Best Ave Maria Press Podcasts (2025)

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NEW SERIES Teaser: Exploring the Digital Continent: Why the Catholic Church Cares About the Internet 31:06

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2d ago31:06

31:06

The Vatican has begun using a powerful new phrase to describe evangelization in the digital age: digital mission on the digital continent. As people spend increasing amounts of time online—scrolling, streaming, and searching for meaning—the Church recognizes that the internet isn’t just a tool but a place, a mission field where the Gospel can be sh…

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Episode 169: The Universal Church and Urban Roots with Brandon Morel 34:19

3d ago34:19

34:19

Ministry in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart but it's full of grace. Oscar and Brandon Morel talk about the power of cultural evangelization, the immigrant roots of Catholic New York, and how figures like Pierre Toussaint still inspire a gospel rooted in justice and joy. Plus, they explore the surprising harmony between the Church and hip…

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Episode 168: Bridging Culture and Christ with Mari Pablo 37:02

17d ago37:02

37:02

In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of Ave Spotlight, host Oscar Rivera sits down with Mari Pablo to explore what it means to grow up bicultural and live out a faith shaped by both tradition and personal encounter. They unpack the beauty and challenges of cultural Catholicism, the need to move beyond fear-based faith, and the importance of healin…

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Episode 167: High School Seniors Take Over Ave Spotlight 40:05

1M ago40:05

40:05

On this episode, Oscar talks to high school seniors from public, private and Catholic Schools about their Catholic experience in each of their school settings. This conversation is not only eye opening but hopeful. These teens are not the future of the Church, but the **RIGHT NOW **of the Church. Justin Dery of Dery Music & Media donated his time, …

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Episode 166: Beyond Labels: Rethinking Sexual Sin and Embracing God’s Pursuit with Kim Zember 35:25

1M ago35:25

35:25

Oscar and Kim Zember have an honest conversation about how the Church often mishandles sexual sin—treating some sins as worse than others—and how this mindset drives people away from mercy. Kim shares her personal journey of faith and freedom, challenging listeners to stop ranking sins and start recognizing how fiercely Jesus is pursuing their hear…

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SPECIAL EPISODE: Let Leo Be Leo: Reflecting on the First Few days of Pope Leo XIV's Papacy 28:07

2M ago28:07

28:07

In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie McGrady shares her thoughts on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. She delves into his background, career, and what we might expect in the pontificate ahead. Ultimately, she encourages us to let the new Holy Father introduce himself before we decide who he is as the 267th Pope. We would love it if you coul…

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Episode 165: Durable Motherhood and Divine Femininity with Pamela Rivera 37:06

2M ago37:06

37:06

This episode’s guest isn’t just beloved by God—she’s my beloved! I sit down with my wife, Pamela Rivera, for an honest conversation on the strength, beauty, and resilience of motherhood. We talk about how true femininity isn’t a one-size-fits-all and how society is now rebelling against the very image it created. But God’s vision for womanhood is d…

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SPECIAL EPISODE: Remembering Pope Francis with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP 43:00

2M ago43:00

43:00

When plans to attend the canonization of Bl. Carlo Acutis shifted following the death of Pope Francis, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, traveled to Rome to report for Our Sunday Visitor, while Katie Prejean McGrady stayed in the U.S. to cover events for CNN and SiriusXM. In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie and Fr. Patrick reflect on the lif…

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Episode 164: Cold Matcha, Charisms, and the Call of the Holy Spirit with Jill Simons 44:21

2M ago44:21

44:21

Oscar and Jill Simons have an honest conversation about the Holy Spirit in today’s modernist world. Together they explore the power of charisms—gifts from the Holy Spirit—and how they shape our mission as baptized people. This conversation challenges listeners to consider diving deeper into what it really means to walk with the Spirit. We would lov…

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Episode 163: Last Week of Lent: Finish Strong with Oscar Rivera 21:02

3M ago21:02

21:02

As we enter the final week of Lent, host Oscar Rivera reminds us that it’s not the time to dwell on any shortcomings in our almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Instead, it’s a moment to refocus, recommit, and finish strong. Whether your Lent has gone exactly as planned or felt a bit off track, these last few days offer a powerful opportunity to embrac…

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Palm Sunday: Holy Week is a Dramatic Pause with Fr. John Nepil 43:23

3M ago43:23

43:23

Join Fr. John Nepil, vice rector at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, as he explores the power of authenticity in faith and formation. He shares why “being normal” is essential—not only for preparing men for the priesthood but for all Catholics seeking to live and share their faith meaningfully. Fr. John also reflects on the significance of Holy…

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Lenten Practices People "Hate" the Most 8:04

