Ave Maria in the Afternoon

Last year, Wes Smith warned about a movement among some bioethicists advocating the restriction of the amount of food and water given to dementia patients, an intentional undernourishment approach that the authors labeled “minimal comfort feeding.” Tragically, the movement is gaining steam. He joins us. Further Reading Dementia Patients and Death by Intentional Undernourishment Follow Wes on X Gue...

Throughout today’s readings we encounter the theme of worship. . When we look at the Scriptures, it becomes very clear that it’s only within the context of true liturgical worship that we come to see idols get torn down, the heart uprooted of evil, and anything that has dwelt in the life of a person outside of God gets removed. Marcus has more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discus...

There’s a lot that’s unique about modern converts, but in many ways they are similar to converts from the past. Marcus speaks with Nathaniel Peters about Catholic converts then and now. Further Reading Catholic Converts, Then and Now Guest Info Nathaniel Peters is Contributing Editor of Public Discourse and Director of the Morningside Institute This is a public episode. If you would like to discus...

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to trust in Him and not let our hearts be troubled. He promises us that there is a place being prepared for us in Heaven. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine. Guest Info Rob 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 ac...

In 1992, Jim “Butch” Murphy was inspired to undertake a 4200 miles journey across America, carrying a cross. 18 months, and 14 pairs of shoes, later he accomplished his goal. He shares his story. Guest Info Jim “Butch” Murphy is the Country Coordinator for Mexico for Renewal Ministries This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episode...

There’s been a lot of excitement about a surge in Catholic conversions. But while it is certainly encouraging that the Church is growing in big cities, major universities, and elite circles, what about working-class, blue-collar folks? Are they also experiencing an uptick in conversions and Mass attendance? The data doesn’t suggest it. Marcus has some thoughts for today’s Feast of St Joseph the Wo...

In today’s readings, we can trace a line from the Book of Acts to the Psalms to the Gospel of John and find an abundant theme of sonship. We become partakers in the Divine Nature by the death, resurrection, enthronement, and return of the Son of God. 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...

With so many resources for apologetics that are use philosophy and history, it’s easy to overlook the importance of myth and storytelling within Christian apologetics. Dr. Louis Markos believes that because Christianity is the truest of myths, Christ is the fulfillment of the pagan hope for a Savior. He joins us. Further Reading My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialogue Guest Info...

The Department of Justice released a new report on April 30 detailing allegations of anti-Christian bias from former President Joe Biden’s administration. Matthew Bunson has more on this and other Church news. Further Reading DOJ issues new report on eradicating anti-Christian bias in federal government Vatican Prepares Pope Leo XIV Summit On Marriage Crisis Bishops announce shrine honoring Father...

Labels of “Nazi” have become a comma in discourse and vulgarity is now a sign of transparency. Invading church services is now heralded as civil rights agitation and any critique of radical Islam is suppressed as a phobia. Is there any hope? Dr Charlie Self joins us. Further Reading Navigating the Rapids: Questions for Intercession and Conversation Guest Info Dr. Charlie Self is an author, adviser...

The average United States Catholic probably consumes more political commentary and social media content than scripture, sacred music, or other spiritually edifying material. Christ didn’t climb the mountain of Calvary to receive a convenient weekend slot between our preferred political pundits or our favorite TV shows. Christ didn’t give his life so that you and I can identify primarily with polit...

Today’s readings are connected by Jesus’ covenant promise. The blood of Jesus ultimately answers the problem of our Sin. In the First Reading, Paul lays the foundation for God’s plan, which culminates with the bringing forth of Jesus as the promised savior. 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 ave...

Recent data shows that the typical American student is stunningly ignorant of their own history, with only 20 percent scoring “proficient” in civics. Randall Smith looks at the problem and offers a solution. Further Reading Civic Education in Person Guest Info Randall B. Smith is a Professor of Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. His latest book is From Here to Eternity: Re...

From Iceland to the wider West, falling birthrates and the elimination of the ‘unfit’ reveal a civilization undermining its own future. Is the Culture of Death committing suicide? Joseph Pearce joins us. Further Reading Is the Culture of Death Committing Suicide? Guest Info Joseph Pearce is Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University and a Visiting Fellow of Thomas More College of Lib...

The U.S. Supreme Court said a New Jersey faith-based pregnancy center may challenge a state subpoena demanding donor information. Andrea Picciotti-Bayer has the details. Further Reading U.S. Supreme Court Allows Faith-Based Pregnancy Center to Challenge Donor Subpoena Guest Info Andrea Picciotti-Bayer is a legal analyst for EWTN News. She also directs the Conscience Project. Follow her on Twitter...

Although Catherine of Siena was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1970, relatively little attention has been given to her mystical thought, particularly in the English-speaking world. We talk with Fr. Thomas McDermott about her teachings on spiritual development. Further Reading Fr. Mcdermott’s book This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access...

Pope Leo XIV met with the archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, at the Vatican on Monday. Mullallyʼs first official visit to Rome as the spiritual leader of the Church of England comes amid strained ecumenical relations and division among Anglicans. Joanna Bogle has more. Further Reading Pope Leo XIV meets archbishop of Canterbury amid deepening church divides Pope Invites Continued Dialogue i...

The Word of God grows through disciples engaging in liturgical worship. They are then sent by the Holy Spirit so that every nation may walk in the light of Jesus Christ. This theme appears throughout today’s readings, and 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

Marcus and Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers have been on a speaking tour this week, preaching the Gospel across the Midwest. They both find their identities as sons of God and as husbands and fathers – but they also both happen to be black. But the faith they profess in Christ is devoid of color. Deacon Harold joins Marcus for an in-depth reflection. Guest Info Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers – known around...

Culture, enriched by religion, is the genesis of historical epochs that would not exist without cultured societies. We take a closer look at the connections between religion and culture with Steve Soldi. Further Reading Religion, the Basis of Culture Guest Info Steve Soldi Jr. took his B.A. in English from the College of the Holy Cross and his M.A. in the Humanities from the University of Dallas....

Recent social science data challenges the long-standing cultural and media narrative that married people, especially women with children, are less happy than their single, “childfree” counterparts. We take a deeper dive with Dr. Greg Popcak. Further Reading Who Is Happiest? Married Mothers and Fathers, Per the Latest General Social Survey Guest Info Dr Greg Popcak is the founder and director of Ca...

Today’s readings contain an overarching theme of the nations being gathered together by the voice of the Shepherd. How will we respond to the call? Marcus has 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

Christianity arose during the time of the Roman Empire – and God used that otherwise pagan empire that was steeped in a lot of natural law principles to bring about the expansion of the Christian faith as we know it today. We look at how with Paul DeHart. Guest Info Paul R. DeHart is Professor of Political Science of Texas State University in San Marcos. He is author of The Social Contract in the...

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed a prayer that still echoes across the Church today: “That they may all be one.” It’s the focus of a new movie, coming to theaters on May 19 and 20. Adriana Gonzalez tells us more. That They May be One website Guest Info Adriana Gonzalez is the executive producer of That They May be One. Learn more at thattheymaybeonefilm.com This is a public episod...

Cole Allen, the man who charged a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, wrote in a manifesto that he planned to target Trump administration officials “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.” Doug Keck joins us to talk about it. Further Reading The Race Is on to Set the Narrative About the WHCD Shooting Guest Info Doug Keck is the emeritus president and COO...