Podcast
Beyond The Beacon
Hosted by Diocese Of Paterson · EN
Join Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J., as they discuss current events and topics relevant to the local Church in Paterson and the global Catholic Church. Bishop Sweeney answers questions from listeners, interviews guests, and shares reflections and insights helpful for all striving to live a life of faith, hope, and love.
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Episodes
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Priest, beggar, hero: Inside the world of Father Al and the Sisters of Mary
Feb 500:49:57Tap to summarizeBiographer Kevin Wells discusses "one of the greatest stories in the Church today," the life and work of "Father Al" and the Sisters of Mary. He shares insights from his book, "Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz." Hosted by the Diocese of Paterson's Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish.Venerable Aloysius Philip Schwartz was a devoted Catholic priest known for his unwavering commitment to serving the poor. He founded the Sisters of Mary congregation and the World Villages for Children, focusing on providing education, shelter, and care for destitute children worldwide. Through his tireless efforts, Father Schwartz transformed countless lives, establishing Boystown and Girlstown programs that have helped over 170,000 children. His selfless work continues to inspire, and he was declared "Venerable" by Pope Francis in 2015.Wells also details the special pilgrimage to Mexico with Bishop Sweeney in September to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and to spend some time with the Sisters of Mary at Girlstown.Show Notes:Author Kevin WellsPilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe with Bishop Kevin SweeneyEmail questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).Every three years, each Diocese in the USA has the graced opportunity to make a scheduled pilgrimage as one Diocesan family with their Bishop to the National Shrine in the nation's capital. 2026 is once again "our year!" Please note the two-day and one-day options: Oct. 16, Friday, and Oct. 17, Saturday. Visit the Diocese of Paterson website here to learn more! On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
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Faith in action: How the Interfaith Food Pantry serves the community
Jan 2200:45:51Tap to summarizeMorris County is among the wealthiest counties in New Jersey, but food insecurity is very real for many families living there. For this episode, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish visit the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains to learn more. After touring the facility and meeting clients and volunteers, they sat down for this remote episode with Carolyn Lake, executive director of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network, and Board President Helen Hallberg. Show Notes:Interfaith Food Pantry Network"The Practice of the Presence of God,” by Carmelite Brother Lawrence of the ResurrectionEmail questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Joe Ginexi. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
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A shepherd’s approach to a new year with Bishop Kevin Sweeney
Jan 800:43:29Tap to summarizeFor this special episode, Bishop Kevin Sweeney looks back on the year and offers his perspective on the Universal and local Catholic Church for 2026. Joining him are Communications Director Jai Agnish and Digital Media Specialist Cecile Pagliarulo. We reflect on some of the biggest stories, social media posts, Beacon articles, and podcast episodes that resonated with our audience. Bishop Sweeney takes a few questions and discusses some of the noteworthy happenings planned for 2026.Show Notes:Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe with Bishop Kevin SweeneyNational March for Life 2026 Diocesan Marian PilgrimageNew Jersey Catholic Mental Health Conference"What to Do" Beacon events calendarEmail questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish, Cecile Pagliarulo, and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
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Two sisters and a lifetime of social justice advocacy
Dec 1800:50:22Tap to summarize“No Christian can regard the poor simply as a societal problem; they are part of our ‘family.’ They are ‘one of us.’ Nor can our relationship to the poor be reduced to merely another ecclesial activity or function.” - From Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation “Dilexi Te.”Social justice advocacy has long been a way of life for the two religious sisters who join the Diocese of Paterson's Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish for the latest episode of Beyond The Beacon. Following the inspiration of their religious order's charism and the example of Jesus and the Saints, Sister Patrice Owens, S.C.C., and Sister Janice Jolin, S.M.I.C., have advocated for the poor and marginalized in Brazil, The Bronx, and their own backyards in New Jersey. They share insights about this work and describe their vocation stories. Show Notes:Sisters of Christian Charity social justice web pageMissionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God social justice web pageBishop Sweeney's column, "St. Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini, Patron Saint of Immigrants" Faithful invited to close Jubilee Year with bishop in PatersonEmail questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