3M ago8:04

8:04

Katie and Tommy discuss the most hated practices people “have” to do during Lent. Is it fasting? Extra prayers? Almsgiving? They dig into why these practices feel so hard—and why we often dread them—even when we know they’re supposed to help us grow. Plus, they share some personal stories, spiritual insights, and maybe even a few Lenten hot takes y…

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Renewing Your Relationship with Jesus each Lent with Courtney Roach 49:50

3M ago49:50

49:50

Courtney Roach, digital marketing manager for FOCUS and host of The Daily Nothings podcast, reflects on her journey to Catholicism and how her conversion ten years ago deepened her love for Jesus. She shares how Lent offers a renewed opportunity to grow in intimacy with the Lord. In this episode, Courtney discusses the power of authentic relationsh…

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Mercy is Waiting 9:42

3M ago9:42

9:42

Katie and Tommy discuss the gift of going to confession during the Lenten season through the lens of the prodigal son. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/) Links: Get your copy of Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens Follo…

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Episode 162: Faithful Surrender: Adoption, Marriage, and Bold Prayers with Allison Gingras 29:29

3M ago29:29

29:29

In this episode, Oscar sits down with Catholic author and media evangelist Allison Gingras to talk about marriage, family, and the boldness of saying "yes" when God calls you into the unexpected. Allison shares her powerful journey of surrender and trust, which led her all the way to China to adopt a specific child. We also explore the beauty of th…

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4th Sunday of Lent: Finding Healing in Lent by Embracing God’s Love with Brya Hanan 43:04

3M ago43:04

43:04

The wounds we carry can leave us feeling fractured, but God’s love has the power to restore and heal. In this episode, Brya Hanan—author and licensed marriage and family therapist—shares how Lent invites us to pause, reflect, and tend to the weeds in the garden of our hearts. Discover how embracing vulnerability before the Lord can open the door to…

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3rd Sunday of Lent: Lent is Meant for Mercy with Fr. Josh Johnson 42:23

4M ago42:23

42:23

At this middle point of the Lenten journey, Fr. Josh Johnson sits down with Katie to discuss the value of making a good confession in Lent, spending time praying about conversion and brokenness, and what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, in the confessional. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your …

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Clearing Out During Lent 7:47

4M ago7:47

7:47

What is bearing fruit in our lives, what is draining us, and what do we need to change or fix when it comes to our relationship with Jesus? Katie and Tommy offer a practical activity to help evaluate things halfway through Lent. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Cath…

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Vulnerability in Lent 7:07

4M ago7:07

7:07

Katie and Tommy discuss how much we look at our phones, screens, and all sorts of distractions throughout our day, which means we are often unable to be seen by the Lord. Lent is a chance to be vulnerable, and allow ourselves to be seen by Jesus. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing prov…

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Episode 161: From Struggles to Strength: Real Talk on Marriage and Faith feat. Mary Bruno 32:36

4M ago32:36

32:36

In this episode, Oscar sits down with Mary Bruno to unpack the quirks, challenges, and joys of marriage. From humorous food debates to deep struggles with infertility and faith, they share raw and uplifting stories of love, loss, and transformation. Mary opens up about her journey through infertility, the adoption of her daughter, and the powerful …

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2nd Sunday of Lent: Lent Demands Vulnerability with Oscar Rivera 50:38

4M ago50:38

50:38

During Lent, when life feels busy, noisy, and overwhelming, making room for the Lord is more important than ever. In this episode of Ave Explores: Lent with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, Oscar Rivera, host of Ave Spotlight, explores how Lent challenges us to embrace vulnerability and authenticity—not just with God, but with others. When we resist th…

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Enter Into Lent with Purpose 8:01

4M ago8:01

8:01

Tommy and Katie McGrady talk about how we can fully enter into Lent with a willingness to let Jesus work on our hearts throughout these 40 days, and encourage listeners to find something they can commit to that will help them grow in a distinct way. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing p…

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1st Sunday of Lent: Jesus's Heart is Safe with Mari Pablo 39:32

4M ago39:32

39:32

Being rooted in love is key to thriving in life and experiencing a fruitful Lent. In this episode of Ave Explores: Lent with Sr. Josephine Garett, CSFN, Mari Pablo shares how trusting in Jesus’s love and mercy—and seeking refuge in his Sacred Heart—has guided her through life’s challenges and the depths of her own heart. During Lent, as we intentio…

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Ash Wednesday: Don't Fear the Wilderness with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN 41:40

4M ago41:40

41:40

In this powerful episode, Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, author of Wilderness Within, invites us to see Lent as more than a checklist of holy practices. Instead, it’s a season to step into the wilderness of our hearts, where God is ready to work, heal, and lead us to deeper hope in him. Discover how reevaluating relationships, paying attention to God…

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Episode 160: Faith, Vulnerability, and the Messy Beauty of Married Life with Renzo and Monica Ortega of Two Become Family Podcast 41:27

