This premiere of In the Shadow of the Holy Land lays the foundation for the series; a commitment to good-faith conversation grounded in the equal dignity of every life.

Our guest is Br Peter Bray FSC, former Vice-Chancellor of Bethlehem University. He traces the modern history of the conflict, explains the differences between the West Bank and Gaza, and shows how occupation is lived through movement, checkpoints, and economic control. We also hear directly from Bethlehem University students about crossing the wall each day and why being listened to matters. Peter reflects on his goal to make education “an oasis of peace” and on the discipline of nonviolence. He shares how a solidarity Camino shaped his hope, and why telling the truth need not humiliate or hate.

Subscribe on YouTube or your favourite podcast app to catch next week’s episode with Hanna Bendcowsky of the Jerusalem Center for Jewish–Christian Relations.

It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us, and when you hear what we have been up to you’ll understand why we needed the time to get things right

We’re excited to share our new four-part mini-series, in Questions for the Modern World In the Shadow of the Holy Land: Identity and War. In this mini series we speak with:

• Brother Peter Bray, a New Zealander who spent years leading Bethlehem University
• Hanna Bendcowsky, an Israeli peace educator working in Christian-Jewish dialogue;
• Sami El-Yousef, a Palestinian Christian and CEO for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem;
• Fr David Neuhaus, an Israeli Jesuit born into a Jewish family in South Africa who has devoted his life to understanding between faiths.

If you’d like to watch the full version, it’s available now on our website and socials.

Thanks for listening. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

The word “witch” might sound like something from the past, buried in history books or brought up on Halloween. But for thousands of women around the world today, being called a witch can mean violence, exile, or even death.

In this episode, we speak with Sister Lorena Jenal, a Swiss-born Franciscan who has spent over 40 years in Papua New Guinea. She walks alongside women who’ve been accused of sorcery, offering not only rescue, but healing, dignity, and hope. Sister Lorena’s story is not one of charity from afar, but of deep solidarity, standing with those whose lives are in danger and creating spaces for healing when the unthinkable happens. We hope you enjoy SHOW NOTES: Donate to Catholic Mission at: https://www.missio-hilft.de/informieren/wofuer-wir-uns-einsetzen/menschenrechte/internationaler-tag-gegen-hexenwahn/ Atlantic Break (Music) https://linktr.ee/Atlantic.Break Redemptorist Youth Congress highlights: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087243649746