclaiming the Gospel message in every way possible, including through the use of modern media. Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City is here to discuss the value of Catholic Radio.

5:40 – The Plight of Christians in Iraq
Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona recently made a pastoral visit to Baghdad at the invitation of the bishops of Iraq. He visited churches, convents, schools and hospitals in the city. He says “The Christians in Baghdad have suffered greatly; their faith has been tested. One of the most moving moments in the visit was praying with Archbishop Athanase Matti Shaba Matoka, archbishop emeritus of Baghdad, in the Syrian Catholic Church of Our Lady of Deliverance where so many were killed in the bombings and shootings that took place there on October 31 of last year.” We talk with Bishop Kicanas about that encounter and what Christians in Iraq face.