Ave Explores
193 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsA project of Ave Maria Press, Ave Explores helps you discover and learn about aspects of the Catholic faith from a variety of different angles, looking at topics relevant to the spiritual life in a fresh, engaging, and practical way.
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Episodes
Lent Makes Us Fully Alive with Fr. Tim Anastos
March 22, 2024 14:00 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MBFr. Tim Anastos, author and assistant chaplain at the St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois, highlights how Lent offers us an opportunity to become fully alive in Christ Jesus. Through our weeks of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we have experienced the love of the Lord in distinct and profound ways. Now, as Holy Week unfolds and we participate in the liturgies of the Triduum, we witness the culmination of these graces and how they reveal that life is worth living with...
The Eucharist Can Revive Our Lent with Tanner Kalina
March 15, 2024 13:30 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MBIn this sacred season, our ultimate aim is to draw nearer to Christ. And what better way to achieve this closeness than by physically spending time with him in the presence of the Eucharist? Join Tanner Kalina, a passionate Eucharistic missionary for the National Eucharistic Revival, as he demonstrates how Lent is the perfect time to seek the Lord's presence. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Tanner reveals how this season offers a unique opportunity for the Lord to manifest his love, ...
Lent Reveals Our Weakness with Sr. Orianne Pietra René, FSP
March 08, 2024 11:00 - 25 minutes - 35.2 MBThe further we get into Lent, the more likely it is that we have run into some—or many—missteps and pitfalls. While this can feel discouraging, Sr. Orianne Pietra René, FSP, a passionate social media evangelist, helps us understand how when Lent is “hard” and we feel weak, that is precisely when the Lord shows up to do great things within us. Our poverty in Lent becomes God’s strength and glory. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing...
Let the Lord Purify You in Lent with Manny Gonzalez
March 01, 2024 14:00 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MBJoin Emmanuel “Manny” Gonzalez, a graduate student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, as he shows how, despite our best intentions, we can inadvertently introduce a false sense of control into our lives through Lenten spiritual practices or even in our general spiritual journey. Without realizing it, we can squeeze the Lord out of our lives even as we do good and holy deeds. Manny shows us how to avoid this pitfall so that we can walk into Lent willing to let go of everything for the L...
Keeping Lent Simple with Claire and Mike Couche of Finding Philothea
February 23, 2024 17:00 - 33 minutes - 46 MBDo you ever have BIG plans for Lent, only to feel overwhelmed as the weeks go on? Claire and Mike Couche, founders of Finding Philothea, share how embracing simplicity—through carving out time for prayer, focusing on small acts of fasting, and learning generosity through acts of service—can wield greater impact than grand gestures of repentance and self-denial. When we complicate Lent, our practices can muddy the waters and make this time of prayerful rest overly stressful. When we keep Lent ...
Lent isn't Just for Easter with Mark Hart
February 16, 2024 15:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBWhat’s the purpose of Lent? It’s a simple question, and one Mark Hart answers in a very honest and straightforward way: Lent prepares us for heaven. If we view Lent merely as a spiritual bootcamp to get ready for Easter, we will miss out on all the season has to offer. However, by approaching Lent with a broader perspective, we'll realize that these forty days can prepare us not only for the rest of our lives but also for the joys of heaven. We would love it if you could leave a written revie...
The Wilderness of Lent with Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR
February 14, 2024 10:00 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MBWhen Ash Wednesday rolls around, many of us are ready—even excited—to start our Lenten resolution. However, as the weeks go by, our resolve can wane. What do we do when our Lenten practices become challenging to maintain? Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, the author of Made for Heaven, offers us a way to enter this season as he explains why he felt called to write about going into the wilderness of Lent with a willing spirit and a ready heart. If we “fight” Lent, we close ourselves off to God’s grea...
Evaluating Relationships for Lent with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN
February 09, 2024 10:00 - 36 minutes - 50.9 MBAs we approach Ash Wednesday, the question on every faithful Christian's mind is, "What should I do to make this Lent an intentional time to grow closer to God?" In this episode, Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, offers a new focus to this sacred season by encouraging us to examine the very fabric of our relationships—with ourselves, with others, and most importantly, with God. She provides practical advice on how intentional fasting, heartfelt prayer, and compassionate almsgiving can be tools to ...
