After two degrees in theology and 5 years in the classroom, I packed everything into the trunk of my car in June of 2012 to become a hobo for Christ, traveling the world preaching the Gospel and blogging as I go at www.piercedhands.com.
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MAX Stories is a series based on the storytelling of individuals who share their experiences of faith and culture. Within the series, we'll explore various topics. https://ustmaxstudios.com
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A 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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If Catholics could do this, it would be fire power
7:51
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Danielle sees a shaking in the world today. While people say that all the time, she sees the Christian community, as a whole, reaching an undeniable tipping point. The divide between Protestants and Catholics is getting smaller and smaller, and she wants Catholics to get ready for a new level of Christian unity. This is Danielle Brown. She is the D…
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Katie McGrady Welcomes Oscar Rivera to the Ave Podcast Family
32:35
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In this bonus episode of Ave Explores, Katie Prejean McGrady sits down with Oscar Rivera, new host of Ave Spotlight. Together, they discuss the origins of their collaboration, dive into their experience at the National Eucharistic Congress, and share thoughts on the Olympics. Follow along at avemariapress.com or subscribe wherever you listen to you…
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Nathaniel doesn’t want to be a disgrace. While he and his family are witnessing 50,000 people gathered in a stadium doing one thing – he realizes he is responsible for his family. For him, the time to teach is now and the time to practice what you preach is ever-present. This is Nathaniel Binversie, a full-time missionary. On this episode, he share…
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One thing is for sure, it’s hot in South Texas. Rick’s job was to capture thousands of people walking in Brownsville, Texas heat with ... well ... Jesus. The heat was brutal, but overwhelming joy for Christ let Rick to only think about one thing: go. This is Rick Trevino. He is a Project Manager and Content Developer for the Diocese of Brownsville …
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Pat was born and raised Catholic, but never quite "owned" his faith. But in high school, he admired unique the peace and joy he saw in his some of his peers and thought, "whatever it is that they have, I want that." This is Pat Gunning. He is the Campus Minister at the University of St. Thomas-Houston. Hear how sometimes spiritual journeys don’t in…
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Amy decided she was too smart to be Catholic. As a high school student, she thought the Church had nothing to offer her. As a college student, a chance encounter at her dorm room’s door led to her becoming stuck at Church....in the communion line. In that moment, while she was stuck, something unexpected happened. This is Amy Auzenne. She is the Di…
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George was perfectly happy as a faithful graduate student. He was shocked when he was mugged by the beauty of ... liturgy. Absent of rational arguments – he sat with the confusion of being overcome by experience. He launched headfirst onto a path of intellectual pursuit and exploration that would define the rest of his life. And then, the decision …
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I met some mothers... that’s when I understood the difference...
5:56
5:56
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Melynda admits it. She joined the Catholic Church because she was pregnant (and her husband was already Catholic). But then, through the kindness and openness of a group of mothers at her church, Melynda came to know the love of Jesus in the Eucharist. This is Melynda Ludwick. She is the First Lady at the University of St. Thomas – Houston. Hear he…
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I didn’t want to go but it changed my life
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14:34
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Abi was merely going through the motions. Reluctant to step into that space, little did she know her life would be changed forever. This is Abi Bielstein. She works in Campus Ministry at the University of St. Thomas – Houston. Prepare to hear her powerful story of navigating tragedy and profound transformation through the power of the Eucharist. Fo…
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Redemption featuring Taylor Tripodi | MAX Music
26:25
26:25
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Taylor Tripodi talks about her musical journey as well as what inspired her to write “This is Redemption” and “Take Care of Everything." MAX Music features musicians sharing their spiritual journey through song and conversation. Artists share acoustic, stripped-down versions of songs and then talk about why music matters to them. Includes live perf…
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Week Seven: On Pilgrimage in the U.S. with Tim O'Malley and Chenele Shaw
1:12:08
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Catholicism is incarnational and tactile. We exist in reality, and so does our faith. Remembering that is essential to growing in our Catholicism, and Timothy P. O’Malley explains how “matter matters” in the places and spaces we worship. This summer, Catholics in the United States will have the chance to experience that incarnational reality on the…
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Week Six: Forming Young Minds and Serving Those in Need with Fr. Tim Anastos and Kerry Robinson
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The Church in the U.S. has made a lasting impact on education and social services. From universities and lay apostolates that educate and form young adults to networks of Catholic Charities offices that provide essential help to those in need, Catholicism in the U.S. is not naval-gazing or self-centered. The Church in the U.S. seeks to serve. Fr. T…
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Week Five: Catholicism on the California Coast and in the Colorado Mountains with Stephen J. Binz and JoAnn Seaman
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St. Junipero Serra evangelized California and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini evangelized Colorado. Their influence extends up and down the West Coast and throughout the Rocky Mountains, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire today. In this episode, Stephen J. Binz, a pilgrimage leader to the California Missions, and JoAnn Seaman, director o…
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Week Four: Southern Suffering and Sanctity with Fr. Korey LaVergne and Sr. Mary Michael Fox, OP
1:40:35
1:40:35
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From the inspiring faith of little Charlene Richard, a twelve-year-old girl who died of Leukemia and is now on the path to canonization, to the enduring resilience of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia during the Civil War and the culture wars of today, Catholicism in the South is far from just a cultural norm—it embodies a story of suffering and…
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Week Three: The Holiness of Bl. Michael McGivney and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with Brian Caulfield and Amy J. Cattapan
1:18:56
1:18:56
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The stories of saints in the United States are diverse and dynamic. The first American born female saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the founder and first chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, Bl. Michael McGivney, show us how holiness is found in a unique way. Brian Caulfield and Amy J. Cattapan share the stories of these two holy American heroes …
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Week Two: Our Lady in the Midwest with Fr. Edward Looney and Fr. Nate Wills, CSC
1:09:04
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Whether it’s the Lady who appeared in a forest to young Adele Brise or the Lady atop a golden dome visible for miles from a college campus in northern Indiana, the Blessed Virgin Mary is revered, cherished, and celebrated in the American Midwest. Fr. Edward Looney, author and priest in the Diocese of Green Bay, and Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, chaplain to …
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Week One: The Places and People of the U.S. Catholic Church with Kevin Schmiesing and Meg Hunter-Kilmer
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What places hold significance, and who are the key figures in the narrative of Catholicism in the United States of America? From both a historical and modern perspective, the story of the Church in the US is expansive, diverse, and compelling. Authors Kevin Schmiesing and Meg Hunter-Kilmer share their insights and expertise on the noteworthy locati…
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Teaser NEW Series: Catholic Hope in the US with Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan
1:03:14
1:03:14