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The future is now: Inspiring interviews from our diocesan youth conference
Nov 1700:37:22Tap to summarizeJust back from the fall meeting of the United States' bishops, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney shares his perspective on participating in the issuance of a rare “special message” regarding the bishops' concern for the evolving situation affecting immigrants in the United States.For the second half of the episode, we go remote to the 2025 Diocese of Paterson Youth Conference, "Anchored in Hope," where Bishop Sweeney interviewed participants. Guests:Jessica Martinez - Christ is Alive Youth Ministry, Our Lady of Fatima & St Nicholas in Passaic, N.J.Juan-Pablo Martinez - Christ is Alive Youth Ministry, Our Lady of Fatima & St Nicholas in Passaic, N.J.Janely Jose - Youth Minister at Our Lady of Fatima & St Nicholas in Passaic, N.J.Meryl Payyappilly - St. Jude Parish in Budd Lake, N.J.Etelka Moliner - St. Jude Parish in Budd Lake, N.J.Mary Hill - Youth Minister at St. Jude Parish in Budd Lake, N.J.Show Notes:U.S. bishops issue a ‘Special Message’ on immigration from assembly in BaltimoreBishop Kevin Sweeney's column titled, "St. Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini, Patron Saint of Immigrants"Video: Remarks by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, on the Feast of Mother Cabrini and in solidarity with immigrantsOffice of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of PatersonEmail questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish, Cecile Pagliarulo, and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo and Jai Agnish. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
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Living out your Catholic faith: Perspectives from 3 dedicated Knights
Nov 500:47:38Tap to summarizeJoin us for an inspired conversation as we delve into the heart of the Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization, through the lens of three dedicated Knights. They share their perspectives and experiences of actively living out their Catholic faith through service, fraternity, and charity.Hosted by Bishop Kevin Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish of the Diocese of Paterson. Guests:Jim Sweeney, State Deputy of the New Jersey State Council Knights of Columbus, and a member of and past Grand Knight of the Father Joseph A. Cassidy Council 6100 in Budd Lake, N.J.Hector Jimenez, the New Jersey State Council Knights of Columbus Ethnic & Cultural Development chairman. He is also a District Deputy for the New Jersey State Council Knights of Columbus, where he is responsible for four councils in the Paterson, N.J. area. He is a member and past Grand Knight of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Council 17254 in Paterson. Justin Carrasco, Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus Insurance Agency in the Paterson area, and a member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Council 17254.SHOW NOTES:https://njkofc.comhttps://www.kofc.orgEmail questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Production assistance from Jim Sweeney. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo and Jai Agnish. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).Note: Artificial intelligence was used in the development of this episode's headline and description with the input and oversight of a human. The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
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How your gift powers hope across the three counties of the diocese
Oct 2300:40:40Tap to summarizeHow can a food pantry in one of the most impoverished cities in New Jersey feed 22,000 people each month? What does it take to empower the staff and volunteers of a drug and alcohol treatment center that helps hundreds of people in recovery every day? We answer these questions and more.Tim Potter and Scott Milliken are the guests on this episode, which explores how the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal is having a significant impact on many lives across the three counties of the Diocese of Paterson. Potter is chief development officer for the Diocese of Paterson, and Milliken is chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson. They join co-hosts Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Communications Director Jai Agnish.The annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal funds seminary education, priest retirement and health care needs, Catholic Urban Education, and Catholic Charities. Learn more by listening and by clicking on the links below. Thank you for giving to the appeal! SHOW NOTES:https://dopappeal.org/about.htmlhttps://dopappeal.orghttps://www.ccpaterson.orgFor the Diocesan Ministries Appeal Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5SGaBjPwt0 Email questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish and Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
Transcribe →Youth ministry's impact: How it forms a strong Catholic faith
