Ave Maria in the Afternoon Segments

For many who have hit the rock bottom of long-term homelessness, the journey from here to there is a web of complications that can’t easily be fixed by any one program or institution. Rachel Ferguson joins us with a personal story of trying to confront the problem of homelessness.Further ReadingUniversal Basic Community Now!Book: Black Liberation Through the Marketplace: Hope, Heartbreak, and the Promise of AmericaGuest InfoRachel Ferguson is director of the Center for Free Enterprise and assistant dean and professor of business ethics in the College of Business at Concordia University Chicago and an affiliate scholar at the Acton Institute. She is the coauthor, with Marcus Witcher, of Black Liberation Through the Marketplace: Hope, Heartbreak, and the Promise of America. Ferguson is also a board member for the Freedom Center of Missouri, Faith Ascent Ministries, and LOVEtheLOU, and a founding member of Gateway 2 Flourishing. Ferguson received her Ph.D. in philosophy from Saint Louis University in 2009. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Last week the Trump administration released its National Security Strategy document, which lays out a vision that is “motivated above all by what works for America—or, in two words, ‘America First.’” What are America’s duties to the world, and to herself? David Deavel joins us.Further ReadingLiving Within Our Means and Getting What We Want—America’s New National Security StrategyFollow David on X Guest Info David P. Deavel teaches at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. A past Lincoln Fellow at the Claremont Institute, he is a Senior Contributor at The Imaginative Conservative. Follow him on X (Twitter) @davidpdeavel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The United States is collaborating with Mexico and Canada to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Seattle has been planning an “LGBT Pride” theme for the game it will host in late June, to coincide with the city’s Pride Weekend observances. When FIFA officials revealed the tournament groups yesterday, observers quickly realized that the two teams playing in the pride game are Egypt and Iran. Iranian state media has already announced plans to appeal the event, with some reports suggesting Egypt has done the same. Marcus has more on this story. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Many contemporary scholars assume the Marian doctrines are mere “ornaments” within greater Catholic theology. This worldview collapses when we look at how the Marian vision helped give birth to an entirely new worldview. Marcus has more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Our Blessed Mother is the perfect example of heroic feminine virtue. We celebrate her Immaculate Conception with Doug Keck. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The concept of the Development of Doctrine is frequently misunderstood today. Activists often claim it means that Church teaching can change over time to suit their interpretation of morality. Soon-to-be Doctor of the Church St. John Henry Newman wrote extensively on the Development of Doctrine, we discuss what he said with Eduardo Echeverria.Further ReadingDevelopment of Doctrine or Change in Teaching?Newman on True vs. False DevelopmentThe Difference Between Development and ChangeBook: Jesus Christ, Scandal of ParticularityBook: Pope Francis: The Legacy of Vatican IIBook: Are We Together?: A Roman Catholic Analyzes Evangelical ProtestantsGuest InfoEduardo Echeverria holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the University of St Thomas in Rome. He is the author of several books on theology including Jesus Christ, Scandal of Particularity: Vatican II, a Catholic Theology of Religions, Justification, and Truth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

“The phrase ‘Immaculate Conception’ isn’t in the Bible!”“Mary was a sinner like the rest of us!”“The Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception wasn’t even confirmed until the 19th Century!”How do you answer these Protestant challenges? Steve Ray joins us.Further ReadingSteve’s website Book: Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian DoctrinesGuest InfoSteve Ray leads pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome and other sites. He converted to Catholicism in 1994 and is the author of “Crossing the Tiber,” “Upon this Rock” and other books, including a brand-new study on the Book of Genesis. He’s the host and producer of the Footprints of God DVD series and has been to the Holy Land more than 200 times. He also writes bible studies for Catholic Scripture Study International This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The Soviet Union adopted Stalin’s Constitution on this day in 1936. This document laid the foundation for the next several decades of Soviet rule and was soon followed by Stalin’s infamous purges. We look back on it with Vejas Liulevicius.Further ReadingBook: Stalin: Paradoxes of Power, 1878-1928Book: Stalin: Waiting for Hitler, 1929-1941Book: The Origins of Totalitarianism Video Series: The Rise of Communism from Marx to Lenin Dr. Liulevicius’ Great Courses lectures Guest Info Dr Vejas Liulevicius is professor of European History at The University of Tennessee. He is the author of several books including War Land on the Eastern Front: Culture, National Identity and German Occupation in World War I and has hosted several Great Courses Lecture Series. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

