Ave Maria in the Afternoon Segments

Reverend Jesse Jackson’s life, work and legacy expose how quickly a movement for human dignity can be inherited by people who will keep the slogans but who will completely deny the dignity of the human person. 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 George Washington was elected president, he started another revolution – the revolutionary idea that a leader’s power could be limited by the people. We talk more about it with Doug Keck.Guest InfoDoug Keck is the emertius 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

Lent is an opportunity to be transformed, to emerge differently, and to cultivate new habits and practices that will linger long after the season is over. Karen McClelland joins us with some ideas.Further ReadingRead Karen’s ideas for Living Liturgically All Lent Long Guest InfoKaren McClelland has a Masters in theology from Franciscan University and explores the idea of liturgical living and building a Catholic family culture. 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

A new book explores how J.R.R. Tolkien’s Catholic faith — and especially the Mass — shaped his stories and sustained his soul. Ben Reinhard’s The High Hallow looks at how Tolkien was influenced by the Mass and how, in his eyes, it was life’s greatest drama. Ben has more.Further ReadingThe High Hallow: Tolkien’s Liturgical ImaginationGuest InfoBen Reinhard is Professor of English at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he teaches courses in medieval literature, mythology, and the Inklings. A graduate of the Medieval Institute at the University of Notre Dame, he has written articles and essays for a wide range of scholarly and popular publications, and his translation of Beowulf was published in 2022. He lives in southeast Ohio with his wife and five children, where they attempt to live a sanctified and orderly life in a chaotic and disintegrated world, fighting the long defeat. 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

Presidents’ Day is a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on the founding ideals of our nation. Our founders meticulously created a system of government that would attach accountability to the power that comes with government. As an immigrant, Marcus has seen both sides of this equation. He offers 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

Fr. Jose Maria has just returned from the Holy Land. He explains the Biblical significance of the area and why so many people call it the “Fifth Gospel.”Fr. Jose Maria Cabrera is Pastor and Vicar for Clergy in the Diocese of Saginaw. 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 First Reading, James tells us to consider it a joy when we encounter various trials, for the testing of our faith produces perseverance. This especially applies to our marriages, where we will inevitably encounter trials as a couple. Marcus has more. Further ReadingMarriage resources from 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

How do you move forward after you receive an unexpected diagnosis for your baby? How do you deal with the devastation and chaos? Most importantly, how do you prepare for the range of possibilities you now face? Beverly Jacobson shares her firsthand knowledge of these experiences.Further ReadingFrom Diagnosis to Delivery: What to Expect When the Unexpected Happens During Your PregnancyBeverly’s websiteMama Bear CareGuest InfoBeverly Jacobson is a military wife and homeschooling mother of 9, the youngest of whom has significant special needs. Through her homeschool ministry, she offers discipleship and coaching programs, workshops, and seminars. Her mission is to help moms be rooted in Jesus and the truth of His Word so they can homeschool for the long haul–with eternity in mind. Beverly is also the founder of Verity’s Village, a pro-life nonprofit ministry serving families who receive a life-limiting diagnosis for their babies. She enjoys public speaking, a good cup of coffee (made Italian-style), and walking the wooded trails near her Colorado home. 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 readings dive deeply into the meaning of the Law and those who follow it. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine. Guest InfoRob Corzine is the 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

The concept of God is so large that it can be hard to decide where to start. How can we define God? How can we begin explaining Him, or trying to prove he exists? It’s a daunting task, and Pat Flynn gives us a “wish list” of theistic theories.Further ReadingA Wish List for Theistic TheoriesBook: The Best Argument for God Guest InfoPat Flynn is a writer, philosopher, podcaster, and speaker living in Wisconsin with his wife, five children, and St. Bernard. He hosts Philosophy for the People and The Pat Flynn Show. His website is ChroniclesOfStrength.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

Tomorrow is the birthday of Frederick Douglass. He grew up in the African American Methodist Church and his prophetic faith strongly influenced his work against slavery. Marcus discusses how. 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

Countless women in our society are suffering from strained relationships with their fathers. It is essential for men to show their daughters that they are here to love, protect, and lead them. Renewal Ministries’ BeLove Revolution is hosting a father-daughter retreat for middle and high school girls and their dads on Friday, February 27th. Debbie Herbeck has the details.Click Here to learn more about the retreat Guest InfoDebbie Herbeck is the Executive Director of BeLove Revolution and Pine Hills Girls Camp. 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