Week Four of Prepare Your Heart: Holding Jesus like Mary in Advent with Sr. Zelie Maria Louis, SV
December 22, 2023 15:00 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBMary opened her arms to the child Jesus, and we are called to do the same. Sr. Zelie Maria Louis, a Sister of Life serving pregnant women in Manhattan, reflects on how we can look to Mary as a perfect example of holiness and love of the Lord in the final days of Advent. 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/)
Week Three of Prepare Your Heart: Building a Home like Joseph with Bobby and Jackie Angel
December 15, 2023 13:00 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MBJackie and Bobby Angel, authors, speakers, and podcasters, share how the spirit of hospitality and a charism of welcome are essential in order to enter into Advent. When we open our homes to others, and when we work to build a home of love, we are embracing the spirit of St. Joseph. 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/)
Week Two of Prepare Your Heart: Holy Witnesses in Advent with Meg Hunter-Kilmer
December 08, 2023 14:00 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MBMeg Hunter-Kilmer offers insights into how the stories of the saints can help us more purposefully enter into Advent, preparing our hearts with the witness of faithful men and women who have spent their lives preparing to meet Jesus. 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/)
Week One of Prepare Your Heart: Preparing for Nazareth Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR
December 01, 2023 19:00 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBFr. Agustino Torres, CFR, author of Prepare Your Heart, explains how the season of Advent is a chance to enter into the heart of Nazareth, a place of respite, rest, and formation. At the beginning of the liturgical year, it’s so easy to become consumed with the busyness of the season, the work that must be done for Christmas, and we can forget how this is ultimately a time to prepare to welcome Jesus. Fr. Agustino explains how when we purposefully prepare our hearts, we are joyfully anticipat...
Simplifying Liturgical Living with Elissa Tiprigan of Catholic Family Crate
October 25, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 59.8 MBWhen Elissa Tiprigan began searching for convenient and ready-to-use resources for liturgical living, she faced a challenge—there was a noticeable absence of such materials. However, undeterred by this, she viewed this gap as an opportunity to fulfill an important mission. In response to this, Elissa established Catholic Family Crate, a heartfelt initiative designed to assist families, including her own, in easily accessing uncomplicated tools and activities that infuse the joyful spirit of t...
Creating a Holy Home with Scott and Elisabeth Williams of Catholic Concepts
October 18, 2023 09:00 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MBIt all started as an idea to create silly socks for a saint’s feast day. From there, Scott and Elisabeth Williams turned their desire to share creative ways to celebrate something meaningful in the Church into their company, Catholic Concepts. Listen to the story about how this couple went from fun socks to creating other beautiful products to help Catholics grow in their faith by sharing about saints, planning the week, and decorating a home with subtle references to Church teaching and devo...
Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Advent and Lent with Fr. John Burns
October 11, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 84.8 MBAdvent and Lent, revered penitential seasons, stand as gateways to prepare us for days of rejoicing and victory. These seasons are so iconic that even secular society joins in with traditions including Advent calendars for everything under the sun and seasonal fish sandwiches at your favorite drive-thru. Fr. John Burns explains how the natural ebb and flow of the liturgical year, especially with Advent and Lent as pillars of penance within the seasons, allow us to more fully celebrate what is...
Living the Seasons of the Moment with Erica Tighe Campbell of Be a Heart
October 04, 2023 10:00 - 51 minutes - 70.3 MBErica Tighe Campbell established Be A Heart as a contemporary lifestyle brand designed for Catholics seeking elegant ways to practice their faith and commemorate the various seasons of the Church calendar. While crafting her product line and writing her latest book, Living the Seasons, she has uncovered the profound significance of embracing both the present phase of life and the yearly cycle, recognizing them as invitations to align with God's purpose, design, and blessings. Discover how you...
Liturgical Living is for All Steffani Aquila
September 27, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 52.6 MBLiturgical living isn’t confined to family craft projects or activities for CCD classes. For Steffani Aquila, founder of His Girl Sunday and director of Liturgical Living for the Co-Cathedral in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, liturgical living is an invitation for all faithful men and women to engage meaningfully with the rhythms of the year. Join Steffani as she chats with Katie on what feast days and sacred seasons can teach everyone, regardless of age or background, about Jesus and how ...
How to Live the Liturgical Year with Kendra Tierney
September 20, 2023 09:00 - 46 minutes - 64.1 MBKendra Tierney wanted to teach her children about the depth and beauty of Catholicism and give them a lived discipleship that wasn’t stuffy or boring. In her quest to pass on a vibrant faith, she discovered the rhythms of the Church year—encompassing saints' feast days and the tapestry of liturgical seasons—as a foundation to illuminate, educate, and infuse the everyday with boundless joy and fun. Her exploration led to the creation of Catholic All Year, a one stop blog and shop that helps fa...
Living Life Intentionally with Steven Lawson of Monk Manual
September 13, 2023 09:00 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MBHow do we live intentionally, striving not solely for productivity but also for purposeful flourishing? Steven Lawson, creator and founder of Monk Manual, explores how when we rush through life, we can miss moments that matter most. Steven’s conversation with Katie also offers insights on how to notice God at work in our daily lives and shows how the Church’s liturgical calendar and monastic orders provide a perfect template for intentional living.
