Ave Spotlight

Mary Pezzulo discusses how personal encounters in her life changed her perspective on what it truly means to live the Works of Mercy.

Jennifer Hubbard discusses her book Finding Sanctuary , what sanctuary means to her, and the healing power of forgiveness.

James L. Papandrea discusses how his devotion to the Rosary began after his reversion to the faith and how the Rosary helps us grow closer to God.

Fr. Cassidy Stinson discusses the power of Pentecost and how we can pray for the Holy Spirit to help us get a better understanding of ourselves.

This week Ave Spotlight celebrates teachers, Madeleine Post discusses what she's learned working with students in an all-girls Catholic school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during COVID and what inspired her to become a teacher.

Sarah Christmyer discusses how to make the Bible part of your daily life. She also outlines the unique features of The Ave Catholic Notetaking Bible for which she is a contributor.

Musician Steven Joubert discusses self-care and wellness, the beauty of Easter, and the power of the Resurrection on our spiritual lives. Joubert said he lives with a greater sense of peace and a stronger relationship with Christ and his Church.

Deacon Greg Kandra discusses his journey to become a deacon, tips for growing in your spiritual life, and the beauty of the Easter liturgy.

Michele Faehnle discusses how devotion to the Divine Mercy has shaped her life. She also shares tips on living out the works of mercy in your day-to-day life and how we can be merciful to others.

Lillian Fallon discusses her passion for what she calls a "theology of style": how to view your personal style through the lens of the Theology of the Body. Through social media, Fallon expresses how personal style is an opportunity "to make visible, what is invisible," which St. John Paull II identified as the soul of the person.

Fr. John Burns talks about how Holy Week gives us a chance to enter intentionally into the suffering of Christ.

James McLoughlin, director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Clogher in Northern Ireland, discusses the history and tradition of St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. He explains how St. Patrick is revered in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Carolyn Pirtle, author of Ten Ways to Pray: A Catholic Guide for Drawing Closer to God , discusses the importance of explaining prayer in a way that encourages people to pray intentionally.

Fr. Trey Ange and his large Sicilian family traditionally host a St. Joseph's Altar on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19. Ange, a priest of the Diocese of Lake Charles, explains how devotion to St. Joseph has fostered a deep faith within his entire family. He has three priests and a religious sister who are his cousins.

Recording artist Sarah Kroger discusses her process of writing worship music and offers advice on how to pray with music during Lent.

Most Rev. Bill Wack, C.S.C., bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, discusses the true purpose of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer during Lent. He also explains that the ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday help us ponder the new life found in Christ.

Mark Hart, executive vice president of Life Teen International, is the coauthor of Our Not-Quite-Holy Family with his wife, Melanie. He shares his own family's successes and failures and discusses how family life can be fruitful, joyful, and faithful. He will help you see how every member of your family can strive for holiness in 2021.

Catholic artist Jen Norton, author of Surrender All: An Illuminated Journal Retreat through the Stations of the Cross , says praying with sacred art can be an easy, effective, and beautiful way to grow deeper in faith, especially during Lent. Norton also discusses her creative process.

Gary Zimak, bestselling author of Give Up Worry for Lent, discusses focusing on making the liturgical season fruitful, healing, and hope-filled by allowing the Holy Spirit to direct our Lenten practice.

Ann M. Garrido, author of #RulesofEngagement , discusses how to engage online in a healthy, life-giving, and productive way.

Catholic author Emily Stimpson Chapman discusses how cooking and welcoming people with simplicity and joy is the perfect way to build community, share faith, and grow in relationships with others.

Karen Barbieri, founder of Pietra Fitness, explains how we can set goals for the new year that focus on faith and fitness. Barbieri helps us recognize that health and holiness go hand in hand.

Chenele Shaw and Katie Prejean McGrady discuss their favorite Ave Spotlight episodes of the year as they reflect on 2020 through the lens of faith, prayerfulness, and hope.

Fr. Joe Laramie, S.J, North American director of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, talks about the Year of St. Joseph recently designated by Pope Francis. Laramie says that praying for the Pope's intentions each month is a good practice to incorporate into your spiritual life.

Elissa Tiprigan, founder of Catholic Family Crate, discusses how she creates activities to make feast days and liturgical seasons fun, family-centered, and life-giving. She also shares ways to celebrate Advent and the twelve days of Christmas.