In this Bite Size episode of "Questions for the Modern World," we welcome Dr. Phyllis Zagano, a leading expert on women deacons in the Catholic Church. As the Global Synod on Synodality unfolds, Dr. Zagano sheds light on the history and current debates surrounding women's roles in church leadership.

This episode addresses critical questions about women's ordination, clericalism, and the broader implications for women's dignity and inclusion in the Church and society. Tune in for an insightful conversation that challenges conventions and envisions new possibilities for women in the Catholic Church. For those interested in a deeper comparison of Cardinal Fernández’s written justifications and the comments he presented to the Synod, as mentioned in the podcast, Hendro Munsterman’s transcriptions offer an insightful look into the varying ways the Vatican communicates on this critical issue.

On the tenth anniversary of the rise of ISIS, Common Home TV looks back with the release of its latest short documentary, "Learning to Serve in the Face of Terror," which focuses on the remarkable actions of Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Warda, CSsR, in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the rise of ISIS in Iraq. The documentary is available as both a video and podcast.

ISIS’s invasion and capture of Mosul triggered one of the largest displacements of people in recent history. The documentary examines the critical period when thousands of Christians, Yazidis, and Muslims were forced to flee their homes to escape violence and persecution. As Erbil became a sanctuary for the displaced, Archbishop Warda leaned on his Catholic faith and Redemptorist charism to lead and provide essential aid, shelter, and hope to those in desperate need.

Reflecting on the rapid and unexpected takeover by ISIS, Archbishop Warda said, “It was a surprise to everyone. We knew the dangers of sectarian violence, but no one expected that one day the entire province of Mosul would be hijacked by ISIS in such a short time.” He added, “People walked for over 12 hours to reach safety because they were completely unprepared for what happened. We had to respond with whatever resources we had, offering help to all in need, regardless of their faith.”

"Learning to Serve in the Face of Terror" provides an in-depth look at how Archbishop Warda, faced with overwhelming challenges, mobilised resources to care for vulnerable communities. His leadership ensured that the displaced received both essential aid and spiritual support during their darkest hours, serving as a powerful testament to Catholic social teaching in action.

For those interested in the full visual experience, the video documentary is available on commonhome.tv.

Welcome to another episode of Questions for the Modern World here on Common Home TV, where we dive deep into the challenges, questions, and hopes shaping our global community.

Today, we're honored to have with us Fr. Patrick Kelly, SJ, PhD—a distinguished scholar and author whose work explores the intersection of faith, sport, and spirituality. Fr Kelly has authored several influential books, including Catholic Perspectives on Sports: From Medieval to Modern Times and Play, Sport and Spirit. He also served as editor for Youth Sport and Spirituality: Catholic Perspectives. His expertise has led him to collaborate with Vatican offices on the topic of sport, contributing to the revision of the Catholic Church's first-ever document on sports, Giving the Best of Yourself, published in June 2018.

In addition to his academic achievements, Fr. Kelly brings personal experience to his work, having served as captain of the football team and been an All-Conference free safety at Grand Valley State University.

We hope you enjoy this conversation as we look at the rich connections between faith, sports, and the common good.

"