The Eucharist Leads Us to the Poor with Fr. Malachy Napier, CFR
June 08, 2023 09:00 - 48 minutes - 46 MBFr. Malachy Napier, CFR, talks about how the Eucharist compels us to take what we receive and go out into the world to serve those who are forgotten, hurting, and alone by loving them like Jesus.
The Heart of Eucharistic Revival with Bishop Andrew Cozzens
June 07, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 57 MBBishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston, chairman of the USCCB’s evangelization and catechesis committee, talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about the Eucharistic Revival and what can happen when people recommit themselves to Jesus.
The Work of the Eucharistic Revival with Joel Stepanek
May 31, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBJoel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharistic Congress, talks about the origin and goals of the movement and previews the tenth National Eucharistic Congress, scheduled for July 17-21, 2024,in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Eucharist and the Abundant Life with Heather and Jake Khym
May 24, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBHeather and Jake Khym talk with host Katie Prejean McGrady about how a deeper understanding of the Eucharist can lead to abundant, life changing healing in your life.
Bringing the Eucharist Home with Scott and Kathryn Whitaker
May 17, 2023 09:00 - 57 minutes - 54.3 MBScott and Kathryn Whitaker share how the Eucharist was a key part of the early days of their marriage and remains a root of their family life. Kathryn and Scott also provide practical tips on prioritizing the Eucharist to build a holy and happy culture in the home.
Adoring Jesus in the Eucharist with Perpetua Charles
May 10, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutes - 54.6 MBPerpetua Charles shares her story of finding comfort, home, and community by seeking out the Eucharist in the various places she's lived and worked and offers insight into how she's allowed the Eucharist to be a source of solace by way of taking time for Eucharistic Adoration.
The Eucharist Renews Our Identity with Timothy P. O'Malley
May 03, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 42.2 MBTheologian and author Timothy P. O'Malley talks with host Katie Prejean McGrady about the Eucharist as a renewing force in our lives. Because we come to know Jesus stirring our hearts, the Eucharist can renew our communities, families, homes, and personal identities.
The Eucharist Invites Us to Slow Down and Be Loved with Sr. Alicia Torres
April 26, 2023 09:00 - 52 minutes - 49 MBSr. Alicia Torres, FE, shares how she was drawn to Franciscan spirituality rooted in a love of the Eucharist and seeing Jesus in the poor. She tells host Katie Prejean McGrady that she's come to see the Eucharist as a person who invites us to slow down and be loved intimately, even when things seem busy and beyond our control.
The Eucharist is Really Jesus with Fr. Craig Vasek
April 19, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 42.6 MBFr. Craig Vasek, talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about how this life changed after his first authentic encounter with the Eucharist. Vasek also reinforces that the Eucharist is not a holy object, but a person—Jesus—to encounter and love.
Finding Ourselves in Easter with Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR
April 06, 2023 16:00 - 36 minutes - 34.3 MBIn this week's episode, Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, talks with Katie about finding ourselves in the Easter story. He says that when we embrace an authentic relationship with Christ, we can see how our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving have given space for him to dwell in our hearts.
Embracing Suffering in Holy Week with Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT
March 31, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 81.3 MBHoly Week not only should be a time for deep contemplation of Christ's suffering but also an invitation to enter into our own hardship. On this week's podcast, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, discusses how patient suffering is a chance to grow closer to Jesus.
Hearts Broken for the Lord with Rakhi McCormick
March 24, 2023 16:00 - 39 minutes - 91.7 MBIn this week's episode, Rakhi McCormick says we can return to the Lord this Lent if we allow the sadness and sorrow Jesus feels for the less fortunate of the world to energize us to work for change.
Anchored in Lent and Life with Stephanie Weinert
March 17, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 82.2 MBStephanie Weinert, founder of Mother and Home, talks with Katie about losing her young son, Becket, and how his death brought her to a deeper understanding of suffering, the Cross, and how to navigate hardship with an anchor in Christ.
Leaning into Lent with Paul George
March 11, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 79.9 MBOn this week's podcast, Paul George talks about leaning into intentional prayer and giving generously of our first fruits during Lent. These spiritual practices can sometimes make us uncomfortable, but the Lord can help us grow in that discomfort.
Giving More in Lent with Fr. John LoCoco
March 03, 2023 18:00 - 40 minutes - 93.4 MBFr. John LoCoco, vocations director for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, shares how Lent is a time of giving more and expecting more. By leaning into the suffering of Lent, in even the small things, we're able to more fully return to Jesus with our sometimes fractured and broken hearts.