4M ago41:27

41:27

In this episode of Ave Spotlight, Oscar chats with Renzo and Monica Ortega—podcast hosts, authors, and speakers—for a candid and lively conversation about the beautiful, messy, and unexpected sides of married life. From navigating cultural differences to tackling faith struggles, they open up about what it really takes to build a strong, Christ-cen…

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Lent Teaser: Finding Fulfillment: Comedian Shayne Smith’s Journey to Catholicism Through Lent 51:34

4M ago51:34

51:34

Comedian Shayne Smith had everything he thought would make him happy—success, wealth, and recognition—but still felt deeply unfulfilled. His search for meaning led him to a church, where he encountered Christ and Our Lady for the first time and embraced Catholicism. In this episode of Ave Explores, Shayne shares how his first Lent, spent journeying…

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Episode 159: Weights, Wisdom and Social Emotional Learning in Ministry featuring Rhyan Ramirez 43:35

5M ago43:35

43:35

Join Oscar and Bro Rhy (Ryan Ramirez) as they dive into their personal stories, cultural traditions, and compare Olympic lifting with powerlifting. They explore the importance of social emotional learning (SEL) in ministry, how self-awareness and introspection help manage stress and emotions, and the role of faith in overcoming life’s challenges. T…

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Episode 158: Catholicism and Psychology: Faith, Emotions, and Mental Health with Greg Bottaro 44:00

5M ago44:00

44:00

Join Oscar and Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute, for a thought-provoking discussion at the intersection of faith, science, and human vulnerability. In this episode, they explore the Catholic Church’s evolving perspective on the human person, the connection between faith and mental health, and how emot…

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Hope does not Disappoint with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN 41:37

5M ago41:37

41:37

Join Sr. Josephine Garrett, author of Wilderness Within, as she unpacks the virtue of hope and its transformative power. In this episode, Sr. Josephine reflects on how cultivating hope requires intentionality, patience, and radical trust in God’s promises. With the Jubilee Year of 2025 as a backdrop, discover how this sacred time invites us to asse…

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BONUS: Joan Watson Reflects on the Panel of the Repentant Women from Luke 7. 1:42

5M ago1:42

1:42

In this reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the repentant woman who washes Jesus's feet with her hair. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door. To meditate on this, see Pan…

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The Global Relevance of the Jubilee Year with Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, Hungary's Ambassador to the Holy See 32:41

6M ago32:41

32:41

In this exclusive conversation, Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See, Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, discusses the significance of the Jubilee year, not just for Catholics, but for all people who long for peace and justice. He reflects on the deep spiritual and global importance of the Jubilee, and shares insights into his journey to becoming a Vatica…

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BONUS: Joan Watson Reflects on the Panel that Depicts the Encounter of Jesus and Peter, after Peter's Denial 2:06

6M ago2:06

2:06

In this reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the encounter of Jesus and Peter, after Peter's Denial. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door. To meditate on this, see Panel …

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Episode 157: SEEK25 and Memorizing Scripture with Jackie Angel 27:23

6M ago27:23

27:23

Fresh off the Seek 25 Conference, Oscar and Jackie Angel unpack the power of large conferences that unite young people, spark friendships, and ignite encounters with Jesus. Jackie shares her journey with scripture—from opening her first Bible at eighteen years old to writing Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God’s Word.…

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The Surprises of a Jubilee Year in Rome with Elizabeth Lev 47:10

6M ago47:10

47:10

Art historian and professor Elizabeth Lev unveils the fascinating history of the Jubilee Holy Doors and reveals how Rome itself has been shaped by Jubilee celebrations over the centuries. As preparations for Jubilee 2025 unfold, Lev explores the city’s rich traditions and the monumental moments of past Jubilees. Discover how these events inspire us…

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BONUS: Joan Watson Reflects on the Parable of the Good Shepherd Panel of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica 1:44

6M ago1:44

1:44

In this reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the Parable of the Good Shepherd. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door. To meditate on this, see Panel 12: The Hope of Being …

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Embrace the Challenges of the Jubilee Year with Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ 46:10

6M ago46:10

46:10

Join Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, as he unpacks Pope Francis’s bold calls to action for the Jubilee Year 2025. Discover how Catholics—and all people of goodwill—are invited to embrace the challenge to forgive debts, disarm violence, and advocate for human flourishing. Cardinal Czerny al…

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BONUS: Joan Watson Reflects on the Parable of the Prodigal Son Panel of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica 2:01

6M ago2:01

2:01

In this first reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door. To meditate on this, see Panel 7: A F…

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Episode 156: Kickstart the New Year with Humility, Resilience, and Discipline with Alex Gotay 33:56

