Archbishop Marino joins Paul Finebaum to uplift podcast listeners in annual tradition

Listeners of Paul Finebaum’s ESPN podcast were treated to a visit from fan favorite Archbishop Joseph Marino just before Christmas.

The Birmingham native got his start serving at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ensley before stints around the globe, returning to the Magic City earlier this year.

A favorite of listeners, the Archbishop joins every year to take calls and offer encouragement to all. It’s a welcome break to sports fans and Finebaum podcast devotees—and it serves as a little light during a time that can be hectic or heavy for folks.

Catch up on what was covered, and enjoy a little cheer and encouragement heading into the new year courtesy of the duo.

In case you missed it: Listen to the episode here

If you missed the ESPN network podcast, which aired on Monday, December 22nd, you can find it wherever you get your podcasts—or listen to it via the video below.

Live + manifest your faith

At one point, Finebaum compares the similarities between what the Archbishop does and what a coach might do, asking how he deals with people leaning heavily on him. Marino responds that it comes down to reminding the person he’s counseling that they are loved and worthy of love, and reminding them that God is with them at all times and they must hold on to any faith that he or she has.

Several callers asked for advice when either facing their own holiday hardships or “coaching” others through theirs. Here’s what the Archbishop had to say:

“It’s not enough to just go to church every Sunday or every day. We have to live our faith.

We have to manifest who we believe in, how we deal and how we treat other people.

Christmas is teaching us who not only God is, but also what a human being is.Therefore every human being becomes respected, loved and cared for, and that’s our obligation as believers.”

_{Archbishop Joseph Marino on the Paul Finebaum Show}

Thoughts on the new American pope + a Hail Mary request

Marino recently returned from a visit to the Vatican to meet the new pope. Marino noted how Pope Leo’s experience in Peru made him worthy of the office and relayed how well-liked the new pope is. Archbishop Marino urged prayers that the pope’s ministry will have an impact on faith and people.

As the hour continued, other callers asked for guidance with family and job loss, eagerly awaiting the Archbishop’s advice. And it wouldn’t be a sports show in Alabama without someone asking Archbishop Marino to pray for Alabama’s victory over Indiana.

Did you miss hearing the Archbishop’s annual call on the Paul Finebaum show? Not to worry: Catch it here and let us know what you think @bhamnow.