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Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the 10th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, shares his favorite Catholic churches and places in the United States of America. He offers insight into the current challenges facing Catholics, from a perspective of the historical Catholic Church, and reasons for his abundant hope in the Church in America today. We wo…
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Lent Makes Us Fully Alive with Fr. Tim Anastos
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Fr. 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 unfold…
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The Eucharist Can Revive Our Lent with Tanner Kalina
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32:26
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In 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'…
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Lent Reveals Our Weakness with Sr. Orianne Pietra René, FSP
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The 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 p…
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Let the Lord Purify You in Lent with Manny Gonzalez
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31:41
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Join 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 …
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Keeping Lent Simple with Claire and Mike Couche of Finding Philothea
33:24
33:24
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Do 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…
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Lent isn't Just for Easter with Mark Hart
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38:41
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What’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 thes…
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The Wilderness of Lent with Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR
29:27
29:27
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When 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 …
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Evaluating Relationships for Lent with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN
36:57
36:57
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As 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 mo…
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Week Four of Prepare Your Heart: Holding Jesus like Mary in Advent with Sr. Zelie Maria Louis, SV
36:20
36:20
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Mary 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 yo…
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Week Three of Prepare Your Heart: Building a Home like Joseph with Bobby and Jackie Angel
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39:16
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Jackie 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 …
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Week Two of Prepare Your Heart: Holy Witnesses in Advent with Meg Hunter-Kilmer
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Meg 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…
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Week One of Prepare Your Heart: Preparing for Nazareth Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR
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44:49
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Fr. 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 …
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Simplifying Liturgical Living with Elissa Tiprigan of Catholic Family Crate
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43:15
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When 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 i…
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Creating a Holy Home with Scott and Elisabeth Williams of Catholic Concepts
49:24
49:24
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It 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…
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Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Advent and Lent with Fr. John Burns
1:01:31
1:01:31
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Advent 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 …
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Living the Seasons of the Moment with Erica Tighe Campbell of Be a Heart
51:02
51:02
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Erica 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 t…
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Liturgical Living is for All Steffani Aquila
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38:10
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Liturgical 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. Jo…
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How to Live the Liturgical Year with Kendra Tierney
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46:32
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Kendra 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, a…
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Living Life Intentionally with Steven Lawson of Monk Manual
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55:34
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How 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 t…
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The Eucharist Leads Us to the Poor with Fr. Malachy Napier, CFR
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48:21
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Fr. 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. Links: Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram Check out Ave Maria Press's Eucharistic Resources Sign Up to Receive Emails for Ave Explores…
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The Heart of Eucharistic Revival with Bishop Andrew Cozzens
1:00:21
1:00:21
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Bishop 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. Links: Check Out Our Episode Sponsor West Coast Catholic — West Coast Catholic is a Catholic lifestyle brand …
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The Work of the Eucharistic Revival with Joel Stepanek
1:05:30
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Joel 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. Links: Check out Ave Maria Press's Eucharistic Resources Sign Up to Receive Emails for Ave Explores Follow Ave Mar…
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The Eucharist and the Abundant Life with Heather and Jake Khym
1:07:21
1:07:21
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Heather 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. Links: Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram Learn More about Ave Author, Heather Khym Check out Ave Maria Press's Eucharistic Resources…
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Bringing the Eucharist Home with Scott and Kathryn Whitaker
57:34
57:34
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Scott 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. Links: Check out Ave Maria Press's Eucharistic Resources Sign Up to Receive Emails f…
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Adoring Jesus in the Eucharist with Perpetua Charles
58:02
58:02
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Perpetua 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. Links: Check out Ave Maria Press's Eucharistic Resources Sign Up to Rece…
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The Eucharist Renews Our Identity with Timothy P. O'Malley
44:37
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Theologian 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. Links: Check out Ave Maria Press's Eucharistic Resources Follow Ave Maria Press on…
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The Eucharist Invites Us to Slow Down and Be Loved with Sr. Alicia Torres
52:10
52:10
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Sr. 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. Links: Follow Ave Mar…
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The Eucharist is Really Jesus with Fr. Craig Vasek
45:09
45:09
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Fr. 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. Links: Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram Learn More About Ave's Eucharistic Titles Find Out More About Fr. Cr…
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Finding Ourselves in Easter with Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR
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In 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. Links: Order Your Copy of Return Today! Follow Ave Maria Press on Inst…
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This meditation through the eyes of those who witnessed Jesus' last days was first published at www.unleashthegospel.org and can be accessed in written form at https://www.unleashthegospel.org/2023/03/walking-with-the-saints-of-holy-week/
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Embracing Suffering in Holy Week with Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT
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Holy 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. Links: Order Your Copy of Return Today! Follow Ave Maria Press on Instagram Check Out Mo…
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