Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Father Edward Looney via phone call on July 1st, 2025. We have rearranged and edited some of the questions. This provides the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.
You’ve written and spoken extensively about the Blessed Mother. What first sparked your devotion to Mary, and how has that relationship deepened over time?
What really started it was—I joke—I came out of the womb loving Mary. My mother and father were separated by the time I was born. I grew up in Oconto, WI, and in my hometown, there was a woman who organized pilgrimages to Medjugorje. And I think she had a great influence on Marian devotion in our parish. I remember starting later with rosaries.
Once you realize our Catholic tradition is 2,000 years old, and once you start reading the Early Church Fathers, it only deepens your devotions. The writings and quotes of the saints inspired me too.
In your book A Heart Like Mary’s, you offer practical ways to imitate Our Lady. What’s one Marian virtue you personally find the most challenging to practice as a priest?
I think the hardest one is Mary’s response: “Let it be done according to Your will.” We all want to do what we want in life. Mary had her own plans, but she followed God’s will. That’s a good prayer to make. Obedience is tough—you have to follow where God calls you. And as a priest, you also have to follow the will of your bishop. It’s difficult because we all have our own wants and desires.
You contribute to a wide variety of Catholic platforms—from podcasts to publications like Catholic Exchange and EWTN. How do you approach evangelizing in today’s fast-paced digital world while remaining grounded in your daily priestly ministry?
One of the things I try to do the most is share my life as a priest with people. On social media, I show different aspects of the priesthood. I thought it was important to show my parish how I was involved, and I used social media as a way to show that I’m connected.
From what I’ve received, I feel called to share. Everything I have is from God through the intercession of Mary, so I try to share my experiences and insights.
For example, I was in Wichita, Kansas, where Venerable Emil Kapaun is buried, and I visited his home parish. I also went to the Shrine of Blessed Stanley Rother in Oklahoma City—one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I was able to share these experiences online, and I plan to revisit them.
You were the youngest person to present at the Mariological Society of America back in 2011. What was that experience like, and how has your academic work shaped your pastoral mission?
Obviously, being the youngest person there was intimidating. There were all these people who were smarter and more experienced than me. I did an independent study in order to present at the conference. My professor really helped shape me into the academic and scholar I am today. I’d turn in a paper, he’d tear it apart, and I’d have to resubmit it. That process helped me become the best scholar I could be.
What I read and study influences my preaching. I’m sure, for instance, that reading about Stanley Rother shaped some of my homilies.
I read The Mystical City of God by María of Ágreda for a TAN Books podcast. I also read something from Anne Catherine Emmerich about the Visitation that made me think of the Assumption. She said Mary prayed the Magnificat twice a day. So, when I reflected on the Assumption, I thought—maybe Mary prayed the Magnificat as she was entering heaven. That’s how devoted she was.
You host the podcast Hey Everybody! It’s Fr. Edward. What inspired you to start podcasting?
I rebranded to that name—but there were really two inspirations.
Back in 2018, I was one of the “Godly Counsels” on EWTN, but when the show format changed to a more general talk show, I wanted to keep doing interviews. So, I started my own podcast.
I’ve gotten to meet so many Catholic personalities. Originally, it was called How They Love Mary. That was actually the title of a book I wanted to write—which I eventually did.
In the early episodes, I had a set of rapid-fire Marian questions to give each guest a kind of “Marian profile,” but over time, I phased that out.
I decided to rebrand because the original title made people think the show was only about Mary. But I always began each episode by saying, “Hey everybody! It’s Fr. Edward,” so I just made that the title.
You’ve been described as a “Marian theologian”—what’s something about Mary that still leaves you in awe or mystery, even after years of study and prayer?
One of my favorite Marian quotes is from Saint Bernard. He wrote:
“Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary… in danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart… If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination.”
What leaves me in awe is that there are so many stories of people receiving grace from her. People go to shrines and receive graces. Why do we honor her? Because it’s been proven time and time again—it works.
Okay, shifting gears—both of us are proud Packers fans. What’s your favorite moment as a fan?
I’ll give two.
The last Super Bowl—we were in the seminary. Seminary life is all about brotherhood, and as Green Bay seminarians, we felt a strong connection.
My second favorite moment was attending the NFL Draft this year. To see a small-town market host it, and to witness how lives changed in the first round—it was powerful.
There’s a heartwarming story about a player drafted by the Packers as their pick of the fourth round. He waited three days for his name to be called and was still sitting in the green room when it happened. That moment felt really special.
Where’s the best place for my audience to find more of your work?
I’d say my Facebook page(@FrEdwardLooney) is where I share most of my content.
About Father Edward:
Fr. Edward Looney is a priest of the Diocese of Green Bay, a pastor, Marian theologian, and media personality. He is a recognizable voice on EWTN and Relevant Radio and hosts his interview based podcast “Hey Everybody, It’s Fr. Edward.
