Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT

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About

”Let Me Be Frank” is a podcast from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport and Veritas Catholic Radio featuring the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport. Each weekly episode features Bishop Frank’s honest opinions about recent Catholic news, reflections on Sunday’s Gospel, questions from diocesan faithful, and frank discussion of topics of faith and Catholicism.

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199 episodes

The Passion through Pilate's, Peter's, Mary's, and Judas's Eyes

Today, Bishop Frank Caggiano exercises his pious imagination and meditates on what the passion must have been like for certain people directly present during it.  Other Veritas Shows the Tangent https://thetangent.podbean.com/ Restless https://restlesscatholicmedia.podbean.com/ Daily Gospel Reflection https://dailycatholicreflection.podbean.com/ The Frontline with Joe & Joe https://thefrontlinewithjoeandjoe.podbean.com/ the Word made flesh https://thewordmadeflesh.podbean.com/

59m
Mar 27
Listener Q's: Bishop Caggiano's Prayer Life, Favorite Lenten Memory, and Favorite Food

Steve and Bishop Frank take a break from serious topics as we traverse Lent and answer some of your lighter questions today. Next week they get back to the serious topics, Holy Week and Easter!  Daily Gospel Reflections on Veritas Catholic Network https://dailycatholicreflection.podbean.com/ The Tangent on Veritas Catholic Network https://thetangent.podbean.com/ Restless Catholic Young Adults  https://restlesscatholicmedia.podbean.com/  

59m
Mar 20
Preparing For Death & the Importance of Community - w/ Dean Gestal

Do you know why it’s important for a cemetery to be on the grounds of a Catholic church? There’s a theological reason for walking through a cemetery to get to the front door… Bishop Caggiano talks to Dean Gestal, Executive Director of Fairfield County Catholic Cemeteries, on this week’s Let Me Be Frank. They discuss death, preparing for death, bereavement for those who have lost loved ones, and more.

57m
Mar 13
The Future of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport (w/ Dr. Steven Cheeseman)

Dr Steven Cheeseman, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Bridgeport, joins Bishop Caggiano this week on Let Me Be Frank. They talk about the state of the schools here, and the very many exciting programs they are putting together to proactively keep improving Catholic education. These include the Aquinas Institute, the Wellness Initiative, and the Seton Collaborative. OTHER VERITAS SHOWS Daily Gospel Reflections https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-gospel-reflection-on-veritas-catholic-network/id1728739605 the Tangent  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tangent-on-veritas-catholic-network/id1596970790 Restless Catholic Young Adults  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restless-catholic-young-adults/id1538788208 the Front Line with Joe and Joe https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-front-line-with-joe-joe/id1597112191 the Word made flesh https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-word-made-flesh-veritas/id1666663427  

58m
Mar 06
Marie Oates, the Executive Director of the Saint John Paul II Center for Communications

This week on Let Me Be Frank, the Bishop interviews Marie Oates, the Executive Director of the Saint John Paul II Center for Communications about her new role and plans in the diocese of Bridgeport. They speak about the importance of sharing the stories of Catholics throughout the diocese, how to use modern media to share those stories, and how they plan to increase the Bishop's media presence in the Diocese of Bridgeport!   

55m
Feb 28
The National Eucharistic Revival and Our Diocese's Eucharist Renewal

Today, Bishop Frank Caggiano talks about the concrete plans for the Diocese of Bridgeport's participation in the Eucharist Revival, what he calls, the Eucharistic Renewal.  By listening to today's episode you'll see how the Bishop's plan with The One intertwines with the National Eucharistic Revival, how he hopes to bring about MASSIVE conversion of heart for the people in his diocese, and how YOU can participate in this Renewal!  Be sure to listen for when the Eucharistic Revival will be coming to your city, and even your parish! OTHER VERITAS SHOWS!  Daily Gospel Reflections on Veritas Catholic Network (our newest podcast!) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-gospel-reflection-on-veritas-catholic-network/id1728739605?i=1000646237360 The Tangent on Veritas Catholic Network https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tangent-on-veritas-catholic-network/id1596970790?i=1000645643012 Restless Catholic Young Adults https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restless-catholic-young-adults/id1538788208?i=1000645655266 The Frontline with Joe & Joe https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-front-line-with-joe-joe/id1597112191 the Word made flesh https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-word-made-flesh-veritas/id1666663427  

1h 0m
Feb 21
Ash Wednesday and Preparing For Lent!

