Ave Maria in the Afternoon Segments

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

Ida Gorres was a German Catholic author whose work has largely been lost to history. But in mid-20th-century Europe, she was one of the Church’s most insightful and courageous writers, and then-Fr. Joseph Ratzinger said she wrote “with an insightful certainty and fearlessness about the pressing questions of the Church today.” We get to know her with Jennifer Bryson.Further ReadingBook: Bread Grows in Winter Jennifer’s website Guest Info 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

Abolitionist Sojourner Truth died on November 26, 1883 in Michigan. Her deep religious faith is what motivated her to fight for equality for all, and her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech is celebrated to this day. But different accounts of what she actually said in that speech have been adapted to fit different political agendas. Mary Cuff joins us with more.Further ReadingThe Truth About Sojourner TruthMary’s website Book: Mother to Mother: Spiritual and Practical Wisdom from the Cloister to the HomeGuest Info 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 thought of Thanksgiving with the family is enough to give some of us indigestion – and not from eating too much turkey. Whether it be a political argument, a religious barb, or just digging up old family gossip, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before someone’s feelings are hurt and they start throwing stuffing. Dr. Greg Popcak joins us with advice for a more peaceful holiday.Further ReadingCatholic Households on Mission Catholic Counselors website Guest Info 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 recent article, billionaire Bill Gates address “three tough truths on climate change” and makes a surprising admission for a longtime climate activist: our concern for people ought to outweigh our fixation on the planet’s temperature. Matthew Ramage has more.Further ReadingOn the surprising sanity of Bill Gates on climate change…Matthew’s website Guest InfoMatthew J. Ramage, Ph.D., is Professor of Theology at Benedictine College where he is co-director of its Center for Integral Ecology. His research and writing concentrates especially on the theology of Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI, the integration of ancient and modern methods of biblical interpretation, the dialogue between faith and science, and stewardship of creation. In addition to his other scholarly and outreach endeavors, Dr. Ramage is author, contributing author, or translator of over thirty books, including Dark Passages of the Bible (CUA Press, 2013), Jesus, Interpreted (CUA Press, 2017), The Experiment of Faith (CUA Press, 2020), From the Dust of the Earth (CUA Press, 2022), The Essential Guide to Ratzinger (OSV, 2025), and Cosmic Covenant, forthcoming from Word on Fire Academic in 2026. 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 continue our look at the most important battles in history with Michael Greaney, who introduces us to the man history now calls Vlad the Impaler.Further ReadingBook: Ten Battles Every Catholic Should KnowGuest Info 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 experience times in life where we seem to be walking through unending shadow. But if we keep a spirit of thanksgiving to God, we can be healed of these wounds. 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

Have you ever felt that everyone’s marriage is perfect – except yours? Costanza Miriano joins us with advice for couples to not just survive their marriage, but thrive in it.Further ReadingBook: Blessed Is the Day We “Got It Wrong” 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 University of Notre Dame has reversed changes to its list of staff values and has reinstated “Catholic mission” at the top of the list. We talk about the meaning of Catholic identity with Doug Keck.Further ReadingNotre Dame returns ‘Catholic Mission’ to its core values after ‘confusion’Guest Info 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

Ruth Pakaluk was a dynamic woman: a Harvard graduate, atheist turned Catholic and mother of seven. She was recognized for her joyful faith, even in the midst of illness, and died of cancer in 1998 at the age of 41. Now the Vatican has granted a Nihil Obstat, allowing her canonization cause to advance to the Diocesan phase. Her husband Michael shares her story.Further ReadingBook: The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of GodGuest Info 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

Charles Darwin published his Origin of Species on this day in 1859. Marcus discusses the origins of Darwin’s thought and the relationship between Church 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

We talked briefly last week about a new Nicholas Cage film that illustrates the early years of Jesus’ life. It’s inspired by the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, which is not part of the New Testament Canon. Why doesn’t the Church accept Gnostic Gospels like the one Thomas wrote? Billy Kangas joins 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

Over the weekend, Marcus had a chance encounter with a young man who was clearly going through some hard times. Marcus offered to pray for him and said “Jesus loves you,” something the young man hadn’t heard before. We must never forget the impact that such a simple phrase can have. Marcus shares 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

The New Testament is saturated with language about Christ’s Kingship and how it fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament. It also looks at Jesus as king in many different ways. We discuss it with Dr. Adam van Wart. 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 we conclude the Church year with the Solemnity of Christ the King. Ironically, the Gospel reading celebrates the Kingship of Christ by telling the story of His death. We unpack 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

In colonial America, Catholics were presumed dangerous until proven loyal. Yet Catholics went on to sign the Declaration of Independence and helped to finalize the First Amendment to the Constitution. What explains this remarkable transformation? Michael Breidenbach joins 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

On social media yesterday, President Trump posted that a group of Democratic lawyers had committed a traitorous act in their message to the military, and should be put to death. While he later walked back on that sentiment, his actions are the latest example of why we must not put our hope in secular leaders – something that should be clear to anyone who has followed American politics over the last few presidential administrations. 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

The Feast of Christ the King can sound awkward to a nation that was founded on the rejection of earthly kingships. But accepting Christ’s kingship over our lives can actually make us better citizens. 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

A new film starring Nicholas Cage presents itself as a horror movie about the childhood of Jesus. Films like this like to bait Christians into harsh negative reactions, hoping to generate publicity. But this tactic seems to be wearing thin, as many Christians have decided to stop falling for the rage-bait. 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