Oct 1000:44:56Tap to summarizeIs youth ministry just pizza and retreats? Think again. This week, we dive deep into the vital role Catholic youth ministry plays in forming lifelong faith. Featuring insightful interviews with seasoned youth ministers, we explore the powerful impact of youth ministry—not just on attendance, but on how it actively develops and strengthens a strong, authentic Catholic identity in young people. Hear some strategies for connecting with teens and navigating modern challenges. If you want to know what works in building the Church's future, this episode is a must-listen.Joining Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, the leader of the Diocese of Paterson, and Communications Director Jai Agnish for this episode is:John Cammarata. Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Paterson; and Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Parsippany, N.J.Alyssa Carolan. Director of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry at St. John Vianney Parish in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J., and St. Thomas the Apostle in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson, N.J.Yadira Sifonte. Youth Minister at The Catholic Community of St. Brendan & St. George, in Clifton, N.J.Justin Carrasco. Director of Young Prophets at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J.SHOW NOTES:Diocese of Paterson Office of Youth Ministry Register for the Diocese of Paterson Youth ConferenceEmail questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, and John Cammarata for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo and Jai Agnish. Edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Thank you, Father Joseph S. DeMarzo III, for assistance with time-keeping.Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).Note: Artificial intelligence was used in the development of this episode's headline and description with the input and oversight of a human. The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
Transcribe →Opportunities for God's grace in the season of Lent
Feb 28, 202500:43:32Tap to summarizeSend us a textAs we look to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, Bishop Kevin Sweeney offers practical advice about the Lenten practices of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. Guest Father Jared Brogan joins Bishop Kevin and Jai Agnish to help illuminate the meaning and purpose of these traditions. Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. Father Jared is the director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Paterson as well as the Diocesan Master of Ceremonies. He's an adjunct professor of Systematic Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. Read the bishop's column, "Daily Mass, Reconciliation, the Jubilee Prayer, the Hallow App, and many more opportunities for Grace in the Season of Lent."Learn about how to get involved in this year's Jubilee Year of Hope.Learn more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and "Welcome Home to Healing."Thanks for joining us! Please like and subscribe!Email questions and topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin Sweeney, and Cecile Pagliarulo for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered by Cecile Pagliarulo, edited and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.Follow Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook.Follow Bishop Kevin on Instagram. Follow the Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
Transcribe →How three people responded to their call to religious life
Feb 14, 202500:44:46Tap to summarizeSend us a textA religious sister and two brothers engage in a lively interview with Bishop Kevin Sweeney about how they discerned God's call to consecrated religious life. Sister of Christian Charity Chiara Marie Stimpfle, Franciscan Father John Aherne, and Franciscan Father of the Renewal Isaac Spinharney also share insights into prayer, retreats, and living in community. Bishop Kevin also reflects on the state of immigration enforcement in America and the recent letter from Pope Francis to the United States bishops expressing concern at mass deportations. "Are we treating each and every person like Jesus [and] as our sister and brother?" the bishop asks. Show Notes:https://rcdop.org/vocationshttps://patersonvocations.orghttps://rcdop.org/jubilee-2025-rcdophttps://beaconnj.org/finding-hopehttps://beaconnj.org/the-immigrant-experience-a-personal-reflectionhttps://beaconnj.org/pope-to-u-s-migration-policies-built-on-force-not-truth-will-end-badlyThanks for joining us! Please like and subscribe!Email questions and topic ideas for Bishop Kevin to beyond@patersondiocese.org.Produced by Cecile Pagliarulo, Jai Agnish, and Bishop Kevin Sweeney for the Diocese of Paterson. Engineered, edited, and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio.Follow Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook.Follow Bishop Kevin on Instagram. Follow the Diocese of Paterson on Instagram, Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish).The Paul Street Journal is all about Catholic Economics. From discussing the economic principles in scripture, to answering economic questions, this show will help you make economic decisions with the heart of the Church. Hosts: Freddy Garcia and Brian Honsberger. Available wherever you get podcasts, or watch on St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls. On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.
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