Preaching during Easter: Resurrections in war-torn areas

About this episode

The episode discusses maintaining belief in resurrection amidst conflict, featuring insights from Brother Peter Iorlano on his experiences in Bethlehem.

How does one keep their belief in the resurrection in a war-scarred area of the world? In this third episode of Preach’s Easter series, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., speaks to Brother Peter Iorlano, F.S.C., who has lived and ministered at Bethlehem University in the West Bank for over 20 years, accompanying Palestinian students and colleagues through occupation, conflict and loss. He is also the university’s vice president for human resources. Together, they discuss how Brother Peter came to Bethlehem from New York after a meaningful encounter with a Muslim student. They also talk about how Brother Peter’s work at Bethlehem University has shaped his spirituality, emphasizing the power of daily resurrections. 0:00 Br. Peter Iorlano's journey to Bethlehem 4:55 Why Bethlehem University is special 9:23 An Easter reflection in a warzone 22:20 Preaching demands overcoming revenge 24:10 Being vulnerable when preaching 26:14 Preaching resurrection during a time of war 30:37 Making sure people do not feel alone 33:20 Tensions between despair and hope 35:15 Preaching as a lay brother --- Support this podcast by becoming a subscriber. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠ Learn more…

People in this episode

Host: Ricardo da Silva, S.J.

Guests: Brother Peter Iorlano, F.S.C., Brother Peter Iorlano

Topics covered

• Easter
• resurrection
• war
• spirituality
• preaching
• hope
• conflict

Keywords

• resurrection
• Easter
• war-torn areas
• spirituality
• preaching
• Bethlehem University
• hope
• conflict
• Brother Peter Iorlano

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bethlehem University

Places: West Bank, New York

More episodes of Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast

• Preaching the Risen Christ: Mass in migrant shelters along the U.S.-Mexico border · April 27, 2026 · 44 min
• Preaching the Risen Christ: Finding hope in addiction recovery · April 13, 2026 · 36 min
• Preaching the Risen Christ: A Scripture Scholar on the first witnesses · April 6, 2026 · 44 min
• Preaching the pillars of Lent: Fasting · March 9, 2026 · 28 min
• Preaching the pillars of Lent: Almsgiving · March 2, 2026 · 34 min
• Preaching the pillars of Lent: Prayer · February 23, 2026 · 31 min