Looking to dive deeper into the Rosary? Fr. Daniel Klimek joins us with a look at the thought of Pope St. John Paul II, St. John of the Cross, St. Josemaría Escrivá, St. Faustina Kowalska, and mystics such as Venerable Maria of Ágreda and Caryll Houselander, uncovering little-known spiritual treasures that will enrich the prayer and reflection of all.Further ReadingWith Jesus and Mary: Reflections on the RosaryGuest InfoFr. Daniel Klimek is the assistant director of evangelization at The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA, for the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. He is a Marian theologian, author, podcaster, and lecturer who teaches as a faculty member of spirituality at The Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence School of Spiritual Direction in Clearwater, FL, and for the deacon formation program at the Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. Fr. Klimek’s other books include For the Love of Mary (Emmaus Road, 2022) and Medjugorje and the Supernatural (Oxford University Press, 2018). He received his Ph.D. in spirituality with distinction from the Catholic University of America and a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School. 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 Priestly Society of St. Pius X has announced plans to consecrate new bishops for the first time since 1988. Matthew Bunson discusses the history of this organization.Further ReadingVatican to meet with SSPX after announcement of unauthorized episcopal consecrationsVatican Offers Talks With SSPX, Warns Illicit Consecrations Would End DialogueSociety of St. Pius X to consecrate bishops without Rome’s approval, courting excommunicationGuest 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

It’s time to end the apology tour for traditional masculinity. A generation of young men and boys are being raised in self-loathing, taught that the core of their identity as men is not only abhorrent, but is responsible for humanity’s ills. We discuss rebuilding the strength of men with Anthony Esolen.Further ReadingNo Apologies Why Civilization Depends on the Strength of MenGuest InfoAnthony Esolen is Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Thales College . He’s the author of over thirty books and countless articles in both scholarly and general interest journals and his most recent books are a translation of Augustine’s Confessions and Lies of our Time. A senior editor of Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity, Dr. Esolen is known for his elegant essays on the faith and for his clear social commentaries. His articles appear regularly in Touchstone, Crisis, First Things, Inside the Vatican, Public Discourse, Magnificat, Chronicles and in his own online literary magazine, Word & Song. 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

Virginia is considering a state bill to legalize assisted suicide. Andrew Kubick has the details.Guest InfoAndrew Kubick is Senior Research Fellow for Public Policy at the Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance and Ethics Consultant at the National Catholic Bioethics Center. 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 marks the death day of philosopher Immanuel Kant. He had an enormous influence on the development of modern western thought, but what he proposed led to the re-definition of truth and reason. Marcus discusses. 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 triumphs of secular modernity on both the right and the left is how they have colonized our imaginations as Christians. By connecting with the Bible and the Church Fathers, we can resist this. David Deane joins us.Guest InfoDavid Deane is Professor of Systematic Theology at Newman Theological College 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 1858, a young French peasant girl saw a vision of a beautiful lady, who would later identify herself as the Immaculate Conception. Marcus reflects on the story of Bernadette and the very special tie she has to his family. 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

An unplanned moment of communal prayer after a recent Mass revealed to Andrea Picciotti-Bayer how the Rosary — prayed together — can quietly anchor a spiritual life amid ordinary busyness. She shares the story.Further ReadingThe Quiet Power of a Spontaneous RosaryGuest InfoAndrea Picciotti-Bayer is a legal analyst for EWTN News. She also directs the Conscience Project. 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