This Sunday’s Gospel takes us into the wilderness of Judea, where John the Baptist warns us to repent and prepare the way of the Lord. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine.Further ReadingSt. Paul Center website Guest InfoRob Corzine is Vice President of Programs at the St Paul Center for Biblical theology. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

There is more at stake in market economies than self-interest or making money. Lying just below the surface, there are shared projects answering the deepest political questions of how we live together and who we become. We explore these questions with Dr. Mark Hoipkemier.Further ReadingBook: The Price of the Common Good: Markets, Corporations, and Political EconomyWhere (Not) to Begin with the Common GoodLaw and Friendship: Aquinas and Aristotle on the Virtue of the Common GoodMark’s website Guest InfoDr. Mark Hoipkemier is Assistant Research Professor of Business Ethics and Society at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. He’s the author of The Price of the Common Good: Markets, Corporations, and Political Economy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

One of the great ethical ironies of the age has been that so many advocacy groups for suicidal people have been hesitant to speak out against assisted suicide. Thankfully, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has now issued a position paper opposing assisted suicide legalization. Wes Smith has the details.Further ReadingFinally, a Suicide Prevention Organization Opposes Assisted SuicideCenter on Human ExceptionalismBook: Culture of Death: The Age of Do Harm MedicineWes’s Humanize Podcast Follow Wes on X Guest InfoWes Smith is the Chair and Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism. He’s also the host of the Humanize Podcast. He’s the author of 13 books including “Culture of Death: The age of Do-Harm Medicine.” Follow him on Twitter @thewesleyjsmith and check out his articles at National Review, First Things and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died on this day in 1791. Raised a Catholic, he remained a devout member of the Church throughout his life and his faith influenced his works. Marcus shares some clips of Mozart’s music and comments on their significance.Further ReadingBook: Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

On his visit to Turkey to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Pope Leo XIV took up two themes dear to his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope St. John Paul II. He offered a difference in emphasis from the former, and an echo of the latter in the context of Arianism, the heresy that Nicaea was called to confront. Matthew Bunson joins us with more.Further ReadingPope Leo’s First Apostolic Journey Delivers Real-World ResultsPope Leo Asks: What Has Arius to Do With Jesus?Catholics Form Coalition Opposed to the Death Penalty Amid Execution SurgeFinland’s Only Catholic Bishop Appeals for Help for His ‘Booming’ ChurchGuest InfoMatthew Bunson is Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News and a Senior Fellow at St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He’s the author or co-author of more than 50 books including the first English-language biography of Pope Francis and The Encyclopedia of Catholic History. Follow him on twitter at MattBunson. Register Radio airs Saturdays at 4 pm and Sundays at 11 am on Ave Maria Radio. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

This Saturday is the Feast of St. Nicholas, one of the great heroes of the early Church - he joins us in the studio to tell his amazing story!Guest InfoSaint Nicholas of Myra was a Catholic bishop who lived from 270 to 343. His feast is December 6. Many thanks to Fr. Joseph Marquis! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

In the Gospel last Sunday, Matthew wrote of two men in the field, one taken and one left. Passages like this are commonly cited by those who envision a pre-tribulation Rapture, the kind portrayed in series like Left Behind. What does Catholic teaching say about the end times? Dr. Dave Anders is our guest.Further ReadingDavid’s website Video: Pre-tribulation Rapture in Catholicism?Guest InfoDr. David Anders is a Catholic catechist, speaker, and writer living in Birmingham, Alabama. He also hosts the EWTN Radio Program Called to Communion. Visit him at drdavidanders.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