Today is Ash Wednesday and Lent is already upon us. This week on Let Me Be Frank, Bishop Caggiano helps us enter into Lent with an open heart and a ready disposition. He explains what Lent is and reflects on how we should prepare spiritually, including some suggestions for spiritual reading. His Excellency mentioned one book, in particular, that really caught Steve's attention: Lent and Easter With The Church Fathers. https://ascensionpress.com/products/lent-and-easter-with-the-church-fathers This book will walk through Lent, one day at a time, with a different commentary from a Church Father reflecting on Lent itself or the Mass reading from the day. CHECK OUT VERITAS'S NEWEST PODCAST Daily Gospel Reflections on Veritas Catholic Network is a two minute daily Gospel Reflection by Fr. Sam Kachuba. He helps YOU start your day with the Gospel!  Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-catholic-reflection-with-fr-sam-kachuba/id1728739605 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6h9MTrjWcub9dCQlBqUOuL?si=b94ba955d1f04e70 Podbean https://dailycatholicreflection.podbean.com/

1h 0m
Feb 14
Fr. Michael Clarke - How Art Helps Christians Enter into the Mysteries of the Faith

Fr. Michael Clarke joins Bishop Frank Caggiano to discuss the importance of beauty and art. From stained glass windows to christian music fests (and everything in between), Fr. Michael is able to provide a unique and expert point of view on the evangelical power of beauty, the important role it plays in the catechesis of Catholics, and how it is beauty, most of all, that aids Catholics as they seek to enter into the mysteries of the faith.  NOTES  http://Jesusguild.org  

59m
Feb 07
Pierre Ferragu on Lourdes, St. Bernadette, and the Evangelical Power of Theater

Bishop Caggiano hosts Pierre Ferragu, the producer for the new live theater production about St. Bernadette, Lourdes. They discuss the moments of grace Pierre has experienced working on this show, the challenges of bringing this production to America (it's coming soon!) and the importance of evangelizing our culture through the medium of theater.   LINKS  Email List https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/SpBQRkz Instagram https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/   Let Me Be Frank is a Catholic Podcast, hosted by Bishop Frank Caggiano, the Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport. Each week, Bishop Caggiano discusses matters of faith, culture, or entertainment, always through the lens of the Catholic Faith! 

1h 4m
Jan 31
Listener Q’s: Bishop Caggiano’s vocation story, advice to new bishops, and why we’re “Catholic”

If you keep submitting your questions and Bishop Frank Caggiano will keep answering them! This week's episode is chalk full of questions about the Church, the Faith, and Bishop's own life. And, of course, Steve joins in too!  Today's questions include: How did you find out that you were going to be named a Bishop? Do you have any advice for new Bishops? Why do we call Priests Father? Why do we call ourselves Catholic?  What's your favorite junk food? and more!  submit YOUR questions for Bishop Caggiano to info@veritascatholic.com and you can be featured on our next mailbag episode! LINKS Facebook https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic Instagram https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Veritas https://www.veritascatholic.com/    

57m
Jan 24
Accompaniment in the Catholic Church, Spiritual Direction, and Diocesan Guilds

Bishop Frank Caggiano discusses and defines true accompaniment. He then explores the concept in light of spiritual direction and the Sacrament of Confession asking, "what does spiritual direction entail?" and "is your confessor your spiritual director?". Bishop Caggiano also dives into the different Guilds in the Diocese of Bridgeport, from the St. Luke Guild which serves the Catholic Healthcare Community to the Sacred Heart Guild which seeks to serve everyone in the Diocese by sharing God's beauty!  Please Rate, Review, and Share the show!  #Catholic

