This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian sit down with Eric Sundrup, S.J., a Jesuit priest who is the vice president for mission and ministry and university chaplain at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Father Eric has also worked on “Jesuitical” since its inception (in 2017!) in a variety of roles; today, he continues to provide faith formation for the team.

Ashley, Sebastian and Father Eric discuss:

- What spiritual practices “worked” for them in 2025—and what they want to leave behind

- How to approach Mass with fresh eyes and ears in the new year

- Why you shouldn’t beat yourself up about not meeting your prayer goals

In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Sebastian discuss the conclusion of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope and the next phase of Pope Leo’s pontificate. They unpack Catholic reactions to the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. forces and the recent news of Israel banning 37 humanitarian groups, including a Catholic aid group, from operating in Gaza.

Finally, Sebastian and Ashley talk about supposed divine intervention on the football field during last weekend’s Pittsburgh Steelers-Baltimore Ravens game.

Links for further reading:

- Pope Leo says he will hold consistories with the College of Cardinals every year

- Pope Leo XIV closes 2025 Holy Year with critique of consumerism and xenophobia

- Pope Leo XIV’s papacy began today

- Pope Leo’s first Extraordinary Consistory: What should we expect?

- Venezuela, Trump and the end of ‘Pax Americana’

- Inside Venezuela’s capital after Trump administration captures Maduro

- Pope Leo: ‘The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration.’

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Spiritual advice you don't want to miss for 2026!