Ask Catholics about the crisis in the Church today and you’ll often get one of two responses: The end is upon us! or Everything’s fine―the Holy Spirit is in charge! Neither of those attitudes makes sense from the perspective of history. And throughout history, the Church has risen from tumultuous times to come out even stronger than before. Steve Weidenkopf joins us.Further ReadingLight From Darkness: Nine Times the Church was in Turmoil, and Came Out Stronger Than BeforeGuest InfoSteve Weidenkopf is an Adjunct Professor at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology in Alexandria, Virginia. He is the author of several books including Light From Darkness - Nine Times the Catholic Church Was in Turmoil and Came Out Stronger Than Before. 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 question of what to do with frozen embryos left over from IVF procedures is deeply controversial. Many well-meaning Catholics want to adopt these embryos, lest they remain frozen indefinitely. But this is not the answer. Marcus explains why.Further ReadingThe Embryo Adoption Problem 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 readings we see Solomon standing with his hands outstretched to heaven, giving Israel both a blessing and a warning. Marcus discusses how we meet God in the Temple. 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 young men today long for direction and purpose. Fathers often feel the weight of responsibility but wonder how best to guide their sons. At the core of both concerns is a deeper question: What does it mean to be a godly man―and how do I become one? Pete Burak joins us to share lessons on manhood he learned from his own father.Further ReadingBook: A Man on Purpose: 10 Rules of Life from a Faithful FatherGuest InfoPete Burak is the vice president of Renewal Ministries, an organization dedicated to renewal and evangelization in the Catholic Church, and codirector of Pine Hills Boys Camp. He also served as an EWTN host for coverage of the National Eucharistic Congress. Burak earned a master’s degree in theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. He writes a monthly syndicated column for the Diocese of Lansing’s Faith magazine and has spoken at conferences throughout the United States and abroad on discipleship and evangelization, including SEEK, the Steubenville Power and Purpose Conference, the Legatus National Summit, and numerous men’s and youth conferences. 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

Children often need help with the basic skill of expressing their emotions. Dr Greg Popcak frequently hears from parents, even parents of teenagers, whose children have anger issues that can explode out without warning. What can you do in this situation? Greg joins us.Guest InfoDr Greg Popcak is the founder and director of CatholicCounselors.com, a group pastoral telecounseling practice providing faithful help to Catholics dealing with personal, emotional and relationship problems. He is also the former chair of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies program at Holy Apostles College and Seminary and an adjunct professor of psychology and graduate theology at Franciscan. Together with his wife, Lisa, he is the author of over 20 books integrating insights from counseling psychology and the timeless wisdom of our Catholic faith. They are also the developers of the CatholicHOM app, a resource helping Catholic families thrive.Catholic HOM App 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

Thomas Jefferson called the Declaration of Independence “an expression of the American mind.” Not merely a document, the Declaration is the common creed of our civic life, and it inspires the shared poetry of our political soul. Matthew Spalding joins us.Further ReadingBook: The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of IndependenceGuest InfoMatthew Spalding is the Kirby Professor in Constitutional Government and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College and oversees the Allan P. Kirby Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship at Hillsdale’s Washington, D.C. campus. He is the author of several books including The Making of the American Mind: The Story of the Declaration of Independence 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 modern age has trained itself to treat laws as antique and antiquated. And that's why our public mood today keeps trying to treat laws as a nuisance. 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 Scriptures don’t tell us much about Jesus’ early childhood, and they tell us even less about how he, Mary and Joseph spent their day. Steve Ray looks to history and other sources to experience life through their eyes.Guest 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 Visit catholic-convert.com and footprintsofgodpilgrimages.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

A key element that separates the Catholic Church from other denominations is its understanding of the Sacraments. We discuss Fr. Chris Alar’s book Understanding the Sacraments 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

Although gender dysphoria is discussed regularly in the popular press and on social media, most people don’t have an understanding of the elements which make up the diagnosis. Additionally, many people don’t understand what the scientific literature says about treatments for this condition. Dr. Steven Rouhana joins us.Further ReadingThe King and Queen are Naked: Establishment Failures based on Scientific, Medical, and Psychiatric Research on “Gender Dysphoria”Guest InfoDr. Stephen Rouhana is a husband, father and grandfather with a PhD in Physics with a concentration in biophysics. He is the author of The King and Queen are Naked: Establishment Failures Based on Scientific, Medical and Psychiatric Research on Gender Dysphoria 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, February 15, 40 Days for Life in Ann Arbor will host its kickoff rally and Jericho march. Keynote speaker Alexander Richmond has a preview.Learn More about the Event Guest InfoAlexander Richmond is an Honors Political Science student at the University of Michigan who is passionately pro-life and has been inspired by the life of Charlie Kirk. 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