In its second interim report issued last month, a Synodal study group continued to talk about a “paradigm shift … in continuity with Vatican II” and labeled homosexuality as an “emerging issue.” Catholic teaching on issues of morality cannot change – so why do some people try to? Richard Spinello joins us.Further ReadingWhy Catholic doctrine on sexual morality cannot changeBook: Four Catholic Philosophers: Rejoicing in the TruthGuest InfoRichard A. Spinello is Professor of Management Practice at Boston College and a member of the adjunct faculty at St. John’s Seminary in Boston. His most recent book is Four Catholic Philosophers: Rejoicing in the Truth (Jacques Maritain, Edith Stein, Dietrich von Hildebrand, Karol Wojtyła). He has also written numerous books on ethics and the work of St. John Paul II, including The Splendor of Marriage: St. John Paul II’s Vision of Love, Marriage, Family, and the Culture of Life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

There’s a conundrum facing our society - reporting that presents itself as investigative journalism, but actually reveals very little of substance. It’s not a new phenomenon, but the internet has allowed it to spread in new forms. Marcus has more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the landmark document known as Nostra Aetate (In Our Time), which was the result of Jewish and Catholic collaboration during the Second Vatican Council. We talk about it with T. Adam van Wert, who also has the details on a free symposium hosted by Ave Maria University.The conference is free and you can attend in-person or on Zoom - click here to learn moreGuest Info Dr. T. Adam Van Wart is Associate professor of theology at Ave Maria University, where he also directs the theology program. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

GK Chesteron once wrote that “there is no more dangerous or disgusting habit than that of celebrating Christmas before it comes, as I am doing in this article.” What did he mean? Joseph Pearce is our guest.Further ReadingG. K. Chesterton and the Death of ChristmasJoseph’s websiteGuest InfoJoseph Pearce is the author of numerous literary works including Literary Converts, The Quest for Shakespeare and Literature: What Every Catholic Should Know. He’s Senior Contributor at The Imaginative Conservative, St. John Henry Newman Visiting Chair of Catholic Studies at Thomas More College in Merrimack, NH, editor of the St. Austin Review, and series editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions. Visit his website at jpearce.co. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The United States Supreme Court heard oral argument Tuesday morning in First Choice Women’s Resource Centers, Inc. v. Platkin, a case that has drawn an unusually broad coalition in defense of donor privacy and access to federal courts.Further ReadingSupreme Court Scrutinizes New Jersey AG’s Bid to Unmask Pro-Life DonorsGuest InfoAndrea Picciotti-Bayer is a legal analyst for EWTN News. She also directs the Conscience Project and is a fellow at the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University of America. Follow her on Twitter @bayerpicciotti and visit conscience-project.org. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Francis Xavier, who brought the Gospel all around the world. Marcus reflects on what it means to be a missionary. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

America’s homelessness crisis seems to have a simple fix – surely Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and a few of their friends have the money to provide housing, don’t they? But the problem is more complicated than that, and homeless means more than the simple lack of a home. Marcus has more.Further ReadingUniversal Basic Community Now! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

When Sister Theres Hong Phuoc Tran teaches mental health workshops at Catholic parishes, schools and religious congregations, she uses a simple verse from Scripture – Mark 12:30 – to illustrate the different components of wellness. She joins us to talk about it.Further ReadingAmerica’s Mental Health Crisis and the Religious Sister Who’s Confronting It in CaliforniaLovers of the Holy Cross Guest InfoSister Theres Hong Phuoc Tran was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and immigrated to the United States at age 11. In 2003, she joined the Lovers of the Holy Cross, a predominantly Vietnamese community whose motherhouse is in Los Angeles. Visit lhcla.org. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Today is the anniversary of the 1989 declaration by Mikhail Gorbachev and George H. W. Bush that the Cold War had ended. The nearly 50-year conflict grew from ideological roots that ran deeper than troop movements or diplomatic cables. Marcus looks at these intellectual and ideological foundations of the Cold War.Further ReadingIdeas have Consequences This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Medicine and bioethics are going through profound changes in the Western world, as practices that prior generations would have recognized as morally impermissible become central components of modern health care. In the process of rejecting its Christian roots, the West has denied the traditional understanding of Truth that is central to both science and morality. We look at the problem with Dr. Mark Cherry.Further ReadingBook: Bioethics after God: Morality, Culture, and MedicineGuest InfoDr. Mark Cherry is the author most recently of Bioethics after God: Morality, Culture and Medicine. He is professor in Applied Ethics and professor of philosophy at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas and his other books include Kidney For Sale by Owner: Human Organs, Transplantation, and the Market. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Pope Leo has finished his visit to Lebanon, an ancient land that appears prominently in the Scriptures. We discuss the Biblical roots of the country and the papal visit with Fr. Roger Chikri.Further ReadingPope Leo Prays at Beirut Blast Site, Meets Families Seeking JusticePope Leo Entrusts Lebanon to Saint Charbel’s Intercession, Prays at His TombLearn more about the Maronites Guest InfoFr. Roger Chikri is the Superior of the Maronite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was ordained in Lebanon and is serving now at the Ave Maria University Chapel at Dominos Farms in Ann Arbor, MI. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Kenny Burchard grew up in an irreligious home with parents who had abandoned the nominally Catholic faith of their own childhoods. From there, his path to faith was a long and winding road. Kenny has identified “Four Ls” that summarize his journey to conversion – he joins us to share them.Further ReadingKenny’s websiteYouTube: Catholic Bible Highlights with Kenny BurchardBook: Journeys Home 3Guest InfoKenny Burchard is the Director of Development for the Coming Home Network and the author of three books, including God of Love, Fire and Light – a Biblical Defense of Purgatory. He co-hosts Coming Home Network’s On the Journey video podcast and is the creator of Catholic Bible Highlights on YouTube. Visit his website at kennyburchard.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

