Serving on the Edges: 60 Years of Catholic Ministry, Faith, and Change — Father Francis Gargani

Father Francis Gargani entered religious life as a teenager and has remained in the Church through seasons of change, challenge, and growth. Over the years, his ministry has taken many forms—from parish life and campus ministry to caring for people with AIDS and walking alongside LGBTQ Catholics seeking spiritual community. Throughout it all, he reflects on what has helped him stay rooted: community, prayer, and a deep trust in God’s presence. Together, host Julie Rose and Father Francis explore what it means to stay when faith becomes uncomfortable and how community, compassion, and a deep conviction in God’s love can sustain a life of service. ABOUT THE GUEST Father Francis Gargani was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1971 and is a member of the Redemptorists of Baltimore Province (https://redemptorists.net/). Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2026/01/serving-on-edges-60-years-of-catholic.html CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:37) Meet Father Francis Gargani (1:08) Early Religious Journey (4:14) Challenges in Pastoral Ministry (7:35) Campus Ministry and AIDS Outreach (11:30) LGBTQ Outreach and Controversy (13:53) Intentional Communities and Modern Ministry (17:12) Finding Peace and Staying Hopeful (19:23) Conclusion