Ray Bradbury famously observed that if you want a society to stop reading, you don’t actually need to burn books – you just need to take away peoples’ interest in them. Multiple studies in recent years show that the majority of American high school and college students are reading at a level far below their grade level. Marcus discusses the importance of reading to a free and virtuous society. 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 his ideas regarding American foreign policy, President James Monroe echoed both Washington and Jefferson, yet he had to worry about things neither of them did. His policy needed to follow the diplomatic thought of the previous administrations while also adapting to quickly changing circumstances and intentions. We look at how his thought affects political thought to this day with Brad Birzer.Further ReadingThe Monroe Doctrine: Lynchpin of American Foreign Policy 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 readings use images of Salt and Light to illustrate the Holy Spirit. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine. 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

A new Netflix documentary takes an inside look at one man’s efforts to conquer death. Its central figure, Bryan Johnson, was once a committed Mormon and burned-out CEO and his story is an example of the principle of enantiodromia, a phenomenon in which extremes turn to their opposites. We explore all of this with Matthew Becklo.Further ReadingDo Die (Before You Die): A Catholic response to Bryan Johnson 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 December 5, 2025, 30 pro-lifers conducted a rescue at the Planned Parenthood facility in Memphis, Tennessee. Several of them, including Monica Miller, were placed under arrest and charged with disorderly conduct. Thankfully, those charges have been dropped! Monica joins us. Further ReadingDisorderly conduct charge dismissed against pro-lifers in Memphis rescue 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

Derick Hall was born four months premature without a heartbeat, a bleed in his brain and weighing only two pounds. Doctors told his mother he would never walk or talk, but she refused to sign a DNR form and fought for her son’s life. This weekend, Derick will take the field for the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Marcus takes a closer look at this remarkable story.Further Reading Derick’s website 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

President Trump headlined the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast this morning with a speech that lasted more than an hour and focused largely on his political record. Matthew Bunson joins us with a look at this and other Church news.Further ReadingFallout Continues at Notre Dame Over Pro-Abortion AppointeeColombia celebrates 120th anniversary of Eucharistic miracle that stopped a tsunamiGuest 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

Pope Benedict’s encyclical Spe salvi explores the verse from Romans Chapter 8 that states “in hope we were saved.” How do our lives change when we place our Hope in the Lord? Peter Herbeck joins us.Guest InfoPeter Herbeck is the Vice President and Director of Missions for Renewal Ministries. He hosts Fire on the Earth on Ave Maria Radio and is the co-host of the Choices We Face. He is the co-author with his bride Debbie of Lessons from the School of love: Cultivating a Christ-Centered Marriage. 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

For too many of us, life is harder than it needs to be. We have forgotten the ancient system of “super habits” — a specific set of habits for making decisions, managing our emotions, and dealing with other people that fosters lives of greater ease, happiness, and power. Andrew Abela has more.Further ReadingDr. Abela’s blog Book: Superhabits: The Universal System for a Successful LifeGuest InfoDr. Andrew Abela is the founding dean of the Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C. His award-winning, widely-cited research on integrity and effectiveness in business has been published in several academic journals and in three books.He speaks to business leaders around the world about cultivating the superhabits of success personally and in their organizations. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Abela was a brand manager at Procter & Gamble, management consultant with McKinsey & Company, and Managing Director at the Corporate Executive Board.He holds an MBA from the Institute for Management Development in Switzerland and a Ph.D. from the Darden Business School at the University of Virginia.He and his wife, Kathleen, live in Great Falls, Virginia and have been blessed with six children and their first grandchild 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

For decades, cold-case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace investigated the causes behind deaths and murders, chasing one lead after another as he attempted to solve the case. And it was these pursuits that led him to pursue the ultimate truth of the Gospel. He joins us.Further ReadingThe Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of LifeDetective Wallace’s website Guest InfoJ. Warner Wallace is a cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker and best-selling author. He continues to consult on cold-case investigations while serving as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He’s the author of many books, most recently The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning 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

For centuries, people have been told they must choose: believe in God or trust in science. But what if both paths were designed to lead to the same truth? What if wonder itself is the key that bridges them? Brian Cranley joins us.Further ReadingThe Science of God, the God of ScienceBrian’s website Book: The Call of Wonder: How the God of Reason Created Science in His ImageGuest InfoThroughout his life, Brian Cranley has been fascinated by the intersection of God and the “real world.” This led him to earn a BS in biomedical engineering from Texas A&M University and later a masters of divinity from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Today, he lives in the Texas Hill Country outside San Antonio with his family. When he’s not writing, you can find him running a thriving medical device business and spending time with his girls outdoors. In his free time, he continues his own search for wonder in the worlds of philosophy, theology, and science. 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 Sunday at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minn., worshippers opened their Bibles and began to pray. It was not part of the planned service. It was their response to an anti-ICE mob that had stormed into their sanctuary, disrupting their constitutional right to worship freely. This was not an isolated incident. It is part of a disturbing pattern that is emerging. Andrea Picciotti-Bayer has more.Further ReadingVandalized Churches, Disrupted Services And Progressives’ Attack On Religious FreedomGuest InfoAndrea Picciotti-Bayer is a legal analyst for EWTN News. She also directs the Conscience Project. 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