In 2019, the New York Times partnered with a team of historians to produce the “1619 Project,” which claimed that the arrival of slaves in Virginia was the defining moment in American history. In response, conservative historians launched a “1776 Report” that presented a more patriotic view of American history. Dr. Christopher Shannon has a third option: the 1531 Project – citing the often-overlooked apparitions at Guadalupe as a seminal moment in our history. He joins us.Further ReadingThe 1531 Project: A distinct and Catholic view of American historyBook: American Pilgrimage: A Historical Journey through Catholic Life in a New WorldGuest InfoDr. Christopher Shannon is a member of the History Department at Christendom College, where he interprets the narrative of Christian history from its foundations in the Old Testament and its heroic beginnings in the Church of the Martyrs, down through the ages to the challenges of the post-modern world. His books include Conspicuous Criticism: Tradition, the Individual, and Culture in Modern American Social Thought (Johns Hopkins, 1996), Bowery to Broadway: The American Irish in Classic Hollywood Cinema (University of Scranton Press, 2010), and with Christopher O. Blum, The Past as Pilgrimage: Narrative, Tradition and the Renewal of Catholic History (Christendom Press, 2014). His book American Pilgrimage: A Historical Journey through Catholic Life in a New World was published in June 2022 by Ignatius Press. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Recently unsealed court documents show employees at Facebook’s parent company Meta were aware of the adverse effects social media has on kids’ mental health, calling Instagram a “drug” and referring to themselves as “pushers.” Marcus has some thoughts.Further ReadingMeta employees compared themselves to drug ‘pushers’ as company buried mental health harms to kidsScrolling ourselves to deathBook: Amusing Ourselves to Death (Read online) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Advent is a season that connects us to the end of time and the Son’s second coming in Glory. And by preparing for this Second Coming, we also prepare our hearts for Jesus’ arrival at Christmas. Carl Olson joins us with more. Further ReadingEmbracing the Embarrassment of AdventFollow Carl on X Carl’s websiteGuest InfoCarl E. Olson is editor of Catholic World Report and Ignatius Insight. He is the author of Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?, Will Catholics Be “Left Behind”?, co-editor/contributor to Called To Be the Children of God, co-author of The Da Vinci Hoax (Ignatius), and author of the “Catholicism” and “Priest Prophet King” Study Guides for Bishop Robert Barron/Word on Fire. His recent books on Lent and Advent—Praying the Our Father in Lent (2021) and Prepare the Way of the Lord (2021)—are published by Catholic Truth Society. He is also a contributor to “Our Sunday Visitor” newspaper, “The Catholic Answer” magazine, “The Imaginative Conservative”, “The Catholic Herald”, “National Catholic Register”, “Chronicles”, and other publications. Follow him on Twitter @carleolson. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Pope Leo recently published a document called Drawing New Maps of Hope, in which he outlines his vision for education. He sees education as proceeding from our foundation as made in God’s image, which sees us as more than mere passive recipients of being, but cooperative causes in its creation. We take a closer look with Mike Schramm.Further ReadingA Reflection on Leo XIV’s Drawing New Maps of HopeMore articles from MikeGuest InfoMike Schramm teaches theology and philosophy at Aquinas High School and Viterbo University. He earned his MA in theology from St. Joseph’s College in Maine and an MA in philosophy from Holy Apostles College. He has written for Busted Halo and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Pope Leo XIV began his second day in Lebanon on Monday with a deeply symbolic pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, entrusting the country and the wider Middle East to the intercession of the saint whom many Lebanese, Christians and Muslims alike, invoke as the “heavenly physician.”. We talk about it with Doug Keck.Further ReadingPope Leo Entrusts Lebanon to Saint Charbel’s Intercession, Prays at His TombGuest InfoDoug Keck is the retired president and COO of EWTN and the host of EWTN Bookmark. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The 44th and 45th chapters of Genesis serve as a “mini-Gospel,” laying out a roadmap for the eventual coming of Christ. Dr. James Anderson joins us with more.Further ReadingThe Gospel Foreshadowed: Joseph and Judah in GenesisGuest InfoJames S. Anderson is adjunct professor of biblical studies at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio and a psychotherapist in private practice. He is the author of Monotheism and Yahweh’s Appropriation of Baal (2015), Manifesting Peace (2019) and Extolling Yeshua (2019). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of a Roman centurion who said he was not worthy to have Jesus enter his home, and that all He had to do was say the word to heal the centurion’s servant. Marcus breaks down the readings. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