We are engaged in a spiritual struggle with an enemy who seeks to bring about distraction, fear, and isolation. But we need not fear, for the Lord has given us tools and gifts to help fight this spiritual battle. Mary Ruth Hackett joins 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

Two Catholic priests in Belarus will be released from prison in an act of “goodwill” after national leaders engaged in talks with the Vatican. Matthew Bunson has the details on this and other Church news.Links for this SegmentBelarus pardons 2 Catholic priests after talks with VaticanWorld’s tallest Our Lady of Fátima monument inaugurated in BrazilPope Leo appoints Nigerian priest assessor for general affairs of the Secretariat of StatePro-life groups condemn ‘glorification’ of Kessler twins’ assisted suicide in Germany 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

Reading Scripture goes far beyond what is literally on the page, as we attempt to understand the deeper, transcendent meanings of the texts. The great writer Dante meant for his Divine Comedy to be read in the same manner. Joseph Pearce joins us.Further ReadingJoseph’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

Bishop Robert Barron and Cardinal Gerhard Muller recently posted a video podcast in which they discussed a variety of theological topics, including how the Church presents a worldview that can counter today’s despair. We talk about it with Dr. Henry Russell.Further ReadingBarron and Müller — Nietzsche, Vatican II, and the Catholic Church as the Antidote to Despair.Homeschool Connections 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 Nuremberg trials began on this day in 1945. After years of devastation at the hands of the Axis powers, something more than vengeance was required. No civil code at the time was sufficient – so the Allies relied on something greater. 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

On this day in 1863, on the site of the bloodiest battle ever fought on US soil, President Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the great speeches in American history. We discuss it with Brad Birzer. 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

Cardinal Blaise Cupich recently commented that “The tragic reality in our nation today is that there are essentially no Catholic public officials who consistently pursue the essential elements of Catholic social teaching.” But are Catholics supposed to find a political home in this world at all? Daniel Gallagher joins us.Further ReadingShould Catholics Expect to Find a ‘Political 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

Most religious liberty battles never reach the Supreme Court, so it’s important to pay attention to what is happening in the lower courts. Cases currently under review in the federal courts of appeal will have immediate impact on the lives of many Americans and can offer important legal roadmaps for courts addressing similar issues in the future. Andrea Picciotti-Bayer joins 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

November, the month of the dead, calls us to remember our own death and to prepare for eternal life. What if we could visit Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven? Wouldn’t that open our eyes and put life into an entirely different and eternal perspective? Jared Staudt joins us.Further ReadingPreparing for Death: A Brief Imaginative Pilgrimage 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

Alice and Ellen Kessler, German twin sisters and dancers who were famous across Europe in the 1950s, died this week by joint assisted suicide. Predictably, many are hailing their suicide as a “heroic” or “empowering” act. Wes Smith joins us with more.Further ReadingGerman Identical Twins Receive Death on DemandFollow Wes on XGuest Info 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

St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor will reportedly host an “LGBT Yoga” retreat soon. What is a loving, faithful response when Church officials misrepresent what the Church teaches? 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

We all know people who are bearing the cross of addiction, but there is hope. Keaton Douglas joins Marcus to take your stories and questions.Resources mentioned in this InterviewiThirst InitiativeThe Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis of AddictionFreedom CoachingCatholic in RecoveryAl-AnonThe Twelve Steps and the Sacraments 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

Addiction is much more than a psychological or physical problem – it is a spiritual problem, because in our addictions we create an altar for a false god. Dr Greg Popcak joins us with advice for confronting this 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

On November 18, 1302, Pope Boniface VIII issued the papal bull Unum Sanctam, which laid down dogmatic propositions on the unity of the Catholic Church. We talk about what it says and what it means for us today with Dr. Harry Schnitker. 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 spiritual marketplace, many are chasing fire like Prometheus—stealing symbols, rituals, and experiences—while refusing the Cross. Rob Sexton experienced this himself, spending nearly two decades exploring crystals, psychedelics, Eastern mystics, and more. He shares his story.Further ReadingPrometheus or the Cross: The Cost of Real Spirituality 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 slogan “America First” has a long and tangled history. It’s been revived in recent years, and is being taken as far as “America Only” as voters feel their country’s policies have served everyone except themselves. What does Catholic Social Teaching have to say about this approach? The answer may surprise you – 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

Dr Randall Smith has heard from his college students that they are living in an environment where there is casual sex, but no casual dating. What does this mean? He joins us.Further ReadingCasual Sex, No Casual Dating, No Courtship 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

Feeling overwhelmed? Want to be Revived in Christ? The REVIV3 app helps you face life’s challenges and grow in your spiritual journey. Karam Bahnam and Melissa Khalil join us.Learn more about Reviv3 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

Another Church year is already coming to a close and this Sunday we will celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. At times of such political and cultural upheaval, it’s a blessing to have this reminder that Christ remains on the Throne, holding primacy over all. Doug Keck joins 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

We have been fed a lie that history is random and meaningless. We talk with Joseph Stuart about the role religion has played in history and how the West lost sight on 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 University of Notre Dame has updated its staff values, which no longer include “acceptance and support for the University’s Catholic mission.” The school says the change is “an expression of how we seek to advance Notre Dame’s mission as a global, Catholic research university.” Sadly, it’s just another example of a Catholic institution trying to shape itself to fit the world’s mold. We talk more with Kevin Murphy.Further ReadingNotre Dame drops ‘acceptance and support for Catholic mission’ from staff valuesCardinal Newman 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

Somewhere along the way, our culture lost sight of the most basic truth – that Jesus Christ is the lord over history. Thinkers like Christopher Dawson have been champions of this truth. 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