58m
Jan 18
Bishop Caggiano addresses Fiducia Supplicans & discusses Catholic Formation with Patrick Donovan

This week’s episode of Let Me Be Frank featured two major topics. The first, is a reflection from His Excellency, Bishop Frank Caggiano, on the recent declaration from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Fiducia Supplicans. Bishop Caggiano, hoping to provide clarity to the Diocese, explains when certain kinds of blessings are acceptable, the importance of seeking to understand the true desires of those asking for blessings, and the importance of accompaniment. After this short segment on the implementation of Fiducia Supplicans in the Diocese of Bridgeport (the first 10 minutes or so) Bishop Caggiano interviews Patrick Donovan, the director of the Institute for Catholic Formation in the Diocese of Bridgeport. They discuss the importance of parental catechesis and how the Diocese is helping parents grow in their own faith so they can raise their children to be faithful sons and daughters in the Church. LINKS  The Institute for Catholic Formation in the Diocese of Bridgeport https://formationreimagined.org/the-institute-for-catholic-formation/ Veritas Catholic Network https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Veritas Instagram https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Veritas Facebook https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/

59m
Jan 10
Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, A Year with the Popes!

Bishop Frank Caggiano is joined by Fr. Jeffrey Kirby to discuss his new book A Year with the Popes: Daily Meditations with the Vicar of Christ https://tanbooks.com/products/books/a-year-with-the-popes-daily-meditations-with-the-vicar-of-christ/   They discuss: __ __ and much more!  Fr. Kirby LINKS  Fr. Kirby's Website https://frkirby.com/ Fr. Kirby's Morning Offering https://www.goodcatholic.com/podcasts/morning-offering-with-fr-kirby/ TAN Books - A Year with the Popes https://tanbooks.com/products/books/a-year-with-the-popes-daily-meditations-with-the-vicar-of-christ/ VERITAS LINKS  Veritas Instagram https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Veritas Facebook https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic Veritas https://www.veritascatholic.com/

1h 0m
Jan 03
A Pope and a President: JPII’s & Reagan’s relationship and teamwork for the fall of Communism... with Dr. Paul Kengor

Bishop Frank Caggiano interviews Dr. Paul Kengor about his book A Pope and a President. They discuss: __ __ and much more!  LINKS A Pope and a President  https://www.regnery.com/9781610171526/a-pope-and-a-president/ Veritas Instagram https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Veritas Facebook https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/ Veritas Website https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Please like, subscribe, and share!  AMDG!

58m
Dec 27, 2023
Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom Struggle... w/ Dr. Shannen Dee Williams

Dr. Shannen Dee Williams joins Bishop Frank Caggiano to discuss her new book Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom Struggle https://www.amazon.com/Subversive-Habits-Catholic-American-Struggle/dp/1478018208/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=.  They discuss: __ __ Don't forget to share and subscribe!  AMDG! LINKS Insta: https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLPXluXSvSfqwXOYdmjHK2eZhLEDOgoA VERITAS: www.veritascatholic.com  http://www.veritascatholic.com  

58m
Dec 20, 2023
Damien O’Connor, VP of Evangelization with the Knights of Columbus, on Evangelizing Men, Being the Family Leader, and the Priority of Faith!

Bishop Frank Caggiano is joined by Damien O'Connor on today's episode of Let Me Be Frank! They discuss  __ __ LINKS   Knights of Columbus COR Ministry  https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/our-faith/cor.html   Let Me Be Frank  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/ Veritas Catholic Network https://www.veritascatholic.com/  

58m
Dec 13, 2023
Bishop Frank Caggiano on Votive Masses, Communal Prayer, Women Deacons and more!

This week on Let Me Be Frank, Bishop Frank Caggiano gives us his advent reflection and answers YOUR listener questions! He answers: __ __ this, and much more!   LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzRVecYGPxcG3rKQX0WDeAQ Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/    

59m
Dec 06, 2023
Who is John Henry Newman?