6M ago33:56

33:56

Step into 2025 with renewed purpose! In this episode, Alex Gotay—Catholic speaker, Marine, and 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor—explores how resilience, humility, and discipline can transform your life. Drawing inspiration from the WWII film_ The Six Triple Eight_, Alex unpacks why resolutions often fail and how perseverance shapes charact…

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Introduction: Opening the Holy Door with Joan Watson 45:54

6M ago45:54

45:54

Joan Watson, author of Opening the Holy Door, explores the rich history and purpose behind Jubilees in the Church, shedding light on the profound significance of opening the Holy Doors in Rome's four major basilicas. She offers practical advice on cultivating a pilgrim’s heart, embracing the mercy, hope, peace, and joy of the upcoming Jubilee Year.…

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Teaser: The Next Series on the Jubilee Year 11:14

7M ago11:14

11:14

The Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 began December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica. For the next five weeks, _Ave Explores _will look at how an Ordinary Jubilee is a chance for hope, repentance, renewal, and revival in the Church. Spes non confundit - Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 (9 May 20…

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Episode 155: Mary, Music, and Misunderstood Classics with Oscar Rivera 23:13

7M ago23:13

23:13

Get ready to jingle all the way through this festive episode! Oscar’s counting down his top 5 Christmas jams, spilling the tea on the most misunderstood holiday classics, and tackling the ultimate Christmas debate: Did Mary Know? But it’s more than just the music—Oscar dives into Mary’s incredible role in the Christmas story, highlighting her stren…

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4th Week of Advent: Seeing and Showing Jesus with Msgr. Roger Landry 31:18

7M ago31:18

31:18

In the summer of 2024, Msgr. Roger Landry embarked on an extraordinary mission as the full-time chaplain for the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. For sixty consecutive days, he and a group of dedicated pilgrims walked alongside Jesus in the Eucharist, journeying from Connecticut to Indiana. Together, they brought Christ to bustli…

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3rd Week of Advent: Scripture Shows us Jesus with Jackie Angel 40:54

7M ago40:54

40:54

Amid the hustle and bustle of this time of year, it’s easy to lose sight of the heart of Advent—and the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus. In this episode, Jackie Angel, author of the upcoming Memorize Scripture, shares how immersing yourself in Sacred Scripture—through daily reading and simple memorization—can transform your experience of the seaso…

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Episode 154: Embracing Mercy and Hope for the Jubilee Year with Joan Watson 28:51

7M ago28:51

28:51

Join Oscar and Joan Watson, Catholic speaker, writer, and pilgrim formation manager at Verso Ministries, for an enlightening journey into the Jubilee year! Discover the rich symbolism of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica and its profound connection to God's boundless mercy. Joan shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, Opening the Holy …

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2nd Week of Advent: Pursuing Holiness Together with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, and Fr John Burns 37:09

7M ago37:09

37:09

Advent is more than just a season—it’s an invitation to journey together as a Church, pursuing divine life with the Lord. In this episode, Fr. John Burns and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, share their powerful ministry work with priests and religious sisters. They also offer heartfelt encouragement for all vocations, reminding us that holiness is…

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1st Week of Advent with Heather Khym 38:49

7M ago38:49

38:49

Advent is a chance to encounter Jesus in a new way, and Heather Khym offers advice on how to settle into the new liturgical season and embrace it as a time of reflection and resolution. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/) Links…

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Teaser: Starting Advent with Fr. Dave Pivonka 26:11

8M ago26:11

26:11

In the first episode of Ave Explores Advent with Heather Khym, Fr. Dave Pivonka, president of Franciscan University, reflects on his favorite traditions of the Advent season and offers practical ways we can embrace the slow and intentional moments in the beginning of the new Liturgical year. We would love it if you could leave a written review on A…

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Episode 153: Part Two with Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, On Earth as It is in Heaven 32:36

8M ago32:36

32:36

Why has our deep longing for community been overshadowed by division—setting my tribe against your tribe? In part two of our conversation, Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, and Oscar address the pressing issue of disunity and its dangers to God’s Kingdom on earth. They explore how polarization affects our faith and offer practical steps toward reconcili…

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Episode 152: Part One: May Your Kingdom Come with Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat 32:03

8M ago32:03

32:03

Join Oscar and Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat as they unpack the powerful words, "may your kingdom come," from the Our Father and uncover the true purpose of this often-overlooked line in one of Christianity's most beloved prayers. They dive into what it really means to invite God's Kingdom into our lives, exploring whether faith has become too individ…

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Week Six: Monks, Nuns, and Their Habits with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP 56:38

8M ago56:38

56:38

Religious orders wear a wide variety of habits, from brown robes reminiscent of Jedi attire to white robes with black capes similar to Gandalf’s. With so many distinct styles, it’s hard for anyone to keep track of them all. Beyond their attire, religious communities are diverse, unique, and an enriching part of the Church—though they may seem a bit…