Next summer the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday. We almost didn’t make it, as the Civil War fractured the Union to its core. Historian Scott Ellsworth tells the story of the last days of the Civil War – the most pivotal time in American History.Further ReadingMidnight on the Potomac 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

Free climber Alex Honnold recently made worldwide headlines for climbing the Taipei 101 skyscraper without the use of any ropes, harnesses, or other safety equipment. Such a decision may be foolhardy, but it’s nothing compared to living our life without the safety harnesses God has provided us. Marcus has more.Further ReadingWithout a Safety Net: Free Climbing and Mortal Sin 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

A well-known Italian priest who has millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers across multiple platforms has announced his intention to leave the priesthood. Italian Fr. Alberto Ravagnani has previously clashed with his diocese over some of his online content. While many priests such as Bishop Robert Barron, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. John Riccardo have used modern media to great effect, questions remain over what lines must be drawn. Marcus has more. Further Reading‘Influencer priest’ announces his departure from the priesthoodThe Priest is Not His Own 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

For much of American history, an impassable gulf seemed to separate Jews and Christians, keeping their respective peoples and cultures far apart. But in recent decades that has begun to change. The rise of a militant secularism, one equally hostile to Israel and to America’s Judeo-Christian values and institutions, has unexpectedly drawn Jews and Christians closer together. In the face of a common civilizational threat, the study of the two traditions’ joint contributions to the West has risen to the forefront. We explore it with Wilfred McClay.Further ReadingBook: Jewish Roots of American LibertyGuest InfoWilfred McClay is the author of several books, most recently The Jewish Roots of American Liberty. He’s Professor of History at Hillsdale College, where he holds the Victor David Hanson Chair of Classical history and Western Civilization. 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

Infertility and pregnancy loss plagues many Catholic marriages. And it’s a wound that continues to stay tender. Because the world keeps moving, the parish calendar, the liturgical life keeps turning, and many well-meaning people and conversations keep flowing. But for a lot of these parents the ache just keeps returning to that same place again and again and again. Marcus reflects on his personal experience. Further ReadingAn Open Letter to Couples Living with Infertility 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

A new survey by CatholicTV suggests widespread emotional distress among US Catholics, raising questions about how mental health may shape parish life and Mass attendance. Dr. Greg Popcak joins us.Further ReadingIs a Mental-Health Crisis Hiding in the Church’s Pews?Guest InfoDr Greg Popcak is the founder and director of CatholicCounselors.com, a group pastoral telecounseling practice providing faithful help to Catholics dealing with personal, emotional and relationship problems. He is also the former chair of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies program at Holy Apostles College and Seminary and an adjunct professor of psychology and graduate theology at Franciscan. Together with his wife, Lisa, he is the author of over 20 books integrating insights from counseling psychology and the timeless wisdom of our Catholic faith. They are also the developers of the CatholicHOM app, a resource helping Catholic families thrive. 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 response to the latest citizen protests, the Iranian government has shown its true colors. An estimated 30,000 people have been killed with thousands others mutilated or placed under arrest. It is difficult for those in other countries to understand just how horrific are the conditions under which Iranians live, even in normal times, but an acclaimed graphic novel provides a view that other genres cannot equal. Hank Edmonson has more.Further ReadingThe Graphic Reality of Iran’s TheocracyGuest InfoHenry T. (Hank) Edmondson III is award-winning, Carl Vinson Professor of Political Science and Public Administration (Emeritus) at Georgia College and State University. He has lectured widely in the U.S., Europe, Taiwan, and China and has served as a Visiting Professor in Beijing and Guatemala.. His books include The Moral of the Story: Literature and Public Ethics, The Course of Human Events: American Government for the 21st Century (2021), and A Political Companion to Flannery O’Connor (2017) 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