Returning to Dependence with Britt Fisk
February 25, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes - 80.4 MBOn this week's podcast, Britt Fisk discusses radical surrender and dependence on God during her battle with cancer. Her season of suffering felt like a perpetual Lent, she says. Britt helps us see that trusting the Lord with the big things in our lives can help us trust him with the small ones as well.
Why We Return with Fr. John Burns
February 21, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 49.7 MBFr. John Burns, author of Return, talks about why returning to the Lord during Lent is important. He explains that when we pursue the spiritual practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we place ourselves before God in a healthy way.
Return to Lent with Mark Hart
February 15, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes - 32.5 MBIn this special episode of Ave Explores: Lent 2023, Mark Hart, AKA the "Bible Geek," says that we shouldn't start Lent hoping to complete a series of tasks on a list. Rather, we should commit ourselves to growing closer to Jesus.
The Holy Family with The Bulmans
December 17, 2022 14:00 - 38 minutes - 36.1 MBRachel and Jason Bulman, contributors to Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, discuss cultivating holiness, prayerfulness, and humility in a family. The couple also talks about how your healing journey can be essential to growing in holiness as a family.
The Child Jesus with Michelle Benzinger
December 10, 2022 14:00 - 31 minutes - 29.5 MBMichelle Benzinger, cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, explores how childlike wonder is a source of joy and healing during Advent. Michelle says that as we contemplate the infant Jesus, we are brought into the beauty and simplicity of the incarnation. She also shares her own family's growing sense of delight in God's creation and in one another.
Joseph as Protector with Fr. Josh Johnson
December 03, 2022 14:00 - 42 minutes - 39.8 MBFr. Josh Johnson, host of the podcast Ask Fr. Josh, reflects on the essential role of fathers in families and in the Church. He also discusses how fathers--through their role as protectors and shepherds--can inspire and transform a family.
Mary as Healer with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT
November 26, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 25 MBSr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, introduces the theme of each week of her Advent reflection journal, Behold. She also explains how allowing ourselves to gaze at God—and inviting God into our lives—is the most fruitful way to begin the Advent season.
You Deserve to Be Healed with Heather Khym
October 26, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 43 MBHeather Khym, author of Abide and cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, shares her story of healing and her journey to understand God's love for her. Khym explains why all of us are called to and deserve, an abundant and healed life in Christ.
Jesus Heals the Whole Person with Jackie Mulligan of Reform Wellness
October 26, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29.7 MBJackie Mulligan, CEO of Reform Wellness, says healing only happens when we know Jesus, rely on him, and allow him to heal us. We come to be healed through this relationship with Jesus.
Creating a Sanctuary of Healing with Jennifer Hubbard
October 19, 2022 09:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBJennifer Hubbard discusses how she found healing, peace, and new purpose after losing daughter, Catherine, in the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012.
Wounds Can Be a Teacher with Leticia Ochoa Adams
October 19, 2022 09:00 - 47 minutes - 44.3 MBLeticia Ochoa Adams, author of Our Lady of Hot Messes discusses her experience with childhood trauma and her grief following her son's death by suicide. She offers practical ways to engage with struggle, learn from wounds, and help others as they travel the same road.
Identifying as a Beloved Daughter with Rachael Killackey
October 12, 2022 09:00 - 44 minutes - 41.6 MBRachael Killackey, founder and executive director of Magdala Ministries, discusses pornography addiction by women. Killackey says that naming wounds and identifying the source of trauma can lead to deeper healing and awareness of your identity as a beloved daughter of God.
Healing from Addiction with Scott Weeman
October 12, 2022 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.7 MBScott Weeman, executive director of Catholic in Recovery, discusses how twelve-step programs and the Sacraments work together to help people heal from addiction.
Healing Restores Others with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN
October 05, 2022 09:00 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBSr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, says that when we work to restore ourselves to healing we can begin to help heal the world in which we live. Our personal healing can be transformative for others as well.
Be Vulnerable in Healing with Roy Petitfils
October 05, 2022 09:00 - 41 minutes - 39.1 MBRoy Petitfils, a licensed professional counselor, discusses how healing occurs when we recognize that we've become disconnected from ourselves and others, and then work to restore those connections by acknowledging our wounds, leaning into our faith, and being vulnerable, especially with ourselves.
Healing is Rooted in Hope with Regina Boyd
September 28, 2022 09:00 - 34 minutes - 32.5 MBLicensed mental health counselor Regina Boyd explains that healing is rooted in hope and a desire to recover and experience resurrection. She said women especially seek answers to questions about worthiness and acceptance, and when they find answers, discover the hope found in healing.