Bishop Michael Martin on making disciples, Charlotte’s growth and liturgy debates

About this episode

Bishop Michael Martin discusses his pastoral priorities and liturgical changes in the Diocese of Charlotte, alongside current events in the Catholic Church.

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Bishop Michael Martin, O.F.M. Conv., of the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop Martin sparked headlines in 2025 when a document leaked with plans to restrict the Latin Mass and other liturgical practices in his diocese. Ashley, Zac and Bishop Martin discuss: - His pastoral priorities as bishop of Charlotte - Changes to the celebration of the Latin Mass in his diocese - How he approaches his outspoken critics within his community—and online In “Signs of the Times,” Ashley and Zac discuss the recent sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez; Pope Leo’s call for bishops to come to Rome for a meeting on the family in October 2026; and a Belgian bishop who said he will “make every effort” to ordain married men as priests by the year 2028. Finally, in light of Easter coming up, Zac and Ashley talk about the pope’s favorite candy, Peeps! Finally, in “As One Friend Speaks to Another,” Ashley talks about her experience inadvertently unplugging on a recent trip and the spiritual freedom found from it. Links for further reading: How the cover-up of Cesar Chavez’s abuse mirrored the clergy sex abuse crisis What you need to know about Pope…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ashley, Zac

Guest: Bishop Michael Martin

Topics covered

• discipleship
• liturgical practices
• Latin Mass
• sexual abuse allegations
• bishop meetings
• spiritual freedom

Keywords

• Bishop Michael Martin
• Latin Mass
• Diocese of Charlotte
• Cesar Chavez
• Pope Leo
• married priests
• Easter
• spiritual freedom

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Diocese of Charlotte

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