On this day in 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat. Marcus looks back on what this heroic event means for today’s race relations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Pope Leo’s first trip outside of Italy is taking him to Turkey, home of some of the earliest Christians. Matthew Bunson reports on this and other Church news.Further ReadingAs Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey nears, anticipation grows among local communitiesHow the man who became Pope John XXIII helped shape Vatican-Turkey relationsGuest Info Matthew Bunson is Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News and a Senior Fellow at St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He’s the author or co-author of more than 50 books including the first English-language biography of Pope Francis and The Encyclopedia of Catholic History. Follow him on twitter at MattBunson. Register Radio airs Saturdays at 4 pm and Sundays at 11 am on Ave Maria Radio. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

This Sunday is the start of the Advent season. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us what will happen at the coming of the Son of Man and that we must always be prepared for we do not know when that will happen. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine.Guest InfoRob Corzine is vice president of programs for the St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

We are at a unique point in our nation’s history. What does the history of this country tell us about its future? Dr. Jim Davis joins us.Guest InfoDr. James E. Davis is Professor Emeritus of history at Illinois College. He has published three books about life on the American frontier: Frontier America, Dreams to Dust, and Frontier Illinois. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Around the world, some of the most developed and advanced nations are reporting low birth rates and aging populations. Many are discussing why no one wants to have children. Experts debate the causes, but few present convincing conclusions. We discuss the cultural shifts that have happened with John Horvat.Further ReadingMaking Sense Out of Our Childless & Childish AgeBook: Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society--Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here, and Where We Need to GoGuest Info John Horvat II is Senior Contributor at The Imaginative Conservative and a scholar, researcher, educator, international speaker, and author of the book Return to Order, as well as the author of hundreds of published essays. He lives in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, where he is the vice president of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The Vatican doctrinal note Una Caro explains why the Church has always defined marriage as between one man and one woman. Marcus traces the meaning of marriage back to Genesis.Further ReadingDoctrine of the Faith: Monogamy is not a limitation but a promise of the infinite This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