The USCCB voted (240-2) last week to write a letter of support to Pope Francis with the hope that he might name St. John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church. Bishop Frank Caggiano teaches about St. John Henry Newman's life, conversion, and theological prowess on today's episode of Let Me Be Frank!  LINKS  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/ Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/  

59m
Nov 29, 2023
Monsignor Powers Returns (to the show!)

Bishop Caggiano is joined by Monsignor Powers to discuss his time as the 24th rector of Pontifical North American College in Rome. The discuss:   __ __ Please follow, rate and review the show!  LINKS Bishop Caggiano's social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bishopfrankcaggiano/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BishopCaggiano/ Veritas Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/ Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/

57m
Nov 22, 2023
Remember Your Death

Bishop Caggiano teaches from Deacon Matthew Newsome's book the Devout Life, walking through several meditations on death. What is hell like? What is heaven like? How is your judgement decided? All this and more, on Let Me Be Frank.  This week's listener question: "What is College Seminary and what is Major Seminary?" LINKS Deacon Matthew Newsome's the Devout Life: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-devout-life/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/

57m
Nov 15, 2023
Properly Understanding Sacred Scripture

Catholic Bishop, Bishop Frank Caggiano discusses how to properly understand Sacred Scripture; defining inspiration & inerrancy, detailing what is essential for salvation, and elaborating on how the kerygma is at the heart of the Gospel. He also answers this week's listener question about the Guilds in the Diocese of Bridgeport.  LINKS Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BishopCaggiano Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bishopfrankcaggiano/?hl=en Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/bishopcaggiano?lang=en  

59m
Nov 08, 2023
Listener questions!

Bishop Frank Caggiano answers a mailbag-full of questions from you, our listeners. Links to the Veritas app: https://www.veritascatholic.com/listen

57m
Nov 01, 2023
Joseph Pearce on the Power of Beauty & Literature

Today on Let Me Be Frank, Bishop Caggiano is joined by Joseph Pearce. Joseph shares his own conversion story, explains the evangelical power of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, & G.K. Chesterton, and delves into the importance of beauty in our modern world!  LINKS  https://jpearce.co/ https://www.veritascatholic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/veritascatholic/ https://www.facebook.com/veritascatholic  

58m
Oct 25, 2023
Jason Evert

Bishop Frank Caggiano speaks with Jason Evert about working with young people, the true meaning of chastity, and gender issues. The Chastity Project: https://chastity.com/ Links to download the Veritas app: https://www.veritascatholic.com/listen

57m
Oct 18, 2023
The Reformation

Bishop Frank Caggiano discusses the 16th century Protestant Reformation, and the lessons we can take away today to avoid similar mistakes. Links to download the Veritas app: https://www.veritascatholic.com/listen

58m
Oct 11, 2023
HW Crocker III

Bishop Frank Caggiano dives deep into history with HW Crocker III, author of "Triumph: The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church". Triumph: https://www.regnery.com/9781684514922/triumph/ Links to download the Veritas app: https://www.veritascatholic.com/listen

56m
Oct 04, 2023
The early years of the papacy

Bishop Frank Caggiano talks about the early years and the development of the papacy - from St Peter to St Gregory the Great. Links to download the Veritas mobile app: https://www.veritascatholic.com/listen  

1h 0m
Sep 27, 2023
The Blessed Mother & listener questions

Bishop Frank Caggiano reflects on the love of Mary and the example she sets for all of us. In the second segment, he answers a mailbag full of your questions. Links to download the Veritas mobile app: https://www.veritascatholic.com/listen  

58m
Sep 13, 2023
Who do you say Jesus is?

Bishop Caggiano gives a teaching on Christology. "Who do you say Jesus is?" Your answer should lead you to an encounter and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Links to download the Veritas app: https://www.veritascatholic.com/listen

1h 0m
Sep 06, 2023
John Bergsma PhD

Bishop Frank Caggiano is joined by Dr. John Bergsma, Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and Vice President for Biblical Theology at the St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Dr Bergsma is the author of many, many books (with deep theology and awesome stick figures!). John Bergsma, PhD: https://catholicbibleteacher.com  Links to download the Veritas app: https://www.veritascatholic.com/listen

57m
Aug 30, 2023