We all know the story of Thanksgiving. Or do we? This uniquely American holiday has a rich and little-known history beyond the famous Pilgrim feast of 1621. Melanie Kirkpatrick joins us.Further ReadingBook: Thanksgiving The Holiday at the Heart of the American ExperienceMelanie’s website Guest Info Melanie Kirkpatrick is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and a former deputy editor of the Wall Street Journal editorial page. She is the author of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience, Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman, and Escape from North Korea: The Untold Story of Asia’s Underground Railroad. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Somewhere in-between the cynicism of fatalists and the Pollyanna sentiments of too many greeting cards is the sentiment of gratefulness. We explore what it means with Charlie Self.Further ReadingGrateful: Pre-Thanksgiving ThoughtsCharlie’s website Guest InfoDr. Charlie Self is an author, adviser, pastor and professor with more than 40 years of experience connecting Faith and the Common Good. He is the author of several works including Flourishing Churches and Communities (published by Acton) and his new co-authored work, Life in 5-D: A New Vision of Wholeness. He is the visiting professor of church history at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Visit him at drcharlieself.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

In a consumer-drive culture, it’s easy to forget about the importance of gratefulness. Sure, we’re encouraged to take a few minutes at Thanksgiving to “count our blessings,” but it doesn’t go much further. Secular writers may explore the benefits of gratitude, but they fail to explore the much deeper spiritual meaning of gratitude. We’ll talk with Susan Muto about the development of Christian gratitude over the centuries and how it applies today.Further ReadingBook: Gratefulness: The Habit of a Grace-Filled LifeGuest InfoSusan Muto is the author of Gratefulness: The Habit of a Grace-Filled Life. She’s executive director of the Epiphany Association, is a renowned speaker, author, and teacher, and is dean of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality. Visit epiphanyassociation.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Blessed Thanksgiving to you! Marcus reflects on the importance of being thankful to God for all he has given us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Thanksgiving is a peculiar holiday. It’s religious by nature but is celebrated in a nation that is, at least as far as the law is concerned, secular. It reminds us of the peculiar character of the American nation and the President’s role in it. We talk more with Richard Samuelson.Further ReadingA National Thanksgiving: President Washington and America’s National HolidayFollow Dr. Samuelson on X Guest InfoRichard Samuelson is associate professor of government in Hillsdale College’s Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

As Christians, we have been given spiritual gifts to equip us in building the Church. As John Paul II and other recent popes observed again and again, we are sent by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel. We take a deep dive into what this means with Peter Herbeck.Further ReadingRenewal Ministries website Guest InfoPeter Herbeck is the vice-president and director of missions for Renewal Ministries. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Although we have seen some signs of resurgence in Church attendance, overall numbers are still on the decline. The Church needs to shift its mindset from one of maintenance to one of mission, taking cues from St. Paul and the early disciples. Bishop Robert Gruss of Saginaw has more.Further ReadingFrom maintenance to missionDiocese of Saginaw website Guest InfoBishop Robert Gruss serves at the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Sagniaw. Before entering the priesthood, he was a corporate pilot and flight instructor from 1980-1989 before entering seminary. Bishop Gruss was ordained to the priesthood on July 2, 1994 and in 2007, Pope Benedict named him a Chaplain of his Holiness, giving him the title of monsignor. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Bishop of Rapid City in 2011 and consecrated as a bishop on July 28, 2011. His previous assignments have included chancellor and diocesan vocations director for the Diocese of Davenport, as well as pastor at Sacred Heart Cathedral. He also served as vice-rector at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Christianity in Turkey traces its roots back to the first century. Today, the country is officially secular, but the vast majority of its population identifies as Muslim. Derya Little grew up there, and in her youth she rejected her Islamic faith and became an atheist. Today, she’s a Catholic author and speaker. As Pope Leo prepares to visit Turkey, she gives us a look at the religious landscape there.Further Reading Book: From Islam to Christ: One Woman’s Path through the Riddles of GodFollow Derya on X Guest Info Derya Little is the author of From Islam to Christ: One Woman’s Path through the Riddles of God. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments next week in First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. Platkin. It’s a case that strikes at the heart of freedom, including donor privacy protections that allow Americans to give freely and according to their conscience without fear of harassment or reprisal. Andrea Picciotti-Bayer has the details.Further ReadingThreat to donor privacy unites Right and Left at Supreme CourtFollow Andrea on X Conscience Project Guest InfoAndrea Picciotti-Bayer is a legal analyst for EWTN News, and director of the Conscience Project. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Thanksgiving remains one of the few days on the American calendar when we can gather to share a meal. It remains a symbol of simplicity and hope against today’s cynicism. Marcus shares some thoughts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com